There have been two large gifts for building this school in Uganda. When I first thought about doing the walk I announced it out of desperation. I had told Bishop Edward that I would support the school. However,there was no money forthcoming, there was a recession and little interest. I decided to walk to Carrow Road as a daft gesture to raise what I hoped might be a couple of thousand pounds. When others said they would join me, my hopes were raised. Then I had an anonymous offer of ten thousand pounds although the condition was that the money should buy needed equipment for the Ugandan School rather than be used for building purposes. So I raised the bar and decided I would go for twenty thousand. Last week a Church said it would provide twenty thousand to build accomodation for the school children. I have been bowled over by these acts of generosity and thank God for them. I was speaking to a journalist from the Hunts Post who said, you should aim now for fifty thousand!

I don't want these big gifts to take the spotlight away from all those people who want to raise money and who can only give the odd coin or so-let's not forget what Jesus said about the widow's mite, "she gave eveything she had." All efforts are welcome. Neither should the big gifts take away from the innocence of what we are doing. Furthermore even 50 thousand would be a tiny drop in an enormous ocean of poverty and need. No, we now have the opportunity of doing something really significant, perhaps by being able to pay for more teachers etc. Besides who knows where this will all end, and what people's generosity will achieve.

There was a photographer waiting at 9am on Monday morning to take a picture for the local paper of those of us going to Uganda. She had us line up in a Conga!

So much effort is going towards helping Uganda. Joan sent twenty pounds from N Ireland, some local scouts have raised over seventy pounds by holding a cake stall, local Guides wanted the proceeds from their Carol Service to help The Bishop's School,people have promised sponsorship money for the walk in March etc. There has also been a substantial amount given anonymously to provide equipment for The Bishop's School. Through local contacts we have asked the Headteacher in Uganda to tell us what equipment is needed and he has sent a list. He is trying to equip a science lab and all the items he asked for are by our standards very basic, telling us that he is starting from scratch. We understand that the equipment can be bought in Uganda, presumably from Kampala. I am becoming more hopeful that we can raise twenty thousand to build the dormitory for The Bishop's School. When Canon Gershom was with us recently he told us why the dormitory is necessary. At present the children are being housed in a nearby village, which is not always the safest option. He spoke of abuses against children and in extreme cases child sacrifice posing a threat to their safety. The latter sounds unbelieveable in this age, but I have it on the best authority that it does happen in Uganda.

We realise that in the grand scheme the best we can do is only a drop in a mighty ocean. To help Africa, fresh initiatives at the highest governmental and international levels are required. That doesn't mean we should do nothing; every little helps make life more bearable. "Cast your bread upon the water and it will return after many days."

"Will you write more? I'm disappointed when you haven't written up your blog". I was staggered to get that message today from two people who live in Northern Ireland. The fact is I had not written for a while because I didn't think there was anybody out there reading it on a regular basis. But I will write now, even if it's only for two people in Northern Ireland! If there is anybody else out there let me know, or join the followers by clicking on to that logo. I don't need to be psychic to know that there is a horse lover out there who hasn't signed up be being a follower yet, and it isn't Mary King!

So where are we now? Well as I write Norwich have shot up to third in the league. What's more my leg muscles are getting well developed for this walk on 1st March. My trainer at the gym has increased endurance training on the treadmill. I had complained that it was getting too manageable, now I'm like one of those cartoon figures with legs moving fast and sweat pouring off me. But it feels much more challenging.

The trip to Uganda in August is now booked. At present there are six of us paid up and ready to go. June and I will be preaching at a Convention. Some will be helping Watsan which stands for water and sanitation. I'm not sure what they will be doing, but it will be something practical. Sharon is a Funeral Director who also wants to find out how the Ugandan people bury their dead. Martin works in a hospital here and so will team up with the Kisiizi Hospital. Jeremy used to be a headteacher so will be able to give us good advice about our school work. Alan, an old school mate, is a Director of his own business but is willing to get his hands dirty. I think people's hearts are being touched by this trip. When we saw Canon Gershom's pictures of the school we want to support, we were all moved by what we saw, and by the lack of progress on the dorm. It's foundations were dug so long ago that grass has grown over them. What a challenge!