Saturday, 17 October 2009

Day 2,

After the party last night, it was a short night's sleep. My first thought in the morning...what have I done? Walk? Norwich? Delia?

I drove to Ely Cathedral for a 9.30am meeting followed by a service at 11.15am. The drive across the Fen on this bright morning in October did me good. It gave me time to think. I saw in my mind those children in Uganda. The boys in bare feet kicking a football made with plastic bags tied with string or elastic bands. The little lad passing our window early morning with a yellow gerry-can on his head to get water for the family before school. The 15 year old girl who is head of her family because her parents and grandparents are all dead due to HIV/Aids. The shack of a school building with earth floors, no electric light, the need of basics like pencils and paper. Isn't it worth a bit of humiliation, a few jokes about Delia's cooking!

After a full day I spent 45 minutes at the gym, and went for it with fresh enthusiasm. I told the instructor about the blog. I appreciate my son Daniel encouraging me to write. I hope it pays off!

Friday, 16 October 2009

Day 1 , My Decision to Walk!

This morning the idea was hatched. For ages I'd been toying with the thought. Today's appointment with my gym instructor clinched it. I heard myself say I was planning (perhaps a bit strong!) to walk for the children we'd met in Uganda. As I spoke, the idea started to firm up, in fact I was making it up as I went along , but the imaginings were taking on real forms . I was going to walk from Ely Cathedral, where I am an Honorary Canon to Carrow Road, the home of Norwich City FC (I'm a long suffering fan). All this to raise some money to help build a schoool in South west Uganda.

The fact is that there is so much competition for money raising and all for worthy causes. You have to do somethng a bit unusual to earn your sponsorship!

Before the day was out, and with no little thanks to conversations at my sons engagement party, new ideas emerged. What about asking Delia to meet you? Can't the Bishop wave you off? Well, we'll see. The main thing is to keep the children in focus; their needs and their education.