God's faithfulness and the generosity of friends
It has certainly been a year of ups and downs and we've had some financial struggles but God has always provided. We have always had enough, in fact plenty! This car was an absolute blessing and made possible through many generous gifts.
Revelation Life
This year has really been a year of things settling into place and dreams being realised. The first dream centre was opened and went from a shoe box design on our kitchen table, to a reality in the slum. This has been a place of meeting and community for many different groups. The family centre, to support vulnerable families with new skills and a chance to re-locate out of the slum, has gone from strength to strength with 2 more intakes of families. Many other exciting things have happened with nutrition groups, raising champions in the slums and giving much new training.
Times by the lake
We have had the opportunity to escape from Kampala city life on a number of occasions to a beautiful lake where we camp, cook over a fire and swim. We feel so blessed to be able to do this and know how important it is for us as a family to re fuel. We really feel so at home here. We're not city folks at heart!
Seeing family and friends in the UK
Was wonderful to be able to return to the UK again this summer and catch up with many friends and family. It was a rich time of rest, reconnecting and fun.
Cleverley time - traditions and games
This year we have really made an effort to have family time, playing games, reading the Bible and starting some new traditions. So important for us while living so far away from our extended families.
Horseriding with Mayah
Mayah turned 9 this year and is growing into a real beauty! She mainly loves to read and take care of her very special doll Charlotte. She is excelling at school and has some lovely friends. Her Birthday treat this year was horse riding.
Quad-biking with Ava
Ava loves life as much as ever and is extremely kind and compassionate. She turned 7 this year and went quad biking with daddy for her Birthday treat. She loves to play, climb, create and laugh!
Bruno and Brian
Both boys are now at boarding school and have really progressed well in their studies. They are both still in primary education which can be a challenge for their self esteem but we continue to encourage them to persevere. We have been really happy to see how Emmanuel and Millie have really stepped up to parent them more, as they now live very close to them. This has always been our dream, for them to be loved and part of a Ugandan family so we are very thankful for this. We continue to have the boys for dinner every Tuesday in the holidays, visit them at school on visitation days and financially provide for them.This picture was of their Christmas treat with John - climbing and zip line in Mabira forest.
School
School has continued to be a safe, happy and fun place to learn and work. There really is a fantastic family feel there and I (Sue) feel privileged to be part of the teaching team. I continued teaching year 3 last year and had some memorable times from dissecting goat intestines to dressing up as Vikings!
Biking adventures
John loves to escape every other month or so on a mini adventure to be alone with God, escape from the noise of Kampala and give himself a challenge.
Men's breakfast, women's Bible study
Both John and I are part of small weekly groups. For me this has been such a place of support, safety and spiritual growth. Being part of this group is certainly a highlight for me and a place for me to be challenged as well as encouraged. John has also been hugely encouraged through his men's breakfast group where they journey life together and share deep thoughts and feelings and spur one another on!
