Roof-raising in the mountains

Yesterday were co guests-of-honour at a fundraising event, to build the roof of a Sunday school room (the children currently meet in the open). For our first time we drove round the south of the Ruwenzoris, and 15 miles up the other side. The route took us high into the hills, ½ mile from the Congo. The last half hour was on foot. We went with our good friend Rev Asa, who was born there, and used to walk 21 miles round trip to school each day, together with 1,000 ft down and up!

Most villagers have no cash, so buying roof materials money must be raised from the wealthier, or from visitors. After a traditional Anglican service the congregation brought in every kind of produce that grows there, and chickens, ducks, guinea pigs, and goats. In the next 2 hours everything was auctioned. Helen auctioned a goat! We bought pineapples and sugar cane to be divided amongst the 200 children, and we carried home 2 chickens, and a pile of other food!

At the end of the day £400 was raised, which was within range of the target, so everyone was delighted. We were exhausted after an 11 hour day!