Time to introduce you to another peson I hope to see in Uganda. Zillah Whitehouse is the only serving AIM mission partner whom I knew before I started working here. Zillah is a physiotherapist and as a student was chair of the Therapy Students Christian Fellowship. My daughter-in-law, Naomi, was on the TSCF Council at the same time as Zillah.

After graduation, she continued to show her passion for Christian witness within her chosen profession and helped launch the Christian Therapists Network. That's how I came into contact with her when I was the link peson between UCCF and various 'Professional Groups' like CTN.

Zillah is now practising her physiotherapy at the University Hospital in Mbarara and helping to launch a new training course there for physios, but it's not too straightforward. Here's what she wrote in her latest prayer letter:

"Last week there was an advert in the national papers for the physiotherapy degree course at Mbarara University of Science and Technology. What this means is that we should be starting in August this year. After over 18 years of work on this project by various members of the Uganda Association of Physiotherapy, this is very exciting. There is still a way to go. For example we are yet to have any teaching space, teaching equipment or teachers!!

However I am learning from those in charge of the faculty to put aside my Western desires for control and detailed planning (in such an unpredictable world, the latter is just a waste of time) and accept their guidance in how we achieve running a course with so little."

You may remember from an earlier post that Zillah is the one who gave the helpful instructions on what to do if attacked by a lion or leopard. Such a thoughful young woman!

Today in the office we had a visit from Dr Keith Waddell, who has worked for many years with AIM developing eye surgery, especially dealing with cancer. He is currently in Leicester working with the University Hospital to develop a DVD about his work. He brought with him two African colleagues, Joseph and Marcello. When I was introduced to them, I asked where they came from. "Mbarara", they replied! They get back there the day after I'm due to arrive, so we will probably meet again on their home ground. Small world!