D-day has finally arrived - or should I say, U-day! Just finished packing and doing a final check with Judy to make sure I've got everything I need. Had to leave the kitchen sink because Judy needed it. She's getting lunch ready, then I should be on my way in just over an hour. It still feels a bit surreal but it's actually happening.


It's been interesting watching the Queen's Jubilee celebrations and realising that I will be passing through Kenya, the country where she was when she heard that her father had died and she was now Queen. I'll also be arriving at, Entebbe, the airport from which she departed to come home to face her new responsibilities as sovereign. I think that's about where the comparison between me and the Queen begins and ends! Oh, Judy and I did get to visit her house once, but she wasn't in, only her husband and one of the boys. We had a nice picnic on her back lawn though - with about 7,000 others.


It will also be interesting to discover how people in Uganda have been celebrating as part of the Commonwealth and to find out how they view Britain in a post-colonial era.


I've been grateful for all the encouraging conversations and emails in the last few days as I prepare to leave. It's fantastic to know of all the people who are and will be praying both for me and for Judy. We really appreciate all the demonstrations of love and care. Thank you.


Not sure when I'll be able to make my next post on this blog, but I hope to be able to text Judy to let her know when I've arrived. If you're on Facebook, she will probably be posting news there as and when she gets it. Technology and schedule permitting, I'm hoping to have a Skype conversation with the guys in our housegroup a week tomorrow.


Must sign off now. Next message from Uganda!