Elections in kenya

After 2 months of campaigns for the elections of presidence, parliment and councillors its happened on the 27th
the day went calmly specially in meru i went along to soak the atmosphere although i wasnt allowed in to the room i asked what happens
here they go in to the room letter starting on their ID card show and handover their voting card and ID card given 3 different papers make a mark in the box (in alist) these ballot papers were shipped from the UK. then put in a box, then handed over their ID card aswell as their fingers being dipped into ink so that they cant go again and vote. nor can it be easily washed off.
Although 3 days later we are still awaiting the results ill let u know the president when we know.

CHRISTMAS day

So Christmas in kenya well i was awoken by 1 of the children at 6:30am waited tilli opened my stocking and personal christmas presents,breakfast samosos then i took their presents and placed them under the tree, they came took them and some put them back saying thanks but we dont want (cultural shock jo a tad upset) but experience i said fine choice was theres, then went to church for an hour just like a normal service, the tree was up in church from the carol service differences between here and uk (no nativity scene)the sermon was on mary joseph and bethlehem birth of jesus good service please dont get me wrong. Oh forgot to say THE SUN WAS SHINING!!!
Then home sat round some children went out back fo r lunch traditional food goat veg chapatti mashed potato, sat altogether (children) then the difference again most of the children went out so i sat round chatting then went for a walk to kaaga, i had planned games for them to play (this they knew) but no-one round no problem.
Boxing day i went round fridah and ravena house in the afternoon this was great, chilling chatting playing with munchi and spikey.
Christmas here so im told isnt really celebrated the way we celebrate hardly any gift giving or places decorated. again a difference, but it was calm and a good experience 1 ill treasure in my heart.
Ok yep a wee bit homesick especially 2 days after when it went quiet and back to normal.

christmas eve already

WOW Christmas eve already where this year gone - and yep ive finished wrapping presents and just need to sort out parcel parcel game for tomoz, but i thought id take some time out and come cyber and try get in to the spirit of Christmas shame they don't celebrate it as we do, everyone into the general elections more than Christmas not even carols playing oh well not complaining cause the sun is shining and its a great experience so tomorrow morning will be a Christmas to remember we have church at 9am-1030am (6-730uk)
then back to the home and enjoy this is the children's Christmas at the home in 2 years so it will be great also for them to receive presents.
unfortunately no mince pies or glass of sherry / milk or carrot for Santa and Rudolf sorry broke the family tradition this year.
ill fill u all in after tomorrow
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE
GOD BLESS YOU ALL

16th december 07 talent show

The talent show was fantastic we have so much youth talent within Meru within the different churches, ranging from singing - dancing - acting - rapping to playing the keyboard. From the youngest to the eldest. Ok Joanne was the photographer shame!!
The photo was actually taken in the morning service but when i down load the photos i will place some on.
But i was very impressed especially the acting from the children from the home as 1 of the lads was very brave and changed in to a top and skirt part way through - what amazed me though hes quite quiet off stage put him on the stage then a different person.

updated some of my posts

jut to let you know u may have to surf back through my posts as ive added photos to some of the posts.
oh and since the last photo ive put today again ive explored in to the hairdressers and my hair is short again. getting too long for my liking especially as its hot sweating more.

changes at the home

Just to inform you all, the changes at the home have happened and that the administrator has left resigned and handed over the keys. So so far the social worker Kim has taken over until the new board decides, also the home is now independent and is under Kaaga Church circuit which is also independent and no longer under the conference / synod.
But all is well and everyone i think are now calm again. This month has been full of eventful experiences. All have coped and have bonded together in support and as a family.
So we look forward to see what 2008 brings.
Ive become more confident and i hope strong through these experiences and the Lord has definitely been with us through this time of struggle.
yes to be honest during this month of trial i have felt what do i do, do i stay or do i go but recently through chats with friends and family here and UK they have encouraged me to stay on, its been a tad difficult expressing how Ive been feeling so thank you for all those who have helped. But as i said its been worth it and has made our relationships within the home stronger.
SO Joanne has been a tad quiet (shocked i hear some of u say joanne quiet no chance) but stood by those who need it most.
Im still enjoying it though and i cant wait to see u all again.

MERRY CHRISTMAS HAPPY NEW YEAR

MERRY CHRISTMAS HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!!!
PRAY THAT IT WILL BE A PEACEFUL AND ENJOYABLE 1, MAY GOD BLESS U ALL AT THIS SPECIAL TIME, WHEN WE CELEBRATE JESUS' BIRTHDAY AND LOOK FORWARD TO A BRAND NEW YEAR.

JESUS IS BORN ON THIS HAPPY MORN, LETS REMEMBER THIS AS WE SPEND TIME TOGETHER (ok 4 me ill remember u all in thoughts and prayer this year).

(Please excuse the photo it was taken after a long day)

just to let you all feel nice and warm its sunny here in the cold weather you all have especially in the UK.

I would also like to add that the youth carol service last night went fantastic considering part way through we had a power cut so they experienced carols by candlelight although we only sang 'we 3 kings', 'silent night' and 'we wish u a merry Christmas' carols with dances (before the power cut)drama and songs also a sermon it went brilliant which i was worried about due to the so-called practices during the week, it took off great!!

christmas tree is up

Wow it must be nearly christmas because the children myself and the house mother helped them to put the christmas tree up in the dining hall it looks great.
Tommorrow the children are hosting a talent show in the afternoon at Kanisa which will be great they have been practicing very hard for their part they have invited everyone especially the youth to come along and take part.
Im looking forward to celebrate christmas hapa yes ill miss you all.
Thank you for the cards and gifts everyone has sent ive been good and not yet opened it mum not even the stocking!!!

long time so catch up time

well since i last wrote im feeling loads better bit of energy back, just been busy busy busy this month i dont know where its gone but i know its been hectic with various of situations at the home, especially the past 2 days when there has been upsets with staff and administrator but soon will get sorted.
The youth events are going great we learning new songs for carol service and dance also to sing each sunday.
The foundation going great again busy with christmas and sorting out projects for the new year.
The community work is also been busy with the collection of the goats and food parcels to the grandparents it was worth just seeing their faces.
The children are now looking forward to Christmas we are gonna try and start making decorations next week. Yes they are staying home.!!!
Kanisa going strong hence the sacking of the superintendent last month we use songs of fellowship and the church has over 50% youth there when everyone home.
I cant believe its nearly Christmas 11 days to the day 10 to Christmas eve. It doesn't feel like December as its not cold etc its hot even when it rains.!!
Plus at the end of my 7th month hapa where is time going. Also the elections are happening this month 27th December so politics all over the place not just at the home.
HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Also happy birthday to my nephew Jayden for tomorrow

jambo swimming in december

jambo everyone
well im now starting my 7th month hapa already and the sun is shining in December (very unusual for me as i try to adapt to this weather rather than the snow !!
My health is lot better thanks. Feeling loads better which is great - so better a friend Ravena and i went swimming yesterday to an outdoor pool it was great!!
Everything going on as usual the children are home from school waiting results and looking forward to what christmas brings and the new year.
Planning of things to happen e.g. a youth party, carol service. and other events
Both projects are doing well, coming to the time of year when we need to sort what we have and what we don't have.
The home is just carrying on with the usual situations no change but as i've said please keep praying as we see what the new year brings. I can feel you all in when i know.
So im over half way and i these past 6 months most of u know so no need to say part from im happy with the home, the social worker fieldwork projects and the foundation im occasionally helping with.