update news

well hello to anyone who still is reading this, now im back in uk it feels a tad wired still writing on it but it updates you all with what im up to especially those who i dont manage to see regularly.

Well 5 months now ive been back and Praise God things are now starting to be on the way up!!

Ive started a 10 hour job with a company down london but can do from up stoke plus monday 17th november i should be starting a part time job at Iceland supermarket retail experience which i do have.
then we shall see after christmas - start looking again.
Still living at my sisters in wolstanton but have put housing application in so we shall see, or maybe moving in with my dad that bit still unsure of.
I cant believe its 5 months and im still speaking about Kenya then again i will be for the rest of my life it was a whole year experience not everyone yet has seen the photos will honestly get round to it soon promise.

Since ive been back ive been abit up and down not knowing what meant to be doing, where im meant to be, who i am so i feel yes that ive suffered cultural shock quite bad really also with changes in my personal life not really helped but overcoming them now. If im honest some of those questions still havent been answered.
I have done various of talks, been on reflection,a few job turn downs,church life occassionally helped at rainbows, brownies,bb,church services,playing in music group, so really in away bck to the way i was bfore kenya although not 100% committed, but in a way this has helped me to settle back in some aspect.

I pray about them aswell as speak to friends / minister about it 1 friend said to me the other day "cant believe that its easier to adapt to another country than adapting back to your own especially in finding work" have to agree, plus the time of year the credit crunch wrong timing really oh well life goes on.

reflection weekend away in Birmingham today

Just getting prepared for a reflection weekend in Birmingham cant wait im looking forward sharing my experience on kenya with others aswell as meeting those and others i trained with.
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Other update is that the job i mentioned in my other blog post nothing has become of it as in the end and waiting 3 months being told there was no Fulltime position (bomb shell) i was looking forward in starting but with all the hassle it has caused im not sure. But i do have an interview later on today and a job training in london which i can do from stoke (home) so we shall see.
Keep you all posted.

update 13/10/08

Now living at my sisters house in Wolstanton, still very busy with various of talks and sharing photoes - some still not seen.
But aswell as all whats been happening since ive come back i now can say things are getting settled and i now start work which ive been waiting for my crb to come through at last its arrived. Hoping to start next Monday with creative support.
I had a fab time in Jersey the island is beautiful i didnt want to come home i will be returning there for holidays. Thanks Christine and all i met for making me feel so welcome.

Need some time out

Im in need of some time out since ive been back in the uk its been atad manic with moving house meeting up with friends and family which has been great!! Getting back into worship and sharing kenya at various of services and meetings aswell as photoes with friends and family.
Ive been invoted over to jersey tomorrow to see Rev Christine Legge who ive not seen since before Kenya so im looking forward to it aswell as time out and more time with God reflecting and exploring his beauty aswell as exploring jersey.

Im still awaiting a start date from my job CRB how long do they take???
So i thought id take some holiday before i started.

3 months back

I cant believe where these 3 months have gone so fast with lots happening with moving house, now have been offered a job but waiting to hear on a start date once all the checks have been cleared.
Ive been around 3 churches doing services 2 more to go in my circuit and 3 more on talks to share my experiences out in Kenya as its so fresh in my mind. more to come my diary is getting full luckily im hoping it will fit in with my new hours.
If not rearrange them not a problem.

Finding it a tad easier now back here but it has taken me a while to settle im still not 100% settled with everything going on.
I had a great time in Bath seeing family and friends, since then a friend has been up from Bath so that was great to spend some time together.
Now its to finalising packing boxes oh so much fun!!

2 months back!!

At present im job hunting - not going great at present - anyone in staffordshire hear of anything and have my number please let me know ta.
well 2 months back finding it ok but tad harder than i thought as lots of situations have gone on while ive been away. But that life and also with the strength of the Lord we will get through it. Aswell as moving house locally to where i am living now.

On Friday and Saturday had a great time at Adoration in trentham gardens great Christian bands / choirs and fantastic schools choir of all ages despite the weather.

Looking forward on visiting grandparents and friends this week in Bath who ive not yet seen since ive been home.
I am missing Kenya and sometimes wish i was still there, but im in touch with them still. so Habari sana.

london end of june

Had a great time in London met up with Anna and ravi then i had my meeting on Thursday with EEPs which i felt was very supportive and approachable i hope that will continue.

Now im getting finalised services of kenya to go round my circuit and talks first one is wednesday morning of this week quite nervous but excited at the same time as i shaer the experience with them.

Happy birthday to mum for sunday (tomorrow) love u have a great day

Also in advance thanks 4 all your support to Rev Mark Goodhand as he leaves our circuit i wish him and his family well

hi

swimming went fantastic!!!
since then ive been busy job hunting and trying to sort date of services out for kenyan talks.
Also trying hard to adapt back into a routine of some kind yep if im honest im finding it hard dont know why as my family and friends Church so supportive and trying their best.Somedays it feels like ive never been away other days its what ive missed out on quite wired really. But it is good to be back and yes i still miss everyone out in Kenya who i met and love dearly.
Also it not really the place to say but since ive returned home graham and i have separated last week for those who dont already know and still read this. so yeah im gutted and upset over that, but what i learntout in kenya is never far away from my heart. im off to london tomorow for my welcome back meeting on thursday with EEPs so i cant wait to share with them bout my experience in meru.

celebrations

today the sun is shining again in stoke uk!!!
been to a wedding at halmerend - lovely!! now back home and getting ready to go swimming for my neice Beth 5th birthday party (birthday tomoz happy 5th birthday love aunty Jo)
also happy fathers day dad and dave also graham dad john hope you all have a great day.

busy busy busy

Since ive been back ive visited family, friends, started looking for a job already!! 1 week back and a couple of days in the uk job hunting already - no rest!!
Aswell as trying to sort out photoes and a service outline.
Had my haircut back to short but im impressed on the length at the top yeah its grown
I miss kenya the children and everyone i met but still im in touch with them all which is great.
Although im finding it hard to adapt as everything is go go go here but this will come in time i know.

im home

Asante sana to Harriet and Winnie for the lift to the airport and the time we have spent together in Nairobi

IM HOME BACK IN THE UK
the photos are from Nairobi to manchester

TRAVEL WAS GOOD ALTHOUGH I RECEIVED MY LUGGAGE SUNDAY PM. IT WENT ON ANOTHER PLANE.
AND YES I HAD TO REPACK IN THE AIRPORT BUT LUCKILY NOT TOO MUCH AT LEAST I COULD BRING IT ALL HOME.

BUT THANKS FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT AND I WILL SEE YOU WITH ALL THE PHOTOES SOONAND EXPERIENCES

in nairobi with only 2 days to go then flight on sat

At present im now in Nairobi in the city centre, it is a nightmare to get round when u dont know the city - bit like anywhere!
Yesterday i traveled down with Fridah Mubichi thanks hun we eventually found my friend Harriet who is putting me up again thanks.

I cant beleive that ive only 2 whole days here left in Kenya I hope u have enjoyed reading, ill write again when i get home on saturday. Keep looking ill also put photoes onto the blogs once downloaded.

Last night i had chappati and greengrams cabbage and pineapples for supper and of course a cuppa it was nice. then an early night.
This morning up at 7am chilled and updated report which i will send today tehn came into to nairboi an hour later here i am the traffic is so bad.
Just wanted to say ASANTE SANA and farewell to those here in kenya who i didnt get round to saying it too
Those at home HELLO in advance your peace and quiet will soon be over!!
The day i left the home was monday evening teh kids were arriving from school so i said goodbye to those who were home, I also went to a funeral of our administrators brother my last day in Meru. just like the 1st week funeral.
Now im relaxing adn getting sorted for the plane!! hoping i wont hve to repack at the airport!!

wow 6 days to go

i cant believe my time in kenya is coming to an end so quickly although it is just the beginning as im gonna stay in touch with all the family at meru childrens home aswell as my friends who have also made me part of their families here.
my last few days well what can i say i went back to St pauls and said thank you to them, had lunch with monica and walk around the olive retreat gardens peaceful and place for reflection. Visited a tea factory wow is was ace how from a leaf to tea the process is long but amazing. then lunch with charles.
Guitar lesson with richard then i met with Rev Elijah the founder of the home for lunch.
thursday at the home as we had burning issues to address to the board.
Friday i spent the morning with MKM foundation in their office helping where i can Then my party at the home with the staff and children yep joanne cried!! the kids sang, we ate, a few speeches from the synod bishop of meru, the administrator Mr Muthee, Rev Elijah, then myself, few presentation gifts where i donated my guitar to the home - thanks dave!! Also saying farewell to the social worker Isabella as she has also left the home for another job in mombassa.
saturday i went back to the olive retreat gardens for some reflection time for a couple of hours just peaceful and relaxing and so needed. Today i had my last service in kenya at Kaaga Methodist Church 2nd time back after Easter where i played the guitar whilst fridah and lisa sang then they prayed for me. then chilling with the children this afternoon until 4pm where i attended my last board meeting with MKM foundation again joanne cried as they gave me a present and cake. Tomorrow exists of a funeral tomorrow morning then starting to dig the toilets at a school in the afternoon to my final meal in meru at a friends with her family to travel to nairobi until saturday when i fly home.
wow what a closing week in meru

today i saw vice president Corlonzo in Meru

Today was a historic day for Meru Boys School and the residence of Meru as Vice president of Kenya Corlonzo(think that the right spelling not sure) visited his former high school Meru Boys for a prize giving day.
People were standing in the streets around kaaga junction waiting for him to arrive from kaaga primary school to meru boys.
I was one of the people standing waiting he waved and smilled to the crowd. unfortunately the photo i took was just of his hand waving but i promise it was him.

CONGRATULATIONS /GOOD LUCK

JUST WANT TO SAY GOD BLESS U BOTH KATE LLOYD AND PHIL HARRISON AND I WISH U BOTH ALL THE BEST TOMORROW AS YOU SAY "I DO" SORRY I CANT BE WITH YOU AS IM STILL IN KENYA BUT ILL BE WITH YOU IN THOUGHT AND PRAYERS.
LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING THE PHOTOES AND SHARING IN THAT WAY WHEN I RETURN.
I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST IN THE FUTURE AND MAY YOU BOTH CONTINUE TO GROW TOGETHER AND IN GODS LOVE.
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ALSO GARETH COURTS AS YOU TURN 18 YEARS OF AGE TOMORROW (OH NO THAT CANT BE TRUE I NOW FEEL OLD). AGAIN SORRY I CANT BE THERE WITH YOU TO CELEBRATE BUT HAVE A DRINK ON ME BUT YOUR DAD CAN PAY!!!(ok ian)

SO CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!

the D day tomorrow +children return to school

According to the news tonight the disreplaced will be returning tomorrow to their farms and homes please pray that there will be peace amongst all.

Also please remember all who return to school colleges this week primary school children return full time tommorrow and the high school children return on tuesday
To me this is a sad occassion because i wont see the highschool children again this time also the home will become quiet again

3 weeks to go in Meru

Wow i cant believe ive only 3 weeks in Meru
where has this time gone?
Tonight was my last friday fellowship with the high school children as they go back to school tuesday. I thanked them and wished them well.
Then 1 of them came to my room and we chatted and prayed together which was great!!

Another thing is that the home is going through challenging times again with situations occuring one after the other to do with the children mainly, so some decisions need to be made from the board.
All i can say is that thankfully we have the LORD as our GUIDE.

PLEASE PRAY FOR KAAGA CIRCUIT

At present the church circuit is under decision making to whether go back permanently into conference again as they have already agreed for the synod bishop to become the new superintendent as the old one has stepped down again.
So i ask for prayer for the decision to be the right one, for them.
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The home is going on well although alot of decisions are still to be made and finalised but these are getting sorted slowly.

The distance from Embu to UK and the traffic Jam

Just thought id show u the distance i am actually away from the Uk ok add an hour journey on top as this is taken from a Place between Meru and Nairobi

Also the traffic in Nairobi bit like our Country but imagine, the motorway in the city thats how people drive although you have people selling and walking down the centre of the road at the same time.

1 comment a friend gave me "how was the Jam?" to my reply it could of been better with blueband (margarine) and maybe strawberry".

Things in this country are slowly settling again which is great.

The home is now calm and now the children are returning for morning tutions on monday. Butthis holiday has been interesting and that everyone well ok nearly everyone has got on well and accepted everyone.
Today we had some visitors from a local Church come and see the children, so we had some worship time with them.

THE BIG 5 in KENYA

These animals are known as the BIG 5 main animals in Kenya

1 = ELEPHANT

2 = RINO

3 = BUFFALO

4 = TIGER

5 = LEOPARD

Kibaki and Raila pledge 17/4/08

President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga on 17 April 2008 pledged to work together to try and heal and reunite the country KENYA

Long last people have said
We shall see how long it will last others have said

The New grand coalition Cabinet named

Yesterday (13/4/08) Kibaki named the grand coalition team, ushering a new era of government, 3 months of political uncertainity situation, required statesmanship sacrifices for sake of national peace. Kibaki says "lets put politics aside and get to work in peace and harmony we have overcome political difficulties, empower one another".
PNU (Kibaki) have 17 ministies ODM (Raila) 20 ministries and ODM KENYA have only 3 seats on the cabinet.
This is the largest cabinet since independence including 52 assistanced ministers

Nairobi city is ok but eastlands no transport due to Mungiki.
Please continue to pray for peace.

News from Kenya

early this month Kibaki and Raila wrote strong worded letters instead of talking to each other over the cabinet
On tuesday 8th april Raila proposed a team to end the deadlock but PNU insisted ODM was delaying the process
These statements were taken from the local paper this week

So these are the issues Kenya is facing at present but as far as i know the country is at calm.

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS TO ALL WHOS IN APRIL

HAPPY 21ST JAMES AND CHRIS (i know its late)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRACEY
HAPPY 21ST VICKY
HAPPY 26TH MARK (i know its late)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAUREEN
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODAY GRANDAD
HAPPY 50TH GERALDINE
HAPPY 30TH CLAIRE
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LAURA, JANET, SOPHIE, GLENYS,PATRICK
HAPPY 30TH DEB (ABC)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTINE, ADELE.

And anyone else who celebrating anything this month

BEGINNING OF APRIL

After a great weekend away it was down to some serious but enjoyable staff training at the home for 3 days (i was invited to take part) on 'Children at risk' this helped me to be more aware of the situations in Kenya as well as uk, also to refresh on what i had already learnt in the uk but to bring kenyan ways into it aswell.

Then Fridah and i took ourselves off for the weekend to see Thompson Falls and a hippo pool and to see lake olo prosat and most important as we were (I still am) part of the guiding association we went to Nyeri to see Lord Baden Powell and lady Olave Powell house and grave (see photo) this was a great time in ones life after 20 years of being in the guiding association to go and pay my respects.

Then back to the home - also helped the MKM Foundation to treat 500 mosquitoes nets, worked in the office at the home, we are now getting ready for the high school children to return home for a short break and the primary to finish so 55 children in one place interesting times!!!

End of MARCH

For all you who follow this blog journey im sorry its been a while but ive been very busy.
First thing was easter sunday wow ive never ever ever attended a church service with police guarding also that the services was split into 2 - 1 side with the synod bishop and the other with autominous i was so shocked and didnt know what to do or should i say 3 as 6 of us went mutual and had fellowship ourselves on the football pitch here i played the guitar we read the wonderful story of our Lord rising.
then at the end of this month i had a fantastic weekend away in Nairobi traveling down in a shuttle with the secretary of the home to a friends house also collecting my work permit - actually ready for collection - better late than never - we had a great time at her sisters on friday evening even with the power failure, saturday Harriet and i visited the animal orpangage where we saw lions, cheeters, leopard monkeys, ostrich, and a few more animals, we had our photo taken sitting next to the cheeter see photo, then in the evening we made chapatis and listened to her grandchild dedication which was done at my nans church in Bath and looked at photos,i visited her Church on the sunday to a presbyterian St Andrews Nairobi then after met up with the secretary of the home and we travelled back to meru.

HAPPY EASTER

HAPPY EASTER TO YOU ALL

As we approach Easter Sunday and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, I wanted to say Happy Easter in advanced as we already know the out come of this special time in our calendars.
My Good Friday service was from 10 am – 12 pm Choirs from the Kirmeru and English services and individuals took part, it was mixed in English and Kirmeru, it was very well attended.
The Minister who took the sermon was very strong said it in English and Kirmeru and the message of the Cross-was reflected upon. Also I have to admit some of his theology was quite strange but as I’m not a preacher I’m not complaining.
How I feel is that we need to hang on to the Lord all the time even when times are difficult as He is there to help us through it.
After all on Good Friday God sent his only begotten son Jesus to die for us so that we will be forgiven and that we have eternal life of salvation. As we look forward to Celebrating Easter Sunday the day RESURRECTION let us continue to pray and read his word and reflect on what the Lord did for us even after Easter for the rest of our lives.

HISTORY IN KENYA HAIL STONES

For the first time in about 70 years so im told (please those who know correct me if im wrong) Meru had very heavy Hail stones.
The family at the childrens home were wondering what it was, was it snow? how was it formed and why? i tried to answer the questions to basic knowledge as i could.
The photo is of some of the children with mum looking an wondering what it is.
Now its all nearly melted to water. Also the other photo is of the hail itself on the ground.
But what surprized me was that they were all so excited to pick it up, taste it (yuck) throw it to see what happens.

A very sad day today

Today (leo) most of the staff and i attended a member of staff nephew funeral he was only 18 years old and an only child and he was murdered in Nairobi on 11th march.
The funeral took place at their family home here in Meru and was very well attended,i myself even had tears in my eyes as i am close to the staff family although i never met the boy.
Most of the service was in Kermeru or Swahili so i understood a few words but i got the idea of what was going on.
I'm just praying for peace and understanding reassurance for the family that they can rely on the Lord and friends for help and support at this time of grieving.

This is my 3rd funeral since i came i June

Palm Sunday at Kaaga Methodist Church

This month I’ve been assisting the administrator, secretary,being the first aider, a guardian, a volunteer all in one, hey a lady of many skills and talents (ha ha).

Palm Sunday / Passion Sunday service was like a normal service the difference I noticed from the UK was that there was no Palm Crosses and no one at our church carried palm leaves which around Kenya this happened, also if I’m honest yes it was OK but I wish they had focused more on the actual time of year instead of 1 line and a Bible passage.
As this is an important week called ‘Holy week’ where we focus on the Lord last few days leading up to good Friday where Jesus Died on the Cross for our sins and the best thing is that He rose again on Easter Sunday.
So i would like to encourage all those who read this to remember what the Lord has done for us and on Easter Sunday celebrate his resurrection.

first few weeks in march

Let me first congratulate the KCPE results of our 3 Form 4 students 1 got a C 1 got a C+ and the other 1 got a B also one of these children has passed his driving test – help the roads of Kenya (only joking)

We have had an altogether intake amount of 23 children in to the home, which makes a total number of 55 children at Meru Children’s Home (when they are all here).

Wow what a month it has been so far it started with board meetings, myself being ‘mum’ by taking the new children to school and going to pay school fees from the home, as well as mid term holidays for the High school pupils. Getting up at 6am to give out medication to the children who are sick great sun rises here and then again in the evenings.

I had an opportunity to visit another local school briefly with the CEO and another member of the MKM board to see how the MKM Foundation can help them we are looking at building toilets and rebuilding a classroom for the school, we had a meeting with the rest of the MKM Board and put forward our proposal as well as a community library based at one of the local school these were confirmed.

During this 1st week of March up to Saturday (8th) I wasn’t feeling to good, so on Saturday I went to the doctors and I was diagnosed again with Malaria but this time it was more than before and it was diagnosed as Malaria Positive (+), I was given some medication and now I’m on the mend. I know a friend named John informed me before I came, to take the stronger anti-malarial tablets but being slightly asthmatic I was given ‘Doxycycline’ which here isn’t recognised as anti – malaria!!! Please take this into consideration if you come to Africa.
So in this case I thank God for keeping me healthy and strong.

This last week wow again a manic week with paper work, meetings, visitors also unfortunately one of members of staff had a death in the family so we had to work around that, the funeral is taking place on Wednesday.
Saturday just gone 2 of the older children and I visited 4 pupils from our home at their School for a parents meeting AGM. Majority of it in English so I understood, but the pupils I saw wow they complained, complained and complained due to what was cooked for them and things they don’t have so I’ve passed on their complaints to the administrator for him to handle.

this week

This last week Ive been in the office, helping fridah catch up with paper work, today i sat at a computer typing from 9:30am - 5:30pm helping out for a board meeting we have tomorrow at the home with the Murphy's (great to see you by the way)

We have also had a busy week admitting children into the home altogether we have admitted 22 children from when i was on holiday in Nairobi until today, they all seem to be settling in and making it their home too.

I also took 11 new children to their new school - some had mixed feelings and were nervous about going. I asked them when they returned some said good, some said sawa (OK) and some said they found it hard.

Also the sad situation has been sorted although who and why i still don't know, but as the Lord forgave us Ive forgiven whoever it was.

Also want to say happy birthday to Sharon, Dave, Sheila and Dad also happy anniversary to Julia and Steve. you all know who you are. Have a great day.
Catch up soon
God bless

History made in Kenya

The KCPE results came out today and our 3 candidates did fantastically well with a C, C+, and B. This means that they can go on further.
Also that Kibaki and Raila shook hands and agreed on a coalition government. So all the prayers have been answered, but as a country we shall still be praying for peace.

The Home

When i arrived back to the home, i had a sad situation to follow up which is still in progress but wont go into that on here as its being sorted. This has now been sorted although we are still following up who and why.

But GREAT news is that we've had a new intake of children another 15 younger ones and 2 new older children. Which has had mixed reactions among the rest of the family. But they seem to be settling in and adapting which is great news.

recently ive been attending different churches which has been great the only problem is thats it is in Kirmeru majority of the time - so ive brought myself a kirmeru service book, and luckily i have a translater, the singing of songs no problem just the sermon. Why have i because i go with the children and a couple of staff.

Samburu national park

I left Nairobi on Sunday to travel back to Meru to Samburu national park for a safari to arrive to sleeping in tents with monkeys around the campsite, especially at night making u think its raining by dropping flowers on your tent. proof in the morning!!
It was great to see the sun rise and set across the Rift Valley plains, also to hunt for mr Simba (lion) but no no where to been seen the whole time, but the other animals we saw a cheater,elephants,giraffe,ostriches,monkeys,dik diks, gazelles, crocodiles, buffalo's that was only a few, the scenery was lovely
We had a few hours to spare during the day so i went swimming in the lodges pool and then had a camel ride - wow that was a tad scary getting up off the ground but wow once up it was great, although after 45minutes it got a tad uncomfortable -i was wondering how the wise men did it for days who knows!!
The safaris we went on was along the dusty roads and the wind was blowing Joanne had to hold on to her hat and i even wore my sunglasses.

IN NAIROBI

Hi everyone im taking a few days away from the home and im in Nairobi until Sunday then to samburu national park till Tuesday this is my first holiday since i arrived in June i think its about time.
I arrived today left the home at 615am up at 5am (Jo tired) but left meru at around 7am then at 8:30am we stopped for breakfast at the glory hotel in Embu then traveled after 1/2 hour break to here.
Today already ive been to the Conference office and eventually received notification on my work permit i receive in about 4 weeks as the fee has been paid now only taken since 7th June!!!
Then i visited the national museum had lunch and arrived around about 3:30pm at the Methodist Guest house.
Im praying that the Lord will allow me to recharge my batteries and refresh myself for my last few month here.

happy birthday (furhi siku ya kuzaliwa)

Just wanted to say a HAPPY BIRTHDAY (FURHI SIKU YA KUZALIWA)to Kim in Bath uk for tomorrow hope you had a great party tonight sorry i cant be with you this year unlike last year when i was.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAN have a great day (11th) Love u lots, enjoy and see you soon.

Animals are the traffic police!!!

The animals are the traffic police because they just cross over when they want to so the traffic slows down!! especially donkeys,sheep, cows, goats then when you go out in the country side you see monkeys (wow i was happy to see my 2 favourite animals in the same day sheep and monkeys), just crossing or by the side of the road, or even walking beside you along the road or in front like the photo shows.

The donkey picture (i asked his permission before taking it) is a way of transport although mainly for items not people. A observation i made the other day and i haven't really noticed before on the donkeys back there is a cross have a look in the UK see if the same. We were told that it represents when Jesus rode into Jerusalem. This is what i like about this place its so open to various of faiths and speak open about it too!!

this last week

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO KELLY AND DAMIEN hope u both enjoy your day sorry i cant be with you but hey i hope the picture helps to make im there with you.
Love to all im sending you the sunshine from Kenya although as i write this its not awake yet its cold and misty but we are promised the sun later !!!
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This last week and the weekend before has been a tourist week really, started with visiting KEMU for the 1st time (Michael Chester eventually made it there!!) had a look round with a child as she was registering for computer classes, Its so nice and peaceful there, then sunday we went to MAUA for a ordination service all in Kirmeru apart from the sermon plus 4 hours long - Im getting used to these sort of services. But the great thing happened when i saw Rev Matano again the last time i saw him was on my eeps training at queens in january 07 and we spoke about kenya and prayed together at queens so that was great to know he is around!!! Monday i went to the Equator with a great friend the thing about the water wow it really works and a fantastic day also stopped at a restaurant in the central provinces and whilst waiting for lunch we had a boat trip round the lake. Wednesday we had visitor from Nairobi she came with 3 computers for the home THANK YOU, so now the 3 older ones are very happy as they can practice what they are learning at KEMU back at the home, so we had fun putting the desks together 8 of us, pretty cool!!! then yesterday (Thursday) i went to one of the children new school to look round before he starts today.
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The new administrator Mr Mathe seems to settling in well and he is a very understandable man and hes very keen for the children to learn (he is the educational secretary of Meru, if we just get on with our work and care for the children which we are doing then hes happy.

The last 10 days 21-30th jan chicken houses

hello everyone
sorry its been a while since my last update but ive been very busy these last 10 days with a team of 8 from USA making Chicken house, with some of the locals of all ages at Church, this has actually been great fun i learnt new skills from mixing concrete by hand to sawing bamboo for the slabs, also carrying timber and bricks, yes hard work yes the devil (little red legs) has tried many times to get in the way but with the strength and determination from our Lord through us, we managed to work as a team. Its been tiring but fantastic and great to meet new brothers and sisters in Christ.
Also for myself to be invited by them to join them in the evenings after for supper and devotion, very uplifting!!

lighter note we are safe in meru

With all the commotion in some parts of Kenya still due to the general elections i just want to reassure you all again that Meru is safe, its now just in the western parts and Nairobi slums where the trouble is. They are though trying to get back to normal and rebuilding their lives, food and help are heading to some of the effected areas. yes at present we have demonstration as you may all be aware but these should end today so praying for peace all over the country.
The children are back at school, everyone back at work, and places are just going to their normal routines again.
People are flying in from America especially ok with no problems. As a friend has informed me that they are back in Kenya.

On a lighter note the rain has started falling again, and when it does the roads become flooded and the side roads especially are muddy. A bit like English weather it goes form 1 to another e.g. sunshine to rain in the same hour!!!

YOUTH BASH

As promised but a tad late, this really comes before the last post
The youth bash was fantastic the whole youth came together of Kaaga Church and we played games from marbles, cards, chess, musical chairs, dancing, volleyball, and tug of wall as well as eating and cooking themselves.
The aim of the day was for the whole of the youth come together before heading back to school and this was achieved, we had it at Church outside and there must of been about 40-50 youth there all competing for a prize but also having fun.
I was very proud of them they seemed to really enjoy the day.
My achievement was i won in Chess not played for i don't know how long, but i had a great time also playing cards - learning new games and playing volley ball as well as getting to know the youth more, ok names i forget but faces i don't, especially if i don't see them daily.
Hoping to do it again sometime maybe in the next holiday which is in April or a picnic of some kind.

habari

As we start the new year already, everything seems to be getting back to normal, the children are starting school again in their new year classes.
The sun is still shining (opps sorry uk i hope the snow doesnt effect alot of u badly)
ive a suntan and been swimming twice in a week the sunday at freds school with some of the children and today at the sports club in meru with Ravena it was great both in outdoor pools.
Im really getting into swimming again. Good exercise!!
This fortnight i've not really done much we had visitors at the home, we have had meetings about the home, bible study with some of the children,cut up lots of cabbages, peeled potatoes mainly in the kitchen.
We had a great youth event at church which ill write about in another post.
God bless you all
Everything in Kenya is calming down thank you for prayers and texts and emails. i ask though please continue to pray for peace amongst this nation. Thanks

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2008

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL
I hope you had a good one, myself i met up with Isabella went to her sister house for late lunch, then i came back home and the children myself and auntie and many others went to a Church service in meru town from 8:30pm - 5am no joking, it was fantastic there was alot of praying, worshipping, presentations, testimony's sermon was on @crossing over the river Jordan and knocking down walls of Jericho' in English and Swahili, a cuppa break, then we saw the new year in by wishing everyone happy new year singing, then at 4am there was a chance to be anointed with oil so we all went up this took 30mins with people falling and the atmosphere during the whole service and the presence of the Holy Spirit was amazing!!! I was on high and it reminded me abit of spring harvest or even Easter people with the whole openness of everything. Then we walked back home a crowd of us together saw the sun rise went to bed at 6:30am-10:30am then the rest of the day everyone was tired so we all relaxed, washed clothes, cleaned, and some had a bit of energy to go visiting.
Plus again the sun was shining. So that was my new years eve / day and thanks alot to those who i spoke with / txt me to wish happy new year. God bless you all

BE REASSURED MERU WE ARE SAFE

Happy new year to you all.
First of all i want to let you know that Kibaki is president and as you are aware it hasn't gone down lightly but i want to REASSURE you all that here in Meru we are SAFE WITH NO PROBLEMS OF VIOLENCE the only problem we are facing is lack of petrol life is going on as normal, also that as you may already of seen its in parts of Nairobi manly the slum areas and mombassa also on the western side but us on the east ARE SAFE please continue to pray for peace amongst this nation and hopefully the two parties will come together and talk. Also in the papers today Ralia is trying to do another election in 3 months time if a recount isnt done.
ODM party was meant to hold a demonstration today but they are instead doing it on tuesday, but yes there was protests. So please be assured, if the situation changes then i will keep you all informed and yes i feel safe.