reflection time

Hello Everyone
Wow where did 2008 go? I’m sorry where did these last 7 months go? I can’t believe I’ve been home over half a year now from my year out in Kenya – did it go this fast last year??!!
As I reflect on my last 7 months I’m going to be honest about the way I’ve been feeling because as you know Joanne is fine no matter what, but you have to say that out in Kenya anyway, so I fitted in well!!
These past few months have been really hard for me and I believe that I’ve suffered reverse cultural shock (I was aware of this from my training that it may happen), this happened until about November - so good news I feel settled. Although a huge thank you to all those who have been there for me, listened to my concerns, a shoulder to cry on, shared in my experience of Kenya and basically helped me back into the way of living here and just for being you.
I know because I couldn’t settle, unsure of where I was meant to be, didn’t know what I’m meant to be doing (that really still applies), I didn’t know where I was with my faith (strange I know after a whole year of doing Gods calling) but reading His Word; through prayers; listening to music and in services also through many conversations with many of you; I believe that my spark is slowly returning to a flame. But as Joanne always does just get on with things, catch up with friends and family as I’ve not seen them for over a year – probably some people I’ve not even seen yet since I got back – sorry .
Personally if I can deal with much more challenging circumstances in Kenya (Country elections, the church problems, and the situation at the home, also suffering with Malaria) I can deal with personal changes here. On The Experience Exchange Programme reflection weekend back in October 2008 was ace, my eyes were open my heart was strengthened to know that I wasn’t alone in the boat and these feelings through sharing with the other EEPs and we all said with the help of our Lord and family friends and the help from EEPs staff we all got through our experiences.


To end I would like to share a song written by one of the children Ann Joy from the Children’s Home Meru Kenya:

“Have you ever talked to God?
About..
Tell Him that you need a friend, to love,
Ask all this in Jesus name,
Believe,
He answers prayers.
Chorus –
You can whisper in a cloud, to Him,
You can cry when you are alone, to Him
You don’t have to shout aloud, to Him
He knows your thoughts.”

happy new year!!

Ok so its nearly mid jan hey ho!!
another update for u im now not working yet again it finished at christmas so job hunting yet again alongside everyone else not happy
Also im now renting a property in porthill newcastle-under-lyme staffs, a lovely 1 bedroom flat which used to be a post office so im told.
Life is settling now and getting into some sort of normality i think.
Still doing a few talks on my experience in kenya which is great as it keeps it alive and its great to share with one another.

So happy new year 2009 is here and im praying that u are all ok and that we are listening to God about what he wants us to do.