22nd september 07

St Peters School
22nd September 07

Dedication of some books to St Peters School Meru

Last Saturday I had the opportunity to go with a couple of friends, to this school with some books, promoting reading and sharing with the school children as well as with the Staff.
St Peters is in the rural parts of Meru, as we were travelling along the dusty sandy roads for about 20minutes from Kaaga, I noticed a difference from Kaaga, the houses were different, and the people living there in the community, had to go and fetch water from a pit, the only water supply in the village, plus no electricity although we did see a few new wires overhead – which according to Fridah weren’t there the last time she visited.
When we approached, the children were outside waiting with eager, especially when they saw Kate and I two white people they kept coming up to us asking our names, and where we were from, also amazed that I was from the UK and Kate from America.
Our project for the day was to promote, sharing and making reading fun. We assigned ourselves to whichever age group we wanted, – I took class 3 (5-6 yrs) I read them 2 stories 1 was an action one which meant them moving from their desks, they laughed and we had fun. Then we sang few songs in English and Kiswahili. Allowed me to tape so i can play it to all of you, also few photos to share.
Then we came together and the dedication of the books to the school took place, their smiles and gratutide was awesome to see and quite touching. We class it as something small and take for granted, but not hapa(here).

Tried grinding porridge by hand

After lunch we were shown where they made porridge by hand, both kate and I had a go – hard work using a wooden slab to push the porridge slowly, and not lumpy without spilling – opps i spilt alittle but after that kept trying.
I think I’ll keep it to the machine hapa (here) at the home – talk about back ache.!!
Good laugh we were the centre of laughter staff aswell as the team, which we came along with.

I take this opportunity to asantesana Fridah and the staff /children at St Peters for this opportunity.

on the farm milking a cow

September 20th

Leo (today) Mimi (I) had a great day, hard work but it was fun. Worked on the Farm at the home with 1 of the uncles. Busy trying to fix water pipes so the cows could drink then I fed the cows – oh by the way there’s 11 cows at the farm (no other animals.) – back to my day then tea break then after we took them to the field so they could graze, wow they are stubborn but at least they obey!! Watching them push 1 another out of the way, so that they could eat was funny; also keeping them all 1 place was a challenge but, manageable also to get them to stop eating sugar cane and especially the onions which were drying out. Wish Wewe (you) could of seen them.
Whilst they were grazing we ate lunch as well as keeping an eye on them, then at 3pm took them back and got them prepared ready for milking.
I managed to milk by hand 3 of the cows Clover, Beauty, Boxer they behaved although clover did do a few stamps and tail throwing but Mimi wasn’t hurt and carried on milking by hand. Hard work but I had a go. Then once that was over we fed them and swept up. It was fun!!! See photo.

Synod service at St Pauls Meru 16th sept

September 16th

Mimi (I) had the opportunity to visit another Kanisa (Church) Called St Paul’s Methodist where the whole churches of the synod of Meru gathered together for a Synod Fundraising event/ service.
We arrived at 11:15am and we left early at 2:30pm sawa (ok) I have to admit sinydo (yes) it was interesting to see what happens and also to visit another Church in Meru. But after 3 hours of sitting listening it was a tad boring not just for me, no offence, Couple of Choirs sang, we Prayed, collection, The preachers / ministers paid their contribution as well as being named. Sermon. That was it really. Yes some of it went over my head, as it was not in English some kimeru some Kiswahili but some words, I actually understood, also Fridah translated for me. Also as we walked out I only then noticed I was the only white person there – doesn’t bother me, to me we were worshiping the same God and all there for the same reason of support.
I did manage to get a nice suntan sitting listening!!

Kaaga hearing impaired School sept 13

September 13th

Leo was great, I managed to go down to Kaaga hearing impaired school, to help in the library – I really enjoyed it!! I managed to use my British sign language skills, and they understood!! I also managed to pick up some of their signs. The great thing was they taught me a few signs as well. Hapa (here) they use mainly Kimeru /American but looking in the sign language book some of the signs are the same as British – I have leant the alphabet and other signs for “name” and “sign”. So i'm so glad I managed to use my signing whilst I’ve been hapa. Hoping to visit again.
So watch out BSL + KSL = JSL !! dont understand have to ask Glenys (stoke uk)

Hospital trip september 11th

September 11th

Leo (today) Mimi (I) had the opportunity to experience the hospital with a child it was like the UK with the waiting although quicker, but instead there was no waiting room. We got told to go to a particular room, then we sat on benches in the corridors with everyone else in rows, then you see the doctor in order of where you sit. It was a good experience.

swimming at freds academy

During this holiday Siobhan and i have managed to take some of the children swimming went twice at a pool which walking takes 45minutes so walked off the lunch and ready to swim - i can stand up in the deep end!! (up to my shoulders)which was so worth it it cooled us down until the walk back again, but hoping to go again sometime now i know where it is and its 50ksh (40p)all day for watoto (children) and 100ksh (80p) adults.
But getting the children to go oh my headache at first yes then no then they didnt want to go with the others so in the end we took each house separately apart from the girls as none wanted to.

harbari just thought i would actually add a picture of part of the home to give u all a glimpse of what the place is like.

Since the youth rally we did a youth service at church which the theme was "the youth are the backbone of the church.". which is true we are all youth no matter how old from the youngest to the eldest.

We also had a farewell party for siobhan and wished her all the best at the place where she was staying.

Also UK family news Happy 1st birthday to both my nephews Joshua (4th) and Thomas (8th)
Damo hope u had a fantastic time in japan cant wait to hear about your experiences.
Love to everyone
God bless
jo