Shelly Beach

One of the highlights of our weekend was taking the kids from the home here to Shelly beach on Saturday.  We have done this same trip nearly every weekend in our time here and the novelty of this has never worn off.  The beach is beautiful and we are so blessed to live near to it.  The kids are fab and we love spending time with them.  We never tire of seeing the boys in the water with their friends here, splashing around, laughing and enjoying being together.  Whatever has been going on it is so good to take time out to just be together, to have fun, to share stories and just be.

There are many reasons why the kids come to live in the home here.  Many stories behind each face.  The one common thing is that in the home they have come to they are shown love and are deeply cared for.  This home has also shown us such love.  They have welcomed us, fed us, cared for us and walked with us.  We are so blessed by all we have received from them.  It is an honour and a joy to have time with them each weekend on the beach.

It was hard knowing that was our last trip to Shelly beach before we return to England on Wednesday.  Our Saturday afternoons will never be the same again.  We treasure all those special memories and are deeply thankful for each one.

Christmas is here!

The day is not over yet but even already we know that this is a Christmas  we will never forget!  We are loving being in Kenya and enjoying a very different Christmas to all our usual traditions.  The day started at 6.30 with my eyes streaming from 2 hours of onion chopping but I enjoyed the time being with the mama's.  They were preparing the biggest pots of pilau I have ever seen!  The boys and John witnessed the killing of a chicken - another new experience (one I never want to have!)

In church this morning wrapped presents were given out to everyone.  A lovely thing to do.  I had a little girl sat on my knee and as the present bag was coming closer I could see it was nearly empty.  I was cringing inside when I realised there were none left for her... I was panicking thinking I have nothing to give this little girl and my eyes filled up.  I was then struck by my own nagging voice ringing in my head!  How many times have I lectured the boys that Christmas is not all about presents it is about celebrating the birth of Jesus.  So I realised of course I have something to give this little girl.  I gave her a cuddle and prayed that her life would be touched by Jesus, that she would grow knowing the good news that she is loved and Jesus came to die for her and He makes all things new...  the most precious gift of Christmas.

As more sorting was done a present was found for this little girl.  I will never forget the wonder in her little eyes as she unwrapped her present - a small packet of biscuits which she was thrilled with.

So wherever you are celebrating today we send you much love and hope you are enjoying this special day.  We pray you will be reminded today that you are loved.

Christmas Party

An annual Christmas event here is a swim party for the local Mama’s organised by Maureen.  It was a delight to share in an afternoon of relaxation with these Mama’s who work so hard and relished in having a well deserved break.  Maureen was great fun creating much laughter and splashing in the pool, even with her own version of water aerobics!  I would love to show photos but I know what us ladies are like about being photographed in swim suits! Maureen and her friend Sydney had the lovely idea of encouraging us to massage each other’s feet with coconut oil.  We all really enjoyed being pampered and taking time to relax and chat.

I partnered with a lovely Mama who was so good at giving a foot rub.  She is a lady who I have often smiled with but longed to chat with.  Many times I have so wanted to listen and share stories with her but been so cross with myself for not knowing the local language.  She has been through many real hardships and yet she always turns up at church and bible study with a big smile on her face.  She has beautiful children who are loved and always full of fun.  I felt so honoured to share this time with a lady I long to communicate with… as I rubbed her feet I prayed for her.  As she rubbed mine I smiled, relaxed and kept saying Asante (thank you).  Once again I learn the power of touch and a smile… breaking any language barriers… showing love... I love how us Mama’s are the same worldwide.  We worry about our kids, we work hard with many chores but we also know how to have fun together and enjoy taking time out.  This is one Christmas party I will never forget.

Blakeley Birthday Bash

David has been counting down to his birthday for the last three months. Turning 8 is a big deal. Obviously in Africa things are a little different to his usual birthday but he had an awesome day. Here are some pictures of his 8th birthday that he will always remember.

David's Birthday Lunch - A mega treat of an Ice Cream Sundae

David after his traditional birthday soaking - he was drenched and totally loved it!

Visiting Friends in Turi

Recently we got to see more of Kenya and had a great time. We stopped off in Nairobi for a night in order for us to negotiate Kenyan Immigration and then went to see friends up in Turi. Having lived here for nearly a year we know that Kenya is a place of extremes but we hadn’t experienced the vast differences between the climate in Mombasa and Turi. On the journey we saw the lush Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru and Lake Elementaita. The beauty was astonishing and there was so much to see.  The climate in Turi was so different - we wore jeans every day and we all relished in using duvets again!  We even sat beside a gorgeous fire in the evenings.  Kenya is such a beautiful country and we loved the opportunity to explore somewhere new.   Dan and Rachel work very hard as teachers and houseparents at a school.  We were impacted by their dedication and very positive input into the children's lives there.  Big thank you to Dan and Rachel for putting up with us amidst a busy term!  We all benefited from a short break from the heat.  We also loved meeting more wonderful Kenyans who we learnt so much from.

Hello

This weekend it struck me that Nottingham and Mombasa are not all that different.  We were walking along the streets in the city of Mombasa.  Now reading this you may think that  sounds idyllic but with two boys it is a mixture of moaning about the heat and the nearly there yet question featuring quite frequently.  However your senses are fully alive as there is so much that is so different from our city centre back home.  So many vibrant colours, different smells, incredible variety of people and the awesome relief of crossing manically busy roads and still being alive!

There was a lady sat on the pavement with a little cup to collect coins.  I looked at her and greeted her.  Wow, her face lit up with the most beautiful smile and an element of surprise that she had been spoken to.  This reminded me so much of a time in Nottingham when I had been doing a shift at the homeless drop in.  I greeted one of the visitors with a smile and a usual hello, how are you?  I was moved when he told me that I was the first person to speak to him that week.

I suppose I feel saddened that this is something that big cities world wide share in common.  Please understand I am not making a judgement here.  It just got me thinking this simple greeting didn't cost me anything, so why so many times have I just rushed past people without even a hello?

P.E lesson with a difference

Home school can feel a real hard slog at times.  Living in the same room where you do school can leave you feeling a little caged in.  Being parents and teachers to the same children can be challenging.  Our boys are great and work hard but occasionally our creativity runs low as does their concentration!  It all can get a little intense and we have moments of panic thinking our boys should be in regular school.  They need a class room with other children and energetic primary teachers with loads of great ideas.

Then there are other days when something like this happens...

I was on the beach digging holes with the boys when these gymnasts came along to do their training.  They invited the boys to join them.  They were the happiest gymansts we have ever met and the boys had a total blast... as did I!  I mean who wouldn't with some gorgeous men on a bright white beach on the indian ocean.  School is not normally like this. The boys will surely never forget this time of education beyond any curriculum.

Anyway back to the table for some literacy and times tables