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.