MAra

Hiya

Sorry for lack of blog posts. Been a very busy week and we didn't get much access to internet. Just a quick message before breakfast (its 7am) and then heading out for game drive out of Mara back to Nairobi for last days. Had a superb time at Childrens home last weekend etc, did loads of painting and new hall looks fab!

Mara has been great to get away for a few days and think we needed a mini break, although I'm sure us leaders would agree, I don't think we ever get a break!!!!! But its been good. Lots of stories fromthe Mara but basically to sum up, had a STICKY situation with some lions and almost left Gemma in tanzania!

Few people not been well this week, which has been tough, pray for health, hopwefully all will be well for last days. Sad we are coming home, but I think everyone is looking forward to seeing famuilies again.

From our man in Africa.....

Hi everyone. It seems like ages and we have done alot over the last few days. On sunday we left at a bit of a ridiculous hour to drive to Lake Naivasha ( serious issues with spelling here!) We were staying at Fisherman's camp which is basically little bandas(huts) this was definatly an experience for all! On monday we went on the most amazing boat trip and safari. We got to walk with the animals literally a few metres away from giraffes which was scary and amazing at the same time! During the whole fisherman's camp experience our highlights were tomato soup and frosties! On tuesday we went up to aberdares national park which had some amazing waterfalls. The girls and boys spilt up which was very interesting and i know that the female leaders in particular got a bit freaked out.. The boys had a disaster with some cars which slowed down they're journey but meant they all got a bit of MAJ time (me and jesus!). When we got back to nirobi some very interesting events took place.. Emily (who seems to be having an issue with toilets) dropped her waterbottle down the toilet and christy decided to commit a serious offence (somehow bargined her way out of buying food at the java house but coming away with chocolate cake!). TOday we went back to the childrens home and started painting all went well and all needed showers when we got back the the guest house. Couple of group requests.. 1. Please could mothers sturrock and gordon restict themselves to one comment only on each post and 2. We would like to do a call into church on sunday may need some communication before hand but all good! thanks to all for prayers lots of love and kisses from all of us.
imogen xxx

end of week 1

Well the last day of the first week, and we are veru much looking forward to a short break. The first week is very intense and involves a lot of hard work, its none stop everyday and I think we are all a little weary, so a few days up in Naivasha and the aberdares will do us good. CHance to rest, reflect and see different parts of Kenya.

Yesterday we came to the end of the planned part of our time here, the holiday club. All the young people worked so hard all week and ran a fantastic club. The kids absolutely loved every minute. The crafts were awesome and probably one of the best was the impropmtue Crown Making. Yesteday involved a lot of singing and I think after a little practice we did start to master a song in swahili,. which is good, although a little more practice wouldn't be a bad thing!

I think at the end of yesterday everyone was a little sad the first main bit was over, and we had a good chat last night sharing our thoughts about how the week had gone.

Today everyone is at the home, supporting the boys in their morning football match, heres hoping they win!!! Then this afternoon some more games and crafts. Tonight will be packing and getting ready for travel...breakfast at 7am, thats probably the earliest these guys have ever been up on a Sunday morning!

So far health has been good, just a couple with minor problems but generally going very well, although I hope I don't speak too soon. We really appreciate all the prayers and support. Will hopefully blog when we are back in Nairobi again on Wednesday.

Thanks
A very tired Kieren

PS: keppe sending in comments, everyone loves reading them.

We are serious meat eaters!!!!!!

Hello! to explain the title of this rather cheesy and embarassing blog post we went to CARNIVORE last night.. this was definatly an experience that our stomachs willl not forget! I don't think we have eaten that much since we arrived especilly the crocodile and ostrich (not tried by all i would like to add). Everything is going well and we finished our fourth day running the kids club today.. With only one day actually doing the club left everyone is a bit emotional and tired this was added to by the rather rude awakeing that christy and imogen had this morning when imogen (woops) thought they had overslept. The speed at which the two girls got dressed was rather comic especilly when they sprinted down to breakfast only to realise that it was seven not eight o'clock in teh morning.! Hmm.. Re-make to be filmed in the coming days!There have been a number of other toilet paper incidents whic have seriously added to the laughs going around and everyone seems to 'light up' when the kids come in for the morning sessions although this does have its down sides when we get home for the evening.. In crafts we have made crowns and shakers which was loud and messy but good. We also got taught a swahili song this morning and with a bit of tutoring we could pull it off although this is debatable! The dramas in the morning have also been rather amusing (note today david took on the angelic role.. again) We were also treated to some of the worlds best brownies (don't worry carole yours are still top on the ranking scheme!) and a memorable small water fight.. STARTED BY KIEREN! thats all for now folks will chat soon! be happy, love to all! Imogen..xxxx

First blog from Kenya

Hello everyone, we have arrived safely with a smooth journey, except a minor tea incident! On sunday we went to the java house for lunch and then went to Cheryls to meet the children. It was really good to see all the kids so excited to see us and we already want to take them home with us (especilly humphrey and benjamin!) Everyone is incredibly lovely and friendly and the toilets were not as bad as expected apart from the indident with the toilet roll down the toilet! (EMILY!) Everyone is getting on well and everyone is very tired but still having alot of fun. Monday we started the kids club with a presentation on edinburgh and some songs. The actions were much loved and any song suggestions would be appreciated! We made flags, played rounders and had good discussion about Moses and God's power being able to help people when they are in trouble. Tuesday we talked about the church and made a few giant boats from cardboard boxes, drew fish, played football and looked at God's control, with jesus calming the storm.

There are about 50 children in the youngest group (the monkeys) and 30 in middle group (Zebras) and 30 in oldest (giraffes / Twigas).

Weather is cloudy sometimes and a wee bit cold, but when the sun comes out its nice and hot!

Thanks for the messages will update more soon.

Claire, Imogen, Florrie (and typist secrteary Kieren)
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