Update

SATURDAY 19TH APRIL 2008

 

ELDORET was accorded a visit by the Deputy British High Commissioner this week.

She called all Brits to meet with her and a consular official at the Sikh Union in West Eldoret at 6,30p.m. on Thursday evening.     Esther and I together with Daryl went.

The venue was within the compound of the Sikh Union which is a large Community Centre put up by the Sikh Community.    We met in their huge multi sports hall as large as a cathedral, but less attractive.        A couple of hundred Asians formed the majority and about a dozen very elderly expatriates.       We all sat at one end of the room with the Commission's delegation facing us behind a table.    No microphones, and the two lady representatives with voices more fit for intimate conversation than public address.       It seemed they had come to find out how many British were inhabiting our little town.    There are apparently more than 25,oooo British Citizens scattered throughout Kenya - and after the January upheavals it was thought wise to discover exactly where they are and to assure them of the interest and care of the British Government.

The Deputy Commissioner went to great pains to say that she was not proficient to answer questions of any depth or particular detail, but she WAS open to questions!   She had leaflets which would be distributed.         Many wanted to know that if trouble were to strike again would the High Commission be prepared to organize a rescue operation?       Oh YES, of course Her Majesty's Government would do all they could;

They would give advice and in SOME cases might even arrange and organize for people to be physically taken to a place of safety - in other parts of Kenya, Uganda or Tanzania - BUT no one would be flown to the UK!       And of course it needed to be realised that in such cases individuals so helped would be Billed with the COST thereof.    WOW!         All in all it was NOT a very impressive meeting.    Twenty years ago ALL British Citizens (it was then KNOWN who and where they were) were invited officially to a Reception at a select and informal gathering in one of the Hotels for light refreshments and an opportunity to meet the High Commissioner.     Jackets and ties required!       Courtesy and Personal Interest were very apparent in those days, and one felt somehow SAFE with the (slowly fading) power of the British Crown watching over us.         A BIG change since those days.      All the SUBSTANCE has gone.

We left early - in any case it was of little concern to us since we knew that whatever might happen in the future we would not need to ring the High Commission since we would not be in a position to leave.     Not our scenario.

It is good to know that the Power and Authority of the Kingdom of Heaven, our real home, and where our true Citizenship is known and registered, is well aware of where each of us is, and more than able to secure us  no matter what might happen to us.  How wonderful to have such confidence and peace in one's situation and condition.

HALLELUJAH.

 

TYNDALE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

in South Australia

will be visiting us again, God Willing and Enabling, as from 5th July for twelve days..

We are very excited about this as it has always been such a joy for the children to get to know others and to form friendships.     We are expecting that they will stay in our NEW Hostel which will be completed by the end of May..       In a way they will be able to Christen it as the first to stay in it.

 

ANNOUNCED to day is a NEW Labour Act.  

The MAIN innovation is in that Women are to be allowed THREE to FOUR months maternity leave without having to forego their Annual Leave!      Most of our teachers are women, and of course we have women in all parts of the work here.    The thought of having to pay them when they go on maternity leave AND also pay their temporary replacement is quite shocking.    Men are also to be given two weeks paternity leave!!   Kenya already (including Annual Leave) has more than 140 paid holiday days in a year. It is always surprising to me that the general trend is towards getting people to work less for more.        Why pay for nothing?      This will undoubtedly make life more expensive and the nation less productive.    I think this is just another Government ploy.    On our side we may have to consider only employing elderly ladies in the future!!

 

APRIL continues to be rainy, but daytime it is also humid and rather steamy.   At least the sun shines for a good part of the day.      It is also holiday time for Schools and colleges, and so the most of our twenty in College and University are home with us to swell the numbers.      Just a few short weeks and all will be waiting to go back again, hopefully with the next term's fees.     Quite an alarming prospect every time.

 

BONIFACE MUHATI, who was one of our boys when Esther and I parented Testimony House way back in the 70's visited us this week.     He is now Head Chef in a very prestigious Tourist Luxury Camp Site in the Masai Mara Game Reserve here in Kenya  The family that run the Camp began it in 1919, and it is now managed by the great grandson of the original owner.     He loves his job, and was telling us that he averagely works 12 hours a day with little time for his own private social life.      Having a few days leave he decided to travel up to see us - he also brought a sizeable donation for the children.    Looking at him, and seeing and hearing how the Lord has blessed and led him, was a great joy and encouragement.   He is now in his late thirties.        

 

At the end of April quite a few will be leaving the shelter of the Homes to commence their own individual lives.     Thomas has found a job in Information technology in Town;    Dorcas has found a job in a local Salon as a Hair stylist;     Solomon (the eldest of a family of seven whose parents both died of AIDS - all now with us) is working as an Accounts Clerk also in town.      They have all completed three months employment and will now leave home - with a little help from us in setting them up with necessities.      They will of course continue to be touch, and no doubt be visiting often for this remains home and family.      Still a bit scary for some, and a challenge for all.

 

It is almost 5pm - the sun has gone, and the clouds have rolled in.    There is slight wind getting up - it will likely rain about 8 or 9 this evening.   The children are still playing in the garden, and I can hear their laughter and little voices no far away.    Manu has returned to University just thirty minutes ago having spent yesterday with us.    He is busy with 'last things' as he refers to them - he will Graduate in October.

Daryl is away today on business in Kisumu, Carol is at home having taught a little in the morning (we have some special classes for extra tuition still going on) and their three children playing with Testimony kids.        Esther has just gone off to see her Mum who is still lost in her own world, but seemingly happy and quiet.    A few moments quietness for me as I finish this update.     We all do need you to pray for us and to remember us.     All our comfort comes from believing that you are lifting us up to the Father as His Spirit prompts you. 

 

God Bless and keep you.     

 

John and Esther