A CHANGE OF HAT!

THE MAN IN THE HAT is Kenya's Prime Minister, the Honourable Mr. Raila Odinga, MP.

At first glance it looks like the hat that the President of Uganda usually wears, but it is not - it is quite distinctive - but I admit I have no idea of its origin. We have never seen the PM in this hat before - usually a golfers cap! This is a very definite CHANGE of HAT, and perhaps it signals the image of a future 'President'. And, judging by the tumultuous ovations Mr. Odinga received yesterday at his Swearing in as Kenya's Prime Minister at the State Inauguration of the NEW Constitution, it may well be that in 2012 Mr. Odinga will have a very good chance of being Elected to be the next President of Kenya. He has a lot going for him as a Statesman - even without the hat!

YESTERDAY was a National Holiday and Event. Uhuru Park in central Nairobi was PACKED with thousands upon thousands of people as the State went on Parade in front of the world, as a prelude to the Presentation and Acceptance of the New Constitution, marking a new era in Kenya's history. THE PRESIDENT, and Head of State, Hon. Kibaki was also present of course, and also sworn in once more as President under the new Constitution. Effort has been made to credit him with this great achievement, but sadly the people gave him only a very quiet reception - compared to that of his Prime-minister. He took it well and happily, delighted that at least all this has happened and come to pass during his 'Watch', and so he has at least found a niche in Kenya's political history.

Two more photos - one of his Swearing in, and one of him holding up the Document - the Constitution, signed and sealed into Law. It now remains to be seen how much change it will actually bring to daily life, and the economic future of the Country as a whole.

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THE REST OF THE WEEK has gone well, and we are truly happy to say that Tyndale Cottage is now functioning well, and all things back to normal. Esther and I spent Wednesday evening with them, and it was good to see the 'family' restored and relationships healed and mended.

The rest of the children have also returned to their usual happy life style - possibly much improved since their 'parents' have all done their best to make reparations where due, and show that even if 'discipline' is still a necessary part of human existence, it does not deny a loving heart or motive in the one giving the discipline. Also now that both sides have a clear understanding of how discipline will in future be expected to be administered, and why, there seems a very definite uplift in EVERYONE'S spirits. Praise the Lord for His Grace and Mercy.

IT IS STILL RAINING quite frequently and heavily, and quite cold at night here in Eldoret.

The School Holidays are almost over - our school will open the 3rd Term of the year on Tuesday next week. It is usually a short Term due to the National Primary and Secondary Examinations that commence in late October through November, ending just before the long December Holiday. It feels as if the year has ended already!! But it will be a busy time with plenty to do.

BEATRICE ROP, dearly loved wife of her husband Joseph, and Mum to all the kids in Jacaranda Cottage, is now home again, having successfully come through her operation. She has made good and rapid recovery, and is already on her feet and about the house. We do thank you all for joining with us in prayer for our sister, and I know she would also want me to pass on her own appreciation of your love and care. The children have really made a great fuss of her since she returned home, and it is wonderful to see how they love her as their Mum. Indeed even the children from the other Homes have been often to visit her and show her that they too appreciate her as their 'auntie'!!! God is very good to us all.

Well this will be all for this Saturday. My computer has continued to suffer from the Server and even this week-end we have had problems getting to the Internet. We hope things will improve - not sure if it is extreme weather conditions in our atmosphere or purely technical.

You may receive a Quarterly Update during the week which may repeat what you already know. This is just an extra effort to keep in touch with those without E-mail. We send to them by ordinary post, but just send a copy to you as well. God Bless you all, and be very close in the week to come.

Yours in His Great Love

John and Esther