The Flying Minister

I have experienced real Africa now. I got up at 4.30am and went for an early morning flight to see the sun rise over Etosha National Park. It was a very small plane, can sit 4 plus the pilot, and in fact I was sitting next to the pilot, and very careful not to knock any of those controls/pedals with my big feet. It was a bit bumpy going up, as their was a 36 mph sw wind, but once we were up, it was steady. We flew over the Etosha park, but could not see any animals at the water holes, perhaps they were all in bed asleep. The Etosha pan, changed colour as the sun rose, and then it was time to return. We flew back over our lodge, just to wake up those still sleeping, and then landed on the mud track. We had to bank very sharply to do this, and it was very bumpy coming down, but we landed safely, and then time for breakfast.

On Saturday we left Cape Town on the 8am flight, and I had my bottle of wine confiscated we had carried around South Africa. They said I couldn’t take it on the plane as it was over 100ml. However, I had flown with it from PE the day before. We arrived in Windhoek on time, and then picked up the car. It is a Nissan Bakkie 4 wheel drive, and then we had to drive to Otjiwarongo. This was about 2 ½ hours away, and it was just follow the road, what road, the only road! Once we had left Windhoek, we didn’t see many other cars. Namibia is very sparsely populated, in fact the most populated area is the border with Angola, where several tribes live.

We arrived at the B&B by mid afternoon. We did drive through the town, it didn’t have much, but it did have a Wimpy. You know you have fallen on hand times when you have to go to Wimpy for a latte! The B&B was ok, I had a nice eland for my dinner. The next day we had to drive the whole way to Etosha, and it took another 2 ½ hours, again the road is straight, so you just sit at 120km the whole way. We did spot the traffic Police hiding underneath a tree, trying to catch speeding motorist, but I was within the limit.

We arrived at Etosha about midday, having listened to several sermons from All Souls en route. Then we had a quick coffee, stocked up on bread and water (I eat well in Africa) and it was out to look at God’s creation. We arrived at the first water hole, and there were hundreds of animals there – Elephants were bathing, Zebras jumping around, Ostriches burying their heads in the sand, and various ‘bok’ wandering in and out of the picture. All I heard for 20-30 minutes was click, click of Linda’s camera! And ‘look at that Simon.’ Reply ‘yes Linda, if I have seen one impala I have seen a hundreds.’ – all this game was making me hungry and all I had was bread rolls to eat. We stayed there a while and then drove around, and saw lots more animals – Giraffes, Gemsbok, Springbok, Eland but no tortoises. We had a drive around the Etosha pan, which is like a desert, and when you arrive it feels like the end of the world, as you can’t see any ending to the pan or any life.
We then left to go to our lodging, which is the Naua Naua Game Lodge, about 45 minutes from the park. It was down some dirt track, and then a very bumper road, but great fun in the 4 x 4! Their driveway was 10kms long, and through several gates, nearly run over a warthog, but just missed. On arrival it was tea time, so Linda was first in the Q for a tea and a piece of cake. We have a nice big room, which overlooks out into the lodge area, and there is a small waterhole, where some Eland and Warthogs come to drink.

It was Kudu on the menu for dinner, although Linda had a vegetarian option! Linda was tired, all that use of the fingers taking all the pictures so she went to bed early, whilst I just did some reading.

The next day (Monday) we had breakfast at 7am and were in the Etosha park by 8.30, and went to the waterhole, we were not disappointed, plenty of animals were coming to drink, in their hundreds. We watched them all, Linda counted them in and out, and there was a queue at one stage, some waiting on the hills for their turn to drink. We saw a lion sleeping under the tree a few feet away from the water hole and I did tell him he was a missing a free breakfast, but he just ignored me.
We then drove around the area, visiting several other locations, I probably drove about 150kms. We did see some Giraffes having a drink, they are very unwieldy doing it, and have to spread their four legs out like they are doing the splits. Don’t worry, Linda has about 450 photos – so you will be able to see lots of animal pictures.

On Tuesday we stayed at the Naua Naua camp all day, looking for an animal free zone. It was still very hot, and humid and then Linda found out that there was a very small walk around the bush we could go on – she is obviously missing all that walking she normally does. It takes about 30 minutes she told me, and I believed her (should have known better after 14 years of marriage). It took 90 minutes! It was up the hills, through the bush, watching out for the animals, snakes, scorpions and trying to ensure the one bottle of water she bought lasted! The owner had given me a big stick to hit the ground, so that any predators stayed away, as leopards and cheetahs have been seen in this area. It was a long walk, and when we got back we found out we should have turned around after 30 mins and come back the same way.

It was Eland for dinner, although Linda had chicken for a change, and it was a nice meal. The owners come and have dinner with you, so it was a pleasant evening.

On Wednesday we went back to Etosha national park, Linda was getting withdrawal symptoms of not seeing any animals and so we booked a lodge in the park overnight. It is a nice lodge, it has a fridge, air conditioning and a KETTLE! So Linda can drink tea all day. There is a water hole you can see from the lodge area, so we don’t even have to drive anywhere.

Whilst I was unpacking the car, Linda had gone to the waterhole, and I was had just boiled the kettle for a nice coffee, and she rushed in ‘Simon, there is an elephant at the water hole, come and see.’ I said ‘I have seen lots of elephants’ and Linda said ‘but this one is different.’ I said ’so it doesn’t have four legs, one trunk and a couple of floppy ears like all the others I have seen.’ So being a dutiful husband, I went to have a look, and it was no different from all the others I have seen. There were lots of animals at the water hole, and others were queuing to come down. It got rather crowded at one stage.

In the evening we sat and watched the sun go down over the water hole, as we the sun was setting, some giraffes came down to have a drink, I would say we sat romantically, holding hands watching the bright sun disappear over the horizon but Linda had no hands free as she was constantly clicking on the camera. We then went back to our bungalow and lit some wood for a braai- our last night in Africa! We ended up eating indoors as a Jackal turned up to the party (uninvited) and was trying to nick our dinner. So far Linda has taken 492 photos (plus the ones we have deleted) – so I am sure she will be delighted to share them with you on her return!

On Thursday morning Linda was up bright and early and at the water hole by 6.30am to check what animals were there, only a few impala, but she still managed to take a couple of photos. We were on the road by 8am and it was a long drive (500km) back to Windhoek. We stopped on route, and found a coffee house, which did the best coffee we have tasted so far! However, Linda bought some more wooden animals. She also saw some poor kids without clothes and shoes, so she emptied most of my suitcase out, giving away my T shirts I had bought in the Bahamas. I am coming home in the clothes I stand up in!

Lily Pond, Natures Valley

No whales, no ostriches, definitely no tortoises – must be heaven! We are staying at a upmarket B&B in Natures Valley, about 50 miles from Kynsna called Lily Pond. Its called Lily Pond – because there is are three ponds in the middle of the property, but that attracts frogs who croak all night – so still no peace. I know its upmarket as when you go for dinner, it’s a four course set menu and you get more knives and forks then I know what to do with. Evidently, you have to start outside and work inwards, and not allowed to use your fingers. Life was much easier when I just had a knife and fork to use, and they didn’t take it away after every plate. The food is ok, a bit posh nosh for me, I mean you get it all laid out fancy, waste of time if you ask me as it all goes down the same hole, laid out fancy or not.

I asked for poached egg, this morning, did it come with toast – no- a huge plate with one small anaemic poached egg in the middle, and a flower for decoration – but no toast! Had to go and make my own. The grounds are lovely, Linda has been for a walk, and taken some photo’s and you can see a small collection at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/simon.werrett

We have been here for 2 nights, and probably eaten more then we have all holiday. We left Knysna on Tuesday, the sun was shining, and we went to Plettenberg Bay and I took my darling wife down to the beach, as she likes to go there, and we walked hand in hand on the sand, how romantic! Although it was no different, from Southend, apart from warmer. We then had a coffee at a café overlooking the beach, and we were able to sit there, admiring the view, looking into each others eyes – well I would have, it I hadn’t been more interested in reading my computer magazine. The latte was nice – not quite up to Starbucks standards, but not bad for a third world country.
We then found a shopping centre, and I said to Linda, oh that dress looks nice, thinking she wouldn’t like it, but she did, and so I ended up buying it, I shall keep my mouth shut in future, as it gets expensive when I open it. However, we did find a café where there was free internet, so I was able to update and check my email etc.

We then arrived at Lily Pond, and it was nice and warm so we sat on our patio area and enjoyed the views, weather and God’s creatures. On Wednesday, the weather changed, rain, rain and torrential rain. We went to Natures Valley beach, which was very picturesque (this was before the rain) and we could again walk on the beach and admire God’s creative handiwork. After this we went to Plett Bay, and I was able to sit in the café, and do some email etc, whilst Linda went shopping. She must have had an off day as she didn’t buy anything!

The rain has been consistent for the last eight hours, so everywhere is starting to get flooded, good thing our bed is off the ground! I was fast asleep, when about 3am Linda woke me up saying its flooding, wake up, I woke up, looked around for the water, and then she said ‘oh I must have been dreaming” It has been raining non stop for 24 hours, and it was still raining when I got up in the morning. We had breakfast, and then it was on our way again. It was slow progress, as we had to drive slowly because of the wets roads, and lack of visibility. We made it to Jeffreys Bay by about 12.30 and found a nice coffee shop right on the beach. It was a bit like being in Albania, an aga in the middle, with sand all around it, and you poured your own drinks. The structure was made of wood and it looked very basic – no lattes here. We then drove into Port Elizabeth, arriving just before 2pm. We have used the B&B before so it was easy to find, and we checked in and relaxed and it also had free internet – so I could do various updates. In the evening we went to the local chippie for a takeaway, although I had paella, but Linda had chips!

I have been busy downloading sermons from All Souls website for my Itouch – so we can listen to them in the car next week, as there is a lot of driving to be done in Namibia.

Knysna

Is it a bird, is it a plane? No its super Linda! A dog had fallen into the canal opposite our apartment and couldn't get out, so super Linda put on her costume on and jumped into the canal and swam across to reach it, and lift it out. There was no one else around to see her 'super' act, but me and I was just laughing at her in the water and trying to get the stupid dog out! She then had to swim back, fortunately no boats were coming at the time.

We are now at Knysna staying in an apartment for a few days. It is right on the waterfront at Knysna quays and we have lovely views from the patio. It has been warm here and sunny, so Linda has been sitting on the patio sunbathing, and getting a little burnt. Knysna has a free wireless internet system, so I can do some work from the comfort of the couch. The apartment also has satellite TV so I have been able to watch the cricket, whilst enjoying the surroundings.

We have been spending a few days just relaxing and doing some reading, it has been quite pleasant. I had ostrich kebabs for my tea a couple of times as they are good for you. Linda had a cheese sausage. The weather has been good, and sunny, and we have walked along the waterfront a couple of times, although Linda hasn't bought anything in the shops (yet).

We had found details of a local church on the internet and then located it on the map. We turned up at 10.30 to find the church services start earlier here - at 9.30 and they don't have evening services. So we went up to the heads to see the views and listened to a sermon by John Stott on the Ipod.

In the evening we went out for a meal, Linda had butterfish and I had calamari and prawns, it was very nice. We then went for a short walk before returning to the apartment.

We are leaving here on Tuesday for Natures valley, and then down to Port Elizabeth on Thursday, and fly back to Cape Town on Friday afternoon, ready for an early flight to Windhoek on Saturday morning.

There are some photo's at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/simon.werrett

Tortoise Alert

I was driving at 120km along the Mountain road, when suddenly Linda shouted “stop”, I immediately hit the brakes, the back wheels locked, but I managed to stop and said ‘what’s wrong’ thinking she was having a heart attack or I was going to run someone over, not that we had seen anybody for miles. “Look” She said “there’s a tortoise”. I was not amused, and did contemplate making her walk with the tortoise. A few miles along the road, another tortoise was crossing the road, so we had to slow down to make sure it was ok, and made the other side. I thought it was going to visit its flat mate!

Its now Thursday evening and we are in Oudshoorn, about 500km east of Cape Town, it’s the centre of the Ostrich industry, and there are ostriches everywhere, in the fields, on the farms and naturally on the plate! It was raining when we left Cape Town yesterday, we wanted to leave early, but Linda wasn’t ready in time, so we left about 9.45. It was a misty city we left, you couldn’t even see Table Mountain, the table cloth had completely engulfed it.

Our first stop was a Vineyard to have a look round, and buy a decent bottle of plonk. So we went to Vergelegen, about 50kms from Cape Town. It was the only one the Queen visited when she was here in 1995, but I bet she didn’t have to pay 20 rand on the gate to get in! It was a beautiful place, full of old buildings, and lovely gardens, with roses and other flowers. Mandela had his picture under an oak tree here – so Linda wanted hers done as well. We stopped at the Rose Garden Café for a tea (no Latte’s here) and then had a wandered around the gardens. We could have done some wine tasting, but I was driving and Linda doesn’t drink the stuff. We did buy a bottle in the shop, and it would be good to say I went on recommendation and the contents – but no I looked at the price – and got the cheapest! Although it did come with a nice bag.

After this, we then went to Hermanus, about 75 kms south, where the whales were. Linda wanted to see more animals! So the duty driver duly drove down to the seaside, and she could sit on the rocks and watch the whales – if you have seen one …… There were some big ones and little ones and they were all black in colour. It was a bit windy, so they didn’t come near the shore. We then went for a walk around the town, and visited a few shops, before going back to the sea front. I thought I was going to be lucky and get a coffee – but no more whales had arrived – and so we had to watch them jumping around. I had to feed the meter, well give the car guard a few more rand, so we could stay longer. We finally left about 4.30pm – and we had a couple of hours drive to Swellendam. We were staying at the Old Mill B&B, we had been thereon a previous visit so I knew where it was.

I looked at the map, and there was a short cut across country, and so I decided to go that way, so I was humping along at about 120kms, making ground very nicely, when the road suddenly ran out, and it was a dirt track. So I had to slow down, and endure 20kms of dirt track across the mountains till I came out the other side and the road appeared again. We made it to the B&B, as I was walking to reception, this duck jumped out in front of me ( a Muscovy) and made me jump. I had a word in his ear hole and told him that if he did that again he would be joining an orange in the pot and become duck a la orange. We booked in and our room was very nice, with an open fire but it was too hot. Linda managed to break the toilet in this one as well! I can never take her anywhere twice.

I knew the food was good here, and it was rude not to have the three game dish – so I had kudu, ostrich and springbok – lovely. Linda had the fish, and then a cheesecake, but I didn’t have a desert. We slept well, and got up a bit earlier today and had a pleasant breakfast before leaving about 9.15. We were going across country again and through several mountain passes, although I had to keep slowing down and stopping for Linda to take photo’s – anybody would think we were on holiday – and there was no rush.

We did stop at Ladismith for a coffee, and it was a one road town, and then it was straight on for Oudshoorn, (avoiding the tortoises) and we arrived about 1pm. We found the Tourist Information bureau and sorted out some accommodation. We are staying on a farm about 15kms out of town called De Oude Meul, and they have some animals in the front you can watch.

We dropped our luggage off, and then went back into town. We had a wander around, and then went to the Queens hotel for afternoon tea. This royalty thing seems to have gone to Linda’s head ever since she met Princess Alexandra in London recently. In the evening we stayed at the farm, and had dinner here – the choice was too much, all different kinds of meat, some I had never seen before – I finally went for the wildebeest and it was very nice! Linda had fish.

So its off to Knysna in the morning, and we are staying there for the weekend – and hopefully an animal free weekend, but I doubt I will be that lucky!

Cape Town

Having a whale of a time! Linda is happy, she has seen lions from the plane when we were landing at Windhoek airport (she insists they were lions under a tree!), a n Ostrich from the air, plenty of penguins and some whales. We are in Cape Town, staying at the Cape Standard B&B, an art décor sort of joint. It has a nice bedroom, and then a small bathroom. The shower is sort of open and goes onto wood. Linda managed to break the toilet handle – I don’t know what it is with her and bathrooms but she always manages to break something.

We were flying Air Namibia and when we arrived at Gatwick, we were told the Business Lounge was being redecorated and given some vouchers instead. It meant a free Starbucks, but we didn’t want anything else, so Linda spent them on Starbucks chocolates, which she said were for the Kids (although she has eaten a few). She was embarrassing, as she would stand at the queue and if anyone spent over a fiver, she would offer them a voucher and take the money. I sat right away from her!

The plane ride was good, some turbulence over Cameroon and Angola – nothing compared to the turbulence on the ground there. The seat went most of the way back so we could sleep. We arrived at Windhoek at 9.30, and had just sat down to coffee in the lounge, when we had to board the Cape Town flight. It was just under 2 hours to Cape Town and so got there about 12.30. We went through immigration, collected the car, a Toyota Yaris and then found our hotel.

In the afternoon we went to the Waterfront, and had a coffee and looked up at Table Mountain, Linda had an avocado and feta baguette and I had a seafood salad (with squid, fish, octopus, prawns, caviar and salad). We then wandered around the shops, we didn’t buy anything as we were too tired.

Today, we were up and out by 9.30 and took a leisurely drive down to Simons Town to see the penguins, as the place is famous for them at Boulders beach (although the coffee was very poor at the Café). So Linda saw hundreds of penguins, all look the same to me black and white! She also saw some whales with their calves in the bay. When penguins have a lot of babies they are called a crèche. So we sat and watched the whales, and sat and watch the whales, and sat and…. With not a Starbucks in sight.

We then took the scenic route back, which became even more scenic when the toll road across the mountains was closed! So we had to go the back route, it was a nice route- but much slower. We made it back to Cape Town by mid afternoon, and went down to the Waterfront. The Tablecloth was over the mountain, so God was obviously settling down for his dinner!

We stopped for a savoury pancake and a cold drink, before doing a bit of shopping, and going back to the B&B. We are back on the road again tomorrow – we have two days to make Knysna.

There are some pictures at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/simon.werrett

A Pencil for every child in the school

When I left England, laden with a bag full of pens. Pencils, sharpeners, jumpers, skipping ropes, and Frisbee’s – that was my aim, to make sure every child at Mogonjet school had a pencil for class. Today, I was able to attend the school, and give out the pencils. The Primary school had about 474 pupils, and I was able to give every child from the youngest to the oldest a pencil, which means they can write in class. I also gave out about 24 red jumpers to the poorest children, whose clothes were falling to bits, and they were very happy. I had some footballs and tennis balls – so every class was given two tennis balls and we shared the rest of the equipment out amongst the other classes.

At the secondary school, I was able to give every child a pencil and two pens, with some for the teachers as well. This is important to them as their exams are coming up, and they need to the pens to write with. I had some left over, and so they now have spares! The children were so happy and grateful, and really excited.

Whilst in the village, waiting for Joseph, some children came up to look at me, a white man here is a novelty! – and so I was able to give them some as well. It really was pleasing to give these children, who have nothing, something. Thank you to all those who have supplied the various pencils, pens, clothing and other goods, they were appreciated. I will try and circulate some photo’s when I get home.

I have finished at the college, and all the Students passed with flying colours, must be because I am such a good lecturer!! It was hard work marking all the assignments on Hosea, Malachi and Jeremiah, but I finally finished about 10pm last night. I have twenty students in my class, which is not too bad. I was given some additional lecturers to do, on How to Study, as well as preaching in the college chapel twice. Lunch at the college, has been really exciting, it was rice on Monday, and on Tuesday, and for the rest of the week! So now I am looking like a refugee, but its not too bad, as I get to eat at the hotel in the evening – although the menu is very basic. The other night it got very basic, as they didn’t have hardly anything on it! The hot water is very scarce as well, never any in the evening, and sometimes if you are lucky there may be some in the morning – so I am washing in cold water.

I had to plant a tree at the college today (a bit like the Queen often does), and they are going to watch it grow, hope it does better then the ones I normally plant in my garden, they die after a few weeks. However, it was nice to be asked, and I suppose when it gets bigger the students can go and kick it when they don’t like the marks I give.

On Friday, I will be going back to Nairobi, another six hour journey, and probably straight to the airport, to catch my plane home. It has been a hard busy two weeks so will be glad to go back to work for a rest – probably need a holiday now!

Kericho

Number 10 was vacant so I am back in occupancy. Its nice to be some familiar, little electricity, not hot water, although the room seems to have been re-painted The staff recognised me, and welcomed me back. The journey from Nairobi took 6 hours – and after Saturday long trip, I felt exhausted by the time I arrived. We had a left a bit late, as I had forgotten to switch my alarm to Kenyan time and so when I woke up at 7am, thinking I had an hour to get ready, I didn’t as it was 8am On route we saw a fatal accident, several Japanese tourists were believed dead, but as its Kenya, everyone stops to look, have a wandered around, speak to everyone else, and caused chaos. I stayed in the vehicle out of the way, I have seen enough dead bodies in my time, and most look the same – dead!

I had fish fingers for tea last night, and then watched a James Bond movie on my dvd player. I had had a snooze in the afternoon – so wasn’t too tired. I was up at 0645 this morning and had scrambled egg for breakfast, and then waited for the taxi to the college. It was on time – and we arrived at the college in good time. I was straight into teaching about the prophets, and spoke all morning, and it was quite tiring. They have done three assignments for me, when I only set two, the college gave them one I had sent for the last trip as wel! So now I have to mark them al. I have 18 students, and we did quite well today.

I came into town to get some photocopying done, but found the electricity was off – so just left them and I will pick them up tomorrow, you will know if it is back as you will be reading this! Whilst I was waiting for the electricity to come back I went to the café, asked for tea, and got coffee – so not having a good day!

Flying (or not) in Africa

Only In Africa can you get on a plane and then find that they have issued more tickets then seats. They couldn’t issue any boarding passes as they ran out of paper after R! But of course they don’t tell you anything and just stand in the corner and talk, perhaps they were hoping one of the passengers would suddenly evaporate. After 45 mins, they decide to ask for a volunteer to get off and fly tomorrow, fortunately one did. So in the end we spent more time on the tarmac then in the air, as it is only just over an hour flight.

The conference has finished, it was well attended with 122 delegates from 11 different countries. I spoke on conflict management, and this went down well, with several people asking for a copy of my presentation. On Friday I spoke on prayer and networking, and encouraged them to share with each other and pray for each others countries. I have made some good contact in Rwanda, and they want me to come and visit them. The General from the Southern Sudan gave me his phone number and asked me to keep in touch and so I will. It was a good time, and I have made some new friends, and have several new address to keep in touch with.

I am now a new colour, red and blotchy, thanks to the Mosquito’s , they have eaten my ankles, and legs – they must have liked the alternative of white meat for a change. So I am in back in Nairobi for a night and will then leave early in the morning for Kericho – another 6 hour journey by road, and then teaching all next week, I will be coming home for a holiday!

At least England have won the rugby (just), which saved an embarrassing breakfast with my South African friend Quintus.

I have put some more pictures on the web at

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/simon.werrett

Burundi 24th Sept 07

According to the Foreign Office web site – their advice is don’t go to Burundi, and if you do go, then don’t go out at night, and never go in a bus at night. So far I have done all three!
The conference is going well, the President couldn’t come in the end(after Linda had cleaned my shoes), but the equivalent of the Home Secretary turned up and gave an opening speech. We are staying in the capital, Bujumbura, at a hotel called the Source to the Nile. It is ok, the plus side is that it has free wireless internet, so I can check my emails daily. In fact there are a group of us, who does it every evening. Although this evening, we were letting other people use our machines to check the internet for email. Using Skype I can call home and speak to Linda for a penny a minute – which is amazing! Burundi is one of the world’s poorest nations, and is just emerging into democracy after a 12 year civil war. They speak French, and drive like the French – badly. There seem to be no road rules .
The room is ok, there are no instructions, so I didn’t know you had to turn the electricity on, I thought like most places in Africa, the electricity is only on at night. So I was going to the bathroom with a torch, but now I have found out how to turn it on – so I have a light in the bathroom. The conference is being held at the Swedish Mission Centre about 15 mins from the hotel. The food is quite good – there is rice, and meat and we get two meals a day there. Tonight we had fish, and it still had its head on, so saw me eat the rest of its body (Linda would have really enjoyed that!).
The conference is going well, we have delegates from Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Central African Republic, Sudan, Nigeria, South Africa, USA, UK (me) and Switzerland, about 120 in total. The temperature is in the mid 90’s and it is hot and sticky in a suit. The conference started with devotions this morning, the Anglican Chaplain, he was ok, then a Bible Study on Philemon. We then had the Opening Ceremony, where the flags were displayed and the national anthem played. The Home Officer Minister and the Director General of the Police Force were present, and gave some speeches. Burundi and Rwanda speak French, so the conference is in French and English.
After lunch we had a presentation on Conflict, and then it was me to speak on Peacemaking and Reconciliation. I had a PowerPoint presentation (probably the only one who has prepared it) to demonstrate my points and it went down well. So thanks for all those who have been praying, I was quite nervous in front of the delegates, as some are quite high ranking officers. We talked about success and how you measure it , and I gave the example that in relation to robbery, in England it is ‘success’ if you catch the person and taken them before the court, but in Africa for some success is measured in how many robbers you kill. At the end there were some questions in relation to robbery and reconciliation, so all those months on the robbery squad has come in useful.
The talk was translated into French, which was difficult on a couple of occasions, and he didn’t understand Policing terms. I have another presentation to do tomorrow on conflict resolution. As this is Africa, they all have hundreds of kids, so my standard line is now, well I have no children, but I do have a dog Chelsea.
I haven’t seem much of the country yet, as we go to the Conference at 7.30am and we are not back till 8pm, but I understand there is some free time on Wednesday.
You can view a few photo’s at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/simon.werrett

1548 miles Later

We are now at the airport and waiting for our flight. It is still hot in Las Vegas, 109 degrees today. In total we did 1548 miles - which has certainly put some miles on the clock for the new car. Linda liked it so much she wanted to take it home!

The airport is like a third world country - no Starbucks, or any coffee shop. However, it does have free internet access in its favour.

We left Palm Springs yesterday morning, and took the scenic route across the mountains, to Barlow. This took about 2 and 1/2 hours. We then joined the I15, the motorway, and followed this to Barry, where we stopped for a coffee. The whole journey was very scenic, going across several sandy deserts, mountain passes and small towns in the middle of nowhere. Linda was sitting there doing her knitting, and I was listening to Country Music.

We got to Las Vegas about mid afternoon and were staying at the MGM, the Largest Hotel in the Road (when it was built). We checked in and then went for a walk. We walked down the main street for hours, looking in all the hotels, and finally having to stop for a coffee as we were too tired to walk any further! The hotels are all different but just full of people gambling and not winning anything. It was a long walk back, and with the heat and the driving we were tired! So we went to bed and fell asleep.

Today, we got up late, had a Starbucks for breakfast ( as the hotel gave you a free upgrade on your drink) and then we went out for a drive. We went to the Red Canyon, which is about 45 minutes away and had a drive around.

Then we called in at the Mall for a lunch before finally returning to the airport. The fuel light was on so we couldn't go much further anyway.

The end of another trip.

A few photo's at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/simon.werrett The folder is Palm Springs to Las Vegas

Joshua Tree National Park

On Monday we went to the Joshua Tree National Park, which is about 30 miles away. We went via Pioneertown, which is a place which they use for some of the Hollywood Westerns. It was just like being on the TV, in fact you expected John Wayne to walk round the corner (if he hadn’t been dead of course!). The National Park is split between two deserts – the Mohave at the top, and the Colarado at the bottom. There is also the San Andreas fault line at the South of the park. It took a couple of hours to drive through, you can stop and go for hikes, but it was too hot for that.

The Joshua tree was named by the Mormons, because it reminded them of Joshua and points to heaven. We also found some more cactus in the southern end of the park. We stopped in Palm Springs on the way back, as we were hungry and had a Mexican. I had some nice soft tacos with steak inside.

In the afternoon, we swam in the pool and relaxed. It was still very hot, so we didn’t eat an evening meal, just had some drinks.

Today, we went to the Indian Canyon, well we would have done if it hadn’t been shut. That the problem with the Indians these days, only work weekends – so Linda went shopping instead. She found a Macy’s to look round, and a few more shops. Then we went to Walmart and she bought some more trousers (they were in the sale I am told!).

I had an unique experience, I went through the Starbucks 'drive thru' today – it was really exciting!! It was slightly hotter today 112 degrees. We got back to our hotel mid afternoon, and as it was so hot, went swimming again, and lazed around the pool reading.

This evening we went to the Blue Coyote Restaurant, but we could only manage a starter between us. Its too hot to eat too much.

Back to Las Vegas in the morning – there is a scenic route I might take or the motorway, can't quite make up my mind…

I have uploaded a few photo’s at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/simon.werrett. The folder is Joshua Tree

Palm Springs

We are now officially in the Desert – at Palm Springs. It’s a very posh town – although it still has a Starbucks. We are staying at the Movie Colony Hotel, which is a boutique hotel – done up in an art décor style, so Linda tells me. We have a nice apartment, which has two bathrooms, a living room, small kitchen and shower. We have a patio to sit outside on, and they do free drinks between 5.30 and 6.30pm. There is also a swimming pool and bikes you can use – as it is in the Valley, it is very hot – around 104 degrees most of the time – the good things is that this dries the washing very quickly.

The trip from Blythe took about two hours, although Linda found another Walmart, so the trip time doubled. They had some shorts she liked – and so this entailed trying them all on, then choosing a colour she liked, and as she couldn’t make her mind up which colour she liked – I ended up paying for several pairs! I am not sure why she needs so many as you can only where one at a time.

We had bought a sandwich in Palm Springs, so we kept that for the evening at the hotel. It was rude not to try the free punch at the Happy hour, and then we went for a swim in the pool, its so hot you dry out very quickly. Linda didn’t sleep too well, as it was very hot.

Today (Sunday), we were up about 8.30am. There is a buffet breakfast, which we can sit on our own patio and eat. They provide the daily papers, so we had a leisurely breakfast of bagels and muffins whilst reading the New York Times. There wasn’t much of interest in it. They also have several cafeterie’s here and fresh ground coffee – so I can make my own at any time.

We had found a Baptist (the First Southern Baptist Church of Palm Springs) and so we went for the 11am service. The speaker was Dr Danny Blair (no relation of him who has just left number 10) and he was from the California Baptist University as the church is in between ministers. The hymns were all over in 15 mins, and we though we were in for an early finish – but it was a 45 minute sermon – so no such luck. However, he was very good, and gave me some good ideas for future sermons (I won’t tell you what they are – it will spoil the surprise!).

After this we returned to the Hotel, and went swimming in the pool, and also did some reading and finally got round to writing the postcards. It was still hot, and the staff would bring us out some cold iced calamine tea to cool us down. We stayed by the pool for about 5 hours as it was too hot to move!

We have decided to stay in the Palm Springs area for a couple of days until Wednesday and then we have the long drive back to Vegas.

I have uploaded a few photo’s at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/simon.werrett. The folder is Palm Springs.

The Werrrett’s arrive in LA (well 220 miles east)

We were disappointed that as we crossed the border from Arizona in California that the paparazzi weren’t there to welcome us. They must all have been busy in LA welcoming some bloke called Beckham. I did say to Linda, that shopping in Walmart, was not really a lifestyle of a celebrity! I have found out that Chelsea are playing in LA next week, whilst we are in the area – and there are tickets left.

We are now in Blythe, just over the border and about 220 miles from LA. The good news is I can see Starbucks from the bedroom window!

We got up late this morning, about 6.30am, and I did some work on the computer, and we had breakfast before hitting the road about 8.30am. It was going to be a long drive, about 400 miles to cover. We left Tusayan, and took the main road for about 30 miles, and then I took the 180 highway through the San Francisco Mountains (which are fortunately nowhere near San Francisco otherwise we would really be lost) to Flagstaff. Last time I did this it was snowing, but today was nice and hot. We found a Starbucks in Flagstaff, in fact saw two, a bit like buses, none for ages and then two come along at once! So I filled up my flask, and we carried on. Linda has given up on the navigating role, her excuse is that the maps wrong! So I had to drive and look for the right exits. We joined Intestate 17 and the long trek of 180 miles down to Phoenix. It was an interesting route, through the mountains, across the desert, past the town of Prescott (better known as Two Jags!), through the Forest, past Black Canyon, and a place called Camp Verde. On the outskirts of Phoenix Linda saw a Walmart, and so we had to stop. She went shopping, and we were here for 2 hours! Linda bought some new jeans and a few other items. I got a couple of country CD’s so we could listen to them in the car. One was a song reminding us that we come in with nothing and got out with nothing, it uses the words ‘have you ever seen a hearse with a luggage rack’

The traffic was heavy around Phoenix, even though we used the loop (101) and then onto I10 for the 120 mile trek to Blythe. We did have a nervous moment when the petrol light come on, as garages are not very visible on this route, fortunately we managed to get to one before I found out how many miles you can go with the petrol light on. We had seen lots of different scenery and huge Cactus plants along the roadside.

We got to the Best Western Hotel about 5.30pm and checked in. I checked the temperature and at 6.30pm it was still about 104 degrees and so we both went for a swim. Linda had gone first, and by the time I had finished checking my email and the news, she had got talking to an elderly American couple in the pool – must be the PCSO training, if she sees someone she feel she has to talk to them!

I have uploaded a few photo’s at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/simon.werrett. The folder is Desert.

40 at 4am

4am – the alarm went off! It sounded a good idea over dinner to get up and watch the sunrise – but now it was crazy. However, we did get up, and at 4.30am we were on the road. It is about 5 miles from the Hotel to the Grand Canyon. There were no rangers checking for tickets – too early.

We found a spot to watch the sun rise. It was a good spot, although a lot of Japanese tourists arrived at the last moment and tried to push their way in. We got some good photo’s and it was an interesting moment seeing the sun pop over the North Rim. We drove around the outer parts of the Canyon, going to Desert View and taking some more photos. We were out for a bout 4 hours, and Linda saw a Condor bird – so she was happy. We had a coffee at the centre –and sat on the wall and gazed over the Canyon – it was getting warm. We saw several Elk, wandering along the road.

We then came back to the hotel, and went for breakfast – although as it was now 9am it felt like lunch! After this we went to the swimming pool, and Linda swam whilst I read. We had a relaxing day, a slight snooze in the afternoon to catch up on our sleep. We then went back for one last look at the Canyon, it was quite hot – in the early 90’s today.

In the evening, as it was my birthday, we decided to have a meal in the restaurant. On the menu was Elk (not sure if it was the one I saw earlier in the day) – and so I couldn’t resist trying it – it was very nice, a tender red meat. Linda was not amused!

I have uploaded some more photo’s at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/simon.werrett. The folder is Grand Canyon.

Starbucks on Tour

The amount of Starbucks cafés has improved since I was last here – they are everywhere. All the hotels in Vegas have them – and we even stopped off in Williams today, en route to the Canyon, and there in Safeways was a Starbucks – well it would have been rude to refuse a latte!

The flight was excellent, I can recommend Maxjet (if you can afford it). There was plenty of room, and the seat went right back, in fact I slept for most of the way. Linda kept waking me up for food. I had been up most of the previous night dealing with a job as I was on call! The food was reasonable, I had a nice shrimp dish and then we had scones and cream just prior to landing. As Linda hadn’t had a vegetarian meal provided, they gave her a bottle of champagne to take with us.

Its hot in Vegas it was 109 on the first few days. We did go for a walk the first evening, but after about 15 minutes we had to give up. It is ok in the hotels as they are have air conditioning and so you don’t realise how hot it is until you go out!

We have an excellent SUV, which only had 4 miles on the clock when we rented it – it has over 300 now. It does have 4 wheel drive, but I have found nowhere to test it out yet. Linda has become rather attached to it – and is talking about trading her Micra in for one. It is very nice, automatic with cruise control. So on the straight roads I can just set it up – and sit back and relax, as long as I remember to steer we are ok.

Las Vegas was ok – a lot more hotels and building, but still sin city. Linda didn’t like it at all – said it all appeared very false. I see on the Essex News web site – two PCSO got locked in the toilet, and then it was on fire. It would never happen to Linda – she would have got lost finding the toilet in the first place. She was meant to be navigating today, and when I asked where we were, she just put her hands in the air and said I don’t know! And she had the map in front of her! Fortunately we managed to get out of Vegas, and on the right road to the Canyon. It took about 6 hours to get here – although we stopped for coffee in Williams. Linda didn’t realise how far it was – as it didn’t look far on the map.

We saw Mama Mia at the Mandalay Bay last night – and it was good. I managed to stay awake for the whole performance – a miracle in itself. They were Abba songs which I recognised, although Linda didn’t like it when I sang along.

I am still 39 in America, although I would be 40 in UK! – and we are at the Canyon. We had a look around today, and Linda thought it was ‘awesome.’ It hasn’t changed since I was last here. We’re thinking of going at sunrise to see it (05.29) – watch this space to see if we get up in time!

There are some photos at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/simon.werrett. The folder is America 07.

From the airport

I am now waiting for the plane home. This week I finally finished the course, all the student passed, and I only had one that really struggled. Although from talking to the Principal he has been struggling in other subjects.

The exam wasn’t too tough for them, but it took me all evening to mark the essay question. I also set them an oral exam, where they had to speak for 5 minutes on the strengths and weaknesses of a biblical leader.

On Tuesday I went to Mogonjet school. The science block is in the process of being built, and the walls are currently going up. I was able to give out some pens and pencils to the children, which they appreciated. Linda had also provided seven red jumpers for the smaller children, and these were handed out to the poorest children.

On Thursday I came back to Nairobi, the road was just as bed and it took six hours to get back. We stopped at the butchers for a snack. The butchers has the meat out the front, and then they cook some out the back, and give it to you on a board. I tried a bit of lamb, but wasn’t too keen on it. I am staying at the Hilton, as it is safe, although it is just across the road from where the bomb went off earlier in the week. However, everything is back to normal.

I finally get a latté to drink, over 14 days since the last one. I was due to meet with friend but he was tired up on Police business, so I had a wander around town and then did some reading in the room.

Today, I have been on a safari, to the Nairobi National park, which is a few miles out of the town. It was an early start, 7am. We had a drive around for a couple of hours, but it is the wrong time of the year, the animals are further south. The grass was long and so it was difficult to see anything, but I did see a cheetah and her babies walking along the road, before they disappeared into the bush. There were plenty of giraffes, Hartebeast, Eland and Impala – but no Zebra. On the way back, saw a jackal and some hyenas. After this I went to the Giraffe centre and a shop called Veranda, where they did good coffee.

The flight leaves at 23.50, which is late, so I had a sleep in the afternoon at the hotel, as I was tired, and then left for the airport at 8pm. The roads were reasonably clear, but security is high at the airport.

So another trip ends, hard work, but it was worth it. Hopefully, the students will defelop as good leaders.

As Bill Hybels (who wrote Courageous Leadership) 'The local church is the Hope of the World and its future rest primarily in the hands of its leaders.’


See some photo's at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/simon.werrett

No windows means when it rains you get wet.

The road to the church was impassable for a car, so I had to walk with Pastor Mutai from the main road. It was down a muddy track and across a field. My shoes and trousers were very muddy! The Church is in the process of being built and so didn’t have any flooring or windows. This was ok, till it started to rain, as if you were sitting by the windows you got wet! It was a giving service and seven local churches came together, to give money to complete the building. I suppose sitting by a window with no glass, and the rain pouring in helps to focus the mind. Those who had no money gave the first fruits of the land, bananas, avocados, sweetcorn and pineapple for example. These are then sold at the end of the service, to those attending. I did get some bananas and pineapple for the Bible College, to add variety to their diet of rice and ugli.

The service was starting about 10am African time, and so by about 11 we were on our way, with songs from the children. Most people had arrived by 11.30 and so we had some adult singing. There were about 150 people there of which 50 were children. The church was full, and I was the guest speaker. I spoke on Malachi 3 and Robbing God. Robbery is a problem in Kenya and so it was a subject that aroused people’s interest. After the service we had lunch, rice with some meat (didn’t like to ask what it was!) and by now we were in the middle of a thunderstorm, its ok to wash up in, just put your plate out the window and its clean. They had prepared this dinner for all the people by cooking on a fire made out of wood, surrounded by some stones.

On Saturday I had led the seminar on leadership at the local AIC Church in Kericho, and it seemed to go well. Some of the people didn’t turn up – but that’s normal were ever you are in the world. I had lunch there – and it was rice – but this time with boiled potato’s – a bit of variety in my diet!

Anyway, its not everyone who has a local monkey join the church service!

The students have submitted their first piece of homework, to write a vision statement for the college. Some gave me a good vision, but no statement, whilst others understood the concept. So I have marked them all and will hand them back this week. Some of their English was worse then mine, so I had to deduct marks. I have ignored where they put their apostrophes as I haven’t a clue where they go myself (as my Mother keeps reminding me!). On Friday, we did Jesus as a Leader and they seem to be getting the concept of leadership well now, and understanding some of the practical aspects.

On Monday, we will be looking at the leadership of Nelson Mandela and seeing what we can learn from him. Linda has prepared this lesson for them, so it will be different from my normal input. She has read his book and prepared some questions.

Simon 4 Mozzie 0

A Mozzie has been bothering me for 2 nights – and I finally got him today. Not only that he had invited 3 of his friends over to annoy me. They have now met the leadership book as well. It’s unusual to have them at this high altitude and as its winter here, the wrong time of year as well.

I found out the secret of the hot water – you need to have a bath about 7.30pm as there is water then, if you wait to 9.30pm, then its all gone. So I enjoyed a long soak in the bath, reading my book on Malachi.

The last few days have been hard for the students, as we have been looking at vision, vision killers, strategy, SWOT Analysis, Motivational theories (Maslow, Herzberg and Vroom). You are probably bored just reading this! However, it all came together well in the final session, when we did a case study on Nehemiah and considered all these things. They did the case study in groups and did very well, which shows they have grasped the basic concepts of these areas.

Tomorrow, I will be getting their assignments in, which was to write a Vision Statement for the College. My example was ‘empowering tomorrow’s church leaders today.’ The exams have been printed, and I am confident about them getting some good marks, I have dropped several hints as to what they need to study! They also have an oral exam, where they have to preach for 10 minutes on the strengths and weaknesses of a biblical leader.

The virus on their computer is quite serious, and will mean re-installing the operating system! Its because they have been using floppy disks between machines.

Everyone is friendly at the hotel, the waiter knows I have coffee and scrambled egg, and always makes me 2 pieces of toast, the other waiters also chat to me, and the receptionist calls me Mr Simon. The Duty Manager came and chatted to me the other day to check I was enjoying it.

Linda has been keeping in touch, although I did not appreciate a text at 1am saying good night! As it work me up – and I thought it was the alarm going off and so got up and started to get ready, only to look at the phone and discover it was 1am.

A vision for the future

Its easier teaching on leadership then on computers! At least with Leadership they have a basis to work from, but computers some know nothing at all. I have had questions like which is the monitor? What does the keyboard do? Do I need an email address to send an email? Perhaps things we take for granted everyone would know. So it has been back to basis. All the computers at the college have a various, which is quite good considering they don’t have internet access, so they will be introducing some basis rules to prevent students using disks from outside.

I have been very busy, not only preparing for the lectures every day, but also writing exam papers and computer handouts. Most days I am working over dinner in the evening and right up to 10pm most nights – certainly no holiday. Fortunately I have Life of Mars DVDs to watch before I go to bed. I have a staple diet of scrambled egg and toast for breakfast, rice for lunch and then a meal at the hotel in the evening. I did have the local speciality ugli yesterday with the students.

The hotel has put a new TV in my room, with a remote control, although it only has two channels that receive anything! There is only one socket in the room, so as I am usually charging up one of my electronic devices I don’t watch much TV. I have my Ipod for music.

The weather has been quite consistent, it is always warm. In the morning it is sunny, and then rains in the afternoon, normally when I am walking back from town. On Monday we had hail stones, and so I had to stop teaching as it was too loud due to the iron roof and I couldn’t be heard.

I am speaking at a seminar at the Kericho Church on Saturday, focusing on commitment and leadership. This means I have had to write another handout, and then I need to take it to the computer shop to print, and afterwards to another shop to get it photocopied.

So I still have a sermon to write for Sunday, and then next week will be bust as I will have to do all the marking of the exams. This is certainly not a holiday – in fact I will need one when I get home!

The Not so Last tour of Africa!

Well I am back at number 10 - the previous occupant has moved on. I haven’t been offered the role of a local chief yet, but there is still time. I have shaken lots of hands, smiled at a few babies and eaten local Kenyan food.

I landed on Friday, the flight was ok, and was picked up by the driver from the airport. He decided to go a different route, much better road he said, slightly quicker he said, famous last words. It was a mud track for most of the way, and it didn’t help when a bus and lorry got stuck, so we sat in a traffic jam for two hours. There are no other roads that you can use as a short cut – you just sit there. So a five hour road trip, lasted over seven hours! It was near the Masai Mari – but I didn’t see any animals.

The Hotel staff recognised me – “ Hello Mr Simon, how are you, you normal room”. Even the waiters and managers come and talk to me, to check I am ok. On Friday evening I went to Joseph’ house for supper, and just managed to stay awake. He brought me back to the hotel, so I could have an early night and some sleep – no chance – it was Kenya’s independence day, and the hotel had a live band and my room is over the room they used – it finally finished at 0200!!!

On Saturday, I went down to Mogonjet School, to see how the new building of the science block was proceeding. It was coming up slowly, and is typical Kenyan workmanship – but they will get there in the end. After this we went to his brothers house, they have a six month old baby, and it was a day to celebrate this. They had killed a goat for us to eat (I am not sure the goat was too happy about this) and so we stayed for lunch. I got to hold the baby – and no it didn’t cry, puke or the other end on me.

On Sunday I was preaching at a church in rural Kericho, and Joseph came with me. It was a big church, and well constructed with money given by the former President Moi. In fact it looked a bit out of place in the rural area. I preached on 2 Cor 3 v3, about Christians being a letter from Christ, in modern terms we are now emails, but I didn’t going down that road, as I would probably have lost them. After church we were invited to a local families house for dinner, and this was very nice. We had rice, with a small bit of meat, and some kidney beans. In the evening I was preaching at Kenya Highlands Bible College and spoke on Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness. The incident, when they complain to God, about having only manna and no meat. I can understand their frustration – I only get black coffee or tea here – no café latte or Starbucks!

On Monday I was at the Bible College all day, lecturing on Leadership. I have thirty students in my class and it is hard work, speaking all day. I have set them some group work, which they are doing. I need to find time this week to write the exam. However, they are all keen, and keep asking questions, most of them are relevant, and we have a few laughs along the way.

I have been too busy to get to an internet café – which shows I must be busy, however I hope to post this in the next few days.

Uganda On Line

The Guidebook says ‘don’t stand out in a crowd, be discreet and don’t draw attention to yourself. Very difficult to achieve when you are the only white person in town!

On Sunday I preached at the Central Police Chapel in Nairobi, on Jesus talking about setting the prisoners free. Always an interesting subject to preach to Police Officers about setting prisoners free, as we spend all our time at work locking them up! Nairobi is more expensive then Kericho – but I have been able to find real café lattes – so I am happy. I went to the Thorn Tree Café at the Stanley Hotel and enjoyed my latte and a piece of cake.

I am staying at the Hilton, as its in a central location, and I have hot water and air conditioning – a luxury. There is a nice Italian restaurant there – but I find the food a bit rich as I am used to a staple diet of rice!

On Monday, I left for Uganda, it was chaos at the airport, and took an hour to book in. The plane then left late but it was only a 50 minute flight. Kenya airways are fairly good (for an African Airline!!). It was a bit of a shock arriving at Entebbe, as they are redoing the terminal, and so the arrival side is several portacabins joined together. It was pretty quick, as I already had my visa. I then was picked up and taken to the Hotel – The Shangri-La, which is next to a Chinese restaurant (strange with a name like that) and behind the Kampala club. It has free internet access in the rooms and they also do your washing for free – so I have plenty for them!

I am now back in the Northern Hemisphere – and it is very warm and humid here. It is a small capital, built on seven hills, and my hotel is at the top of one of them. I went for a walk, got totally lost – mainly because the receptionist marked the hotel wrong on the map. It took 45 mins to walk into town – and 5 minutes to get back. It is much safer here, and people are more friendly, although you can’t go out at night. I found several coffee shops and tested their coffee.

Today, I have been to a Hand in Hand project at Katwe. A slum area, where they are building a new school, and Clinic for the local people. It used to be an area, where criminal lived – but the church has turned it around. I managed to bang my head on a nail in a bit of wood, as I was looking at the floor to check I didn’t tread on any nails! Nothing there to hurt – just a little bit of blood. I was introduced to a retired Policeman Patrick, and we had a chat about the different type of policing in our countries. I am going back tomorrow to meet the children, I was asked if I could sing- but I think the kids have enough problems – without subjecting them to my singing!

From Sunny Kericho

I have finished at Sitotwet Bible College, and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and hopefully the students have as well! It was certainly different teaching by writing on a blackboard – and not using PowerPoint or Word. We did use the computer to listen to some sermons I had on CD, which seemed to go down well.

I had put a picture of the College on the computer I had built them, and some couldn’t understand how it had got there! They also had a look at my computer, and couldn’t quite understand how it works. However, I am going to do some computer classes in June, when I return.

On Thursday, we did a workshop, where they had to preach for 2 minutes on a nominated verse of scripture. It went well, some tried out the new ideas we had discussed, and everyone took part enthusiastically. They had also been set an assignment ‘in an electronic world is preaching still relevant?’ and I then marked it, most of them came out with some good arguments. Some of the English grammar was worse then mine – but they weren’t marked on that. We also analysed a sermon, they had listened to, and again they provided good feedback. I have introduced them to group work, as opposed to didactic teaching, and they seem to enjoy it.

It is still nice and warm here, although we have rain most afternoons. I have been helping the AIC Pastor to set up his email account and basic computer instruction. He is very friendly and likes me to go with him to place, although I did turn down his offer of going to a funeral with him today!

The Ronoh family came to the hotel for dinner last night, and we enjoyed good fellowship and discussed ideas for the future. The hotel menu had baked beans as an appetizer – which is certainly different, the chicken was nice.

I will be off to Nairobi tomorrow morning – and then to Uganda on Monday. So the next update should be early next week.

Sitotwet Bible College

Lecturing at the Bible College is hard work! I have been doing it for three days now, and I was planning on 9am to 12pm, but when I arrived they had changed the times from 8am to 12.30, and want some extra presentations in the afternoons. It has been an interesting learning curve, as whilst the lectures are all in English, sometimes they do not understand the concept, so I have to break it into simple language. They have done well in the group work and come back with some good answers, although it would be better next time to give written instructions, not verbal. Over 40 people have attended. I have been talking about presentations and speaking. I set some homework yesterday, so I have to mark that tonight.

I must have been reasonable as they asked me to come back in June for two weeks, and teach a block on one of their core subjects. They learn different here, most of the teaching is front loaded, and they are unused to discussion groups. I am going to teach them the ‘Lowry loop’ method of preparing a sermon – which should be interesting, as it is an American concept, and will be difficult to get across.

I spoke about PowerPoint today, and some had never heard of it! However, we have provided them with another computer, that I built with some spare parts, and a donation from my Church. This means they will be able to try out new ideas. They also pleased with the books that I rescued from my shed, and the one my Grandmother bought for the college. They come from all over Kenya and the conditions here at the college are quite basic. I am glad I am staying at the Tea Hotel. If Linda was here, she wouldn’t eat or drink, in case she needed to go.

I have been keeping in touch with Linda. And she has been both sending me text messages and emails. She even updated me on the football results and Chelsea’s fine win in the FA Cup. She is still enjoying her work.

I went to a fellowship meeting on Tuesday, and end up preaching, as it was the Pastors turn, and at the last moment passed the baton over to me. They certainly enjoy their singing. We are still having rain and thunderstorms, but today is very bright and sunny. I was trying to explain to the class, it was snowing in England, but most of them haven’t seen snow and needed me to explain it. The electricity seems to go off most evenings for a while.

I am going back to Nairobi on Saturday and then onto Uganda next week.

Back at Number 10

After a word from the Rev Rono I have been moved to number 10. It’s a bigger room with more space, he normally books it for me. It has been a busy weekend, on Saturday I was sorting out computer bits, and some photocopying. We had lunch, and I had a nice piece of fish, but Linda wouldn’t have liked it as he still had its head on – and kept looking at me.

Over dinner, someone tried to report a 419 fraud to me, that appeared to have started in the UK. If he paid them several thousands of Kenyan shilling, they would deposit $8 million in his account and he could keep the interest. He believed in it, but after reading the letter, and noticing the yahoo email account, I was able to tell him it was a scam. However, he appears to have paid the money. Its normally Africans who try this scam out in the UK. At the internet café, I ‘goggled’ the name and had hundreds of hits, outlining the scam.

In the evening I went to Pastor Chumo house for supper. He has five children aged between 1 and 10, they were all very well behaved, one was called Timothy. They are their dinner properly, and then sat still, no messing around or fighting or jumping all over me! I did some writing with Timothy. They had not had electricity for two days, but did a very nice dinner of chapatti, stew, potato’s and rice.

Sunday has been a strange day, it was very warm this morning, and quite humid. This afternoon we had thunderstorms, torrential rain, hail stones and lightening. The electricity has been off most of the day, and this evening it stays on for an hour, before going off again – its like being back in Albania.

I have now made all the notes for the lecturing at the Bible College next week. It was hard work preaching twice, this morning and I did two different sermons. I had to get up early for the 8am service – and then it didn’t start till about 8.20, and I had to cut the sermon short to finish at 9.30 – for the next one to begin. I spoke on Jeremiah and it seemed to go down well. They were singing hymns from Golden Bells (for those old enough to remember it!!) – But they are better at singing praise chorus, as they couldn’t quite get the hymns in tune. There was no rhythm in the hymns they choose, which didn’t help their singing style

The second one is in Swahili and so I didn’t understand much of it. The singing was better and lots of people did a presentation, including the choir. I preached on Moses, and why me, surely someone can go. I was meant to preach for 50 minutes, but ran over by 10 – well it was 50 minutes African time! The sermon was translated into Swahili, which means it takes longer. They seemed to be challenged by it.

I went for dinner with Joseph and the Pastor, and had steak. They had a church council meeting, so I got the local paper and wandered back to the hotel. After reading the paper, I had an afternoon nap, until I was woken by the hail stones.

I had been watching the Sweeney, picking up a few interview techniques, although I fell asleep halfway through. According to the papers, it appears the Kenyan Government have a policy that the Police can shoot to kill in relation to armed robbery and firearm offences. Perhaps I can suggest that in the UK, it would improve the detection rate, and CPS wouldn’t need to keep dropping all the cases!!

Well its going to be a busy week, so not sure when I will update the blog again.

Back to Kenya

Back in Kenya. Nothing has changed much, the roads are still bad, they drive like maniacs, overtaking on blind bends, the weather is warm and wildlife everywhere. I am in Kericho, and en route I saw some Baboons walking along the road, Zebras roaming freely, and flamingos on the lake. At least with Linda at home we didn’t have to stop every 5 minutes for an animal picture.

The weather is warm, no rain so far, but the rainy season starts soon. I walked back to the hotel from town today – and found out how unfit I am, it was hard work in the heat, and at a high altitude.

The flight was good on the way over, I had plenty of room, as premium economy wasn’t very full. I dozed most of the way, listening to Dolly Parton. I was picked up at the airport and came straight to Kericho, a five hour drive, it was exhausting, but I am glad to do it in one journey. I slept for most of the evening and night.

I went with Joseph to Mogonjet today. The window frames we helped to prepare, now all have windows in them, and it looks good. They have started building a science block, the foundations are laid. We met the new headmaster of the Secondary School, and he seems to have things organised. I gave them hundreds of pens, spoons and three jumpers Linda had knitted. They were very thankful. The jumpers will fit some of the smaller children.

I went for dinner with Joseph and I had samosa and chipati, very nice. I then found a new internet café and spend an hour there sorting out my email, before walking back to the Hotel.

I have been doing some preparatory reading for the lecture I am to give next week and making some notes. I had a nice steak for my tea, the only problem up here there is little variety – no warthog, kudu or camel to eat.

From the Airport

We are sitting here, waiting to leave. There is a thunderstorm, and it is raining. It was sunny all day – but now we have thunder and lightening. We got stopped by the Police at the airport, allegedly I didn’t stop at the stop sign. He was going to give me a ticket, but then started asking how much I wanted to pay. I said “if you are going to give me a ticket do it, but I won’t pay you any money”. Obviously it was too much writing, and he was just out to make a few hundred rand from a tourist, as he didn’t give me a ticket.

So we are sitting in the café, drinking latte and watching the planes manoeuvre, there are Qantas, Delta and South African within our view. All large planes going to Europe, Asia or America.

We are watching them tow our plane in the gate, now. At least we will be able to check if our luggage goes on. The number is G-CIVZ

It is about 11 hours flying time back to England.

Back in South Africa

Yesterday - was a disaster. BA cancelled their flight from Livingstone as thye only had a few passengers, and we were all transferred to Nationwide. The new flight left three hours later, which nobody told us till we got to the airport. So we had 5 hours at Livingstone airport – which is about as big as Southend!

We finally got to Johannesburg and have rented a car for a couple of days. We are staying at the Protea Wanderers Hotel, and they ran out of standard rooms, so upgraded us to a deluxe. The Hotel overlooks the cricket ground, however, there is no cricket at the moment. South Africa’s last game was in Cape Town, when they beat India, to win the series 2-1. (We saw this victory live on TV as well- the first time we have watched TV in our room for a couple of months).

Linda is now persona non grata at the Victoria Falls Curio Market, they hide when she comes towards them. Normally, they invite you into their stalls, but not Linda, they tell her they are shut. On Monday morning she went down with a rucksack full of items to trade – jeans, slippers, flip flops, t-shirts, books, candles, swimming costumes and toiletries. In fact we are now 13k lighter than we arrived at Livingstone – and I only have the clothes I am wearing left!

However, we do have some nice wooden animals – which will make excellent presents for Christmas, birthdays right into 2008! As some of you are going to find out. So no requests for presents please – Linda has already got you something.

Johannesburg is quite busy traffic wise, although not as bad as London. Linda is getting quite good as getting me lost, even though I have given her a map to use. We needed to get on the north M1 today, but she couldn’t work a way out – so she said go South, and then turn around at an exit later on – so we have seen quite a bit of Jo’burg – including some parts we didn’t need to!

Its quite dangerous to go out at night, so we are eating at the hotel. Last night Kudu was on the menu – and I had a nice big helping of it. It was excellent – rather like steak. Linda has taken to testing the cheesecake – which she tells me is very nice.

So our safari (Swahili for journey – in case you didn’t know) is nearly over, neither of us want to come home – we love Africa. However, we do need to earn some money – for the next trip and rescue Chelsea from the kennels!

Linda’s finally photo tally is 1408 – so be careful when you ask to see the photo’s you may be there for a very long time.

Last Sunset in Zambia - 7th Jan 07

Our last night in Zambia. We’re going back to Johannesburg tomorrow, and then home on Wednesday (unfortunately). We had moved to another hotel, but it was so bad we only stayed there one night. They had luxury ensuite tents, which we wanted to stay in and had booked, but when we arrived, they were not available. It was a bit like Faulty Towers, “can I use the internet” – “ No sir, that’s broken”, “What about sending a fax” – “No sir, fax doesn’t work”, “and I can pay in Euro’s as per email” - “No Sir, we don’t take Euros”. They gave us a chalet, which wasn’t worth the money, and so we left early the next morning. So we are back at the Zambezi Sun in the same room as before.

We went to the Untied Church of Zambia this morning. The English Service was at 8.30am, but we didn’t get there till10.30 so missed that. However, someone translated the service for us, and most of it was in English anyway. We had to stand up and be welcomed – so everyone could see who we were – not that we stood out, being the only white people there! It was a woman, who preached, and she was ok, but some doctrinal issues I didn’t agree with. At the end we had to follow her out, and shake everyone’s hand as they left.

It’s still nice and warm, and Linda has been swimming in the pool. I have been watching the football on the TV and reading. Linda has been swimming in the pool in the dark, and then comes out and drinks tea, before going back in. The crocodiles must be very slow if they can’t catch her!

Friday 5th January 2007

Today we visited our sixth African Country – Zimbabwe. It did pose an ethical dilemma as to whether we should visit in view of the current regime, however we decided to go. First, we had to go into town to get a multi entry visa to Zambia, other wise it was $65 to get back in. We had a driver, Shadrach, and he took us into to town to the Immigration Department. It cost $3 for the extra piece of paper.

Then we went across the bridge into Zimbabwe. It was $55 for a visa, and another page of my passport gone, I am now down to about 3 pages left. We went to the Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side, and they were more awesome then those on the Zambian side. They are longer, and we got some more photo’s – Linda has now taken nearly 1400 photo’s now. We stayed there for a hour, and read about Livingstone, who was a missionary from Scotland.

We then went into the town of Victoria Falls, had a drive round, and it is very small, although more organised then the Zambian side. We stopped at the Victoria Falls Hotel, a large impressive Colonial building, and had coffee on the veranda. The view was good, as we could see the bridge, and then over into Zambia.

We then drove back to the Border, and this time walked across the bridge, back into Zambia. We are changing hotels today, so we will be leaving the lovely Zambezi Sun behind.

Happy New Year Readers

I have decided that camping and me do not go together, especially in the rain. The trip from Johannesburg to Livingstone was very disappointing. We were travelling with Acacia African Adventures tours, and it was six days participation camping. What they didn’t tell you beforehand it was six days of getting up at 4am, and most days spending 12 hours in a coach and only stopping at petrol stations.

We initially went to the Kruger, and stayed at the Bushmans site. Fortunately, we were able to upgrade here to a chalet, although that leaked when it rained. It was very hot and humid during the day. We had a game drive through the Kruger, and this meant getting up at 4am to leave at 6am, after breakfast. We spent 10 hours in the Kruger – and didn’t really see a lot, the animals were probably hiding as it was too hot to be out. The group consists of 9 people plus us, 5 Australians, 3 Americans and 1 Finish. Some are going all the way to Nairobi and others back round to Cape Town.

The people who owned the site were very nice, and we would chat until the early hours. We then had to go to bed, but be careful of the hyena and other wild animals that would wander through the site.

They did some good food, we had warthog in our sarnies, and then kudu one night. The next night it was giraffe on the spit and impala. The Giraffe was a bit fatty and chewy, but impala was nice. I liked the warthog best. The two veggies had their own dish of chicken stew.

On the Saturday we left to drive to Botswana, and it was a long drive. We stopped at a Shopping centre for an hour – fortunately they did good coffee – so I was able to be refreshed. We crossed the Botswana border- and then to the camp site – if you could call it that. A piece of mud that you put your leaky tent on is more adapt. It was next to the Railway Station, with goods trains coming through during the night. We helped with cooking the dinner, and then chatted in the evening, although most people went to bed early, I never went to bed before midnight and was always the first up at 4am. In fact we were always up, showered and had our tent packed away before anyone else stirred. We would then start to prepare breakfast. At this campsite there was no water in the morning – which was not good.

We then travelled through Botswana to the Chobe River area. The highlights on route was a stop at another petrol station, and lunch by a rubbish dump on the main road. The Camp was ok, apart from it rained all the time – and we had a river surrounding our Buma. This was where we were going to celebrate New Years Eve. There was bar there with some punch and a TV but no music. The football was on the TV so that was ok. One of the guides produced a mp3 player – so there was some music. He only had a few songs on there, so they kept repeating them. The Americans gave up at 9.30 and went to bed, two Australians following at 11– no stamina. We all stayed up till Midnight – and then woke them all up to wish them a Happy New Year. We were the oldest, but still had the stamina to stay up long hours. We had a treat when we went to our tent – it leaked, and there was a river down the middle – a great start to the new year.

So we had to dry it out and then try and get some sleep, the pots and pans holding the tent up- and collecting water.

In the afternoon, of New Years Day, we went for a trip on the River Chobe – and saw some animals, hippos, crocodiles, fish eagles, monkeys and Kudu. It was a beautiful trip, and no rain at all – but when we got to the camp site – it started to rain, and rain, and never stopped all night. It finally stopped at 4am – and we had just got our tent down when it started again.

We then went to the border, and across on the pontoon into Zambia. We were tired, but when to see the Victoria Falls – ‘the smoke that thunders’. It was as the Americans say ‘awesome’ – we were staying at the Zambezi Sun hotel – which is one of the top hotels in the area. The others are camping!! – And were rather jealous! We have a room with two double beds, a bath and a shower, air conditioning and satellite tv (I could watch the cricket – but the less said about our performance the better although it was a lovely ball by Warnie that got Freddie stumped today).

We were filthy and had to use an old toothbrush to scrub ourselves clean – and our clothes are filthy and muddy – so needed to get them washed. We both fell asleep – and slept the 16 hours – virtually solid. I did wake up at 4am – wondered where I was – did I need to take the tent down and then realised where I was!

We had breakfast – a full English and fruit, a nice change from plain bread. Linda did some swimming in the pool, and I did some reading and updating emails. We went into Livingstone (named after David Livingstone – who found the Falls initially) and they had a nice coffee shop there, but not much else. In the afternoon we went back to the Falls – as our hotel is nearby, we get free access (didn’t know the other day) – and so we saw it in the sun and with the rainbow present. There are plenty of curio shops there, and we had some clothes and towels we didn’t want to bring home – so we traded them there, Its amazing what you can get for a jumper and a few smelly towels. I won’t tell you what we got in case Linda gives them to some of you as presents!!!!

In the evening we went to see the others at the Waterfront and had dinner together, a few goodbyes and then we came back to our hotel. They are all off on their travels again – good luck to them – hope it doesn’t rain.

We are planning to go to Zimbabwe tomorrow, to visit the local town and see their side of the falls. Another visa we have to buy!