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!