Le French Trip

It was Linda's birthday surprise a trip on Eurostar to Paris. She didn't know anything about it and was very surprised, especially as she thought I had forgotten her birthday. The only problem was she had to be up at 0300 to get to Ebbsfleet and that is because she insisted she needed an hour to get ready. I had told her that we were leaving at 8am and then old woke her up at 0300. She didn't know where we were going, she initially thought that we were going to fly from Gatwick or through the tunnel but that went wrong when we turned onto the A2.


We arrive at Ebbsfleet at 0500 and it was very cold. There was time for a coffee at cafe Nero before the train left and soon she was fast asleep and so was I. We awoke in France and arrived at Paris Gare du Nord at 0900. She now knew she was going to Paris for the day. we caught a metro into the centre and went to the Arc d'Triumph and then wandered around. It was very very cold although there was no rain or snow. We stopped for breakfast at a cafe and I had a sandwich and Linda a cake. We then visited the Christmas markets which Linda wanted to do. Having visited the markets in several con tries they all seem the same to me -sell the same crap at extortionate price but Linda likes the atmosphere.


We then walked down past the concord monument to the Louvre and had a look round the outside I did offer to take Linda inside but she did not want to go in with a philistine. Evidently the Mona Lisa has some numbers in her eyes so whoever painted her did it by numbers. Well I suppose de Vinci being a painter and decorator would have won the X factor these days and not been a successful painter!


We did stop for another coffee as it was very cold and I was getting tired walking, we had been walking for miles, and whilst Linda may do it everyday I don't. We then walked back along the Seine (or the Rhine as Linda called it) and saw the Eiffel Tower and a few old buildings and churches. We then did the other half of the market with Linda finding the chocolate shop.


We decided to walk and do some shopping and then I saw it, the light of the sun rested over a building, it was a sign It was Starbucks. It time for coffee so we sat there and rested our feet enjoying a latte. We then decided to walk back to the station, that was a mistake it was a very long way! We did look in some shops before we got there and I offered to buy Linda some clothes but she turned me down.


We had a sandwich before we queued for the Eurostar, don't know why we bothered as it was delayed, some technical fault. Then we finally boarded and waited, and waited, and then informed there was a security alert so we could not leave, and then when this was completed we were told the driver could not drive the train as he would exceed his hours - who runs this firm Micky Mouse?


So they had to find a driver and then we finally left and Linda went to sleep.

On our way home–(don’t tell the French!)

Back in Nairobi waiting for the plane, hoping it will arrive and there is no French interference, although at least we are not going Quantas with all those engine problems.


I gave the final lecture today and then it was time to say our goodbyes and the five hour trip back to Nairobi although we had to stop at Naivasha for a latte – I have gone a whole week without one – and keep getting the shakes.


So we have jointly organised one international conference, taken 3 church services, 1 pastors seminar and taught at the college. Linda has visited several schools and given several talks. She also got to inspect the new toilets at Mogonjet!


I will be glad to get back to work on Monday for a rest! 


We already have several invites for our next trip in March which will be around graduation time.


We gave away
21 reflective tags
21 wristbands
13 Ep pens
13 key rings
8 balls
15 magnifing
10 postit notes
Stickers
4 notepads
12 bags
Windup torch
799 pens
590 pencils
19 dresses
15 hairbands
35 Sunday school books
16 bibles
27 hymn books
5 school books
24 red jumpers
Dvd player
30 dvds
27 camera films
9 cameras
Calculator
Laptop
40 bible commentaries and study books.
10 exercise books
8 soaps
16 bottles of water


We came with 5 bags and going home with 3 and one of those is just carrying our empty bags!

Electricity or no electricity that is the question?

Some days we have electricity at the college and others we don’t. This makes planning lessons very hard as most of the presentations are on powerpoint, so I can see them on the IPAD – but they can’t on the screen.
I have been teaching discipleship this week and have 20 students in the class. They have been listening to me, other speakers via Itouch and doing some group work. It seems to have gone well and they have all enjoyed it.


The Principal asked what we would like for dinner. I replied a big mac or burger king.  It was a stupid question really as the only option is rice! I suggested samosa or chapatti – but we still got rice. The good things is we eat at the hotel in the evening and have rice – but normally I have fish to go with it and Linda has egg or cheese.


Linda has been out scaring the children and visiting schools, giving away pencils and books.  She has given a few speeches as well – she is getting quite accustomed to it now. She hasn’t been offered any more chickens yet.


I did a seminar at Kericho Town church this afternoon on Nehemiah. It was well attended with about 30 pastors from all over the area plus the students. The feedback was good  and we had a cup of tea afterwards and a chat. It lasted for 3 1/2 hours and now they are experts on Nehemiah. The Bishop, himself, phoned me this evening to thank me for the seminar – I wonder if he saw us on TV.


Tomorrow is the last day – College in the morning, drive back to Nairobi in the afternoon and then the 2330 flight home. It will be another busy day – I need a holiday!

For preaching………a live chicken

The look on Linda’s face when I was given a live chicken as a thank you for preaching on Sunday – priceless!


We have arrived in Kericho safely, we stopped at Navaisha on the way, there is a coffee shop there that does a good latte.  So we were sitting out enjoying the coffee when we were approached by a small group from Sierra Leone who wanted to have their photo taken with us- that is the problem when your famous –you can’t even drink a cup of coffee in peace.


On Sunday I was preaching twice, the 0830 service at Kericho town although the time has been changed and it now starts at 0800 – so I was late but no problem as the preacher never starts before 0900. I spoke about Peter escaping from prison.


After that we were met by Pastor Rutto and we were going to his church – which was not far. An hour later we arrived – the journey was terrible, the road (or pathway is a better description) was bumpy, the car got stuck in the mud – but we got there finally. The service was in Kalejin so We didn’t understand much about it – but I preached in English. The children kept coming up to Linda and stroking her arm- they have probably not seen a white woman before – or maybe they wanted to be close to a TV star- probably the former as there is no electricity in the village so no tv. I preached for about 40 minutes and it was about 12.15. As lunch was not till 1pm – there was time to fill so I was asked to speak to the men about leadership and Linda went outside with the ladies and spoke to them I got the better deal as the ladies had to sit on the grass.


They provided dinner – it begins with R. After that we wanted to leave as I needed to do some work for College and they produced a pumpkin (not as big as the one I grew I must point out) and a live chicken. I am not sure what they thought we were going to do with the chicken as we were staying at a hotel. Linda started off “I am not having that chicken in the car – Simon do something” I said “what do you want me to do wring its neck”. In the end I spoke to the Pastor and asked them to give it to someone at the church who needed it- he thought it was funny!


We went to Joseph’s house for dinner in the evening – no chicken on the menu. I then worked till about midnight but Linda needed her beauty sleep.


On Monday we were at the college, the day didn’t start well as I forgot the keys to the lock on the bag I leave at the college and Linda had to come back to the hotel to collect them. Having opened the bag and got the projector out I found there was no electricity. This lack of electricity does cause problems with trying to show powerpoints – as I was the only one who could see it. So it was back to old fashioned means – chalk.


I managed to use the Itouch and my portable speakers so we could listen to  some of the materials. Its been a busy day and its is warm here but rains every afternoon.

Kenyan TV Stars

We are both famous in Kenya now ( well I am more famous!) as we both have been on TV. The conference opened on Monday with a flag parade and I was due to carry the UK flag – but as Chair of the International association had to sit on the top table-so I delegated it to my assistant – Linda. She did a good job, saluted at the right moment. 


The centre was even painting lines in the dark so people could see where to park!


The opening ceremony followed this and it was attended by the Interior Minister (Home office), the Commissioner and heads of departments.




I  gave a short speech during the ceremony, which was well received. The TV report that evening missed my speech but did have pictures of Linda carrying the flag (and why they chose her over the other 16 I don’t know).


The next day I appeared on breakfast TV and was interviewed for 10 minutes around the conference, the good thing with live TV is they can’t edit out the gospel message. It was a difference experience and challenging as well.


The conference has been hard work, we have both been working behind the scenes in the office, sometimes I think it would be better not to know how to use computers! We had to be there at 0730 as people wanted information and we didn’t finish most days till midnight. I managed to get to 5 sessions – of which 4 I was speaking or leading – Linda was the same. Friday was the first day that I actually got to the restaurant area to eat a dinner – normally it was brought to the office and I ate off a tray.


People are so demanding and wanted things done now – even if we eating our dinner – it didn’t stop them asking. I have developed my excel skills – learning macros and mail merge. Linda is now an expert on printing out badges and certificates – we asked them to check their names before we printed them out – and they did – and then a few complained that their name was spelt wrong =- till I pointed out it was their spelling I had copied.


In all about 209 delegates ( I never got the exact numbers) attended from 16 countries, namely: Botswana, Burundi, Central Africa Republic, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Spain, Tanzania, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States of America and Zambia.


Wednesday afternoon was free time and Linda went out to visit the Fleet arm section and the wildlife orphanage ( I did ask for a takeway!) but I was so tired that I slept – well I did until Linda rang me to tell me she was having a good time and what was i doing – ‘sleeping until you interrupted it’ I replied.


The conference has been good, everyone has enjoyed it and given positive remarks about the organisation. Linda has been talking to everyone and making friends, she told me she had been entertaining a pastor in her room – I did not ask for any more details. She has given away a camera to a driver, jumpers and books to an organisation that helps girls stay in school, hymn books and bibles for distribution in Nyeri – and we have renewed acquaintances and made new friends.


I have been so busy – no time to update the blog” Due to the nature of the conference I do not want to publish many  details on the internet so I will circulate a separate report with a full update in the next couple of weeks.

French Butterfly Effect

There is a theory that if a butterfly flaps its wings in China it affects the weather in New York – which is why when the French go on strike it means I get to sit on the runway at Heathrow for an hour – the cause and affect theory!


There were also traffic jams on the M25 but I am not sure I can blame the French for that – although it was probably a French lorry driver involved – well it would have been if they weren’t all on strike and if they are not on strike they can’t go anywhere because they have no fuel."


We left home at 5am – and Linda was on time. Although our flight was not till 1020 (or even later due to the French) It is the wrong time of the morning to travel so I wanted to leave plenty of time.


It was a good thing we did as we got to junction 28 on M25 and a traffic jam, overrunning road works, accident, the French – I don’t know. So I ended up going through Collier Row, Loughton to join the M25 – and then there were no more hold ups.


With all the items we had collected we had a bag each of our clothes and then 3 bags of things to give away – we had been busy packing for the last 2 days – and checking the bags weight to make sure it was under 23kg. I had to pay extra for one bag but it was cheaper to do it online before we flew. We have pens, pencils, Bibles, books, jumpers, cameras etc. I dropped Linda off at the Terminal about 0645am so we had made good time and then went to the long stay car park to deposit the car.  I  didn’t want the hassle of lugging the bags on to the bus and off again.


I was back at T5 by 07.15 so plenty of time.  I don’t know why BA call it a fast bag drop – its wasn’t fast and plenty of queues, even if you have checked in on line – probably the computer system is French and on the go slow!


We then queued at the security  by finally go through and had a walk around. Now I have an IPAD I don’t buy books I download them so no need to spend hours in WH Smiths, there was a queue for Starbucks, so I have to go downmarket and have a coffee and sandwich at Pret Manger – not as good as Starbucks.


We got on the plane on time and then sat on the runway – all because of the French!" The flight was ok, a bit bumpy in places but with my IPAD I could read the papers, watch videos, write my blog – so I was kept busy. The food wasn’t that great. We arrived in Nairobi and we met by Kibinge and Mike at the airport, the bags were along time, must have gone via France! We then got to the Stanley Hotel and booked in. As this is a Police conference the transport is a Kenyan Police minibus – so they either thought we were someone important or criminals.


On Thursday we were involved in preparing for  the conference, African style. It is a bit disorganised - although for Africa it is organised!  We are still not sure who is arriving, when they are arriving, how they are arriving – its a bit like the second coming – we know its going to happen – just do not know when, but we have to look for the signs.


We went out to the conference centre and had a look around and then there was a rehearsal for the opening ceremony. We found the canteen by the swimming pool and sat there and did some work whilst drinking tea. We got back to the Hotel in the evening and then went to the Java coffee shop for coffee. I was working till 1am on various spreadsheets for the conference. Linda had gone to sleep a long time ago.


On Friday Linda was having a day out -  visiting the elephant sanctuary, shopping and the bead centre whilst I was stuck in the office at Provisional Police HQ. Kibinge was called away for a meeting so I am working in the office alone – had some dinner with Mike in the Police canteen – a varied menu of rice or rice. It rained in the evening and I mean rained - there were floods in the streets, people were building arks - no-one wanted to go out - well apart from us as I needed some shopping. We got wet! We had dinner at the hotel - out last meal - only rice to look forward to now!

We will remember them

As we had to fly to Germany in January we still had the Eurotunnel tickets to use up, so we had planned to go this week to Europe. It is a good time to go with the Euro doing so bad, the rates had improved and of course there is no oil slick to worry about. Although in Southern France they have had severe flooding - but we had bright sunshine.

On  Wednesday we left home at 0430 ish and made our way towards Folkestone. we didn't get very far as the A1245 (old A130)  was blocked, by the local Constabulary due to an incident, of course they don't block it off at the A127 junction or the A130 - they let you get right on the road and then you stop, a good start to the day. we were held up for about 10 minutes, when fortunately the block was lifted.

We then made good speed to Folkestone and the Eurotunnel and managed to get an earlier train, 0720 - which meant we would arrive in Calais at 0900.  Fortunately, we had time for a sandwich and coffee before we boarded the train. I had a snooze for 35 minutes and then we were in France. There a football signs around, although after today's result they will soon be coming down!! 

I put Ypres (leper) in the satnav and then followed the directions, very slowly as there were road works on A26 from Calais and so traffic was reduced to one slow lane. Eventually we were on the open road and arrived in Ypres about 10.30, it was time for coffee. Linda was hungry by now and had an apple tart with her tea. We then had a look round the town, Linda found the chocolate shops and that was it - "Simon have you got any money?" and so I ended buying her some chocolates. 

We wandered around for a couple of hours and then bought some cheese and bread to make a sandwich, although the theory was easier than the actual event. I made a bit of a mess, bread crumbs everywhere - but it tasted nice.

After that we went to visit some of the war graves.  Linda hadn't been before and didn't realise there was so many, over 750,000 solders in World War 1 which is a lot of graves - although we didn't see them all. We went to the Menin Road area and the Tyne Cot cemetery. Linda said 'Its very nice round her, peaceful and there is a town nearby' - very useful when you're dead!  

it was interesting walking around the graves, seeing who the soldiers where and their regiments, although sadly  there was a lot of unknown soldiers. They are still finding bones even today - and when they do they re-bury them in the nearest cemetery. Linda found a coffee shop so we had to stop for a cup of tea.

After this  we found the Hotel, a Best Western just outside of town. We needed a rest after the early start so we did some reading and watched the football.

Since 1928 the Last Post has been played every evening by buglers of the local Last Post association at the war memorial at Ieper (Ypres) in Belgium known as the Menin Gate, commemorating the British Empire dead at the Battle of Ypres during the First World War. The only exception to this was during the four years of the German occupation of Ypres from 20 May 1940 to 6 September 1944, when the ceremony moved to Brookwood Cemetery in England. On the evening that Polish forces liberated Ypres, the ceremony was resumed at the Menin Gate, in spite of the heavy fighting still going on in other parts of the town. You can read other details here 

We went to the ceremony and tonight there was a Scottish piper there, playing the bagpipes which made it more interesting.

We had a meal in town, Linda had four cheeses pizza and I had a pasta dish, which was very nice. then it was back to the hotel to watch some more football and sleep.

Today, we had breakfast and left about 9.30am. It was back to Calais and a visit to Cite Europe shopping centre for Linda. It wasn't very busy and unlike previous visits there were not many UK cars in the car park - must be due to the state of the Euro. we bought some cheese, wine and bread (and more  chocolate for Linda) before catching the 1350 train back to the UK.

It was meant to be a leisurely drive back, no hassle at that time of the day - how wrong. There were signs that the M25 was blocked in the direction of the tunnel, but as we got nearer the signs disappeared and the motorway signs talked about the closure of the A20 overnight. So we  though the traffic must be moving on the M25 but as we found out when we joined it, it wasn't! So we were stuck on the M25 and ended up coming off at the next junction and going all the way into London and through the Blackwall tunnel to join the A13.

Traffic was quite slow on the A13 and so we stopped at Lakeside for a drink and a rest form the driving. I found an Apple sotre and had a look at the new Ipad - and now know what I want for my birthday (Linda please note!!)


You can see some photos here

And finally

We are at the airport, waiting for the plane to  leave.  It has arrived with a reduced crew – will we notice the difference?


We have given away 49 balls, 5 wrist bands, 5 bibles, 23 books (including one for each person who graduated), 24 chalks, 12 dresses, 4 cardigans, 30 exercise  books, 375 pens, 1 ruler, 1 sharpener and 5 back packs, 1 laptop, 1 camera and a few other things.


We have provided financial assistance for a student to start crowing his own crops in a field to finance his fees, another to start his own photography business, the college (with a gift from our church) to build a chicken coop and have chickens and sell the eggs, 16 widows to buy chickens and sell the eggs for a business.


Between us we  have done one weeks lecturing at the college on evangelism, 2 seminars, 3 church services, visited  8 schools, 2 public functions and several meals with pastors as well as meeting about organising the International conference later this year in Nairobi.


So thanks to all who have supported and contributed towards this successful visit.


So much for a quiet holiday!

No such thing as a free lunch

We were invited to the Rop family celebration of their sons marriage and the birthday of their grandson. on Saturday. It was a posh event with a marquee in the garden and it was due to start at 1pm. This was slightly delayed to 5.30pm as the daughter in law’s family had been held up on the way by car problems. The food was nice and then the program was discussed and suddenly I was opening the programme with a sermon (albeit a very short one!). The Rops are good friends of ours so I didn’t mind – although we could not stay for too long as we had another pastor for dinner at our hotel. So we had to leave and rush back for dinner at the hotel.

We had already been to the college and assisted with getting things ready for graduation and helping them practice their marching. I can’t march in time ( but neither can they) but  I can shout – so I am now in charge of getting the parade started. Although when I shout ‘Parade attention’ – most jump three feet high rather then stand correctly.  It actually sounds quite professional as we start and march from the college to the Graduation Ground.

Linda’s shop has been expanding (and was even referred to by the Principal during the Graduation) and they had an additional site to sell books and drinks during the Graduation – so now she has two shops – Marks and Spencers watch out.

Sunday was the Graduation, the music was meant to start at 9am – but the musicians didn’t turn up till 10.30 so slight problem. This year we didn’t wait for them – but started without. We started about 10.15 which was only about 15 mins behind on the program – and they finished at 1.30 which was 30 minutes over schedule which was good for Kenya. Linda was in professional mode with her camera (about 200 pictures)  and was like a Sergeant Major with the students ‘Stand here’ , “smile”, “you next”. She has given Moses (one of the students)  her old camera – so now she has a protégé. She was giving him instructions – and he was following her around. He actually took some good photos of the banquet. She has explained how he needs to do it as a business so he can pay for the films and maybe towards his fees. Fortunately I only have to give a few words during the speeches.

We had to leave the graduation at 1pm to go Nairobi for another meeting in relation to the International Conference I am involved in organising later in the year.  So it was express to Nairobi which still takes 4 hours and we arrived just in time to book in, drop the bags in the room before Kibinge was here to meet us. We went to look at the conference venue and then had a three hour meeting to discuss it. We finally got back at 9.30 – slightly tired. I managed to book in for our flight on line so it seems to be running.

We have a day of leisure so I am sitting at the pool in my shorts (not a pretty sight!) on the computer catching up with emails and correspondence. Linda has gone out to the Giraffe centre and an Elephant sanctuary. She has phoned to say she is having a good time and saw 21 baby elephants – can’t see the difference between seeing 1, 5 and 21 – all look the same, have four legs and a huge trunk. She was allow to pat them – Ah.

Linda is back from her exploits, she has taken over a 100 pictures of elephants – and I was right they all look the same. She stopped for a cup of tea and ended up chatting to a Swedish bloke and his family, telling them the best places to go in town. She just can’t sit on her own and be quiet (like me) she has to engage with the community and talk. I look on the bright side at least it gives my ears a rest – it has been peaceful  sitting here by the pool.

There are a selection of the photos at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/simon.werrett/Graduation2010#

Rain stopped Preaching

We were invited to the Sitotwet Moi Secondary School to take part  in  the service (although they didn’t tell me I was to speak till I got there). As we started to speak the heavens opened and a torrential downpour occurred – no problems apart from the roof was made of corrugated iron and so the noise of the rain on the roof drowned out even my loud voice – so I had to stop until the rains subsided.

Linda has been out for the day with the Rev Rono and visiting the school at Mogonjet to take some pictures for Hand in Hand.  As usual, the moment Rev Rono’s back was turned she was off chatting up some other men. They had parked the car near a tea factory and Rev Rono was speaking to someone she decided to go for a walk and went in the tea factory and started talking to all the men, taking photos and finding out how tea was made. When they left all the men were waving to her – and Rev Rono commented that she had made some friends ( little does he know what she is like!!)

We were in town and some child started asking for some money as he was hungry, although we wouldn’t give him any as ‘Silver and Gold have I none’ but we gave him a Tuskers bag with food and drink instead. He was really pleased with this and started eating the food and sharing it with his friends.

Linda has visited an Orphanage, a Nursery and Mogonjet school today. The children at the Orphanage still ran away from her and were happily playing on the swings until the scary white woman turned up and ran away! At Mogonjet Linda gave out some tennis balls and dresses.

I have been busy at college teaching and completing the course. I asked them to do an evaluation of the course so we could improve it. They put up some good ideas for me to use in the future. They also have problems with my  Estuary English sometimes, it’s different from the Queens they are taught at school – know what I mean mate!

Linda saw a coffin on top of a Matutu and it had a body in it and the lid was open over the head end. It appears it is cheaper to transport the body by public transport than a funeral car – good thing it didn’t rain.

Friday was very busy, we had to be at college early as it was exam day, and this took from just after 8 to 10am. We then had to get the balloons and ribbons down for the Graduation Banquet, before leaving at 11 to go back to the hotel to change to go to Cheopsan for the leaders seminar on the afternoon – it was an hours drive back towards Nakuru. The seminar on Leadership start at 2pm and with questions I finished at 5.30pm. We had about 22 Pastors and the majority were there on time.

It was then back to Kericho to do some shopping, have dinner, mark the exams and produce the overall marks – before going to bed very tired.

You can see some more photos at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/simon.werrett/Kericho2

Fish – but no head please

There was a knock on the Hotel door – It was the Chef and he wanted to discuss the evening meal menu and to make sure he cooked it as Linda wanted. This is certainly better than the Tea Hotel, although after Linda had finished with her requests – fish – with no head, no tail – nicely filleted with rice, but no ugali and not too big a dinner he probably wished he hadn’t asked. I was easy – whatever is on the plate I eat.

I have had fish most evening as it is normally fresh and goes well with chapatti, ugali or rice. Linda has cheese most days, its amazing the Tea Hotel could never find cheese in the supermarket but our chef can. They are very friendly and keen to ensure we are enjoying our stay, although we leave by 8am and not back till 7pm in the evening.

Most days we are up at 6.30am and don’t get back to the hotel to 7pm and then there is preparation and marking to do as well as have dinner – so we don’t get to bed much before midnight – and this is a holiday!

I am teaching Evangelism at the College and it should be just for the 1st and 2nd years – but the third years and some fourth years have also turned up – I can’t help being so popular! Linda has been helping me for a couple of days – and has taken a couple of sessions. She is very good at it and they really liked her inputs and she has provided some practical examples to compliment  the theology input. I have about 20 students.

The weather is wet but warm, it has been raining all day and the students are all walking around in jumpers,hats and coats – even in class. We are warm so we have only t-shirts on and they can’t believe we aren’t cold.

On Sunday we went to Liliat Church and Stanley’s church. The Service starts a 10 – so we arrived in time, but no-one else did! Some turned up about 11 – while others waited till midday or even later. The church has no electricity and so it uses a solar power to play the keyboard. The solar power is attached to a car battery and the keyboard to the battery – so they can have music. There is string down the isle – which I kept knocking my head on – and this is  to make sure the ceiling and posts don’t fall down (although they only told me that afterwards) – Health and Safety would have a field day here.

The women sat on the left and the men on the right – but they didn’t tell Linda that – so she was the only woman sitting on the right with men. The service last a couple of hours, once it had started – with a couple just making it in time for the sermon. Linda said a few words – and then I preached.

After this we went to Stanley’s house for dinner. He has 10 brothers and a few sisters and they have about 20 children between them – and then and the neighbours all came to see us. It is amazing in the 21st century there are people and children who have never seen a white woman – although when the children saw Linda some hid and a few cried ( I can understand that)! They provided a meal and we then had a tour of the estate, as most of the family have their own houses there. The edge of the estate overlooks the valley from where Obama’s family comes from – so we have now met Obama’s neighbours!!

On Monday we had a meeting with a Pastor at our hotel and Linda had to go back to the hotel room to get a map. After 20 minutes she returned and said ‘I’ve forgotten what I had to go for.’ I said “How can you forget, where have you been’ She had got outside the door, seen some block from Nairobi and starting chatting with him, and then wanted one of our business cards to give him – she had totally forgotten about the map.

On Tuesday Linda went back to Stanley’s house to buy some charcoal for the college and the children saw Linda and cried again – although two of the older girls (8-10 years) had a lift in the car with Linda to their school. They had never been in a car before and kept touching Linda to see if she was real.  I have been preaching at the town church  on both Tuesday and Wednesday. The meeting was meant to start at 5pm – but on Tuesday no one turned up to 5.45pm, so today I didn’t turn up till then – and they had a already started.

I also went to visit the Sitotwet village and a prayer meeting at one of the students house. Most people have a picture of the President on the wall – but they had a picture of me on the wall – it was a nice big one, perhaps they were using it as wallpaper.

Linda has been busy today – she has visited 4 schools and a women's meeting at Tulwap Kipsigis AIC Widows. At the first school there was 303 children, at the second there was 852, at the third school 182 and at the final one 332 – so she has spoken to about 1669 children today. She told the first three the story of Zacchaeus and the last one about the Lost sheep.  She also spoke about her job and keeping safe and at one school she had to sing a song to them – no wonder the kids cried!

Finally she spoke at the widows meeting and gave them a donation to start a self help group and are going to start knitting bags and table cloths as well as buying chickens that lay eggs and sell the eggs by the roadside. Linda has said she will be back in October for a report. So I am teaching the theory of evangelism and Linda is out there putting it into practice!

Of course Linda has taken plenty of photos – 133 so far and you can see a selection here.

Linda Shop

Linda Shop is now open and made a small profit last term and Linda has been to visit it herself.

We had an early start, 0800 from Nairobi and this meant breakfast at just after 7am, our last proper meal in civilisation. Kemal was on time and we checked out and then took the Nakuru road stopping for some petrol. Its slightly cheaper here, but not a lot.

We stopped at the Delamere estate shop in Navaisha, because someone wanted to go somewhere – and then afterwards wished they hadn’t – it wasn’t a pleasant experience. The good news was that they had a coffee shop that did Lattes and I could get three here for the price of one in Nairobi.

So we had a drink and then it was off to Nakuru, where we were meeting Joseph.  We arrived just after 1030 and stopped to stretch the legs and have a chat. Linda had a look around the market and wanted a necklace from one of the street sellers. She asked the price – He said 1500 schilling, I laughed, He said for you a very special price. I said no – he asked me my best price and I started at 200 schilling. There was some negotiation = most of it on his part – as I wasn’t moving on my price – although I did eventually offer 300 which he accepted – it was either that or no sale.  He probably thought he was going to have the mzungu over – but not this one!

We then travelled to Sitotwet as I had to pick my bag up, which I had left here last time with all my electrical items and notes in. We were not staying at the Tea Hotel this time, Joseph has found a better guest house that has just opened, and on first impressions it is better. It has hot water and the staff seem glad to have you here. The Chef came out ands spoke to us personally to see what we would like for dinner and breakfast. At the Tea Hotel it is normally what they don’t have but here it was we could choose and they would cook it for us. The room is good – although we are moving tomorrow to another one at the main house – which is a bit of a pain as we couldn’t unpack tonight. The price is cheaper than the Tea Hotel and is half board as opposed to B&B. It is called the Teavale Guest House. They even bought us afternoon tea.

We did go into town and there is a new general store – Tuskers which Linda liked and had a look round. We went to the New Sunshine Hotel (not sure what happened to the old one!) and had lunch with Joseph – I had fish and it kept looking at me. On the road we had seen Geese, Turkeys and Chickens for sale – although Linda looked the other way, but it was certainly fresh meat.

We parked the car at the church and spoke to a couple of members who remembered me. For the rest of the afternoon I did some preparation for tomorrow and Linda had a siesta.

Dinner was at 8pm and it was very nice – but too much, Linda had cheese, chapatti, rice with cheese and  potato, I had the added bonus of fish – who again kept watching me – and I told him, heads will roll! We were given fresh fruit for pudding and then sat in the lounge watching tv for a while.

The it was back to the room to do my blog, I have bought a USB dongle so I can do my email and update the blog from my room, as I am not going to have time on this trip to find a Internet cafe and its much quicker.

Today (Saturday) was the seminar on homiletics for the local pastors. It was due to start at 10am and we were there about half an hour early to set up the projector and other equipment.  However, we didn’t start till 11 because people just turned in their own time. We had about 8 people present, I think the problem was that it had not been circulated properly as we normally have more then that and lunch was also not arranged.

In the afternoon we stayed at the hotel, we are going to stay in the same room and so we spent the afternoon unpacking and sorting out where all the equipment, pens and pencils need to go. It has been very hot today but tonight we have had a thunderstorm and rain.

Staying at The Stanley

One is staying at THE Stanley, a place frequented by Royalty, America Presidents and people from Southend who speak Estuary English. It was built in 1902, the Queen (as Princess Elizabeth) had dinner here in 1952  the day before George VI died. 


I had  said to Linda I wanted to leave for the Travelodge at 1900  but she must work on a different time zone to me as she wasn't ready till 2100. The run to the Travelodge was good - although there were several existing roadworks plus a few more thrown in on the M25. We arrived at the Travelodge and the next problem was where to park, as it was full up - we eventually found a space in the staff car park. 


We arrived at T5 about 0745 via the long stay car park, and the weather was cold and dreary. We had already checked in on-line and so only had to queue at the searching area, boots off, belt off, coat off and the alarm still went off.


We had a wander around the shops and then went to Starbucks for breakfast. We boarded the plan about 0945 and it left at 1005 which was not too bad. The seats were OK and the food was typical BA - Blooming Awful. I can't see what all this fuss is with the cabin crews - they work for about 2 hours at the start giving you some food - then disappear for about 4 to re-appear just before landing and give you a sarnie. They have a sleep in the middle or just chat. In fact if they do go on strike I could do the job and have a kip on the way back. Linda on the other hand would have no-one to chat to, at one stage she said she was going to the toilet, and then disappeared for half an hour. I later found out she had been chatting to a male cabin crew member at the back, over a cup of tea - even found out what hotel he was staying at (although it was not as good as ours!) -  she will talk to anyone  to get an extra cup of tea. The flight actually landed 30 minutes early - so the cabin crew had even less work to do. We are still waiting to see if we are flying back, although the rumours are not so many will go on strike - nothing to do with the strikers loosing their free flight entitlement of course.


We flew through immigration and then collected the luggage and Kamal was waiting for us. he was my driver from last time.  We booked in at the hotel and Linda found out it was free internet - so it was "Simon can I go on my farm" - fortunately we have each got our own computer so I could set her up on her farm.


Breakfast was included and it was a nice buffet one and the Chef cooked eggs for you. About 10am we went out for the day, Kemal was driving and Linda wanted to go to the Bead Factory - but she wasn't quite sure where it was - in Karen somewhere. We ended up stopping and asking for directions. We eventually found it - she had the name wrong! We had a tour of the factory and then Linda took some photos - well several photo's - you can see a selection here.  Unfortunately there was a shop there and Linda spent ages in it, I sat outside under a tree with the driver, waiting and waiting and waiting. The suddenly she appeared, only because she needed me to pay for the items she had chosen. I was waiting to pay and then she had disappeared so I finished paying and went and sat down. Another thing she has in common with Her Majesty is she never carries any money when travelling.


We had a coffee at the Kazuri centre before leaving and going to a shopping centre on the other side of Nairobi in Westlands. We did some shopping, bought some water and other things we needed. It was then back to the Hotel for a rest, however they were still cleaning our room, so we had a wander around the streets of Nairobi and of course time for a last latte. 


We then rested for the afternoon - Linda did hers and Chelsea's farm (yes even the Dog has a farm!!) and I did some work on the computer in preparation. I have spoken to my friends and contact and everything seems to be organised. In fact I seem to have spent most of the day on the phone and email sorting things out.


We stayed at the Hotel in the evening and had a meal in the restaurant - we will have to be up early in the morning as we are leaving for Kericho at 0800.

What did we do before Google??

 
We have landed in Barcelona – sorry Madrid! Its always worrying when the Cabin Crew don’t know where they are.  We had already been delayed two hours and had the pilot taken a wrong turn  and landed in Barcelona. Fortunately the pilot knew the way, even if the crew didn’t – I suppose all those clouds all look the same.  The Pilot could have obtained a map from Google earth. The French were  responsible for the delay – their air traffic controllers were on strike and so this affected flights all around Europe. The Portuguese flight was cancelled so they now have to drive 6 hours to get here


The Italian were also late. Its a 2 hour drive to the conference and no time to eat as we were running late. Juan was there to meet us and then he drove us to the conference in San Michel.


Linda was looking a little green sitting in the back with me, but as we hadn’t had any dinner it wasn’t too much  a problem. The Spanish don’t eat until late and dinner was not till 9pm, but we had brought some biscuits with us just in case. The conference centre is the hills, down some dirt tracks, bit like Africa and is called Pinos Reales. The rooms are en-suite and the meeting room is in the same complex.


However, the the dinning room is up the hill and this is ok, but it raining here and so we get wet every time we go up the hill. We are not having much luck with the weather on our recent trips – it rained in Vienna, Stuttgart and now Madrid!


The Friday evening started with a Opening Ceremony and the local Mayor came and then a reception with local meat and cheese and wine. The Mayor it appears gets a bottle of red for coming. They have wine with dinner here – which is certainly different for a Christian Conference. We were hungry and enjoyed the noodle soup, potato pie and tomatoes. There was a late evening session a film in Spanish but we were too tired and so went to bed and slept well.


On Saturday it was still raining, plus we had some hail just for a bit of variety – but no earthquakes or floods. We had several sessions all day, although they have five meals so its sing, message, eat, sing, message eat – and of course wine with all the main meals. There was plenty of tea and coffee-so Linda was happy.
Of course this is Spain, so there is always siesta in the afternoon, which very handy as it gave me time to prepare my talk.  I was given plenty of notice to prepare – they emailed me on Thursday afternoon – but fortunately  I have a PowerPoint I can change.


Elisa, from America, is working in Grenada and so  she is translating for us – very useful as we don’t speak Spanish at all. She is here working with a missionary organisation.  The presentation went down very well.
On Sunday we had a service and then it was time for the conference to end – and to say goodbye. We had paella for dinner, which is yellow rice, fish. and meat all cooked in a big dish  and is a national dish.  It was very nice and was washed down with a glass of red for a change.


Juan had to tidy up and we left about 4pm. We are staying at his house with Alfredo (the Italian) and it too about 2 hours to get there. He lives in the hills of Los Santos and his house is near the top – but you get beautiful views of the vista – and Madrid. Elisha is not here – so it gets interesting with the conversations, Racquel and Juan speak some English, their children a little and Alfredo a bit more. It gets confusing, as Juan speaks to Alfredo in Spanish (which appears similar to Italian) and Alfredo then translates it into English for us – and then the reply goes back from English to Italian to Spanish. It does get even more confusing when people to speak in their own language but speak English or Italian and then change half way through back to the mother tongue.


And then there is Google for the more complex conversations. We sat there with the computers and used Google translate to help the conversation, it works quite well as I learn quite a bit about the children and their school work and of course discussed football with  Adriano the 10 year old. We got on very well even though we couldn’t speak each others language.


We went out for a drive and visited the old capital of Madrid, had a beer and a local delicacy before return back to la Case(the house). Juan did a BBQ before we sat and enjoyed fellowship for the evening – we really had a laugh – as Google translations were not always quite right in either Spanish or English.


On Monday (today) we have been to the centre of Madrid with Juan and Raquel, the children wanted to come but had to go to school. Elisa was meeting us in the centre,but we had to get there first. We drove to the outskirts and left the car there – and then we got the metro into the Sol (centre). I was arguing with Juan as to which was the best metro – Madrid or London – Linda came down on the side of Madrid – traitor! It was very clean and appeared new.


We met Elisa and then they took us around Madrid, we saw various building, they looked old and very clean. We went to the congress, the Cathedral, Opera House and the Palace. We stopped for tapas and then a squid sandwich with fried octopus, Linda had cheese. There were three Starbucks there- but the Spanish don’t like them as they are too expensive, so we just walked on by,


We finished the tour with a coffee at the cafe that Angelina and Brad Pitt go (although I think they have split up – but I am not very up on the celebrities lifestyles). They get to sit on the balcony that overlooks the scene, but we had to sit inside. We were still laughing over things – and arguing over the language of heaven – I think Juan is going to be disappointed when he gets there and its English! John 14 says ‘in my Fathers house are many mansions’ – it doesn’t say anything about ‘Cesa’! 


We then went to the airport  and were early, but no problem as we were glad to have a rest after all the walking. They have invited us back again soon – which is nice and we aim to take them up on it!"
We got airside – and there it was ‘Starbucks’ – and it would be rude not to look a gift horse in the mouth, and you can take a horse to water but you can’t make it drink – but take Simon to Starbucks and he will drink!


You can see some photos here

Stuttgart - eventually

Friday

We have finally arrived in Stuttgart.  It has not been an easy trip. Initially we were going to drive down and spend a few days enjoying the journey, visiting Ypres and Strasbourg. However, the Freelander developed a problem, the tail gate would open as we were driving along. This is not helpful unless you want your finest possessions (or even the dog) spread across the M25.

On Tuesday it went to the Garage and on Wednesday they said they had fixed it . I filled it up with diesel and then Linda hovered it all out, so it was nice and clean. I then went to put some air in the tyres and the door started opening again. So it was back to the garage – and the car has been there for a couple of days. The plan to drive down had come to an abrupt end. Of course we could take the Micra – but the thought of driving 600 miles plus cramped in the car made it a non starter.

So it was onto the internet to find a last minute deal, and we did with lastminute.com. Unfortunately It meant flying out of Heathrow with BA – so they may have lost £50 million in the last quarter but I have given them a couple of hundred for the next. It was cheaper to book the hotel as a package then to do the hotel and flights separately.

The main problem was it was a 0750 flight – which meant being there at 0550 – which meant leaving home at 0400 – Linda’s face was a picture when I gave her the good news. Roy, next door, is looking after Chelsea – so she will be spoilt rotten, although she did want to come with us in the morning.

We left at 0405 on Friday , which is not bad for Linda and the motorway was reasonably clear, although it takes longer these days with all the road works and reduced speed limits. We parked the car at the long stay car park and then caught the bus to the terminal, arriving at 0554 – just on schedule. As I had checked in on line we went straight to security.  It wasn’t too bad and we were soon through. Linda then decided the first thing she needed to do was go to the toilet, so I had to wait outside with the bags.

We had about 40 minutes before the plane would board, so time to get a paper and read the lasted on the John Terry saga – boring!  It was breakfast time – and Starbucks (of course).  The plane left on time at 0750 and we had a drink and snack on board – all included in the price unlike other airlines. Although if they are loosing so much money – why do they bother with the snack on a 90 minute flight? I had my ipod on and was soon snoozing.

We arrived 90 minutes later in Stuttgart and what is the first thing Linda wants to do? – go to the toilet, I don’t know if she has a card and is ticking off airport toilets she has visited. So I wait outside with the bags yet again. I don’t’ why she didn’t go  on the plane, although she gave me some excuse that as she was sitting in the middle she didn’t want to wake me up to get out – although that doesn’t usually bother her. We get the S-bahn into the centre and our hotel Intercity Hotel is right by the Hauptbahnhoff (main train station for those whose German is rusty). We can’t check in but they will take our bags and because we are staying at this hotel we get a ticket to use on the metro and local buses.

We went for a walk and saw the Schlossplatz, the Rathaus and yes I found it – a Starbucks! However, I resisted temptation and we went into a local coffee shop as the cakes were better. We wandered around the shops and the centre, it was raining so we decided to go to the Mercedes Benz Museum.

We got the train there and it cost 8 euro (each) to get in. There were exhibits spread over 7 floors. The good news is that you do not  need to go – Linda has taken over 70 photo’s so she can’t have missed any exhibits – so if we offer to show them for 2 euro to several people, it will save them 6 euros and we will regain the 8 we spent!!

We were at the museum for a couple of hours, which is good for me, unfortunately they don’t let you take the products away to test so it was back by train. It was now nearly four so we could check in at the hotel – and we had a snooze, its tiring looking at all those cars and walking around.

About 7pm we went out for dinner and found a steakhouse. It was popular as we had to queue and wait for a table. I had a steak and Linda had chicken, it was very nice. After that I found another Starbucks in the station – and it was rude not to partake so I had a latte to take away.

We are going to Oberndorf am Nectar tomorrow on the train. This is for the Federation Christian Police Fellowships Board meeting and I really need to go as I am the Chair.  Its about 1 hour 20  minutes away and the train leaves at 0818 so we need to be up early. We bought the tickets today in preparation.

Saturday

We woke up at 0700 as we had to catch the 0818 train to Oberndorf for the meeting. We left the hotel about 0740 and went to the station shops to buy some food. Linda had a pretzel and I had a cheese sandwich – plus a Latte from Starbucks (of course). The train was a double decker so we sat upstairs and enjoyed the view. There was more snow as we got out into the country. It was slightly colder. The train arrived at 0937  very prompt. It was a pleasant ride and plenty of room in the carriage. Matthias met us at the station and we went to his house. He has a shop in town and lives above it, it was a big flat.  The other board members were there and so we held our meeting. It lasted about 5 hours with a break for lunch.

After this we went to the Scholsswasser (Castle with a Moat) and it was a 20 minute drive. It does the original Black Forest Gateaux and so we were going to enjoy a slice. It was a big piece and I definitely won’t need dinner tonight – it was delicious and full of black cherries.  After this we wandered around the old town and Linda took a few more photos.  We caught the 18.23 train back to Stuttgart.

You can see some photos here