Reflections
January 20th, 2012 | 
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The common questions asked now that we are home are “How was it? Did you have a good trip?” It’s great that people want to know and the immediate answer is “fantastic;” although having witnessed poverty and the needs of many people fantastic is hardly an adequate response. We have so many stories to tell; some sad, others inspirational. Do we tell of the lady caring for a baby abandoned on the beach soon after birth? Or of a mother of 7 children taking in another 3 orphaned children? Or being given Christmas gifts from someone deeply impoverished? Or comforting someone hearing of the death of their sister? Or of the lunchtime queue for food? Or the obvious impact on two young men caring for a special friend dying in pain? Or watching a young boy starting school after a two hour walk? Or..? Or..?
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Perhaps the starting place is considering a picture in our minds. The coast south of Mombasa is lined with many fantastic sandy beaches with shells to pick up and collect. Some are brightly coloured; others have lost their shine and when you pull them out of the sand are chipped and broken. Many of the people we have met are like the shells; the more you engage in conversation, the more you appreciate their fragility and their beauty and inner strength in the face of adversity. In a sense, the beach sums up the mission of Education for Life working in an area with thousands of lives. Like the thousands of shells on the beach, which would, in the course of time be broken by the power of the ocean beyond the shoreline, Education for Life can only help a finite amount of people. This requires discernment; knowing where to start, caring for the broken as well as the ones that shine and to have the faith to let go at the appropriate time. Having set the picture the answer to “How was it?” “Did you have a good trip?” is “we have so much we need to share with you!”
The great news is that we can all be part of this mission! The more we take part in it through prayer, giving and doing; the wider the impact in the community served by Education for Life.
David Cole (St. Lukes, Nottingham)
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Visitor updates
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A DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS!
It’s Christmas Day and here we are up at 5 a.m. getting the beef together for the Christmas church and community meal. An hour later we are sat outside chopping onions and tomatoes with the cooking team amidst an atmosphere of excitement and expectation. On the wooden fire the beef and pilau rice is being stirred in the sufarias (large cooking pots). Smells delicious and only 6 hours to go!
What a fantastic sight to see the classroom used for the Tumaini church overflowing for the Christmas day service. O.K. apart from “We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year” we didn’t understand much of the songs but the praise and worship of the infant Christ was vibrant and joyful. No Christmas service is complete without a nativity play and we weren’t disappointed as an array of angels, shepherds, sheep, wise men, plus Mary & Joseph came forward. Prior to Christmas Day we had spent the previous 3 mornings with the children explaining the Christmas story and making decorations for homes as well as church. It was good to link these activities with this service using the stars we had made both adults and children wrote on the stars their promises to God and their expressions of what He means to them. These were stuck on the walls as a vivid reminder that the Saviour born 2000 years ago dwells with his people across the world today.
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In this country of contrasts it was still somewhat bizarre to find a large musical Santa Claus outside a supermarket, to hear carols inside, to see a snowman and Christmas tree carved in sand on the beach, and to see Father Christmas (complete with red suit, beard and trainers) handing gifts to children in a restaurant. Away from this Western commerciality for many many children there is no magical delivery of presents. So the fruition of many hours of wrapping small gifts ( around 240) was completed in the space of a few minutes as after church we distributed gifts of small toy cars, pencils, pens, notebooks, jewellery, hand stitched crosses, key rings hair accessories etc. to everyone. And of course Christmas day isn’t complete without a lollipop enjoyed by both young and old.
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So to the meal. Men & women sitting separately and children sitting with siblings and friends enjoying this wonderful mixture of beef, spices, expertly chopped onions and tomatoes, and pilau rice. We are in Kenya after all so of course we eat from the plate with our hands (apart from Emma who resorted to a spoon).
The afternoon is spent chatting, renewing old friendships and making new ones and also praying for someone who broke down in tears on us.
Who needs turkey? Well you can’t refuse the hospitality of an English lady living locally can you? Whilst known to Maureen Clayton, Linda had met us only very briefly as we dropped bottled gas at her house but very generously invited us to share a Christmas meal with her plus other friends. So at 9 p.m. we were sat enjoying Turkey plus the usual trimmings and vegetables. When we went to bed at 1 a.m. there wasn’t much time to reflect on the day as sleep beckoned. Looking back it was a day of both sharing what little we had and more lavishly under different circumstances. Our God is equally and without favour the God of the rich and poor and we will forever remember this special day with its contrasts and fun. In closing we would like to thank family & friends who generously gave so that we could finance the community meal, gifts and so much more. Thank you.
David, Maureen, Emma & Matthew (St. Lukes, Nottingham)
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Happy New Year
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Happy New Year. It’s always exciting to start the new year off with good news;
The well project that we have been working on over the past few months, in partnership with The Gathering from Caronport, Canada and Tumaini Family Church is now completed!
The ultimate hope was pure drinking water; unfortunately, we didn’t quite reach that goal. The water turned out to be slightly brackish. This was a little disappointing at first, but not entirely surprising given the challenge of hitting a thick interface of pure drinking water in this region. The good news is that fresh water for other uses is a close second best. Practically speaking, it will mean free, clean, fresh water for every purpose other than drinking. That includes bathing, washing dishes, cleaning clothes, rinsing produce, scrubbing floors, flushing toilets, etc. We understand that this will save families as much as one day’s salary per week! There is genuine excitement and thanksgiving here.
Thanks to all those who sacrificed to make this possible, we hope you have a blessed year.
Xx Glyn, Jane & Maureen
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From a small seed….
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Looking back helps us to remember and that’s what Jonathan from St. Lukes in Nottingham has helped us to do. His project over the last few months was to capture the essence of Education for Life, Tumaini and Timbwani. Jonathan has managed to photograph special glimpses inside life here and put together an amazing book.
To find out more or buy the book, search Education for Life at www.blurb.com
Well, it’s almost time……..
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Thanks for looking in on us, it’s been quite a week! I’ve managed to get malaria for the second time this year but thanks to Dr. Charles and some very good tablets I’m well on my way to a full recovery.
KCPE and KCSE exams have finished and there is an air of relief around the school as we prepare for parent’s day and closing ceremonies next week.
We continue to try to make an impact and bless the community around the school and last week in partnership with “The Gathering” from Caronport, Canada we started digging a well. So far we have got to 13 ft and are hoping to hit fresh water at about 30 ft. Please pray that as the survey showed we will hit a good supply of fresh water in time for a Christmas Celebration.
Have a great and blessed week. Xx Glyn & Jane
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7 Weeks In!
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We’re approaching the 7th week mark, and both of us are slightly terrified at how much time has flown as well as how much work there is left to be done! Having settled in within the first week or so we’ve been able to establish our own individual roles at Tumaini.
Sam has finished wiring the original 6 homes and has been able to entrust the remaining few homes to the more than capable electricians George and Omar. He’s been able to take on a more managerial role, overseeing the project as a whole, and planning new projects that will commence in the New Year. Sam’s latest task has been establishing a new database and filing system for the office; things have become a lot more efficient for Brenda and Nelly now! As if that wasn’t enough our apartment has become a Sam’ll fix it workshop, with members of staff bringing in all their faulty household items, from electric fans, clocks, alarms & radios to bicycles; there’s barely a space on the floor that isn’t taken up by odd parts or screws left there for me to step on!
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My role has been completely different to Sam’s, for the first month I went from class to class, familiarising myself with the children and staff. The camera was barely put down for the first few weeks as I was trying to capture every element of life here at Tumaini. Working along side Nelly we’ve been able to photograph every child in primary and high school, with only nursery to go. It’s been a mammoth task editing every photo and ensuring they’re already to be uploaded into the newly made database. It turns out some teenagers are as reluctant to smile here as they are back home! With most of the photos taken I’ve been able to turn my attentions to the photo book, compiling an insight into life at Tumaini, which will hopefully in the long run help as a fundraiser for the school. With help from home my latest task has been developing a new image for Education for Life, including work on the logo and promotional material.
We’ve benefited so much from this experience so far, and know that there’s more for us to learn as well as so much more for us to do! As a church there’s still a lot more work for us to become involved in, with plenty of new projects on the horizon, it’s an exciting time for Education for Life and for us too.
Thank you for your continued prayer and encouragement, it means a lot to know we’re supported so much.
God Bless,
Jonathan and Sam (St. Lukes, Nottingham)
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Loving Africa!
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What an experience our first week has been at Tumaini. We’ve seen this vision from it’s outset as members of our church back in the UK, yet never experienced the reality. Having seen progress from photos and videos to feel the heat, and actually be on location brings everything to life. Glyn and Jane broke us in gently to the culture, sharing hospitality at their home before moving to the lovely apartment at the school.
It’s just awesome and very life changing. From our first steps into the school and home we experienced hospitality and warmth from both the children and staff alike that far exceeds that from any other. Against a backdrop of adversity, poverty and deprivation, our hearts are hugely humbled by the abundance of love, joy and trust given by the children in particular. It really puts into perspective the true concerns of life!
We are keeping busy assisting where possible. There are so many opportunities to get involved at Tumaini. Our intention was to bring what skills we have from home to impart where needed into the running of the school. Our combined experience of Financial Services and Human Resources, although contrasting and different to UK practices, can at least be applied and adapted to benefit the staff and children.
Along side this, working with the nursery school children is a fantastic experience, singing nursery rhymes and songs like ‘row, row, row your boat’ and ‘heads, shoulders, knees and toes’, they love the actions and sang the songs perfectly in tune. In fact they remember these songs so well that they come up to us days later and sing them to us – truly wonderful and melts our hearts a thousand times over.
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Richard attempted to cut the Football pitch with a slasher and regrets not bringing a petrol strimmer to do the job (something that needs to be added to the wish list!) and has now conceded that the local professionals do a much better job!
We are enjoying working in the Kitchen with pans big enough to bath in! Preparing food with the team of dedicated cooks and experiencing this vital provision for all the students and wider community children.
It was Nelly’s birthday on Tuesday, and although she thought she could outwit us, she got a real soaking, first from Richard, then John who trapped her on the apartment balcony with a large bucket of water. She got soaked British style but enjoyed every minute!
This school and everything associated with it is evidence of faith in action and God’s faithful provision. It’s so encouraging to see the amazing work of the school and the way in which Jane and Glyn are blessed in their dedicated service to God. Their accomplishment through God is a true inspiration to all.
God Bless everyone at the school and home,
Richard and Clare Tucker (Christchurch, Doncaster)
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I’ve lost my Bottle!!
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Last Saturday we were able to enjoy the delights of Diani beach, a lovely lunch and a swim in the sea. It was just as well we chose that day to have as our day off because on Sunday it started raining. Kenyan rain does not know when to stop; the only thing we didn’t bring was rain coats! Linda was able to make some out of plastic bin liners and they have served us well all week.
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Sunday school church was a lot of fun, Kenyans know how to sing and dance! Chrissie is in her element! It is wonderful to see so many brothers and sisters in Christ praising God.
Monday arrived and we wondered if we would ever be able to complete all the tasks we needed to. Mel still goes into the cupboard regularly and manages to re-appear! She has sorted out so many clothes and now has gone into villages, identified needs and has returned with some of the team, giving out clothing to families.
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Lesley is actually a walking chemist shop! Any ailments are soon dealt with and the villagers are now benefiting from her experience. Shelley has continued teaching various primary classes and was even asked to teach a double maths lesson on capacity at 15 seconds notice (she is still struggling with Swahili though). Chrissie has been busy with the special needs children; she has made loads of resources and has been kept very busy. She does however make sure that we gather round our table at regular intervals. Linda has been working on a special project making re-usable sanitary towels for the local village women, (who says God doesn’t have a sense of humour). She has become great friends with the guys in the tailoring room and has had long discussions regarding English football. At the time of writing this we are preparing to go on a 2 day safari with the wonderful Austin. We are looking forward to seeing all of our family and friends in TW very soon. Until then,
God Bless from the Mombasa women, Mel, Chrissie, Shelley Lesley and Linda.
p.s We found the coffee but our problem now is that we keep losing our water bottles; hence the phrase ‘I’ve lost my bottle’ can be heard regularly.
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It’s in the other bag!
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After a somewhat ‘chequered check-in’, too much luggage, copious prayers being said, (in both the airport and back in Southborough) and a long flight, we are finally here at Tumaini Timbwani School, Mombasa. It was so good to be met by Glyn and Jane (how the luggage managed to fit in the mini-bus – A MIRACLE). It did not take us long to settle in, it was finding our own belongings due to the amount that was swapped around at Gatwick airport that was the problem. Our first evening was spent getting acquainted with the lovely Charles and Mary and the children at the orphanage who made us so welcome.
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The first morning we were awoken at 5am by a cockerel with laryngitis. We then went our separate ways to help with various aspects of school life. And since then it has been busy busy busy. Five Different women bringing different types of experience and gifts to a tiny corner of Africa. Lesley has been able to use her medical knowledge to help different people here, Mel’s organisational capabilities know no bounds (we wondered if she and Lesley were ever going to re-appear from the store cupboard) Shelley has thrown herself into teaching primary classes, even managing to assist in a science lesson taught in Swahili! Chrissie is helping to support four children with special needs though she requires eyes in the back of her head as the children are fascinated by the backpack that she carries with her. Linda has been helping with the nursery in the mornings and sewing in the afternoons (in fact anyone who can sew back in England, boy She has a project for you!)
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Wednesday evening back in the orphanage playing the most riotous game of snap known (seriously worried about the competitiveness among a couple in our group). We’ve been able to go to the local village and read a bible study with the women, how precious was that! Our first few days have been tiring, but blessed.
Sending our love and prayers to you all,
Mel, Lesley, Shelley, Chrissie and Linda, Southborough Ladies Team Ministry.
p.s must try and locate Shelley’s coffee; it must be in the other bag!
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Coastal Clean Up Day
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All year long, organizations and individuals across the globe take part in Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Clean up to remove trash and debris from the world’s beaches and waterways, identify the sources of that debris, and change the behaviour that enables it to reach the ocean in the first place.
Each September, hundreds of thousands of volunteers from countries all over the world spend a day picking up everything from cigarette butts and food wrappers, to lost fishing nets and major appliances. Because trash travels to the ocean by way of storm drains and waterways, they don’t just work along ocean beaches; these dedicated folks slog through mud and sand along lakes, streams, and rivers, too, often working far inland.
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With several of the other local schools Tumaini set out with a group of students from both primary and high school and went into the centre of Likoni to help tidy the streets for the residents. Large piles of dust and litter go uncollected in the streets of Likoni, but as part of the school’s outreach into the local community they volunteered to help make Likoni a better place to live and work.
“Remember take it home – don’t throw it!”
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