NOVEMBER 2021

A week or so ago Kenya announced an unplanned short half term break with schools being closed on Friday and Monday. When the pandemic first began Kenya closed its schools from March for the rest of the academic year. Since schools reopened in January, the term dates have been adjusted to try and cram in the time that has been lost. This last term was particularly long which resulted in some pupils across the nation starting fires in their schools in protest. The situation became so serious that the Ministry of Education responded and introduced the short break. Although we have not started any fires, we can definitely relate.

With lots of balls in the air, the last month here has continued to be challenging and really stressful. We have tried our best not to drop any but perhaps have not been as successful as we would have liked. We are emotionally drained, mentally exhausted and to be honest, spiritually empty. The last few weeks have been some of the hardest since we've been here and we are ready for our break to the UK. We can't wait to spend time with our families and the boys are really excited to see their cousins. We are looking forward to seeing friends and those who have partnered with us to educate, equip and empower orphans and vulnerable children over the past year. When writing to the church in Thessalonica Paul said "...we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well." (1 Thess 2:8) and that is what we want to do, so we are really looking forward to catching up with you. More than ever we are aware that we cannot do this work alone and are so appreciative of those of you that pray for us and stand with us financially. Thank you. Of course we know that ultimately true rest is found in Jesus but good food and good people alongside some home comforts will definitely help!

The boys have successfully finished their first term. We recently received their report cards and they have both done really well. We continue to be so impressed with how they take everything in their stride. Rachel had a scan last week, at 17 weeks, so will have a follow up one while we are in the UK in order to check everything is as it should be. This month also saw our first visitors from the UK. It was so much fun and such a boost to have some friends come and stay with us, see where we live, where we work and some of the challenges we face. They were able to join in with some of the community outreach work, go on safari and visit the coast. We would love to have more people come and visit, so if you're reading this then that is your invitation!