Sunday week 1

Today ended up being a full day, and one which left me feeling much more positive.
Debbie picked me up this morning to go to the English service at Utange Baptist Church.  This is a newish venture and one which they hope will grow.
Two of the Casuarina children were playing in the service: Dennis on drums:

 And Gereza on keyboards:

I spoke during the service about how I hope to be able to help the women, stressing that I started small and my project grew and that I am looking for similar small amounts of help I can offer.  I gave examples of a sewing machine or a hand cart.  Paul spoke and I found this really helpful; he emphasised using the gifts we have been given to build up each other.  Then I stayed for the start of the Swahili service and spoke again, with John translating.  This time I shared a bit more of my own journey.  It seemed to be very well received.  The women were invited to come to the Church on Tuesday if they have a business and would like small help to grow it.  Debbie thinks I will be inundated!  I just hope I can speak to all those who come, individually, before lunch time!

After the services we went back to Casuarina for lunch and to relax.  I really did relax as well.  I went and looked at the garden which I helped (in a very small way) to clear on my previous visit:

It is being well used - this photo does not really due justice - and lots of crops are being grown.  The fruit trees around the edge are doing really well too, and I saw plenty of bananas growing!

I watched some of the children playing a Swedish game which seems to involve throwing sticks to knock down skittles:

 To win the game you have to knock down a "king pin" - but you have to throw backwards, between your legs!

I persuaded some of the girls to pose with "Henry Henlow", our school bear.  I have brought him travelling with me this summer.

I think they were a little bemused, but I am sure our pupils at school will enjoy this!
Juma came over and I was able to give him a larger solar lamp for his family; the one he received last year is really helping, apparently.
After hanging out some washing, a group of us went off to a restaurant, Sea Haven, for an evening meal.  This was set in lovely surroundings, and it was good to eat out with others.

After the meal, I returned to Severin to a room upgrade which Debbie had arranged for me.  My new room is not next door to the late-night noise from the neighbouring hotel (amplified music, just over the wall; really I should have asked to change after the first night ) and has a TV as well as more space.  It was such a help last night to be able to have the TV on as background noise and I went to bed feeling much more settled and less lonely.