Peter's epoch ending event and the trip to Lake Naivasha, return via Hell

Had a wonderful overnight trip to Naivasha a couple of weekends back together with three friends. Spent time chatting and appreciating the scenery. I had been to the graduation of Peter (from church) earlier on the day, and in spite of the winter weather the sun worked it's magic over 2 hours and 45 minutes to make my forehead a touch redder than I like. On the plus side, I won 20 shillings in a sweepstake on what time the graduation would finish. And even more on the plus side, I really enjoyed the occasion and am chuffed for Peter.

At Peter's graduation.

The channel out onto Lake Naivasha.

The immense geology of Hells Gate National Park.

Job and his family

Yesterday evening I got a call from one of my former guards call Job. He's become a friend of mine and so every now and then we try and meet together. In fact, in September he has been hoping I would be able to visit his parents' home 'up country'. Today his phone call was to confirm that his wife has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Unlike in the UK, the cancer has not been caught early. His wife will hopefully go in for surgery on Thursday. Job is a Christian and a very matter-of-fact person and so he's very calm in spite of the challenges this brings.

For me, I have the opportunity and ability to contribute towards the medical costs which is something friends and extended family readily do in Kenya. Even so, Job's wife will not have the same access to the best hospital facilities, such as those my medical insurance offers me – Job earns just over $50 and his wife sells fruit and vegetables around where they live.


Certainly Job, his wife and two daughters need prayer at this time.

Food and the want of it

With just over one week until the Köln half-marathon I yesterday went on a short run to keep on the right track towards fitness. I had gone a few metres down the road when coming towards me I saw a mother with a baby on here back and a boy at her side. The boy ran up to me, stuck out his hand and said a few words that didn’t sound Swahili. The woman then said “Do you have money? My baby is hungry”. I said that I didn't because I was running - which was true.

Five million people in Kenya are highly food insecure - simply put, they cannot afford the food. Of these 1.38 million people in rural areas will not be able to meet their minimum food requirements in the coming six months without external support.

While running yesterday, it made my day to run past the little family again later in my run. The child was thrilled to see me, and how could I ever dream of ruling him out from having a hope and a future.

Even if I don’t bump into them again, I hope that I’ll remember to pray for them from one day to the next. I hope I do meet them again though, I have a bag of maize flour looking for a needy home.

Strikes, elections and plane crashes

The last three weeks have had much pace, energy and drama. Firstly there has been the fall-out from the election in Nairobi. Due to the closeness of Christmas this led me to hold back on booking flights to Nairobi, though not for the first time - before this there was the proposed strike by airport workers on my proposed leaving date of Jan 14th. Now I'm heading to Tanzania to avoid Nairobi until later on in February. With the violence there it would not have been wise or enjoyable as a first experience. So now the plans are drawing near the drama is not far behind - a plane emergency landed at Heathrow airport this morning. Will the 767 be cleared of the South runway in the next two days, er, I somewhat doubt it; and so I have the prospect of delays in leaving.

In Tanzania I'll have limited internet access, but I hope to start sharing my experiences of other cultures.

Well, this is my first blog entry. For about a year or so I have been told that my comments on life should be cerealised and this, at last is my opportunity. It's sad to think though, that in the same space of time I've witnessed a steady decline in stupid thinks to write about - shame. So over the coming days and weeks, hopefully I'll find a groove and consistent writing style which I hope will be a blessing to you.

The sort of ambience I would like to convey is perhaps [poorly] summerized in the image above. You see, I'm wearing sandels, lying in a field with a camera - blissful.

Today's also a good day to start a blog, because I got paid to take the afternoon off work due to their being no water supply at the office - thanks goes to the health and safety executive.

Well, before I break ino a waffle I think I should leave this here - there'll be many opportunities in the days ahead to repeat myself endlessly so lets not push it too far today.

All I've got to work out know is how to get this viewed by you the masses. Enjoy!