The Dust Has Turned To Mud
The dust has turned to mud and Jen is causing great amusement as she walks around the farm in her skirt and wellies. It’s the height of fashion, coming your way soon! Nathan has started to join the boys in their agricultural lessons. He’s getting quite into it. The rains have made a great difference- thanks to everyone who prayed. The crops are growing really well and we’re starting to see, or rather eat, the harvest.
Four more boys have been resettled which is fantastic. We’re missing them but they are in the best place for them, with their families. (picture above shows one boy reunited with his family and community).
We’re really enjoying our work out here and slowly developing our role. Other aspects of life out here continue to amuse us. The other day we were at a friends house in town and tried to order some food. On phoning ‘Dominoes pizza (a cheap imitation of the UK chain) our friend asked if he could order a pizza and was very surprised to hear the answer ‘No we don’t have any pizza’. They may need to rethink their business strategy!
Last weekend we went to see a fireworks display only to find out that they were cancelled because they hadn’t managed to get all the paper work through in time. Typical of the organisation here.
However we’ve also discovered that our culture isn’t particularly normal either. This has struck us on several occasions but non more so than when we have to explain to people what a pantomime is ‘Well it’s like a play but men dress up as women and women dress up as men…’ and when we are asked ‘Why do you celebrate bonfire night by burning a man on a fire?’
It’s strange to think that Christmas is coming up so quickly- sure you’re all feeling the same. It just doesn’t feel right here though- it’s still hot, Jen’s not rehearsing Christmas songs every spare minute of the school day and Nathan isn’t in the midst of hectic Christmas preparation at church. However there are some Christmas decorations up in shops the pantomime begins in a few weeks so there are a few home comforts!
We’ve come up with an idea for anyone who wants to support the work here and also needs a helping hand with their Christmas shopping. A bit of background: We are working with street boys in Uganda with the Tigers Club Project. The charity has expanded so that similar projects can benefit the children of Ethopia and Kenya. All of these projects come under the umbrella charity ‘RETRAK’, so expect to see that name crop up. You can be creative with your Christmas presents AND support different aspects of the work by buying a gift for a friend or relative that ultimately benefits street children in East Africa. See details below. This is a small scale idea this year but if we get enough interest we’ll make it bigger and better for Christmas 2007. Huge thanks go to David Gregory (Nathan’s Dad) for agreeing to coordinate this from the U.K.
Four more boys have been resettled which is fantastic. We’re missing them but they are in the best place for them, with their families. (picture above shows one boy reunited with his family and community).
We’re really enjoying our work out here and slowly developing our role. Other aspects of life out here continue to amuse us. The other day we were at a friends house in town and tried to order some food. On phoning ‘Dominoes pizza (a cheap imitation of the UK chain) our friend asked if he could order a pizza and was very surprised to hear the answer ‘No we don’t have any pizza’. They may need to rethink their business strategy!
Last weekend we went to see a fireworks display only to find out that they were cancelled because they hadn’t managed to get all the paper work through in time. Typical of the organisation here.
However we’ve also discovered that our culture isn’t particularly normal either. This has struck us on several occasions but non more so than when we have to explain to people what a pantomime is ‘Well it’s like a play but men dress up as women and women dress up as men…’ and when we are asked ‘Why do you celebrate bonfire night by burning a man on a fire?’
It’s strange to think that Christmas is coming up so quickly- sure you’re all feeling the same. It just doesn’t feel right here though- it’s still hot, Jen’s not rehearsing Christmas songs every spare minute of the school day and Nathan isn’t in the midst of hectic Christmas preparation at church. However there are some Christmas decorations up in shops the pantomime begins in a few weeks so there are a few home comforts!
We’ve come up with an idea for anyone who wants to support the work here and also needs a helping hand with their Christmas shopping. A bit of background: We are working with street boys in Uganda with the Tigers Club Project. The charity has expanded so that similar projects can benefit the children of Ethopia and Kenya. All of these projects come under the umbrella charity ‘RETRAK’, so expect to see that name crop up. You can be creative with your Christmas presents AND support different aspects of the work by buying a gift for a friend or relative that ultimately benefits street children in East Africa. See details below. This is a small scale idea this year but if we get enough interest we’ll make it bigger and better for Christmas 2007. Huge thanks go to David Gregory (Nathan’s Dad) for agreeing to coordinate this from the U.K.
posted by Nathan and Jen @ 10:37 AM
9 comments
9 Comments:
Hey guys! Great to hear your news. Missing you lots and lots! At least you have Dominoes - we have 'Pizza Box'. Wonder if your Dominoes has Texas BBQ for Nath! We're feeling kind of the same about Christmas - it's just not quite right, is it? Loving your gift idea, although a little surprised that you'd rather do that than recieve more Cadbury's, Jen!! Love you lots. Karen.xx
The idea is awesome am stuck at home with a throat infection. What about my football! Missing you both
Thea
O yeah unlucky with the pizza! thea x x x
Hi Jen & Nathan, good to hear your news. This is the first time in my life I have ever used a blog! Must catch up with the times.
Glad to hear you are doing well. The Christmas thing is starnge isn't it. I once spent Christmas in Saudi Arabia where Christmas officially did not exist. We had to be very creative. I can't say any more.
Glad to hear you haave the rain. i will email next week for the details of my trip-I will not ask you to put me up but may ask for lifts to & from the airport.
Look forward to it.
Take care, God bless,
Ann.
Nathan and Jen,
Interested to see your blogspot.
Can you send a straight email, with no attachments, to peterjriley@ntlworld.com to see if that comes through.
Peter and Myra.
I miss you guys... Glad you're enjoying it though... you're amazing and I love you!!!!!!
Jo
x x x
Hi Nathan,
We had a collection at Wycliffe yesterday for the Tigers Club - i've only just realised you're involved! Feeling guilty about my 20p dontation... I'm joking of course...
Anyway, really hope you guys are doing well!!
Tom
Hellooo, Its Mr chimp here wishing you a merry advent!(it's a bit early for christmas) Great to hear things are going well, it sounds amazing out there (disorganised... a bit odd... sounds like paradise!:) I was thinking about your Domino's problem, we can test out the old 'if its not delivered within 20mins get a refund' policy, i'll order you a BBQ chicken, whats the address?
I hope you are enjoying yourselves! Hows life as a farmer Nath? seen any giraffes yet? remember what i taught you.
FURY!
Hi Jen & Nathan,
It is good to be able to read your news so easily. We seek to pray for you every day so it is helpful to have the latest news. Nathan we are imagining you standing at the rear of a cow waiting to do what is necessary. The mind boggles! Occasionally products other than calves come from that end. Stand clear!
Love from us both.
Marjorie & Allan
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