Our New Life

Shake Me Up

2012-01-28T14:20:00.000+03:00

Many of mine & Susanna's evenings are spent at home.

To while away the hours, we often watch BBC historical dramas.

Which we then pass on to Clive & Mary, who love them too.

The BBC can't keep up with our combined rate of consumption!

We really enjoyed the BBC's recent adaptation of Bleak House.

It includes a bath-chair-ridden character called Mr. Smallweed.

Who forever barks at his grand-daughter: 'Shake me up, Judy!'

Clive & Mary, Susanna & me, all picked up on this.

And it's now become something of a New Life catchphrase.

Hence, this bar of soap from Susanna in my Christmas stocking.

Look closely!

Guy

An African Advent

2012-01-28T14:01:00.000+03:00

Another magical idea from Susanna for our Kenyan Christmas.

More firelight. But this time from our five Advent candles.

Standing in a wreath, which Susanna made herself.

But not from holly and ivy. They are a little scarce here!

But from some of our local plants. Good, isn't it? Exotic even!

What a wonderful way my wife has of making memories.

Guy

The Fascination Of Fire

2012-01-28T13:38:00.000+03:00

Here are those same two boys, a little later on Christmas Day.

Toasting marshmallows in our newly-acquired clay chiminea.

If you look carefully, you can just about pick out their outlines.

This was one of Susanna's ways of adding a touch of magic.

Quite hard to do when you're celebrating Christmas in summer.

But firelight after dark was a big hit. Especially with our boys.

Who would have happily stayed up all night. Burning things.

And making themselves sick with sweet & sticky marshmallows.

The simple pleasures, eh?

Guy

We And Our Shadows

2012-01-21T11:32:00.000+03:00

Susanna and I weren't the only two around on Christmas Day.

There were those two other chaps.

Who always seem to follow us everywhere these days.

I'm talking about the one pictured above.

With what's known locally as a Mombasa-to-Kampala smile.

And his ever-present sidekick pictured below.

Who looks a little more pensive on this occasion.

Probably wondering which gift to open first?

Guy

What Is She Up To?

2012-01-02T13:12:00.000+03:00

We've just had our quietest Christmas Day ever.
Just the 4 of us. No visiting friends or family from overseas.
Maybe that's why Susanna decided to decorate herself?
With one of the tags from the Christmas presents.
She is definitely God's gift to ME!
Guy

Death's Door

2011-12-31T14:01:00.001+03:00

It's not just people that are dying in the drought-stricken areas.
But their livestock - which is also their livelihood - too.
Esther came across so many rotting carcasses as she travelled.
This was just one of them.

Thank God death is daily left outside the door.
For those children who cross the threshold into our centres.
This girl is one of them.
Guy

Food For Free

2011-12-31T13:45:00.000+03:00

This is one of the photos taken by Esther, our roving reporter.
It is a big 'sufaria' (Kenyan for cooking pot) full of rice & beans.
New Life currently feeds about 2,000 children each weekday.
Nearly all of them in the drought-stricken regions of Kenya.
Often these meals are the only food these children have.
And we provide it at no cost to the children or their families.
Thanks to partners all across Kenya. And around the world.

Here is some of that same rice and beans a few minutes later.
Enough to keep this wee fella going for one more day!
Guy

Roving Reporter

2011-11-28T08:05:00.001+03:00

Recognise this? It's a honeymoon suite.
If you happen to live in Tana River County, Kenya.
This one was snapped by Esther, our newest PR team member.
She's serving New Life as something of a roving reporter.
Collecting stories from our many locations across Kenya.
And specialising in our more far-flung ones.

Here's the young lady herself.
At the entrance to the same suite.
Just minus one groom at the moment!
Any offers?
Guy

Daily Bread

2011-11-19T13:04:00.001+03:00

We have a French artisanal bakery on our doorstep.
It is called Alexandre. And you MUST visit it, when you visit us.
Anyway, I was buying a baguette from there a few weeks ago.
And chatting about New Life Home at the same time.
The manager immediately came up with a wonderful idea.
That we should receive ALL their leftover bread each day.
Since then, we've collected bin liner bags full of bread every day.
It really is some of the finest bread available in this city.
Need proof?

Just look at the smile it's putting on this toddler's face!
Guy

Come Back, Jamie

2011-11-09T15:02:00.001+03:00

It was great to have a team of 10 from City Church Aberdeen.
Between them they visited 7 of our homes/centres in 2 weeks.
Phew!
Jamie (above) had to leave a few days before the others.
But she had all the office staff here begging her to stay.
Everyone wanted more of her one-to-one coaching on MS Office.
She did finally get permission from the staff to leave.
But only on the strict understanding that she must come back.
Soon and very soon.
Guy

Good Job!

2011-11-08T08:30:00.002+03:00

Someone taught our toddlers to stick up their thumbs and say:

GOOD JOB!

It has rapidly caught on among all of us here.

Has one of the staff done something a little bit extra or special?

Then up go their team members' thumbs and their shouts of:

GOOD JOB!

Last Saturday my wee niece Leanne became Roland's wee wife.

So the four of us here stuck up our thumbs and shouted:

GOOD JOB!

And hoped that she & Roland would hear it 5,000 miles away!

Guy

WednesDay Is YaYaDay

2011-11-02T13:00:00.001+03:00

We have a posh shopping centre near here called YaYa Centre.
And every Wednesday afternoon we get out all our pushchairs.
Load them up with all our crawlers and toddlers.
Recruit a small army of volunteers.
And then head off to the centre.
The kids love it.
If I ever forget it's Wednesday, I'm quickly reminded.
By toddlers screaming "YaYa" upon first sight of the buggies!
Guy

Where's Mine?

2011-10-22T12:58:00.000+03:00

I was still in Scotland when my 53rd birthday rolled round.
But that didn't stop my buddies in Nairobi celebrating anyway.
Susanna & the boys were already back in Kenya.
So my darling wife knocked up a cake for all the 'lads'.
And they happily cracked on with celebrating in my absence.
Although someone drastically underestimated the candles!

Here's Edward (his hand anyway) feeding Gerro a super slice.
While Levi looks like he already has a face full.
And our Senior Accountant George stands grinning behind them.
No doubt anticipating his turn.
Needless to say, not one crumb was left by the time I returned!
Guy

Neesee Leaves Home

2011-10-15T12:18:00.002+03:00

Lucas wasn't the only one to start school that day.
A few miles away, Neesee was also packing her bags.
She seems to be explaining to her sister Harry:
'Don't worry, darling, I'll be back later.'

Neesee herself doesn't seem too worried.
What a smile!
Guy

Lucas Lifts Off

2011-09-17T12:01:00.001+03:00

I was lucky enough to be in the UK for Lucas' first day at school.

Here's the young scholar himself in his immaculate new "kit".

Pretending his rucksack's a jet pack & he's going to fly to school.

Now that would have been a dramatic entrance.

Clearly his mother's son!

Unfortunately though, the jets failed to fire.

And our would-be Rocket Man ended up walking instead.

With Kris & I acting as his personal "heavies".

Mum was there too, of course.

Proudly snapping the historic occasion!

Guy

Highland Homecoming

2011-07-21T10:10:00.000+03:00

This time tomorrow, we will be flying home.

A week in England, then 4 weeks in Scotland.

These Highland red deer seem to have got wind of it.

And are scanning the skies for a sign of our vapour trail.

See you soon!

Guy

Glam Gran

2011-07-17T16:31:00.004+03:00

With 2 eyes ...

or with 4 ...

she's still the glammest gran of them all!

Guy

Sassenach In Skirt

2011-07-16T12:19:00.002+03:00

A skirt? A skirt?!

My Kenyan colleagues were incredulous.

When they realised I'd be wearing a "skirt" to Arran's wedding.

But what about the Maasai warriors' "dresses", I pleaded.

Not the same apparently!

Guy

You Are Not Alone

2011-07-14T10:20:00.000+03:00

Susanna & I went away to celebrate her birthday.

We found this devout "dudu" (insect) sharing our bathroom.

We need all the prayer we can get!

Guy

Kids & Camels

2011-07-13T14:45:00.000+03:00

Levi, Gerro & Lucas were playing happily on this sculpture.

When suddenly they were face to face with 2 camels. Literally.

Can you see the 3 of them huddled up together for protection?

They're just behind the biggest camel's tail in top right corner.

The 2 courageous uncles on either side of their nephew.

You'll be relieved to hear all 3 survived the encounter!

Guy

Kung Fu @ Kitengela

2011-07-11T09:24:00.001+03:00

Boys in glass shops.

Almost as scary as bulls in china shops.

Here's Uncle Levi with Nephew Lucas at Kitengela Glass.

Not the best place for Lucas to be impersonating Karate Kid.

Watch where you ... ?!

Guy

Liquid Lunch

2011-07-06T08:37:00.000+03:00

It's a tad warmer here than in Scotland.

So carrying water in the car at all times is critical.

Here's Levi keeping himself hydrated on one recent journey.

I like his style!

Guy (aka Baba Levi)

Eight Years Later

2011-06-28T10:43:00.000+03:00

And 8 years after Lauren's first visit?

Here is that same 3 month old baby.

Now looking like Kenya's answer to Indiana Jones.

Ride 'em, cowboy!

Guy

The Three L's

2011-06-25T09:16:00.000+03:00

Lauren & Lucas stopped off in Kenya for 2 weeks.

On their way back from Arran & Kate's South African wedding.

We saw a lot of the 3 L's - Lauren, Lucas, and a Little'un!

Lauren first came here 8 years ago, to volunteer for 3 months.

That's when she met a certain 3 month old baby.

That baby's name was Gerro.

And the rest (as they say) is history.

Guy

And What About Us?

2011-06-22T09:01:00.000+03:00

And now (after all those babies & young 'uns) ...

for something completely different.

Two wonderful people at the other end of the age spectrum.

Mum & Dad, you don't look over a day over 100.

Keep taking the Complan!

Guy

Hey, What About Me?

2011-06-21T12:42:00.000+03:00

Say "hello" to Harry, Neesee's little sister.

She thinks her big sister has had quite enough attention.

And that maybe it's her turn on centre stage now.

I'm not prepared to argue with her!

Guy

Cook of Cakes

2011-06-18T12:46:00.000+03:00

Here is the Queen of Cakes again.

But this time looking like she can bake them as well as eat them.

Or maybe not?

Looks like she could do with some help.

No problem. Bibi to the rescue.

The Princess of Pastries herself!

Guy

Queen of Cakes

2011-06-11T17:29:00.000+03:00

So what exactly does a girl goalie eat to keep herself match fit?

Chocolate cake & cream, of course!

Neesee looks temporarily confused about what to do next.

But then quickly remembers ...

Anyone else just a tad envious?

Guy

Girl Goalie

2011-06-10T20:18:00.000+03:00

Me too!

Neesee grabs Gerro's gloves & guards the goal.

But looks more like she should be in a boxing ring.

Rather than on a football pitch.

That's my grand-daughter!

Guy

Bench Boys

2011-06-08T09:37:00.000+03:00

But the boys do sit down sometimes.

Here is photographic proof of one such (rare) occasion.

And the bench is not even a subs bench.

No connection to football at all.

Remarkable!

Guy

Ball Boys

2011-06-06T20:17:00.002+03:00

Our boys putting their new boots through their paces.

Gerro's goalkeeping is fast becoming legendary.

So is Levi's pinpoint accuracy in passing.

They really are the Bastable ball boys!

Guy

Boys & Boots

2011-06-05T19:39:00.000+03:00

Levi & Gerro's obsession with football shows no sign of waning.

When they're not outside, playing it for real.

Then they're inside, begging to play it virtually.

We try to encourage more of the former (healthier) option.

As you can see, these boots were a big hit with both boys.

They couldn't wait to get outside and 'road test' them.

Gerro's smile is what Kenyans call a Mombasa to Uganda grin.

Guy

Slug Snake

2011-06-04T10:06:00.000+03:00

For those of you planning to visit us here, don't be put off.

We photographed this fella 1000's of miles south of here.

While taking a leisurely stroll around Barrydale.

The quaint South African village where Arran's in-laws now live.

It just slid out of the roadside drainage ditch to greet us.

The Frogfather assured us it was "only a slug snake".

Whatever that means!

Guy

The Frogfather

2011-06-03T21:38:00.000+03:00

You've already met Queen Jean, Arran's mum in law.

Now it's time to meet Les, Arran's dad in law.

Better known to most of us as ... The Frogfather!

Why? Because he's a leading world authority on frogs.

Yes, really. In fact, he's a full-on frog fanatic.

As his terrific tree frog T-shirt testifies.

We love you, Les!

Guy

Boozy Bovine?

2011-06-01T08:59:00.000+03:00

In South Africa, my boys got to feed some baby calves.

Gerro was given a Carling Black Label beer bottle.

With a strong black teat on the end of it.

And told that it was full of cow's milk.

Whatever the bottle had in it, this calf couldn't get enough of it!

Guy

Queen Jean

2011-05-29T20:54:00.003+03:00

This is Jean. Arran's mother-in-law.

And yes, she really is as nice as she looks in this picture.

Of course, the very best mum-in-law in all the world is mine.

But Arran might just have the second?

Jean certainly got the "thumbs up" from Neesee.

Who is a great judge of character!

Guy

Don't Do It!

2011-05-28T11:47:00.000+03:00

This was in South Africa in December.

Prior to Arran's wedding to Kate.

What was I was planning to do to Arran?

Whatever it was, it doesn't look very nice!

And that statue behind us adds more than a hint of menace.

Guy

Baba's Boys

2011-05-28T11:18:00.000+03:00

Here in Kenya I am known as "Baba Levi".

Mums & dads are called "Mama" or "Baba".

Followed by the name of their oldest child still at home.

Once upon a time I was "Baba Arran".

Nowadays I am "Baba Levi".

Here's a rare photo of all 3 of my boys together.

Check out Levi's face!

Guy

Newton's Knock-Out Nosh

2011-05-26T22:19:00.001+03:00

And to go with the goat?

What else but kachumbari (pronounced "katch-oom-bah-ree").

Salsa. Kenyan style. Chopped tomatoes, onions & coriander.

This was Newton's first time making it. And it was knock out.

He's going to make some lucky lady an excellent husband!

Guy

Lucky Lads

2011-05-25T22:27:00.001+03:00

And these are some of the lucky lads who got to eat roast goat.

If you look carefully, you will see one particular (little) lucky lad.

Who loves meat. Of any kind.

My very own carnivorous kid.

Levi "the Lunch" Mayani.

Guy

Roast Ribs

2011-05-23T21:50:00.002+03:00

About 10 men work here at New Life in Nairobi.
Most days we have lunch together.
Typically beans, maize, cabbage & chapatis.
But the other Saturday, as a treat ...
we all decided to come in for a goat roast!
A goat was duly slaughtered.
And these are some of its ribs.
Sizzling on the barbecue.
Behind the New Life workshop.
Wish you could have been here!
Guy

Farrah's Fool

2011-05-21T15:28:00.000+03:00

Wondered why Farrah asked me to stand at this doorway.
And smile!
Guy

Could You Sing In This?

2011-05-20T21:09:00.002+03:00

If our "lodgers" didn't give you 2nd thoughts about visiting.
Then here's a snapshot of our weather.
Forget drainpipes.
Equatorial downpours need rain chains.
This one is right outside our window.
See you soon?
Guy

New Life's Lodgers

2011-05-18T23:03:00.003+03:00

For those of you contemplating coming to visit us here, let me introduce you to some of New Life's lesser-known lodgers.

We have lots of these ...

Not so many of these ...

And so far, only one of these (that we know of) ...

Hope I haven't put you off?

Guy

Happy 17th Birthday

2011-02-22T20:20:00.000+03:00

Saturday was New Life Home's 17th anniversary.
This is Clive & Mary.
Cutting one of the THREE big cakes.
We had about 500 people turn up to party in our very own front garden.
Acrobats, fire-eaters, clowns, magicians, bouncy castles.
And lots & lots of our "ex-residents".
Accompanied by their new families!
Our boys loved it.
So did we.
Guy

Team Time

2011-02-18T22:43:00.001+03:00

This shot taken at National Leadership Retreat here in Nairobi last week.
Great team.
Great time.
We are very happy - and honoured - to be working with such great people.
The smiles are real!
Guy

Spot The Difference

2011-02-03T21:18:00.001+03:00

Two big birds.
Both with long necks.

Both with big eyes.
Both spotted at an Ostrich Farm in South Africa.
But only one was a permanent resident.

Any idea which?
Guy

He's Been Framed

2011-01-28T22:27:00.000+03:00

Not quite as pretty as a picture.
But trying his best.
Arran with his & Kate's (Kenyan) wedding gift.
From his doting - or is that dotty? - parents.
That's us!
Guy

Here's Harry

2011-01-26T20:07:00.000+03:00

Couldn't post a picture of Anise & fail to post one of her equally sweet sister Harriett, could I now?
So ... here's Harry on her uncle's wedding day.

Don't be fooled ...
she was a lot happier than she looks in this picture!
Guy

Flowers, Anyone?

2011-01-24T20:58:00.000+03:00

Who better to scatter fresh rose petals ahead of the bride, as she wound her way down the red carpet, than our very own darling grand-daughter, Anise?
Pretty as a picture, isn't she?
Guy

And The Bride Wore?

2011-01-21T22:23:00.003+03:00

Snakeskin shoes, of course.

What else at an African wedding?

Guy

Arran the Amorous

2011-01-21T21:53:00.000+03:00

Look away now, Levi!

In the words of Lennon & McCartney:

I want to hold your hand ...

And in the words of Cole Porter:

Kiss me, Kate ...

Let's draw the curtain there!

Guy

Marital Maths

2011-01-19T10:00:00.002+03:00

Take one happy boy ...

Add one happy girl ...

And what have you got? ...

One very happy couple!
Now you know the reason for the recent "radio silence".
We've all been away in South Africa.
Witnessing - and celebrating - Arran & Kate's wedding.
They called it "The Promise & The Party".
Great promises.
Great party!
Guy

Blogs & Babies

2010-12-15T12:49:00.001+03:00

If you are a frequent visitor to this blog & find yourself asking,
"But where are the baby stories?", please let me explain ...
New Life rightly restricts access to information about (and
photos of) the children in its care to the general public, including publicly accessible websites & blogs (like this one).
To a restricted readership (e.g., our e-newsletters to family &
friends), we are free to share stories & photos that we are not
free to post on this blog.
Hope that helps to explain why our blog is more family focussed?
But just for those who like baby photos (who doesn't?), here's
my "baby" holding our baby grand-daughter, Harry!
Guy

Cuisenaire Cat

2010-11-24T21:47:00.000+03:00

If you know Gerro at all, you'll know he's crazy about wild cats.
And craziest of all about cheetahs.
Lean and keen, I think he sees himself in them.
Well, the other day he was very busy with his Cuisenaire rods (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cuisenaire.)
Assumed he was working on some simple arithmetic.
But upon investigation ...
He'd conjured up yet another cat.
A cheetah. Of course.
Flying along at full throttle.
What else?
Guy

Cheetah's Chums

2010-11-17T22:36:00.000+03:00

Just look at my two fearless African sons.
Cuddling up with a big, bad Kenyan cat.
You "wooden" believe it, if you hadn't seen it for yourself.
Guy

The Big Cheese

2010-11-15T20:35:00.000+03:00

Charlie (aka Charlotte), one of Farrah's good friends back in Scotland, asked her what she was missing most about Old Blighty now that she's living out here in Kenya.
Her answer? Cheese.
A few days later, courtesy of man in FedEx van, came a colossal kilo (2.2 lbs in real money) of gourmet Gorgonzola.
Charlie's belated birthday (and early Christmas) gift to Farrah.
Now who's the big cheese?
Guy

Kitengela's Queen

2010-11-13T22:22:00.002+03:00

And finally ...
Kitengela's quirky queen (for the day) outside Kitengela's quirky cottage.
The Brothers Grimm could have designed it.
And Farrah would have happily moved into it.
There and then.
She'd never expected to find a home that would so perfectly express her own personality.
Before this!
Guy

Kitengela's Car

2010-11-13T21:34:00.002+03:00

So if Kitengela's cow is on your right as you approach the place, what's on your left?
Answer: a car.
Nothing so unusual there, you say.
Except the way it's parked, of course!
Guy

Kitengela's Cow

2010-11-10T21:29:00.001+03:00

In case you thought I was exaggerating Kitengela's quirkiness, just look at what you meet on the dirt track heading into it.

A colossal cow.

Made from flattened beer cans.

Fastened to a massive, free-standing metal frame.

Farrah's idea of fun.

With a capital F-U-N.

Guy

Farrah's Friend

2010-11-09T22:09:00.000+03:00

Why were we at Kitengela Glass?
Well, it was all part of Farrah's 19th birthday celebrations.
Could not believe our luck, finding such a quirky place - so close to home - for our extremely quirky daughter's day out.
She loved it.
The place is full of strange things.
The big metal gorilla - holding hands with my dotty daughter - being one of the least odd.
Guy

Lauren's Lookalike

2010-11-06T21:44:00.003+03:00

Talking of Lauren (we were, weren't we?) ...
I visited Kitengela Glass just outside Nairobi a few weeks ago.
Wandering around, I suddenly happened upon this stained glass window - and found myself arrested by it.
If my oldest daughter wasn't the model for this piece, then there is somebody else, spookily similar to her, out there somewhere.
Guy

Any Excuse

2010-11-04T21:35:00.001+03:00

As I write this, Susanna's chatting on the phone.
To our oldest daughter Lauren.
And Lauren's son (my grandson!) Lucas.
Just the excuse I needed to post this photo.
I love it & have been waiting for the slightest excuse to share it with all of you.
Just found it!
Guy

Down To Earth

2010-10-14T09:17:00.006+03:00

And here is Michael again.
But with his feet very firmly on the ground this time.
Just to prove that he doesn't spend all his time in mid-air.
Michael and I are 2 of just 10 men who work here permanently.
Most days we all take our lunch together in the workshop.
And once a week (on Tuesday) we study the Bible together.
We have just finished a study on Marriage & Sexual Morality.
I've learned a lot about African traditions & customs from my fellow team members.
Wonder what we'll study next?
Guy

Groundsman?

2010-10-14T09:02:00.001+03:00

We have a great team of groundsmen here.
This one is Michael.
Well and truly off the ground at this point.
Having climbed a ladder & walked along a ledge to water the plants outside our bedroom window.
Clearly, a very balanced person.
Guy

Muddy Madam

2010-10-13T20:42:00.001+03:00

Farrah and I got caught in a downpour the other evening.
This was the state of Farrah's legs by the time we got home.
There is a dirt track between us and our local shops, which can quickly turn into a mud track.
As you can see.
Guy

Sue's Sojourn

2010-10-12T21:15:00.000+03:00

Our good friend, Sue Begg, just passed through here.
On her way from NE Scotland to her beloved Lamu.
I think this is her 5th trip to the "medieval" island - so far.
Sue's helping out for 3 weeks at the New Life Centre there.
Thanks, Sue!
Guy

Breaking & Baking

2010-10-11T21:24:00.001+03:00

Before leaving Uplands, I was given the honour of being one of five men who officially broke the ground at the site of Abigail's next project ...
a brand new bakery.
All of us were asked to break the ground in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Thanks to a Kiswahili song we sing at church that my boys and I love, I was able to reach into my memory banks and break the ground in the name of ...
"Baba" and "Yesu" and "Roho".
Halle-phew-jah!
Guy

Oh, Happy Day

2010-10-10T22:11:00.003+03:00

One of the biggest smiles on the day belonged to Keziah.
With her mum, she had moved into a new home in another village previously built by Abigail Ministries.
She had come to join in the joy of the newest villagers.
Her smile sums up the day beautifully.
Guy

Shena's Villagers

2010-10-10T21:10:00.003+03:00

At one point in the celebrations, all the villagers sang together.
Here are two of the "new" neighbours, in full voice.
Songs. Prayers. Laughter. Tears. All in one day.
A real "wish you could be here" moment.
Guy

Shena's Village

2010-10-07T20:16:00.000+03:00

Our friends, Roger & Shena, first came to Kenya in 2001 for a "once in a lifetime" retirement holiday.

But God had other ideas.

They lost their hearts to the people here & wanted to find ways to help the poorest.

So began Abigail Ministries - www.abigailministries.org.

They return to Kenya 2 or 3 times a year and we joined them a few days ago in Uplands, as they opened a new village.

Re-housing 12 desperately poor families, previously living in ramshackle homes under a railway track.

This is Shena welcoming the families into their new homes.

Leave you to imagine the celebrations!

Guy

Mama Monkey

2010-09-27T21:02:00.004+03:00

Remember how Levi & Gerro used to dress up in their tiger & cheetah costumes and race along on all fours?
Well, they did it here the other day, going round the grounds, prowling & pouncing.
Until some of the toddlers got scared.
Oops!
But since then the toddlers themselves can be seen scampering around on all fours.
Except they call themselves monkeys.
And they call me "Mama Monkey"! :-)
Farrah

Hello, Hairy

2010-09-26T21:52:00.006+03:00

In the New Life garden is a gazebo.
And in the gazebo is a kids' slide.
And on the slide the other day instead of a kid was ...
a great, big, hairy monster.
Okay.
Maybe not a monster.
Just a very hairy, creepy-crawly caterpillar.
Guy

Coaching Kids

2010-09-24T22:28:00.001+03:00

Of course, it's not just our boys that are football crazy out here.
It's a continent-wide obsession.
And even more so since the World Cup in South Africa.
New Life runs soccer programmes at its rural schools.
Want to get involved in one?
Just drop me a line.
Guy

Pitch Perfect

2010-09-24T22:00:00.005+03:00

Just in case you doubted our boys' obsession with the "beautiful game", here's the cake Susanna made Levi for his 9th birthday.
The "goalies" were particularly tasty!
Fancy a slice?
Guy

Lunch On The Lawn

2010-09-21T21:08:00.000+03:00

And if you're a New Life housekeeper, surrounded by such beautiful gardens, where better to take your lunch than ...
on the lawn?
Bliss!
Guy

Bethel's Backyard

2010-09-21T20:39:00.004+03:00

We have two homes in Nakuru, a short distance apart.
Both are family homes for older children who have not (yet) been adopted, just like The Ark here in Nairobi.
I visited the Nakuru homes for the first time yesterday.
The home for the oldest kids is called Bethel.
It was very quiet when I called, because they were all at school.
So here are some very tranquil views of the beautiful gardens.
As you can see, the groundsmen take real pride in their work.
Guy

Mr Fix-It

2010-09-20T21:59:00.001+03:00

You'll be relieved to hear I'm not the person responsible for the upkeep of New Life's properties.
That job falls to our very own head "fundi" (the Kenyan word for a "Mr Fix-It) ... Edward.
This is Edward at New Life Home, Nakuru earlier today.
First thing this morning, Edward, Clive & I made the two hour drive to Nakuru together.
But Clive & I returned this afternoon, leaving Edward behind for the next few days - a man on a mission.
He's got a new reception area to build, furniture to fix, property to paint, etc., etc.
A real man, as my kids would say, not like their own father!
Guy

Red Devils, Baggies, Wolves & Black Cats

2010-09-19T21:36:00.002+03:00

Each family member here "adopted" a Barclays Premier League football team to support this season.
My glory-hunting sons pounced on Manchester United.
My choice was easy too, given my soft spot for under-dogs & my own family's origins ... it's West Bromwich Albion for me.
Farrah faithfully followed my West Midlands lead and went for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Susanna, whose family originates from Ireland & the English south coast (and who does not seem to be taking this as seriously as the rest of us) settled for ... Sunderland?
Our local cafe, Hong's, had a big plasma screen installed just before the World Cup.
And most weekends you will find four of us (I'll leave you to guess who the missing fifth member is) goggle-eyed in front of the "box", cheering on our respective teams.
Come on, you Baggies!
Guy

Paparazzi Paparazzi-ed

2010-09-18T20:39:00.000+03:00

It's come to my attention that in all of dad's "blogging" - so far - he's completely excluded all photos of himself.
So, to set the record straight & to get him back for constantly invading the privacy of the rest of the family ...
here is a recent shot I took of him in our back garden.
Just look at that crop of silver whiskers sprouting from his chin.
And those "laughter lines" have now surely crossed the line into just plain old wrinkles?
Luckily, he has a daughter that will always look after him.
Cherry's a good girl! ;-)
Farrah

Tea-licious!

2010-09-17T21:52:00.000+03:00

A very special lady celebrated her birthday last Sunday ...
our very own "Matron Mary".
Susanna got out our best bone china, baked some of her legendary scones, bought jam & cream, and worked her magic.
Mary, Clive & CJ were then invited over for cream tea.
Awfully civilised!
Guy

David's Day Out

2010-09-15T09:03:00.001+03:00

Our other main driver here is David.
He got to drive the day The Ark kids went to Naivasha National Park.
And helped to look after them once they all got there.
He was a particularly happy man that day, because he had never visited Hell's Gate before.
Guy

Tutors Galore

2010-09-14T21:18:00.001+03:00

I was very keen to get a holiday tutor for The Ark kids.

And we had barely uttered a prayer for one, before God sent us three.

Teachers Millicent, Armstrong & Patrick all helped with the terrifying tower of holiday homework.

Questions like: “Conduct an interview with people from different ethnic backgrounds and discuss their views on parenting, political persuasion, religious and moral beliefs”.

And that was just one small part of the work for the 9 year olds!

See why I felt an urgent desire to engage some outside help?

Susanna

Ark Antics

2010-09-14T20:46:00.005+03:00

I have been busy with The Ark, the family home for 10 older kids who have not been adopted (yet).

All of August was a school holiday.

I set up some day trips for them & they had a whale of a time.
The kids went to the Animal Orphanage, the Giraffe Centre & Nairobi Arboretum.

But most excitingly, gorge walking at Hell's Gate in Naivasha National Park.

Susanna

Back At Braeside

2010-09-14T19:44:00.011+03:00

Boys now back at Braeside after 8 weeks of school holiday.
They left here very happy on the morning of their first day back.
No, I'm not making this up.
And they came home just as happy - if not more so - later the same day.
Whoever it is out there praying for these boys, please don't stop!
Susanna & I found ourselves imagining that they were still around.
We would head off to check how they were doing, and then remember that they weren't here.
Think Terry Wogan called them "senior moments".
Guy

Joseph's Joke

2010-09-13T21:26:00.006+03:00

Another Nairobi team member who made the trip out to Nyeri was our main driver, Joseph.
So called, he tells me, because he was born on Christmas Day.
Joseph is married with a wife and young son.
But assures me they are called Olivia and Bonladic - not Mary and Jesus!
Guy

Kyeni's Chum

2010-09-12T21:27:00.009+03:00

Farrah came along to Nyeri for the Open Day too.
And promptly found herself appointed the "official" New Life photographer.
This is a shot she snapped of Kyeni (pronounced "Chenny"), our Public Relations Officer, holding Gabriel's son, Laurence.
I love the far away look in Laurence's eyes.
Maybe watching his dad's funky dance moves?
Guy

Gabriel's Grin

2010-09-12T09:41:00.004+03:00

This is Gabriel.
Together with his wife Monica, he leads New Life Home - Nyeri.
The home just marked its 4th anniversary with its first ever "Open Day".
The former mayor, the district councillor, and many others were all present.
But most encouragingly, lots of kids adopted in the last 4 years with their "new" parents.
No wonder Gabriel has a smile that could light up the whole of Africa!
A few of us made the 2-plus hours' drive from Nairobi to join in the fun.
Just wish I could dance as well as my Kenyan friends!
Guy

It's Raining Kids

2010-09-10T23:15:00.011+03:00

A few days ago, on the baby front, the numbers were way down.

But then the heavens opened and ...
we admitted 13 little ones in the space of just 2 days.

They arrived in all shapes & sizes.

Levi & Gerro got to name two of the new "in-comers".

No Star Wars' names this time!

For my part, I managed to spell one of the children's surnames wrong.

And ended up writing down the Kiswahli word for 'jiggers', a horrible flesh-burrowing flea.

As you can imagine, my Kenyan colleagues were quite surprised that he should have such an unusual name!

Susanna

Kitchen Cleaner

2010-09-10T20:44:00.005+03:00

Neighbours.
Everybody needs good neighbours.
And they don't come any better than our very own live-in gecko.
This friendly little fella hangs out in our kitchen.
And helps keep the mosquito count down.
We love him. He can move his family in any time.
Farrah

Let There Be White

2010-09-09T19:24:00.011+03:00

Susanna is still the practical partner in our relationship.

The other day, she positively leapt at the chance to grab a paint brush, jump on a stool & start brightening up the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) here.
The ICU was sufficiently low on numbers at the time to allow the "mini residents" to be temporarily transferred to another unit across the corridor.

How did Susanna know that 5 days later we would admit 13 babies in just 2 days?
And the ICU would once again be back to full capacity?

She must have a hot line to heaven!

Guy

Natty Neckwear

2010-08-13T21:41:00.001+03:00

From the age of 10, I've looked for quirky clothes that matched my own quirky personality.
So I've fallen in love with Africa's vivid colours & pulsating patterns.
This scarf is a recent proud purchase.
Farrah

My Sloppy Sister

2010-08-13T21:16:00.001+03:00

... and this is another one.
Yuck!
Levi

My Silly Sister

2010-08-13T20:52:00.004+03:00

I was in bed and Farrah came in - with mum's camera.
She sat down on my bed & started showing me some pictures that mum had taken.
Then she took a few pictures of me & her together.
This is one of them.
Levi

Jane's Joy

2010-08-13T20:12:00.012+03:00

This is Jane, our Special Care Unit Supervisor, who's served here at New Life since it first opened its doors, 16 years ago.

She's standing between Mirjam (13) & Elia (12), two babies she cared for prior to their adoption, back in those early days.

Mirjam & Elia turned up a few days ago with their Swiss parents, Roland & Christine, to re-visit their first home and to spend some time looking after some of the current "New Lifers".

Jane was delighted to see her "babies" so grown up.

Guy

Guac Splat

2010-08-06T21:44:00.002+03:00

Avacado is very cheap here.
Leading to my current obsession with guacamole.
Guacamole with crisps.
Guacamole with tomato.
Guacamole with toast.
Only problem with toast is, it can crack.
And when it does, it can pop out of your hand.
Causing a "guac splat"! :-)
Farrah

Cyber Susanna

2010-08-04T21:58:00.004+03:00

Where did my technophobic wife go?
I'm now married to a Facebook-networking, headset-sporting, Skype-calling cyber-queen.
Guy

Hopping Mad

2010-07-31T21:16:00.009+03:00

This "big beastie" was quietly sitting on a branch nearby.
Until Gerro gently prodded it with a broom.
Causing said "beastie" to swoop in the general direction of my face.
After much screaming & hysterical hopping from one foot to another (by me, not it), I calmed down enough to take a picture of my attacker.
Farrah

Next To Godliness

2010-07-31T20:47:00.001+03:00

One way New Life keeps its costs down is by making its own soap.
Martha is our head housekeeper.
That's her hand stirring the soap mixture.
After taking this picture, Susanna got stuck in too.
Soap-er!
Guy

Slavic Surprise

2010-07-31T20:32:00.007+03:00

Drifting off to sleep the other night.
Suddenly the door burst open.
There before me, larger than life, my long-lost Bulgarian relative ...
Borislava "Fazka" Bastablova.
Guy