2nd Post

October 11th

Free-time and sunshine

Webuye Falls are quite dramatic. Brown water gushes along the 5 falls to cascade down into a common river. The sun shone very strongly and the heat we experienced is what we had expected from Africa. It’s hotter here because we have come down in altitude we later learn from Ruth Nabie.

We stop en route to try the ATM and check out the local town. A man is selling flip-flops made from recycled rubber tyres. Tatwa, the deputy director of IcFEM, purchases some on behalf of Hannah. They cost one quarter of the price that she would have paid as an “msungu” (white person).

The cool water of the swimming pool comes as a most welcome relief from the heat. Matthew takes us to his hang-out joint in Webuye. It’s a local hotel with a small swimming pool. Our white skin looks strange compared to the deep tans of the locals who are already enjoying the cool water.

We ravenously tuck into chicken and chips after our unexpected exercise. (Unfortunately it was so unexpected that some people hadn’t brought swimming costumes with them. Some found ingenious ways to make do though).

Our evening meetings continue to be a source of real blessing. We’ve been looking through the Psalms. Tonight is Psalm 24. Verse 1 seems to have greater meaning here, so far from our home.

“The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell in it”.

The evening meetings have also been a good opportunity to learn what everyone has been doing as we are all split up during the week doing our various tasks.
Despite feeling overwhelmed at first with her remit, Jo Riley and her side-kick Ivan, have had great fun teaching first-aid and resuscitation skills to various members of IcFEM. The interactive style used has been a new experience for the Kenyan people but the great eagerness to learn has overcome any nerves.
Jo R really wants the folks at home to know that the kingdom of God is coming to Kenya and transforming the place and its people through the work of IcFEM. We’re all finding it a privilege to play a small part in this transformation.

Finally the evening meetings are also a time of great fun. For those of us who didn’t already know it, our spiritual leader, DH, has a very naughty sense of humour!

October 12th

Spiritual blessings and lots of rain

We have discovered the true meaning of the name IcFEM which even now we find a bit of a mouthful. The IcF bit (Interchristian Fellowships) is truly ingenious. IcFEM doesn’t have one denomination. Its members all go to different churches and this is actively encouraged. Approximately one-half attend Roman Catholic churches, one-quarter Quaker and the remainder are a miscellaneous mixture including Anglican. In this way the social action work of IcFEM is more productive.

The 3 vics have been working really hard.

Yes honestly.

AP, Chris and David were all allotted different churches to preach at. You have to preach for at least an hour or you’re not thought to be the genuine article. Having personally been in attendance at APs sermon he did a fine job.

St James and Emmanuel beware!