Helen and Alastair - some background

Helen and Alastair - some background : We have always hoped to return to Africa once more before we're too old (perhaps we already are!). Alastair first went to Africa in 1974 as a junior doctor, working for the Church of Scotland in a small hospital in Transkei, South Africa. I met Alastair there in 1982, were married in 1984 and continued in Transkei until 1988. From there we went to Kenya, as employees of the Church of Scotland, where Alastair ran Chogoria Hospital. We left in 1995, with Alec, Peter and Becky to establish the children's schooling and our work in Britain. Here Alastair found himself as consultant in Breast cancer surgery, and Helen initially trained and worked as a GP before "evolving" to full time ordained ministry. Alec is now married to Ruth, and they have baby Zach; Pete is in his final year of medicine in Edinburgh, and Becky half way through nurse training in Oxford.

The Diocese of Western Tanganyika is a partner of Gloucester diocese. The plan is for Helen to join the teaching staff of the Bible College, teaching those preparing for ministry. Alastair will teach English to the students at the college, as well as doing some surgery at the church-run hospitals, and helping with project management in the Diocese.
We will keep you updated on our plans over the next few months and will greatly value your prayer support. Our current prayer requests - and thanks to God of course - will be posted on the side bar.

Monday 7 May 2012

Bible College

Bible College entrance
The computer room at the Bible College.

A couple of photos to give you an idea of the college where I teach - and Alastair teaches English. It was founded in the 1950's. Nice though rather tatty buildings. There are various class rooms around a sort of courtyard. I have my own office (sort of) just inside the archway. The computer room is always something of a surprise! It was a gift from USA donors some years ago and functions as the only internet cafe in town, so is well used all the time. The students use it for accessing info etc, it gives the staff internet and email connections which is great. They also run lots of classes to teach computer skills to local people. So when I'm updating the blog and emailing I'm usually sitting here. The college is just behind the Cathdral, close to the main market and about 15 minutes walk from home.
This week is the big conference for all the clergy of the Diocese - 120 ish (all men). I've been coping quite well trying to understand the Swahili - but am having a break this afternoon as the session on bee-keeping was rather beyond me!!
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