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.

Wednesday 12 September 2012

"Would you like a cup of tea?"

Pastor's wives - my new English class
A few weeks ago I had the idea of starting an English course for the wives of some of the senior pastors locally. Their husbands all speak good English, but the women have had no opportunity to learn.  It's a small step towards empowering the local women, and encouraging them in their role in society. We meet twice a week in the evening, and have a great time together. I teach the sort of English they will find useful - that of hospitality to start with. So we do  little plays : "Please come in, How are you?, please sit down, Would you like tea or coffee? How are your children?..... " All this happens while the babies are breast feeding, crying or crawling around the floor, and with lots of laughter and encouragement.
 Left to right : Irene, Joseline, Lydia, Flora, Bibiana, Veronica, Amina.
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