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 16 January 2013

African explorer!

"This way I think, Dr Livingstone!"
Alec, Ruth and Zach arrived easily and safely on Tuesday. They left home in Hatfield in the snow - and 2 buses and 3 planes later arrived in Kigoma. A 24 hour journey door to door, which is almost a record. Zach is a delight, and is busy exploring Africa. Chickens, lizards, very large flowers, and Granny's vegetable rack are particularly fascinating.
Being grandparents, and spending time with Alec and Ruth, is our focus for the next 10 days. It is wonderful they have made the effort to come  - as it's not the standard holiday with a toddler!
It's Ruth first time in Africa, but today she put on her midwife uniform and joined the staff at Shunga hospital for the day.
Alastair's operation with the equipment featured in the last blog, went very well.

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