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.

Thursday, 15 March 2012

One week to go

We're down to minimal living, with nearly all our stuff packed ready to go into store. (What do you do with that final box of paper clips - or the the half jar of paprika?).  Taking the pictures off the walls in the vicarage seemed rather final - and I've just spent the evening poly-filling holes.  We're taking 2 suitcases each - a total of 92 kg allowance, and that is having to include the essentials such as pressure cooker, solar panel, printer... etc. We should be fine for weight, as I'm only allowing myself one jar of marmite (and isn't it great that it now comes in plastic jars). Really looking forward to our service next Wedensday evening, and thanks to everyone who says they're coming  - from as far as Newcastle, Cumbria, London.... If you're travelling far do come for a cup of tea at the vicarage beforehand.
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1 comment:

  1. Anonymous21 March 2012 at 15:23

    Just attended your very moving Commissioning Service - what a send off!
    Love and prayers as we try to imagine you arriving in Tanganyika.
    Sue and Phil

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