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.

Tuesday, 3 April 2012

Hiya!!  Things getting better in many ways though life is tiring as it's all new to us. We're coming on with our Swahili, and can at least get round the market and buy avocados and other essentials. Had a bit of a break through with the house yesterday - a long hot shopping trip to Kigoma (compelte with usual African events of flat battery and puncture) - but bought a fridge - which looks ridiculously out of place in our "kitchen", and 2 electric rings. Have been working on the "bathroom" - and by yesterday had more water in the bath than on the floor which felt like an acheivement. On a deeper note I've been realising how life is a huge struggle for everyone here, and no one can give 100% to their work. It's important that we share in that
 daily sturggle too.
Am looking forward to starting teaching in 2 weeks. The wives of the students will come for 6 weeks to learn wifely things (such as how to cook when the Bishop visits!) - and one of my roles will be to have some sessions with them and perhaps do Bible study.
Time to go on daily market exploration - need a blanket (cold last night) and some more lovely fabric for curtains for the bedroom.

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