Father's Day

It is so nice to be home in Nova Scotia. We are enjoying special family times and meals and events. Today we celebrated Father's Day. The boys gave Tim a new BBQ lift to match the new BBQ that will be waiting for us in Nairobi. My Dad received a shirt from Kenya -- he put it on right away!

And a game of crib to end the day!

Last Chai

As we prepare to jump on a plane tomorrow morning, we are taking care of a few last minute details today.Max and Simon had a last morning Chai with Timothy and Cathy. They talked about airplanes and friends back home.

We also all took "de-worming" medication. This was a new adventure for us but is recommended before we travel internationally. We are now rid of round worms, pin-worms, hook-worms, whip-worms, strongyloidiasis, taeniasis, hymenolepiasis, chlonorchiasis, opisthorchiasis, and giardiasis. Aren't you glad we are not going to bring those home with us?!

Max had a last dip in the pool and Simon had one last knee injury....





And now we have one last sleep before we begin a much needed holiday. The moon is full tonight and the boys thought it was extra beautiful (or maybe that was an excuse to stay up a bit later).

Visitors

As our year in Nairobi comes to an end, we are reflecting on our time so far...... Our 3 bedroom home is perfectly suited for guests and during this first year in Nairobi we have been blessed to have several visitors stay with us. It is so much fun to introduce them to a new country and a new culture and for us to hear stories from “home”. They have also brought us a few special treats from home – like real marshmallows!!Ashton Pettigrew from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia was here very briefly as part of her travels with the Kenya Volunteer Development Agency.Steve and Karen Horton from Salmon Arm, British Columbia stayed with us for a week on a visit to see their first grandchild, Amaya, who lives across the street from us on campus. Their son, Chris, and his wife, Sherene, teach in the High School. The Hortons are real games people so the boys enjoyed some intense games of Skip-Bo.
Nick Horton from London, England also came to visit his brand new niece. Amaya. He has a culinary gift and shared this with us! We are planning to spend some time with Nick when we visit London next week.
Doug Thacker from New Mexico spent a week with us in December while visiting his friend Jessie Gac (a teacher in the Middle School). He and the boys really hit it off!Craig Danielson from Saint Catherine’s, Ontario was the speaker for Spiritual Emphasis Week in September 2008 and stayed a week with us.

What a year of blessings!

Promotion

Just 3 more days of school!!

As the school year draws to a close here in Nairobi, Rosslyn Academy celebrates with many ceremonies and services to honour students' sports and academic accomplishments. We have attended Year End Banquets, Graduation Teas, Promotion ceremonies, and church services.




Today was Max's Grade 5 Promotion: moving to the Middle School for Grade 6 next year. It was a beautiful ceremony. Tim was the guest speaker and Max had the privilege of introducing him!
Max's class also sang a song called "Together in Harmony".

You are not alone
and I'm not on my own.
Together we're united by the love God has shown.
And I'll be there for you
Like you'll be there for me.
We're strong and undivided, finding courage in unity,
Together in harmony.

Max's best friend Isaac made a speech reflecting on the year.
This is Max and his teacher, Mr. Kranik.

And what would a Promotion be without food?!! Tomorrow we will attend the Grade 8 Promotion (moving to the High School for Grade 9) and on Thursday we will attend the Grade 12 Graduation. An exciting week for everyone!