Rob and Katherine’s visits were financed by Durham University to support research for their thesis for next year. Katherine was to interview young people on Post Election violence and changes in society; Rob was to discover how colonisation had affected the people particularly living in the area where we work. He had a wealth of opportunities during the first week; a visit to Mau-Mau caves and hideouts, interviews with male and female Kenyans involved in resisting the British, or having been  wounded or captured; some ex commanders and freedom fighters . Two of the latter are renowned for never having cut their hair until their full freedom. There are some brilliant photos of Rob with their snake length locks wound round his neck and hanging below his waist. Katherine also came away with good material. Both had a 3 hour meeting with our local politician and Chair of the Hospital; this was an amazing résumé of the whole history of Africa from Year Dot!

 We decamped to Nairobi in the second week as our Peacemakers team were signed up to the first of 6 weeks Drugs Counselling Training in Ndiguna Training Centre, Ngong on the outskirts of Nairobi. While we were being trained by NACADAA, John and Susan hosted the young people while they researched in Nairobi. They both got an interview in the “Daily Nation” newspaper office. Unfortunately, Katherine developed a stomach disorder and after tests in Karen Hospital, it was decided she should take an earlier flight home in order to allow her body to be well enough to travel to Australia that following weekend, to represent Great Britain as a tri-athlete in the World Championships. Rob did well tramping around Nairobi ,even clinching a unique session with the Kenyan lawyer involved in the Mau- Mau suit for compensation going through the British Courts at the moment. So it was to just Rob I said another goodbye on the Friday evening. Both of them were a joy to have around.

 I had just returned from Ndiguna armed with a note-book full of notes. The training had been quite good but it was mostly listening and writing down. Our very own Lucy Ndwiga was one of the trainers. We “practised” the “The Therapeutic Community” (T.C.) model of rehabilitation for drug addicts. This meant that every morning we went though a typical meeting that may take place in a T.C. centre. I met some great people; we found that our nearest Rehabilitation centre up the road from Plainsview were keen to network with us; we were known as the CADA- Embu group. We will meet regularly with them and plan how we can develop our own activities; our major priority is to manage the new Drugs Counselling Drop-In Youth Centre at Runyenjes Hospital. Since our return Lucy’s husband, Mark Ndwiga, has found a contact at UNICEF who may respond to our need for finance to develop our projects with HIV, AIDS and Drugs. I have sent an email to UNICEF to ask.

The whole plot plans are now up for approval and we have requested the architect (with whom I have had to practise a great deal of patience) to draw up bills of quantities for the kitchen and guest house. We need to order the materials before the rains come. There are many estimations as to when these may happen. Tonight it rained for 10 minutes but my building has no water at the moment. A few minutes ago dear Esther arrived with a bucketful so I can wash off today’s red dust that has stuck in quite spectacular patterns over my moisturised legs. Shame… I thought I was getting a tan. It’s the same old story; the sun hits directly and relentlessly on to the nape of my neck. These last 2 days I have been so de-hydrated, drinking gallons of tea. Tomorrow I start planting vegetable seeds with Mikey. The long drop toilet will be finished by the weekend I hope to christen it on Saturday! Unfortunately the exit from the ladies’ side is dangerously close to the wall drop and so we will have to build up the corner to avoid accidents!

We could be building in 3 weeks time. By then, Isaac and his brother Abraham may have joined us from Nairobi to build the Guest House. We are researching a possibility that we can hire a German truck from Ndiguna for materials from Nairobi.  We need to pray hard that we choose the right builder for the kitchen as Macharia ( the one who took over the Prayer House ) still has finishing off to do; ceilings in the office, the roof-top glass and querky angles, repairs to windows etc. He has visited a few times and at least this time we can oversee his work on site. Please also continue to pray for a vehicle at just the right time.
We will also need extra tools; drill, sanding machine, circular saw, jet wash, cheap kettle at some time.

In the next 2 weeks I have to renew my visa in Nairobi, visit Rwanda and oversee the arrival and payment of the building materials. Much more important, though, is to plan our Peacemaker activities in the area; a good notice-board on the road would be useful. Signing off for now.
Chrissie Gibbard (Wanjee!)