.....................................The Sting and the Honey..................................

I've never before seen myself as a bee keeper. Now the honey has been harvested, I wonder whether the bees will like their new home! If so, the sense of achievement will be even greater, because I made it out of off-cuts and left-overs from the house we live in. Yes, I was stung, and it took from 9pm until 3am leaving me feeling stiff and achy afterwards, but the fun of doing it was tremendous. Kevin kept out of my way (and that of the bees) apart from taking some photos, because he comes up with bites and stings, so we didn't want to risk an emergency trip to Iringa! I try not to bite him too often, but it's hard. :^)

We are now at our favourite place next to the Indian Ocean, in Bagamoyo. It's called Travellers' Lodge, and in the past I have called it 'Paradise Garden' because that is what it feels like. The palm trees and birds are beautiful, and this is where we can relax with good food and exercise.

On Saturday we'll be meeting some friends at the airport; Hannah, Katy and Jack from Devon. Hannah was my bridesmaid, and they are visiting just after their 'A' level exams. We're going to be a full house at last!

Out of Focus...

We had a visit from our mission recently, which helped us to get our lives a little more into focus. Beforehand we spent time reflecting on what has happened in the past two years since coming to Tanzania, and thinking ahead to the future. I have been surprised to find that it is Kevin who wants to stay on longer here! He is getting into the whole project and finding it fulfilling as well as demanding. As for me, I know there is plenty more to do here, especially getting the BK students through their course, but I am tired, and the physical side of life here is tough. I want to start a new life back in North Wales while I still have the energy.

After our wedding in September 2010 we spent five months preparing to come to Tanzania, volunteering at Redcliffe College and visiting our supporting churches. When we arrived, Kevin studied the language for a few weeks only, and has picked up enough to get by. While he was doing that I was trying to recover from the flight... It felt as if something was damaged inside me, and tests show that I do have 'varicous veins' (varices) around an enlarged spleen. It started more than two years ago with a liver infection of an exotic disease which has still not been diagnosed, even after many investigations! After taking treatment for amoeba I have had a lot less pain, but this all means it may not be advisable to fly again. We are planning an overland and sea return trip to the UK. We don't want to encounter pirates, so will go via the Cape.

Winter in Kilolo

This picture shows the District Heats for shot-put being held on our school playing fields, with a game of netball in the distance; part of the national games programme. It included athletics, football and volleyball as well. It was so cold that day that we stood shivering on the side of the field. Last Monday I looked at our wall thermometer and found it was 10 degrees Centigrade. During the BK class that morning I'm sure I heard someone's teeth chattering!

We have had a few visitors recently, and yesterday we were privileged to be able to welcome Ken and Dianne Phyllis to a farewell visit to the school. They worked in St Michael's from the beginning, setting up the science laboratories and getting some of the buildings up, including the computer laboratory. In the past few years they went even further into mainland Tanzania to help set up a new Diocese in the west of the country. It was great to see them, but sad because this will be their last visit before returning to Australia because of illness. Dianne has a torn ligament in her knee, among other things. We shared a lot of laughter yesterday over a dinner of meat and rice, together with friends.

Life seems to get busier. Our weekends in Iringa have been filled up with a round of visits and parties, so we seem to go back to Kilolo for a rest. Livestock also demands attention; our swarm of bees is growing, and I have constructed a hive to house them in. I'll share a photo when it's in place! We hope to get someone to come and help us move them in to their new home very soon, and (just maybe) we'll get some honey!