A Message from Fi for Christmas

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A MESSAGE FROM FI FOR CHRISTMAS.

On behalf of all the Mamas and children, Aunties and Uncles, I want to thank our friends for your support.

For those who have regularly given support through WHTT (Welcome Home Trust Tanzania) God bless you. The children pray for you daily and we pray a special blessing for you over this Christmas.

For those who may be reading this from Germany or Czech, we thank you too for your support through Missio, and Pro- Contact . Your help normally supports our children in School – we bless you and prayer for you daily too.

For those who have had the chance to come and visit us, God bless you, and your families. You know we pray for you.

For those who have given one off gifts for special eventsimage

Thank you.

May the Lord give you all a hundred fold blessings for your generosity to our Children.

 We pray for you all that no matter what circumstances you find yourselves in, that you remember your Heavenly Father is always with you. He carries you and all your burdens. Lean hard on Him.

Love from Fiona.

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What a difference a year makes!

Hilary, Clare and Gloria visit November 2023

We returned once again, so excited to see everyone. I always feel like I am visiting my second home.
As always, we were showered with love and affection by the children and the Mamas. Its always exciting to see how much the children have grown, and to meet any new additions. This year, the only new child was baby Victor. He was absolutely adorable.

 Last year when we visited in November, we had a problem with water. They didn't have any! The whole country had suffered a drought and they were having to buy water in. Gloria and I had to fill up buckets to take down to Royston house and then pour a few small buckets over ourselves to have a shower. We stood in a large bowl whilst doing this, so we could use the waste water to flush the toilet.

The rains caused a lengthy trip to mass. We left at 8:45 and got back at 13:30. The priest had been delayed, and we got stuck in the mud at the church. No one complained, everyone is just grateful to have mass provided.r your text here ...

Hilary and Gloria
Clare and the children

 The advantage of the rains was that I felt we got to spend much more one to one inside time with the children, playing games. We took out a card game called fit snap. Just like snap, but the cards had actions on that the losers had to perform for 10 seconds. After losing frequently due to a little bit of cheating (Tumaini !), I realised that I wasn't missing the gym as I seemed to be doing a lot of squats.

 The rains caused a lengthy trip to mass. We left at 8:45 and got back at 13:30. The priest had been delayed, and we got stuck in the mud at the church. No one complained, everyone is just grateful to have mass provided.

The local road
Outside Church

We were hoping to treat the children to a swimming trip whilst out there, but again, the weather was not on our side. We managed to take the Mamas out for a swim at the hotel on a rare day of sunshine. 

 One of our trips out was to Dar es Salaam to get material for the Duka ( shop). Ludmila and her team got working as soon as we were back, making things for us to bring back home. This year it was shopping bags, aprons, wash bags and purses. Ludmila has taught a few ladies in the village how to sew and now they are skilled and able to work in the Duka. This is an important way for the orphanage to support the local village.

 Once again, this year we were privileged to be able to attend the graduation at Welcome home school. This had been postponed by a week due to the rain. There was a lot of preparation the day before, including cooking. We had the task of peeling garlic. I have never seen such small cloves before. I think we spent 3 hours doing it, with Neema helping out all that time.

Neema , oh my goodness. I remember in 2015 when she still couldn't walk , despite being 2 1/2 yrs old. Now she is such a lovely girl and so helpful and running around with all the others.

2015
2023

 Sadly we didn't see the older children who were away at boarding school. Advent, Queenie, Daphrosa, Gertrude and Onesmo were all away and by all accounts, doing very well. It's amazing how the next oldest very quickly step up taking responsibility for jobs around the orphanage and looking after the younger children. We all feel like proud Mamas ourselves, seeing what beautiful children they have become. Can't wait to visit again next year.

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WELCOME HOME MAMA PIPI

 Greetings to everyone who may be looking to see if we have recently blogged. 
I have just returned after having a very blessed time travelling around England visiting friends and family.
It is always so hard to tear myself away from here, as there isn't one moment I am apart from the children.
Once I arrive in England, travelling about, especially after 3 weeks with my dad, then I find it equally difficult to pull myself away from those I love in England. A strange phenomenon! Some people ask me how I manage the two different worlds. I think the answer is, in always having Jesus at the centre, as He is our home where ever we are.

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Learning to put out a FIRE

This week, we had the fire department come and teach the children, uncles and aunties what they need to do if we have a fire.
It was great fun for them as many got a go to use the fire- extinguisher. We pray we won't have need to use them!!

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VISITORS FROM AMERICA

On one of my recent visits to the bank, a lady asked if she could take a picture of my dress, she said she wanted to make one the same.

They were on a mission trip to help a school in Mbeya (Ester's home town) and another Orphanage in a nearby town. We had the blessing of a visit from them a few days later. I love the way, by chance you talk to someone and then you end up making friendships that I believe will last forever We look forward to seeing them, at least some of them in a few years time.

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KEEP BOKO VILLAGE TIDY

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LUDMILA IN CZECH

 Many of you will know that Ludmila had a visit to Czech in the May and early June.
We particularly want to thank all her friends for looking after her so well. Yes as usual she felt cold!! She returned after quite a busy time visiting churches and schools talking on behalf of  Karibu Nyumbani.

 On her return with donations from her friends we were able to continue with the building of our school.
God bless you all, you will be hearing from us soon.
Please see https://www.educateall.co.uk/whs-tanzania

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My Little MOSES



At the end of February, 40 day old Moses came to us via the Social Services. His story is a little different from some of our children as his mother was unfortunately burnt and beaten by her husband. She was hospitalized and Moses needed a safe place. He was the youngest of 5 children and all the children were looked after in other homes.

Our children received him as their little brother, but we told them that he was going to return to his mother. After 3 months with him obviously he had a big place in all of our hearts. When his mother was able to come, it was such a joy for me to see him responding to the language and voice of his mother. He departed from us not without many tears from our children. My heart however was full of joy. And he will be always in my heart.

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10 YEARS ANNIVERSARY MARCH 3rd 2023

We would have loved to have invited you all to this wonderful occasion, but as it was we made it a family affair. Perhaps when we reach our 15th, birthday we will invite all our friends all over the world.

Our new Parish Priest Fr. Nicolas, came and concelebrated Mass. All our Aunties, Uncles, teachers (from our Welcome Home School LINK) School Workers, and seamstresses joined us in all the preparations making a very joyful and big celebration.

It just so happens that our Neema was born on the same day that our home was born.

So she is here with her 10th birthday cake.

  

MAMAS AT THE END OF THE 10TH ANNIVERSAY DAY.

  Celebrating together with a glass of wine- God bless you all.

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MANY GUESTS

There are times when Ester will get a phone call from someone to ask if they can come. We are sometimes taken aback, that some occasions, when we hear a toot at the gate there follows about 5 car loads of people, or a bus full of children. God bless the trainee Doctors, and Gethsemane Mothers, and school children for coming to bless us with your love and gifts.

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A BUSY SEWING ROOM

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GROWING UP AND GOING OUT

These days our children are enjoying stay-over's.

Emmanuel–John, Emmanuel-Petro and Florian had a few days away with Teacher Asa. Last week Mama Mdogo took 4 little ones out to her sisters in Dar es Salaam. Not so sure it was such a peaceful time for her, but we had a quiet house!!



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The Blessing of Having Nets

Our Nelson is normally quite a quiet sleeper.

One night, I happened to turn on the light to find him……! Whoops!

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A FAMILY VISIT

This blog entry is a little late as we visited the orphanage last year in July! It had been four (long!) years since we had last visited, our return delayed by the pandemic. This time we were very excited to bring with us our eldest son, Richard, and his family – wife Liz, Hannah (aged 17), Joey (14), Thea (13) and Esther (6).

The orphanage is as wonderful as we remembered it, except all the children are four years older! We can't believe that Queenie and Advent are now 14 years old! It was so nice getting to know all the children again, meeting the new arrivals – David, little Onesmo (Kobelo), Nelson and baby Nancy – and seeing Mama Ester again! (we had seen Mama Pipi when she was over in the UK in May 22).

We noticed some new developments and improvements at the orphanage – the new building behind Royston House, the beautiful Stations of the Cross murals outside the Chapel, the new vegetable patch and wifi! But some things don't change – like the slamming doors in Royston House (hopefully the adjustments we made may last until our next visit!).

But what a transformation at the school! Four years ago, Fiona showed us the fenced plot of land where she planned to build the school. It was just open bush, but she described for us where she hoped to build the first classrooms, the administration block, the areas allocated for a playground and football pitch! Now it is a bustling school, with brightly coloured buildings, pupils proudly dressed in their school uniforms (beautifully created by Mama Mia and her team!) and smiles everywhere! As it was the last week of term, we had the privilege of organising games for the top two forms one day. What fun we all had – read all about it in the School Blog! 

We have such happy memories of our week at the orphanage – enjoying a day at the local swimming pool with all the children and staff (and the scrummy chicken and chips for lunch!);

helping the Aunties prepare food;

being given a tour of the animal shed by Advent; reading to the younger children after supper;

Then taking a leisurely walk through the village down to the pond.

 

seeing artistic talent develop at Liz's impromptu still-life drawing classes;

Thea commented on her week at the orphanage: 'I got to spend lots of time with all 24 of the kids and it was weird because, even though I only spent a week with them, we have become such a family. Living with the kids has definitely made me a more grateful person. I will never forget the experience!'  

  And Hannah reflected on the lessons she learnt while staying at the orphanage: 'They have such a beautiful lifestyle and to see them spending all of their time only on the important things is so inspiring. It's honestly completely changed my perspective on a lot of things, especially on how much I use screens unnecessarily at home. Screen time is time I will never get back and could so easily be spent on other things. The children at Karibu Nyumbani have no problem living their lives screen-free and I am really going to make more of an effort to be like them in that respect.'

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The last word goes to Liz and Richard: 'We were struck by the joy in the orphanage … and the readiness of the children to welcome us into their home and integrate us into everything they do so wholeheartedly. I imagine this is how they are with all the volunteers! Generosity of spirit comes so easily to them. We loved getting to know their individual personalities. An unforgettable week! Thank you, Fiona and Esther!'

Thank you for making our visit so memorable and we can't wait to visit again!

Roger, Liney, Richard, Liz, Hannah, Joey, Thea and Esther.

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JOY TO THE WORLD

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NEWS SINCE JUNE

I arrived back from England at the end of May. It was a long 3 months and so good to be home again.

Especially to meet our little Nancy – on the right with Bianca

Nancy after 6 months
She's so beautiful.





Advents 14th birthday.

The arrival of volunteer- Sonya from Czech Republic.
She stayed with us for 3 months.

Although she knew very little English, she loved games
with the children and was a great support to Ester
when Nancy was very little. (right)


Nancy's Baptism 

On the July 1st, Nelson arrived to live with us. He was one year and 4 months (left with big brother Florian)

 

The Kennedy family stayed for the week, and were loved so much by us all. We look forward to having them again.


 First Holy Communion for Bianca, Sam, Neema, Emy, Shangwe and Imani




Cutting their cake together!


A goodbye Mass for Fr. Benno the Parish Priest of St John Bosco Parish Tumbi for 12 years.
An important person for the children and us all.

Nelson's Baptism

After 6 weeks away, Ludmila became main mum for little Baraka who was one year and 2 months on his arrival.

She spent 2 weeks with Baraka in Hospital because he has difficulty eating and breathing at the same time.

He also suffers from epilepsy. Ludmila ,who now spends most of her time with Baraka has been very helped by volunteers in the last few months. What a blessing volunteers are.

Florian's 7th birthday.
+ Emmanuel's birthday and young Onesmo & big, Onesmo all in August + September



We all love birthday Cake!

Volunteers Denisa and Misha Stayed with us for 8 weeks from Czech.

"Much loved."

  Our Ambassadors from England- Hilary and Gloria came to bless us.

Volunteers
Katerina ( right) and Klara (below) arrived on the 8th of November from
the Czech Republic to be with us until the end of the year.
What a joy they are!

  The End of our short catch up news! God bless you all.

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SPECIAL THANKS TO JANE ROSE

Ten years ago in 2012, after returning to England from Tanzania for the second time, I felt the Lord prompting me to rest.

"Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place
                      And get some rest."
                                Mk 6v31

My plans to send out a newsletter were laid aside and the day spent quietly under a tree by a stream. In the evening I was given a message to ring Ross a good friend of the family. She invited me to come and visit her in London. I went the day Olympics started in London. After a coffee with Ross, I met Jane her good friend. We looked at some photos together of my time in Tanzania and Jane asked me what was needed. She immediately said that she would like to add to the amount raised the previous year to build our first house for children which we finished in 2013.

God is able to make all grace abound to you,

So that in all things, at all times,

Having all that you need,

You will abound in every good work.

2 Cor. 9v8

The following year Jane and Ross came to visit us, it was very special to have them both. We shared with them our 2nd project to build 3 houses for the Children's home, a boy's house, a girl's house and a kitchen dining and sitting room. Before they left, Jane said that she would like to pay for the second project! It was a gift that was beyond imagination.

The year after that Jane came again, this time, with her sister Caroline and her friend. They spent their every moment they could with the children.

I have learnt so much over the last ten years about trusting, stepping out and believing that Our Father in Heaven will faithfully supply all that we need.

Thank you Jane for your sensitivity to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and your generous heart.

It is my prayer that all the children who come to spend their lives within these walls will carry the same love and care for others in their hearts.

NOT only have our own children been blessed by the provision of a home but also 70 children from our village and surrounding villages are being educated in our school.

Last year we needed help to build 3 classes and a Library in order to finish the registration of the school. It was through Jane's generosity again that we were able to complete this important step. (You can read all about it in our school blog.)

I have learnt so much over the last ten years about trusting, stepping out and believing that Our Father in Heaven will faithfully supply all that we need.

Thank you Jane for your sensitivity to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and your generous heart.

It is my prayer that all the children who come to spend their lives within these walls will have the same love and care for others in their hearts. 

"You are blessed

Because you believed

That the Lord

Would do

What he said."

Lk 1 v 45

We continue to trust, and believe that the Lord will do as he has said. These are times for us to trust and believe. God bless you Jane and all those we love and hold in our hearts who have helped the mission and work of Welcome Home Community, our home - Karibu Nyumbani and our school – Welcome Home School.

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The School gets Registered!

We continue to see the hand of God working miracles at Welcome Home Pre & Primary School in Boko Temboni.

In September we received shocking news that we needed three more classrooms and a library, before we could register the school. The buildings had to be finished within three months and with a lot of hard work from our new Headteacher David, Director Fiona and Manager Ester, they were completed in January just before the opening of the school.


After registering the school, the next milestone was the registration of the Standard One Pupils which had to be completed by the end of March. This process was a long one and finally, on the last day of the month the registration came through. Everyone was delighted about this victory and we give thanks to God for all He Has done.

So much to do but then...........!


  Sir David - Our Head Teacher

 

Madam Kat – Volunteer Teacher ( for the last two years )

This past term, I have started to do small group work with the preschool children in the afternoons, after lunch. It gives me the opportunity to do activities with the children that help reinforce what they have learnt in class. I am with 2-4 children at a time and can be creative with them. We do roleplays and dialogues, play games, sing songs and look at books. I plan for us to do art and craft activities next term. The children really enjoy this special time together and so do I.

 

Madam Hellena – Standard One Teacher

I am thankful to God for this wonderful call He has put on my life to be a teacher. I am grateful to my Directors for believing in me so I have the opportunity to share my knowledge with the pupils here. At Welcome Home I have been given the chance to learn a lot and to develop in my career.

 

Sir Makau -Academic Teacher

I am very grateful to join the team of Staff at Welcome Home School as well as the family at Karibu Nyumbani. Here, I have met wonderful people who show so much love and care. My desire is to devote all my efforts, knowledge and power for the good of all the community around me. Thank you Lord.

( 2. Corinthians 9.8 )


Madam Adelika – Nursery Class Teacher

I am thankful to God for giving me the opportunity to work in this school. Since January, I have seen a big improvement in academic matters and also in services such as the provision of breakfast and lunch. Welcome Home School is a home for me as my career as a teacher started here.

Madam Flaviana – Pre-Unit Teacher

I have been teaching at Welcome Home School for one year. The school has a wonderful and friendly environment. It provides a good foundation for the children to learn in a safe and Spirit filled environment which is centred on Christ's teaching.

 
And LOTS of others!!

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JANUARY T0 JUNE NEWS FOR 2021

As we are well into the sixth month of this year, I really want to give you, and our other friends of Karibu Nyumbani some news. It has been such a full-on time and I am so grateful that we seem to be slowing down a little. A small handful of close intercessors and friends have been upholding us in prayer and we want to thank you so much for that.

The next 15 picture frames will give you a little window into our family's news, starting with Onesmo who arrived in December at the age of 3 months. He is now 9 months and nearly walking. You will see some new Aunties have arrived, as well as a couple Baba and Mama Sam coming in to help each day. Our children have grown and really love life to the full. So much of their lives seems taken up with study, but we love it that they are also interested in cooking, cycling, watching videos, reading, dancing, football, gymnastics…

Thanks to Lucekelo and Eliah we have wonderful crops of fruit and vegetables enough to feed the children here and the 70 children at our school! We continue not having to buy any vegetables at all, as our men keep the farm so beautifully. Our cow stopped giving milk for a few months, but since giving birth we have an abundance of Milk and yoghurt.

On March 3rd we had a very precious Celebration including a Thanksgiving Mass and meal with friends to say thanks to God for our 8 years as a Family here at Karibu Nyumbani. Including all who live here, 23 children and 12 adults we had 100 guests.

We are coming to the end of a busy season and I feel we are entering a prayerful time to allow the Lord to enlarge the vision in our hearts. This morning, I was reminded that God sent an angel to Mary to tell her that she was going to have a child. He could have gone himself, but he chose to use an Angel. God ordains that we be partners with Him in his work. When Ester and I share our testimony about our life here, we stress the point that it was God who gave us the dream, or vision, and all he wanted of us was to step out. He says "Dare to dream big, so that my kingdom can come, ask, and I will give you the nations."

Ester and I and the community here, know that as we continue to walk in what God has called us to do, our weakness and need is His doorway to blessing. He continues to ask us to TRUST. This is not only a word for us, but for all who know HIM to be FATHER, all he wants is our TRUST. HE cannot fail those who ask with CHILD-LIKE TRUST.

Please pray for us, that we continue to dare to dream, and we continue to pray for you and all who are God's instruments of blessing to us.

We are grateful that the door will be open soon for volunteers to come again. Please come and see us!

God bless you all.

Fiona, Ester, Ludmila and all the family.

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CHRISTMAS IN MBEYA

When we finished school, we immediately took a day's journey to Mbeya, and we will be here for 3 weeks. What we like about being here is having a Bibi (Grand) and Babu (Grandpa)
Mama Ester's parents really love us. We just relax and have fun, but we are missing Mama Pipi and Mama Ester who had to stay at home.

 On behalf of us all we want to wish you a very happy Christmas- Queenie.

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