Christmas isn't so great for some!

Lets remember those who haven't had it too easy in their life, but thanks to the true gift of Christmas have been helped!

Hands

A Childs hands tell the secrets the mouth cannot bare.

Palms aged beyond the years the body has yet endured.

Nails stained by the wicked mistress luck.

Scars who speak of beatings the mind has erased.

Palms together, fingers knitted, the act of prayer, secrets lifted.

E.K. Berry

2010.

Ell is going to Africa, no seriously i am actually going!

So as most of you should know i am re-locating!

Two years ago (nearly exactly) i travelled to Eldoret, Kenya to work with a non profit NGO called Open Arms International. Before i went i was very content with the way my life was, i had always been interested by the thought of charity work, but i was interested in it from a comfortable and distant place.

Very soon after being with all of our  'orphans' in our homes i decided that this was the comfortable and not so distant place i wanted to do charitable work from. It is very strange to live somewhere for  19 years and think it is every thing you need for satisfaction; and then to be some where for two weeks and realise that it is your home, your mission and your destiny.

                                                 (i am in this picture, just engulfed in kids lol)
Some of you may know that in the two years since first visiting i have qualified as a level two counsellor and have nearly completed my level three, my primary role while at the village will we to help our kids work through their past in order for them to have positive future! Whilst in Kenya i will be working as a volunteer, yes unpaid. Who would have thought hey! No more Selfridges and M&S for me! I am in the process of fund raising, from one off donations and continued support both from individuals and organisations. Hence i am having a fund raising dinner next year, i would love for as many of my friends to come as possible, tickets are £30 and you'll get to hear me chat and show pictures of all our beautiful kiddies!

To some it can seem mad that i would move half way across the world to a country that isn't the safest at the best of times, to give up a paid job in order to volunteer, to move eight hours flight from any blood relation. But i have the wonderful gift of peace. Peace is something that can surpass all understanding, and it certainly surpass's my understanding! I have peace about all dangers, illness and uncertainties. When you know your path, and you know who is controlling it you get an unbelievable calm. Life is a lot more simple when you relinquish your control.  And if anyone needs more convincing of why i would go...

and there it is! Simple!

Just as i finish this off. Are you happy with where you are? Are you in an O.K place or are you in a Great place. It is never too late, or too soon to change your path and do what you are meant to do, not just what you have to do. Don't settle for second best because you were designed to be a winner!

Mini Open Arms Reunion in the Lakes!

In my life I have been so blessed with the ability to see the world in all its beauty. One of the unfortunate things about this however is that some of your closest friends will be dotted all over the globe. Over the last two years whilst spending more and more of my time out in Kenya i have met so many amazing people.

All though no more than two of us had been friends with each other in Kenya at any one time Renee, Rachel, Ruth and myself all know each other inside out. We have all met whilst at the Open Arms Village Eldoret but never all been there at the same time. It was such a blessing this week to all be not only the same country but the same house!

I met Renee Scobell a Canadian missionary almost two years ago now, when i first travelled to Kenya, she helped me get my lazy butt together and it is in part thanks to her that i have my current vision for the kids of Kenya!










I met Ruth a Mancunian six months later, she simply is an inspiration and the most bubbly person you'll ever meet. Ruth is a great example of christianity, humble, loving and most of all fun! (Please note however she cheats on card games like there is no tomorrow!)

I met Rachel a Nurse from the states just this summer when i was at the village the saying, 'watch out for the quiet ones' definitely applies here. She lulls you in but then comes that classic sarcasm and great humour! She is a true delight and becoming a true friend! She is great with the kids and i can rest easy knowing that the kids are getting enough hugs with her out there!

It is amazing that 4 people, from 3 countries, 2 continents can all meet in 1 place and have a friendship that can never be broken.

Open Arms International does not only change the lives of Kenyan children but it provides love to lost westerners (like myself) and provides life long bonds for people that otherwise would have never met!

So all though you all took pictures of the most ridiculous things, embarrassed me on numerous occasions, and cheated at cards (yes you Ruth) i wouldn't swap your friendship for the worlds weight in gold! ...Because whats the one boat that can't ever sink?.... A friend-Ship! lol