From Dorcas
hi Ray,
are you out of the countryhope you enjoyed nakuru?
i would have loved to meet and help out at the walk
Response: Hi not been on this much since mt return to Sheffield. The walk centre are will always welcome volunteers if you are still in kenya.
From Ian
Safe journey xxx
Response: thanks. not logges on in ages back home safe as you know.
From Stephen Savory
Hi Raymond,was given your blog site by Cathy.Didn't realise that Great Places were involved in this sort of thing.The group and yourself are doing a great job.keep up the good work.
best wishes,steve.
Response: Thanks Steve. This trip has given me a new insight into real deprivation.
From Lesley Tindall
Hi Raymond,
just been reading the blog and looking at the photos, just wanted to say what a fab job you are doing and what an amazing experience.
Response: Lesley, thanks for your interest. It has been wonderful.
From Cathy McCormick
Hi Raymond
Still can't believe how much you've achieved in such a short period of time. Enjoy your last week and we'll look forward to seeing lots more photos (when there are no downloading issues) soon.
Cathy
Response: Thanks it has been a fantastic experience.
From Ian Hollender
Hi Raymond have just read your diary since you have been away; moving stuff - WOW life changing I don't know what to say it brings a tear to my eyes, whatever you do will make some difference, we in the so called developed world have a lot to feel guilty about! xxxxxxx Ian
Response: Thanks Ian. Lots to report back hope to see you soon
From Kirsty and Nick
Thouught i;d do a catch up, however it seems you just seem to be doing more and more amazing things. Now reaaly, please stop, cos this lot will keep you in anecdotes forever and it's hard enough to stop you talking at the best of times! Do us a talk in the parish rooms when you get back????????
Are u sure the lovely nuns really insisited on carrying your bags or were they ensuring that you left btw?? Might not get chance to msg again but have a safe journey home and see you soon. Love from Nick, Kirsty, Grace and Martha xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Response: Yes you will have to give me a time slot. I will be reporting ill
Yes the nuns really insisted.
From Jill
oh and by the way... your blog is the second most visited blog this month according to the planet ranger website!!!!!!
Response: Really!
From Jill
Great blog. A real eye opener. Look forward to seeing the pics.
Keep up the good work. The office isn't the same without you?!?!
Response: Thanks I'm with you always!
From finlay
why did you fight the lions
Response: Because they growled at me! See you tomorrow after school.
From Michele Daw
Hi Raymond, just been catching up with all you've been up to. Sounds absolutely fascinating. You're doing an amazing job and should be very proud.
Response: Thanks Michele it is very humbling to do little things that make a difference, the people are so warm and appreciative of the support the Walk Centre provides.
From Lindsay 'Bluetail' W
Hi Raymond
I have really enjoyed following your adventure and it has brought back some happy memories for me. Glad to hear James is continuing at Business School and hopefully Vincent passed his exams which he was about to sit whilst we were there? It was funny to hear about the 'timeliness' I remember waiting a long time to go to church.. and shopping really isn't a rush job. Say hi to everyone from me and keep up the brilliant work, I remember Miriam's house and I'm glad she has a new one :)
Response: Thanks Lindsay, James is very excited to have been able to return to business school and gave me a lovely letter which i have forwarded to a doner, who's contribution made this possible. Vincent is still in school and i think did well in his exams. he still hopes to study Law at university. Keep reading. Thanks
From Lynda
Hi Raymond, just updated myself on your blog again, we are in Portugal so I hadn't the same opportunity. The safari sounded great but just wondering how you have spent this weekend. I'm sure, whilst you will be looking forward to coming home again it will be difficult for you to adjust. Clearly we do a lot of needless spending and get caught up in trivia. Came to Portugal last thursday morning and we leave again in the morning. Weather hasn't been good but we have had great crack anyway. Hugs and kisses, Lynda.
Response: Thanks, i bet you had a great time. Thanks too for your additional donation, it has been spent on food for the school and HIV medicines for one of the Mums who is very ill at the moment. I went to the Crator after school on saturday and Sunday i went to the Convent about 4 hours away, where there is a school and clinic supported by our parish.
From Eileen
It looks like your getting lots of practice at building and repairing which is great news ...about our back wall ! X
Response: Mmmm perhaps i can import some labour for that little job. see you soon. R XXX
From joanne and tony
Hi Raymond, Eileen and kids came for tea and we had a read of your blog. It sounds and looks amazing. Cant wait to hear your stories when you get back. x
Response: Thanks for entertaining the family. Oh yes there are plenty of tales to tell on my return!
From Orla
hi dad finlay meant that he hopes you didnt get eatan by the lions and other animals on safari!
Response: No i'm still here, and will be back at the end of the week.
From Finlay
to dad hope you aren't dead
from finlay
Response: Hi Fin. I'm still alive although i had to fight a few lions.
From Clare
Oh Raymond how fab are the motorbikes I miss them a lot.
Have you met my friend Moses yet? If so please send my love and tell Haggi I hope he is still singing. And Fred that hes ace! "it is ok?"
Have you been down to Merica, they do great chips and their lamb chops are to die for!?
Hope you managed to get the documents from the gmail now, let me know.
Where is a link for your just giving I want you to give Moses something and get Haggi a dictaphone if you have time.
And I hope you have seen little Kelly, he gives the best hugs.
I'll shush now, enjoy every moment.
Response: Yes the motorbikes are great. I'll pass on your messages. Haggi is still singing and i know Moses well. I am always thanking Fred for all he does and he is so polite he laughs at all my jokes without fail. You can pay money to Karen Pugsley and she will pay it into my account. Just let me know how much you have paid and i will buy for Haggi.
From mum
glad the lions didnt have little fat raymond for dinner.D idnt catch up with your blog as problems with my computer on lindas they are in portugal.It must be rewarding to have your plans come together love mum
Response: Thanks Mum. No i'm still here and will speak to you on my return. Take Care. love R
From Clare
Just remeber!
'La, sitaki' - No its expensive.
And bargin like there is no tomorrow :)
And if they says its ebony its probably not.
And dont get slack on your mozzy spray.
And you'll be fine.
Speak soon
Response: Thanks for the shopping tip Clare. Thanks too for the technical support yesterday!
From Cathy McCormick
Hi Raymond,
Still loving hearing about all of the things you've been up to. It's hard to believe that you've only been there for 2 weeks with all of the things you've already acomplished. Time passes really differently there doesn't it? Hopefully Freddy and his Nakuru time isn't getting in the way too much of your Muzungu time!
How did you get on with the concrete? All set? And any word on Rufus the tour guide we used? Is he still around?
I hope she won't mind me telling you, but you may not hear from Jo again during your trip as she gave birth to a baby girl on Sunday. Baby Eleanor is being treated for a mild infection but Jo and baby are expecting to be home in a couple of days.
Keep bloging! Best wishes,
Cathy
Response: Thanks Cathy, the concreting was tough going we completed three classrooms and finished at about 6pm. This is my first afternoon off so I'm trying to load photos which i have just managed to do. Yes i heard about Jo & Andy's news that's great. Rufus is not around Alex is working with another firm.
From Orla
Hi Dad, it's just like you to argue with almost everyone you meet! it sounds like you had fun on safari.
love Orla xx
Response: Thanks Orla, surely i'm not that bad!
From lynda
hi Raymond, great to read your updates and miriams house looks great. I sent another donation to Eileen which I know you will put to good use. If you havent been eaten by a pride of lions, I look forward to hearing about your adventures in safari. Was also wondering what you do in the evenings as I understand you have a curfew? lots of love lynda.
Response: Thanks for the donation. Ill let you know how it is used. Safari was great and i spend the evenings in the house with Alex and his Family. this week i am preparing lesson plans English and maths for the older children 11-14 yrs.
From yvonne kinsella
HI,
Hope you enjoyed the safari and returned in one piece!
I'm sure you saw some amazing sights.
Take care,
Yvonne
Response: Yep. i'll update on the blog. but there were a few highlights.
From Shelagh Freeman
Hi Raymond,
I think that what you are doing is really interesting. Well done for putting yourself forward - it's an amazing thing to do! I am impressed with the organisation that you work for. I hope that this model of sharing skills and abilities to help others is taken up by other employers as I am sure that it is the way forward. You are also blessed with the support of your family and friends. All the best, Shelagh x
Response: Aw thanks Shelagh. I am blessed with great support from family and friends and Great Places my employer has supported this charity for many years and sends volunteers and donations in the name of our founder the Bishop John Banks. Thanks for the support of both Greg and yourself.