the Christmas edition, as it were

Just over two weeks ago, Lynton and I began a new role here at Mwamba. Henry and Belinda, resident managers of the guest house, began their well-earned, month-long break, and we took over as interim managers. For those who don’t know, the centre here is both a base for the A Rocha staff involved in community conservation projects, and a guesthouse for local and foreign researchers, volunteers and tourists. We have 20 beds, plus a large flat roof and some space for tenting. The location of the centre is ideal – it’s close to numerous tourist attractions (mostly of the wildlife variety), right on the beach (a stunning beach at that), and a short-ish drive from Mida Creek and Arabuko Sokoke Forest, the two sites we focus on for conservation work.

Belinda and Henry Kigen, Centre Managers (plus Ivy, minus Amy)

The income generated from the guest house makes a significant contribution to the financing of A Rocha’s other projects. It also provides an environment where people can come and experience A Rocha firsthand, as well as creating a space for people to dialogue, amongst other things, about faith and creation care. Over the last four months, it’s been great to see guests find themselves made very welcome here; sharing meals with everyone, and often given the opportunity to join in any bird ringing trips as well as the weekly times of singing, sharing and praying.

One of the lovely rooms available

So we now find ourselves immersed in this new role; taking bookings, welcoming guests, answering their many questions, ensuring the cooking and housekeeping all goes to plan, grocery shopping, budgeting, reconciling accounts etc. It’s a unique opportunity for us to see an A Rocha centre from yet another angle, and it will keep us nice and busy over Christmas, minimizing risk of homesickness. For the first two weeks, all the A Rocha staff have still been at work each day, and available to assist us. As of this week, most of the staff have gone on leave, save a few who will take charge of the cooking and housekeeping.

So far the most nerve-wracking time was when the water pump broke with the place full of guests. The men managed to get it working again, and we’re praying it will last through the rest of our time. Managing staff reminds us of all the cultural and language differences we have, and makes me wish my Swahili studies were coming along a lot quicker.

The lovely Jean and Ernest

It's been great to have a lively English couple, Jean and Ernest, holidaying here for the entire time of our managing. They are fun and helpful and like plenty of banter, and though half the time I can’t understand what they’re saying, they help us not to take things too seriously.

We’ll be most grateful for any prayers you wish to send up on our behalf; for energy, hospitality, safety and wisdom to deal with all that comes our way.

Asante sana!

Some of our more troublesome guests. Recently found stealing jar of sugar, tub of margarine, fresh fruit...