Middleton, Nova Scotia

Tim Bannister leading the Middleton Team (and Tristan)

in their first day of orientation

Twelve volunteers from the Middleton Baptist Church, Nova Scotia, arrived at sunrise on Thursday to serve with us in Eastleigh for the next two weeks. Although they were very tired from two full days of travel, they persevered through the long jam of traffic and were rewarded with a great Java House breakfast and the sight of wild giraffe munching along the road side near the airport.

A very happy birthday for Muriel Bent!

It just so happened to be their team leader's birthday on July 2nd, so we celebrated with a surprise birthday party after the full afternoon of orientation.

Along with the team Tim & Diane Bannister, Malcolm & Patty Card and Cal & Joanne Melina were part of the fun. Muriel had some extra help from Ava in blowing out her candles.

Day Two -- at Java House again

with the Iftin Community Coordinator, Zahra

After a welcomed night's sleep, the team entered their second day of orientation at their guest house, Home & Away, where Erica, Aaron & Zahra shared much of the story of Iftin and the challenges faced by the Somali refugee community living in Eastleigh. It was a privilege for us to hear Zahra's first hand account and to have her coach the team on many of the practical aspects of entering Eastleigh as a visitor. It was a long but fun time together, and at Zahra's request we wrapped up at 2 pm with lunch at her favourite spot -- Java House!

Zahra helping Thomas, Emily, and some of the Middleton Team with bartering at the Masai Market

After our late lunch, we went together to catch the last two hours of the Friday Masai Market which is held in the upper parking area of Village Market. We have taken many visitors to shop at this weekly venue, but we have never seen a group have as much fun as the Middleton crew. They laughed and carried on like school kids playing a game.. it was a riot! We left the market at closing time with vendours chasing the volunteers out into the parking lot and even into our vans trying to close one last sale. We laughed till some of us had tears in our eyes.

Tristan and Emma showing mommy and Linda a thing or two about bargaining at the market

The team will finish preparing for their various projects over the weekend before they officially begin working in Eastleigh on Monday. Along with polishing the last details, we will be traveling to Karen to see the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the team will be worshipping with the Carline family at Karura Community Chapel on Sunday.