Saturday, February 12, 2011

...A Time to Dance!

Party in Eastleigh!
As promised, here are some party photos
from Friday's bash in Eastleigh with Iftin

Micah, Mary and Aby dressed up by the Iftin class

About sixty of the Iftin literacy class members attended a party at the Eastleigh Community Centre Hall on Friday morning. This was a great chance to meet some of the new students and reconnect with many of our Somali friends. Since returning to Kenya in August 2010, we have been focusing much of our time and energy on the Guardians of Hope HIV and AIDS program. This past week was a great opportunity get back to Eastleigh where Laura and the team have been working very hard.

The ladies had Valentine's Day gifts for us all that the Noor members had made. They also presented cultural dances and songs, before we stopped for a giant game of musical chairs. The commotion attracted a huge crowd of primary school students who crowded into the door ways and at the side windows, to peak in and cheer everyone on.

After the refreshments, the real dancing started as everyone showed their stuff. It was a riot!

Atalie and Ava boogying down!

Nelius and Laura getting funky
with Patrick on the dance floor

Mark and Mary dancing to the delight of the crowd

Micah showing his moves!

Ava... all partied out!

Zahra Shariff, Tunis, Erica and Fatuma
(This was also a special day for Tunis and Fatuma, who learned that they have been selected for ceramic jewelry training with Noor Creations -- they start on Monday!!!)

Ayan and Erica at the end of the party.

On behalf of the women of Iftin, we want to thank the WillowLake Church in Winnipeg, Manitoba, for sending the Doerksen's to us. Even after a week in Eastleigh, it is obvious that they have had an impact on this community. Next Thursday will be an emotional good-bye for everyone here. We also want to thank everyone who has been praying for us and the refugee families living in Eastleigh. It is a gift from God to see such joy and experience such laughter with people who have come through so much hardship. It is great to be with people who have something to dance and sing about!

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