On the evening of July 4th we flew back to the UK for a short home assignment. If the next 7 weeks proves long enough to get both the rest and reconnections with people that we need, we are hoping that it could become a pattern for us. It means we can keep life in Kenya going as normal, with minimal disruption to our home, work and school patterns there. Coming from a small country, with much less travelling to do, has some big advantages!
This is the beautiful room in Deborah's parents' new home that became our 'base camp'.
One of Mum's loving, beautifying touches
Granny reading Caleb's bedtime story
We fell in love all over again with Kent's rural charms. Some of these pictures are particularly for our international friends. Can you see what this place is?
Penshurst is 'Ye Olde England' at it's best
This is the church you can just see through to in the picture above
So pretty!
A peek at the gardens of Penshurst Place
We so enjoyed lovely long walks through the countryside. It meant a lot to feel safe and to blend in. No little children running after us here!
Cricket season
A special visit with Kitty and Michael Fulljames in Canterbury. Michael married us 15 years ago and they have been precious to us for many years.
Then it was on to the beach at Broadstairs - the far eastern tip of Kent, and a bit blustery! Granny's windbreak was much appreciated.
Busy despite being a week day morning
Grandad looking very British in his deckchair and sunhat
Family tea with the Townends. Deborah is godmother to Naomi (just to her left)...
...and Bethanie T is godmother to Bethanie A. Deborah and Bethanie T have been friends since they were 4 and Deb's always wanted her own little girl to be called Bethanie.
The Townend family
Whilst Mum & Dad went for their medical check-up appointments at Interhealth, Uncle Matt took Caleb and Bethanie to the Tower of London (not for beheading though!).
The Beefeaters are meant to keep order...
...though these two have clearly escaped their notice!
Tower Bridge
Uncle Matt
The Shard - new to the London skyline since we left
The Golden Hind on which Sir Francis Drake sailed
Millenium Bridge and St Paul's Cathedral
St James' Park and Buckingham Palace in the distance
Caleb and Bethanie enjoying the view of the Palace from "The gift of New Zealand"
Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery
We had a lovely afternoon/evening with Johnathan and Hannah - Justin's older brother and his family.
We were very excited to meet Genevieve, the newest member of the Agnes family at only 1 month old.
Sprinkler fun in the garden
Austin is a very proud big brother to Genevieve
Lovely Hannah
The perfect evening for a barbeque
Johnathan and Genevieve
The family live with Great Aunty Margaret
The Agnes cousins
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