HELLO!!! Thank you to everyone who has posted messages on my board - it's great to hear from you all! Will try and get in touch individually if I get chance. Am in an internet cafe in Kisumu (Kenya) at the mo. Got a flight to Nairobi tonight, then a flight to Jo'burg, then Sydney tomorrow. Have had a great time here in Kenya. The people are so strong and have to deal with more than most of us can imagine at home. I will post a postcard about it all when I have more time, and if I can work out how to use my camera, I'll download some pics! Please message when you get chance - fantastic to hear from you all (Mike was right!) Lots of love, Debs xxxxx

Hiya Debs, Sounds as though your doing a great job all round.Hope your meeting some great people along the way.Thinking of you loads.Bet your looking forward to your trip to oz.Youll have a great time.Enjoy the experience.Just found your website.So glad i have its great.Your a genius how you think of these things.Hope your okay and enjoying the ride.Take Care of yourself along the way Loadsa love from your old matey kazxxxxxx

Hey Debs!

Hope you are ok and enjoying your first two weeks, although I imagine it must be hard seeing so much poverty. I'm sure your doing great things at the orphanage! Time to start looking ahead to the next place now - Oz I believe? Just take it all in your stride! And get posting those pics!!

P.S. I'd just like to apologise if my first message caused any offence!!! I wasn't aware people from M3 like PAUL would read it!!!! I looooooooovvvvvvveeeeeeeee M3 really!!!

sxxxx

Hi Debs! Our p**** willow pal is looking a bit withered! (he sends his love). We've had a cracking Huck job just come in - it's got your name written all over it. You're not missing anything at (ex)work; Wolverhampton's dull and grey, hope you're having fun. Live the dream!! Love, 'Creative Corner'

Hey ya Deb, Just read all your messages, im glad your having a great time!! I have sent you a email also! Just to tell you about my skiing holiday in Bansko i had a brill time!! Seems wierd giving out the post and you not being at your desk! And you and Clare not coming down 2geva for your fag breaks!
Look after yourself and take care lots of love sarah x x x

Spoke to Debber yesterday. From the short conversation i know she is struggling with being away from home. So any messages of support anyone can give by posting a message, would mean the world to her. If you are reading this Debber, i am very proud and honoured to be your boyfriend. LOVE MY ATKINS XXXXX UP THE BAGGIES!!!!

Deb, So glad the trip is off - hopefully to a great start. Sorry I did not speak with you prior to your departure, but I want to thank you for your work in helping in Kenya. It's not "noble" or altruistic", or such words, whatever they might mean! I believe its a matter of the heart; we have received the very good gift of living in developed countries, had plenty of food to eat and clean water to drink; our leaders (in spite of their mistakes) have worked to help achieve a greater good for us all. Africa is a sad tragedy; Sandy sends her greetings too, we are learning more about the AIDS pandemic and what we can do from far away to relieve some of the suffering; the ABCs seems to be working in Uganda; Asia and China are probably ripe for the same think without some changes.

We'll look forward to your progress! Blessings to you and your companions for this trip

Well, almost a week has passed since Debs left the UK and she is missing everyone terribly, especially family and close friends..AND Mike !!!
The real poverty of the people has been very challenging to Debs and the locals often come to see Terry and Judi (the hosts) when they are in need or suffering.
Aids, combined with polygamy is a major problem in Kenya, leaving many widows with several children, to fend for themselves with very little in the way of food etc.
Debs has been living in a bungalow on-site in the orphanage and she even has her own room. The showers and toilets (holes in the ground) are outside, but the food is OK. She has had lots of rice, eggs and noodles and tried other things like 'greengrams' (lentils) and mild mince curry.Other foods have included pineapple and tomatoes.
Although she is looking forward to the rest of her trip, she feels that the poverty of Kenya will seem a strange contrast to the affluence of Australia - her next long term stop.
If you have time, please drop her an e-mail, she can pick these up occasionally.

SHE LOVES THAT!!! Hey hey Debs and people who read!! Hope your having a wicked time. I'm keeping your room nice and tidy (yeah right)... but seriously hope your having 'a wicked good' time.
Be making sure your in regular contact and keeping us upto date with new people and new things you do!!
Including the things you eat and try lolol
Missing you loads.... but glad your checking out what the MASSIVE world has in store!!

Love ya loads (oooh n thanx for the Bedingfield concert!!) !!

D xx

Latest knews is that Debs has arrived in Nairobi, in Kenya, and had a good sleep in a hotel. She's been transferred to the Kosele Orphanage where she will be based until 7th April.

In a short text message, she said the children are really gorgeous but the local sanitation leaves a lot to be desired !

Debs will then fly back to Nairobi and spend the night there on the 8th April, before touching down in Jo'burg,S.Africa. She then has an outbound flight on the long journey to Sydney, Australia arriving on 9th April.

Just thought i'd wish you all the best. I'm currently very pissed. My mate hawkesy says hello.

Have fun!!!!!!

Just found your message board and found out about your travels ! You lucky thing !! Hope all goes well and stay safe !!!
Amazing how life changes in just a few years huh !!
Claire x