News, Shows and Feeding of the 250

We just got back from running the youth camp for the city farms annual show, and we loved it as ever! A big thanks to Jo's parents for helping with pretty much everything, and even lending us their caravan! I was asked to be a judge for the animal show (See pictures above) which meant I got the VIP lunch while Jo made lunch for all 250 of the kids! (Sorry!!).

A big well done to Vauxhall City Farm, who won shield for the show! I must admit to torn loyalties after being heavily involved with 4 of the farms over the years, and a growing love for the rest of them!

On other news, our latest newsletter is available, click here

Lots of love x


Our latest Newsletter is available

Sunsets and goodbyes

Jo and her mum Julie

My Mum and Sally-Jayne

Returning to Malawi is becoming a serious reality now!

Our flight leaves on the 5th of October, and for the first time we don't have a date to come back to the UK. However, we've agreed with our church here to come back for a short period of time soon after 12 months. It will be a good "health" check for us, and something we are very keen to keep up. We don't want to become a "closed book" or an "island", which is always a possibility when you are away from the people who really know you.

Going back can sometimes be a bit of a pressure. There's lots to get done, the uncertainties of what leaving people you love does to you and more importantly; to them, financial uncertainties, health issues etc. I have to say though that leaving is also extremely exciting. I had the privilege of working a 9 - 5 in London for a few months over the summer and was reminded of all the very different pressures that come with it. I have such respect for commuters who have commuted into work every day for 40 years. Wow. It also makes me so thankful for the incredibly varied life I lead, that no day is the same and that I'm often excited about getting up to go to "work".

We are just putting the finishing touches to our latest newsletter, and I'll post a link here as soon as it's ready. We've also put together some partnership opportunities, and I'll post them here too.

Quite a few people are coming to visit us this year, and we are especially excited about our parents coming out. We would really value your prayers for them. My parents are due out in November and Jo's April. Pray for their health, for enjoyment and that they'll be safe traveling.

Loads is going on in our lives right now, this weekend we are running the youth camp for the City Harvest Festival. Thanks to Jo's parents we have a caravan for the weekend though! Next weekend we are off to Northumberland to spend the weekend with a church, and then the following weekend is our last one in the UK!

Love and every blessing

Tom & Jo

Wow, I can't believe I missed doing a blog in August - the month flew by!

It was a whiz of Lark In The Park, holidays, weddings, working at Vauxhall City Farm, Sally-Jayne growing, Sean Visiting and problems with my knee and foot. So much went on that I don't really know where to start.

Good news from Malawi first. Last week Humphrey's started his degree at African Bible College, so he moved into his accommodation there and is getting used to life as a freshman! We are so pleased for him! We'll miss him, he lived in our home and worked very closely with me in Kudoko, but I'll continue to mentor him and he will continue to be a vital part of our church.

Lusekero got good news from the doctors about his broken arm - it's healing well and he can start playing football again in a few weeks.

This months highlights have to include Sean's visit to help at Lark In The Park and speak at the Dedication of Sally-Jayne, our beautiful little girl. It was all very last minute due to VISA issues, but he made it and was thrown in the deep end. He did so well, his time here spoke directly into the hearts of many people and we just can't wait to get back to Malawi to help him run our church there.

Lark In The Park came and went in a blur. Jo did a cracking job as the stewarding team leader, the whole time having Sally-Jayne either strapped to her front or one of the many helping hands keeping her entertained. A big thank you goes to my Sister Jess for all her help! We also had my brother in law Mike staying with us, and Jo managed to cook and look after him too! Add to that the fact for one whole week of Lark In The Park I was on crutches and not much help, Jo becomes supper Mum/Wife/Sister in my eyes. I was involved in the evening events as I was working full time at the farm during the event, but it was great as ever, although I did miss being a part of the daytime team.

We then went on holiday with Jo's parents. Center Parks is a lovely place, we find it so nice to amongst the trees and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, the week went by very quickly, but are grateful for the time we got.

I finished as the education coordinator last week, and now I'm just doing the odd day here and there for Vauxhall City Farm. What a blessing it's been to have work during this time.

We visited our group of friends in Romford who support us so well and shared whats been going on and what we plan for the future. It was lovely to introduce them all to Sally-Jayne.

We've also been to lots of weddings and parties recently, most notably my cousin James and Tiffanie's wedding in the New Forest, which was a cracker!

We are now planning to return to Malawi in about 4 or 5 weeks, please pray for us as we tie up all our loose ends, raise funds and get ourselves focused.

Lastly, my left leg has been giving me lots of problems over the past month. I'm having an MRI scan on Friday. Please pray we get to the bottom of what causing me the problems.

Loads of love