Moment at the Longhouse

A view of the sky through the skylights at the University of BC's, First Nations Longhouse.

I'm linking up with other folks from around the world for Skywatch Friday. 

Enjoy!

Reading Goals 2013 & Other Things

I've set myself a reading goal of 24 books in 2013. I've reached half of my goal and there is a lot of year left. I may end up reading another few books beyond my goal but I think I'll use the balance of time to continue with Bible studies and learning languages. (click on the photo to enlarge)

My book collection is rather eclectic this year and includes 3 memoirs (ranging from 353 to 592 pages) and 1 biography (592 pages).  I've also read a couple of books that make good Bible study helps on the subjects of Heaven (560 pages) and managing our money (254 pages); a couple of classics (A Tale of Two Cities (369 pages) & East of Eden (691 pages), contemporary and historical fiction (Vancouver (768 pages) and The Emperor's Children (431 pages) ; and two health books  "What You Don't Know May Be Killing You" (229 pages) and When the Body Says No (320 pages).

My favourite reads so far include: "managing God's money" which is about treating our money as God's money and understanding that He entrusts us to manage it well and for specific purposes.  The other book I really enjoyed is When the Body Says No, a book about the mind-body connection. It was fascinating reading about some of the author's case studies and all the medical research to back up his theories. I'm certain that there have probably been even more interesting medical research developments on this topic considering that the book is already 10 years old. The Julia Child biography and the fictional work called Vancouver are also great reads.

Paris to the Moon by Alan Gopnik is on my currently reading list.  Gopnik was a writer for the New Yorker when in 1995, he and his wife, and their infant son left everything they knew and loved in New York City for the  glamour of Paris.  I actually started this book in 2010 and read through much of it before I set it aside so I've decided to read it all over again.  I've been doing a lot of that lately.  The Zanzibar Chest & A Tale of Two Cities and  are two other books that I'd begun a few years ago, set aside and had to start all over again.  I'm also reading Money, Possessions & Eternity which is a longer version of "managing God's money". I wouldn't have ordered both of them if I had known they were essentially the same book.

I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival in the post of several books for recreational reading and some for Bible study.

The Flame Trees of Thika (288 pages), by Elspeth Huxley

Jesus and His World: The Archaeological Evidence (208 pages) By Craig Evans

Wildflower Hill (544 pages) by Kimberley Freeman

Holman Quicksource Guide to the Dead Sea Scrolls (192 pages) by Craig Evans

A Yellow House:  A Novel   (368 pages) by Patricia Falvey


I've included page totals for the various books just in case you want to read any of them and want to know how long they are first. I've also added a link the 5 books I'm waiting for in the post in case you want to read a description of them and decide whether they appeal to you.

If you have any books to recommend me, please feel free to leave a comment.  I'm always on the look out for a good read.

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I am going for a visit to my mom soon. She wants some new, colourful clothes for Spring and Summer. So I've ordered a few bright tank tops and sweaters, along with a bit of costume jewellery that will go with multiple outfits. I couldn't find the kind of pants or skirts she needs (simple, stretchy and washable).  I've decided to make two or three skirts that I was going to make awhile back and didn't get around to doing.  The skirts are in basic colours:  black, teal green and tan. 

I wrote awhile ago about the upcoming Vancouver South African Film Festival which is taking place this weekend.  A friend and I have decided to see the film "Reconciliation:  Mandela's Miracle".  Beyond that it is that time of year for the eye exam and my quarterly blood work so am keeping fairly busy.

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Happy reading and enjoy your week!

Pink Everywhere

Gazing at pink fluff

Everywhere there is pink stuff

Pink is beautiful!
(I managed to get these snapshots at the University of BC today).


I'm joining Our World Tuesday today. Join in and have a look.

Spring Is Here

Two months ago, I said that Spring was coming, lol. We had signs of new life in the garden. Sadly it ended up being quite cold for much of the time since but at last I think we've turned the corner. We've had glorious sunshine and warm temperatures this past week.

Currently we are back to rain but the sun will return in a few days. I am enjoying the cherry, apple and plum blossoms at this time of year.  I took these photos in my neighbourhood and deliberately shot into the sun on a hurried trip to the market.  I would like to get out to other parts of the city to enjoy more blossoms if I have time before these fleeting blossoms are gone for another year.

I hope you are enjoying your spring season.

I'm linking up with Skywatch Friday where you too can visit and see so many lovely skies from around the world. Have a lovely weekend.

Supreme Court Upholds Kenyan Election

Saturday in Kenya, the Supreme Court of the country, upheld the results of the March 4, 2013 elections.

Kenyatta had received 50.07 % of the vote, winning the election and narrowly avoiding a run-off with his rival, Raila Odinga. Odinga contested the validity of the election process and results in court.

Chief Justice Willy Mutunga said the court had agreed unanimously that the election had been conducted "in compliance with the constitution and the law" and the result was valid.

The following is the court order:

REPUBLIC OF KENYA
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF KENYA AT NAIROBI
(Coram: Mutunga CJ, Tunoi, Ibrahim, Ojwang, Wanjala, Njoki SCJJ)
PETITION NO. 5 OF 2013
RAILA ODINGA …………………………………………1ST PETITIONER
MOSES KIARIE KURIA)
DENIS NJUE ITUMBI)…………………………………….2ND PETITIONER
FLORENCE JEMATIAH SERGON )
GLADWELL WATHONI OTIENO )
ZAHID RAJAN )…………………………………………3RD PETITIONER
AND
INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL AND BOUNDARIES COMMISSION ………….1ST RESPONDENT
AHMED ISSACK HASSAN …………………………………..2ND RESPONDENT
UHURU KENYATTA ……………………………………….3RD RESPONDENT
WILLIAM SAMOEI RUTO …………………………………..4TH RESPONDENT
AS CONSOLIDATED WITH PETITION NO. 3 OF 2013
MOSES KIARIE KURIA ……………………………………1ST PETITIONER
DENIS NJUE ITUMBI …………………………………….2ND PETITIONER
FLORENCE JEMATIAH SERGON ………………………………3RD PETITIONER
VERSUS
AHMED ISSACK HASSAN …………………………………..2ND RESPONDENT
INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL AND BOUNDARIES COMMISSION ………….1ST RESPONDENT
AND
CONSOLIDATED WITH PETITION NO.4 OF 2013
GLADWELL WATHONI OTIENO ……………………………….1ST PETITIONER
ZAHID RAJAN ………………………………………….2ND PETITIONER
VERSUS
AHMED ISSACK HASSAN …………………………………..2ND RESPONDENT
UHURU KENYATTA ……………………………………….3RD RESPONDENT
WILLIAM SAMOEI RUTO …………………………………..4TH RESPONDENT
ORDER OF THE COURT
1. After extensive deliberations, we are happy to announce the Supreme Court has reached a unanimous decision on all the four issues that fell for determination in presidential election Petition No. 3, 4 and 5 as consolidated.
2. The following is the unanimous decision of the court:
(i) As to whether the presidential election held on March 4th 2013, was conducted in a free, fair, transparent and credible manner, in compliance with the provisions of the Constitution and all relevant provisions of the law; it is the decision of the court that the said elections were indeed conducted in compliance with the Constitution and the law.
(ii) As to whether the 3rd and 4th Respondents were validly elected and declared as President elect and Deputy President elect of the Republic of Kenya respectively, by the Second Respondent in the presidential elections held on the 4th March 2013; it is the decision of the court that the 3rd and 4th respondents were validly elected.
(iii) As to whether the rejected votes ought to have been included in determining the final tally of votes in favour of each of the
Presidential candidate by the 2nd Respondent; it is the decision of the court that such rejected votes ought not to have been included in calculating the final tallies in favour of each presidential candidate.
(iv) As to what consequential declarations, orders and reliefs, that this honourable court ought to grant based on the above determinations, the following are the orders of the Court:
a. Petition No.5 of the consolidated petitions is hereby dismissed.
b. Petition No. 4 of the consolidated petitions is hereby dismissed.
c. As to Petition No. 3 of the consolidated petitions, the prayer by the Petitioners seeking a declaration of recomputation of percentages by the 2nd Respondent is declined as the court as no jurisdiction.
d. Regarding orders as to costs, the Court orders that each party bears his/her/it’s own costs.
3. The detailed judgement containing the reasons for decision of the Court will be issued within two weeks from today.
4. Orders accordingly.
DATED and DELIVERED at NAIROBI this 30th March, 2013.
…………………………………………………
W.M. MUTUNGA P.K. TUNOI
CHIEF JUSTICE & PRESIDENT JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT
OF THE SUPREME COURT
…………………………………………………
M.K. IBRAHIM J.B. OJWANG
JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT
…………………………………………………
S.C. WANJALA N.S. NDUNGU
JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT
I certify that this is a true
Copy of the original
REGISTRAR
SUPREME COURT OF KENYA

In responding to the court's decision, Raila Odinga said though he didn't agree with the decision, he would abide by it.  President-Elect Uhuru said that the order was a victory for all Kenyans who turned up to cast their votes on March 4, 2013.  He pledged that his government would work with, and serve, all Kenyans without regard to political affiliation or discrimination.

God bless Kenya.

Happy Easter Weekend to you all.

Vancouver South African Film Festival 2013

I'm fascinated by the story of First People's around the world. As an adult, I've made it a point to learn as much as possible about the First People's of particular countries where I've travelled.  I've been astounded to see so many similarities in cultures and beliefs despite the obvious differences of land, language and food.

About a year ago I attended the local Vancouver South African Film Festival (VSAFF). The VSAFF is in it's 3rd year here in Vancouver. On April 13 and 14th, it will present features and documentaries that explore the culture, history and politics of South Africa. The proceeds of VSAFF go to Education Without Borders, a Canadian organization which provides educational opportunities in disadvantaged areas of the world. Currently EWB is focussing on the township of Gugulethu, South Africa.

So at this point you might be asking yourself what is the connection between First Peoples and the VSAFF? This year one of the VSAFF films is "Tracks Across Sand", a film about the ‡ Khomani San, a people who were forced from their lands, pushed into poverty and denied even the most basic right to speak their languages. Sounds like a story familiar to many indigenous people around the world, including here in Canada.

"Tracks Across Sand" brings together the story of the African bushman in South Africa, their struggles and their ultimate successful claim. The film also returns to see how the people are making out 10 years after their settlement.  The film was made over a 12 year period by anthropologist, writer and filmmaker, Hugh Brody. My first and only introduction to Hugh Brody's work, was through his book, Maps and Dreams, a fascinating book about the hunting and land use maps of the Dunne-Za and Cree people of northern BC.



Here is a short trailer of the film.

There are also numerous other interesting looking films being presented by the VSAFF this year. I'm hoping to take in one or two. If you are in the area, check out the roster of films. Maybe you'd like to take one in also.

Sponsoring Children in Africa

I often hear from people who would like to sponsor a child but just haven't taken the steps to do it. I like to talk about my experiences from time to time as a way to bring awareness to the need and also to help others who are thinking about child sponsorship.

About a month ago I wrote about my two new sponsored children in Zambia.

First up is Hiness who is 12 years old and in Grade 6.  Next is Lindunda who is 15 years old and in grade 7.
After sponsoring these two children, I felt led to help another one. His name is Humphrey and he is in Grade 2. I don't know his age yet.

These children go to school in Livingston, Zambia.

I have written my first letters to these precious young children and am excitedly waiting to hear back from them.  I've been spending a fair bit of time shopping for appropriate things to send to them every few months so that I can have them on hand for when I am ready to send them other letters.


All 3 of these children go to Christian School in Livingstone, Zambia. If you can help, the school needs many more sponsors for children. I have the link at the bottom of this post.

I also sponsor two boys in Kenya (Peter and John, who I've written about before).  I am also what is called a "correspondent sponsor" to a boy in Ethiopia named Haile.  Someone else whom I do not know, is his financial sponsor.  For whatever reason, the financial sponsor does not write to Haile and I have volunteered to write him and encourage him.

This is Haile in Ethiopis showing his development over the last 5 years or so. On the left is his most recent photo taken at age 21.

I've only been writing to Haile for 2 years.  He has been in the program for much longer than that.  Haile is 21 but only in Grade 8.  He suffers from epilepsy which makes it hard for him to really focus on his education.  In Africa many children have a late start in school.  Alternatively they have inconsistent school attendance due to lack of funds.  Families have a very hard time feeding their children and getting the money together for daily food must take priority to sending someone to school, especially when you factor in all the costs associated with education.  Even in Canada, so called "free" education comes with a huge financial burden for parents to pay for all the things that the schools cannot pay for. It is the same situation in Africa though the needs might be somewhat different.

Haile will be 22 years old in June and will no longer be able to continue in the child sponsorship program through Compassion Canada. I've been sending him a flurry of letters as we near his completion program.  I am trying to "pour into him" some scriptures and some encouragement as he transitions to life on his own.  Mostly I need to remember to pray for him as there is no way to contact him once he graduates or for he to contact me.  Hopefully the faith he has come to know through the program and some of the skills training he has received will help him in his future.  What I worry about besides the obvious things like food and shelter is about whether he will be able to seek medical help and continue to afford medications. I definitely need to keep him in prayer.

Compassion, has offices all around the world and many children who need a loving sponsor if you would like to sponsor a child through an established organization that can give you a charitable receipt.  It costs about
$ 38/41 (US/Canadian) dollars a month, plus the annual Christmas, birthday and family gifts to sponsor a child.  If you do not have funds, perhaps you could think about becoming a correspondent sponsor?

All children need to be encouraged, motivated, and inspired as well as held up in prayer support. You might be that one who can provide it to one special child through your cards and letters.  You can click here to reach the Compassion Canada page for sponsoring children. At the top of the page, you can select the country in which you would like to sponsor a child. If you are not Canadian, at the bottom of the page, you will find links to other country websites where there are Compassion offices.  If you want to be a correspondent sponsor, you can send an email to the appropriate office and let them know you are interested in writing to a child (see the Contact Us page at the website). It can take awhile to be matched up with a child in this situation but it is well worth the wait.

Don't forget too that there are many grassroots organizations in Africa that try to help their own. These ones do not have an organization in foreign lands to help them provide charitable tax receipts but they need your help nonetheless. When you give this way you can "cut out" the middle man and avoid most administration expenses although not entirely.  You can be assured that your funds are going to real needs on the ground.  There are no administration offices with their attendant costs so your help will go directly to those that are in dire need of support.  Even so those in the community that help to get the help to those that need it also have needs for food, shelter, travel and costs associated with delivering the particular help.

If you would like to help one or more of the Zambian children at the Christian School in Zambia, sponsorship is $11.50 a month. Please click here for more information.

Many of you will know that from time to time I go on self-funded missions to help the grassroots people in Kenyan villages.  This means helping people with many of their day to day needs and in diverse ways (food, clothing, school supplies, jiko stoves, seeds & fertilizer, medical needs, travel and costs associated with school and medical helps). It can be expensive especially in a country like Kenya.  But these people desperately need help.  If you wish to help in any way and in any amount, please do contact me at my email here or by leaving a comment.

May you and your family have a Blessed Easter Season and May God speak to your heart as you consider

what you can do to help a vulnerable family in Africa today.