First ever Somali Lesson at Bethel UK

I had the privilege to attend the first Somali lesson at the Bethel in London. A brother from Wales who can speak around 10 languages, Somali being one of them is Skyping with Bethel to teach a group in London the basics of Somali.

The method is fun and interactive.  Luke had to stand in as the co coordinator as we had teething problems with the sound and quality of skype. Hayden the brother in Wales could hear us but we couldn't hear him.

Luke explained the principle of the method of teaching this way. When we  remember a song we like its not because we have sat in front of the song lyrics and methodically learnt them. We liked the song, the beat and there fore picked it up and remembered it. Thats how we will be learning Somali. Sounds like fun.

I have also been invited to join then every Friday from California for the language group. Im so excited.

Naomi and  Nat doing an Somali Introduction

Our class with the folders that Luke made full of phrases for us to learn

Naomi showcasing our folders

Luke talking to Hayden on Skype

Bus Ride

The Yiannitsarou's

The Yanitsarous are a family I have known as long as I can remember. On the way home I Antoinette called me while I was on the way home from Bethel.  I jumped off the bus caught one heading the opposite way and we spent the afternoon together. Antoinette and her husband have 5 children. 4 boys and a girl. her two oldest are in Bethel and the 3 youngest are home schooled. In the words of Alisha Keys "she is a superwomen, Yes she is". Her home is always open to the congregation. A hub of activity. I love it, reminds me of my family, noise, chaos but FULL of love. We had home made curry tonight it was so good. Reminded me of home and the way mum used to make it. Had so much fun being with them. Felt like home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is Richard. Her second oldest who is at Bethel. Home with the family as he as been sick and was camera shy tonight

Ben is the forth in the family and a character, I couldnt capture the youngest Ashely as he was doing math and not a happy chappy

Jamie now a lovely young lady

Bethel

Today I had lunch at Bethel and saw lots of old faces.

This is the front of IBSA

This is the reception where everyone is waiting for a tour. 

The literature desk where I went for Somali tracts

All the new magazines

Reception at Watchtower House

AnnMarie is a Scottish sister in the Bulgarian cong. A good friend who regularly sends me updates on life in London.  She works in the infirmary at Bethel.  Was great to spend some time together. She is so fun and bubbly love her to bits

Chris is a brother in my old cong Wood Green a good friend.  Hope he will come visit CA soon.

Luke and Naomi are two really good friends they work in translation and are founding members of the north London Somali language ministry group.  I have been invited to the first language class at Bethel tomorrow im so excited

Ryan is now a full time Bethelite he invited Chris and I to lunch today. Thanks Ryan.  Again sisters Ryan is single, likes walks in the park and star gazing hahaha kidding he is great and hopefully will come visit soon.

This is Michelle we call her "mini". Mini is a great friend, we have known each other for years. She is so sweet and has the most infectious smile and laugh.

Tim and Mini both Bethelites, love you guys so much

 

 

Banksy and Bubble Tea

Japanese Grocery store Tea

Bubble Tea is like Nesquik Strawberry milk

Strawberry Tea a little too sweet for me

These are the strawberry boba that are at the bottom of the drink they pop and have a strawberry liquid inside. Lyds thought it was fascinating and kept fishing them out.

Lyds fishing out the popping Boba

The different teas they offer we also had a steam bun. They weren't the best and it was lyds first experience think it ruined them for her

The baskets at the pound store.  They are on wheels such a good idea

In Wood Green it looked like Bansky struck.. how cool. What an honor!

It looks like his work but wondered if it was a copy cat. Esp as the glass is there and the glass people left their card, the flags are real and this is next to the pound store that has the banners up in the window.

Dad

Dad had his oncology appointment. The doctors  where really happy with dads progress.  They warned us not to have to high expectations. Recovery takes a while.

 They are going to do another PET scan to see how and where in his liver exactly his cancer has metastasized. They were not worried about what they found in his lung as it was so small

 The scan will tell them determine the kind the of chemo dad will have.. Then he will have chemo in about a month. this will be a tough journey she said. But he can fight it. 

The result of the scan will give us a better idea of what he is now fighting

I have been hanging out with Dad most days.  

Love you Dad.

Olympic VIllage, The meeting and the pub

As Lydia and I where getting ready to go and clean our parents home we got a call saying they were both having a slow day and weren't up to us going round.

Lydia needed some shoes for her Radiography placement so we decided to go shopping.  Westfields Mall have only been in the UK for a year.  We went to one about 20 mins away in Stratford right next to the Olympic Village.  This Westfields Mall is the newest and biggest in London I think.

Above is the sculpture that represents the Olympic flame and the birds nest stadium.

Below is the Mall. Its huge. I brought a pair of Jeans and a Cardigan both on sale.  We where very tired that day so we spent a bit sitting and people watching while drinking coffee and eating fine chocolate.

I got the same phone the next day after Dad had his regular check up with the nurse after his surgery. Check wounds healing etc.  So I spent Thursday at home.  Cleaned the flat. Did prep for the meeting tonight and took a nap.  The weather is wet humid and grey I cant stand it.


I went to the meeting tonight and it turns out its the last meeting for Wood Green in their old hall. They have have brought a new building. The building is actually an old pump house so its old and they renovated the inside.  They move in Sunday and I get to be there. I was in Wood Green Cong for about 10yrs. So I am excited to be here for this. At the end of the meeting everyone stayed in their seats while one of the Elders Simon took a  photo of the cong from the platform. There is talk to get it framed and have it in the entrance of the new hall in black and white. If thats the case I will always be there. lol

After the meeting half the cong went to the local pub for a beer and a curry. Its a regular event and I miss it.

 Above is Vinny in the red stripe tie he is an Elder in our hall. Liz his wife is a close friend of mine. Her bother Ben is the one in the purple tie he is a min servant. That the curry below.  $5 for a curry and a beer. you cant beat that

Below is Simon who took the photo at the hall and Erol, both are elders and very good friends.

Ryan below (in the pinky tie) is a bethalite and single ladies lol he wanted me to say that.

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The whole gang at the pub say Hi

Tomorrow is my dads appointment at the Hospital .. Im hoping to have some good news.