Karibu Nyumbani is constantly developing, with new infrastructure and diverse projects to enhance the life of our children and our wider community. This section includes all our latest ideas. 

A Message from Fi for Christmas

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A MESSAGE FROM FI FOR CHRISTMAS.

On behalf of all the Mamas and children, Aunties and Uncles, I want to thank our friends for your support.

For those who have regularly given support through WHTT (Welcome Home Trust Tanzania) God bless you. The children pray for you daily and we pray a special blessing for you over this Christmas.

For those who may be reading this from Germany or Czech, we thank you too for your support through Missio, and Pro- Contact . Your help normally supports our children in School – we bless you and prayer for you daily too.

For those who have had the chance to come and visit us, God bless you, and your families. You know we pray for you.

For those who have given one off gifts for special eventsimage

Thank you.

May the Lord give you all a hundred fold blessings for your generosity to our Children.

 We pray for you all that no matter what circumstances you find yourselves in, that you remember your Heavenly Father is always with you. He carries you and all your burdens. Lean hard on Him.

Love from Fiona.

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Happy Christmas

 
 

 

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Dear friends of Karibu Nyumbani
We wish you all a very blessed Christmas
and a Happy New Year
from us all. xxxx

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A Great Blessing

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A GREAT BLESSING.

This is Baraka, picture one taken one year ago. Baraka which means blessing. He has been with us now for one year.

What great changes we have seen. We were told that he needed an operation to help his breathing but it was not possible until he reached 10 kilos.

Over the last year we have had four ladies from Czech help to look after Baraka with Ludmila. He has Cerebral Palsy and Dystonia. He has been in and out of hospital with breathing problems and fevers. Recently he has had an operation on his nose and tonsils to help his breathing. Since the operation his breathing is much better and his eating has improved a little but it can still take an hour or more to feed him. He needs 24/7 care and if you want to volunteer alongside Mama Mia (Ludmila) you are most welcome. He is a joy.

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Hot off the press. Baraka in his physiotherapy and occupational therapy classes which he is starting to go to 3 times a week. He will start speech therapy classes too very soon.

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What a difference a year makes!

Hilary, Clare and Gloria visit November 2023

We returned once again, so excited to see everyone. I always feel like I am visiting my second home.
As always, we were showered with love and affection by the children and the Mamas. Its always exciting to see how much the children have grown, and to meet any new additions. This year, the only new child was baby Victor. He was absolutely adorable.

 Last year when we visited in November, we had a problem with water. They didn't have any! The whole country had suffered a drought and they were having to buy water in. Gloria and I had to fill up buckets to take down to Royston house and then pour a few small buckets over ourselves to have a shower. We stood in a large bowl whilst doing this, so we could use the waste water to flush the toilet.

The rains caused a lengthy trip to mass. We left at 8:45 and got back at 13:30. The priest had been delayed, and we got stuck in the mud at the church. No one complained, everyone is just grateful to have mass provided.r your text here ...

Hilary and Gloria
Clare and the children

 The advantage of the rains was that I felt we got to spend much more one to one inside time with the children, playing games. We took out a card game called fit snap. Just like snap, but the cards had actions on that the losers had to perform for 10 seconds. After losing frequently due to a little bit of cheating (Tumaini !), I realised that I wasn't missing the gym as I seemed to be doing a lot of squats.

 The rains caused a lengthy trip to mass. We left at 8:45 and got back at 13:30. The priest had been delayed, and we got stuck in the mud at the church. No one complained, everyone is just grateful to have mass provided.

The local road
Outside Church

We were hoping to treat the children to a swimming trip whilst out there, but again, the weather was not on our side. We managed to take the Mamas out for a swim at the hotel on a rare day of sunshine. 

 One of our trips out was to Dar es Salaam to get material for the Duka ( shop). Ludmila and her team got working as soon as we were back, making things for us to bring back home. This year it was shopping bags, aprons, wash bags and purses. Ludmila has taught a few ladies in the village how to sew and now they are skilled and able to work in the Duka. This is an important way for the orphanage to support the local village.

 Once again, this year we were privileged to be able to attend the graduation at Welcome home school. This had been postponed by a week due to the rain. There was a lot of preparation the day before, including cooking. We had the task of peeling garlic. I have never seen such small cloves before. I think we spent 3 hours doing it, with Neema helping out all that time.

Neema , oh my goodness. I remember in 2015 when she still couldn't walk , despite being 2 1/2 yrs old. Now she is such a lovely girl and so helpful and running around with all the others.

2015
2023

 Sadly we didn't see the older children who were away at boarding school. Advent, Queenie, Daphrosa, Gertrude and Onesmo were all away and by all accounts, doing very well. It's amazing how the next oldest very quickly step up taking responsibility for jobs around the orphanage and looking after the younger children. We all feel like proud Mamas ourselves, seeing what beautiful children they have become. Can't wait to visit again next year.

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VISITORS FROM AMERICA

On one of my recent visits to the bank, a lady asked if she could take a picture of my dress, she said she wanted to make one the same.

They were on a mission trip to help a school in Mbeya (Ester's home town) and another Orphanage in a nearby town. We had the blessing of a visit from them a few days later. I love the way, by chance you talk to someone and then you end up making friendships that I believe will last forever We look forward to seeing them, at least some of them in a few years time.

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KEEP BOKO VILLAGE TIDY

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Learning to put out a FIRE

This week, we had the fire department come and teach the children, uncles and aunties what they need to do if we have a fire.
It was great fun for them as many got a go to use the fire- extinguisher. We pray we won't have need to use them!!

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A BUSY SEWING ROOM

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10 YEARS ANNIVERSARY MARCH 3rd 2023

We would have loved to have invited you all to this wonderful occasion, but as it was we made it a family affair. Perhaps when we reach our 15th, birthday we will invite all our friends all over the world.

Our new Parish Priest Fr. Nicolas, came and concelebrated Mass. All our Aunties, Uncles, teachers (from our Welcome Home School LINK) School Workers, and seamstresses joined us in all the preparations making a very joyful and big celebration.

It just so happens that our Neema was born on the same day that our home was born.

So she is here with her 10th birthday cake.

  

MAMAS AT THE END OF THE 10TH ANNIVERSAY DAY.

  Celebrating together with a glass of wine- God bless you all.

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LUDMILA IN CZECH

 Many of you will know that Ludmila had a visit to Czech in the May and early June.
We particularly want to thank all her friends for looking after her so well. Yes as usual she felt cold!! She returned after quite a busy time visiting churches and schools talking on behalf of  Karibu Nyumbani.

 On her return with donations from her friends we were able to continue with the building of our school.
God bless you all, you will be hearing from us soon.
Please see https://www.educateall.co.uk/whs-tanzania

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WELCOME HOME MAMA PIPI

 Greetings to everyone who may be looking to see if we have recently blogged. 
I have just returned after having a very blessed time travelling around England visiting friends and family.
It is always so hard to tear myself away from here, as there isn't one moment I am apart from the children.
Once I arrive in England, travelling about, especially after 3 weeks with my dad, then I find it equally difficult to pull myself away from those I love in England. A strange phenomenon! Some people ask me how I manage the two different worlds. I think the answer is, in always having Jesus at the centre, as He is our home where ever we are.

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My Little MOSES



At the end of February, 40 day old Moses came to us via the Social Services. His story is a little different from some of our children as his mother was unfortunately burnt and beaten by her husband. She was hospitalized and Moses needed a safe place. He was the youngest of 5 children and all the children were looked after in other homes.

Our children received him as their little brother, but we told them that he was going to return to his mother. After 3 months with him obviously he had a big place in all of our hearts. When his mother was able to come, it was such a joy for me to see him responding to the language and voice of his mother. He departed from us not without many tears from our children. My heart however was full of joy. And he will be always in my heart.

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MANY GUESTS

There are times when Ester will get a phone call from someone to ask if they can come. We are sometimes taken aback, that some occasions, when we hear a toot at the gate there follows about 5 car loads of people, or a bus full of children. God bless the trainee Doctors, and Gethsemane Mothers, and school children for coming to bless us with your love and gifts.

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GROWING UP AND GOING OUT

These days our children are enjoying stay-over's.

Emmanuel–John, Emmanuel-Petro and Florian had a few days away with Teacher Asa. Last week Mama Mdogo took 4 little ones out to her sisters in Dar es Salaam. Not so sure it was such a peaceful time for her, but we had a quiet house!!



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The Blessing of Having Nets

Our Nelson is normally quite a quiet sleeper.

One night, I happened to turn on the light to find him……! Whoops!

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COME AND VOLUNTEER WITH US

We are looking for help. As of the middle of March, these lovely ladies will be leaving us and we have a gap where we have no volunteers. Please contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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GAMES FOR ALL

When our family visited Karibu Nyumbani in July 2022, it was the last week of the school term and we offered to organise games for the top two classes at the Welcome Home School (I think the teachers saw an opportunity of some unexpected time to write pupils' reports!). So our children and grandchildren put their heads together and came up with a plan! We would split each class into three groups (about 10 in a group) and run three types of games – sporty games, party games and board games! The sporty games consisted of running and jumping activities;

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The party games were old favourites like 'grandmother's footsteps' and 'musical bumps';  the board game was 'Pictureka', a favourite with our grandchildren. (In our rush to order the game before we left, by mistake we ordered the Portuguese version!! Luckily, Hannah was able to find a translation App and rewrote all the words on the cards into English!) As the game involves matching pictures, the children - most of whom don't speak very good English! - quickly picked it up.

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A FAMILY VISIT

This blog entry is a little late as we visited the orphanage last year in July! It had been four (long!) years since we had last visited, our return delayed by the pandemic. This time we were very excited to bring with us our eldest son, Richard, and his family – wife Liz, Hannah (aged 17), Joey (14), Thea (13) and Esther (6).

The orphanage is as wonderful as we remembered it, except all the children are four years older! We can't believe that Queenie and Advent are now 14 years old! It was so nice getting to know all the children again, meeting the new arrivals – David, little Onesmo (Kobelo), Nelson and baby Nancy – and seeing Mama Ester again! (we had seen Mama Pipi when she was over in the UK in May 22).

We noticed some new developments and improvements at the orphanage – the new building behind Royston House, the beautiful Stations of the Cross murals outside the Chapel, the new vegetable patch and wifi! But some things don't change – like the slamming doors in Royston House (hopefully the adjustments we made may last until our next visit!).

But what a transformation at the school! Four years ago, Fiona showed us the fenced plot of land where she planned to build the school. It was just open bush, but she described for us where she hoped to build the first classrooms, the administration block, the areas allocated for a playground and football pitch! Now it is a bustling school, with brightly coloured buildings, pupils proudly dressed in their school uniforms (beautifully created by Mama Mia and her team!) and smiles everywhere! As it was the last week of term, we had the privilege of organising games for the top two forms one day. What fun we all had – read all about it in the School Blog! 

We have such happy memories of our week at the orphanage – enjoying a day at the local swimming pool with all the children and staff (and the scrummy chicken and chips for lunch!);

helping the Aunties prepare food;

being given a tour of the animal shed by Advent; reading to the younger children after supper;

Then taking a leisurely walk through the village down to the pond.

 

seeing artistic talent develop at Liz's impromptu still-life drawing classes;

Thea commented on her week at the orphanage: 'I got to spend lots of time with all 24 of the kids and it was weird because, even though I only spent a week with them, we have become such a family. Living with the kids has definitely made me a more grateful person. I will never forget the experience!'  

  And Hannah reflected on the lessons she learnt while staying at the orphanage: 'They have such a beautiful lifestyle and to see them spending all of their time only on the important things is so inspiring. It's honestly completely changed my perspective on a lot of things, especially on how much I use screens unnecessarily at home. Screen time is time I will never get back and could so easily be spent on other things. The children at Karibu Nyumbani have no problem living their lives screen-free and I am really going to make more of an effort to be like them in that respect.'

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The last word goes to Liz and Richard: 'We were struck by the joy in the orphanage … and the readiness of the children to welcome us into their home and integrate us into everything they do so wholeheartedly. I imagine this is how they are with all the volunteers! Generosity of spirit comes so easily to them. We loved getting to know their individual personalities. An unforgettable week! Thank you, Fiona and Esther!'

Thank you for making our visit so memorable and we can't wait to visit again!

Roger, Liney, Richard, Liz, Hannah, Joey, Thea and Esther.

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TEST BLOG

Its a steep learning curve

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Volunteering at Karibu Nyumbani

Immediately after arriving at Karibu Nyumbani, the children showered us with their love, which remained with us until the last days. When we arrived at Karibu Nyumbani, we didn't think about how hard it would be to leave. Children have become dear to my heart. Within a few days, they invite us into their lives. They were so open, direct, joyful, wild, and simply great. The closeness we have built up in that moment can hardly be described in words. Lots of hugs, laughter, joy, prayers, dinners together, falling asleep in arms, hair braiding, babies carrying and nice words. We experienced all this at Karibu Nyumbani with the children.


 I will not exaggerate when I say that the less than two months spent at Karibu Nyumbani are one of the most beautiful moments of my life. And not only through children. The Mamas and all the other people involved in running Karibu Nyumbani have provided us with incredible support. A community where we, like all children, were loved and accepted. Mamas have gifted us far more than they can imagine. Lots of wonderful stories, small but also big deeds, their enormous love, patience, hope and faith inspired us in many ways.

I would say that Karibu Nyumbani is a very addictive place, filled with love, willingness to help, truth and peace. After a while, I too perceived Karibu Nyumbani as a "second home". This home had everything – God, family, friendship. I felt happy and safe here. I will always have beautiful memories of the time I spent at Karibu Nyumbani. I will follow the stories of these unique and wonderful children as they grow. I look forward to meeting you again at Karibu Nyumbani.

Let's not underestimate children, because children can be the best teachers and the most honest advisers. And they can give us far more than we think.

                                                                                                                                                                       With love,

                                                                                                                                                                        Kateřina.

Forgive us, please, if we are too poetic about our two months stay at Karibu Nyumbani. I am actually quite pragmatic individual myself, but even objective facts about this place may sound a bit surreal to someone, so why not write it nicely. You can choose to believe our words or even better do not and go see yourself.

Just plan your stay with mamas, get your vaccines and come. If you want to prepare yourself in some ways, be prepared to feel loved,  healed and accepted. Be sure to leave all your fears and prejudice in front of the gate of this little wonderland before you enter and you will be surprised how much you will see, feel and learn. You will be hugged, impressed and sometimes maybe a little bit tired, but very often happy and grateful. We saw children looking after each other, sharing cookies, laughters, stories, secrets and dreams. Children brave enough to fight side by side against anything poisonous.

We met strong women who raised our standards of what we can expect from people. They showed us how to give a lot from almost nothing and how to love unconditionally without being exhausted or disappointed. We were able to see how wonderful things can happed when you let God act through you. And we will never forget it.

Karibu Nyumbani is a place, where you can not feel lonely or empty and if you do for a moment one of the precious little ones will squeeze it out of you with a warm hug in a second. I really felt like putting all those philosophical books on the shelf, because at Karibu Nyumbani you simply feel the meaning of life deep inside of you. It is a family we miss already and we hope to come back to.

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