Children of Watamu

Two by two

2012-01-29T08:48:00.001Z

How are your times tables? 4x2=?

The clue to the answer, not that you'll need it, is in the picture. Laura and Scott Webster had their hands full in the baby banda posing for pictures with our four sets of twins.

Sauma and Pendo, the eldest, followed, in no particular order, by James and Jonathan, Peter and Paul and our latest little double act, Baracka and Armani.

Saying hi to Harry

2012-01-28T07:06:00.000Z

Doug Hare and his wife Lorna are more old friends of the Happy House who are making a return visit to see Mama Sue, PapaDave and the kids.
And there's one little chap who has a very special place in their hearts ... our handsome Harry!
Doug is a member of Limavady Rotary Club in North Ireland and very soon after Harry joined our family the club pledged to support him, through sponsorship, until he reaches 18.

Harry's winning ways never fail top delight and, of course, Doug and Lorna were delighted to see him again and to see how he's growing, and toddling!

Doug, Lorna and Limavady Rotary Club are tremendously supportive of our work- they donated our baby banda - and we are so grateful to them for all they do for Harry and for all our family. Thank you.

And this week's stars are ...

2012-01-27T08:22:00.001Z

Soaring to the heights of success is this group of likely lads!

And these older boys look bowled over by their Star of the Week Award presented to them by Mama Sue because they are so helpful in the kitchen.

The boys, nominated by Auntie Joyce, turn their hands, gladly, to any kitchen chores from peeling veg to washing pots.

Well done boys and congratulations.

Pictured from left are Hassan, Fikiri, Evans, Sifa, Samson and Musyoka.

Birthday girls

2012-01-26T07:17:00.001Z

Scott and Laura Webster, good friends of the Happy House and special friend to little Rose, thrilled to be back in time for her birthday.

Scott and Laura, from Royal Wootton Bassett, do so much to help our family in so many ways and Mama Sue is delighted to see them again and to show them, first hand, how much has been done since their last visit.

And just before he set off Scott sent a donation of £113 which he raised at a Christnmas meal with his golfing pals from South Cerney Golf Club. Thanks to you all!

Also celebrating her birthday this week is our lovely Hope and both girls received gifts at Kidz Club.

Footballers net a cool £1,000

2012-01-25T08:31:00.002Z

Howdra, a British-owned cleaning company in Dubai, has been a good friend of the Happy House for several years now and raised a lot of money to help us.

It kicked-off the new year by hosting the Happy House Charity Shield, a junior football tournament for Under 8s and Under 10s.

On hand to cheer them on was English soccer legend, Trevor Sinclair.

Chris Howard from Howdra said eight enthusiastic teams took part, involving children aged from six to ten, and the entry fees plus a collection raised an amazing £1,000 - plus raising awareness of our work at the Happy House, via publicity material and on the Howdra and the Howdra Boys Football Club websites.

It sounds like a very happy day and Trevor Sinclair did the honours by presenting the trophies to the winning teams.

Pictured at Under 10s champions Mini Milan (red/black) with their trophy; the Howdra Boys Under 10s (light blue) collection their runners-up medals from Trevor Sinclair, the under 10s teams, Trevor's team (yellow/blue) and Trevor with the trophies..

Many thanks to Chris Howard everyone at Howdra, to Trevor Sinclair, to sponsors and to all the boys who took part and to those who went along to watch. Your efforts will bring so many smiles to our Happy House kids .... who, like kids the world over, love football!

Sofa so good

2012-01-24T07:33:00.000Z

Are you sitting comfortably? The answer from our kids is a resounding YES!

The new lounge area is now complete with it's comfy cushions and colourful carpet.

The children really love it and it's a perfect place for them to chill out, read a book, watch a dvd or, in the case of Linus, to catch a catnap!

It's party time

2012-01-23T20:55:00.001Z

Mama Sue and Papa Dave have have booked their flights and will be here to join us at the Happy House Charity Night and Second Birthday Party at the Hotel Sheraton, Blackpool, on Friday, March16, from 8pm-midnight.

Tickets are £15 and include a light buffet. There will be fun and games, disco, raffle and tombola as we party Happy House style!

Anyone who would like to stay over can book in at the Sheraton Lodge, which is just round the corner from the main hotel, at a discounted price of £22 b&b per person (please specify that your are attending the Happy House Charity Night and that you are booking a room in the Lodge). For those wanting to make a weekend of it two nights in the hotel, dinner, b&b is £65 per person. Tel: 01253 352 723

If we raise £3,000 on the night, Santander will match it - so we're pulling out all the stops to reach our target and need all the help you can give us.

We are appealing for raffle and tombola prizes and bottles (from ketchup to cava) for the bottlebola. We would also be grateful to anyone who would like to bring along a birthday cake - we'd like everyone to have a slice so we're sure to need a few.

Tickets are limited so it will be first come first served.

To reserve yours please send a cheque , made out to the Happy House, along with the number required and your contact telephone number and email address - plus a stamped, self addressed envelope so they can be posted out to you, to Elizabeth Gomm, Children of Watamu, 6 Burwood Drive, Blackpool, FY3 8NS. If you have any queries or can help in any way please call Elizabeth on07905 130 589

Kidz get cooking

2012-01-23T08:45:00.002Z

Ready, steady .... cook!

Mama Sue is keen to make sure that our wonderful family of kids don't have everything done for them and that they are as equipped as they can before the time ahead when they will lead an independent life.

Mama Sue says: "We need to do all we can so that when they are old enough to leave the Happy House we will know that can cope with the hard and difficult world of Kenya."

Young Farmers Klub is already a great success and the first crops, grown by the kids, now being harvested.

This weekend Mama Sue launched the Happy House Kidz Kookery Klub... sounds a simple idea to put into action but, as with everything in Kenya, it was far from that.

Sue tells me: "On Wednesday, Dave and I went to the shops as we need the ingredients and equipment to teach 25 children some simple recipes.

"We searched at least 15 shops in Malindi for rolling pins, mixing bowls, wooden spoons etc but were still unable to find any baking tins. Very few people here have ovens so there are no utensils on sale.

"In one shop I found a tin of Golden Syrup and how happy was I? Dave and was laughing at my reaction .. talk about simple pleasures!"

By Saturday, armed with tried and trusted Bero recipes, Mama Sue was set to take her first Kookery Club with 25 children divided into groups of five and all cooking something different.

First they lined the random assortment of tins (ones Mama has taken out to Kenya with her from the UK), before making pastry followed by a variety of fillings - treacle tart, jam tart, baked egg custard, sweet cheesy tart made with currants and cottage cheese.

After lunch everyone tucked into a pastry.

"Harry came back to me three times with his little hand held out ... I think we'll call him Oliver from now on.

"A delicious time was had by all."

Mama adds: "All meals here consist of rice, ugali, greens or vegetables. Everything looks and tastes pretty much the same. Nobody eats salad or simple steamed veg. Everything is chopped and thrown into the pot and made into a soup. So this is a real journey of discovery for our children.

This Saturday some of the children will be making buns, chocolate, sultana and butterfly, and the other two groups will be making lunch.

"We decided on homemade beefburgers, which can be barbecued outside, and salad. The kitchen staff will make the bread buns on Friday afternoon."

Mama Sue has found another cookery book and in future weeks Kookery Klub will be making spaghetti bolognaise, sausage rolls, quiche, roast potatoes with fresh vegetables.

"So many things the children have never tasted, and are so excited to be making and even more excited to be eating!"

The only drawback is equipment. So if anyone has anything they'd like to send we would be so grateful... bun cases, baking trays, bun tins,cake decorations anything that could help make the Happy House Kidz Kookery Klub more fun!

Silicone cases would be really fantastic, if anybody has some they've bought and rarely used, because they'll last and won't go rusty.

If you would like to post something out to our budding chefs the address is Sue Hayward's Happy House, PO Box 796, Watamu, Kenya, East Africa.

Thank you, as always, for caring.

Super swings

2012-01-22T08:14:00.001Z

One day, when there is both the money and resources, Mama Sue would love an adventure playground for our family.

But that's a luxury which out of reach at the moment, so instead she's come up with the best next thing to keep our little monkeys happy.

Papa Dave using his considerable charm and negotiating skills persuaded a garage in Malindi to donate some old tyres, and together with very strong rope, bought when the water tank was being installed, Mama had everything needed to make some swings.

Handyman Lanson washed the tyres and painted them white and then they were installed in the trees in the grounds.

The kids were so excited and delighted when they came out of school and saw them, and Musyoka (always the spokesman) went running into the office asking: "Mama Sue, can we swing?"

She barely had a chance to say "Yes, Musyoka" before he was off shouting to the others before he was even out of the office.

Mama Sue says: When he got to the steps he was shouting YES, YES, and there was a stampede towards the tyres .

"It was lovely, they share so well, each taking turns to swing, pushing others until it was there turn."

Our family grows by four

2012-01-21T09:34:00.001Z

The young mother stared ahead, expressionless, as the twin boys tugged hungrily at her empty breasts.

With no milk to feed her babies, and no money to buy any, there was nothing she could do to feed her babies.

Naked from the waist down, the two naked boys struggled fretfully. As one started to wee his urine ran down his mother's clothes but, again, she was unmoved, not seeming to notice.

This girl, aged just 19, echoes the story of so many other women in Kenya. A single mother, deserted by the father, defeated by the poverty and circumstance in which she lives. There is no benefits system. If you cannot work, and work is very, very hard to find, you cannot eat. That is the truth that can and does cost lives.

This tragic picture was the one which greeted Mama Sue and Uncle Billy when they were called to by a local woman, respected and kind , who works as a volunteer helping families in the area. We call her the Volunteer Mama.

Sue tells the story: "We met her at place called Msabaha. We drove off the main road into the interior, until we came to a small village, where we saw this very young girl and her babies.

The mum Sauda is 19 years twins are called Amani, Swahili for Peace, & Baraka , which means Blessings. They were born on June 16 . They were wearing filthy t-shirts, nothing else. As they
passed water it just ran on to their mother's clothes, she didn't seem to notice.

As Uncle Billy talked to the family, we were told that Sauda is the eighth born out of 15. Her own mother , whose husband has disappeared, was there and they are all living with Sauda's grandmother living in a mud & wattle hut.

They have no means of support at all, there are no government benefits, no family allowance, if you have nothing it really is nothing.
For a while Sauda has known her children were starving so the Volunteer Mama was called who in turn called Uncle Billy.

As were taking all the details of the family, and getting the twins dressed for their new home, the mum just looked on but we realized one of the children stood watching us.

Alex, is two and a half, and is also Sauda's son. He, too, was crying with hunger.

We bought milk ad biscuits from a local kiosk so at least they would all have eaten something before we started our journey back to the Happy House.

Ten or so other children, all in a desperate state, stood watching so we bought milk for everyone, they drank it greedily , everyone a victim of extreme hunger.

I wished I collect them all and take them back with me. Billy and I looked at Alex, and looked back at each other, we could not leave him there.

So he and his baby brothers are now Happy House kids.

With our precious cargo we travelled on into the slums of Malindi to find Melis, she is an orphan who living with a very old grandmother unable to cope with the two year old. A
neighbour had said she would look out for Melis, but she was running a Mnazi
house - an area which sells palm wine, a potent (almost pure alcohol) drink made from the fermented sap of coconut palm. It was a place where drinkers, mostly men, were congregated and no place for a small child. We took some details and left with
Melis. A beautiful and pleasant child.
It was a day of mixed emotions for both myself and Billy. To take children from their mother is so very hard to do and for me to understand.

We know we are doing it in the best interests of the children, but how can a mum just sit and watch her children being taken by strangers without showing any emotion at all?

Billy and I have the same conversation every time we rescue children from the dire extremes of poverty. Billy always says, the mum knows she is doing thee right thing for the children, without help they would, in time, starve to death.

Back home, our Happy House kids come in from school to find they have three new brothers and a sister. They are thrilled, everyone gathering to make our new family members welcome.

It was all a bit too much for Alex, but Melis settled in straight away playing with the girls.

Alex, given love and time, and there is no shortage of either, will soon come round and he, too, will find his feet in our family.

That's the Happy House magic. We know it works!"

What a week!

2012-01-20T09:52:00.001Z

We all have those weeks when things go wrong- the boiler breaks down, the car won't start. We have a good old moan on those rare occasion when a power cuts disrupts our TV viewing for a couple of hours.

So just imagine what's it like when you have a family of 53 kids, no electricity nor any water.

That's the headache Mama Sue has had to contend with at the Happy House - the power supply went off for six days and the water pump failed!

Mama Sue tells me: "If it could go wrong it did! We had to switch to use the generator for six days and , overworked, that went wrong and needed a new switch and some cable replacing.

The water pump in the well that supplies the house with washing water, cleaning and most importantly the toilets, broke and had to be taken to Malindi for repair so we used a spare pump

which also broke.

" During the day when school is open we have 86 children and around 20 adults here ,so it was a big problem.

"We have mains water but of course it has to be paid for, Lanson our handy man worked so hard getting water to all corners of the house. He connected hose pipes for the staff
to fill containers to flush the toilets.

"The washing machines couldnot be used and with 53 children it didn't take long for the washing to pile up.
The staff really pulled together and coped but it was hard. So many houses
here have no water or electricity, but with such a large family it was so
difficult for us to cope."

Maintenance of the Happy House is a constant issue. The salt air, intense sun and high humidity turn anything metal to rust seemingly over night, fabrics rot, paint peels and mechanical things are so poorly made the soon fail. All our toilet cisterns need replacing.

It's these hidden, but vital, emergency expenses that can't be budgeted for that make life very difficult indeed for our very small charity and, particularly, for it's founder our Mama Sue who has the unenviable task of dealing with them and balancing the books.

Little star and birthday boys!

2012-01-19T09:12:00.001Z

My heart leapt with joy when Rose emailed to tell me the name of our latest Star of the Week.

The coveted award goes to one-year-old David for being able to sit up unaided.

It's been a long haul to get him to this point, but, at last, our very precious and special little one has done it.

David, as you'll know, was diagnosed with Down's Syndrome in October when, after exploring all other medical avenues to find our why he was still like a newborn and not reaching the milestones you would expect, Mama Sue and Uncle Billy took him to a specialist child development centre.

With help and information from the Down's Syndrome Association in the UK, trainee social worker Hemadi went through a mountain of information to put together an exercise programme for David, to stimulate him both physically and mentally.

The mums have been working him through it twice a day, which he and they both enjoy, and the results are astounding.

Sitting up is his latest triumph.

David we are so proud of you!

Two birthday boys received gifts at this week's Kidz Club - Katana (who is recovering well from a broken arm) and one of our Big Kidz, Uncle Billy!

Happy birthday, Katana and Billy.

Game on

2012-01-18T07:51:00.001Z

Our kids are full of energy and always eager to learn new sports.

When the volleyball net went up, staff members Uncle Isaac and Auntie Velma got into action coaching the children, with Papa Dave joining in the fun.

Uncle Billy tells me: "Volleyball is officially on our games list now and we mobilized all the machinery and resources to get the ball rolling.

" More games such as cricket and rounders are in the offing.......watch this space."

Our lucky night

2012-01-17T09:56:00.001Z

Good fortune was on the cards for our Happy House family last night when Jacqueline Winters hosted an evening of angel card readings at the Grapevine, Poulton, Lancashire.

The venue, very kindly given free for the night, is a great central location and with a line- up of excellent readers including those pictured - Jackie Rodgers, Lynn McCluskey and Jackie Winters - the evening attracted a good attendance.

Andrea Manders, who sponsors Natasha, came along to sell raffle tickets and Elizabeth Gomm was there with information about the Happy House.

The evening is on target to raise an amazing £400 for our children.

A huge thank-you to Jackie and all the card readers who gave their time freely, to the Grapevine, to Andrea (pictured in green with two of our visitors) and all those who came along.

Sitting pretty

2012-01-16T08:34:00.002Z

The new seating in the lounge area is coming along nicely and Sifa, the tailor and sewing machinist, is busy making covers for the cushions which will make it cosy and comfy for our kids.

Mama Sue, always on the lookout for ways of making the Happy House ever more a family home, tells me she's found the perfect carpet to go in the TV area and is having some floor cushions made too. Can't wait to see the kids chilling out in the finished area.

What's on the cards?

Discover your destiny for the year ahead and bring good fortune to the Happy House, at a very special fundraiser tonight at the Grapevine, Poulton le Fylde, from 7pm, when a line-up of excellent angel card readers will be giving readings (£15) with all proceeds to the Happy House. The event is kindly organised by Jackie Winters. Bar, raffle and Happy House information too. To reserve your ticket ring Jackie Winters on 0783 407 2273 or email jackie.winters@yahoo.co.uk

Time two move

2012-01-15T10:55:00.001Z

Anything he can do, I can do too! Twins Peter and Paul aren't letting the grass grow under their feet, nor is one lagging behind the other, they are both on the move and crawling.

And the beautiful boys were chosen for Star of the Week Awards when they were helped into the limelight to receive their certificates by Marian who carried Paul, while Musyoka carried Peter.

The twins, who are all most impossible to tell apart, we tickled pink with their certificates and eager to take a closer look.

CHARITY NIGHT

Be sure to order your tickets early for our big night of the year, the Happy House Charity Night and Second Birthday Party which is taking place at the Hotel Sheraton, Queens Prom, Blackpool on Friday, March 16, from 7pm-midnight. Mama Sue and Papa Dave will be flying in specially and are looking forward to seeing you. Tickets £15 (inc light buffet)

Contact Elizabeth Gomm, email: elizabethgomm@childrenofwatamu.net or tel:07905 130 589 for details or send your cheque (Payable to the Happy House) along with your details, number of tickets required, and a SAE envelope to Elizabeth Gomm, 6 Burwood Drive, Blackpool, FY3 8NS. The Sheraton is offering rooms in the Sheraton Lodge (adjoining the hotel) at a special rate of £22 to people attending our event. To book call: 01253 352723 please specify the Lodge when booking and the Happy House Charity Night.

Boys will be boys...

2012-01-14T10:20:00.001Z

All the world over, boys will be boys and Katana was doing his own superhero impression when he fell and broke his arm!

Rose tells me: "He climbed on top of a pile of galana stones pretending to be a Spiderman when the accident happened."

Uncle Bill took him to Malindi General Hospital where his arm was x-rayed and set and now our brave soldier is on the road to recovery.

Get well soon Katana.

Thank you St George's

2012-01-13T09:23:00.002Z

A Parcel a £1 for Christmas campaign netted £125 for the Happy House thanks to the big-hearted pupils at Blackpool's St George's CE Business and Enterprise College.

After hearing about the Happy House from Elizabeth Gomm when she visited the school in the autumn, Year 7 pupils were on a mission to help.

And because we always need funds to meet our bills they decided to have some festive fun by asking their fellow pupils to parcel up a £1 coin in a decorated box - with prizes for the most creative - and then strung the parcels up as decoration! The £1 coins added up to £125.

The youngsters, who are so enthusiastic about helping our kids, also made a presentation about the Happy House to a full school assembly, taking our message out to everyone in school.

We love it when children want to help our children, it's extra special. And their teacher Miss Hayley Clarkson, who with her partner sponsors Mercy and David, says our charity and our children have really captured their imagination.

Elizabeth was delighted to invited back to receive their cheque and the children had another barrage of questions for her, and told her all about their plans to raise more money by making gifts and cards for Mothering Sunday.
Another St George's pupil Melissa Miles, a very talented young singer, whose family sponsors Maria, has raised hundreds of pounds for us, too, with sales from her debut ep.

Our kids will be so thrilled to see these pictures of their friends at caring St Georges. The love and support of everyone at the school means so much to our family.

And a very big THANK YOU.

You are invited...

2012-01-12T08:27:00.002Z

It's not just our Happy House kids who know how to party...

We're having a party and YOU are invited!

Our annual charity night will take place on Friday, March 16, at the Hotel Sheraton, Queen's Promenade, Blackpool.

And as as that is the eve of the second anniversary of the Happy House it's going to a be a big birthday bash so that any of our charity's friends in the UK can come along and join the fun.

Our much loved Mama Sue and Papa Dave will be here to celebrate with us, making it a very special event indeed, and will bring with them the very latest news of our children.

They are so looking forward to meeting up with old friends and having a chance to meet, for the first time, those who have joined us more recently as we hope that may of child sponsor family will come along.

It's a good chance to get to know others in your child's sponsor family and to make new friends. So don't be afraid if you are on your own, you'll be among friends.

There will be fun, games, dancing, tombola, bottlebola, raffle and much more to keep you entertained throughout the night which will run from 7pm to midnight.

Tickets are £15 and include a light buffet. Anyone who would like to stay over can book in at the Sheraton Lodge, which is just round the corner from the main hotel, at a discounted price of £22 b&b per person (please specify that your are attending the Happy House Charity Night and that you are booking a room in the Lodge). For those wanting to make a weekend of it two nights in the hotel, dinner, b&b is £65 per person.

If we raise £3,000 on the night, Santander will match it - so we're pulling out all the stops to reach our target and need all the help you can give us.

Tickets are limited so it will be first come first served.

If you have any queries or can help in any way please ring Elizabeth on 07905 130 589 or email elizabethgomm@childrenofwatamu.net

Look forward to seeing you!

Thank you

Thanks to the Croydon Advertiser for using this article about the Happy House Masquerade Ball, Christina Young (a member of baby David's sponsor family) is holding in Croydon on February 25 http://www.thisiscroydontoday.co.uk/Fundraising-masquerade-ball-Selsdon-Park-Hotel/story-14398888-detail/story.html

Balloon antics!

2012-01-11T07:18:00.000Z

What fun there was in store for our kids when Claudia Dabelstein called to see them.

Claudia from Bad Lippspringe, West Germany, had contacted sue a few weeks ago to ask if she could call to visit the family and, of course, found a very warm welcome awaiting her.

Claudia made animals and hats from balloons for the kids and also did aerobics and hiphop with the kids to music she had took with her and left for the family.

Sue says: "The children really enjoy their time with her."

Thanks Claudia for taking time out of your holiday to visit our family.

Puppets so popular

2012-01-10T08:18:00.000Z

Finger puppets, handmade with love in Blackpool so proving so popular with our kids.

They were made by visitors to a craft workshop organised by community group Aunty Social held at the Super Duper Craft Fair in Blackpool Winter Gardens.

Aunty Social, which takes knitting and other craft workshops out to the most unlikely places in the resort, had a table at the fair where visitors - including the deputy mayor - could make finger puppets for our Happy House kids which are now being used as an aid to story telling and other teaching in our school and are helping pupils develop vital language skills.

The children and teachers were thrilled with the story of the puppets -who had made them, how and when, taking time to look and talk about each one and trying to guess whether it was the work of an adult or child. They really enjoyed reading the bonus surprises - messages popped inside each puppet by the person who had made it.

Thank you to Caroline Fisher and friends for providing the materials and organising the workshop and to everyone who took part. You have brought so many smiles to our kids, all whom have had the worst possible start to life and now have safety, love and "family" in our wonderful children's home.

Sorry our kids can't reply to each of you personally but they do send you lots of love and a huge, collective, THANK YOU

What's on the cards?

2012-01-09T08:09:00.001Z

Discover your destiny for the year ahead and bring good fortune to the Happy House, at a very special fundraiser next Monday, January 16.

A whole line-up of excellent angel card readers, including Jackie Winters, Jackie Rodgers and Lynn McCluskey, who are all renowned for their psychic gifts will be giving reading at What's n the Cards for 2012 at the Grapevine, Poulton, Lancashire, from 7pm-10pm.

There are a limited number of tickets, which include a 20 minute reading, at £15 each. There will also be a raffle and information about the Happy House, of course!

Every penny raised by the evening, very kindly organised by Jackie Winters (pictured), will go to helping our Happy House family.

To reserve your ticket visit http://www.facebook.com/events/189184964507723/ or email Jackie Winters jackie.winters@yahoo.co.uk

Are you sitting comfortably....

2012-01-08T10:16:00.001Z

Some comfy new seating will give our biggest family room a cosier feel for our kids. Sue tells me: "During the school holidays the children would all come in the office for a chat, to colour or read a book.

"One day Francis, Linus (pictured) and Mwende were all asleep on the settee. Some days at least 20 would be sat in reception outside the office talking, playing, or laying down.

"I have thought for a while now that there is no where the kids can relax in comfort. If they watch the television they are sat on hard chairs.

"I have looked at furniture made locally but it would not be strong enough for our ever growing family of 53 children, in no time it would be ruined, so I had the idea of making some seating the same we have in reception, it is comfortable and very hard

wearing. It will be great for the children, more of a lounge area. I still have some of the red material we used in reception left and some of the check, like the curtains for scatter cushions, so it will all match in nicely."

And ever mindful of the expense Sue adds: " It will not cost much as we had sand and cement, some blocks and the material so I only have to pay the labour and buy the foam."

The picture of some of the kids sitting pretty in reception was taken by visitor Esther Awuor Okola a couple of weeks ago.

School's in

2012-01-07T09:25:00.001Z

The Happy House school is buzzing with activity now the holidays are over and everyone is back in class and eager to learn.

We have an influx of new day pupil whose parents are so impressed with the teaching methods Sue has introduced and the rapid progress of our pupils, that they are paying fees to send their children to our school.

This helps underpin our costs and eventually, when the school is bringing in sufficient income, will allow us to bring in children from some of the impoverished families in the community for free lessons - giving them an education and improving their chances in life.

Our pictures show volunteer Coral Blackhurst "Aunty Coral" to the kids helping out in the baby class where she's being such a wonderful support, and of some of our older children in their classrooms.

Sock it to 'em!

People often ask if there is anything we need for our kids and, of course, with a big and growing family there is always a shortage of one thing or another.

At the moment we are desperate for white ankle socks for all the children to wear for school - we also need black pumps and black school shoes. All are needed in all sizes to fit children from two to 15.

If you would like to send a parcel, and we would be so grateful, the address is Sue Hayward's Happy House, PO Box 796, Watamu, Kenya, East Africa.

Even a couple of pairs of socks would be a help.

Thank you.

Having a ball

2012-01-06T08:43:00.001Z

Christina Young, a member of baby David's sponsor family, is pulling out all the stops to raise funds for the Happy House with a glitzy Masquerade Ball next month.
And it will be a chance for all our supporters in the south to meet and get together.

Relationship counsellor Christina, author of the much-acclaimed A Woman's Guide to Forgiving Infidelity, is so impressed by the way the charity is putting hope back into the hearts of vulnerable children she is staging the Masquerade Ball at Selsdon Park Hotel and Golf Club, South Croydon, on February 25.
The black-tie event, with a three-course luxury dinner, aims to pile up the £s to help David and his Happy House "brothers and sisters".

Christina said: "I first heard about the charity through Lynn who volunteers at the Happy House and after talking to her it got me thinking just how lucky my children had been in being able to take so many things for granted.

"Things which the kiddies at Happy House would not even be able to dream about!
"And when my own grandchildren arrived it made me realise how much I want to help children and those less fortunate that my own family.
"The Happy House was exactly what I was looking for. It gives children, from the the most terrible circumstances, a really special family home and very best of education.

"I knew it was the right decision to get involved and support a child and Sue and her husband Dave who are doing an amazing job out there.
"Baby David, who has Down's, has the very best chance thanks to the Happy House.

"As a member of his sponsor family it is so rewarding to see how he is coming on and to share his journey with him via emails from the Happy House and on the daily blog postings. It's a very precious thing to have this beautiful boy in my life.
"And I so hope that 2012 will be the year I get to visit the Happy House and to meet him for myself."

Tickets for the ball, with reception drink, three course meal, half a bottle of wine, disco, raffle and auction, are £49 and are available from Christina on 07770 945 100.

Safe journey, Aunty Lynn

2012-01-05T09:08:00.001Z

A special Aunty to all our kids, Lynn McCluskey, is on her way back to the UK after six weeks helping out at the Happy House.

And she'll be bringing home some real treasures for her own memory box - a handmade card from all the family and some beautiful items made with love by her sponsor child Musyoka at one of the craft sessions run by Aunty Coral.

When he presented them to her at Kidz Club it was with the instruction that she had to "share with Mama.

Lynn loved that ... the importance of sharing is something we all feel very strongly about at the Happy House and it now comes naturally to our children.

Lynn, trying very hard to keep her emotions in check, also had the honour of presenting this week's birthday children with their gifts - Ushindi is five and Danielle, who came to us for "two nights" temporary care on November 11, is 11. Happy birthday Ushindi and Danielle.

Ushindi, as you can see, was much more interested in seeing what was in his gift bag than having his picture taken!

Lynn is now on her journey home and how everyone will miss her. She's been such a help and we know it won't be long before she will be back again.

Lynn says:" Saying goodbye to all my beautiful friends at the Happy House...... it gets harder each time, especially with all the kids saying " Please Aunty Lynn don't go! "

Oh well as we say we have to leave so we can come back !!"

Safe journey, Aunty Lynn.

Building bonds .. making memories

2012-01-04T08:47:00.001Z

Every child needs to grow up feeling loved and wanted, with memories of everything special in childhood - people, places and experiences.

It was with this in mind we chose to build sponsor families for our children, to reinforce and underpin the feeling of belonging, by forging bonds and making friendships that go way beyond their home, our Happy House.

Every child has his or her own memory box, a place where they can store their treasures... cards, letters, emails from friends across the world plus all their own keepsakes from school and family life.

Your cards and letters make such a difference to our children. They get such pleasure from a delivery through the post or from an email. It makes them feel special, and loved.

Thank you to everyone who sent Christmas cards and presents, every child received them but as we have said earlier it was too many to take individual pictures of each child. You know what it's like on Christmas day and with 53 children opening their presents at the same time....

When you do have a moment, any time of year, please write a quick email to your child- via social worker Billy (billy@childrenofwatamu.net)- or to send a postcard, or letter and, when the time is right, a birthday card, we can promise it will bring a real smile to your sponsor child's face.

If you want to add to their child saving accounts and help to build a nestegg for the future for your child's birthday or Christmas that's simple too - just email me elizabethgomm@childrenofwatamu.net for details. £5 goes a long way in Kenya.

Our children really enjoy getting to know you, their special friends, and your letters, emails and photographs open a window on a totally new world for your child.

You, our sponsors and our friends, are so important to us and so much a part of our family.

Thank you for loving and caring for your Happy House child.

Ain't she sweet!

2012-01-03T09:55:00.002Z

Anyone who regularly reads our blog will know that a photograph of a smiling Charity is a rare and precious thing

She is our Happy House Little Miss Serious who turns solemn the minute she sees a camera pointing in her direction .. even when it's with a long lens!

So these pictures of Charity, wearing a very apt "Little Princess" tee, having a joyful time with her big "sisters" (Fatuma in cream and Janet in the blue) and little "sister" Pendo are certainly going in the family album!

There's a lovely picture too of Janet with the two little ones sharing a joke with Mariam, Maria and Peninah.

And from all of us, thanks Charity and girls for beautiful smiles to start our back-to-work week!

N-ice start to 2012!

2012-01-02T08:45:00.002Z

When the temperature is soaring to 31C, what better way to celebrate the New Year than with a nice cooling ice cream.

Ice cream is a real luxury for our kids so as a special treat to herald the dawn of 2012, Mama Sue and Uncle Billy opened the Happy House ice-cream parlour.

All the children sat at tables while they were served vanilla filled crispy cones, and how they enjoyed them!

A New Year beckons

2012-01-01T09:37:00.001Z

In this very special New Year's Day messsage, Mama Sue reflects on another incredible year at the Happy House.

Mama Sue and Papa Dave will be in the UK in March for our charity night in Blackpool on Friday, March 16, and would love to see you there if you can make it.

Mama Sue writes:

A few months ago on a very hectic day at the Happy House, I turned to Preshca our head House Mum and said:

'Preshca how did I end up in the middle of Africa looking after 53 children?'

She calmly replied: 'It was a miracle Mama".

I stood and looked around me at the children, the gardens the Happy House and ,yes, I think she was right.

I have been given the best job in the entire world.

2011, has been such a busy year, full of laughter and ,yes, some tears.

So many different situations have arisen, so many decisions to be made and so many children that needed to be loved.

Some have stayed at the Happy House and others have passed through, as families get themselves back on track. Baby Joe came for 3 months after his Mum died giving birth and his Dad just couldn't cope. He is now back in a very caring family.

We rescued six children from a terrible home here in Watamu after the children had come crying at the gate, to tell Uncle Billy, our very caring Social Worker, how there were being mistreated. In time Billy traced their families and they were all re-united.

With the help of the Children's office in Malindi we took the case to court, as we believed the children were being trafficked. It was the first such case ever to go to court in Kenya.

It is no use being sat here in the beautiful Happy House saying we care for children and then when a very difficult situation arises we do nothing, we had to stand up and be counted.

In February we went to Malindi hospital to pick up baby David, his Mum had abandoned him in the hospital. He was so tiny and frail as his Mum had been an alcoholic. As he developed I knew something was not quite as it should be with David. In November after many visits to different doctors he was diagnosed as a Downs baby. At the hospital they said to me 'Just take him home.' And do what? Just love him as best we can? I cried oh how I cried.

Billy said, 'Right get your baby, lets go! ' By the time we had travelled the 40 minuets back to the Happy House we had a plan.

We knew that with our love and care David would be the BEST he could be in our very caring and loving family.

Elizabeth contacted the Downs Association who were extremely helpful. An exercise system was arranged for David who can now sit up, loves his baby walker, and has the most beautiful smile. He is a happy baby, with lots of love to give. We explained the the kids that they now had a very special brother who would need their help and extra love, and that is just what he gets from everyone.

He can now do High Five!

We were called by the Children's Office to a rescue of children who were living in a slum in Malindi. Before we saw the children we had agreed with that we could take three of the children all under five years, but when we saw the state of everything, Billy and I looked at each other, we both knew we could not leave the others there, so home we came with all five kids.

Now when we are called out Papa Dave will say to us 'Don't bring more than six!'

In June twins Peter and Paul came home and in July Jonathan and James. In July Valentina came to stay but has now gone to live with the Grandmother and in November a baby was found in some bushes thrown away the day she was born, we called her Elizabeth Anne. After a few weeks her Dad who had been working in Uganda came for her, the Mum had disappeared.

In January of 2011 we opened our own Nursery School as I was unhappy with how the children were being taught and treated. The change in our kids was breathtaking.

After just two weeks they were laughing, chattering and being children. We also have local children attending the school, who pay fees, this enables the school to be self supporting. In time we will be bringing children in on free child places, children who have no chance of any type of education. If a child can read, write, add up and know their tables at least they have an opportunity. An opportunity to grab hold and run with life.

Education is the road out of poverty for so many children. In January 2012 we will be opening the first 3 classes of our Primary School. We hope, no that's wrong we don't hope, we know in time we will have all eight of the classes needed. We have received a donation from a Foundation that has supported for the past three years that will enable us to start building the new school. As always it comes down to the financial situation.

The water pump blew up, and a new one was going cost £650 , a very unexpected expense. An item was put on the blog and within 24 hours a very kind supporter had paid the £650 into Just Giving. It is due to kindness and generosity of so many people that makes our very worthwhile work with the children possible.
Feeding the children is very costly so we decided we needed greenhouses, again due to a generous donation we now have 4, where we are growing much of the food needed for 53 ever hungry mouths. More greenhouses are needed.
Children come home to us in a terrible state both physically and mentally. They have been starved, neglected, beaten abused in every possible way. It never ceases to amaze us how soon the children fit into our family life. When we are bringing new children home we phone ahead to tell Prescha that the kids have a new brother or sister on the way.

As we blow the car horn and the gate opens to let us in the children come running to the car, singing their welcome song. They can never wait to see who is latest Happy House Kid.

If it's a baby the girls all want to hold him if it is a young girl the sisters gather around deciding who has a spare bed in their room, if a boy he is welcomed usually by asking if he plays football. Within an hour the new arrival is showered and dressed in clothes given by the others until we can organize everything.

By the next morning it as though the new arrival has been at home for a month. I know the older children remember all to well when they were the one being brought by strangers to a new home, they were hungry, frightened and terrified of the unknown, now it their turn to help another to understand that they are at last safe, that they will be loved and well cared for.

We have never had any child who has been ungrateful, who has caused problems or made demands. We talk to our children about everything and anything.

Uncle Billy gives counseling as and when it is needed. Some want to talk about what has happened some shut it out completely. If some have come with brothers they don't want to be with them as it reminds them of the terrible times they have come through together. In time with love and support the wounds heal inside and out and the children bond with the Happy House Family.

As we go forward into 2012 our family will grow in size and in numbers, there are so many children who need our help. With your continued help and support I know the Happy House Family and the schools with go from strength to strength.

I cannot mention everyone by name, but I want to thank you each and every one of you for caring. To those of you who have the important job of being a sponsor to one of our Happy House Kids, or to those raise funds or send donations to keep our bills paid, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Your help and support is greatly needed and truly appreciated.
Have a very Happy and Healthy 2012.
Lots of Love & best wishes,
Mama Sue, Papa Dave & The Happy House Family xxxxx

Harry ho!

2011-12-31T08:34:00.001Z

Our little miracle Harry is the happiest chappie in the world!

His cheeky smile and delicious dimples win the heart of everyone who visits our family.

However Harry, who was one in June, has been on the verge of walking for weeks now but has been reluctant to strike out on his own.

He has been tantalisingly close to taking solo steps, then plonked down back on to his well-padded bum.

So it's lovely to see these pictures which came from Uncle Billy yesterday and show Harry going it alone towards 2012.

Billy tell me " Finally Harry is taking his first steps albeit as cautious as no other known family member so far!"

Growing demands

2011-12-30T08:51:00.000Z

It's the start of a new school year for our Happy House kids next week and, as every parent knows, a new term brings with it more expense.

Our children are growing so fast that they soon need new uniform and shoes. A tall order with a family as large as our own.

Mama Sue took seven children to Malindi to be fitted for new school shoes and also had to buy 30+ pairs of black PE pumps for our kids children too.

The bill came to a whopping £107.

If anyone can help by sending black school shoes or black pumps, to fit ages from two to 14, we would be so grateful. Every pair donated is one pair less we have to buy.

If you would like to help the address is Sue Hayward's Happy House, PO Box 796, Watamu, Kenya, East Africa.

You may prefer to send a donation towards the cost of new shoes in which case you can send a cheque made out to the Happy House to Elizabeth Gomm, 6 Burwood Drive, Blackpool, FY3 8NS.

And, as always, thank you.

Going up!

2011-12-29T07:54:00.001Z

Marco Narizzano is a regular visitor to Watamu and a very good friend to our Happy House family.

He works for the Bravo Group in Genova, Italy, and thanks to his very supportive colleagues there we now have a brand new water tank - big enough to cope with the demands of our family.

Sue tells me: "We have known for quite a while that we needed a larger water tank, but as always the cost was prohibitive.

"When we received the very generous donation from Marco and his colleagues at Bravo Tankers in Genova we knew we could buy the tank we need.

"As you can see by the pictures it was no easy job to get the tank 30 feet up on to the tower.

"The tank itself holds 10,000 litres of water. As the family and the school are growing we needed a better water supply, for the toilets, washing and cleaning. We have to pump the water from the well and as the other tank was too small the pump was continually running and always in need of repair as it would burn itself out. Now it will pump to fill the tank and that will last us for around three days before we need to pump again.
"Marco his friends colleagues and family have been a great support to the Happy House Family from the beginning.

"When the Happy House was being built they raised funds for us to have a banda built in the garden so the children could play in the shade."

Getting the tower on to the tank, using only manpower and with ropes instead of a crane, was quite a spectacle and everyone turned out to have a look!

Marco is due to arrive in Watamu shortly and everyone at the Happy House is so looking foward to seeing him again and showing him the splendid new tank.

Thank you Marco and friends at Bravo for you kindness and generosity.

Who shall I be today, dear?

2011-12-28T08:20:00.001Z

In five days, Alistair Hendrie became five very different and colourful characters all for the Happy House.

Alistair, who with his partner Val Black works for Lend Lease in Birmingham, came up with a novelty way of raising more than £1000 cash for our kids buy wearing fancy dress to work every day for a week.

Alistair didn't bat an eyelid at going out to meetings on construction sites dressed as Dennis the Menace or Fred Flinstone, or encountering the suited officials at local authority meetings in the persona of a priate, Elvis or Gladiator.

He and Val put together an information board telling the story of Sue and Dave and their remarkable work at the Happy House and told everyone what a great couple they are and how they inspire everyone they meet with their dedication and love.

Val and Alistair, who are very good friends of the Happy House, raised £900 in cash and £140 via JustGiving. making the current total £1,040. The JustGiving page is still open for donations and can be found at http://www.justgiving.com/Valerie-Black

Wa fun way of raising money and awareness for our family, thank you so much Alistair and Val and lots of love from Sue, Dave and all the family.

Sweet gesture

2011-12-27T10:22:00.001Z

There were goody bags for every children when Santas from the Imperial Bank paid a seasonal call at the Happy House.

Mama Sue said they every kindly took along sweets for the children, plus a bale of flour, a sack of rice, sugar and nappies.

Our delighted kids sang a special thank you to all the visitors.

Santa came to call

2011-12-26T09:53:00.001Z

Santa, the REAL Santa, parked his sleigh in the bush and walked in the heat to make a very special delivery to our Happy House kids,

All adamant that Papa Dave doubled as Santa they were says Mama Sue dumbfounded when Santa arrived, with Papa Dave right behind him.

" Especially Oscar. He was just stunned!

"He kept looking at Santa like a rabbit caught in the headlights, we left his present till the last, he kept looking and looking, when his name was called he was rooted to the spot.

"We asked later: Now do you believe in Santa? He does!"

Mama Sue, one of Santa's little helpers with Aunties Lynn and Coral, added:

"It was just lovely, the kidz all had new clothes and another present, they were thrilled.

" I loved it when little ones kept coming for their bag opening or a box with a doll in, it was a lovely, laughing, loving family together."

Mistletoe is not something you'll find in Kenya, but, who needs an excuse and, yes, Santa was caught sneaking a seasonal kiss from Mama!

When Santa finally departed to continue his round-the-world duties, he left bbehind very excited and happy children who spent the rest of the day enjoying trying their new clothes and gifts, a special meal of sausages and mash followed by tropical fruit salad, and playing games.

A very, very happy day.

Christmas album

2011-12-26T09:50:00.001Z

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T09:16:00.001Z

Waking up on Christmas morning to the excitement and expectations of a wonderful day ahead is making magical memories of childhood for our very special kids.

For those who have joined our family in 2011, today is their very first Christmas free from fear, hunger or worry.

And it will also be the first time they have received gifts and celebrated this important day.

At her Happy House, Mama Sue has realised her dream of putting hope into the hearts of children - children who, without her love and vision, would have been struggling for survival in a harsh world of poverty, sorrow and squalor.

Her gift to them is the gift of life itself.

Thank you Mama Sue for allowing us to share in this incredible journey of love and dedication, and a very happy Christmas to you, Papa Dave and all the family.

Twas the day before Christmas ...

2011-12-24T08:53:00.001Z

The tree is trimmed, there's tinsel and glitter in every corner and the Happy House scene is set for Christmas.

Add 53 excited children and you can just imagine the atmosphere as everyone gears up to the big day.

With only hours to go until Santa's arrival, the kids are in for a shock. They think their beloved Papa Dave just happens to double up at Santa, but, of course, we know better...

And when Santa does drop in whilst out on his worldwide travels, their Papa will be waiting for him with them.

Gifts galore

The gifts you have been so kindly sending for your sponsor child and for other children have been arriving steadily over the weeks and we are so grateful to everyone for their kindness. You have ensured that every child will have a new outfit of clothes and a couple of other gifts when Santa delivers tomorrow.

But as you can imagine it's not possible to take pictures of every child with every item sent... you know what it will be like with 53 children opening their presents at the same time! It would be too tall an order and we know you'll just want to kids and all the family to have fun and enjoy a happy family day.

There will be plenty of pictures of our children having a wonderful day and Sue and the family want to say a huge thank you to all of you, our special friends, for your constant love and support throughout 2011.

Merry Christmas.

Party time

2011-12-23T09:54:00.001Z

Oh what a party our children enjoyed when they were invited to Savannah Restaurant by owners Jackie and Mike.

There was a splendid meal of rice, sausages, chips and samosas followed by ice-cream , with juice and sodas to drink.

All shiny and polished, our children had a ball dancing to music by the dj and playing games.

Mama Sue tells me: "They all looked lovely in the clothes that they had worn for the wedding and were so polite and welll behaved.

"They danced their little legs off and ate and enjoyed everything they were offered.

"They then got together to sing three songs and Evans, Janet and Margaret said thank you messages on behalf of our family to Jackie for such a lovely party."

Another big thank you to Jackie and everyone at Savannah for making it such a special start to Christmas for our kids.

We wish YOU a very merry Christmas.

A bridge over troubled waters

2011-12-22T07:57:00.003Z

Baby Elizabeth Anne, the beautiful foundling, who came to us on November 11 after being left in bushes not far from the Happy House, has gone home to her natural father.

He was on business in Uganda at the time of her birth and abandonment, and has now claimed her as his own. There is no doubt that he is her father and that she is going to a very good home with him and his extended family.

Her mother, already a mother of five, has not been traced.

The father had gone to the Children's Office to try to find his child, and after establishing beyond doubt that he is her father and that he and his extended family will provide her with a good and loving home, Elizabeth Anne was returned to him.

The Happy House gave this fragile little being the very best of love and family at the time she most needed it, and her father was so grateful and has promised to keep our social worker Billy in touch with her progress.

Sue, who paid me such an incredible honour by giving Elizabeth my name, and that of my late sister, Anne, who she knows I love and miss so much, tells me that Elizabeth's dad was so gentle and loving towards his child, that she just knew she was going to be all right.

Billy adds: "We had a long chat as we did the painful paper work and he said how had they are looking for the mom who they fear could be dead somewhere.....a mystery that no one could fathom since Elizabeth was her fifth child. The dad had travelled to Uganda on a business trip and his return met him with several unrealities.

He came in the company of Eric, the children's Officer, two other senior guys in the community plus the husband to Elizabeth's elder sister who were squarely to be the ones to take care of her needs on a day to day basis. Elizabeth was finally taken home by her dad Abdalla. So far so good"

It would be selfish to want her to remain at the Happy House , when it is only right that she should grow up surrounded by the love of her own family.

I feel blessed to have had Elizabeth Anne in my life even if only for the most fleeting of moments and that I was able to meet her and hold her in my arms. I will cherish her in my heart, always.

But I have always agreed with Sue that at times the Happy House, rightfully, can only provide a temporary bridge over a family's troubled waters.

We can keep a child safe, love and nurture them as our own, but if circumstances change and a mother, father or close relative is in a position to take their child home then who are we to stand in their way?

The Happy House was created by Sue to serve children in the greatest need. When one leaves, a child in greater need will certainly follow.

Other Happy House children have returned to family in the past and others may do so. There are many reasons why.

A mother,unable to provide through tragedy and poverty, who has been forced to hand her beloved child into care, but who has been working tirelessly since to rebuild her life. Her only goal is to be reunited with her offspring.

Or the relatives, discovering a young nephew or niece is in care, who to provide their child with a home and family love.

Our social worker Uncle Billy works tirelessly on behalf of our children. It is his job to work with families and with children's officers and other agencies in their home areas to monitor and assess these situations. His experience, knowledge and depth of understanding gives him the insight and instinct to recommend, to Sue, the right direction in which to go.

If and when a child returns home it will be handled in their best interests with the greatest sensitivity and care, that is all that matters.

Of course it is painful, especially for Mama Sue, who loves every child as her own, and for the family as a whole, but if it is right for the child then that is the way it should and has to be.

Surprise for mama

2011-12-21T09:20:00.000Z

There were special gifts for baby David and Mercy when their birthdays were celebrated at Kidz Club.

For David reaching one is a real milestone. Until October he was like a newborn and despite every effort Mama Sue and Uncle Billy had been able to find out what was wrong. Refusing to leave any stone unturned, they took him to a specialist centre where Down's Syndrome was confirmed.

With help from the Down's Syndrome Association in the UK, a programme of daily exercises was put together and he's making tremendous progress.

He can now hold his head up, roll over, kick his legs and interact - if you blow a raspberry he'll blow one back!

It's lovely to see him with his first birthday present.

Happy birthday David ... and Mercy too.

There was also a gift for Mama Sue - a surprise from Musyoka.

He's shown a talent with a needle and had crafted this very pretty heart just for her.

Uncle Billy tells me: "Musyoka said he had something to say and after clearing his throat he proudly said that he had a gift for Mama. It turned out to be nice gift sewn with cloth and other material......in a heart shape. Aunty Coral had earlier told Aunty Lynn that Musyoka was so good with the needle.....life skills training in the process I would think."

Tables spell fun

2011-12-20T08:05:00.000Z

It may be the school holidays and only a few days until Christmas but our kids are still more than happy to have fun with sums!

Mama Sue wants to ensure they all know their multiplication tables so every afternoon the children get together with teachers to brush up on their tables.

They are also having weekly spelling tests, again with the accent on fun!

By playing games, and competing to be the best, they are gaining a very good grounding which will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives.

The greatest gift

2011-12-19T08:24:00.001Z

Children the world over are acting out the Christmas story.

Our family is no different, our children's nativity play was acted out beautifully by our kids for whom the Happy House has become their haven of hope.

Samson and Rukia as Joseph and Mary were told by Fikiri, the inn keeper, that there was no room at the inn.

Baby Jesus, was our empathy doll Stanley Park.

Every child, coached by volunteer Coral Blackhurst and played out their part with a touching enthusiasm and innocence - how far they have come in the month they arrived, timid and defeated, to join our family.

By supporting our family you are giving our kids a future of love and opportunity.

And the greatest gift of all - a childhood free of fear.

Winter wedding bonus

2011-12-18T09:10:00.001Z

Chris Franklin, a charity trustee, webmaster and a very good friend to Mama Sue, Papa Dave and our family is a gifted photographer.

Chris has captured many a happy occasion on camera and when asked to take the pictures at the wedding of friends' does so in return for a donation to the Happy House.

Chris has just photographed Jane and Jon Fishlock at their wedding in Devizes.

He says:" C

ongratulations to newly weds Jane & Jon Fishlock a great festive wedding with lots of *smiles* great food, fun guests and music from Indecision so good to meet so many friends. Loved taking the MANY photos - thanks to Jane & Jon for their generous donation to the Happy House

" I am sure their marriage will be blessed with lots of love and happiness".

Many congratulations Jon and Jane from all the Happy House family.

Birthday greeting and little star

2011-12-17T09:03:00.001Z

Happy birthday, Lucinda.

Our eldest Happy House child was 15 this week and what a beautiful young lady she is growing into.

Lucinda was so looking forward to her birthday and delighted with her very girly gift which Rukia was equally anxious to see.

Mariam, who is such a caring little girl, spends lots of time helping her mums and aunties in the baby banda, and because of this volunteer Coral Blackhurst nominated her for the Star of Week Award.

Congratulations, Mariam, you deserve it!

Thank you Clare and Carlow

2011-12-16T08:41:00.001Z

A fun night of laughter and romance put everyone in the mood for Christmas when student Clare Mullins staged a live version of the hit TV dating show "Take Me Out".

The event in Carlow, Ireland, has raised at least £705 for our Happy House family.

Clare, who discovered our family whilst travelling this summer, said that she was, at first, downhearted because of the terrible weather on the night.

"But when I stopped for a moment and looked around, there were all these smiling faces, happy people enjoying one another's company and the show I had organised and I couldn't help but smile feel cheered up.
"I keep having to remind myself that you have to start from the beginning and work your way up. It also takes time to make people aware of a charity that is new to people around here.
"The fact that everyone was having such a wonderful time and got so involved in helping really struck a chord with me. It filled my heart with joy, and made me determined to continue to try and help.

"Three wonderful young men, so interested in what I was doing , said they would love to work with me for the next couple of events too.They even took to the streets in the cold wet wind and sleet to encourage people to come in and watch the show and buy many raffle tickets!

"I have never seen such dedication! It brought a tear to my eye! I had two professional photographers there and they even doubled up as raffle ticket sellers."

Clare (pictured at the Happy House with Mwende and Karembo) said: "Thank you to all my wonderful friends who have supported my fundraising work so far! I do have an official JustGiving donation page for the eventso if anyone would still like to make a donation they can do so online, any and every little thing helps!

http://www.justgiving.com/Clare-Mullins

A huge thank you to Clare and to everyone who made the evening such a success and to Clare for doing so much to raise awareness of our work in her home town.

Clare tells me she thinks "constantly" about our Happy House family and we hope it won't be too long before she has a chance to visit us again.

Mama Sue, Papa Dave and all the kids send their love and greetings to Clare and all our new friends in Carlow.

*Pictures by Greenest Images

Comfort food

2011-12-15T10:22:00.001Z

For those of our children who do have relatives, relatives who care, it is important to maintain contact.

Poverty, illness or disability, may mean that a grandmother, auntie or other relative is not in a position to provide a home for an orphaned or needy child, but that doesn't diminish their feelings for their young relatives.

Our social worker Uncle Billy keeps families in touch with the progress of their Happy House children by phone or visits.

In the school holidays, where possible and appropriate , home visits are arranged. Giving a child a chance to spend some time with their blood family.

Everything is done in a child's interests and visits are carefully monitored by Uncle Billy.

This week 15 children have left on home visits, and it's an emotional time for those left behind.

Those for whom nobody comes.

Everything is explained to them, carefully and considerately by Billy, but inevitably there are some long faces.

So to lift everyone's spirits when their 15 brothers and sisters had left, Mama Sue decided to cook up a feast. Getting into the kitchen, helped by Papa Dave and Auntie Lynn, and made sausages, mash and gravy for everyone.

It went down a treat, and by the time they'd finished and their tummies were full, the smiles were back and as broad as ever.

Billy says: "After the kids left for their home visits, mama came up with a good plan of treating everyone else for lunch. Papa Dave came back from an early morning errand in time to help Mama with grilling the sausages which were served with gravy.....Bisto of course made with love by Aunty Lynn. Everybody had a sumptous lunch and how did our new chef fair? Exceedingly well!

"Thanks Mama for demonstarting the best type of leadership ever......leading from the front by demonstrating how best to get things done.

"Mama fits in this description on a daily basis "doing what she loves most and loving what she does most -.in taking good care of her family!"

Italian connection

2011-12-14T08:45:00.001Z

Christmas came early in Milan, Italy, when Piera Lauria and her friend Elena held a fabulously festive family lunch at the Caffe Teatro to raise money for our Happy House family.

Piera, her partner Oscar and their son Mattia visited the Happy House in March when they were on holiday nearby and since then have been following its progress via the website and the blog.

Piera enlisted the help of her good friend Elena in arranging the lunch which was attended by a full house of 50 guests. They used pictures of our children as table centrepieces, sitting atop handmade 3D snowflakes, added a little Christmas tree and piggy bank (for the charity) and to the children's delight organised visits from santa and La Befana (the old lady with a broom who traditionally brings gifts for Italian children on January 6).

Oscar kindly edited a film showing the Happy House opening along with Sue talking about the Happy House and its achievements which was shown to a very interested audience, helped along by a translation into Italian by Elena.

Piera said: "We wanted our guests to see the Happy house, the kids, to hear about their needs and what Sue has done and is doing for them. We also wanted to make a difference!

"We highlighted how well the children are doing and how the Happy House just gets better and better, The children look so well and happy now you have to remind yourself of how they were when they arrived, frightened, hungry, sad and neglected little beings. Most of them sick as well.

"Their lives have been transformed thanks to YOUR big hearts and effort, but it is also made possible by the kindness of others, like us, ahd we are very grateful to all those who attended our very first fundraiser for Children of Watamu.

"We are proud to have friends like you."

After a wonderful lunch, guests were enthralled by the stunning magic performed by Mr Walter Maffei.

He amazed everyone with his mastery and the children loved him, especially when they could have their pictures taken with him.

Piera said that he told her he would in Blackpool next year at the FSIM Convention and he can be found at www.waltermaffei.it

The event raised a fantastic 1,200 Euro .

Thank you to Piera, Elena, Oscar and all those who supported the lunch, your efforts will give such a huge boost to our work and we are so happy to have you as a part of our wonderful and special Happy House family. You are certainly making a difference.

Lots of love and Buon Natale a tutti voi!

No easy task

2011-12-13T07:05:00.002Z

It is difficult to describe how hard Mama Sue works day in and day out.
Running the Happy House is challenging work and it is also her mission, there are 55 children and 25 staff dependant on her for a home and education or for a job.
She wants and expects the best but by setting such high standards she also has to ensure that everyone is up to the mark, and refuses to let anything slip.
It has been a doubly hard few weeks because Rose has been off for her wedding and she and Sue, having worked so long together, are a close-knit team. It was Sue who set Rose on her career path, who showed her that women can succeed and do not need to to take second place to men as is the case, so often, in Kenyan society, and Rose has become a valued friend.
Mama Sue is up early, as dawn is breaking, and sets off to the Happy House by eight. Once at her desk she calls for updates on what's been happening overnight, if there are any problems with staff or children she is informed and,if unsolved, it is she who will come up with a solution.
Every working day is jam packed full, people at her door, telephone calls, emails, battling the frustrations of dealing with the red tape and snail's pace of every Kenyan transaction, kids bobbing in for a chat, or Linus calling in for a cuddle and a nap - preferably in Mama's arms.
Nothing escapes Mama Sue's attention be it a cobweb in a corner or a dress buttoned wrongly! Mama Sue's is aware of everything that happens in the house and in the garden - be it the smallest repair or every tomato harvested.
There are inevitable meetings, Tuesday is the heaviest day, starting with the management team, then continuing with teachers, housemums and aunties, gardeners and outside staff.

At each meeting she listens and discusses and problems or concerns and talks over any new ideas, by 4.30pm a full picture has emerged and a full staff meeting, including night staff, takes place. This means that anything she has gleaned through the day which impacts on the whole family can be raised and talked about. It is a system that works, staff feel fully involved and this, in itself, helps to boost morale and maintain focus.
Mama Sue is open and frank, she won't accept less than the best for her children and everyone knows it. Everything she does in life, every waking and sleeping moment, is in the interests of her children, her staff know it and respect her for it.
In return for hard work, they have good, secure jobs where they are paid on time every month, that is a luxury in a country where people may work a week only to find their boss can't pay them and thousands don't have a job at all.
Sue does everything to the letter of the law - eemployment contracts, holidays, days off etc. A job at the Happy House is demanding but it is also a golden opportunity for anyone who wants to succeed.
By 5pm on Tuesday, Mama Sue is pretty well exhausted but she knows that her next meeting will revive her flagging energies - it's Kidz Klub. The time when all the family, kids and adults, come together for a family chat.
It's informal and relaxed and starts with a few song, enough to lift anyone's spirits. The kids have a chance to talk about anything they want to, it might be a little voice asking "Is it Christmas on Saturday?" or someone else wanting to tell Mama they don't like cabbage. Every child knows that whatever they say, they will be listened to and treated with respect and love.
Issues concerning the kids, be it untidy bedrooms or torn books, will be raised openly and Mama Sue and Uncle Billy will remind the family, firmly but kindly, of their duty to look after their home, the things in it and their own possessions.
It's also time a time to celebrate the Happy Birthdays of the week, the kids are now wise to list of birthdays up on the wall in Mama's office and so they know the lucky child or children who will step centre stage.
Mama Sue presents the birthday gifts and cards, the family sings and everyone shares in a bit of birthday joy.
Mama or Papa Dave also present the Star of the Week Award, last week it went to Hassan for always been around to help Papa Dave. He is such a helpful boy and never has to be asked.
Mama Sue drives herself through every day, despite the intense heat which does take its toll, with a zeal borne out of determination and dedication.

I don't know of many people who work as hard as she does in the UK, never mind having to work against the backdrop of a society that is still foreign to her and which has more twists and turns than an Olympic bobsleigh run.
On top of everything has the constant worry of how the bills will be paid, we are such a small charity that just paying the monthly wage bill, plus the cost of electricity and water, food and medical care, is a major headache for Sue and Kenya and for me, trying to raise funds and awareness, in the UK.
It is a struggle to make ends meet. We have to find new sources of fundraising and more child sponsors - eventually we hope the child sponsorship scheme will become our financial underpinning.
When we receive large donations they are always linked to specific projects, the self-sufficiency growing project in the garden, extending the school, that kind of thing.
These are fantastic because they help us take the Happy House on to the next level, and we cannot stand still, but we still need to generate the cash to foot the regular, monthly bills.

However we may worry, we also know that we have so much love and support from YOU, our Happy House friends, that however tough it may seem we WILL do it - together.

Vintage gems

2011-12-12T07:38:00.000Z

Claire Bursnoll, aka Mrs Marmalade in the crafty world of all things vintage, turns old and unwanted textiles into fantastic and fun new items from patchwork quilts pincushions.

Claire, from Blackpool, came up with the clever idea of reworking vintage pillowcases into simply stunning dresses for our Happy House girls.

She gave me a beautiful selection, no two the same, to take out to the Happy House with me and as you can see the girls loved them. Our Happy House models are our beautiful Mariam and Rose and back in Blackpool Claire's daughter Sophie was pictured with the dresses.

A big thank you to Claire from Mama Sue and all the family.

Auntie Libz goes home

2011-12-11T09:39:00.001Z

Back home in the UK, I am, of course, thrilled to be back with my own family but there's a huge piece of my heart missing, left in the safe keeping of Mama Sue and our Happy House kids!

After a very long Saturday, my connecting flight delayed, I'm recharging my batteries ready to start a new week and soon, a new year, of raising money and awareness for the amazing work being achieved by Sue at the Happy House. In this economic climate it will be a tough challenge but we have to continue and to develop what we are doing, lives, children's lives, really do depend on it.

Mama Sue has emailed these words which she has asked me to post. Thank you Sue, you know better than anyone how I am feeling today and the love in what you have written made me cry! Lots of love to you, Papa Dave and all our wonderful, boisterous and mischievous kids.

"It was with sadness in our hearts that on Friday the Happy House Family

said goodbye to our very much loved Auntie Libz. The children sang a
lovely goodbye song, some pleaded with her not to go, but go she must.
There is a saying here that you have to go to be able to come back,
already we are waiting to hear when that will be.
I have enjoyed my own time with Elizabeth, she is a lovely friend and a
great support to me in this fantastic but extremely busy life at the Happy
House.

We have discussed and made decisions about so many things that need
doing now and in the New year to keep our Happy House running. We are
constantly on email to each other but to have her here to talk to face to face has
made such a difference. Elizabeth works so hard for the children in so
many ways we are lucky to have such a person to love our very special
Happy House Family.
Take good care of yourself Auntie Libz we love and miss you xxxxxxx"

Bananas for 46, please!

2011-12-10T04:30:00.003Z

"Bananas for 46, please," Mama Sue asked the owner of a makeshift stall, no bigger than a the smallest garden shed.
We were out for a walk with 38 Happy House kids, teachers, volunteers Lynn, Coral and I and Auntie Violet. .
It was an early start, we set off from the Happy House just after nine,the kids were raring to go and so excited of a walk to Timboni, the nearest village.
Everyone was laughing and singing, just like the African Von Trapp family, as we strolled on the sandy roads under the shade of palm, mango and casarina trees.
The kids were interested in everything around them, picking up an assortment of leaves, sticks, stones and flowers. Everyone chatttering, when the singing stopped, and even the tinies like Pendo and Sauma, Charity, Neema, Freddie and Linus toddling along as fast as their little legs would carry them, the elder ones holding their hands and encouraging them.
It was the happiest outing, and so wonderful to see Mama Sue striding out with her family. In the last two years she has fought back to recovery from first a crushed heel and then an emergency hip replacement after a fall in which she also fractured her arm. I have seen her forcing herself to walk the length of the Happy House, despite being in pain with every step, so it was just heartwarming to be to be out on a walk with Mama Sue, my friend, and all her family.
To be able to do something so ordinary, that most of can take for granted, is a huge turning point for Mama Sue ... she can now, at last, do the things she's dreamt of doing for so long.
As we approached Timboni, just over mile from the Happy House, our happy band turned heads. We stopped for water, 46 bottles, which was welcome as the sun by now was fiercely hot.
From there we followed Auntie Violet as she led us down paths, past an assortment of houses and roadside shops through Timboni In and back on another path towards the Happy House.
Some of the little ones were getting tired by now and the pace slowed to suit them, we stopped to look at cows grazing on the sparse bit of pasture, goats nibbling bark and branches and chickens digging or scurrying through the sand.
Again we stopped, to the surprise of the stallholder and requested 46 bananas. Sadly he didn't have quite enough, but we took what he had and some of the tinies shared. Our bananas were probably the biggest single sale he'd made for months.
The children soon gobbled them up before placing the skins in a basket - Mama, quite rightly, drops a strict "no rubbish" policy- and we were started off, the kids with renewed energy to finish our walk.
By the time we arrived home after a total of two-and-a-half miles, our kids, who had started out so neat and tidy in their Happy House t-shirts - were dusty, sticky and just a little bit tired.
This outing with Sue and the kids, the friend and family I love so dearly, was,for ,me, as near as it gets to a perfect way ending of this visit to the Happy House.
I'll miss you!

.

Calling Carlow!

2011-12-09T08:28:00.001Z

Student Clare Mullins is hoping to find two people find love at a special Take me Out Live event in Carlow, Ireland, tonight - with every penny raised coming to the Happy House.
Clare visited the Happy House whilst travelling in Afreica this summer and our kids, true to form, won her heart.
Clare has pulled out all the stops to stage tonight's event and has worked so hard to enlist contestants, gather in prizes and to spread awareness of the Happy Hopuse in local newspapers and on radio. She's also given a power point presentation to her university travel group.
Clare, whose bouncingf off the wall with excitement, has put in so much effort her fab, fun, festive night is sure to be a huge success.
Thank you Clare for your love and support. Mama Sue, Papa Dave and all the kids send you lots of love and smiles.
And if anyone happens to be close to Carlow, be sure to drop in to the Tower tonight, 7.30pm, and take a look!

Better late ....

2011-12-09T04:19:00.001Z

Birthdays are always celebrated with a gift and special songs at Kidz Club each week.
With his big day this week Freddie should have been stepping into the spotlight, but was nowhere to be seen. He was in the land of lala ... curled up safe and fast asleep.
Rather tha wake him, Mama Sue waited until yesterday when one of his big sisters Saumu escorted the three year old to Mama's office, followed by a contingent of other children eager to see what was happening.
They sang happy birthday at the top of their voices as Freddie was given a present and card.
He's such a happy little boy, but I'm sure his smile was even bigger than ever.
Happy birthday Freddie!

Birthday boy

2011-12-08T05:33:00.000Z

This heartwarming picture illustrates Mama Sue's love for her kids.
Her expression is one of pure joy as she hugs her little Linus
He's a real character and when he's not in school is never far away from Mama Sue and has made her office his second home.
He'll climb up on to her lap when she's in a meeting or just pop in for nap on the sofa when nobody's looking.
It was his turn to be centre of attention at Kidz Club when toddled up to Mama to receive a gift for his second birthday and he scooped him up into her arms for a bonus cuddle!

Santa's workshop

2011-12-07T04:08:00.001Z

Santa's little helpers have been hard at work in his Happy House workshop getting things ready for his special delivery on Christmas Day.
Working in a secret location, away from any prying eyes, they have sorted out a set of new clothes for very child - the one thing they all requested.
They will also have a couple of gifts each. We can't shower them with the number of gifts a child in the UK expects, it's not the way here and our children will be thrilled with everything they receive.
For those who have joined our family in this year it will be their first experinece of Christmas and in vast contrast the the terrible conditions of fear, hunger or neglect they were living in at the same time last year.
What a magical time it will be for them.
Lynn McCluskey was designated fairy-in-charge and what magic she has performed. In the space of two days she has sorted through dozens and dozens of items of clothing and gifts, so generously donated by YOU, with the help of Auntie Violet.
Other good friends of the Happy House Brenda Groves and her granddaughter, Lucy, also chipped also spent a few hours helping on Monday/
Lynn had everything so well organised, the only drawback was that we are 13 giftbags short but hope,with your help, that by Christmas we will have one for each child - we have the contents we are just short of the giftbags!
If anyone would like to send a few it would be such a help. Our address is Sue Hayward's Happy House, PO Box 796, Watamu, Kenya, East Africa.

Party point

2011-12-06T06:18:00.000Z

The party's over and everything at the Happy House is back to normal. The kids off school it's a hive of activity as children enjoy some free time.
Our teachers split their holidays so that some are working and helping with organised activities, but most of the time the children have freedom of the grounds to roam, play and to embark on their own little voyages of discovery.
Friday's party was wonderful in every way, and a real testimony to team work, everyone had been involved in getting ready for it, including the children, and everyone enjoyed the fun. You may wonder why parties and treats are so important. It's because parties and special treats help our children to exorcise the ghosts of the past which could so easily haunt them. All have come from or been through traumatic situations and are psycologically fragile.
We are giving them a happy childhood, which includes occasional parties and treats,to enjoy now and which they will look back on and remember with equal happiness throughout their lives, not blotting out their past but easing the pain that it could cause.
Treats are also a reward for good behaviour.
Discipline in a family of 55 children is always a tough card to play. In Kenya, children are often punished with beatings but that is not our way, and never will be.
When a child is naughty, Uncle Billy or Mama Sue will reprimand them, explaining why their actions are not acceptable and how they may hurt or impact on their brothers and sisters. If a child continues to behave badly they are warned that they will be excluded from the next family outing or treat. It has happend on several occasions so has become a real deterrent.
Some of our boys missed the trip to the airport because they had failed to buck up their ideas and carried on being naughty. They didn't miss Friday's party, nor did any others.
They knew that if they behaved badly, and beyond what is just natural childish mischief, that they would miss out.
It is a postitive and effective way of putting across to the family their duty respect their home, their family and themselves.

Clothes that count

2011-12-05T05:14:00.001Z

Having their own clothes means the world to our children who will have had so few, if any in some cases, before they came to us.

They help the mums sort the washing and everyone knows exactly what belongs to whom.

They don't have a lot of outfits and everything is used until it is worn out or outgrown - which ever happen sooner. If it's outgrown it will be passed down to a younger child, just as in any family.

With everything worn once and washed, it doesn't take long for a garment to fade as the strong sunshine takes it toll.

This stripey dress is a favourite of Mariam's, she wears it so often. I took the picture of her with John, Fatuma, Oscar and our cat Happy weeks ago.

Last week we were walking together toward the washing line and when I asked if anything on it belonged to her she ran straight to the dress and on Friday she was wearing it again when she came to help me do the flowers for our party.

I have lost count of how many other times I have seen her wearing it and this is just the same with all our kids and their clothes.

What is their's IS their's, and with that ownership comes a sense of belonging and pride.

A wider influence

2011-12-03T19:14:00.000Z

The Happy House leaves a lasting impression on anyone who has been
fortunate enough to visit it.
All are sorry when it is time to leave and it was particularly sad for
trainee social worker, Hermadi, who has been with us, working alongside
our Uncle Billy, for the past three months.
Hermadi has learnt so much from Billy, a very experienced social worker,
and from the innovative practices and approaches that Sue has adopted to
produce such an excellence of residential childcare.
Hermadi has really got to know our kids, he knows their backgrounds and
how they have suffered in the past, and has forged real bonds with them.
He has done so much to help, learning and growing as a person in the
process. He was particularly pleased to be involved in working out the
programmes of exercises for baby David, who has Downs Syndrome, and to
see how, in just a few weeks, his strength and responses are already
improving.
He says being at the Happy House will have a lasting impact on him and
has given him a greater understanding of children and also of what it is
possible to achieve.
Sue thanked him on behalf of the family for all he has done and wished
him well in the future.
Volunteer Kelsey Nichols from the USA was also leaving this weekend
after a month here.
She's studying at university in New York which also has its own set up
in Kenya. A month working with a community was the final part of her
studies in Africa and so she asked to help at the Happy House. She has
been so popular with the kids and was sorry to be leaving.
She has been a valuable help in school and wherever else she was needed,
and was thanked by Sue on behalf of the family.
Hermadi and Kelsey have our love and good wishes as they go forward with
their own lives and careers and we know they won't forget us!

The happiest day

2011-12-03T11:19:00.000Z

Confetti rained down on our newlyweds Rose and Fred as they arrived back at the Happy House to the biggest welcoming “home” party of their lives.
From first thing everyone had worked their socks off in a real team effort to get everything ready - the dining room beautifully laid, food prepared, entertainment and games organised … nothing was missed.
Kids,mums, gardeners, volunteers, friends, teachers, Mama and Papa worked happily alongside one another singing and laughing as they worked.
By the time Rose and Fred arrived the scene was set and we were all changed into our party clothes,
Our children so smart and pretty in the new outfits they’d worn for the wedding. We had gathered just inside the gates and as the car bringing them drove through the gates , the crowd roared!
Shouting, cheering, singing, kids jumping up and down with excitement, it was the happiest scene and could have left Fred in no doubt that he had married into a family quite unlike any other!
A bloodline is not important in this family, Mama, Papa, children, staff, friends from around the world …we are united by the greatest force there is, love.
Sue stepped forward to greet Rose, who she loves so dearly, and then on to Fred to welcome him to our number.
How happy they looked, relaxed and radiant after the honeymoon in Mombasa.
First on the programme in the shade of the banda was a brief but very warm welcome from Sue and then the entertainment - the children’s nativity play, so well rehearsed by the teachers and volunteer Coral, then a staff and volunteer choir, led by Coral, which was followed by African songs and dancing by enthusiastic staff.
The afternoon was packed with activity, traditional dance by our older children, a mind boggling magician, a talented local team of acrobats and plenty of dancing to Bado’s disco, plus a display by his very hip dancers who got our kids joining in.
Everyone loves a party, and all the planning paid off to make it the most perfect day. Rose and Fred joined in everything, they sang the love song they had performed at their wedding and made lovely speeches of thanks.
By six, the party was coming to an end, the happy couple waved off by Mama and Papa and their now tired, sticky and dusty kids.
The babies were on the way to the nursery to be bathed and the clear-up operation underway.
It was an afternoon that will live on in the memory of us all - a magical, unforgettable family gathering for our newlyweds, and our kids,will tell their own children about one day.

Party pictures

2011-12-03T11:14:00.000Z

Graduation day

2011-12-01T19:05:00.001Z

The end of the school year means that those children in kindergarten will be going up into our new primary classes at the Happy House School next term.
It's been a really successful first year for our school and little did we think then that we would have our first primary classes to open in January this year.
Moving up to primary is a landmark in a child's life and as is the way here a graduation ceremony takes place. Our children, both our Happy House kids and day pupils, looked so smart in graduation caps and gowns which Sue had made specially.
Each of the children received their certificate from Mama Sue.
It was a proud moment for our pupils and for Sue who has brought the Happy House so far since it opened in March 2010 and who is also Mama to most of its pupils!
The school is a separate entity and has to be both self supporting and to produce an income, so that we will eventually be able to offer free places to some of the impoverished kids living nearby and not accessing any education. This we hope to achieve by taking fee-paying day pupils and by January expect an influx of new starters.
Parents who already have their children here are absolutely delighted with their results and the very high standard of education they are getting.

Ready for Rose's return

2011-12-01T18:49:00.001Z

Our Auntie Rose will be home from her honeymoon today and will be coming straight to the Happy House where we are having a family party top welcome her husband Fred into our family.
Thursday was a day of preparation, the adults and kids have all been busy making sure this will be a day to remember.
And that means putting up the decorations . The gardeners are plaiting palm arches but refusing to let anyone know what they are planning. So it will be a complete surprise for us all when we get there early this morning.
The kids are helping, A whole gang of them were eager to help turn plastic bottles into vases with a palm, ribbon and bit of ingenuity. They soon got the hang of it and will gather flowers and greenery to fill them.
Auntie Lynn, Brenda Groves and Lucy have been working like trojans, Coral and Kelsey have been with the teachers rehearsing the kids nativity. Whatever has been going on there have been children eagerly helping.
Papa Dave went wading through puddles to do the shopping during a morning or torrential rain in Malindi and Mama Sue has been here, there and everywhere ... using her considerable organisational skills to ensure nothing is missed, whilst also juggling with the day to day business of running the Happy House. She really is a wonderwoman!
We are making an early start this morning, and hopefully there will be time to go home for a quick shower and to change, before the party starts at 2pm.
It's going to be a lovely day for our lovely Rose, Fred and all our family.

Exercising David

2011-11-30T14:16:00.000Z

Since we were told, a few weeks ago, that our baby David has Down’s Syndrome every effort has been made to get as much information as we can to give him the best start in life.
With the help of the Down’s Syndrome Association in the UK, I was able to access so many useful resources to send to Sue here.
Trainee social worker Hemedi (pictured), on experience alongside our Uncle Billy, sifted through it all to put together a programme to aid his development.
That includes twice daily exercise and massage sessions with a mum working one-to-one in a concentrated effort to strengthen his limbs and stimulate his senses.
What an improvement there has been in just four weeks. He’s blowing raspberries, responding to his name, can hold his head up and roll over.
Yesterday it was Auntie Jane who was working with him, while headmum, Prescha, did the same with Jonathan. They always work with two babies because then David isn’t been singled out as different and all our children are equally special.
David was clearly enjoying every minute of the attention (as was Jonathan), specially when big “sisters” Rukia and Hope joined in to help.
His limbs are so much stronger and his swollen tummy has subsided, and he’s interacting with the adults and children around him.
It’s tragic that David was abandoned in hospital at birth, but a blessing that he is here with us at the Happy House.
Here we can guarantee that he will always be loved and WILL reach his true potential in life.

Santa's special delivery

2011-11-30T04:42:00.000Z

Santa will be bringing extra smiles to opurchildren thanks to a special delivery from Abderdeen.
Vicky Simpson, quality assurance manager at Atlas, took on the role of good fairy by starting an appeal for gists for our 55 after she and her partner, Shaun Windram, visited the Happy House whilst they were on holiday in Watamu in the autumn and were so impressed by what they saw they promised to help.

True to their word, Vicky and Shaun now sponsor two Happy House babies, twin brothers Peter and Paul, and when Vicky told her colleagues about the Happy House they were eager to help too.

Vicky (pictured) said: "There are five of us in the QA team but we have had many things donated from many areas of the business where there are currently 75 employees."

And bosses at Atlas, a special company which writes and develops e-learning courses for the oil and gas swector predominantly, kindly offered to meet the cost of transporting the goodies to Kenya. They were sent last week and arrived today!

Vicky said: "I have said a huge thank you to everyone who has donated. It seriously touches your heart when people are as generous as this.

"It is not even just secondhand things we have received but new toys and clothes that people have been out specially to buy.

"One of our ladies in HR has a little daughter, Gina Lamont, and she has been through all her things to give toys, clothes and shoes for the Happy House children.

"Children of Watamu is a very small charity doing remarkable work with some of Kenya's most vulnerable children which is why we so wanted to help," she added "We know that everything that has been given will go where it is intended - to the children."

Sue, who signed for the delivery, said: "This is just so generous. I just can't believe how much there is here. We are so grateful to everyone who contributed in any way and for showing our children so much love.
"A special thank you to Vicky for telling everyone about our family. We were that she and Shaun came to see us and Papa Dave couldn't believe that when he met Vicky he was talking to another Leeds United fan. It's been a highlight of his year!"
Our children come to us from the very worst possible circumstances, from poverty or neglect which is beyond belief, and we give them what every child deserves ... a safe, happy, healthy, childhood.

For those who have joined our family this year, this will be their very first Christmas and to receive a gift from Santa will mean so much to each and every one.

My beautiful Elizabeth

2011-11-29T06:39:00.000Z

My heart singing, I hold Elizabeth Anne for the first time.
This fragile little being, just a month old, is so tiny and just so beautiful.
As she looks up at me with her huge dark eyes, I feel an overwhelming surge of pride and joy.
That Sue should give her my name, and that of my late sister Anne, who I loved so much, is such a generous and loving gesture. A gift beyond any price.
I loved her even before I saw the first pictures Sue sent to me earlier this month when she came home to the Happy House, and I have been counting down the seconds to our first meeting.
Now to have her in my arms is the best feeling in the world.
I feel sad that she will never know the mum whose circumstances must have been beyond dreadful for her to she abandoned her newborn daughter in the bushes, but happy that her home and family is here with Sue and Dave and our Happy House family - the happiest family in all of Kenya.

Lucinda takes over

2011-11-29T06:29:00.000Z

Uncle Billy and Rose do a fantastic job of gathering news and pictures to send to me so that I can post a daily blog.
But I know that sometimes it must be difficult for them to fit it into their already busy schedules.
So while I am here I am giving some of our older kids a chance to be our newshounds, with Lucinda first up to have a go.
She had free rein and this is what she came up with, she also took this picture of Lynn McCluskey (right) andf me with Uncle Billy and little Johnny,
Well done Lucinda!

All washed up

2011-11-29T06:26:00.000Z

Every picture tells a story and while she was out and about with my camera Lucinda captured these shots of the daily wash.
Our children were all in new outfits for Rose’s wedding, all of them so generously donated by you, our friends, from the UK and further afield.
After a long, hot and dusty day, it was straight in the wash for everything and by this afternoon there was only one line of clothes left blowing in the breeze in the garden, while our laundry aunties were busy getting everything ironed and aired and sorted, ready to wear again for Friday when and the family party to welcome Auntie Rose’s new husband, Fred, into the Happy House family.

Our Rose - a beautiful bride

2011-11-28T05:51:00.000Z

Our lovely Rose made the most beautiful bride yesterday when she married her Fred.

The ceremony in church was the culmination of three days of celebration and blessing to seal the union between them.

Due in church by 9.30am, we were at the Happy House in good time where all but our babies were dressed and ready for their big day out - everyone in a new outfit, hair freshly done, and shoes polished.

There was such an air of excitement. They were off to see their Auntie Rose, Sue's right-hand woman and a key and much loved member of our family, on her big day.

It took several journeys for Papa Dave and Uncle Billy to transport the kids, house mums and us adults - Sue, Brenda and Red Groves , their granddaughter Lucy, volunteer Coral Blackhurst and I all to church.

It was a long wait as the church filled up, by with singers to keep everyone entertained. By the time the bridegroom arrived, the church was packed and overflowing into the grounds outside.

Then the procession started, first the small attendants, then the pageboys followed by the bridesmaids. Each making a lone walk down the aisle, moving very slowly, as an usher takes his steps from the altar end of the church to meet her halfway, she handing him a can covered in the wedding colours, peach and brown, in exchange for a wrist corsage from him. He then escorts her to her place.

It's a rhythmic and charming way to highlight their role and our children were captivated with lots of excitement, cheers and giggles when they saw our lovely friend and volunteer, Auntie Lynn McCluskey, make her entrance as a bridesmaid.

With all the bridesmaids in place, everyone was waiting for their first glimpse of the bride. Eventually, she arrived, our beautiful Rose looking radiant and stunning.

For Sue, who has known Rose ever since she started her charity work her 11 years ago and has seen and helped her grow from a shy young girl into a beautiful, confident, manager, it was a moment full of emotion. I know she loves Rose as if she were her own.

The service lasted for two hours, with our family of 40 children to think about, some as young as four, we quietly moved out of church and made our way to the reception venue where they could run around and play. The MC and do were already in place and when Sue suggested some music for dancing was happy to oblige and our African version of the Von Trapp family swung into action.

They were so enjoying themselves the time flew by and at last the guests from church followed by the happy couple, arrived, and the real party got underway.

There's so many traditions and customs that have to be woven into a wedding day here, which add to the charm. Feasting is essential and with 600 people to feed the caterers had a major job on their hands.

Rose, bless her, found a moment to come over and greet her Happy House family, giving everyone a chance to get a close up look at her gorgeous gown which has been so kindly loaned to herby Hayley Edge, from Blackpool. Hayley, who has never met Rose, responded to our Facebook appeal and offered the loan of the dress she had work for her own wedding.

Thank you Hayley, your kindness ensured our Rose was married in the dress of her dreams.

By five o'clock our children were beginning to flag and it was time to leave the party to go home.

We had all had a day we'll remember for the rest of our lives and wish our Rose and Fred all the love and happiness in the world.

On Friday, after a few days away together, they'll join us for a family party at the Happy House where we can wish them well in our own unique way.

Sporting new togs

2011-11-26T22:19:00.001Z

Our football crazy kids are sporting new kits thanks to the efforts of a Lancashire family.

From football kits in the AFC Fylde colours to cricket gear from Lytham Cricket Club plus lots of good-as-new gear from other local clubs the children are now equipped for sporting action.

Donated by the club, the kits were amongst cases full of sporting equipment collected and delivered to Children of Watamu's Happy House children's home in Kenya by Joanne Reid, her husband Peter and sons,Jacob, 17, and Maxwell,15.

They had planned a day of their holiday at the Happy House, which is home to 55 orphaned, abandoned, neglected or abused children, after reading about how former Blackpool hotelier Sue Hayward had founded the charity and built three schools before opening her Happy House last year.

The Reid family, from Lytham, launched a mini-appeal to sporting organisations, friends and colleagues, and were overwhelmed by the wonderful gifts of sports gear and other essentials they received.

Just back from Kenya, Jo said: "As a family our aim was to help improve sporting resources for the children - something we accept as normal for most young children in this country.

"We have all individually and as family developed through sport and benefited massively from the impact it has had on our lives.

"Sport is also a great leveller," added Jo.

"Our boys , privileged enough to attend a school like Arnold, need to also see how other children live. The Happy House children have all come from the worst possible circumstances - dire poverty or neglect.

" My boys thoroughly enjoyed the day we spent at the Happy House and received such a warm welcome from Sue, her husband Dave and all the family.

"As well as the AFC Fylde kits, which the kids loved, we also took other sporting equipment for cricket etc.

"But it was football that was the key. It was great to see all these kids in local football kits AFC Fylde,Blackpool and Preston kits and all in the same teams!

"Jacob took the girls' team and Maxwell took the boys' team as they went head to head in a friendly match - but it was the girls that won! Maxwell's bruises from a tackle by Janet are only just going!

"What a great experience it was for all of us. What Sue and her charity has achieved is remarkable and to such a high standard.

"Not a day goes past when I do not thinking about you all.

"We are so grateful to everyone who helped us by donating equipment etc."

A big thank you and lots of love to Jo and all her family for going to such lengths to

Rose's wedding

2011-11-26T06:26:00.001Z

Everyone is getting so excited about our Auntie Rose's wedding tomorrow. I'd hoped to post this blog from the Happy House today but my flight from Gatwick last night was cancelled, so I won't be on my way until eight this morning.

That means an 8pm arrival tonight, plus a road trip from Mombasa, so I should be with Sue and Dave by 10pm. Just long enough to get a bit of sleep before the wedding at 9.30am.

Sue was invited to speak about Rose at a blessing ceremony in Yaa Village yesterday and tells me that she and Dave went along with a big party of our children and said it was a truly lovely afternoon.

What a busy day they had yesterday with graduation, nativity and the end of the school year ... I'll fill you in with all the details and pictures of these and, of course, of the wedding over the next few days.

Award for Sue

2011-11-26T06:20:00.001Z

Many congratulations to Mama Sue on winning the Fundraiser of the Year Award at the Network She Businesswomen Awards which took place in Llandudno.

Our inspirational Sue was nominated for her incredible achievements in founding Children of Watamu and building our Happy House.

Unfortunately, Sue couldn't be there and her award was accepted by Ruth Lloyd-Williams on her behalf.

Well done Sue on a well-deserved award,sponsored by CostCo Wholesale, and thank you to Network She for recognising her extraordinary efforts in this way.

Sue says: "It is such an honor to receive the Network She Charity Fundraiser of the Year 2011 award, sponsored by Costco Wholesale. The Happy House Family are so thrilled . This award has been given to me, but it is also for so many people who love and support the Happy House Family.

Elizabeth Gomm our volunteer UK Coordinator is brilliant, her love & support for the Happy House family never ceases to amaze us. Without her things would not run as well as they do from the UK.

This award is for everyone who shows their love for the Happy House Family by raising funds, with quiz nights, cake bakes, sponsored slims and swims. So many ways that people support our family. We have people who know the joy of sponsoring our children on a monthly basis, they receive regular updates, pictures and school reports to enable us to pay our bills and feed the children, so much more help is still needed for our ever growing family in size and in numbers.

It is due to the kindness and generosity of so many people that makes our work with the children possible.

Thank you one and all,

Lots of Love,

Mama Sue Papa Dave & The Happy House Family xx

You've gotta pack a puppet .. or two!

2011-11-25T06:00:00.004Z

I'm on my way back to see our family at the Happy House and have so many goodies for our children that there's hardly room in my case for the dress I'm going to wear to Auntie Rose's wedding on Sunday - or for the dress, ordered from here, that Mama Sue plans to wear too. Clothes shopping is not something she can do in Watamu!

But I don't mind taking second place when it means our children are going to receive letters and gifts from their sponsors or gifts from others who have opened their hearts to our family.

Like those from visitors to the Aunty Social workshop at the Super Duper Christmas Craft Fair at Blackpool Winter Gardens at the weekend.

Aunty Social, a community group which takes craft workshops out to the most unlikely places in the resort, had a table where visitors could make finger puppets for our children.

All sorts of people, of all ages, enjoyed the chance to make a puppet for a Happy House kid - and many have written messages which they've popped inside.

The puppets are so colourful and there is such a variety that I am sure they will find a place in our school where they can be used to play out stories and to improve language skills.

Caz - Caroline Fisher- organised the workshop and did an amazing job in encouraging people to have-a-go and in raising awareness of our Happy House too.

Even the deputy mayor, Allan Matthews, got the needle and made a puppet - haven't spotted one wearing a civic chain though!

Thank you, again, to Caz and to everyone who took part... you will certainly making smiles across the miles.

Party time in Ireland

2011-11-24T09:52:00.001Z

Calre Mullins, a student at Carlow University, Ireland, is staging her first fundraiser for the Happy House.

Clare promised to help our family after she visited their whilst travelling this summer and, of course, fell in love with our wonderful family.

She isvery kindly staging a "Take Me Out" Christmas party at the Tower, Carlow, on Friday, December 9, so if you are anywhere near please pop along and join in the fun - it promises to be a lively night!

Flying visit

2011-11-24T07:37:00.001Z

Their first educational trip proved just the ticket for our older pupils at the Happy House School.

They made a flying visit to Malindi Airport where they were shown around and saw first hand the meteorological department, fire station and got to look around an aeroplane.

Uncle Billy said: "It was fun for all them and girl power reigned as two of the pilots bringing planes into land just happened to be ladies!"

With the opportunities we are hoping to give our children, who have come to us with so little, the skies will be their limit!

Growing project

2011-11-23T08:06:00.001Z

Thank you to Amiran of Kenya for using this article on its website. We were delighted when Chris Nzuki visited us to see how our crops are growing in the greenhouse system they manufacture and which Sue opted to buy, thanks to generous donations.

http://www.amirankenya.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=316

The inclusion of this article will help broadcast our message throughout Kenya and beyond.

Thank you Chris and Amiran.

Breaking news

2011-11-23T07:54:00.001Z

After breaking his arms, an operation to reset it and weeks in plaster our Francis is finally and officially mended!

As you may remember the boiasterous youngster took a tumble when he did a Superman impersonation from a top bunk (not even his own bed).

He's never complained and hardly cried and been such a very good boy throughout his treatment. Now the cast has come off and Francis is getting to know his arm again!

Uncle Billy says: "Francis had his cast removed and he has been such a brave boy. He is showing his arm off, which he must have terribly missed.

"We can only hope that he stays outta trouble!"

A story unfolds ,..

2011-11-23T07:44:00.001Z

This is the last week of term and also the end of another school year for our children.

They are getting ready for all the special events of the season whilst also marking their academic achievements.

The school nativity and graduation ceremony, which will be performed for guests plus families of our fee-paying pupils and any relatives of our own children who may be able to come along.

So making sure everything is spot on and that the kids know just what to do, and when, requires some serious rehearsing!

And these pictures show the cast of our nativity play at their dress rehearsal yesterday and don't they look wonderful. Volunteer Coral Blackhurst and our teachers have worked so hard to get thm ready (and volunteer DawnHeather White did so much to help too before she left for home last weekend)

Sadly, I arrive back in Kenya a day too late ... but I'm hoping I might just get an action replay sometime while I there!

Student helps out

2011-11-22T07:09:00.001Z

American student Kelsey Nichols is thoroughly enjoying working with our kids.

Kelsey, from Maine, is a third year student at St Lawrence University in upper state New York and is spending a semester in Kenya where it has its own set up.

Kelsey, volunteering with our family, says: "For the last month the students involved in my program all go their separate ways and volunteer for an organization. I was fortunate enough to find the Happy House on the internet and was thrilled that Sue was willing to have me here.

" Thus far, I have really enjoyed my time at the Happy House. The kids are so great and they are so eager to learn. I have been helping with teacher Rose

's KG2 class.

I have been helping teach basic math.

I am here for two more weeks and then I head back to the US.

I am so grateful to be a member of the family and I hope to return to the Happy House again!"

Baby delights

2011-11-21T08:30:00.001Z

What well dressed babies we have after a special delivery of beautiful babywear from a very generous Midlands-based wholesale company, First Steps Babywear.

They heard about our Happy House from one of their designers, Emma Hales, who discovered our family whist she and her husband, Richard, were staying at Turtle Bay on their honeymoon.

Emma and Richard fell in love with our family and as soon as they arrived home Emma told her her colleagues (pictured) about us and how impressed she had been by how the children are so well cared for.

Emma says: " On returning to the UK I discussed with my boss Juggy if it would be possible to send the Happy House a parcel. The whole team got involved – not only choosing babywear but also purchasing some educational books and games that they thought the children would enjoy. The company kindly paid for the parcel to be sent over to Watamu and the team are excitedly waiting for photos of the children receiving it."

First Steps Babywaer is a well established babywear supplier designing and manufacturing babywear for the UK high street and with offices in both the UK and India.

Our older children got first look at what was inside the parcel and then it was over to head housemum Mama Prescha to sort through and distribute amongst our tiny tots.

A huge thank you and lots of love to Emma and all her colleagues from our very happy, Happy House children xxxx

Little gems bring joy

2011-11-20T08:32:00.001Z

Onl holiday in Kenya from the Fylde Coast, Val Woolner and her husband Ian went laden with essentials and gifts for our Happy House family.

Sue was delighted to welcome them and to introduce them to our children.

Among the gifts were bracelets made by an art group at Fylde Community Link, where Val works, run by Janet who leads the group attended by people with learning difficulties.

As you can see, our little girls (Salama, Saumu, Mwende and Pendo (Fatuma and Lily at the back) were absolutely delighted.

Val loved all our kids but a cuddle with our special baby David really captured her heart.

Ian, who works for Hewlett Packard showed a particular interest in our computer room and has offered his expert help and advice in the future.

Thank you Val and Ian for your kindness and generosity to our family.

Auntie Lynn flies out

2011-11-20T08:31:00.001Z

A favourite Happy House auntie, Lynn McCluskey is on her way back for Christmas.

But she couldn't leave without a turkey dinner so gathered with a few family and friends for a festive lunch yesterday at what she and Libby, founder members of the Watamu Girls' Club, call their office - Parks Art Deco Cafe in Stanley Park.

Sean who, with his family, runs the cafe is always so supportive of the Happy House and he very kindly brought over a complimentary bottle of Prosecco to wish Lynn (and Libby who leaves for Watamu on Friday) a happy time - but there was a catch!

In return for the bubbly Sean requested each guest make a £1 donation his favourite charity! How could they refuse?

Lynn set off early today and can't wait to be back for the last week of term with our bright and very well behaved kids!

Pictured are: Maggie Hartley, Libby Gomm and Lynn McCluskey and Sean with his collection bucket!

Polio sparks alert

2011-11-19T07:42:00.001Z

The terrible toll polio takes on so many lives has been forgotten by people living in the developed world where the immunization programme, strictly enforced, has eradicated it from memory.

But those of us old enough will have known someone from their primary schooldays who had suffered polio - necessitating weeks or months encased in an "iron lung" to do their breathing for them, and then returning to school, if lucky enough to survive, disabled by deformed limbs, at best with calipers and built up shoes.

It's a killing and crippling disease.

In Kenya, the Government thought it, too, had rid its country of its scourge. But recent cases, the first for 11 years, have brought right to the forefront and sparked a major nationwide alert.

Uncle Billy, our social worker, tells me: "There is a great national scare about polio getting back to incapacitate the under 5's...a disease assumed eradicated by the year 2000, after rigourous campaigns over the many years dubbed as" Kick polio out of Africa!"

"That was short lived then.

"From Monday the medics have been doing a door-to-door campaign administering the OPV (oral polio vaccine) which is administered as two drops in the mouth.

"Baby Elizabeth just settled after having a nice first weekend at home got the first honors. All the under 5's even the pupils from ouutside who come into our school got it and so did our own little baby brigade of David and company.

"Aunty DawnHeather was there to help out with the exercise. We are really keen ensure a healthy upbringing for our children and it is our wish to comply to all interventions that are geared towards the kids best interests.

"That's why we are here, exclusively , and for one reason only ... for our kids."

Time to go home

2011-11-18T07:00:00.001Z

It's always sad to say goodbye to our volunteers and everyone was sorry that the time had come for our good friend DawnHeather White to go home to Ireland.

But DawnHeather, a regular volunteer and tireless fundraiser, wasn't allowed to leave without a good send off - songs from the children and a big thank you card from all the family, presented to her by her sponsor child, Katana.

Safe journey home DawnHeather. We look forward to seeing you again very soon.

Happy talk

There was a warm welcome on a very cold night awaiting Elizabeth when she went along to Weeton WI to talk about our Happy House.

They were very moved by the stories of our children and how their lives are being transformed by the Happy House/ They were full of admiration for Sue's remarkable dedication and determination.

They made a donation of £50 to our family. Thank you ladies for a lovely evening.

Caring and kind

2011-11-17T07:00:00.001Z

Kind and caring Fatuma and Margaret have been awarded the Star of the Week awards for the way they look after younger members of our family.

Fatuma has forged a really strong bond with little Charity and is the one person who can easily get our Little Miss Serious laughing, while Margaret is so caring towards her baby sister Neema.

Congratulations girls, we are so proud of you for being such loving members of our family.

Our ambassador to Tenerife!

2011-11-16T07:24:00.001Z

After a summer in Mallorca, Hailey Aspinall Ellis made a surprise visit back to Blackpool before setting off for a winter in the sun on Tenerife.

And wherever she goes Thomas Cook holiday rep Hailey also spreads the word about the work being done at the Happy House.

Hailey, who with her mum Jackie Ellis Fineman, sister Emma and brother Joe, sponsors Stevie and Charity volunteered at the Happy House last year and can't wait to go back again.

She's a fantastic ambassador and fundraiser. On Mallorca she braved a swim with the stingrays in Palma Aquarium to raise money for our family and with that and other fundraising efforts - including a spring fair in Blackpool - and donations she has raised £568 towards her £750 target for 2011.

On her brief trip to Blackpoolwhen she was able to catch up on all the Happy House news from Jackie and Emma who had just returned from their first visit to us, Hailey picked up a Happy House collection box, t-shirt and leaflets so that she can carry on her good work in Tenerife.

Thanks Hailey for everything you do.

A special delivery

2011-11-15T07:46:00.001Z

Mercy has just received her very first letter and gifts from new members of her sponsor family, Darryl Anne Cole and her children from Brighton.

She was thrilled to bits to receive a pacel through the post addressed to her and we know that seeing the happiness it has brough to her special child will bring Darryl Anne so much joy.

Michelle Rathore from Ashton Under Lyne sent to big boxes full of clothes and goodies for the children which are also much appreciated.

And another package picked up the same day, but strictly for Christmas, was from Rukia's "Bury Aunties" - her sponsors from Bury Soroptimists.

We are getting so many packages for Christmas, we can't name them all here, but believe me, we are so grateful for your kindness and thank you for caring for our children like you do.

In training ...

2011-11-14T07:58:00.001Z

Writing the blog from the UK means I need a constant supply of pictures and news about our family.

We want to reflect everyday happenings at the Happy House so that each of you, wherever you are in the world, can share in them with us.

And that means adding to Mama Sue, Uncle Billy and Auntie Rose's already heavy worklist. They do an amazing job in providing me with pictures, and now I can add Margaret to the list.

As the older children were off school for a few days, Sue gave Margaret the camera and asked her to take a few shots which include this enchanting portrait of Oscar - "Osther" now he lost his two top baby teeth - and of social worker Billy (also a jack-of-all-trades) wearing his barber's hat!

Thank you Margaret. It looks as though you are a roving reporter in the making!

Safe haven

2011-11-13T08:03:00.001Z

It didn't surprsie me in the slightest to hear that having gone to Malindi to pick up our beautiful Elizabeth Anne, Sue arrived back at the Happy House with a second child in need.

Her name is Daniella she's 11.

Sue tells me: "As Billy and I were leaving the hopsital the Children's Office telephoned to ask if we could give a lift to one of their social workers and an 11 year old girl he was taking to a rescue centre in Watamu.

" As we travelled, me cuddling Elizabeth and Billy driving, we chatted to the social worker. We discovered this little frightened child was called Daniella, and she needed temporary care until a relative could be traced.

"From what we could make out she ran away from violent circumstances and was living on the streets until a former neighbour saw and took her to the Children's Office.

"Billy said that particular centre was not the place for this little girl, it was all teenagers there with many different kinds of problems that were not the kind we Daniella should be involved with.

" So of course ,in the blink of an eye ,we offered her a bed at the Happy House.

"When we got home and told Dave about the day, he said you have an 11 day old baby and 11 year old girl, on the 11.11.2011. How amazing is that, and I was wearing my poppy with pride!

" Daniella, the little girl in blue, was given such a warm welcome by the family who were excitedly waiting for their new baby sister.

"Janet said we have a spare bed in our room we will take care of her. She was immediately surrounded by 'sisters' chatting laughing and encouraging her to go with them."

So Daniella will be safe and a part of our family for as long as she needs our help

"Yes, " Sue affirms"we are a very welcoming loving family."

Our 11.11.11 arrival

2011-11-12T08:35:00.003Z

Today I have tears of joy streaming down my face as I post these words, written by Sue, who yesterday brought home a very special 11.11.11 arrival.

"We were telephoned recently by Malindi Hospital to say that a new born baby girl had been found abandoned in the local area. She was in a plastic carrier bag and thrown in some bushes. We immediately said we had room in our family for this baby.

"We supported her whilst in the hospital with milk, pampers, and yesterday the long awaited call came that she was well enough to come home. When a child is abandoned and we take them into our family we can name them.

"The children always take our surname as they have been committed to our care by the court. I decided to call this brand new family member Elizabeth Anne, Elizabeth after my dear friend Elizabeth Gomm, and Anne after Elizabeth’s sister who sadly died all too young and who I know Elizabeth still misses every day.

" So now we have a beautiful Happy House baby called Elizabeth Anne Hayward. I think the name sounds so posh, as if it is the name of a famous writer, maybe she will be, just the same as her namesake.

"I wanted to thank Elizabeth for all her love and dedication to the Happy House Family. Elizabeth took, what she calls the leap of faith last year retiring from her job as the Women’s Editor of the Blackpool Gazette newspaper to help me more with the Happy House and it’s ever growing family. She works tirelessly to raise the awareness of the Happy House and the children who live here, many who would not have survived without this safe haven.

"Elizabeth gives talks to schools, groups and organizations, she writes to many companies for donations. If anyone stops her in the street to ask if she would like a new credit card or take part in a survey, they always hear all about the Happy House Family and are asked would they like to be a sponsor!

"Elizabeth is just the most dedicated volunteer coordinator any family could have. The children call her Auntie Libz, I call her my amazing, inspirational, lovely caring friend. "

Elizabeth writes: "Now you see why I am in tears.

I am, for once, made speechless by this most wonderful gift from Sue, my very special friend, and the words she has written.

When Sue told me she was to name our little foundling Elizabeth Anne I thought I my heart would burst with pride for myself and for Anne.

Anne was the most beautiful person, her presence filled a room with sunshine, she was intelligent, kind, funny and so generous. She and I were sisters and best friends.

Our Elizabeth Anne has in my lovely Anne the most wonderful guardian angel.

Anne died aged 46 and never lived to see the grandchildren she so hoped one day to have.

She adored children and they loved her. Every day, still, I tell her about what I've been doing and all about our kids.

I know she would love what I'm doing... and ever since her death I have felt I must live my life for her too.

To have a beautiful baby, who I have loved from the first moment Sue told me, named for both Anne and I is the most overwhelming privilege. I know I will never find the words to express how it really feels.

To be so loved is beyond words.

David's exercises get started

2011-11-11T08:26:00.000Z

It's been a week since we were told that our baby David has Down's Syndrome and as we promised we are doing our very best to make up for lost time and to help him to build his strength and stimulate his senses.

We have had so much valuable information from the Down's Syndrome Association in the UK, that trainee social worker Hemedi, who is on work experience with our social worker Uncle Billy, has been through it all and worked out a programme of exercises etc which will be done with David regularly throughout each day. He has also drawn up a special guide to help with communication skills, plus facts about Down's and advice.

Billy and Hemedi led a training session for the housemums and volunteers to take them through the programme and work got underway immediately (head housemum Prescha is pictured putting David through his paces!).

Thank you to all those members of David's sponsor family who are eager to help him in anyway they can.

Billy says: "We are all optimistic that we shall aid in his developmental achievements to the optimum level."

We all look forward to following the progress of our very special little boy.

Sitting pretty

2011-11-10T08:11:00.001Z

Twins Peter and Paul, seven months, are marking a milestone .. they're sitting up.

They might be a bit wobbly still but the tiny twosome are on their way up!

Thank you for calling

2011-11-10T07:52:00.001Z

It's getting towards the busiest time of the tourist season in Watamu and that brings lots of visitors to the Happy House.

We were delighted to welcome Marlide Trisconi from Switzerland who called in with her sons Simo and Ruben.

She very kindly brought us sack of rice, maize flour and wheat flour, which will be used to help our family.

They all enjoyed looking round the Happy House and meeting our children and it was a real pleasure to see them.