Always and forever

Mama Sue and Papa Dave are a perfect partnership.
Together for more than 40 years, they are as devoted to each other today as they have ever been.
Papa is Mama's love, her rock, her friend and counsel. 
He supports her in so many ways, and gave up his idea of a relaxing retirement in Tenerife so that Mama could follow her Happy House dream.
So for Papa's birthday, which is tomorrow, Mama wanted to make it very special  and  she and the whole family planned lots of surprises for his birthday party,
And some of our secondary school girls, at Mama's request, sang "Wind Beneath My Wings"  for her and Papa to dance to,
It was a magical moment which which touched the hearts of those around.
Earlier in the party there was a fun fashion show with our staff dressing up in costumes which had the kids cheering and laughing. 
Mr Steve, the sports teacher, stole the show with his comedy dance dressed as Miss Leeds United and the outdoor staff got lots of cheers when they ran in dressed in football kit.
There was also dancing, singing, tug of war and birthday cake.
And as it was held at Kidz Club  there had to be a Star of the Week .
No surprise at Mama's choice, here, as she called Papa to receive the award!
Happy birthday Papa from all your friends around the world

My favourite sport, by Saro

Scholarship student Saro Ramadhan  writes today's blog:
" I am a boy.
The sport I like most is  playing football at school. 

We  go to compete with other schools.

We enjoy it most when we are the winning team.

We like taking part in competitions.

I like playing football very much".

Shout it out loud for Papa!

Shout it out loud - we love you Papa! 
Springing a surprise isn't easy when you have a family as big as our own.
But Mama still manages to come up trumps.
She and Papa are planning a a few days break so they will be way for Papa's birthday next week, but such a special occasion couldn't go without a party.
Papa had an inkling something was happening, but he had no idea what was in store for him.
So he was bowled over when our secondary students, kitted out in the colours of his beloved Leeds United, ran in to greet him singing the team's anthem,  Marching On Together.
They were led by sports teacher Mr Steve, who had everyone doubled up with laughter, dressed as cheerleader, Miss Leeds United!
Papa, a life-long Leeds supporter, was on his feet to march with his valiant troops before  doing a lap of honour wrapped in the beautifully home-made banner.
Tomorrow is the day the kids write the blog so we'll be back with Papa's Party Part 2 on  Monday,when there will be more wonderful video and pictures.

Kitchen cover-ups

Our kids love keeping busy and are a great help in the kitchen.
They can turn their hands to  kneading bread, chopping vegetables, washing up or mopping up - and always with a smile!
Brenda Groves,  Auntie Brenda to our family, very kindly sent a parcel of colourful aprons for our youngsters and they were thrilled to bits!
Thank you Auntie Brenda.

Light the way

Education at Happy House is not the only way we light up the lives of bright young students eager to learn.
The kid,s from abject poverty, who have a place on our free place scholarship scheme receive all they need to be good students - uniform, books, shoes, meals. PE kit , deodorants and solar lights.
The most recent intake of students, none of  hom have electricity in their homes, have been given solar powered lanterns.
This not only enables them to study at home but also makes them much safer as so many injuries and deaths are caused every year  by the use of kerosene lamps.
Mr Steve said: "They were so pleased with the torches and have also promised to take good care and make good use of them.

Mr Steve added: " We are also giving thank for what Mama Sue is  doing to these kids by ensuring that they are getting good education,.
"As she says: Education is something no one can ever take away from you. 
"May  she and the HappY house family be blessed abundantly."

Pictured are: Tumaini Jumaa, Faith Lozzy, Sharlet Rehema, Mariam Kahindi, Thomas Kahindi, Samson Jumaa.

School report: Seeds of knowledge

 Sowing the seed of knowledge!

Class two have been learning about germination in their science lesson and it's been made all the more exciting and relevant by taking it from the page to the plant .

The children planted seeds and are nurturing them to see how they grow 

There has been preparation throughout the school for the end of term exams with everyone working their hardest. 

Class 7 and 8 are taking zonal examinations and we hope for a good performance.

We were proud and delighted to again be visited by the Education Sub-County chief officials who came to congratulated our school for being  top in the 2016 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education examination.

Happy House "home from home"

There were four very special little visitors to Happy House on Saturday.

The youngsters who have all been happily repatriated to live with a parent or relative, whilst still receiving our support, came to their home from home for a day to spend time with members of their sponsor families who are on holiday in Watamu.

Laura, Daniela, Susana and Levian

Twin brothers Peter and Paul, Peninah and Natasha Thoya were all delighted to be back to see their visitors, Mama and Papa and their Happy House friends.

Susanna Gregorio, who has a home in Watamu and is guardian to Levian,  brought Daniela Bonassi and Laura Astori early so they would be there to greet the children.

Natasha with Mama & Papa

Uncle Ronnie says: "The kids arrived a bit late as they used public transport which is not that reliable in relation with time.

Peter, Paul and Peninah

Finally they all arrived and we were all happy to see them again, healthy, happy and active.

They had a chat with Mama then had fun with their sponsor friends,

It was lunch time and they enjoyed pizza with our home kids and later spend time playing with Laura and Daniela. 

They were given gifts including clothes, toy cars and dolls.

Daniela and Laura also enjoyed catching up with the progress of all the children and especially the Safari family - Mariam, Suleiman, Saumu, Fred and Rosie. 

It was a very happy time for us all."