Ups and Downs

The Ups:

  We have managed to make in roads within our local community and last week saw Pip attend her first guiding session.  They are a lovely bunch of girls and they are a good mix of ages between 10-15.

On Friday both Ben and Pip attended the youth group at St Thomas' church in the town.  They both had a great time and Dave and I used the time to our advantage and did the weekly shop in peace an quiet!  The kids had a chance to be involved in various activities, Pip had her face painted by another girl who also attends guides and Ben enjoyed playing indoor soccer with the lads.  This Friday is film night complete with popcorn :-)

 Pip was not interested in the hearts and flowers designs and so scary skeleton it is!

On Saturday Ben and I attended our first Fairtrade meeting at the Wesley Coffee lounge attached to the local Methodist church.  It will be twenty years this May that the town was awarded Fairtrade status, which means that the local coffee shops and eating establishments serve only Fairtrade tea, coffee and where possible other items on the menu.

As a result of attending that meeting we have also offered to volunteer in the Mustard Seed Fairtrade shop and Ben is also keen to help in the cafe.  Whilst we were in the meeting, Dave and Pip had fun in the library followed by a hot chocolate in Booths.

On Sunday Pip also served at her first mass, which she really enjoyed and Ben is using his charisms in helping with the tea and coffee after mass.  It feels good to be part of a worshiping community. 

The Downs:

Ben has been really unwell since Sunday with a terrible cough and vomiting.  His blood sugars have been off the scale and he has barely eaten all day.  I am  currently on diabetic duty(01:09) as his pump is playing up and I will need to check him in half an hour to make sure all is well. However there is an upside to this down and that is the wonders of having a downstairs bedroom!  Having had an awful night, Ben transferred from his bed upstairs, to mine and Dave's bed downstairs.  This meant it was easier for us to go about the day, whilst keeping an eye on him; in turn he felt less isolated and therefore less anxious.

He is still in our room but now on a camp bed and in between the coughing bouts is managing to catch up on some sleep.  Hoping and praying that he is feeling better soon :-)