Family Matters pt 3

I sure did have a wonderful time at my niece's 21st birthday party in Northampton. The hall looked amazing and seeing family from masvingo who have relocated to different parts of the U.K was a highlight. We were about 150 of us talking, eating, laughing and dancing the night away. The finger supper was the best plan ever! The day started bright and early as my sister decided to self cater the event. We were busy preparing eats that included chicken pieces, prawn cocktails, prawns in filo pastry, samoosa's, spring rolls, sandwiches, meatballs, volauvent cases with beef and smoked salmon, cheese and onion puffs etc, etc. It was really nice. many hands made light work. Decorating the hall was a blast and the D.J did an awsome job with his set ups and selection of music. He had a varied flavour which catered for all the different age groups. It was interesting seeing how the young ladies were dressed. I had assumed that the cool English weather may affect their dress code but I was wrong. The mini skirts or dresses - off the shoulders, with high heels was the choice of dress......Lots of make - up and accessories. It's just an age thing I guess but I must say that the fashion trends can range from mind-blowing to questionable. Dancing the night away was wonderful. The different styles of dance was hilarious. The D.J kept many of us on the dance floor. My niece looked radiant and I was so glad to have met her many friends. It will certainly be an occasion to remember.

by molly manhanga

Nigel Ring at Crossroads

Celebrations at Crossroads

I was quite sad to have missed the service at Crossroads when Nigel Ring was preaching. There was such an anticipation and expectancy at his arrival. It seems like I really missed out!

Nigel standing by a tree he planted at Crossroads a year ago.

A fun moment - the tree will grow........


By Molly Manhanga

Family Matters pt 2

Some time back, I’d written about how I linked up with my cousin via Facebook and the joy of meeting him at Gatwick Airport after about 20 – 21 years. We’ve kept in regular contact since then.

Stephen and I normally come to the U.K in July to visit family, friends and for the annual Together On A Mission (TOAM) conference. I have come 4 months early this year. I’m attending a family function – my niece’s 21st birthday party. The joy of it all will be seeing family whom I haven’t seen in years and meeting family for the first time. The “catch-up” time should be very interesting.

I really enjoy spending time with my sister, brother-in-law, nieces and nephew. I haven’t seen my nieces yet but the phone calls have been constant. My nephew is a great young man. He has continued with his daily activities but has been in regular contact with his sisters. Tuesday evenings are pancake evenings in my sister’s home and I was impressed when my nephew offered to make them. However, the pancakes didn’t last too long as they came out of the pan because my nephew ate them. That was pretty funny.

My nieces will be coming over on Thursday and the buzz will begin. From cooking, to dressing up for the party, to decorating the hall, welcoming the early arrivals and so on. “Dressing up” or the way one looks, seems to be quite a thing. I’ve wondered many times if it was an ‘age’ thing but then again..........The cool weather may be a limiting factor to one’s dress code.

I’ve been relaxing a lot so far, but I’m also psyching myself up for all the hype. I intend to have fun and laughter and a great time with family.

By Molly Manhanga

Thought for the day

1 Corinthians 2:9

"No eye has seen, no ear
has heard, no mind
has conceived what God
has prepared for those
who love him."

Movie Review: Invictus

I'd heard much about Invictus and watched the shorts on television but it was only recently that I watched the movie where Morgan Freeman plays the part of Nelson Mandela. Invictus is a story of faith, courage, hope, inspiration, forgiveness and reconciliation.

Invictus shows how Nelson Mandela,who has been released from Robbin Island after 27 years imprisonment, takes on the Presidency of South Africa and strategically focuses and supports the Springbok rugby team in his effort to bring reconciliation between the races. Mandela's HUGE heart comes through, his "man of the people" stance is seen and it makes us love and admire him even more.

I really love it when he invites Francios Pienaar - The Springbok captain, for tea and motivates him. Francios's leadership is notched up. He realises that the Springboks are representing the New South Africa. They go on to win the World Cup Rugby against the All Blacks of New Zealand in 1995. What a moment! The celebrations that follow are amazing.

Invictus is a "must-see" movie.

By Molly Manhanga