The way we were

This picture was taken not long after we got back to the UK in 1960!!!! Mum looks so thin! She was incredible when I think about it! Congo wasn't the best place for her health wise, but undeterred, she worked on and what a fantastic job she did too! Not saying Dad didn't do a good job - he did, but he wasn't poorly like she was at times! We discovered that Mum and Dad were on the first boat to leave Southampton post war without a naval convoy when we were going through things after Dad died. How long did letters take back then? And just think of all the changes since then!

I was puzzling over in my mind what my favourite children's home was! I think it was the house by the bakery! The smell of fresh bread still turns me on! I think I was always lucky with bedrooms and room mates because a) I was a girl and b) not many girls my age- except for Heather Arton. Heather and I shared the room that led off from the lounge /diner at Km 8! Just behind the veranda! That was a neat room!!!

I was wondering who slept out in the barn! I can't believe we used that for habitation! In the UK Social Services would have been out in force!!! Cruelty to children no less! Hey - we all survived one way or another!

I think my favourite spot at Km 8 was the steps - those red ones leading to the front door; I used to sit on them and read books - mainly boys books! (that's all that was available i think). Did any of you boys ever read any of them - they were American, and I can't remember who the main character was, I think he was a sportsman - a team player and the stories were often about dilemmas that challenged his beliefs and tested his commitment to Christ! Can any one help me out with this?

I do remember Ione not letting me play on the swings in case I showed my knickers and corrupted any of the boys - she didn't use those words of course but that was the essence of it!

Life was a challenge for a girl - being female seemed a distinct disadvantage at times, especially when all my peers were boys! I did so want to join in - I remember Billy often aribtrating for me - and I was always grateful - may not have told you so at the time Billy and apologies for that! You were my hero on those occaissions! Perhaps we should prepare the three best bits of life in the childrens home and the three worst bits!!! One of my best bits would be the games on Saturday night and of course the films - David Livingstone!!!!