tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81259734228175441172024-03-23T06:14:51.297-04:00Thede Connection- HAITI/ZambiaWelcome. May you get a clearer picture of our ministry, prayer needs, & impact. Cory, Kris, Eli, Anna & FritzlinUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1907125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125973422817544117.post-61418119690627508802024-03-19T04:01:00.001-04:002024-03-19T07:51:16.465-04:00<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbrVQx0FDLxJYVWs7_cEWrKLahBaFOGQ7PjTKU1pYbnS25WkiimVf4b5ACjG_cR6iGHydTwb0k2JXCxgZpbNb0jYB3_WzJa-XgYs1UqdXrGtnh52AFI3Ca1X_r4P_IS_t-Y0AeT_u0wv8_gsqO3HiMw_VlyQp6K2twYgZ8Om8PCxu6VT2l5tjNhRji9vK8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="982" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbrVQx0FDLxJYVWs7_cEWrKLahBaFOGQ7PjTKU1pYbnS25WkiimVf4b5ACjG_cR6iGHydTwb0k2JXCxgZpbNb0jYB3_WzJa-XgYs1UqdXrGtnh52AFI3Ca1X_r4P_IS_t-Y0AeT_u0wv8_gsqO3HiMw_VlyQp6K2twYgZ8Om8PCxu6VT2l5tjNhRji9vK8=w400-h250" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Jembo student garden with no yield</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Cory will be having class Tuesday with the Bible students, his last one of this term as they have finals next week before and then a month off.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjixH3Th1VY6JvB0Q6cLsqLWcbpN8vljsDaUdNchV4RCK35g97MPL4LNfN7HdWJ1i1uHN106JcycvXVnPuIyqJE_GvOU9qd2yhJuRMj5_xiTE6U1yF2wdz1qBIQgs1xftUnUm0z670D3VH4MkNxlu85b_hNvTjIBAzLueKwMNAPd0yXn_K0zKJptuNe1Db4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2109" data-original-width="3378" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjixH3Th1VY6JvB0Q6cLsqLWcbpN8vljsDaUdNchV4RCK35g97MPL4LNfN7HdWJ1i1uHN106JcycvXVnPuIyqJE_GvOU9qd2yhJuRMj5_xiTE6U1yF2wdz1qBIQgs1xftUnUm0z670D3VH4MkNxlu85b_hNvTjIBAzLueKwMNAPd0yXn_K0zKJptuNe1Db4=w400-h250" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corn, peanut and sunflower</td></tr></tbody></table>Last week he didn't have his Tuesday class as the country celebrated International Youth Day, so he's already prepared his lesson on pest control and herbicides. <p></p><p>We generally attend student led chapel on Tuesday and Friday mornings however Friday, March 15 was International Women's Day-also a holiday so chapel was not held for 2 in a row. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-bih88wXqhxMBoIH6OjcMtKe9RnQPYPMR2BM_LWZ8wtJ9MsrE9ptIOLMhti7K8QYYVGnFzDZAcDdFgop5qry-qKoL6hTVZGhO9kdlffWLvXTnZSbhPu0L9E3tCEt-Z-dDseJ8VS8obi3Pm8hONbBM9Foys80mZdRaJYP7KgUJhaaALuyNf3vXJJ7f7iGu" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1978" data-original-width="3305" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-bih88wXqhxMBoIH6OjcMtKe9RnQPYPMR2BM_LWZ8wtJ9MsrE9ptIOLMhti7K8QYYVGnFzDZAcDdFgop5qry-qKoL6hTVZGhO9kdlffWLvXTnZSbhPu0L9E3tCEt-Z-dDseJ8VS8obi3Pm8hONbBM9Foys80mZdRaJYP7KgUJhaaALuyNf3vXJJ7f7iGu=w400-h240" width="400" /></a></div>We're working on some travel plans for a trip in April, 'Fall Break' for Fritz and a chance to see some more of Zambia and hopefully visit a church or two. <p></p><p>Cory worked hard on putting together a video update for a couple churches while Fritz and I worked on our studies. </p><p>The 'power shedding' times started last week Sunday night. </p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnJqLbPEUkKbAzNCUr90hn7sVsdJz7ctnr5H_qsWNKrj-E1-G4n_uGblZ8bIQ-EAIu_Udb02ZFQDBAnTln_mBD-YndW3Cjf7bFf_IFflYR1iNY5J7FI2TGPvul6Piu4LvoaRLy0R1P8z_1uFd9FRxILyFiUVDmRBaX9Ltu1BDQbjKBc8unMDwYgq3spz7R" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnJqLbPEUkKbAzNCUr90hn7sVsdJz7ctnr5H_qsWNKrj-E1-G4n_uGblZ8bIQ-EAIu_Udb02ZFQDBAnTln_mBD-YndW3Cjf7bFf_IFflYR1iNY5J7FI2TGPvul6Piu4LvoaRLy0R1P8z_1uFd9FRxILyFiUVDmRBaX9Ltu1BDQbjKBc8unMDwYgq3spz7R=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early planted corn with small yield. Some of the<br />new hybrids are very tough.</td></tr></tbody></table>The 24 hours in a day are divided into 3 different time zones: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 2 p.m. -10 p.m.; and then 10 p.m.-6 a.m.<p></p><p>Theoretically you can go on-line to find out for your area what times each week that your power will be turned off..and it should be the same time daily for the week.</p><p>Well the first week the power was off for 8 hours-a different time each day. </p><p>Then we got a bit of rain and the hours dropped to only 5 off and has been rather random.</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuLgauR0WSRQ7J-6DMPwyi06QfJfnS2JKfjeGiuvnRYfh0ouXdhzR0ddvkU_4NE7QCBO0aB352MaAsgeyDAAEvV5LH2e1qBm0JdH85AAmBEWrAm5asifxFNJUOT3I_1gQAPJCy4OapJmfNvMbh3Zq6fX9ixFr6fqKmorBaTAaUzAOlFzIIEvotZPuUQV9R" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuLgauR0WSRQ7J-6DMPwyi06QfJfnS2JKfjeGiuvnRYfh0ouXdhzR0ddvkU_4NE7QCBO0aB352MaAsgeyDAAEvV5LH2e1qBm0JdH85AAmBEWrAm5asifxFNJUOT3I_1gQAPJCy4OapJmfNvMbh3Zq6fX9ixFr6fqKmorBaTAaUzAOlFzIIEvotZPuUQV9R=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not just fruit trees that get cut by the termites.</td></tr></tbody></table>Our adjustment is making good progress: remembering to fill the drinking water containers and buckets when the water pump is working; charging all electronics: phones, batteries, computers, Kindles, router, and more; making sure not to open the refrigerator much when power is off; and trying to remember not to leave lights on before going to bed to avoid a bright random wake up [this one is the hardest]<p></p><p>The discussion of maybe getting solar power for the Bible college is on-going even as we continue to pray for more rain.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4Yn0aoR4ojD7H3W8jgugOLeer4AukhyMM9l9d2hlj8gJqpWnAQP6IIZUJ_YvwzJZ9i0GkG73SOq7Qm4l2d--xV_1vJWA-kD80L4MzcXvGFwxMQcrBoizqmorG6Pjpk1djJ0mBxHTHjyBGmKLL1fwtB6N9uor8Cgtti_4Eo7kBnV2PZP1Gl5arzp3bwDAn" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="936" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4Yn0aoR4ojD7H3W8jgugOLeer4AukhyMM9l9d2hlj8gJqpWnAQP6IIZUJ_YvwzJZ9i0GkG73SOq7Qm4l2d--xV_1vJWA-kD80L4MzcXvGFwxMQcrBoizqmorG6Pjpk1djJ0mBxHTHjyBGmKLL1fwtB6N9uor8Cgtti_4Eo7kBnV2PZP1Gl5arzp3bwDAn=w400-h243" width="400" /></a></div>For an average year there would only be about 2" of rain left for the rest of the rainy season, then dry until November.<p></p><p>While it is too late for much benefit to the field crops like corn, sunflower and beans, the gardens can still benefit; as can the grazing pastures for the livestock; and the water levels of the wells. </p><p>We have had just a little more than 1" of rain since we arrived two months ago.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgG0Uxp367jmt1ufK7F4qoR5-61Mnl8fTo3-un_beWSSt0JpjugimM8clCFuYA-Lr3MPArnCj2sAiBVDkRyuU62A-7_e1xaJqlYUsTia3Ob9FOmmUPa6A9YeUeeDZ2S4coQS1ZkAdV1P6p28MlbaphPrLJVJ6Q6dMSeHS-v8BLDWhPk9581K-ba13DHy6m1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgG0Uxp367jmt1ufK7F4qoR5-61Mnl8fTo3-un_beWSSt0JpjugimM8clCFuYA-Lr3MPArnCj2sAiBVDkRyuU62A-7_e1xaJqlYUsTia3Ob9FOmmUPa6A9YeUeeDZ2S4coQS1ZkAdV1P6p28MlbaphPrLJVJ6Q6dMSeHS-v8BLDWhPk9581K-ba13DHy6m1=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br />There is a Global Partners project fund that provides the students with a small stipend each semester to help with living expenses, which look much higher this year. <a href="https://wesleyan.my.site.com/donorportal/s/fund/a1s3t000005PE4GAAW/pwbc-scholarships">https://wesleyan.my.site.com/donorportal/s/fund/a1s3t000005PE4GAAW/pwbc-scholarships</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125973422817544117.post-22428757935149197592024-03-07T14:20:00.000-05:002024-03-07T14:20:42.756-05:00Blessings and sorrow..<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJ2JrZR9m8wUlNDU3pNG_Jfev-QkXLSpmVyckZYg9WICsiCdswBhMOD2DXYSWEVt3cxSh7ve_HnLqfSnwXBtxWTrqIFxw-Yg8-_zIjKQyVfSnVqLAJU69FnW_V8HISBBmJi-TGyWBiHxTmhLcIrGCB6uzdKSFltD0077qCG7U6PpBGCjlW438IdCJ9vbnN" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJ2JrZR9m8wUlNDU3pNG_Jfev-QkXLSpmVyckZYg9WICsiCdswBhMOD2DXYSWEVt3cxSh7ve_HnLqfSnwXBtxWTrqIFxw-Yg8-_zIjKQyVfSnVqLAJU69FnW_V8HISBBmJi-TGyWBiHxTmhLcIrGCB6uzdKSFltD0077qCG7U6PpBGCjlW438IdCJ9vbnN=w240-h320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's a bit of what I wrote on a thank you today:</span><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"My gratitude comes tinged with a large amount of grief due to intense situations I’m praying for at this time.</span></p><ul>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #000099;"></span>I’m thankful for living in a peaceful country, as I pray for the horrible situation that continues to spiral downward in Haiti.</span></li>
<li style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #000099;"></span>I’m thankful for plumbing and safe drinking water, while praying for rain as Zambia declared a national disaster this week due to drought conditions now near the end of the normal rainy season. </span></li>
<li style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #000099;"></span>I’m thankful for health while praying for those fighting cancer, disease, and illness.</span></li>
<li style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #000099;"></span>I’m thankful for inner peace even as I pray for those struggling with anxiety, depression, unforgiveness, bitterness, fear, and so much more.</span></li>
<li style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #000099;"></span>I’m thankful for my faith even as I pray for those who’s faith unraveled or never yet has grown."</span></li>
</ul>
</ul><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjS8ESGwXKOZ14kkOhOOwKRmpMKVbKKwphX529k9PTT5juEYK0t9vNLGVd0H7JMWqM832IXJhU9cYqGwJ1uqrDFopwP8Eha4E3PowYgZpYW_mCyleLRw-CxI1N-oeLSXSIq9rLsqwUFVrVigbBrjYWMEW0PnV4OGLhbBSl5M5u7vSn9s5h5p5NDytZ9RYXf" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1337" data-original-width="2147" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjS8ESGwXKOZ14kkOhOOwKRmpMKVbKKwphX529k9PTT5juEYK0t9vNLGVd0H7JMWqM832IXJhU9cYqGwJ1uqrDFopwP8Eha4E3PowYgZpYW_mCyleLRw-CxI1N-oeLSXSIq9rLsqwUFVrVigbBrjYWMEW0PnV4OGLhbBSl5M5u7vSn9s5h5p5NDytZ9RYXf=w400-h249" width="400" /></a></div> Living between worlds can be a very hard, very blessed, and very confusing place to be.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm very aware of the severe drought that Cory blogged about last time and its effects:</div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>People need water to drink to live. The water levels in the wells are already dropping. I'm thankful <br /> we: have running water; have a UV purification system; can store water when the power is on.</li><li>Gardens and fields need water to produce food. I can afford to buy food even if harvests fail because we can't water the trees and plants. We can afford to buy a drum to store water to protect the trees in the nursery.</li><li>Water in bathrooms. Our house has running water. I'm thankful Cory could buy some parts to get our shower running again. I"m always surprised at how little water I can shower and wash my hair with when limited. I praise the Lord when turning on the faucets. [And I smile when I think how one of our children didn't know until college that most folks in the USA didn't take 'navy' showers {turn on, get wet, turn off, soap up, turn on, rapidly rinse off, turn off].</li><li>Increased prayers. I pray for rain, the well, water table, and power.</li><li>Most of the electric in Southern Zambia is provided by hydropower....therefore we anticipate soon having scheduled 8 hour daily times without power. While I"m very aware that needing electricity is a '1st world' issue I'm grateful for the power and again getting in the habit of making sure computers, kindles, phones, battery back up, internet router are all charged when the power is on. </li></ol><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGEmTMJAOpyZuDXsgxrIE_VmWk6vDaWFlI48R7-wVdajcX6DITp8CGqCos5oGUwPWFHZbpYvqO21eo9OJzmLUBzwggrS5JbeEzx_7gP91I7I4y_bCSjp5fPe5yDtHbSPBims9sUN3B0wP08Y7tDkxs3Cl-TX1EMQDAR-82_F6ntTSdbgmGZzOoE9boOkhD" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGEmTMJAOpyZuDXsgxrIE_VmWk6vDaWFlI48R7-wVdajcX6DITp8CGqCos5oGUwPWFHZbpYvqO21eo9OJzmLUBzwggrS5JbeEzx_7gP91I7I4y_bCSjp5fPe5yDtHbSPBims9sUN3B0wP08Y7tDkxs3Cl-TX1EMQDAR-82_F6ntTSdbgmGZzOoE9boOkhD=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div>So the adjustment continues...grateful for what I have and adjusting to life without some of my USA accustomed blessings. <br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Learning to lament and acknowledging the whole range of my feelings.</div><div><br /></div><div>Always ending in praise to my heavenly Father for His faithfulness and the hope and peace I find from trusting Him in all things. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125973422817544117.post-60574726751324276312024-02-23T01:35:00.000-05:002024-02-23T01:35:31.825-05:00Drought! by Cory (also a reason chocolate prices are up)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzUs-C9vO8sN7TQCtNzmfYq2ReGjV2Qi7ZUYXXcCHRR4K6Y6W527wG2rVQBpILWtJUX_e_mnVcXSEiEL1a1CrmQfU27LUGrG2mHh1fTxVKyTMhL72oCLauAwLLGkeLvDP4iqKT_MB7o9dCrFaPVuD0bmB5X8-PkacrlKFc5iuaq0XoCjGi8cm1x-yr8HmD" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>El Nino is hitting SW Zambia area with drought and NE area with flooding, most of southern Africa (red shaded in map) with abnormal heat and the yellow area is abnormal dryness <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgH5jgT9kxLhs6dUQ7tmOtLwqTV60TTdFf8GCG_IdBN7kNA4gNsRytFk3WoufkY6ubL8adZ_j4TWtnHPxcRmR1gJUOju0dy9rkZpVDVb7jOlRIdtKL0FE8U78RnUuA8yZKm49Z7Xv6VgpAAMR_CBdbruC58NhVVDdBkB0U3hJdSo2Ey-VnndcJRqVif6UIB" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="603" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgH5jgT9kxLhs6dUQ7tmOtLwqTV60TTdFf8GCG_IdBN7kNA4gNsRytFk3WoufkY6ubL8adZ_j4TWtnHPxcRmR1gJUOju0dy9rkZpVDVb7jOlRIdtKL0FE8U78RnUuA8yZKm49Z7Xv6VgpAAMR_CBdbruC58NhVVDdBkB0U3hJdSo2Ey-VnndcJRqVif6UIB=w400-h196" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Climate Prediction Center's Africa Hazards Outlook<br />For USAID/FEWS-NET 22-28 Feb. 2024<br /><a href="https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/international/africa/africa_hazard.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/international/africa/africa_hazard.pdf</a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Jembo is at the blue dot between the "2"s.</p><p>We haven't had any rain since our arrival a month ago and the past few weeks have been mostly sunny with highs in the low 90's and humidity percent in the 30's. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjF-cnjaE0G7C-tFU3QWVj4huMHlnbNM06WcaYILx6rpVLa0F-8OGZUopT2YMSsEils1AQ4KpM0QcuWj_WXB14a02Xr39cOgVIJ_I1QbcoCnMVwdoFlXA4ZF6Gh2g0vf4T0efDdnBgkMadbxgjN8BerRt2vSt1UkMsIO5rD4FWFW_GStD4FfDBKuLToqkGO" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="529" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjF-cnjaE0G7C-tFU3QWVj4huMHlnbNM06WcaYILx6rpVLa0F-8OGZUopT2YMSsEils1AQ4KpM0QcuWj_WXB14a02Xr39cOgVIJ_I1QbcoCnMVwdoFlXA4ZF6Gh2g0vf4T0efDdnBgkMadbxgjN8BerRt2vSt1UkMsIO5rD4FWFW_GStD4FfDBKuLToqkGO=w320-h400" width="320" /></a></div><br />The climate center says rapidly worsening conditions are likely to continue across much of southern Africa for the coming week.<p></p><p>Closer to home for most of our friends, this shows at least part of the reason for record high cocoa prices since west Africa grows most of the world's chocolate and they have also been somewhat dry.</p><p>I went with the dean of students to a mill in Choma to help get wholesale priced cornmeal for the students.</p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcmcE1KCa7TL25yG22OW55jxaL5iUJzfor_Ra2__q3ANp5TCvUfC5RNDS3D-5ePRWJmV85qkdqMXBbpLz0MIpeZrYNfk7UhF4scNa-fRUhKPzFtVXieocu1BjuJNYEM41BjiB-vJDKBK3bPkDALjP2EpxaAB2SCUiLd7hAKfxissieYTXgi2pXDbGCWAGz" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcmcE1KCa7TL25yG22OW55jxaL5iUJzfor_Ra2__q3ANp5TCvUfC5RNDS3D-5ePRWJmV85qkdqMXBbpLz0MIpeZrYNfk7UhF4scNa-fRUhKPzFtVXieocu1BjuJNYEM41BjiB-vJDKBK3bPkDALjP2EpxaAB2SCUiLd7hAKfxissieYTXgi2pXDbGCWAGz=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crowd at a cornmeal outlet in Choma and stores will<br />be busier next week from end-of-month payday.</td></tr></tbody></table>Many Zambians are struggling with their food budget because last year the harvest was poor from a short rainy season and this year is worse.</p><p><br /></p><p>Farm prices for corn are about triple a year ago and the wholesale cornmeal is only about 22 cents per pound, which shows how low the cost of their staple food usually is.</p><p>We heard on a video recently about the firm corn porridge "nshima" which is "like a religion for Zambians, who eat it at least once a day and say nothing else will fill them up".</p><p>The first shop only had 15 of the 55 pound bags, half of what we planned to buy. </p><p>They said to go quickly to the other mill outlet because they may be out also soon.</p><p>There was a big crowd (the government recently started selling corn reserves at a reduced price) and the sales person said to go direct to the mill.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLK8ZCc1O1Rb3rQJATMmhzNYuiaq5QEz6QequuSEg4GGkiiNFKZPzmgtF8ZOOjy2J5LPOVwg3SO3dEKqASFkh5RnRbM2l1fASFEqrafoXZo4u5oaApfISWP3fuc57qZNIy8AFb2I6521oTm0ViK7Xvrpb_IGGhFXhzF7unlH3Wi76t13bekaT3N7Zqorm/s1280/IMG_5376.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLK8ZCc1O1Rb3rQJATMmhzNYuiaq5QEz6QequuSEg4GGkiiNFKZPzmgtF8ZOOjy2J5LPOVwg3SO3dEKqASFkh5RnRbM2l1fASFEqrafoXZo4u5oaApfISWP3fuc57qZNIy8AFb2I6521oTm0ViK7Xvrpb_IGGhFXhzF7unlH3Wi76t13bekaT3N7Zqorm/w400-h300/IMG_5376.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corn fields on the way to Choma</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>We arrived before noon, waited, and after showing a school letterhead they let us in, weighed the truck and directed us to the warehouse.</p><p>At 1pm we were about to be served and the employees went on break until about 2:15.</p><p>After a large truck was mostly filled we finally had all the cornmeal about 3pm - in hindsight we should have bought the 22 pound bags at the first shop for a slightly higher price.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgY4f7Rr_YjdVbtAqNvo9W97p0zN73TnKks7gaJLT2JZU_zvvJdUFODMYUH8m0dW2JVyCmx0LrxKZ0OtMo44waw_smB2YuX6ARDQo7V18Zq0HTGszYdTpYBgnSZhXYB7mXcWxm5z9qsMdcwqXTiDsY6YTZet0BExWjcmhUbj0blePur7HwlChbDnF6DO8mt" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgY4f7Rr_YjdVbtAqNvo9W97p0zN73TnKks7gaJLT2JZU_zvvJdUFODMYUH8m0dW2JVyCmx0LrxKZ0OtMo44waw_smB2YuX6ARDQo7V18Zq0HTGszYdTpYBgnSZhXYB7mXcWxm5z9qsMdcwqXTiDsY6YTZet0BExWjcmhUbj0blePur7HwlChbDnF6DO8mt=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br />Please join us praying for good rains!<p></p><p>Also that the school well keeps working, which also waters the new trees - we planned to check with a well company about flushing the sand out of the well but ran out of time.</p><p>The pump flow is slowing so it runs all day, most of the student vegetable gardens can't be watered, and we can't keep raising the pump as was done last year as the borehole slowly fills with sand.</p><p>Many of the fields I saw on the way to Choma are beyond recovery.</p><p>Jembo is a bit less sandy than the Choma area but most of the corn here is also rapidly losing yield potential or completely failing.</p><p>Zambia usually exports corn so the surrounding countries will also suffer, especially the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the northern border.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdNfRHnv1MgFXF_eOjbdDBz6pKxndMS6Zg8fAuC4eqHjykYGGH6Oh6kKrSHH8kU81Quk-P3HorAu3Ze6lf6FekXQShDYnDMQLA5TIidHuFms-GrMdBE2Wacy1em1WJEVRUwP6R-D6zhrwjDqb1uvlsGS8oHa3AWNNc1bmPPa_xtOExJeqN5hkous215az/s1280/IMG_5378.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdNfRHnv1MgFXF_eOjbdDBz6pKxndMS6Zg8fAuC4eqHjykYGGH6Oh6kKrSHH8kU81Quk-P3HorAu3Ze6lf6FekXQShDYnDMQLA5TIidHuFms-GrMdBE2Wacy1em1WJEVRUwP6R-D6zhrwjDqb1uvlsGS8oHa3AWNNc1bmPPa_xtOExJeqN5hkous215az/w400-h300/IMG_5378.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first outlet in Choma</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Corn prices were many times higher in their cities so Zambia increased the farm price by 55 percent last May, at least partly to reduce smuggling (like corn under sand in dump trucks) and recently our local market price has doubled.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_1k13h6iOwqVSjNUpo9JN32XVfz70PT6pxZLCGJOPA7AX8pjX1jsX-py6MWDGK2L19TWVmwHZORdq-U5-6KZuO8cYsg8wrYAOtexWwDuSdZ1QnEmR_zCjbt5zbVr98IY84ZvzuhWGslyB8_3ba11mPK3YhR0DBeIgoci3ytJsZD5X_qTKnyBRVGod3Pvr" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_1k13h6iOwqVSjNUpo9JN32XVfz70PT6pxZLCGJOPA7AX8pjX1jsX-py6MWDGK2L19TWVmwHZORdq-U5-6KZuO8cYsg8wrYAOtexWwDuSdZ1QnEmR_zCjbt5zbVr98IY84ZvzuhWGslyB8_3ba11mPK3YhR0DBeIgoci3ytJsZD5X_qTKnyBRVGod3Pvr=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXbkFJl4ViEpcg3-XZHGyF0nsV-sQW3jN8SW7q1I87J4KocsZFGld7_KJDukSAdktNiA-CZgb7TRoQuafQfDV3kon1CyQQvQKW7N4-nbC6nYNtmYZKiE-3ttc9B17qWn9RvlIoAr3FbOjmcWFv1bJR5SF4e1kRu3MNfQnEUpIojqhM4yFy1blq3hu_oeuw" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXbkFJl4ViEpcg3-XZHGyF0nsV-sQW3jN8SW7q1I87J4KocsZFGld7_KJDukSAdktNiA-CZgb7TRoQuafQfDV3kon1CyQQvQKW7N4-nbC6nYNtmYZKiE-3ttc9B17qWn9RvlIoAr3FbOjmcWFv1bJR5SF4e1kRu3MNfQnEUpIojqhM4yFy1blq3hu_oeuw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A slow drive home</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNb3krbUDKk6rTurxXlBMY07cgPpz0ytkrYSDB6q4I8qyyAKjEOnZLvzBHYMXmf2pM-Q2Srb6brlix7FdoJyk2vVdjgxafagyGQanf1nByHmjkBGhOtAuw5719vRUZfk36utSifvuLw9euegItx67duShZOZsYLGjRZpFP6Fhba1jIxPWnERzC6kDEe8M1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNb3krbUDKk6rTurxXlBMY07cgPpz0ytkrYSDB6q4I8qyyAKjEOnZLvzBHYMXmf2pM-Q2Srb6brlix7FdoJyk2vVdjgxafagyGQanf1nByHmjkBGhOtAuw5719vRUZfk36utSifvuLw9euegItx67duShZOZsYLGjRZpFP6Fhba1jIxPWnERzC6kDEe8M1=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br />Jembo student sunflowers and corn at sunrise Thursday morning.<p></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVz1mROUOWdWv3h6YiiphMTLf0u3jkuC0yxszTAA6B5ONUMcVHzsyQgTzP2qK3d_GQlXeq3eEO8BbbYuZjAm9n94igiQVWeLl_tHgUiJ-fqdWamm_5JNt_SMJS5NA6YGphNpP6rMx2G772vViNoZBbKtDVFm_CPyos8AKkmBrn4OP--L7NIfjWe2wHpcTH" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVz1mROUOWdWv3h6YiiphMTLf0u3jkuC0yxszTAA6B5ONUMcVHzsyQgTzP2qK3d_GQlXeq3eEO8BbbYuZjAm9n94igiQVWeLl_tHgUiJ-fqdWamm_5JNt_SMJS5NA6YGphNpP6rMx2G772vViNoZBbKtDVFm_CPyos8AKkmBrn4OP--L7NIfjWe2wHpcTH=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A late planted field at Jembo</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjROjwSJvwCNTVFxZp9V0cHr16mwARVQr8XcEltj0TR_CvpDl8L2poDKkuiEX0Szz30ePi_qnxlAFZ1kOOo1N-dHh1xGRyIpOc6AUniV58t4rxFo1yblWbV9ZNdLCPPWIh-UiOPYjmeHQ6T_F5a2eOVYQ2AciUOTtszqhJX5Bxk70J_cpY8EkKPm3KFLUSR/s1280/IMG_5349.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjROjwSJvwCNTVFxZp9V0cHr16mwARVQr8XcEltj0TR_CvpDl8L2poDKkuiEX0Szz30ePi_qnxlAFZ1kOOo1N-dHh1xGRyIpOc6AUniV58t4rxFo1yblWbV9ZNdLCPPWIh-UiOPYjmeHQ6T_F5a2eOVYQ2AciUOTtszqhJX5Bxk70J_cpY8EkKPm3KFLUSR/w400-h300/IMG_5349.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corn on walk to church Sunday morning</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125973422817544117.post-51660224402356155272024-02-17T02:39:00.003-05:002024-02-17T02:39:47.568-05:00Maambo Well Visit Feb. 10th<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDxMvzExXjthNmnAM_4HE6Bn7yHI4rcKDoAnxy0kMwt09hnGR81vBZEWIjeR-vM32U1uHbobVsXihup-ZeLSSYpJ8Jpbr7IdprtS2hyBT1GqeOxv6tgBVKBKnxS6cek2p5bRHrRRPo2WmfeB2hEK7YBKUx1jPlehdETOooNgVNexJQ-UyhN1UYO0K1EdE/s1140/IMG_3075.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="1140" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDxMvzExXjthNmnAM_4HE6Bn7yHI4rcKDoAnxy0kMwt09hnGR81vBZEWIjeR-vM32U1uHbobVsXihup-ZeLSSYpJ8Jpbr7IdprtS2hyBT1GqeOxv6tgBVKBKnxS6cek2p5bRHrRRPo2WmfeB2hEK7YBKUx1jPlehdETOooNgVNexJQ-UyhN1UYO0K1EdE/w400-h224/IMG_3075.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Mary Ellen, we finally made it to Maambo!<p></p><p>Mary visited years ago for the dedication of a well project and had asked us to visit, however it just didn't happen last time.</p><p>So we made it a top priority this time to arrange for a visit.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbv4s36qxSXLYmu2STyfyVML930icCTn97JygdzkaS_t1LcCr464r91vIYsnjX8HRW48pacPxk1mGrg-iIke83HBcN3PWDikV4_lLXIw_1u22CYgsZTEHEU0hznFLrXP1dCkvWY_jl5XzU0h8MV6vExqrc0sbOJIlRB7_gRpqh-VzyNTIoN5rqughS6j5U" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbv4s36qxSXLYmu2STyfyVML930icCTn97JygdzkaS_t1LcCr464r91vIYsnjX8HRW48pacPxk1mGrg-iIke83HBcN3PWDikV4_lLXIw_1u22CYgsZTEHEU0hznFLrXP1dCkvWY_jl5XzU0h8MV6vExqrc0sbOJIlRB7_gRpqh-VzyNTIoN5rqughS6j5U=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div>Saturday morning we picked up the head master of the school and his wife who live near the Jembo church and we headed down the road.<p></p><p>It took longer than predicted as the dirt road was crowded with small groups of cattle [10-20 head] being driven by boys, dogs, and men to their weekly anti-tick dip.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRye-jm7HbmNyiGBBx-f2GwLHnrkVhGuE_xaUiVebZumBbIVcH3X92kSRMqruDPBx5QgnmkkYyMXCCYHmojXY_NVHUIyQyN9RItMV_gvnh23lz_JzT1m6lqTln2ih7MEk0y591jaQ9L_PsUtAnUTyQdIJzp-hBGNz3MvfuJdYs1bYdpYJBLHWdPD265v5L/s1280/IMG_3091.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRye-jm7HbmNyiGBBx-f2GwLHnrkVhGuE_xaUiVebZumBbIVcH3X92kSRMqruDPBx5QgnmkkYyMXCCYHmojXY_NVHUIyQyN9RItMV_gvnh23lz_JzT1m6lqTln2ih7MEk0y591jaQ9L_PsUtAnUTyQdIJzp-hBGNz3MvfuJdYs1bYdpYJBLHWdPD265v5L/w400-h266/IMG_3091.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maambo Wesleyan Church, next to the school</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The drive only covered 4 miles and we had been past the sign before, but hadn't turned into the school.</p><p>The first well we saw had been capped in November because it needs to be flushed. </p><p>The well on the other side of the school had been capped shortly after that as World Vision is working on a project that will provide most of the homes with a working faucet near their home.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguTWTIm8qi__hGZ4hgqfgHLM66H1bNfgMFxoPpvEdUUFMRINSrVOESa7RZcBnCq0juING7bYl6dDsxeD3WQ-GfvQg1fxma7ATtCF80lZqNVRRdg20QbG81TqdeYS8tbUA-nA2clgHAOdeuHokpCfa2iMP7_JIJr2D_I6YTl154AlVI50jzR9hMMuT4Fi0X" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguTWTIm8qi__hGZ4hgqfgHLM66H1bNfgMFxoPpvEdUUFMRINSrVOESa7RZcBnCq0juING7bYl6dDsxeD3WQ-GfvQg1fxma7ATtCF80lZqNVRRdg20QbG81TqdeYS8tbUA-nA2clgHAOdeuHokpCfa2iMP7_JIJr2D_I6YTl154AlVI50jzR9hMMuT4Fi0X=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div>Working on a solar power pump it will not require manual pumping, however the last part of the project is waiting for a truck they were told is currently in Northern Zambia and they do not know when it will be returning.<p></p><p>So for now the folks in the area need to walk at least 10 minutes for water at a third well.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfuXoiP7saKsn1hx9slr_Vuh6-3FI8eiwTNC3MAQ44Cf1ByvAUkDkRPopyigujUlAFH6YOkMIcy7XfVjRk_Vd2gcols1v6OcPhw3kvn5G_D6Fht7NFi4xfFOdfgjQxjwa1OqBP6jK1w17flWCcZW7N-T8ixdzjKR2aak_JkdG9Pcd8-3DmzFSf1ToATAA2" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1122" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfuXoiP7saKsn1hx9slr_Vuh6-3FI8eiwTNC3MAQ44Cf1ByvAUkDkRPopyigujUlAFH6YOkMIcy7XfVjRk_Vd2gcols1v6OcPhw3kvn5G_D6Fht7NFi4xfFOdfgjQxjwa1OqBP6jK1w17flWCcZW7N-T8ixdzjKR2aak_JkdG9Pcd8-3DmzFSf1ToATAA2=w400-h250" width="400" /></a></div>The school includes high school with a total student population of 505. <p></p><p>After a national school delay secondary to a nation-wide cholera outbreak, they started back this week.</p><p>This is also compounded by the fact that although we are still in the 'rainy season' there has been no rain for almost one month. </p><p>Crops are also suffering so we pray that the Lord allows the rains to fall and the wells to be working soon. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125973422817544117.post-72997858313746594892024-02-14T23:47:00.003-05:002024-02-14T23:47:36.189-05:00Choma Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzMsPayQMMn0kVi6QT_kNP_TCDI_E3AFRCkuhxhyphenhyphen_mVp1p8SSWA0azYgwwcm0i_-wnsJ8LX3Jc4roflK5IzNSIoxLt1RA7ePlglXMeuzWLdV53QJJyBnwWqAhN8PoId4G0Jfq2_1dPP7eC2lcPlgdVYhgaDkjhsU0v5o9iiard1ZVBhbIlj-Rir2jsVTx/s1633/IMG_5275.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1633" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzMsPayQMMn0kVi6QT_kNP_TCDI_E3AFRCkuhxhyphenhyphen_mVp1p8SSWA0azYgwwcm0i_-wnsJ8LX3Jc4roflK5IzNSIoxLt1RA7ePlglXMeuzWLdV53QJJyBnwWqAhN8PoId4G0Jfq2_1dPP7eC2lcPlgdVYhgaDkjhsU0v5o9iiard1ZVBhbIlj-Rir2jsVTx/w400-h266/IMG_5275.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p> One week ago, Feb. 7th we headed to Choma, about 90 minutes down the road for a day of friends and shopping.</p><p>During missions services we'd meet the Howells a couple times at KCC and knew they also worked in Zambia.</p><p>At their invitation we headed out early enough to join their team for praise and prayer Wednesday morning at <a href="https://poetice.org">Poetice</a>. It took us a bit to find the location which surprisingly was a couple doors down from the Wesleyan campus. We enjoyed our time and then headed for some shopping.</p><p>Cory walked the hardware section of town which consists of many small shops. Fritz and I stayed in the truck reading a Choose Your Own Adventure book. </p><p>After only finding a couple items on our list we stopped at the grocery store and then headed back to have a nice lunch with the Howells.</p><p>We got to know the family better and found out where we should head for some of the household items on our list. Fritz elected to remain with them while we headed back out for more shopping. We visited the open air market on our way to the Easy Home store. </p><p>Here we crossed several items off our list: large trash can, laundry baskets, some towels, nail clippers [lost a part from ours right after arrival!] and more....</p><p>Back to Poetice for a tour, meeting several of the staff, and seeing first hand their Wed. afternoon Youth ministry. Poetice developed out of Central Wesleyan in Holland Michigan, so a strong West Michigan link that not only includes KCC but HOPE College and we met a Calvin graduate as well. </p><p>Fritz really enjoyed hanging out with the missionary kids; playing soccer on the field; and joining in with the Bible study that followed. About 60 neighborhood young teens participate in this weekly time together. We plan to try to make Wed. our shopping day when needed so that Fritz can join in with the fun.</p><p>We grabbed some supper to eat from the Hungry Lion, Fritz's favorite fried chicken restaurant here to eat on the way back home. We also returned to Easy Home to buy a small freezer since the US$ is so strong here for now (it is significantly erratic). </p><p>This will come in handy not only for us but others on the compound. The one that was in our house did not work so the guys moved it out.</p><p>I was able to phone in and enjoy part of the women's Bible study my mom leads on Wed. mornings back in Michigan. We also stopped for some roasted and some boiled corn on the cob.</p><p>By the time we made it back we'd been gone just over 14 hours...a long day. A good day. </p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125973422817544117.post-18900391606047725582024-02-06T06:23:00.000-05:002024-02-06T06:23:08.745-05:00Visit to Chikuni Catholic Mission, by Cory<p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3Ujvif9EJ9AqtPEgXT3dVYoeMvTxUuUdlXFQNBO05Si_YE6ob0CjZkDWJaiYrgqR98QbwhRnJ6Zvu_EdAhoQMd3d9swZfFrsq9b1gmcCxF_nPemw1BE4Qfirx6HblMBxisnojn5vFnQ3ANlmAwNhXc3ixT1hlgYUfGIr7JL9bn37IaAHGMx7ZWP_VnNLr" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3Ujvif9EJ9AqtPEgXT3dVYoeMvTxUuUdlXFQNBO05Si_YE6ob0CjZkDWJaiYrgqR98QbwhRnJ6Zvu_EdAhoQMd3d9swZfFrsq9b1gmcCxF_nPemw1BE4Qfirx6HblMBxisnojn5vFnQ3ANlmAwNhXc3ixT1hlgYUfGIr7JL9bn37IaAHGMx7ZWP_VnNLr" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3Ujvif9EJ9AqtPEgXT3dVYoeMvTxUuUdlXFQNBO05Si_YE6ob0CjZkDWJaiYrgqR98QbwhRnJ6Zvu_EdAhoQMd3d9swZfFrsq9b1gmcCxF_nPemw1BE4Qfirx6HblMBxisnojn5vFnQ3ANlmAwNhXc3ixT1hlgYUfGIr7JL9bn37IaAHGMx7ZWP_VnNLr=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div>The Chikuni Mission is about 90 minutes drive away and was started in 1905, a bit after Jembo, but has grown much larger.<p></p><p>Rev. Benson planned to go to get oil pressed from some of his soybeans.</p><p>We had never been there and I volunteered to go to see the mission. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpy1RwuEy5pVQ2Saq_r0FB9ddOQI-mRVKj_wn4vG3OgZbGjMWeIO1k3s-NtdB26P-FARnMK0dgx2ZPf6C82QkwFpKru80i2vg2j1GRzZOVK6tT1I2MTNSBOjKMeupg12Ly8nQiJbfPt43SAu1d8ZNsonestdIJctQyk1YiqiLbhl7eTBDpWzrTi5dr3mZ2" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpy1RwuEy5pVQ2Saq_r0FB9ddOQI-mRVKj_wn4vG3OgZbGjMWeIO1k3s-NtdB26P-FARnMK0dgx2ZPf6C82QkwFpKru80i2vg2j1GRzZOVK6tT1I2MTNSBOjKMeupg12Ly8nQiJbfPt43SAu1d8ZNsonestdIJctQyk1YiqiLbhl7eTBDpWzrTi5dr3mZ2=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p>We left with 4 bags of soybeans (about 8 bushels) and stopped in Pemba to pick up 5 more but the people bringing them from the farm to the road had trouble with transport.</p>So after waiting more than an hour we continued to the mission<br /><p></p><p>On the mission grounds we saw it was cattle dip day so many herds were gathered in a field and others on the road coming and going.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcSX3x4sqn_Z4BKtdRxIqbGS4dLZ_e1HU-hg9z3pKAj2cEVNpzcXv4B7xysq-mS3tEOvQwCtrASIASPZ3c72plHzsa58-wD2PRXvcqcvhV_qDl8aMLRZikUMoWvnO665u3yfxB5ppf76AvGehHuxRPKS5r5bA4kxRG6tNvujFLWVGAECYJMQ60KihfUlKB" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1668" data-original-width="3351" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcSX3x4sqn_Z4BKtdRxIqbGS4dLZ_e1HU-hg9z3pKAj2cEVNpzcXv4B7xysq-mS3tEOvQwCtrASIASPZ3c72plHzsa58-wD2PRXvcqcvhV_qDl8aMLRZikUMoWvnO665u3yfxB5ppf76AvGehHuxRPKS5r5bA4kxRG6tNvujFLWVGAECYJMQ60KihfUlKB=w640-h318" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitFz9INZ1NnhKtfPuwyURRqTl0zEqcTkMysZLCym0XGb4XOyJXon4Zk3WlTtYYboZ_jzoQMcFCJHo8oHe0os1e24s5Y3FQs1V79NkOkz_KG6R5PIJDgKzMI6yQ1hpT2Xgic2uYcrHGdqykGwfAs1X5UyVdfS65yXB0gtGF8m2dyS6cnde0iAeO9z55pDrP" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitFz9INZ1NnhKtfPuwyURRqTl0zEqcTkMysZLCym0XGb4XOyJXon4Zk3WlTtYYboZ_jzoQMcFCJHo8oHe0os1e24s5Y3FQs1V79NkOkz_KG6R5PIJDgKzMI6yQ1hpT2Xgic2uYcrHGdqykGwfAs1X5UyVdfS65yXB0gtGF8m2dyS6cnde0iAeO9z55pDrP=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br />We found the press and the person running it advised us to put the beans in the sun while they finished a job because the outer beans had picked up some moisture recently due to the rainy season and that would slow the press.<p></p><p>The press is very slow. You can see the drizzle of oil in the photo as it runs into the collector with a cloth and vacume hose to help draw the oil through the filter.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjn-EYMKhLlqaC08riFvGqQdysmbS1X7sm959s606xL7xKV_c8nXtFIL87thk6qdBVw1jQahjUPehmfpVZI8aL7BFxGkktykhinasa8A5qbO7cW4CGYCBvEK887AdDjK8q7-Jt4xygcraChC7U-uRknMZu1UaGkTpm85MTst9N_njYXTsjnE-aNiGw8oFrQ" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjn-EYMKhLlqaC08riFvGqQdysmbS1X7sm959s606xL7xKV_c8nXtFIL87thk6qdBVw1jQahjUPehmfpVZI8aL7BFxGkktykhinasa8A5qbO7cW4CGYCBvEK887AdDjK8q7-Jt4xygcraChC7U-uRknMZu1UaGkTpm85MTst9N_njYXTsjnE-aNiGw8oFrQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br />It was now close to noon so we went to find something to eat.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCc3d5aaP6ZOEhAdQ8cq1CsY4wZH74gX-4cezTuePfLaBC1YKaIhkEznLPtBoWU_3WyYPwyqP1dawn3e9v0qAcogq6z2D_vgfH0v98RPPzSkwIRH2Gnus_Aw3w5bcYDOM3Skn3PZzmTvUiNERO7tXG4jl8rSDe5I2v-eluCwyVB_gavIQbhoWdI6j-wCGe" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCc3d5aaP6ZOEhAdQ8cq1CsY4wZH74gX-4cezTuePfLaBC1YKaIhkEznLPtBoWU_3WyYPwyqP1dawn3e9v0qAcogq6z2D_vgfH0v98RPPzSkwIRH2Gnus_Aw3w5bcYDOM3Skn3PZzmTvUiNERO7tXG4jl8rSDe5I2v-eluCwyVB_gavIQbhoWdI6j-wCGe=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br />That is a tall pile of thick cornmush, to be eaten with the (collard/rape) greens and chicken.<p></p><p>The price was amazing here off the beaten path, I don't think I have ever felt so full after a restaurant meal for 80 cents.</p><p><br /></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyGjX9WEYbDp1GAcP8x1pRmRb-xGKwjG-pCGAaID9Ekf72LgOPO8srBWH5PIQvfPbchRqVIlvtteEEkkaYUiqQw_w_1tQgBEYKfNaTaPv4w2UavUiE97J4H-GyMZXjdkzwK_uJZjWfxqiY2fsy2MLUY-kQ7nC36CGMxj_GiTnsVKKg2LM-138IXCJL_oOz" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyGjX9WEYbDp1GAcP8x1pRmRb-xGKwjG-pCGAaID9Ekf72LgOPO8srBWH5PIQvfPbchRqVIlvtteEEkkaYUiqQw_w_1tQgBEYKfNaTaPv4w2UavUiE97J4H-GyMZXjdkzwK_uJZjWfxqiY2fsy2MLUY-kQ7nC36CGMxj_GiTnsVKKg2LM-138IXCJL_oOz=w392-h294" width="392" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't look or feel very tall next to this palm!</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br />We also explored part of the campus and had a brief meeting with several of the priests.<p></p><p>Like most Zambia schools it was not open yet due to the Cholera outbreak, which is mostly in Lusaka.</p><p>Cases are declining and schools are opening next week.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDmr6AE3m8DxF7bYSrKMIA_HsWx_gLHQZRZXdB24Zt3izTz13K2lwLg9PFFaJM7Tqdjs1OlftP3A2Yu39CAoSzbSkQst3bagyeMS5Dkuw7uL1AJg6hmJqliriBruqYjxLMX50lw46YN9p_97Ed87yZ63LyMqWxcbeGTvqDrLw9o9vJGvCbir2SgakOYxcg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDmr6AE3m8DxF7bYSrKMIA_HsWx_gLHQZRZXdB24Zt3izTz13K2lwLg9PFFaJM7Tqdjs1OlftP3A2Yu39CAoSzbSkQst3bagyeMS5Dkuw7uL1AJg6hmJqliriBruqYjxLMX50lw46YN9p_97Ed87yZ63LyMqWxcbeGTvqDrLw9o9vJGvCbir2SgakOYxcg=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>I spent most of the rest of the afternoon helping clean the beans as the press worked, picking out small stones and hard clods of dirt.</p><p>Jembo soil gets very hard when dry so it doesn't all break up and sift out!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3u4fibyY3fptMpQdfl3Jn07ajNZIlZtE-pYjX0hlYyxnFKlEfnuGDxMqWDeDEjaPwWVGozxhH7LYLzrK0ciIvLx2MUPir7fll6Mz0VqT_SCKzhMoPgWW979yTZNMqN5m7BDzhmm0utXDg0_OC48F2sN7lUe3Fw8oMaDrYamHHW6kdQeg5PfeWhbH7vka_" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3u4fibyY3fptMpQdfl3Jn07ajNZIlZtE-pYjX0hlYyxnFKlEfnuGDxMqWDeDEjaPwWVGozxhH7LYLzrK0ciIvLx2MUPir7fll6Mz0VqT_SCKzhMoPgWW979yTZNMqN5m7BDzhmm0utXDg0_OC48F2sN7lUe3Fw8oMaDrYamHHW6kdQeg5PfeWhbH7vka_=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br />The press operators took a couple short afternoon breaks and as the sun was close to setting we called it quits after 11 of 13 buckets of beans were pressed.<p></p><p>The press charges is $1 per bucket and we had close to 8 gallons of cooking oil plus the presscake for chicken feed.</p><p>As we loaded the pickup another person pressed a small bag of in-shell sunflowers. </p><p>This oil was light grey and flowed rapidly from the press.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnuXGrn1G6G5cxynqL8jL7XQhK-XSat4g-zq9ibVR-IvZSUJjK83bM2PcUgOVUTx-aGGGpY2UOqNdOSmK9dfk7bcJLxcFDn5lvRzCLXKeMeATYmMzUiHNSS3aHrwHlNJ_-hd19rK4CB3F6-UF2xYstE-iXEzfkoyzl-uJ2tHOzvqEG4X8qFoY1NE5ODrMl" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2947" data-original-width="1581" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnuXGrn1G6G5cxynqL8jL7XQhK-XSat4g-zq9ibVR-IvZSUJjK83bM2PcUgOVUTx-aGGGpY2UOqNdOSmK9dfk7bcJLxcFDn5lvRzCLXKeMeATYmMzUiHNSS3aHrwHlNJ_-hd19rK4CB3F6-UF2xYstE-iXEzfkoyzl-uJ2tHOzvqEG4X8qFoY1NE5ODrMl=w215-h400" width="215" /></a></div><br />We were glad we didn't waste the effort of bringing the other 5 bags of beans that we wouldn't have had time to press.<p></p><p>I saw many people selling the honey colored unrefined soy oil in an open-air market for about $1.30 per liter, less than half the price of refined oil.</p><p>I like the flavor and it may be healthier since no solvents are used, but the press speed, oil price and distance made the trip look uneconomical as a way to process Jembo's soybeans, compared to just selling them at close to USA farm price.</p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125973422817544117.post-40300704434350782762024-02-01T13:16:00.003-05:002024-02-01T13:16:50.411-05:00Jembo garden progress and termites<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCcXKBXBsvgMvzvSFdLSr9wsz3dM-ah70GAVZ-aO0A9OrPDCID8MJgHn3ULtfdyVxXqGAEyBTcFICGS_G_hdDdjlTA7xupsN_BxlzvuCpa6bVBpUgH0rlPz2xf-8pcxBg-ogKGmpVRARIyjNhCGvsdLBHg1aLI_cZcaTMW5BFXhubBvAFR_yDLHTGRc9KS" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCcXKBXBsvgMvzvSFdLSr9wsz3dM-ah70GAVZ-aO0A9OrPDCID8MJgHn3ULtfdyVxXqGAEyBTcFICGS_G_hdDdjlTA7xupsN_BxlzvuCpa6bVBpUgH0rlPz2xf-8pcxBg-ogKGmpVRARIyjNhCGvsdLBHg1aLI_cZcaTMW5BFXhubBvAFR_yDLHTGRc9KS=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Cory will be teaching an agriculture class on Tuesdays like last year. <p></p><p>The fruit trees are growing well with rows much easier to see now compared to photos from a year ago.<br /></p><p>The well didn't work for part of the hot dry season so some trees in the field and nursery were lost to the water shortage and also to termites.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsT5qUOCdez6sJNv4zSRqvzdMxwAzyBMexgM4ozsI1vx3QSGKE-wPwI4wdEV6BdS-tov7hM3fDg_J1H6W_GxayonKLgnDASZOBK-Lo79CSnLFwmmQLco_TXjS_sFrBu3_HZWeCwLF4I1NtcuCciSJZJjHP137pQR0BreLiOTdl-0zBkn1fWpvsalGiXeyv" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsT5qUOCdez6sJNv4zSRqvzdMxwAzyBMexgM4ozsI1vx3QSGKE-wPwI4wdEV6BdS-tov7hM3fDg_J1H6W_GxayonKLgnDASZOBK-Lo79CSnLFwmmQLco_TXjS_sFrBu3_HZWeCwLF4I1NtcuCciSJZJjHP137pQR0BreLiOTdl-0zBkn1fWpvsalGiXeyv=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div>Apple with a fruit<p></p><p>Fruits growing well include: Apple, avocado, banana, citrus, mango, papaya, plum, peach, apricot, fig, olive, macadamia, white sapote, passionfruit, jackfruit, soursop, kiwi, although only one kiwi survived. </p><p>Grapes, pear and lychee growing but not as fast as they should.</p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGhLTBlTba1fg3EHX6u_3bZUfX2e1ZcAKkPvJQtjc5vE-mVK-FDG8hTmLPSZMs8e_uhoKzidaBv5BlGrre-uv1RBWpTin66kjDvqLoDaY9MMnqMZVLyHgDKbfFlwu3q3AL8spyPw_hmwScJk_qJz52bBnHnxlHh5p4cxVMWlu7AP6HlfxjwWO6m1tu4-At" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGhLTBlTba1fg3EHX6u_3bZUfX2e1ZcAKkPvJQtjc5vE-mVK-FDG8hTmLPSZMs8e_uhoKzidaBv5BlGrre-uv1RBWpTin66kjDvqLoDaY9MMnqMZVLyHgDKbfFlwu3q3AL8spyPw_hmwScJk_qJz52bBnHnxlHh5p4cxVMWlu7AP6HlfxjwWO6m1tu4-At=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Moringa, chaya and mulberry look good as a source of greens (used like spinach and greens are common with local meals).</p><div>Termites can take out a small tree over a weekend so it is important to recognize where the large aggressive termites are active and control them.</div><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg56qIipFrqVc51LuPm823jSNyWhBAvK21A0FH73NMO60uYbNolLAW63ZC3L_Zd8sGpEMIHkutEVqjQ3gvVFfmTzNgeXuqwDd5NGikWwhFfuONZyo6IbKOQ3cTyUe98lDAglKaTsPh4nUgJVqrKdDSb6m_4sSnlbe-NoQ6oOli_NcAK9qRQVBBdbwAnbPiw" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg56qIipFrqVc51LuPm823jSNyWhBAvK21A0FH73NMO60uYbNolLAW63ZC3L_Zd8sGpEMIHkutEVqjQ3gvVFfmTzNgeXuqwDd5NGikWwhFfuONZyo6IbKOQ3cTyUe98lDAglKaTsPh4nUgJVqrKdDSb6m_4sSnlbe-NoQ6oOli_NcAK9qRQVBBdbwAnbPiw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>Completely girdled by termites, there is no recovery possible for the small grafted apple. </p><p>Strategy to make the best of it: propagation.</p><p>Also to spray areas the large termites are feeding with a synthetic nicoteine, (Imidacloprid), which should act like a bait to kill the colony.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhD-oRhBF31P--PPOBMhhOk1NQ19MM35ya56GiJsGwy8ViAkQS8YZn6t4zrk2n4bN6dGT506kQzALSME8DmGMpXqZtWUKSHM8-X6RtczDUG8kaYWsXaEOzANHm08hgbVoU4G8wZMPWDWQot1vSI-_M90j2fjBdFYlHpDYDyv4FBENsUqJXostTxlGBRd3PY" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhD-oRhBF31P--PPOBMhhOk1NQ19MM35ya56GiJsGwy8ViAkQS8YZn6t4zrk2n4bN6dGT506kQzALSME8DmGMpXqZtWUKSHM8-X6RtczDUG8kaYWsXaEOzANHm08hgbVoU4G8wZMPWDWQot1vSI-_M90j2fjBdFYlHpDYDyv4FBENsUqJXostTxlGBRd3PY=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Salvaged the roots to plant as 23 rootstocks. </p><p>The plant was in a growth flush but if the roots have enough energy reserves they should sprout and grow to be grafted later.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6UeLKc5eMrumYtAQygCgjssu1YJq1EBqKP-qvegmPU4uIL-RXjSkwSQA3YvqDQRE6ZozktIgkkjkPnHjJ8IBcPPeBnOupIAy3w_bGMUFoeLy4-JuEjavDKfwIA4vSHtJARffGdiPsF6GYPg8FVYKsjEWrFu6ATI42pdJxExY33s2ojCfbfT8adJSnPXER" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6UeLKc5eMrumYtAQygCgjssu1YJq1EBqKP-qvegmPU4uIL-RXjSkwSQA3YvqDQRE6ZozktIgkkjkPnHjJ8IBcPPeBnOupIAy3w_bGMUFoeLy4-JuEjavDKfwIA4vSHtJARffGdiPsF6GYPg8FVYKsjEWrFu6ATI42pdJxExY33s2ojCfbfT8adJSnPXER=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Shield bud taken from the termite tree grafted to a seedling apple in the nursery.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqlQWCwtan7aCqbfnwoazUSz_zf-TGrEsVgLgtg4gm-pIYD8unRCLr3CTmx_wYpwgIvXWCvWfHplAdjHVtbH5vR1Otdv-58TjNllaUP-hiN0eslyURT4zWjwJDjWDIcbEYZ-C3Rsmx9yX7k-XlURPL6srMYBeCfTCSD4qGGmHsWtOCpa89HPGmoYGlHE7R" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqlQWCwtan7aCqbfnwoazUSz_zf-TGrEsVgLgtg4gm-pIYD8unRCLr3CTmx_wYpwgIvXWCvWfHplAdjHVtbH5vR1Otdv-58TjNllaUP-hiN0eslyURT4zWjwJDjWDIcbEYZ-C3Rsmx9yX7k-XlURPL6srMYBeCfTCSD4qGGmHsWtOCpa89HPGmoYGlHE7R=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Example of apple root suckers growing from roots left in the ground when a potted apple was moved.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzjquDBYwiCFnv80DaXvPIBoxPqkKAzWZSmQ_v3wHl-d1cuLF9YT5v0wuYS1PzhGADB5zwujVWtH8HVBBtONjutYDP7aNpxNdVGIvVFaiPML1HPiQja3feIsX5x2hFJ2wpmhG4VdVKidq75ZKjQgDhPqx3nApcPnZQUBlR85EJGi3bVW1xqAlE4s3Rxkst" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzjquDBYwiCFnv80DaXvPIBoxPqkKAzWZSmQ_v3wHl-d1cuLF9YT5v0wuYS1PzhGADB5zwujVWtH8HVBBtONjutYDP7aNpxNdVGIvVFaiPML1HPiQja3feIsX5x2hFJ2wpmhG4VdVKidq75ZKjQgDhPqx3nApcPnZQUBlR85EJGi3bVW1xqAlE4s3Rxkst=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Walk to church Sunday morning</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEio7ru-gwjN51ZmnJ7RnMlKcJ7fSaZR-G09N64TpkjO3_61cNdSR-Dt0UkuQqZp5JOAe0gn7ssf-4nWOOD96S2FobqSawFYEbiAQElArBYA9RqYVwaFlKq4l8onJuGXZnmvtA5Liv-PNf81BYm8SNEOEseRPSQ0Dwsod9hU0RLii2IJO9J-Auqij7-9o88W" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEio7ru-gwjN51ZmnJ7RnMlKcJ7fSaZR-G09N64TpkjO3_61cNdSR-Dt0UkuQqZp5JOAe0gn7ssf-4nWOOD96S2FobqSawFYEbiAQElArBYA9RqYVwaFlKq4l8onJuGXZnmvtA5Liv-PNf81BYm8SNEOEseRPSQ0Dwsod9hU0RLii2IJO9J-Auqij7-9o88W=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Youth day at church</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125973422817544117.post-53961791501671047172024-01-27T14:55:00.000-05:002024-01-27T14:55:48.882-05:00Zambia part of the trip to Jembo<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6G46TaX-753J4dbBF_JBs9AgwxoTw8M--t838AubfFpOPmWYbf4_NcsbrmTLy1b4eo_sojybF9Dq6kxO3Ci2QYdDfbfpYnIrXUBAiQqDOIHgczAj1nknXK4V5gQgERLnEz7R-wrUYWasSNVXGMPqWS2ytsLvsQc6WfzzstCzThCL8ft6FJZe0ZhK859AF" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6G46TaX-753J4dbBF_JBs9AgwxoTw8M--t838AubfFpOPmWYbf4_NcsbrmTLy1b4eo_sojybF9Dq6kxO3Ci2QYdDfbfpYnIrXUBAiQqDOIHgczAj1nknXK4V5gQgERLnEz7R-wrUYWasSNVXGMPqWS2ytsLvsQc6WfzzstCzThCL8ft6FJZe0ZhK859AF=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /> We were ready to head out by 7 a.m. on Friday morning, although with the 7 hour time change from Michigan our bodies were still thinking it was mid-night.<p></p><p>Pastor Samson who picked us up at the airport returned to drive us around for the day. </p><p>We headed to the church office to pick up Rachel, the national secretary and headed over to the Immigration office.</p><p>While it was hard to find a place to park there was no standing line at the office.</p><p>We sat in a row although only Cory needed to go into the office. You advance one seat at a time as people are helped. Less than one hour later we were praising the Lord for Cory's work permit card being in hand, and heading back to drop Rachel off at the office.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKkK3phrVU7o1ojSt7wjmfka330rZS_UfiR9P7dErm46kHyn_WwN1_piR24-OUJYD-R96ErAD3IxCFFOysIOEIP1Cqx92Gkos_kg5Fk0NpNK0MWHf7DZ2kaadtT36ij3ioIjBKFsHtuv5v1FCf6tjDiVstq-MgbX8EXLOZnMI5Vc0rn8XDc0MXsqfxXhb_" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKkK3phrVU7o1ojSt7wjmfka330rZS_UfiR9P7dErm46kHyn_WwN1_piR24-OUJYD-R96ErAD3IxCFFOysIOEIP1Cqx92Gkos_kg5Fk0NpNK0MWHf7DZ2kaadtT36ij3ioIjBKFsHtuv5v1FCf6tjDiVstq-MgbX8EXLOZnMI5Vc0rn8XDc0MXsqfxXhb_=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br />The next task we attempted was to get our phones changed over to Airtel and get internet working. Did the paperwork but the system was down so off we went for some shopping...including picking up some finger food chicken pies, peanut butter and rolls at the grocery store. <p></p><p>We visited 'China Mall' which has household tools, furniture and items; the hardware store [no trees tempted Cory]; checked in at Qatar office about the bags, rechecked about the phones, checked a couple spots about replicating the truck keys...and then Fritz and I were dropped off at the guest house while the guys headed to the airport to check on our bags.</p><p>Fritz and I napped, watched some TV and thankfully welcomed them back in a couple hours with ALL 5 checked bags and some pizza. Repacked some things and went to bed. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglNDKeSRYYHjrjJgvlv434BeO709aGxYTwboOEUaYU4yt3YbSoBgml1WEpxR75MOTj7XHSpZs0nbBIVebSLZbodFw2lGxaUiVZ-34K2_96IHFx-CLAHMDS9Ax1wqD-VTkSbzyzDeo0Fq1FFStjOCEuRDvzV2qPqX9dF44p6wINrurJi3uG95-iPnJKvOm3" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglNDKeSRYYHjrjJgvlv434BeO709aGxYTwboOEUaYU4yt3YbSoBgml1WEpxR75MOTj7XHSpZs0nbBIVebSLZbodFw2lGxaUiVZ-34K2_96IHFx-CLAHMDS9Ax1wqD-VTkSbzyzDeo0Fq1FFStjOCEuRDvzV2qPqX9dF44p6wINrurJi3uG95-iPnJKvOm3=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br />Saturday morning we once again headed out leaving all our luggage in the rooms as it had rained all night and still looked threatening. Returning to the first place we'd started the phone process we were told the system remained down and the guy who helped us didn't work that day. On to the next mall and the Airtel office wasn't open yet. So we filled a cart and basket at a big grocery store before Cory returned and successfully set up our phones and internet.<p></p><p>Returning to the guesthouse a tarp was wrapped around the luggage and supplies in the back of the truck. We did a bit of cloth shopping, and Samson bought some items too before we left town.</p><p>We enjoyed a late lunch at the Hungery Lion chicken chain resturant on the way south. Another couple short stops for bathroom, bread, and eggs. We arrived to Jembo in enough time to unload [thankfully not raining] and take a quick walk around the garden and orchards.</p><p>Thankful to be here after a very long week! </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125973422817544117.post-38534454473961921822024-01-21T14:03:00.000-05:002024-01-21T14:03:20.191-05:00What a trip!!! Getting to Zambia<p><b><br /></b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKnncvFkJKquWkL0w_Cr02zBJvV0s20WYV2qNNECr66FMtNC2vfsHbcI68awv77QzYkZUGyCg4yo2czbWLA8P2RXdIpgigdQz854Xw0xKFxvjnjAuJnPLaEZSRTUPWgRe-XU03YkMs17JWmaFoIkDHfWyepM_giYPOuycTSFdLjPB19BPdQOpU5SfeiSMt" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKnncvFkJKquWkL0w_Cr02zBJvV0s20WYV2qNNECr66FMtNC2vfsHbcI68awv77QzYkZUGyCg4yo2czbWLA8P2RXdIpgigdQz854Xw0xKFxvjnjAuJnPLaEZSRTUPWgRe-XU03YkMs17JWmaFoIkDHfWyepM_giYPOuycTSFdLjPB19BPdQOpU5SfeiSMt=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></b></div><b>Plan A:</b> leave on Saturday, Jan 13th to arrive in Lusaka on Monday morning and travel to Jembo on Wednesday. We made it as far as Cory's folks, roughly half way to the airport. Because of the windy winter snow storm we were checking about every 15 minutes on our flight status. As we returned to the vehicles to continue to the airport, the cancellation of our flight was posted. Cory rescheduled through the travel agency emergency line to try again on Monday.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZvKnCYgaullSG1_XGrlQ7Dv3S9KING1aDI0MQYESbshJwWPNZTN57B9v44CE1O8poLW9iVl0W8DKoxk-F5Sa9D4RuqvVnwfxzKiAE5jrgfYksiPT35KAsyyI6YHzMlpA6CT6_BecPfexERnNpsEhheHUUyCRNeBuic1paKY-242v7XwBLgeNg3JJq4xvL" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZvKnCYgaullSG1_XGrlQ7Dv3S9KING1aDI0MQYESbshJwWPNZTN57B9v44CE1O8poLW9iVl0W8DKoxk-F5Sa9D4RuqvVnwfxzKiAE5jrgfYksiPT35KAsyyI6YHzMlpA6CT6_BecPfexERnNpsEhheHUUyCRNeBuic1paKY-242v7XwBLgeNg3JJq4xvL=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><b>Plan B:</b> Cory's folks came to pick us up because Eli needed to be at work. We left the door at 11:30 a.m. on icy roads and after passing at least 9 cars in the ditch arrived at the airport around 1 p.m. Originally due to leave at 3:45...then 5:15...6:15...6:45...7:20. Boarded at 7:50 p.m..<p></p><p>After getting off the plane we talked to the first agent we saw. 'Looks like your plane is still on the ground. Head down there to the bus that will take you to the International Terminal #5.' OK so we went but while on the bus the lady said that we, along with a priest from Pakistan should not have been allowed on as our as we could now see our flight taxing down the runway. 'Well we were told to rebook at the gate we would have left from.' Nope. We got off the bus, and the lady at the door didn't know what to do with us as we shouldn't have been allowed on the bus since the flight was gone. Finally after some calls they let us in the terminal to head to the tram to go back to Terminal 3 to rebook..... no winter coats and negative windchills. </p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrZesDGjWPuPXhwOcurP7QPf_r1NcYyKC4C10QvKjWAyTBaib84eGvo2VJ61T_LeaW1HuvWZMHGotQfFy3vnnZaIC-PEbGVoWftJQXEXg7n5pWpmizvloegFdYCoCBwNgfUnQTyuBWM_SB67Kn8scyIg1LeWycEw9E0K-Aq5qwAqb22IQ_4dgdUJs55I6v" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrZesDGjWPuPXhwOcurP7QPf_r1NcYyKC4C10QvKjWAyTBaib84eGvo2VJ61T_LeaW1HuvWZMHGotQfFy3vnnZaIC-PEbGVoWftJQXEXg7n5pWpmizvloegFdYCoCBwNgfUnQTyuBWM_SB67Kn8scyIg1LeWycEw9E0K-Aq5qwAqb22IQ_4dgdUJs55I6v=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Addis Ababa sunrise</td></tr></tbody></table>Finally rebooked via Ethiopia as no Tuesday flight available through Doha, so heading to Addis Ababa. Praise the Lord we also got a room at the Hyatt Regency and $12 food vouchers. Thankful for a few hours in a nice bed, hot shower, and warm room. Early Tuesday morning we faced the cold again and headed to the airport. Thankfully we were dropped off at Terminal 5 and quickly passed through security with our 3 carry-ons and 3 backpacks. We saw the sun rise at our gate waiting for our flight while enjoying breakfast sandwiches bought with our meal vouchers.</p><p>While we boarded on time, we sat for a couple hours on the plane because of frozen water pipes and needing to change gates in order to fill up the plane's tanks. Then we were finally off for a 13 or so hour flight. Snack..Rosemary flavored bits with drink; then a meal [rice/ beef/ onions or chicken/mash potatoes/veggies with salad, cheese piece/crackers; roll with butter, dessert; later a chicken sandwich with drink; and finally breakfast: eggs, sausage, button mushrooms, roasted potatoes, roll, croissant, fruit in syrup, strawberry jam. A few extra times for drinks. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgr3oWaE0uqwqNV-EzlQw489-sxsj7UeRWZoETtLjZqTpOykFFYkc8R78CTsbHPDlWMOiHtcsohHljNa6R_m0nJ5hmakpInvvUGPmy4U-71S-GtPE_wpC8buWVTqU2NNwpZdAZPPOKD2oig7TAKLTnyAnfRWrPpwt1haLLzXJXeHlZps-pUfHBbg58x3GDK" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgr3oWaE0uqwqNV-EzlQw489-sxsj7UeRWZoETtLjZqTpOykFFYkc8R78CTsbHPDlWMOiHtcsohHljNa6R_m0nJ5hmakpInvvUGPmy4U-71S-GtPE_wpC8buWVTqU2NNwpZdAZPPOKD2oig7TAKLTnyAnfRWrPpwt1haLLzXJXeHlZps-pUfHBbg58x3GDK=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><b>Plan C: </b>As we arrived Wednesday morning after our plane had already left we were handed our new boarding passes for the flight on Thursday with hotel and meal vouchers stapled to it. We rapidly had our passports stamped and then hit a snag in customs...binoculars are not allowed in Ethiopia. So Cory left us waiting and headed off with an official. After a bit of a wait, long enough for me to start to wonder what was happening he was back with a ticket to pick them up at baggage storage when we returned.<p></p><p>The bus to the hotel only took 2-3 minutes, and we arrived shortly after noon. A very large nice hotel and good food. We spent the rest of the day watching some TV [nature shows, soccer, and snake catching] a bit of time in the sun around the pool after a late lunch at the hotel's Asian restaurant. We tried some Ethiopian flat bread called Injera [sour and spongy] and different stews. Naps, then dinner and breakfast at the ADD restaurant also buffet so could try different dishes. </p><p>Your room card is needed to use the elevator to go to your room as well as to run the lights in the bathroom and room. Remove it and the lights turn off but the TV still works. As we had rooms in two different wings Cory left with the key for Fritz's and my room so he could return for us in the morning.</p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjT8d0dSnoQJzPVe9xesf56iCm9rx06StGDLU9eBb1czqqaxj8eViOoADCk9BXToSDH6BjUsNvm5as-nTuV7xMLCAICjWI_cqcKqqjmPx_oU_QEBpLrlhhd5YTcBi65FFYfjjd_7DTYHReRgC6s2yTwkWIvr68BoxHcJ6ykP5Mb-9yL2aT4k9Bg2pXJEP4F" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjT8d0dSnoQJzPVe9xesf56iCm9rx06StGDLU9eBb1czqqaxj8eViOoADCk9BXToSDH6BjUsNvm5as-nTuV7xMLCAICjWI_cqcKqqjmPx_oU_QEBpLrlhhd5YTcBi65FFYfjjd_7DTYHReRgC6s2yTwkWIvr68BoxHcJ6ykP5Mb-9yL2aT4k9Bg2pXJEP4F=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suprised where we could see, how densely Ethiopia is<br /> populated and farmed.Cory found it interesting in<br /> comparison to Haiti and Zambia. Zambia 2/3 the<br /> land mass but only 20 million vs. 125 population<br /> of Ethiopia.</td></tr></tbody></table>Slept very well. After breakfast we jumped on the shuttle 15 minutes ahead of the time on our paperwork. Good thing!! Once back at the airport Cory was directed to go to the wrong (domestic) baggage claim terminal for the binoculars so he headed off with only the ticket, his passport, and boarding pass. Then he had some trouble getting in the proper roundabout route to baggage claim. We really didn't think this through.... after a wait and time ticking down I remembered to sign into the wifi. Cory messaged shortly after to head through security..so Fritz and I wrestled 3 heavy carry ons and 3 backpacks. Thankfully no one counted or questioned us. </p><p>Finally we met up with Cory before the last security check...got through only to see that our flight was on its last call!!!! One of those heart pounding rushing through the crowds moments while praying furiously and hit with a flood of relief when see a few still in line! Praise the Lord! Only 5 folks ended up after us.</p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7Ginq1oTljX-y_dSccdTdpRcEkfAh2jDg-E8fG6Bb5GaMSy59kHzE4BMJE6yh6XZboeInUSin7xqqhjxctaaSkTvH_eLsl-t0l-uqiXmBRdvW8lmrAoCH1xtQY7NKW6eTPnYOecRQuKKmjIGc0DvA8AXAOMxS97WTnD4MvenB1W4vISgoyMC3P1eN43eW" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7Ginq1oTljX-y_dSccdTdpRcEkfAh2jDg-E8fG6Bb5GaMSy59kHzE4BMJE6yh6XZboeInUSin7xqqhjxctaaSkTvH_eLsl-t0l-uqiXmBRdvW8lmrAoCH1xtQY7NKW6eTPnYOecRQuKKmjIGc0DvA8AXAOMxS97WTnD4MvenB1W4vISgoyMC3P1eN43eW=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like a source of what would be fertile volcanic<br />soil for the crowded farms. The black is actually dark green<br />of trees.</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><b>Plan D: </b>A few minutes on the bus we arrived at the plane. We had told the leadership what our boarding pass said that we should arrive in Lusaka at 12:30 p.m. Well..at 12:30 we were landing in.......</p><p>Zimbabwe. And the turnaround time to clean and reload the plane took over an hour. We arrived in Lusaka , got our passports stamped and were at the luggage claim about 3:30 p.m. Waited and waited until the luggage carousel stopped... no bags.</p><p>Fritz and I went out to meet Rev. Samson while Cory reported our bags missing. Then Cory joined us, used the ATM and also reported our bags missing at the Qatar Air office since we flew them from Chicago.</p><p>Off to the guest house. A bit of supper and then in bed by 8 p.m. [1 p.m. Michigan time]</p><p>Will retell the rest of the trip next. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125973422817544117.post-91745139796818809952024-01-14T22:58:00.001-05:002024-01-14T22:58:54.928-05:00Trying again Monday.<p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWp5PsB-B0BcjrcMRJ29MxKmwxB3gtmw29KZunXxP-uzvSTWP6OFly8Go9cJC-AIp7CmqHJIx12RY9Afr6hY40WXK1kXtmjfHvxKSECsMbGyYTeMp2HFZjM3VsVMdxfFWBBf5HhA5F8VRvZHPomxtQin-9IsjiYN9S-W-rqs63J-6BvXY_MXdxBTeIj3oI" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWp5PsB-B0BcjrcMRJ29MxKmwxB3gtmw29KZunXxP-uzvSTWP6OFly8Go9cJC-AIp7CmqHJIx12RY9Afr6hY40WXK1kXtmjfHvxKSECsMbGyYTeMp2HFZjM3VsVMdxfFWBBf5HhA5F8VRvZHPomxtQin-9IsjiYN9S-W-rqs63J-6BvXY_MXdxBTeIj3oI=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div>So Michigan's weather clashed with our travel plans on Saturday. <p></p><p>Friday night we continued to watch the weather and emails checking for our flights to be canceled, really thinking we would be delayed.</p><p>Saturday morning our Grand Rapids flight was still on the schedule, so we finished up packing the last bags, said a quick good-bye to Mom and headed out in two vehicles.</p><p>We stopped at Cory's folks who live between Allegan and the airport, still checking on the flight.</p><p>As we returned to the vechicals I checked again and learned that the flight was indeed canceled, so after a short visit we returned to Allegan.</p><p>At his folks Cory called the emergency number of the travel agency, emailed about the rooms we had reserved in Lusaka, and those responsible for picking us up at the airport</p><p>Saturday we worked on some items on the to-do list that had not yet been completed: cleaned the refrigerator, vacuumed, mopped, laundry, snow shoveling and some valuable additional family time.</p><p>We learned Saturday night that church was canceled due to the weather.</p><p>So more family time, more snow shoveling, more time to process and relax. </p><p>We talk about 'Hudson Bay Starts' in our family...a historical reference to those going to the gold fields who the first day away from civilization would only travel a short distance and set up camp to make sure that nothing had been forgotten before heading further.</p><p>I wasn't smart and saw the list that we generally use when traveling but didn't actually read it to make sure the needed items rested in our bags.</p><p>Today while doing a bit of rearranging things for Eli I noticed that we had neglected to put in our camera! We had the lens, the batteries, the bag, and all the other accessories...but the camera almost didn't make it into the carry-on as needed.</p><p>Thank you Lord! I would have been upset to miss using it in Zambia.</p><p>And yes for those who wondered, I did get the list and reviewed it carefully. </p><p>So tomorrow we will try again with Cory's folks coming to pick us up and help get us and our bags to the airport. </p><p><b>Will update when we can. For those of you on Instagram, Anna showed me before heading to Pepperdine how to 'update my story' and link it to Facebook. </b></p><p>Thank you for the prayers: good-byes, travel, luggage, and getting a new routine.</p><p>Lord willing we will be in Lusaka on Wednesday morning. We plan to stay for a couple nights to rest up, get Cory's work card, catch up with national office staff, and do some shopping. </p><p>Friday morning we hope to be heading 5 hours South to Jembo and settling back into the house.</p><p>Praying for Anna adjusting to being back on campus and studying for her second semester of her second year of law school.</p><p>Praying for Eli who is really enjoying his job and will need to adjust to his space no longer being shared with three additional family members.</p><p>Praying for Mom as she too adjusts to us being gone and getting back into the routine of texting with us. </p><p>Praying for God's will. His plan. His timing, His love, joy, hope, peace!! May we learn the lessons we need to learn and share God's love with those He puts into our lives.</p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125973422817544117.post-54016533309934395032024-01-05T22:56:00.002-05:002024-01-05T22:59:52.478-05:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQKac4t04jFmyfJ1z2vCW78yuO1ZDrdhJGZ0ZPeuAXY4knOfPRoSmjgBINdzPg6TDFppdIp1EQCUYPV6u4W-LY44tU2A0eNdJ7BfCO8jkreGcHNNahkZYwqGFTc9IDwFbqhNT3rNvO2-BrYglDDh6XYLZ0DAo3r7MvdxXqcTtEmPpQKprFV5UD4RgR8bbZ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQKac4t04jFmyfJ1z2vCW78yuO1ZDrdhJGZ0ZPeuAXY4knOfPRoSmjgBINdzPg6TDFppdIp1EQCUYPV6u4W-LY44tU2A0eNdJ7BfCO8jkreGcHNNahkZYwqGFTc9IDwFbqhNT3rNvO2-BrYglDDh6XYLZ0DAo3r7MvdxXqcTtEmPpQKprFV5UD4RgR8bbZ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br />With the holidays behind us packing is in full swing.<p></p><p>We bring Anna to the airport early Saturday and Eli will bring us the following Saturday.</p><p>We enjoyed the holidays together meeting with extended family for Christmas and New Years along with one last 'cousin's breakfast' with my Dad's side.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvu3lbxc-L1QE3LojogtgK3CD4qfNc2g-L-M5L502OeCiGdMj8qIb52W7a6Q8uC1s9FF7A01Ba01CXoZJs4DsuRQbQO-Z5CpkxJjF1r9PgBeLESDqpo4JmuZqT0OYQVwNemelkJyF2DwX7p-ofFFCFrd1YbBuasac-NCkMykCjJzuyXbiydRxuzViGuuAB" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvu3lbxc-L1QE3LojogtgK3CD4qfNc2g-L-M5L502OeCiGdMj8qIb52W7a6Q8uC1s9FF7A01Ba01CXoZJs4DsuRQbQO-Z5CpkxJjF1r9PgBeLESDqpo4JmuZqT0OYQVwNemelkJyF2DwX7p-ofFFCFrd1YbBuasac-NCkMykCjJzuyXbiydRxuzViGuuAB" width="400" /></a></div>The kids and I enjoyed caroling with a few folks from the church ending up at Mom's house where Cory joined us having driven her back home following a Christmas Eve Eve service.<p></p><p>We also checked a couple experiences off our family list: ax throwing and roller skating. </p><p>Organization of items being left behind and getting things set to be gone for 16 months will continue until we leave for the airport.</p><p>Our travels will start on Saturday the 13th and Lord willing we will land in Lusaka early on Monday morning. </p><p>We plan to stay at a guest house for two nights to complete paperwork and shopping before heading down to Jembo on Wednesday. </p><p>Cory received his 2 year work permit. Due to the rules I do not have all the paperwork needed to apply to work in the medical field, so will go as a 'trailing spouse'.</p><p>I plan to continue to teach Fritz, help with the housework/yard work, and build relationships so I can encourage and pray for the Bible school staff and students.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwDjtmvQzp8ZOF4PmaapyGODiSPhB9Ln2XZ3JxNJwsJOun0TI2qrbeaEKCYa1Yqzs1rC2stHCwcxAS8l6HgYveIwUhmNwEpmIxVrV2l1i6Mpng55Hli2YDUkFSzNe18lpGSQbWM1MVGk0WVbSey8GmyAB-g_Kfddh_yDsAUCnMRMQTgWN4JvfLLSlISrp3" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwDjtmvQzp8ZOF4PmaapyGODiSPhB9Ln2XZ3JxNJwsJOun0TI2qrbeaEKCYa1Yqzs1rC2stHCwcxAS8l6HgYveIwUhmNwEpmIxVrV2l1i6Mpng55Hli2YDUkFSzNe18lpGSQbWM1MVGk0WVbSey8GmyAB-g_Kfddh_yDsAUCnMRMQTgWN4JvfLLSlISrp3=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div>Will also keep in contact with our support team; complete my needed medical continuing education requirements; and what ever else the Lord adds to my life. <p></p><p>Please keep us in your prayers and let us know how we can be praying for you in 2024.</p><p>Courage!!</p><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125973422817544117.post-62308495761939230672023-12-23T22:18:00.000-05:002023-12-23T22:18:58.963-05:00Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbRnY9lVhcsT690ewvGoSBk4cHS9aG-Naefl8x2Rsbi2ve8yjUJy-ApoqzwBmP0Hs4hF9-ANUW5rLe1goLg-LjRDZQ0LvACWkou0z8ozxS30OF1qCgbWl1_bxetetL_2zv96gf_EfL7y2CooWXGdBfTxQ8bFpIO0OTY19gvdKRBrQzfVKFseFNX5Bcbwwy" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbRnY9lVhcsT690ewvGoSBk4cHS9aG-Naefl8x2Rsbi2ve8yjUJy-ApoqzwBmP0Hs4hF9-ANUW5rLe1goLg-LjRDZQ0LvACWkou0z8ozxS30OF1qCgbWl1_bxetetL_2zv96gf_EfL7y2CooWXGdBfTxQ8bFpIO0OTY19gvdKRBrQzfVKFseFNX5Bcbwwy=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br />Time is flying by with two days until Christmas and we've now been back from South America for 11 days.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinDGtZsG2O9_4LZ33uMIj3a5a5kDmeTSp2zymzXoUiCiisgvz5mkDSwz3PLAmfG9Y7KCbbBYP6ZbJfeRSmQwrdk4cC7K1hf7T6hpY7lenocEuH-flve-k1jX30J9HosfS-3iqFt93g0X5l8_hZJg-_fA--MdxxBLaSwPjG5QDP_87WznMa5JJcPPSWsWTu" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinDGtZsG2O9_4LZ33uMIj3a5a5kDmeTSp2zymzXoUiCiisgvz5mkDSwz3PLAmfG9Y7KCbbBYP6ZbJfeRSmQwrdk4cC7K1hf7T6hpY7lenocEuH-flve-k1jX30J9HosfS-3iqFt93g0X5l8_hZJg-_fA--MdxxBLaSwPjG5QDP_87WznMa5JJcPPSWsWTu=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div>Our travels came off without a hitch thankfully. <p></p><p>We spent the day before our flight driving to Chicago and learning a lot at the Museum of Natural history. </p><p>Fritz continues to be a great travel partner, and we met our area director Greg in New York, for the flight to Guyana. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfZUbpdGBPUTT1v6GY112aTRNm7wUwunViGjOZ98YQiYKsmJfY5I2-tIUfPT0JgtusCtl5g27QoCJoDKWVgJfCNFV5dWo_8SzU0iLr5lgaRzjd24528w4BRjuGsjPozChX-tu_UXpqNIZS6g_YOoVb1FbMEln-fi5GmbyW4Vr8518d89_u-_MSjumMP6QQ" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="1144" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfZUbpdGBPUTT1v6GY112aTRNm7wUwunViGjOZ98YQiYKsmJfY5I2-tIUfPT0JgtusCtl5g27QoCJoDKWVgJfCNFV5dWo_8SzU0iLr5lgaRzjd24528w4BRjuGsjPozChX-tu_UXpqNIZS6g_YOoVb1FbMEln-fi5GmbyW4Vr8518d89_u-_MSjumMP6QQ=w400-h270" width="400" /></a></div>Guyana surprised me with the diversity of her people. <p></p><p>We met with the national church leadership after seeing the Bible school where space is currently shared with the national church offices.</p><p>We heard about the work and their dreams before heading downtown to shop with Angie, a Global Partners teammate, for a Christmas party with the school children she tutors in a community across the river.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwpLWNUrGvl8yLDDDuXVTid5VJW7nxb6tcheY6YTd2tvQ-bkvD7CL6bKJXdmQS8XTjwgGZPUdmAUe-qB1UDCCiqYflWlARTM4VT5EkwlMnDVF9rfDZIGRNoZIQ6HEXCNeXJTRGSoJN6Tlsg4vQILjPiIDVBNo2K15RReEm7sETicpLyxCrdl-Z47tBYPnI" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwpLWNUrGvl8yLDDDuXVTid5VJW7nxb6tcheY6YTd2tvQ-bkvD7CL6bKJXdmQS8XTjwgGZPUdmAUe-qB1UDCCiqYflWlARTM4VT5EkwlMnDVF9rfDZIGRNoZIQ6HEXCNeXJTRGSoJN6Tlsg4vQILjPiIDVBNo2K15RReEm7sETicpLyxCrdl-Z47tBYPnI=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>We enjoyed a boat ride across the river and walk through the community.</p><p>We really enjoyed the food! Lots of different cultures expand the food choices as well!</p><p>The party not only included food but game time and gifts.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPjx-30t6wHGB8CwvIYqfCDVAt4zWYKaup10UYiBlLYXHgArJpM1jtSbJAaCqYjfOt_LbfCHR8dDPsosY7zzn6Vl3xDxmIA51jvSvpMunO-swCjaxiTZxdYyueWU2bsfd52z5-7oJoaFb3VZGd108X0VNbD6K4LojUBhNNefrJ8vle8DWD0uerfrbgk2_J" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPjx-30t6wHGB8CwvIYqfCDVAt4zWYKaup10UYiBlLYXHgArJpM1jtSbJAaCqYjfOt_LbfCHR8dDPsosY7zzn6Vl3xDxmIA51jvSvpMunO-swCjaxiTZxdYyueWU2bsfd52z5-7oJoaFb3VZGd108X0VNbD6K4LojUBhNNefrJ8vle8DWD0uerfrbgk2_J=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div>The game time excitement raised the volume in the small space to high levels.<p></p><p>The kids moved around while we helpers remained at a table each overseeing a couple of games.</p><p>Saturday morning after the Friday night party we headed early to a small regional airport for a 1 1/2 hour flight East to neighboring Suriname. </p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcVVL0gDIyNZ1YCU91YzIqlAR9UVA0Yn7vmR5RpIPwrTiS7mWksKe8hTSOt5OSpV-PNmBkGBA0Dd1mFy87NaYjo70TwNVd7lUqoHxB7rrGTE5NxbH4X4HehSCVOHxVcuMA0V_R043v9tDZ4FcsplRRXRBAs5tAic_6uvJ2Ivbia1p8zxlHuC_XktL2ZBx1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1521" data-original-width="1465" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcVVL0gDIyNZ1YCU91YzIqlAR9UVA0Yn7vmR5RpIPwrTiS7mWksKe8hTSOt5OSpV-PNmBkGBA0Dd1mFy87NaYjo70TwNVd7lUqoHxB7rrGTE5NxbH4X4HehSCVOHxVcuMA0V_R043v9tDZ4FcsplRRXRBAs5tAic_6uvJ2Ivbia1p8zxlHuC_XktL2ZBx1=w385-h400" width="385" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alcoa mined aluminum ore for <br />100 years near the church property</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p>We had arrived in Georgetown at night so this flight we were able to view Guyana as well as Suriname from the air...so many trees and fields!</p><p>During our short time in Suriname we: met the national church leadership; visited a huge fancy supermarket: a Haitian market; ate tasty Indonesian food; attended church; visited the national (leaf/traditional) medicine and fresh produce market. </p><p>The highlights were when we visited a large property owned by the Wesleyan Church of Surinam with an elementary school. The church dreams to turn this into an agricultural site and place to house church camps and visiting nationals returning to visit their country. We also enjoyed a great meal together with leadership at a great Chinese restaurant. </p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeDOtOoXzsIVHUB5wwXxn4Ki52HURa5vdie7Dp0wNSEwP5XFfntiwArJNvO6ts8KSYSooevAe1utVwf2iZJuDiLQPohLbEsLotIRLk9xOWV-jBkxWLkH4k-QLnjHNvCs__8b61uVgVZtvxYaravy4LFMVCMcxABC6MPKr3iPYFKtUPZLBV8nwxopvpczHD" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeDOtOoXzsIVHUB5wwXxn4Ki52HURa5vdie7Dp0wNSEwP5XFfntiwArJNvO6ts8KSYSooevAe1utVwf2iZJuDiLQPohLbEsLotIRLk9xOWV-jBkxWLkH4k-QLnjHNvCs__8b61uVgVZtvxYaravy4LFMVCMcxABC6MPKr3iPYFKtUPZLBV8nwxopvpczHD=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large church property with school</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We reversed the flight returning to Guyana on Monday night. Angie joined us on the trip back to the USA to spend holidays with her family.</p><p>We overnighted in Chicago after good flights so that we could pick up Anna returning from her fall term in London. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFEqSXCTls4H9a7FrvC4BICZ-BsgkaKqo7fQgALKnLmg10hPSO_dzYnyddMBmmr1E3Wa0I88VAzjJWiYDclyluOhc4UR3gGjr2zmlRub-gwRb3d2KAwjbgWUY10obxz8Ct9DHvWdD3VUf020-Cf2D3lSpBe1ny5l-hgiwHqjVZ_NqeRG9gk2ZaYlNm71po" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFEqSXCTls4H9a7FrvC4BICZ-BsgkaKqo7fQgALKnLmg10hPSO_dzYnyddMBmmr1E3Wa0I88VAzjJWiYDclyluOhc4UR3gGjr2zmlRub-gwRb3d2KAwjbgWUY10obxz8Ct9DHvWdD3VUf020-Cf2D3lSpBe1ny5l-hgiwHqjVZ_NqeRG9gk2ZaYlNm71po=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A deep river borders the back of the property</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>We then changed focus to preparing for the holidays, and our return to Zambia.</p><p>We just sent out a newsletter. If you didn't receive it and would like to please send us your email and we'd be privileged to add you to the list. Due to the time and expense of mailing from Zambia most of our communication for the next 16 months will be by email or texting.</p><p><br /></p><p>Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRytiXFl0LL2eapPhLtfx0jzVmhtj6DPevR8fWqFhOF6q181cGUP0rKa3EIBPWt79by2oXdxCpXQeSKsdh1_tkaAPtqxf2jjM1bNFozF7JlXGb312jPOOq_EDOBQE1xti1T6mi6W5vzLbClaA0GLpbys_8jrTxTX1SIAEJZ7ZRgqGav1dzUUywIyDC3eSn" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRytiXFl0LL2eapPhLtfx0jzVmhtj6DPevR8fWqFhOF6q181cGUP0rKa3EIBPWt79by2oXdxCpXQeSKsdh1_tkaAPtqxf2jjM1bNFozF7JlXGb312jPOOq_EDOBQE1xti1T6mi6W5vzLbClaA0GLpbys_8jrTxTX1SIAEJZ7ZRgqGav1dzUUywIyDC3eSn=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">checking out some of the church land</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxYXPJm87u005P95rqMMfIZC-r-Sx1xfczlrxcODAwZwKuzCytOpsmz1yyGSjqip8FVaQqVkSXJu7kNgdfNQ5sJJofkgvS5856EXn2p36F6G1rmN5N0VVCkuMG64Vicun9QTgCH2fWzY0g--kkHdIailLBtf7_Q3IsASYSmayMKJP5UnqGLcNh34sripRm" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxYXPJm87u005P95rqMMfIZC-r-Sx1xfczlrxcODAwZwKuzCytOpsmz1yyGSjqip8FVaQqVkSXJu7kNgdfNQ5sJJofkgvS5856EXn2p36F6G1rmN5N0VVCkuMG64Vicun9QTgCH2fWzY0g--kkHdIailLBtf7_Q3IsASYSmayMKJP5UnqGLcNh34sripRm=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6pAD7OqTPnvNTNxn92lKkeFgtJakScz7B2-XdEQ63rj3yiSM6403kQiJ0GnDXOZvO80SoJSgLX_Ha69oEMkITQAmQ_K8qJ9OWikR6QlhP0UaFIZcedC-gHbgWq40vmDx3jeJtD9SnPh3w4Om2S-JNIxA3uwkC-o-7eDAAVL81Ctly8udyuZI5-SaAiW5I" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6pAD7OqTPnvNTNxn92lKkeFgtJakScz7B2-XdEQ63rj3yiSM6403kQiJ0GnDXOZvO80SoJSgLX_Ha69oEMkITQAmQ_K8qJ9OWikR6QlhP0UaFIZcedC-gHbgWq40vmDx3jeJtD9SnPh3w4Om2S-JNIxA3uwkC-o-7eDAAVL81Ctly8udyuZI5-SaAiW5I=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church near Moengo</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjw3vtC5gyUlpzKAoMaIxQA5WOWJJaumEMwy664xOg9onwSiYGI7wap44SiDMITR84T3txTIoQZL2o7tQK8965jT14sv7MDpwx2iyxPc5hw6320YI80-iSIdv045Gzwn8rgvr3jvglr2hFpJbfiqiEpPsqvtPUXQvGHWqdb9Xz95BgJbHM309HEPUSaJLYx" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjw3vtC5gyUlpzKAoMaIxQA5WOWJJaumEMwy664xOg9onwSiYGI7wap44SiDMITR84T3txTIoQZL2o7tQK8965jT14sv7MDpwx2iyxPc5hw6320YI80-iSIdv045Gzwn8rgvr3jvglr2hFpJbfiqiEpPsqvtPUXQvGHWqdb9Xz95BgJbHM309HEPUSaJLYx=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aquarium at restaurant where we met with<br /> the church leadership</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqYgdJyggKqCyu9WBWTmxfcEIEtAtS-7arVNZK8xbhcF8hkUKNdp_DM8P3MYhZt0FTSxPoXNpb-SnerovijFKuctdIPNTgqr7EuxpkRHkCpICnayD_7tC9BSoNvVOZcM0HFBSyQNVhrlVDyRkKt4g_jMPIVSiitW-a_Sj4HT6deSRolN7zUR8nmkloWMjw" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqYgdJyggKqCyu9WBWTmxfcEIEtAtS-7arVNZK8xbhcF8hkUKNdp_DM8P3MYhZt0FTSxPoXNpb-SnerovijFKuctdIPNTgqr7EuxpkRHkCpICnayD_7tC9BSoNvVOZcM0HFBSyQNVhrlVDyRkKt4g_jMPIVSiitW-a_Sj4HT6deSRolN7zUR8nmkloWMjw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Produce market in the capital</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125973422817544117.post-18943350833238278282023-12-04T22:19:00.000-05:002023-12-04T22:19:11.314-05:00Trip Time<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglYEib8WCEf9XvTNyg15YhaE3F_XCLP6DFRs_wF30m2cKg5my_OWaJ2HgYmp3wa-LAqNqyCJNmW2VuFVKAk-9o0Oa-b-gzzfSh03NfbVPFWpoU6wIvtZDogQZsrxw4Y31xJDnUF0mJAE6KwNrB4EYBQZrt_kjp6_3TOFLVXo6BGi-x9r1bnzAwSx3_E0Xl" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="676" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglYEib8WCEf9XvTNyg15YhaE3F_XCLP6DFRs_wF30m2cKg5my_OWaJ2HgYmp3wa-LAqNqyCJNmW2VuFVKAk-9o0Oa-b-gzzfSh03NfbVPFWpoU6wIvtZDogQZsrxw4Y31xJDnUF0mJAE6KwNrB4EYBQZrt_kjp6_3TOFLVXo6BGi-x9r1bnzAwSx3_E0Xl=w400-h369" width="400" /></a></div><br />Once again the bags line the floor as final items find a place before heading out the door.<div><br /></div><div>Shopping occurred in the last couple weeks both on-line and in person as we prepare to head to Guyana to visit our friend and teammate Angie to celebrate a ministry Christmas party. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyShH6I6awhH6tAHZOMgwMIdw9S_yVDhBJQdNrS4Ge6Mm_OwCM2CiScPSITUpuHpulwRiaKLm-5f5ZfZuXDmWOVoIDgv8z-HKkUDjRQTDk-zO_LypXyfWRe2sixKj52_yZTCkYE1RMduHE81vU3Evipl8CASdAA7nYXzBrBo1MvQFdBFE9AeZ34wkTOVZi" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyShH6I6awhH6tAHZOMgwMIdw9S_yVDhBJQdNrS4Ge6Mm_OwCM2CiScPSITUpuHpulwRiaKLm-5f5ZfZuXDmWOVoIDgv8z-HKkUDjRQTDk-zO_LypXyfWRe2sixKj52_yZTCkYE1RMduHE81vU3Evipl8CASdAA7nYXzBrBo1MvQFdBFE9AeZ34wkTOVZi=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br />This trip feels very different than past trips for a couple of reasons. </div><div><br /></div><div>One, the overseas time is much shorter between airplane rides!</div><div><br /></div><div>Second while we visited new countries in the past couple years, it wasn't to visit the ministry of a friend.</div><div><br /></div><div>What about eSwatini you may ask....well we had met our GP teammates however we' hadn't spent significant time with them prior to the trip as we have with Angie over the years at area retreats.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our area is Carib-Atlantic and consists of the non-Hispanic countries with Wesleyan Missionaries in the Caribbean and South America. </div><div><br /></div><div>So Angie joined the Haiti team along with other missionaries in the past working in the area when we enjoyed retreats in Haiti. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then the retreats moved to the USA and combined with other GP areas. </div><div><br /></div><div>We enjoy getting to know other GP missionaries.</div><div><br /></div><div>Just this past Saturday some of the GP teens were able to connect on-line and play some games together even though their physical locations spanned the globe. </div><div><br /></div><div>For a couple days we'll head with her and Greg, our area director, across the boarder to visit the work in Surname.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then heading back we will overnight in Chicago so we can return to the airport to pick up Anna, returning from her term in London.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anna completed her first final today. Other finals will occur on Tuesday, Thursday and Monday, December 11th. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><p> </p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125973422817544117.post-89316544789264945882023-11-26T18:25:00.000-05:002023-11-26T18:25:08.734-05:00Thanksgiving and Zambia Photos<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwVI-VjC2KDMyq1H4cAixyKCQWiQjLHYfOHZrIn9QYMz7ahAuiXuu2PvM96HbU7ik5EA99cipnx_npMEQ_vYoF_-XVxvBksYCAbCHkAe7pCk8jHdo2q4reGCNJMYtJeI_RbamQYMbk9FiybwTWY8nbW4jVitNwkW28V1xQnQii3U0ZXN0NygRO4sH_DM1M" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2369" data-original-width="3505" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwVI-VjC2KDMyq1H4cAixyKCQWiQjLHYfOHZrIn9QYMz7ahAuiXuu2PvM96HbU7ik5EA99cipnx_npMEQ_vYoF_-XVxvBksYCAbCHkAe7pCk8jHdo2q4reGCNJMYtJeI_RbamQYMbk9FiybwTWY8nbW4jVitNwkW28V1xQnQii3U0ZXN0NygRO4sH_DM1M=w400-h270" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cory & Fritz with students at Jembo</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> The last couple of weeks flew by and suddenly I find it has been almost two weeks since we updated. Sorry. </p><p>And the end of this week the calendars will turn to December! How different this year is for us compared to last year where everyone was planting their crops after the start of the Zambian rains. </p><p>Here while I write, the snow is gently falling straight down as there is no wind. </p><p>Since Cory returned from ECHO we have: participated in 3 missionary services; shopped for trvel and Thanksgiving; Fritz did a day of standardized testing and went hunting with Great Uncle Bill who shot a buck; had two family Thanksgivings; major moving of things for Mom, switching around her office to create a guest bedroom upstairs; Christmas decorating; starting to pack for the December trip; normal school and more....</p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoaliZC5htksHCndF2sIxETtA2g8S4ROeIUJFnJdngnMNcpIa80Py2FzG2r4nQ68_A64xLfLmJ2YRZOmcKkNRNU4JVohI5RIzASfkPuYclYGkOV6kNpQOrQDkVf2_-K6kEFB0H5ibG3OyyRkjNIq087GlNllC11XUFNVYOl4P2n8w3DHyKyypzU8M34rgM" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="3823" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoaliZC5htksHCndF2sIxETtA2g8S4ROeIUJFnJdngnMNcpIa80Py2FzG2r4nQ68_A64xLfLmJ2YRZOmcKkNRNU4JVohI5RIzASfkPuYclYGkOV6kNpQOrQDkVf2_-K6kEFB0H5ibG3OyyRkjNIq087GlNllC11XUFNVYOl4P2n8w3DHyKyypzU8M34rgM=w400-h283" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our house at Jembo</td></tr></tbody></table>The biggest blessings last week included the family celebration of God's countless blessings in our lives over Thanksgiving meals and that Cory received his <b>two year Zambian work permit approval!</b></p><p>So after the holidays as a family [we get just over three weeks with Anna!!!!] we plan to head back to Zambia. We will be serving at the same location as the last trip. </p><p>Looking forward to connecting with the folks we know. Will be very interested to see how the gardens, flowers, orchards and house faired while we were gone.</p><p>Hoping to be able to purchase good tickets this week for mid-January return to Zambia where we plan to serve out the rest of our current term with Global Partners which ends May 2025. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5afSBMs2b3dBoxYfvRkgRFdoHEenXHJJd-lluwD4EMNU2gH3rcFqGJOW1a_PhxF56IonTWGw6IW5OBErXARG8kMsS9WajB5RzHvT1b1Jy-vnMGVLr4-k3_kkoto4VDHTST3QPb7NN3P57_7Cxv0llHmzNtA2uyI2-6d9zPyovf5jSYkn1kgVNelL5vKyX" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2491" data-original-width="3161" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5afSBMs2b3dBoxYfvRkgRFdoHEenXHJJd-lluwD4EMNU2gH3rcFqGJOW1a_PhxF56IonTWGw6IW5OBErXARG8kMsS9WajB5RzHvT1b1Jy-vnMGVLr4-k3_kkoto4VDHTST3QPb7NN3P57_7Cxv0llHmzNtA2uyI2-6d9zPyovf5jSYkn1kgVNelL5vKyX=w400-h315" width="400" /></a></div><br />We have one more church lined up to visit: Pathway Wesleyan near Saranac Dec. 3, service at 10am.<p></p><p>Then the trip to Guyana/ Surname, picking Anna up on our return to Michigan. </p><p>Family time, holiday celebration in the midst of planning, packing, playing and praying!</p><p>Haiti is still not improving. Cory talked to two of the workers at Fauche, Port Margot this week and the retirement age worker shared how difficult and strange life is now. </p><p>Can't travel, roads are blocked to Port au Prince and The Dominican Republic, prices are high. It is like being a prisoner.</p><p>The price of rice was mentioned so I checked the current exchange rate and the price is 4 times higher using US$ than a few years ago.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125973422817544117.post-46237184231111685692023-11-13T22:06:00.000-05:002023-11-13T22:06:48.874-05:00ECHO International Agriculture Conference by Cory<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdiVRTYUQW9npbtVY3Dpbso3bKc57LfbqEFZAYfFNLRZq3BoghvMcejf_sdhv4GCKcZ-Zh-DaKf9AQI0DtW7Sztz4hd1Wse-gTNta96X3q1D47Qo83hWGVFQZbl3rnjgoWTh6VEWMMkHhQ3_XAkeRAjwVdhHaoF0VlpjSn47cUoovN5Lu4QQXtaWjg0Pz/s1280/IMG_4687.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdiVRTYUQW9npbtVY3Dpbso3bKc57LfbqEFZAYfFNLRZq3BoghvMcejf_sdhv4GCKcZ-Zh-DaKf9AQI0DtW7Sztz4hd1Wse-gTNta96X3q1D47Qo83hWGVFQZbl3rnjgoWTh6VEWMMkHhQ3_XAkeRAjwVdhHaoF0VlpjSn47cUoovN5Lu4QQXtaWjg0Pz/w400-h300/IMG_4687.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="text-align: left;"> Nov. 7-9 I enjoyed the conference in Fort Myers, Florida. It was interesting to hear about agricultural and mission successes and challenges from many areas of the world.</span></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPiEihDlRLm8ZsS4BV9fCTRHeYFyVe5skyOOhWL5OR0VKvFlCkg5sHYiN-glKRfqj6yE-gA6RhTAeuM_EUURFz7RCT0Ni_VzppT1pLHh70qWqdfvaJ0xXhPJ0F_F_yWWBC2oKga-VGmTZU75RRflVzkQmdUWybDt8gR1rHOwo3hZX_8Z4Mt4ztVlR5lrP/s1280/IMG_4686.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPiEihDlRLm8ZsS4BV9fCTRHeYFyVe5skyOOhWL5OR0VKvFlCkg5sHYiN-glKRfqj6yE-gA6RhTAeuM_EUURFz7RCT0Ni_VzppT1pLHh70qWqdfvaJ0xXhPJ0F_F_yWWBC2oKga-VGmTZU75RRflVzkQmdUWybDt8gR1rHOwo3hZX_8Z4Mt4ztVlR5lrP/w400-h300/IMG_4686.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>I was an ECHO intern in '90-'91 and volunteered some during the next few years between 3 trips to Brazil. <br /><p></p><p>ECHO has been a huge resource to our agricultural work over the years and the ECHO demonstration gardens and fruit groves give perspective on how things can grow and produce over the years.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKjk-o4QeyWGmJS79PxnUgf1MKwZ0xkWsPlDMhObyWvKKgiG3M4VBOKhcXu4cebmY10T7TECZz1zp8quOpQOk-Uu9JW5RHlqcxdWbw4RWiY1G6kgsiTd7i1I3kJ5Jqk034GSy4EuHWbYKIygdH8S9Hw3EUWOur0uhE3RuV0MyBewK7NNjh0ctgecPcc5sq/s1075/IMG_4695.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="1075" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKjk-o4QeyWGmJS79PxnUgf1MKwZ0xkWsPlDMhObyWvKKgiG3M4VBOKhcXu4cebmY10T7TECZz1zp8quOpQOk-Uu9JW5RHlqcxdWbw4RWiY1G6kgsiTd7i1I3kJ5Jqk034GSy4EuHWbYKIygdH8S9Hw3EUWOur0uhE3RuV0MyBewK7NNjh0ctgecPcc5sq/w400-h278/IMG_4695.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Emmanuel Jatau, Community Developer, Asbury Theological Seminary, had a practical presentation on Community Garden Ministry.<p></p><p>He told about Community gardens for displaced people or those in need in Nigeria and Ohio. His Conclusion:</p><p>"Community Garden Ministry is a new area in missiological studies and it is my goal that this research will avail new data and generate new knowledge that will help the church to grasp the <i>Missio Dei </i>(the mission of God). It will offer the church innovative resources for evangelism, discipleship and church planting giving people who will not come to the four corners of a church building, but they can come to the church garden that offers them food.</p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQvYC4drDVjaAzGxhFOy_TiUXyyT_D3K680EwD2gndwt0yRQAv3s-uBln5ohAfFn6rd3-jzpCWt7r6lV0rvE4htRv3_uvxY12tbv7ss4I6159cnOD4Wm5XSXHjIfgHk-8q5hpFkIu3jnLJAUGyBTbcWf5vuBo5e4ZOSb54iEAgP_KrHAyJE6xk9BKlBnj/s3106/IMG_4699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2367" data-original-width="3106" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQvYC4drDVjaAzGxhFOy_TiUXyyT_D3K680EwD2gndwt0yRQAv3s-uBln5ohAfFn6rd3-jzpCWt7r6lV0rvE4htRv3_uvxY12tbv7ss4I6159cnOD4Wm5XSXHjIfgHk-8q5hpFkIu3jnLJAUGyBTbcWf5vuBo5e4ZOSb54iEAgP_KrHAyJE6xk9BKlBnj/w400-h305/IMG_4699.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A local home school group has done great providing one of<br /> the lunches on the farm for many years.</td></tr></tbody></table>"Community gardens serve as "third places" where relationships and connections happen organically. They are safe places where non-believers can ask questions and have the opportunity of hearing the gospel message in a non-threatening environment."</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3x1ShxLnbGi07vwJH3xJzRUrZtsowRA8mvRbdc85Hf6Z4PVgaHc6bFs3pekipjsOcv9clq_R2jPqxzopbfCvNhTyKszERYWfEzFr_xYAVkQCmbBUlaSwvWe0e-Xqbr26OrmSYz2co6REkSfoMtNjNpxJ1UWzL-By8LN87mpZAR3mdFg30uJQom2PNb50-/s4032/IMG_4660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3x1ShxLnbGi07vwJH3xJzRUrZtsowRA8mvRbdc85Hf6Z4PVgaHc6bFs3pekipjsOcv9clq_R2jPqxzopbfCvNhTyKszERYWfEzFr_xYAVkQCmbBUlaSwvWe0e-Xqbr26OrmSYz2co6REkSfoMtNjNpxJ1UWzL-By8LN87mpZAR3mdFg30uJQom2PNb50-/w400-h300/IMG_4660.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am thankful for how Dr. Martin encouraged me and other<br /> interns to study and to develop a "philosophy of missions"<br />while we were interns helping to run ECHO.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY53UR5y7rbfkYfdZS0GLuai7T68TpyzOpdbZRgluHi6WMaBdKwt-A7637XvphYZxWe-XSNvJr3xP64ep-RlHNVCv_bw6E_e39cASBDVnikMGF5v67Ufhj2RkbL2nt_r-wRhGGRbv1q5cpcQ2nGbugSLLHXSyKx-w8P7uCDIv361XS-VfuhMlVENn3BTYX/s2604/IMG_4669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2025" data-original-width="2604" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY53UR5y7rbfkYfdZS0GLuai7T68TpyzOpdbZRgluHi6WMaBdKwt-A7637XvphYZxWe-XSNvJr3xP64ep-RlHNVCv_bw6E_e39cASBDVnikMGF5v67Ufhj2RkbL2nt_r-wRhGGRbv1q5cpcQ2nGbugSLLHXSyKx-w8P7uCDIv361XS-VfuhMlVENn3BTYX/w400-h311/IMG_4669.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRro8Bmnx1yzfx18LEMEE48cJ-wBVT8N-2awweV_EQjXhxDrDc5m8-hZy0XQZpJLk-cSEsL9zrb_7O2DN1QQhWtqWVHxrW4y99NyrqsS2MNUbRomIFVCUGNC0413-jp2xmxFYBPmE-YKtrt8uzave11A6hhcUwtlgLt-oOZRWWF27iPxt5kx_iJ9ZFkAdf/s2495/IMG_4690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2068" data-original-width="2495" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRro8Bmnx1yzfx18LEMEE48cJ-wBVT8N-2awweV_EQjXhxDrDc5m8-hZy0XQZpJLk-cSEsL9zrb_7O2DN1QQhWtqWVHxrW4y99NyrqsS2MNUbRomIFVCUGNC0413-jp2xmxFYBPmE-YKtrt8uzave11A6hhcUwtlgLt-oOZRWWF27iPxt5kx_iJ9ZFkAdf/w400-h331/IMG_4690.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avocado trees and citrus under netting to protect from<br />greening disease</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125973422817544117.post-87547708989527493202023-10-30T22:34:00.004-04:002023-10-30T22:34:47.634-04:00Busy week...<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiE4vr9O9BlGAqcXX9GyAF7Pq-i9SSHFs67EEcEu_FAPbEORrttLwCcl6WvvIfHIVh6ILOJlF2zo-ynXkjrGZSAqWKm24AcMS7mk4704oww7F1PYrE8EehqUKu-UIbjOHFtbXrkNh4yx2lGCRqBKzocaJNfQEf7pgPvPZMhrKCuJ9iYIBtDnOFSh2zgNfxp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiE4vr9O9BlGAqcXX9GyAF7Pq-i9SSHFs67EEcEu_FAPbEORrttLwCcl6WvvIfHIVh6ILOJlF2zo-ynXkjrGZSAqWKm24AcMS7mk4704oww7F1PYrE8EehqUKu-UIbjOHFtbXrkNh4yx2lGCRqBKzocaJNfQEf7pgPvPZMhrKCuJ9iYIBtDnOFSh2zgNfxp=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Another week of fall passed from future / present into history.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYjZp-LtoIdEelT1zoG4pNjLkqQ5EhJRtaxSTofjuYuLE1Z5CFyyhV0RKajYP3x-fbfFV57c2n_drF5ms-NbKkezrFwut9rle86XkOhFxewsfvV-We39ii-mGUu9qgxMERd_479E8KXkwdCMfCxZwZjnqhY99nDrMB3Z2t89SRZFSC3LzZAh84y2H-Yl0c" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1235" data-original-width="1002" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYjZp-LtoIdEelT1zoG4pNjLkqQ5EhJRtaxSTofjuYuLE1Z5CFyyhV0RKajYP3x-fbfFV57c2n_drF5ms-NbKkezrFwut9rle86XkOhFxewsfvV-We39ii-mGUu9qgxMERd_479E8KXkwdCMfCxZwZjnqhY99nDrMB3Z2t89SRZFSC3LzZAh84y2H-Yl0c=w325-h400" width="325" /></a></div>Sunday we shared a brief update at Corner Bible Church where Mom and Eli attend, and we join them when not on the road.<p></p><p>Monday we were blessed to have our Global Partner's partners, who serve on the member care team stop in for a short visit and supper!</p><p>Other parts of the week besides school included: </p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjM-cr59uAH9CwHThkqSz5p5aMOeHH30pkxSbvwRh5eVsPMDIVmeoNv-wFIBNXpgBtnYW0smA9h7ElhmuYCqH1HsX_npohEwD8qXNglp9lom63HDnuaBdGWqey8qqVgABR-ESlX1zOgDJA2jg-I_Rm7atg3FxffOa0oE8Yguo6ePukFVPY2oO3G1JIr64OA" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjM-cr59uAH9CwHThkqSz5p5aMOeHH30pkxSbvwRh5eVsPMDIVmeoNv-wFIBNXpgBtnYW0smA9h7ElhmuYCqH1HsX_npohEwD8qXNglp9lom63HDnuaBdGWqey8qqVgABR-ESlX1zOgDJA2jg-I_Rm7atg3FxffOa0oE8Yguo6ePukFVPY2oO3G1JIr64OA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Bricks" Lego show mid October.</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>Eli job interview and accepting the position at Hytech as a process engineer. Celebration time!</p><p>Fritz transitioning from pre-teen to an official teenager. More celebration!</p><p>A visit to the lawyer with Mom, my brother, sister-in-law, and Cory.</p><p>Some fall cleaning, organizing and preparing for winter weather.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5KPzCu6FnOx3uocorc_rlYbUeQdjTRHB1F6u8hg76gDIS8hTIDCFlmwdl-yM0eSdF9Vci4cpr-TDPhxA-pVPYi1dmHQl9_qJ5BVm7JYxMCD2aZd9ncEElASXYtDBse92pr5EthdtznWMHYEmAhSKIUrAQ0zj3QIk-qL1PKUd8zooj_niE8EAjE4Uz-Kg7" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="895" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5KPzCu6FnOx3uocorc_rlYbUeQdjTRHB1F6u8hg76gDIS8hTIDCFlmwdl-yM0eSdF9Vci4cpr-TDPhxA-pVPYi1dmHQl9_qJ5BVm7JYxMCD2aZd9ncEElASXYtDBse92pr5EthdtznWMHYEmAhSKIUrAQ0zj3QIk-qL1PKUd8zooj_niE8EAjE4Uz-Kg7=w298-h400" width="298" /></a></div><br />Continued working away on my medical continuing education credits.<p></p><p>I visited both the dentist and eye doctor.</p><p>We enjoyed Fall Fest Saturday night at church and a chance to speak and reconnect at Sonlight Fellowship in South Bend on Sunday.</p><p>Even drove by the old South Bend house where we lived as I completed my family practice residency training at St. Joseph Hospital. </p><p>The shingles that both our sets of parents helped to put in place remain on the roof.</p><p> Cory sighed as he saw the corkscrew willow tree he planted now towering over the house. A reminder to give mental grace to whoever planted the Siberian elms or let them grow in the back yard.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiofBcfY0VqEXmRwd5Mno13eMP7TrPK-QYj0kKrrXT9VGQJVXaDs6wcRoxaefXvWBCSry623dc6vafL9oi9LGlHq4-dfCKe0P5o-a-vuUGCMW3kaWZtupg8TyntEVdTpbqQ6No0mtD1tSnrclJ4IuJF_2fUSZkpVABGXHrPEOd3qEYcWlu9zAbus_IwywE1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1609" data-original-width="1495" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiofBcfY0VqEXmRwd5Mno13eMP7TrPK-QYj0kKrrXT9VGQJVXaDs6wcRoxaefXvWBCSry623dc6vafL9oi9LGlHq4-dfCKe0P5o-a-vuUGCMW3kaWZtupg8TyntEVdTpbqQ6No0mtD1tSnrclJ4IuJF_2fUSZkpVABGXHrPEOd3qEYcWlu9zAbus_IwywE1=w372-h400" width="372" /></a></div><br />(Cory writing: if you have time for an entertaining video about Siberian Elm, I enjoyed this one and learned today that the tree is edible! <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK7vaOPUQ8I">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lK7vaOPUQ8I</a> )<p></p><p>This week Eli will start work on Tuesday.</p><p>Fritz and I continue with our school studies, already closing in on 1/3 of the year complete.</p><p>We saw our first snow flakes today with more predicted and freezing temperatures tomorrow.</p><p>We thank the Lord for prayers for Anna as well. She's found a place to live on campus when she returns in January and is working on figuring out classes for next term while concentrating on finishing her London term well.</p><p>We continue to pray for Cory's Zambian work permit application, waiting for the leadership to get things arranged. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125973422817544117.post-83699834656607207302023-10-21T21:25:00.000-04:002023-10-21T21:25:41.588-04:00Do the Hard<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgU-or_maUHVPqQjTlFzfMWWhZlDqzFbgwU89zblaUHR8uOdbKquEFKXAl6YOPGZlzUFBj3ki34hYRcBExk7c8JRQbNLGiWNVOI8LUBAoO0jJkuownFBRXvPGb8xDPIgiYMImJlmpzWtq8Qoy6KK2JnbM44HZB12yZ2x8K9r2T7cht0eGsEs2IoBfNGgocY" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1099" data-original-width="1498" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgU-or_maUHVPqQjTlFzfMWWhZlDqzFbgwU89zblaUHR8uOdbKquEFKXAl6YOPGZlzUFBj3ki34hYRcBExk7c8JRQbNLGiWNVOI8LUBAoO0jJkuownFBRXvPGb8xDPIgiYMImJlmpzWtq8Qoy6KK2JnbM44HZB12yZ2x8K9r2T7cht0eGsEs2IoBfNGgocY=w400-h294" width="400" /></a></div><br />So one thing that I mentioned to the family at Dad's graveside was how he said to do the hard.<p></p><p>Dad occupied the role of the oldest in his family and had a younger brother who suffered from cystic fibrosis. Dad also trained in the Army reserve and served as a medic. While he didn't go to Viatnam he did unload body bags of fellow soldiers and knew friends who served.</p><p>I believe that these two things greatly attributed to his not liking hospitals. He avoided them as much as he could, however as he aged he grew to realize that even though it was hard, one had to show up for people in distress.</p><p>He was there for family and friends who were suffering chronic illness or dying. Yes, it is hard. Doing what is right often is. Regretting later that you did not visit, call or send a card is also hard. </p><p>So go visit that person in the hospital or hospice. Just go. You don't need the perfect words or gift. Just go and sit. Give a hug or handshake-touch can be very therapeutic. Send a card. Show you care. </p><p>We learn through pain and suffering when we let ourselves. Don't waste the pain. Let it change and transform you into something better. You already paid the price, don't let it be for nothing.</p><p>Also there is often hard on both sides...hard to exercise and hard to be sick/weak. Hard to confront someone or share negative feelings and hard to live with broken relationships without boundaries.</p><p>I'm also learning that there is a price of not doing the hard. It costs me because I keep having to think about it...lots of mental energy that is in turn draining on my sleep and physical body as well.</p><p>One of these Cory helped me with this week. A hard I had been putting off that was taking way too much time in my head...like a large ugly pestering bug flying around my head at inopportune times. He graciously took care of the task for me. And it didn't brother him at all. I'm very grateful and thankful. </p><p>Another I just had to do it. I prayed up. Waited till I was rested, gave myself a deadline and just did it!</p><p>Two down this week. Lord thank you.</p><p> I have had some in the past that I talked over with Cory or friends and they discussed it with me and my motives and then just crossed it off the list by assuring me it wasn't necessary. Bonus!!!</p><p>So I hope that with the Lord's help you too can Do the Hard. Be brave. Be smart. Just do it!</p><p>Courage!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125973422817544117.post-36587464530236557242023-10-09T18:16:00.001-04:002023-10-09T18:16:31.542-04:00Haiti Update, by Cory<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfZZaferkUvGfD6Zvk8JAuXAheQy5khUi3zX5TL7WUYBlKoVPAxCqKI9vkKjEFzp8uiMHGL941Ow35oqOlseN6DIyQd-xtve50WrcxNLkcaDWEs_A4NhIN9beIK4TUwzlvBV7xqoIDaXA9gCNgI_RV243MR15J4qc2JJjR3U8q1KwIPjk75oyqONWlPQ7/s1152/PHOTO-2023-09-28-20-27-27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfZZaferkUvGfD6Zvk8JAuXAheQy5khUi3zX5TL7WUYBlKoVPAxCqKI9vkKjEFzp8uiMHGL941Ow35oqOlseN6DIyQd-xtve50WrcxNLkcaDWEs_A4NhIN9beIK4TUwzlvBV7xqoIDaXA9gCNgI_RV243MR15J4qc2JJjR3U8q1KwIPjk75oyqONWlPQ7/w400-h300/PHOTO-2023-09-28-20-27-27.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Here are a few recent photos of kids clubs at Limbe and Fauche.</p><p>Limbe recently had 122 in attendance the last Sunday of September. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9V0Q04__hjpAt35T004M960wk3D5K4CG6baDV3FNJ2ebrqx6qohBlhDKtxnLZ4sQFEIAOv-lKMNppjvtyTs44-4c2WRtt_bPQVAq8YlZA4__s6o8C6UFJbczwK-1-3XyulU_3IC-zXqxnEJfz4nvbHok75ugNjgigptrJPMyXclMq7G7bWBohtVHD833T" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="825" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9V0Q04__hjpAt35T004M960wk3D5K4CG6baDV3FNJ2ebrqx6qohBlhDKtxnLZ4sQFEIAOv-lKMNppjvtyTs44-4c2WRtt_bPQVAq8YlZA4__s6o8C6UFJbczwK-1-3XyulU_3IC-zXqxnEJfz4nvbHok75ugNjgigptrJPMyXclMq7G7bWBohtVHD833T=w400-h272" width="400" /></a></div>At Fauche, the photos show school supplies distributed to the kids.<p></p><p>Food and supplies are lacking in Haiti even more now that the Dominican Republic closed the border, blocking exports to Haiti.</p><p>Even at the farming community of Decice life is hard.</p><p>Transport is limited so the current corn harvest has difficulty moving to markets.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjN7W0GpZDUA6I6i6DI3xhJD_g5XsqaBA526hrFj4qZCYdHIBF4bW9sYOQl1mPnjQ1cEgXh6KYMHYD5LN5pvXBdlOQ-K8_0l9iFDEj3pCGp8bV2Z_EQVSdeFtsyid_lTlVQ7_g37VtzQ70r0_BDpTxsHjjyczkQEUZmDr6FmlDtUsoHz8wY_Ch8W04okarx" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="828" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjN7W0GpZDUA6I6i6DI3xhJD_g5XsqaBA526hrFj4qZCYdHIBF4bW9sYOQl1mPnjQ1cEgXh6KYMHYD5LN5pvXBdlOQ-K8_0l9iFDEj3pCGp8bV2Z_EQVSdeFtsyid_lTlVQ7_g37VtzQ70r0_BDpTxsHjjyczkQEUZmDr6FmlDtUsoHz8wY_Ch8W04okarx=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div>Here is a post from facebook from Rendez-Vous Christ Church in Port au Prince:<p></p><div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><i><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">Bandits invade the church. I ask for your help to pray.</span></i></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><i><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">Today, around 7:25am, during the first service of our church, 15 heavily armed men came in to try to <a style="cursor: pointer;" tabindex="-1"></a>kidnap me.</span></i></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><i><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">Three (3) of them in suit came to church as participants and were quickly identified by our security team. I personally greeted one of them who, I later discovered, was the one who would have alerted my security team of the attempted abduction.</span></i></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9dprgg2emnJQ2Fe5EiEKbs4nY0Lj56RzPhqANURBrsG9ysJtxOvWbM9MuZQ_ArS5QUd8uQJXVeD59NAcKeOStpRyZouSltW_K3JxJTcrdU9eQAx84tr66mSQ0Ad61pRZyJFepFInQ_a3xn5j-GwfIClrIxvcjGuMBMago9Bc0JTklT3hGNmL3yqzqyXWt" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="1032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9dprgg2emnJQ2Fe5EiEKbs4nY0Lj56RzPhqANURBrsG9ysJtxOvWbM9MuZQ_ArS5QUd8uQJXVeD59NAcKeOStpRyZouSltW_K3JxJTcrdU9eQAx84tr66mSQ0Ad61pRZyJFepFInQ_a3xn5j-GwfIClrIxvcjGuMBMago9Bc0JTklT3hGNmL3yqzqyXWt=w400-h180" width="400" /></a></div></i><i>My team responded immediately and I was taken to a secure location.</i></span></div><div dir="auto"><i><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">A few minutes later, 12 heavily armed individuals wearing Haitian special forces uniforms entered the church looking for me.</span></i></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><i><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">Equipment, phones and personal belongings from church members stolen and one of my team kidnapped.</span></i></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><i><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">Police arrived shortly after and one of the bandits was shot by police.</span></i></div><div dir="auto"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></i><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am safe and feel more than ever that the work we are doing in Haiti through Haiti Teen Challenge is crucial.</span></i></span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><i><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">Let's continue to pray as we work for a better Haiti.</span></i></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125973422817544117.post-61537016993822316122023-10-02T13:59:00.000-04:002023-10-02T13:59:16.866-04:00Transition & Reflection<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg99aR2YKBcIL3sHx_a8ZdBv_0oGiSuJc0-1ypEDDIkTXYihbuDxAYw4WUxUnRiP85wwMFxwKzODuuea_traH1D7r94t5cQ8oZVPLVaSDxvC_549b96bSFK9r4RBJoyVwcQFFjknq0PQ-Sh9ZczfbVZ-Ts4kZvikRI7BkLspxaaPA1wq8-_kb9UUuPoO9Pd" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3747" data-original-width="5621" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg99aR2YKBcIL3sHx_a8ZdBv_0oGiSuJc0-1ypEDDIkTXYihbuDxAYw4WUxUnRiP85wwMFxwKzODuuea_traH1D7r94t5cQ8oZVPLVaSDxvC_549b96bSFK9r4RBJoyVwcQFFjknq0PQ-Sh9ZczfbVZ-Ts4kZvikRI7BkLspxaaPA1wq8-_kb9UUuPoO9Pd" width="320" /></a></div> Once again our family finds ourselves in a time of transition.<br /><p></p><p>One week ago we'd completed two visitations, the funeral, and the meal that followed.</p><p>We interacted with family, friends, and neighbors who knew Dad and even heard a few stories that were new.</p><p>The prayers and support were very much felt by Mom, us, and my brother's family.</p><p>Todd handled the service like the professional he is, and in a way that I think honored God well and spoke in a way about Dad that allowed his testimony to shine brightly.</p><p>Here's the service link if you would like to view it: <a href="https://vimeo.com/867563565?fbclid=IwAR3UKUdXdO2niSRJRfJFt2M94IRxcO2REvkZhmCcGMH3ATI3Bp-ziZtLfc4">Larry Ter Avest Memorial Service</a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWWhhIAsylApDBE9Usd2Ln81so09cJwWSxbjSkJfxosfjq6L5uzQyd8epAgkZ4K2UN1mI2-QJw_HSsKExPKHW2fsTEWQYx2L_3tQqFfhKCHvSHEoeMlHDeSTWIDXdsgPD8ApPIPEq_ULp-1kDupnhLONG3LKFJDvQ3DPcMUfHn-WI84njpjqLcXq8jRMNQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3548" data-original-width="4432" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWWhhIAsylApDBE9Usd2Ln81so09cJwWSxbjSkJfxosfjq6L5uzQyd8epAgkZ4K2UN1mI2-QJw_HSsKExPKHW2fsTEWQYx2L_3tQqFfhKCHvSHEoeMlHDeSTWIDXdsgPD8ApPIPEq_ULp-1kDupnhLONG3LKFJDvQ3DPcMUfHn-WI84njpjqLcXq8jRMNQ" width="300" /></a></div>Monday we were up early to bring Anna to the airport only to have her wait in Chicago for a delay that lasted 11 hours or so.<br /><p></p><p>She did make it into London in time to zoom into her first class, and her second was remote due to the professor being ill.</p><p>For the rest of us this week found us getting back to school routine [week 7]; shopping, cooking, yard work...more 'normal' feeling events and yet different at the same time.</p><p>Cory's trip to South American has been pushed back so Saturday, he arranged to attend ECHO's 30th conference in Florida the first part of November. </p><p>Even more exciting, he worked along with Anna on her December tickets to return to Michigan for Christmas. </p><p>We look forward to a bit of time with our gal over the holidays.</p><p>We continue to wait to hear that the Zambia church leadership has applied for Cory's work visa. </p><p>I'm at peace with this sharply contrasted how I felt the end of last year and January when we were trying to extend our time in Zambia and had the application denied. </p><p>I see now clearly how the Lord worked out this most recent example for me- that by returning the end of February due to our visas running out / being rejected allowed me to be here for my folks [medical visits, going into hospice, the hospice time and providing medical care for my dad]. </p><p>The Lord knew. His plan. </p><p>A time of healing and growth for me-this 'sabbatical' 6 months. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125973422817544117.post-5339684886478346272023-09-17T09:11:00.003-04:002023-09-17T09:11:26.683-04:00Dad's Legacy. <p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqT37ybiDIR5EHhKhaVqFh27pg0UO-yhR0-VBt-4ipO78Z_dWlTFRcW-4wsJKEjx-gnd6yhsdJbj2ZopfccA3SsgOWCgg8go1__sP9rhy2aJfKESvH0080pRgdrINy1JFPq4-vXYCoSXtIJxuWimqwFinX7k-aCwPjpuEayzlrHZe8vZql0-QSfuUA7BzM" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2537" data-original-width="1725" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqT37ybiDIR5EHhKhaVqFh27pg0UO-yhR0-VBt-4ipO78Z_dWlTFRcW-4wsJKEjx-gnd6yhsdJbj2ZopfccA3SsgOWCgg8go1__sP9rhy2aJfKESvH0080pRgdrINy1JFPq4-vXYCoSXtIJxuWimqwFinX7k-aCwPjpuEayzlrHZe8vZql0-QSfuUA7BzM" width="163" /></a></div>So many thoughts I really don't know what to share about my Dad. <p></p><p>So blessed to be here...I realized that I'd never went to the ER or visited my Dad in the hospital in my life as we were not in the USA during his surgeries. </p><p>The time in the last months I was able to help out medically; hear him call me 'his doctor'; and provide care for the first man I ever loved will remain a significant period in my life. </p><p>I would have gone through the years of training and stress to become a doctor just to be able to care for him. </p><p>I've often been told how much like my Dad I am...good and not so much personality wise. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGOLXEbhkdoO2gm7JIgS2Bf5EEtlExxafl5cT-yUyLH60l26STTdjy8njLf3AatABb1awzEoqu5bdwQms4a3QQ32L4aHWLpwTzOv6w4PVfH6gJJ2Q96IzlSQiV4pCrz9FWMvbKrPZgcYyoRkyImctrlZx1vyLTIH-X851I-tcDV2y5u7MiuINv3jcT96KK" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="4320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGOLXEbhkdoO2gm7JIgS2Bf5EEtlExxafl5cT-yUyLH60l26STTdjy8njLf3AatABb1awzEoqu5bdwQms4a3QQ32L4aHWLpwTzOv6w4PVfH6gJJ2Q96IzlSQiV4pCrz9FWMvbKrPZgcYyoRkyImctrlZx1vyLTIH-X851I-tcDV2y5u7MiuINv3jcT96KK" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>We received a condolence email yesterday from one of the doctor's who trained me in residency. <i>"<span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.666667px;"> </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.666667px;"><span style="color: #666666;">It would seem that he has left his legacy in the paths that his children have taken."</span></span></i></p><p>I think that is a very powerful statement. And very true.</p><p>Dad's faith came first, followed by family, whom he wanted to know his Savior and Lord.<br /></p><p>Trust and Obey will always remind me of my Dad, as well as Victory in Jesus.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjX9uwBZJiBXRWfX4dEV0o9xkzkolpWH8jElaNhcIuws1uKWTLKLTEj-sDm2QmmNpubQw8gQFJkoYE2qntGr-SarL90gnba9Kw5B8QqWcUPY9dvepL4z8rZvxqW8Mdb6-0k35Cw6k_h3Z1ffk7x9wv1STviuVV-uEVERNh4GpZET5QCoi22J_JM9_81tlYB" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjX9uwBZJiBXRWfX4dEV0o9xkzkolpWH8jElaNhcIuws1uKWTLKLTEj-sDm2QmmNpubQw8gQFJkoYE2qntGr-SarL90gnba9Kw5B8QqWcUPY9dvepL4z8rZvxqW8Mdb6-0k35Cw6k_h3Z1ffk7x9wv1STviuVV-uEVERNh4GpZET5QCoi22J_JM9_81tlYB" width="320" /></a></div>Dad's legacy was shaped by his words and the example of his actions. <p></p><p>His grandchildren learned to recite for him 'Right is right even if no one is doing it. Wrong is wrong even if everybody is doing it."</p><p>Reviewing photos for visitation and the funeral reminds us of many dimensions of his life [in no particular order, here are a few]: church, missions, farming, family fun/trips, 4-H/fair, football, hunting, hard work, friends.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4tkxAd9PL37x6MOtojrk23eNrJIwOBBklojGvFi9_1iJX_BDbAxTw34_nDr8ci4M4mUojz3jLiyPZH1cfGkN6xUCq8o5EjE9nV98vifXfab9Gh7xYKB2lFdZZFlOV_M3W4-yBztxyEqy5h17zy2YuNzu5pclO3P-f_Rw9s5R9jndtpFbJfk9XmSBByV8n" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4tkxAd9PL37x6MOtojrk23eNrJIwOBBklojGvFi9_1iJX_BDbAxTw34_nDr8ci4M4mUojz3jLiyPZH1cfGkN6xUCq8o5EjE9nV98vifXfab9Gh7xYKB2lFdZZFlOV_M3W4-yBztxyEqy5h17zy2YuNzu5pclO3P-f_Rw9s5R9jndtpFbJfk9XmSBByV8n" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Even now we're learning new ways that he impacted people's lives. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2-YcHJkIKtm_eKSx_-2xhkG2uVrowytutA0yL8uhQ6jeK7uYnMk4BWziMeGDFtKR1Z7AGLVShMbvE6wZ9eYoqdhkOk3mdEXCKKrS86WaDVljmWX79-fPJomMkaYE7jCXCLpjZm8-Yn1GYSYKVaFg1FVcUyLyoDkAycftTsKZtQqnl9ApbOEga9O2dM0kb" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4288" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2-YcHJkIKtm_eKSx_-2xhkG2uVrowytutA0yL8uhQ6jeK7uYnMk4BWziMeGDFtKR1Z7AGLVShMbvE6wZ9eYoqdhkOk3mdEXCKKrS86WaDVljmWX79-fPJomMkaYE7jCXCLpjZm8-Yn1GYSYKVaFg1FVcUyLyoDkAycftTsKZtQqnl9ApbOEga9O2dM0kb" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I hope that as people remember Dad that they, like me, will strive to follow his legacy...Love God and Love People. </p><p>Trust and Obey the Lord and you too can have Victory in Jesus. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125973422817544117.post-33158153322023798252023-08-28T13:27:00.002-04:002023-08-28T13:32:50.109-04:00A short update and resources.<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjC5x0xiWtxv0wv4C-Ivtgdam7SxaJROmya5EhUI391oSCbcFvkgtRABMH8W9VWmOM98rHU-B8mCWH9U1ShVq_pjjuKpdGffOIAIcBSTKgm4vc7-DTuuhBl5r1J1IdwlJNa0GFb_l1kYiTYmANGlWN-L8RnhqWhSmtrnb0s-cMSD7QYxOvcVC772lWXbzp-" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjC5x0xiWtxv0wv4C-Ivtgdam7SxaJROmya5EhUI391oSCbcFvkgtRABMH8W9VWmOM98rHU-B8mCWH9U1ShVq_pjjuKpdGffOIAIcBSTKgm4vc7-DTuuhBl5r1J1IdwlJNa0GFb_l1kYiTYmANGlWN-L8RnhqWhSmtrnb0s-cMSD7QYxOvcVC772lWXbzp-=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fun visit to the "Bricks & Minifigs" Lego store</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Later this week we'll transition to September! While the days feel very long most of the time I'm just as aware of them marching on toward the end of the year.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMKjZSPiZwt0DZObiuze6gj8dEctDbJEL3_iweLTgQEUBrnlUZyA2BceRJFMQQx9P3BQZMTR0DGOZvY6mAk4ZCRG66lYQeyIc6JGFoFIhsf5kTbhK1tMDIFW9sT2-0Eq_hYHnI3yG2TiiuLqH8AFJGpYYJ5swLkFAkpe60JUcMXn1IebvIRjzACHRU1Fah" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="808" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMKjZSPiZwt0DZObiuze6gj8dEctDbJEL3_iweLTgQEUBrnlUZyA2BceRJFMQQx9P3BQZMTR0DGOZvY6mAk4ZCRG66lYQeyIc6JGFoFIhsf5kTbhK1tMDIFW9sT2-0Eq_hYHnI3yG2TiiuLqH8AFJGpYYJ5swLkFAkpe60JUcMXn1IebvIRjzACHRU1Fah=w400-h338" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avocados in the nursery at Jembo</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>We continue to wait for Cory's Zambian work permit application to be completed. Once this is turned in we should only need to wait a couple weeks to learn if we can return to Zambia or not.</div><div><br /></div><div>Eli returned to Michigan from his European travels with Anna.</div><div>Anna started her fall term, year two with Pepperdine Law school...in London, England.</div><div>Fritzlin enjoyed some soccer with other homeschoolers the last few weeks, and completed his first month of 7th grade. </div><div><br /></div><div>Flexibility remains a very important skill as we never know what each day will hold.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm so very blessed to be there at this time to help my folks, and it is hard.</div><div><br /></div><div>A couple of resources that I was blessed by recently.</div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCfUAqrNjTX1oCyD4GvagfWgvDFRF7Qg9IZ59apMx33XKMKKWolii8cCXzwF_5Mi4PEClY_wsQIYAG_vPFUIY02sLtgoE9oa6hYqE7PlRmmpuY6EtvgQwqNV8ydvtrQWtiNW2R-IW45SR3LN34dV5TEghIkf9bhFNQCq_GJoT0UwxvZSmbY9az11OJaqCN" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="541" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCfUAqrNjTX1oCyD4GvagfWgvDFRF7Qg9IZ59apMx33XKMKKWolii8cCXzwF_5Mi4PEClY_wsQIYAG_vPFUIY02sLtgoE9oa6hYqE7PlRmmpuY6EtvgQwqNV8ydvtrQWtiNW2R-IW45SR3LN34dV5TEghIkf9bhFNQCq_GJoT0UwxvZSmbY9az11OJaqCN=w302-h400" width="302" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fruit tree plantings still looking good. <br />A cloudy sky in August?!?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>The first I started in mid-June is the free phone app <a href="https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/">Lectico 365</a> for morning and evening prayers. The calm voice directing me to prayers and pauses soothes my spinning <span style="font-family: inherit;">mind in a wonderful bookend to my days. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">"<span face=""SF Pro Text", "SF Pro Icons", "Apple WebExp Icons Custom", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(29, 29, 31); color: white; letter-spacing: -0.065px;">Lectio 365 is a free daily devotional resource that helps you pray the Bible every day.</span></span></i></div><i><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(29, 29, 31); letter-spacing: -0.065px; margin-top: 0px;" /></span></i><p data-test-bidi="" dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(29, 29, 31); letter-spacing: -0.065px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">Tune into God’s presence and peace by slowing down, meditating on scripture, listening to God and praying for 10 minutes at the beginning and end of each day."</span></i></p><div><br /></div><div>Our Winning at Home counselor lent a new book to me two weeks ago. </div><div><br /></div><div>I found so much to think about and ponder as I strive toward embracing pain and suffering to stimulate life transformation, my relationship with my Lord, and growth. </div><div><br /></div><div><i><a href="https://www.ebay.com/itm/264609549227?epid=926085&hash=item3d9bf54bab:g:tM4AAOSwjhlgnMBr&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8AutDYzorCYMJWvv%2FIw%2BObF5B5JgHXXeYFr8gKPHx3EpssN1yi%2B%2BDEzf8%2FJzyGCmwccBTI7mORI8i3i%2BOaSbrfP4064GVTh7D3keOOYdB3UWV9T39vIFa4z%2BNMMDsNs90WgfCDBGjxBovNmj3asPdxnnYw4rgxidJKpSCjPAksm%2BEDa%2FpKh3ve2grItkWwybLZXGgxmc2Iz3UJqzBA441ozrZecduDPFWY4xrPaXltsy9eY2p%2Bi1n2Apu6nV6%2FUVNYTRr5LA%2F%2BNT%2BcMv12t%2BIfdAwHmDrnUIiTvMAP1BCfMwIpUyusNcSvBgqxjgRtodJg%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBMjPPgxsBi">How People Grow </a></i>written by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. </div><div><br /></div><div>I love how much scripture is included as they point folks to God and His plan for personal growth. </div><div><br /></div><div>While my book list remains long for my Sabbatical time I'm sure I'll be revisiting this one soon. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><p><br /></p><p> </p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125973422817544117.post-86972762279334972222023-08-17T12:47:00.000-04:002023-08-17T12:47:21.623-04:00August Post by Cory<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihvcPFqf6VWhn5J-NvCyi9l8XcLqM09iyblylesuq-kzBW93eaHAFUmOeA-YkmYW_YffPRxht63lMi7Ung1McNUAh0WUTjC-xIkUfieswfOfdWLolCfPfxozsw4reCxALVEE4mU4IgUCRamd8SFbIeHk9tRyIEui1glxV25_0rruJn20s3Kw7DSVqUFwPW" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="347" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihvcPFqf6VWhn5J-NvCyi9l8XcLqM09iyblylesuq-kzBW93eaHAFUmOeA-YkmYW_YffPRxht63lMi7Ung1McNUAh0WUTjC-xIkUfieswfOfdWLolCfPfxozsw4reCxALVEE4mU4IgUCRamd8SFbIeHk9tRyIEui1glxV25_0rruJn20s3Kw7DSVqUFwPW" width="182" /></a></div><p></p><p>Eli and Anna are finishing their interesting Europe travel this week.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1veUuGanSiBQf6z6SdB84c9Smt1Z_4Wfdhil8uWezCsd0MD8UloNnJUfPvv3f8kc7UjsdV4eG_z98J1hlIVCM-agtCddJCuFDKe9tHSOEIUm-RT1gC9pgdfJhfHW5XlobKGQyI_lCFwGlM5RTyvzvVTKkTdoYpTSHYieWLbmoHeO3VopczDQhKZMJcgjJ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2867" data-original-width="3240" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1veUuGanSiBQf6z6SdB84c9Smt1Z_4Wfdhil8uWezCsd0MD8UloNnJUfPvv3f8kc7UjsdV4eG_z98J1hlIVCM-agtCddJCuFDKe9tHSOEIUm-RT1gC9pgdfJhfHW5XlobKGQyI_lCFwGlM5RTyvzvVTKkTdoYpTSHYieWLbmoHeO3VopczDQhKZMJcgjJ" width="271" /></a></div>I made a fancy chocolate cake for Kris' birthday with a brownie base and cake top layer. <p></p><p>Not much new but we are helping Kris' parents more. It is hard for her dad to continue having his activities limited more and more.</p><p>Dealing with a new set of pestilence in a Michigan garden has been interesting. Repellents seem to work well for deer but not much for rabbits.</p><p>Grated Irish Spring soap, fragrant lotion, cayenne pepper powder and dirt sprinkled on the snap beans and sweet potatoes. Rabbits don't mind. Chicken wire fence around the plants finally worked.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_q35BnmoooZV_o9NGI7knKNspkQKU1VzHK-S807kqa_fh5_Zsg2EGaSf3T9wB4IKNzXF6koASaxO9BYP6Bq_FNqSfl8Jowkj-Uiddq2gz1ncwApqdFbgr2nvcCf_lXM-DdGEGPeUtveCREhRCGJjZf1aGI1xAfd32viEwwsQZfxJoFzCmbWU6cxOdODvo" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="942" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_q35BnmoooZV_o9NGI7knKNspkQKU1VzHK-S807kqa_fh5_Zsg2EGaSf3T9wB4IKNzXF6koASaxO9BYP6Bq_FNqSfl8Jowkj-Uiddq2gz1ncwApqdFbgr2nvcCf_lXM-DdGEGPeUtveCREhRCGJjZf1aGI1xAfd32viEwwsQZfxJoFzCmbWU6cxOdODvo" width="310" /></a></div><br />Racoons found the sweet corn patch in the field corn as soon as it started to ripen. <p></p><p>I have Ghost Pepper sauce from last year that is by far the hottest I have ever tried. The fumes are strong so I rarely eat it, partly out of consideration for the rest of my family.</p><p>The warning on the bottle isn't much of an exaggeration.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheCTeHE-pr6D3U71iLGh8dFdCpaICTrt3fac3E14zJKi0p5ANjkXa8qmDr8W42dM8hvDwXIns5hwhbHjfwGobGqUSd7a29XzJYnhBkKBmuTVYvoeaH7Dd1ih_glIc5q_Aq538OhAPN7y8tQGfYuJLbxQ4UbxukqAWUY0y7fVXxP2imLp14Gj-dTzpc8qfx" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3667" data-original-width="1836" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheCTeHE-pr6D3U71iLGh8dFdCpaICTrt3fac3E14zJKi0p5ANjkXa8qmDr8W42dM8hvDwXIns5hwhbHjfwGobGqUSd7a29XzJYnhBkKBmuTVYvoeaH7Dd1ih_glIc5q_Aq538OhAPN7y8tQGfYuJLbxQ4UbxukqAWUY0y7fVXxP2imLp14Gj-dTzpc8qfx=w200-h400" width="200" /></a></div><br />No more damage from racoons after applying a tiny amount on maturing corn ears. <p></p><p>I've used a total of about 4 drops to defend the corn, this bottle should be enough for me and the pests for a few years.</p><p>Picking potato beetles and squash vine borers has a bit of a learning curve but resulted in abundant yields.</p><p><br />In Haiti news, the kidnapped nurse and her daughter were released.</p><p>I continue to communicate with mission staff at LaGonave, Fauche, and Delice and Zambia.</p><p>LaGonave is crowded since many from the mainland have fled to LaGonave due to the gangs.</p><p>I was told today that a breadfruit (which used to be considered "poor mans food") is about 5 times more expensive now and sells for about $1.80.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiz3C7pTO9PW6bNs8_gdU0Ohc8jVy0MmuTBkgLlMi9ppatC-ISkgFOGd7Q2o34UVkGmWodj6q4shZRouZwwjLEpCEuxXWuqAFF7dQUaI238sJA2aUAI8aRhrAEKty24qg9uGqPuyNbGwDlvXUIZgByvB7B6wA7uDbnadDjyP6D1vtiz4rP7W5hdvrMmxLsT" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3935" data-original-width="2284" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiz3C7pTO9PW6bNs8_gdU0Ohc8jVy0MmuTBkgLlMi9ppatC-ISkgFOGd7Q2o34UVkGmWodj6q4shZRouZwwjLEpCEuxXWuqAFF7dQUaI238sJA2aUAI8aRhrAEKty24qg9uGqPuyNbGwDlvXUIZgByvB7B6wA7uDbnadDjyP6D1vtiz4rP7W5hdvrMmxLsT=w232-h400" width="232" /></a></div><p></p><p>Fauche/Port Margot are still dry. Church conferences continue but are smaller due to economic and travel difficulties.</p><p>Delice had some big rains. The bean crop was poor but corn should be maturing soon.</p><p>A new report says that 2/3 of Haiti is controlled by gangs:</p><blockquote style="border-left-style: none; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; margin: inherit; padding: inherit;" type="cite"><a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/prospect-kenyan-troops-haiti-sparked-122752696.html">https://www.yahoo.com/news/prospect-kenyan-troops-haiti-sparked-122752696.html</a></blockquote><p>Hurricane season is getting active, please pray for protection. </p><p>We are told our work permit for Zambia may be submitted within the next two weeks. </p><p>We should know the results about a week after it is submitted.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125973422817544117.post-61830830398111349592023-07-29T19:38:00.000-04:002023-07-29T19:38:28.058-04:00Blessed, and sad Haiti update at end<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQaEPjNmic1r45LjzlsltGszCw3UOK-tjCTxG7BwvBJgZcyI6PRmesrD9SxhDprfTxCrlKfPXdr7c_lBT7gaxHetPzeOTpQTKYWnvFoqbVzyJYErKRRxUBDC6RK7pwQ4JMlosViTi50E4DsZlsJ6pTeuctIXvdK1feKO5vQSd4_H-TRchib0uBsd5ouIC9/s542/pr.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="356" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQaEPjNmic1r45LjzlsltGszCw3UOK-tjCTxG7BwvBJgZcyI6PRmesrD9SxhDprfTxCrlKfPXdr7c_lBT7gaxHetPzeOTpQTKYWnvFoqbVzyJYErKRRxUBDC6RK7pwQ4JMlosViTi50E4DsZlsJ6pTeuctIXvdK1feKO5vQSd4_H-TRchib0uBsd5ouIC9/w263-h400/pr.png" width="263" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prague</td></tr></tbody></table> With transitions come reflections.</p><p>Fritz and I are reading Pastor David Jeremiah's book<i> Revealing the Mysteries of Heaven</i> as my dad gets closer to the end of his earthly life.</p><p>Reminds me that none of us know how much time we have left and we need to be intentional with today. </p><p>As children of God we have much to look forward to in the future. What a comfort when one believes and trusts.</p><p>My aunt visited the other day and they talked about church camp. She told how when Dad was 9 years or so he returned from church camp he asked her about her salvation. </p><p>His whole life he's served the Lord and wanted others to find salvation and put their trust and hope in his Savior. </p><p>I'm so very blessed to have this time with family.</p><p>Fritz is enjoying 4 days with Uncle Todd and Aunt Beth at "Uncle Camp".</p><p>All of us are enjoying seeing pictures and reports of Eli and Anna's trip around Europe. So very thankful they have this time together. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVrCT6GOUK0sVtAanRKo-paLRcZFE8Mj4TkmESSaRh0PlR_SnRr4MQSCFpuAWcgeSAXKEZfXiu1a8TpK0HNjMzXKz8oMG0a2dv88UX0NKl0tvlkL9Kd6iJnlLWQq17ljyaXqedfJAak4r2z2frZ-8V0nV3PrYBM5YtTX66gJKOyatM5JTKe9W49dkBT8U1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="1015" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVrCT6GOUK0sVtAanRKo-paLRcZFE8Mj4TkmESSaRh0PlR_SnRr4MQSCFpuAWcgeSAXKEZfXiu1a8TpK0HNjMzXKz8oMG0a2dv88UX0NKl0tvlkL9Kd6iJnlLWQq17ljyaXqedfJAak4r2z2frZ-8V0nV3PrYBM5YtTX66gJKOyatM5JTKe9W49dkBT8U1=w400-h301" width="400" /></a></div>Before Eli headed off to college the most they had ever been apart was only one night. <p></p><p>Just to be here in Michigan to help with little things means a lot: letting the dog out / in; making a favorite pie; pulling weeds; sharing food; answering a phone; pulling weeds, cleaning up or organizing, reporting on our different projects or what the kids are doing...and so much more. </p><p>My favorite times are praying together or just sitting around hanging out....not doing anything really special other than being together. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYffwY1KQjS7iou9750yCXku1NkOh2EV4gastIODd0e55GAxmXQXHzq30LkVGR4emp8XwY0sxmIT_aIntExGvpIK9W6jM1UqYbDVEyutjQMFu9l39IGq2X78-P6OejJAo9SkOtmGpIVGMMuly58mu-7yhoplJXYKcznXJHHna_xYRIbl_s3ycPCKF0YPDZ" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="1019" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYffwY1KQjS7iou9750yCXku1NkOh2EV4gastIODd0e55GAxmXQXHzq30LkVGR4emp8XwY0sxmIT_aIntExGvpIK9W6jM1UqYbDVEyutjQMFu9l39IGq2X78-P6OejJAo9SkOtmGpIVGMMuly58mu-7yhoplJXYKcznXJHHna_xYRIbl_s3ycPCKF0YPDZ=w400-h301" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>A hundred little memories to store up for days to come.</p><p>Remembering together a life time of stories: some new, some familiar, some worn and changed by retellings.</p><p>Snapshots of a life well lived handled carefully as precious items should be with care and intention.</p><p>A togetherness planned by God from the beginning of time when He decided we would be a family. </p><p>More blessings than we can consciously count or recognize. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOi36-rXgDvBOOeJE4-klEZz38GmTvl2H7ujlLYvtEw0A96Kzt5vJNsHaBibcjxsmN47o6hScmYQOE1dSO85cnChSEEjsdzQ6wLG9SRHLyaWQpxkzNz14cK__T5rq5OmtFO2DjTUh0D66ixkw-X9iMecVVHRy8ftfPJVpGxoWjQyh4GqU5zzEJXGdwTgv-/s534/aj.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="357" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOi36-rXgDvBOOeJE4-klEZz38GmTvl2H7ujlLYvtEw0A96Kzt5vJNsHaBibcjxsmN47o6hScmYQOE1dSO85cnChSEEjsdzQ6wLG9SRHLyaWQpxkzNz14cK__T5rq5OmtFO2DjTUh0D66ixkw-X9iMecVVHRy8ftfPJVpGxoWjQyh4GqU5zzEJXGdwTgv-/w268-h400/aj.png" width="268" /></a></div>So we name the blessings with gratitude that we do notice,<br /><br /> giving honor to the Lord.<p></p><p>Our amazing support team and friends always make the list. So thank you!</p><p> Haiti:</p><p>We hear kidnappings are increasing again in Haiti.</p><p> Also that 80% of Port au Prince is under gang control.</p><p>The US Embassy non-essential staff was ordered to leave on Thursday.</p><p>The news tonight reports an American school nurse and her child being kidnapped.</p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjC1MrBh7WAAxU6m2oFHW1ICr4QvOMEKAB6BAgQEAE&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2F2-americans-kidnapped-haiti-organization-says-rcna97087&usg=AOvVaw0XbNQ9sEPm2XpYQHE5JsV9&opi=89978449">2 Americans have been kidnapped in Haiti, organization says</a></p><p>We continue to earnestly pray for the Lord to extend mercy and grace to Haiti's people. Revival is so needed. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125973422817544117.post-54898722777207017912023-07-20T13:05:00.000-04:002023-07-20T13:05:26.539-04:00Post Greece<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgat-ZJlQBO6ZDnjvydsI-Z3zpgEgrdB7_ZJW1SCDS1qMa2cV6hO13CstHkiM1kUC5yuq1a5EJ-WCZ_zTy-g-JqBIf7e5aK4unYA3aL1ZBOlxTXVI8ViYy_h7DpBw8Hh_cwSw60UHfAN61MK8GGVdfjX9FH-dGVphc4jnkakAmvyggvT9b5l15KU69h1NRG/s3021/71094042169__D2C6B475-2D28-4ECD-B0EA-F4926CD33619.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2233" data-original-width="3021" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgat-ZJlQBO6ZDnjvydsI-Z3zpgEgrdB7_ZJW1SCDS1qMa2cV6hO13CstHkiM1kUC5yuq1a5EJ-WCZ_zTy-g-JqBIf7e5aK4unYA3aL1ZBOlxTXVI8ViYy_h7DpBw8Hh_cwSw60UHfAN61MK8GGVdfjX9FH-dGVphc4jnkakAmvyggvT9b5l15KU69h1NRG/s320/71094042169__D2C6B475-2D28-4ECD-B0EA-F4926CD33619.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Happy to report that our bags finally made it back to us after a nine day wait, including my working brass lamp from Corinth. Reminding me of The Light. </p><p>Last week's big project consisted of writing and preparing a long delayed Newsletter to go out both by email and snail mail. </p><p>If you did not receive the newsletter and would like to, please pass along your contact information.</p><p>We are trying to get as many folks as possible on email due to the costs of postage.</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihCpX6WWN1oGBNwinqoZxqhwCK4EgIGMmHz50bPCyaiz2pNhZes6j-OUTjNfYLMGrsrfXuciR7XObjry_oww7_wed_azVeAgDK6hELyh8539ssloh8cJpre-z8eTp1eQUf8kbTmzzcHwhskRMn5ueEwCvUcDfNHUvhIxMQCggXdgtHsiPsgm2oQ_Ae58K1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihCpX6WWN1oGBNwinqoZxqhwCK4EgIGMmHz50bPCyaiz2pNhZes6j-OUTjNfYLMGrsrfXuciR7XObjry_oww7_wed_azVeAgDK6hELyh8539ssloh8cJpre-z8eTp1eQUf8kbTmzzcHwhskRMn5ueEwCvUcDfNHUvhIxMQCggXdgtHsiPsgm2oQ_Ae58K1=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zucchini just doesn't produce in the tropics like in Michigan!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We continue to enjoy the fruits of the garden and a Michigan summer. <br /><p>Fresh snow peas, sugar peas, zucchini, raspberries [from Cory's mom's garden] all tasty results of previous work.</p><p>Eli joined the three of us for some blueberry picking as well.</p><p>The three guys attended the men's breakfast at church Saturday before Cory and Fritz helped cut, split, and stack wood with the men. Eli needed to head to his martial arts class.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhR3isyV7MTX5NuSpd6vFY74eCmudVydG04WW-fbZ1KNM3W_haYfjUkBvZj4-gv6sx_aZ6AeJKix18Ip-Ub2F6tXNFqzIocgxnVI6C40eV4wVKZ7QnXUM7ylW_DJ1Ttn0HlLP34TMkczjLUC4kLs1BvSWWdqnx6MzN2EHHVdi72kJqqveB2-n3ghBZY9zPq" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="855" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhR3isyV7MTX5NuSpd6vFY74eCmudVydG04WW-fbZ1KNM3W_haYfjUkBvZj4-gv6sx_aZ6AeJKix18Ip-Ub2F6tXNFqzIocgxnVI6C40eV4wVKZ7QnXUM7ylW_DJ1Ttn0HlLP34TMkczjLUC4kLs1BvSWWdqnx6MzN2EHHVdi72kJqqveB2-n3ghBZY9zPq=w400-h307" width="400" /></a></div><br />Fritz was also able to join a homeschool group this week for some soccer time! <p></p><p>Time with family continues to be a highlight of our USA time and an unexpected blessing: meeting our great niece for the first time and visiting with our niece and her husband; just hanging out or helping out.</p><p>Fritz is looking forward to some extended time with Uncle Todd and Aunt Beth next week.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAswSqikVU4-YY-KEsnfzrKFBADIAFBytZfyaFxfrna7iMhwN3TDQDjugyH_YdrcQs5XXS8w6Fcg9znLb1AGVKSgU-gVp_yfiP7w7KCG44mKdI87_YXlidB4CzGChvgIHJYyHu2m_KRjPby4AZiiPSwLUk0xpsVyaW2_FxwowsN4hAlq4jbwm1yXwTIQHl" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="394" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAswSqikVU4-YY-KEsnfzrKFBADIAFBytZfyaFxfrna7iMhwN3TDQDjugyH_YdrcQs5XXS8w6Fcg9znLb1AGVKSgU-gVp_yfiP7w7KCG44mKdI87_YXlidB4CzGChvgIHJYyHu2m_KRjPby4AZiiPSwLUk0xpsVyaW2_FxwowsN4hAlq4jbwm1yXwTIQHl=w335-h400" width="335" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;">We're also enjoying getting to know folks better, attending Bible study and small group, reconnecting with folks. At the same time we continue to feel sadness about not being able to travel to Haiti or attend graduation for the seniors at Jembo in Zambia. </span></div><p>Today we'll celebrate with Eli his last day of working for Sub-Assembly Plus. It was a good place for him to work the last 4 years, however he feels it is time for a change.</p><p>Saturday we will take him to the airport to fly to Amsterdam to join Anna for a few weeks of exploring Europe before she starts fall term in London.</p><p>Today is also her last day of work in Rwanda, completing her two month internship. </p><p>Time continues to march onward. A couple of days before Greece I read the term 'holy disruption' and then again while in Greece. I'm thinking that is a more positive way for me to think about this time than 'limbo land'. It puts the focus where it should be..on the Lord. </p><p> I read this week in Eugene Peterson's book <i>Run With The Horses.. </i> as he referred to the prophet Jeremiah "He feared getting what he wanted and missing what God wanted. It is still the only thing worthy of our fear."</p><p>I pray that I can continue to keep my eyes on the Lord. That I handle unexpected changes in my life with grace and peace knowing that God remains in charge and He knows what is best for me. Not just what but the timing as well. </p><p>Lord keep me in Your will. Don't let me get in the way of that by tightly, stubbornly hanging on to what I want or what I think is best. Help me to accept Your Way with a grateful heart. Praising You and giving You the glory and honor that You rightfully deserve. </p><p>Replace all my wrong fears with faith in You. Amen</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125973422817544117.post-8926449938552596482023-07-09T20:40:00.000-04:002023-07-09T20:40:12.934-04:00Greece: GP Summit<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivny_ctFHZLEz4Cx4_BiSDvLlSLP-_oOs1hkWxf7qvlU9uxgmQt6Mkiwtex3SOLauSrLJjzKxlrBea3isG4RJGtUzsuAWAarW-lMYqbj5UW2YzeuDKkndm7F8r6LfjRNmd3m6BQ2lkLW_wYC0HqY3HgP4R9tmuJ2ucXfUgagFDydBd5_9f6uR5l3SWs10x" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivny_ctFHZLEz4Cx4_BiSDvLlSLP-_oOs1hkWxf7qvlU9uxgmQt6Mkiwtex3SOLauSrLJjzKxlrBea3isG4RJGtUzsuAWAarW-lMYqbj5UW2YzeuDKkndm7F8r6LfjRNmd3m6BQ2lkLW_wYC0HqY3HgP4R9tmuJ2ucXfUgagFDydBd5_9f6uR5l3SWs10x=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div> Lots happened between posting as we traveled to Greece for a week of organizational meetings with the whole world-wide team.<p></p><p>Travel was challenging for many folks: the Lord put enough folks on our plane from Chicago to Toronto going to Athens that they waited for us. We were very grateful not arriving late to the GP Summit meeting. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdRXEu2KJDV5RjlFUoI5BC0UvxS95i4RS57_10MVpSH9bvw0VIhBhKzlKFDF8fu8mhVaFu3G6hY7GJ-ciKqw4hpVJy1yhd1w46lfjcVhhYmD7_7VS2zYAu3eEu5zIbFeeJZL31oemJQRk6XHsVYdWxUJUemk0PpRUSPNbU3VgOxNCRcOiVqK8Wb7Pe0_3j" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdRXEu2KJDV5RjlFUoI5BC0UvxS95i4RS57_10MVpSH9bvw0VIhBhKzlKFDF8fu8mhVaFu3G6hY7GJ-ciKqw4hpVJy1yhd1w46lfjcVhhYmD7_7VS2zYAu3eEu5zIbFeeJZL31oemJQRk6XHsVYdWxUJUemk0PpRUSPNbU3VgOxNCRcOiVqK8Wb7Pe0_3j=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div>The conference enabled us to connect with GP folks we've met before as well as new friends in the organization.<br /><br /><p></p><p>Mornings were speakers and smaller workshops; afternoons mainly free time other than another time together before a late supper at 7:30.</p><p>Thursday we had a few options for site seeing so we enjoyed a guided tour of Athens: the Parthenon and museum. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhb35Bncj_YbOPdJu4xiZXkRuqu4ay42TXL1NcbWVE7fQ6doy2KSeWAk3SOOoLHuWuquKiMcZKO3rHhslyleNhYOxPJcpXIKCZUrcrPvNDKuDUbJLPuvkxe-IIlM6_GoJYk_bwj_6amDEmcbpgVo64ks7iG213YDCGRiCvkp-1gBWJ_KDc4W4XQtu4uPzL8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhb35Bncj_YbOPdJu4xiZXkRuqu4ay42TXL1NcbWVE7fQ6doy2KSeWAk3SOOoLHuWuquKiMcZKO3rHhslyleNhYOxPJcpXIKCZUrcrPvNDKuDUbJLPuvkxe-IIlM6_GoJYk_bwj_6amDEmcbpgVo64ks7iG213YDCGRiCvkp-1gBWJ_KDc4W4XQtu4uPzL8=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div>Fritz hung out with the teens and enjoyed his own sessions with them. <br /><p></p><p>Originally thinking that we would be headed back to Zambia we'd added two days on to the Greece trip so we could return on Monday and complete paperwork and shopping in the capital before continuing to Jembo.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1eptgfpAm1EJZGyTjDb3VN1Wxf66agTSEJ6BE7fOofWD59Tolm653J6vMvXyIJB_9S98Zn_lCekzaU8yy82VadGCCItJCpM0YUYnKPS_eHPWfdJqWWaK1bdpKuhtfKZ8w2Db3vFi2kFl9egkirV7Q_0bDCCK14xIjf3sOxy2QfqDD7QH7NWM-G1bywwan" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1eptgfpAm1EJZGyTjDb3VN1Wxf66agTSEJ6BE7fOofWD59Tolm653J6vMvXyIJB_9S98Zn_lCekzaU8yy82VadGCCItJCpM0YUYnKPS_eHPWfdJqWWaK1bdpKuhtfKZ8w2Db3vFi2kFl9egkirV7Q_0bDCCK14xIjf3sOxy2QfqDD7QH7NWM-G1bywwan=w400-h265" width="400" /></a></div>So we spent Saturday in Athens visiting the Byzantine & Christian museum, followed by the War museum. On Sunday we drove to Corinth, visiting the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth that included the Temple of Apollo, remains from 6500-5750 BC; Lechaion Road, Basilica, and Bema seat where Paul was judged. <br /><p></p><p>After a great Greek lunch overlooking the site we had just spent a couple hours wandering around, we headed up the mountain to the Acrocorinth that the waiter recommended. Wonderful views, and lots of buildings to explore. However, we only had one hour before it closed.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrCy74_6Fgdg62SFAc58h0OS0DTVHfx5tNBWwoDzoroM3TziMxdSkgm2MdYj16L6sfRql9qpckcJxzqiA8ciPQp_c7JyOLFPhaFfRup4hOYetadCVrU1hYz_vRfw1v6WVLWLrzUurWgr9YL-rGvuUCeMM942l-sMXvcrzMujJrERtGK-TzZpUJ057zQ8NA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrCy74_6Fgdg62SFAc58h0OS0DTVHfx5tNBWwoDzoroM3TziMxdSkgm2MdYj16L6sfRql9qpckcJxzqiA8ciPQp_c7JyOLFPhaFfRup4hOYetadCVrU1hYz_vRfw1v6WVLWLrzUurWgr9YL-rGvuUCeMM942l-sMXvcrzMujJrERtGK-TzZpUJ057zQ8NA=w400-h265" width="400" /></a></div>A peek at the Corinth Canal on the return trip completed our day before heading back to Michigan.<p></p><p>Our return trip was complicated. Although there was a missions team coming from Athens to our connecting flight, none of us cleared customs/Immigration in time. Sadly this meant that we were not able to celebrate the 4th with family in the USA. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxES3J4O2fg8QOpBWK8DUAOW834w9DXcmcsazCN2V2_5psaAXg4ZAOlGktnxPQwE0ZLOBKRhW5P8vDMCUVv51WDy_swpYB3szFwu5GDDWY9CVS4FrC_ajioIT5YKcObmmDap48Cn2vdD4ng6Tl6ZF7ykkSR6_vPjn34k9KTVQHRGajD8XhbQJqnyQ7v72P" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxES3J4O2fg8QOpBWK8DUAOW834w9DXcmcsazCN2V2_5psaAXg4ZAOlGktnxPQwE0ZLOBKRhW5P8vDMCUVv51WDy_swpYB3szFwu5GDDWY9CVS4FrC_ajioIT5YKcObmmDap48Cn2vdD4ng6Tl6ZF7ykkSR6_vPjn34k9KTVQHRGajD8XhbQJqnyQ7v72P=w400-h265" width="400" /></a></div><p> Fritz did earn a new country patch when we overnighted in Montreal [remaining in an airport does not earn a patch from Mom and Dad]. Almost overnighted in Toronto the next night but thankfully were able to get on a flight to Detroit where we rented a car.</p><p></p><p>While we were thankful to be back in Michigan we continue to wait for 2 bags to catch up.</p><p>We are finally adjusting to the time change again. Will post more soon and plan to send out a newsletter update as well. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0