tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55429189434232083952024-03-13T15:21:55.238-07:00MCNEAL'S MOMENTS AND MEMOSUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542918943423208395.post-30552290010093652982015-04-17T02:30:00.000-07:002015-04-17T02:30:50.060-07:00THE GLAMOUR OF FLYING<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white;">Once again we find ourselves almost ready to leave for the airport.</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b>There was a time when I would stare at the jet trails in the sky, and wish it was me. Now, well, its a different story. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b>We are in the planes making the jet trails. Not as frequently as some, but more than I want. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b>There is just no other way to travel the world in a hurry. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b>So we book tickets. The agent makes mistakes and then says it is up to us to check closer. We pay the extra money her mistake cost us. What can we do , this is a developing country and sometimes the PR is lacking. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b>We find out how much luggage we are allowed. Of course it has changed, from 3 at 70lbs, to 3 at 50 lbs, to 2 at 50lbs. So we put away the oversize luggage, and buy totes. They weigh the least. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b>Then we pack, re-pack, and okay, re-pack again. The breakable gifts have to be wrapped in clothing, the tea and coffee wrapped in plastic, and the pile of "Well, guess I really don't need that " gets higher. Meanwhile, all this last minute flurry is in a cramped guest house room. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b>We realize a few things got left behind, a full days drive away. it will just have to stay there. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b>The sweat pours off , we stand on a bathroom scale holding a suitcase, while one of us peers under the case to see if we are on target. The hand held scale broke last time we used it. Eventually, with a little shifting, we are more or less on target. We pray the agent will be merciful regarding a few pounds. We say, "Okay, next time we are not taking stuff." yeah right. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b>We stay up late , as you can't book your seat until 24 hours before you fly. So a late night flight means a late night seat booking, when what you really need is an early night's sleep! </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b>So, heading into an 8 hour flight, and a 12 hour layover, then a 9 hour flight, you hang around the guest house, napping? restless? rechecking that you have your passports, and ticket? wondering if you put in your pyjamas or left them with the sheets that went to the laundry. The day passes very slowly. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b>Finally, its time to leave for the airport. A wild ride in a van through heavy traffic, three hours to wait to board, ( a requirement for international flights) and you are up, up and away! </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white;">Making jet trails in the sky! </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white;">Down below, a small child looks up, saying: </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white;">" I wish it was me! "</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b>Have a glamorous flight, wont'cha! </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white;">PJ McNeal </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542918943423208395.post-10994991423610658432015-02-14T10:37:00.000-08:002015-02-14T10:37:03.326-08:00A LONG FUNERAL <div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>Welcome to a
Funeral! <o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
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We are at a
funeral . We arrived and were immediately, after hugging the widowed pastor,
invited to wash our hands and eat rice and stewed beef. That done, we proceeded
out of the newly constructed house to the compound. In Kuria, a body cannot be
buried on a plot of land. There must be a house, and the deceased must “sleep”
there at least one night. The pastor had been living elsewhere, so this week
before the funeral of his wife, he quickly constructed a house. Poles and mud
with a mabati roof and a choo. (toilet) went up in a few days. He is a well
loved pastor, one of our alumni, and his sweet wife and himself were in a
motorcycle accident. She suffered a broken leg, and was doing well, then 17
days later just suddenly died. Very tragic. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
We are now
seated in a huge sweet potato field. It surrounds the house. It is very hilly,
so we sit very carefully in plastic chairs that are not meant for dirt. We are
slightly uphill in front, and slightly downhill to the side. We just hope they
don’t flip or fold! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
We are downwind
from the coffin. It’s been out of the
morgue since yesterday morning so that it could “sleep “ here one night. The temperature
has been 30+ C or 90F. However, someone
sits by the coffin to help with those who want to view the body, and also to
spray room spray as needed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
The program
gives a long list of who will speak, so we are going to be here awhile.
Endurance of long events is a requirement of missionary life. We sit. Of course
it’s mostly in Kuria, sometimes with translation into Swahili. We miss most of
what is said. We get the “gist” as our friend who came with us gives us an
update now and then. We are under an
awning which is nice.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
The place is
packed! All the open space outside the awning, and in the center in front of us,
is filling up. People stand, and sit. It is amazing how long people can sit on
the ground with their legs straight out in front of them! Children climb any
available tree. People of all ages attend, dressed in their best. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
One man comes in
leading a group of other men. They proceeded right to the coffin, pray, and
salute. They march over to the “honor” seating, a lime green couch. Bob
wondered if the man was as important as he thought he was. Turns out we know
him! He is a polygamist who recently chased his second wife away for not having
children. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
The grave has
been dug close by, the dirt and rocks are
beside it. Several small children play in the dirt. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
The grave is
very deep, the first 5 feet or so lined with brick, and then the bottom 5 feet
lined with white tile. This is a new, modern grave. But there are no frills,
like fake green “grass” carpeting, it’s all dirt and rocks around at the top.
It is situated by the house. On the way to the toilet. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
There are such
changes! In the old days, we always had soda. Warm soda. Now, bottled water has
arrived in Kenya so we are handed that throughout the long day. We really
appreciate it as neither of us are soda drinkers anymore. By this time, we have
been sitting for 2 ½ hours! 4 of the 12 categories of speakers have finished.
Then the burial will take place.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
There are 2
video cameras going, so they have anyone who speaks stand in the middle, in
front of the coffin, which resides on a coffee table, in the bright sun, so as
to get good video! The heat bothers no one, and some ramble on and on. And on.
It is Kenya, after all, and the sun always shines! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
We are told some
of the tributes: the father in law of the deceased said she was the best wife,
and if all women could be like her, the world would be a better place. She had
been married at the age of 14, as soon as she finished grade 8. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
Woahhhhhh……my
chair just succumbed to the terrain and began to tip! I sensed it was going,
and leaped up, so as not to somersault into the people behind me. Everyone
around said sorry as Bob helped reestablish
my chair. I will now perch very precariously , we only have about 4 more hours
to go. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
The choirs here
mostly don’t sing. They record cd’s, play them and lip sinc and do all manner
of gyrations and motions, not necessarily having anything to do with the words
of the song. To make up for poor recordings, they turn up the volume! We were
glad there were only two choirs for the event. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
After the wide
assortment of relatives speak, the friends and church people have their time.
All saying mostly what they were able to do for the deceased. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
However, a
really good thing that happened, the family of the deceased spoke. There were 5
children, older, and two of the sons gave glowing tribute not only to their mom
but to God. Seems their parents have raised them well and they are living a
good life. The pastor also gave a great tribute to his wife. One of the
relatives had said that the pastor was “ Now young again, so our clan has
another wife for you!” The pastor said he is not young, and will seek God’s
will for his life, not rushing to remarry! The tribute of the family was in
three languages, so we got to hear most of what was said. It is not often that
a whole family will speak. Sometimes really bad things are said, which was new
to us when we first came. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
A dog wanders
into the center, seeking shade. The table where the coffin rests provides a shady
spot, but the dog is soon chased away. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
The day gets
hotter. Umbrellas spring up everywhere, as some succumb to sleep. According to our friend who gives the updates,
he says nothing! Now and then a cell
phone rings. Finally, the speaker of the day delivers a very loud but powerful
sermon. There is a time of prayer for the family. An offering is taken, and
then they begin to introduce the politicians. There are about 6 of them!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: justify;">
At this time, having been here 7 hours, we
feel we can leave. The body will be buried before dark, but we have been
defeated by the heat and precarious seating. We go home. <o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542918943423208395.post-90733692375481015472014-05-25T04:24:00.000-07:002014-05-25T04:24:18.748-07:00HIGH ON THE HILL<span style="font-size: large;">Here we are, high on a hill in Uganda, just outside of Kampala, towards Entebbe. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It is amazing what being up a few floors does for your outlook!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TXOHEjzpwKI/U24N71A2B5I/AAAAAAAAK8A/PBOVK1dlv6E/s1600/IMG_2037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TXOHEjzpwKI/U24N71A2B5I/AAAAAAAAK8A/PBOVK1dlv6E/s1600/IMG_2037.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We love that we can look down to the busy road, then up to the hillside across from us. It is covered in red roofed houses, and at night, a great display of lights. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The house we are in was recently painted, and looks beautiful! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There are lots of stairs, as you can see, and they help keep us in shape! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tzcGOjdV24Y/U24RIP_cnEI/AAAAAAAALBs/Q2fPljvUgrI/s1600/IMG_1991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tzcGOjdV24Y/U24RIP_cnEI/AAAAAAAALBs/Q2fPljvUgrI/s1600/IMG_1991.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bjFJkqUVzDc/U24QwTXwuEI/AAAAAAAALBA/DU_HTBHsN2c/s1600/IMG_2125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bjFJkqUVzDc/U24QwTXwuEI/AAAAAAAALBA/DU_HTBHsN2c/s1600/IMG_2125.JPG" height="223" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the very best things here, as far as view is concerned, is the sun coming up every morning over the hillside! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tnywm9DdW1Y/U24RpjUHiSI/AAAAAAAALCY/LlFcSSx69wc/s1600/IMG_2290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tnywm9DdW1Y/U24RpjUHiSI/AAAAAAAALCY/LlFcSSx69wc/s1600/IMG_2290.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We hope you have a good view, no matter where you are, of what really counts in life! We can get so narrow minded and near sighted, we need to rise above our troubles look up! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Truly, out Redemption draws near, as surely as every morning there will be a sunrise, whether we see it or not! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's hoping you have an uplifted view! </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542918943423208395.post-23856366744885370082013-03-19T01:52:00.000-07:002013-03-19T01:52:53.731-07:00A MCNEAL MOMENT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1EiSEpLOv4/UUd0XzCxCYI/AAAAAAAAC7k/XF4pcy56C4Q/s1600/IMG_4486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1EiSEpLOv4/UUd0XzCxCYI/AAAAAAAAC7k/XF4pcy56C4Q/s320/IMG_4486.JPG" width="229" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Sometimes life just puts you be where you don't want to be, doing what you don't want to be doing. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">In a church where we were teaching, this wee one was dragged in by a sister and plunked on the bench. She was not impressed. In fact, she later escaped out the back. The joy of a church with no walls or doors! Her garment was an artfully tied colorful cloth. When she stood, it came to her ankles. (When she showed up the next day, she was minus the garment! ) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">I think of situations where I felt constrained! Such as a very very long day at a funeral. To save time,we asked that there be no interpretation, so we had 6 hours of a language we don't know, and it wasn't Swahili! My clothes became irritating, the chair was bothersome, the day got hot. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Like this little girl, my face soon registered my discomfort. However, adulthood constrains us! Walls constrain us! Events constrain us!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">In it all, I am learning to find a focus outside myself, and dwell on that. In the cases of being "trapped in a crowd" I focus on the faces. It is my guess that I am not the only uncomfortable one! I wonder about how their life is, and what is happening in it! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">I focus on when it will be over. I imagine getting home to ice water in a glass, cool clothes on my back, my own beat up but comfortable chair, and oops, there I am , focusing back on me! </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Children are self absorbed, and that is not where I want to spend my days. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">It is so easy to spend my days thinking of me and my needs. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">I really need to start the day and end the day with prayers and deeds that bless those around me. Even in funerals, or functions, I can focus on praying for those around me. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Unless of course, I am given the option of shedding all, and escaping out the back! </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">O Lord, let my life be a lot less thinking of me, and whole lot more focused on You! </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542918943423208395.post-41807336134392584312012-12-10T07:26:00.000-08:002012-12-10T07:26:26.103-08:00HINDRANCES ALONG THE WAY<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>THINGS THAT HINDER OUR PROGRESS DOWN THE ROAD OF LIFE!</b></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lDTuFKxrBwc/UMX6aR9NP9I/AAAAAAAAC6o/N8QvcIHyTPE/s1600/IMG_9353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lDTuFKxrBwc/UMX6aR9NP9I/AAAAAAAAC6o/N8QvcIHyTPE/s320/IMG_9353.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: blue;">YOU GET THE FEELING YOU NEED TO TRY ANOTHER DIRECTION</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">....... A SLOWER PACE</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>SOMETIMES YOU NEED TO CONSULT WITH OTHERS1 </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>SOMETIMES, FORWARD PROGRESS IS BLOCKED BY THE STRANGEST THINGS.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>AND SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO WAIT IT OUT, </b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Hope your progress forward is greater than any hindrances that come along to slow you down! </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">On your journey to Heaven, we hope you can laugh at the things that get in your way, so the journey, no matter how long or slow, is just a whole lot of JOY in the process! </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Big hugs to all, Paulette and Bob</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542918943423208395.post-17483849826330296372012-09-03T08:18:00.003-07:002012-09-03T08:26:35.957-07:00MEMORIES AND REFLECTIONS<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hello!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have been travelling! Uganda, Kenya,Canada, U.S.A. !</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As we go through the days, weeks, and months, we are busy, but never too busy to stop and reflect on all the wonderful things God has given us to enjoy.......</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Like family ! As our children have grown , got their educations, jobs, families, we are blessed at how well they manage their lives! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We feel like, yes, after all, we did make the right choices in how we raised them! In spite of our shortcomings,they are doing fine!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As we have had a time of sorting out old photos, the memories are overwhelming! Holidays, birthdays, major event days at school!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">At one time, I had all these photos in very organized albums, then into a box, without the albums, and now, onto my computer: but always, always, in our hearts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Going through them all, a lifetime passed before my eyes. It went so fast, the days ,the months, the years! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now it is the grandchildren speeding by! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some learning to walk, to read ! Some in university! ! Plans for future careers! We are thankful for any days we have together, and don't regret the events we have missed, we are just enjoying the moments to the full! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The secret to not being over whelmed by nostalgia: enjoy the moment, the day, the year! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is a skill we learned early, and have it fine-tuned! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So as I write this, our oldest son and his wife are cleaning living room windows, I listen to their conversation, and enjoy the pragmatic moment! The vacuum cleaner hums, the moment is homey! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love it, and will tuck it away, for when we are far away, Canada, Kenya, Uganda!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We pack the memories very carefully into our hearts! They don't crease if you fold them right! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Living the moments makes the following statement soooo true:</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">ANYWHERE YOU HANG YOUR HANG YOUR HAT IS HOME!</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">HAVE A MEMORABLE MOMENT, DAY, WEEK, YEAR, </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">HUGS AND BLESSINGS FROM US, </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> Bob and Paulette</span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542918943423208395.post-7101849670117968112012-07-04T07:09:00.002-07:002012-07-06T08:16:09.522-07:00GOOD BYE HELLO!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><u>THIS IS ALL ABOUT SAYING HELLO AND GOODBYE!</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">The missionary heartbreak is so many good friends and co-workers in so many places! <b>We have to say good bye soooooo often! </b></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">This is a little mini album of the friends we had to say good bye to! Just a few of those who work in the fields of people God loves. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">I have literally thousands of photos of our other friends, the national Kenyans, Ugandans, and Tanzanians who are the fruit of the ministries of those who choose to "GO!" </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">But this note today is just about the ones we labor together with, who have given up home country , families, and cultural comforts to work somewhere else, because Bob and I are so thankful to them all. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">These are just a few of the friends who have prayed us through hard times,(stolen vehicles,compuers, and funds, ) rejoiced with us over victories, (3 heart attacks and cancer) and laughed uproariously along with us as we make blunders and mis-communications. </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">We commiserate over things we could have done better, times we could have tried harder, and times when we feel like we are getting nowhere! </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">These are some of our family of the field! </span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">We see each other sporadically, Kyle and Laura work in northern Uganda, Dennis and Darlene work in Uganda and Canada, Phil and Starlene work in Kenya,(Nairobi to Garissa to Orma) , Donnie and Hughena work in Kenya (Lake Victoria) and Canada, and the McNeals? Well, you know about us, a little Tanzania, a bit more Uganda, and mostly Kenya. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">We are thankful God has given us co labourers, and such dear ones! We help each other with natural stuff, like meals together, shared homes, airport carting and hauling, running errands, and so much more. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">So, for anyone taking the time to look at this page, just know that we really need one another out here. And the good byes are never easy, even though the hellos! to our families in Canada and the States are awesome, we also have to say good bye to them. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>GOODBYE, HELLO! </b> this is the echo in our hearts, and it never gets easier, but it is little enough to pay for the awesome privilege of sharing God's message to a hurting world! </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Come out sometime, and see the needs, they are vast and varied! </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Who knows, you too might be called into the world of</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"> Goodbye! -Hello!</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Love and Blessings, Paulette and Bob</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542918943423208395.post-47285676682065344722012-06-05T03:50:00.000-07:002012-06-05T03:50:03.310-07:00<br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>MONDAY JUNE 4TH 2012 </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">There is such a difference between sounds we love, and sounds we deem as noise! </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">"....the reason dogs hesitate to go out into the rain</span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> is not because they are afraid to get wet, </span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">but because rain amplifies sounds, and their hearing is so </span></b></span><b style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">sensitive it can be too intense for them." </span></b><br />
<b style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">a post from PINTEREST</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">When I read this the other day, I really began to think about it. </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">We are here on a hillside in Uganda and one thing that we have noticed: NOISE! INTENSE NOISE! </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: red;">+++</span><span style="color: blue;">Dogs barking at night, sometimes all night! </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">+++</span><span style="color: blue;">A local kiosk that has set itself up as an outdoor radio station, broadcasting so loudly we can hear every word ,every song, including the good morning and goodnight playing of the Bugandan National </span></b></span><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: blue;">Anthem!</span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;">+++</span><span style="color: blue;">Many churches that feel the need to crank their amps up to ROAR! </span></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;">+++ </span><span style="color: blue;">The Muslim Man doing his amplified prayer call</span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;">+++ </span><span style="color: blue;">The sirens on the road that accompany anyone important going to and from the airport!</span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: purple;">But then, in all of that, (which often occurs all at the same time) </span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: purple;"> there comes a moment in the early morning,</span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: purple;"> just before sunrise, </span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: purple;">the whole world becomes hushed, </span></b><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: purple;"> </span></b><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: purple;">silent,</span></b><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: purple;">still:</span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: purple;">Then the birds begin their early morning song of praise that another day is almost here, </span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: purple;">and as the sun comes up,</span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: purple;"> they sing to bless the day! </span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: blue;">I realize why the Word of God tells us, Peace, BE STILL! </span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: blue;">Be Still and KNOW that I am God! </span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We have to go out into the intensity of the noise of the world, not just man made noise, but the noise of all the wars and chaos and strife and sadness around us, the unhappy, un-peaceful world.</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The noise of mind and emotions that swirl around, out there! </span></span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: blue;">If we just take a little time of stillness,</span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: blue;"> a little praising of God, we are fortified.</span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: blue;">Like the dog pausing in the doorway, </span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: blue;">or the stillness of time before the birds sing to the sunrise, </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We can then step into our day with </span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b><br />"Peace of mind and peace of heart,<br />Like a gift of God. " John 14:27</b></span><br /><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: blue;">We can learn to carry "the sound of silence", that is: the stillness of peace, in the world of noise around us. </span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Trusting you will all find some stillness in the noise of your life today, </span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Blessings to all, Paulette and Bob</span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b><br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542918943423208395.post-72516691207518711922012-04-09T07:52:00.000-07:002012-04-09T07:52:49.512-07:00PRECIOUS PEOPLE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rgHiYqthbUE/T4Lz23F4pWI/AAAAAAAAC0g/SWK5pO8SXX0/s1600/IMG_8799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rgHiYqthbUE/T4Lz23F4pWI/AAAAAAAAC0g/SWK5pO8SXX0/s320/IMG_8799.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Gladys Chacha , my dearest friend! She has worked with us since 1988, her son used to slash grass after school and now works for the U.N. Peacekeepers. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">We always tease her about being a queen, she looks me sqare in the eye and says "I am."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Gladys speaks five languages well, and is a gifted interpreter, it's not just the words, you have to interpret the heart. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Gladys can do that. Although she no longer comes to work in the house, she has taken on the guardianship of two orphan girls. We rescued them from an abusive situation, and Gladys offered to take them. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">She now lives at home and cares for "our" girls. The change in the girls is amazing. They were in despair, downcast, and hopeless. They had never known love. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Now, they are happy, cheerful, helpful, and hopeful! Gladys showered them with love and prayer. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">I just wanted to put this little tribute to Gladys on paper, or cyberspace, to acknowledge that if I came to Africa for no other reason than for Gladys to take me into her heart and make me her friend, then it was a good thing to come. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">She loves Bob and treats him like a king. She is a totally awesome lady, I am so glad to be her friend. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b>I am going to post more stories of the "people in our neighbourhood' just to give you a little taste of the good, funny, and sad folks out here! </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Have a good day, and may a good friend grace your life too! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Paulette and Bob</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542918943423208395.post-3005882887883675252012-01-17T01:37:00.000-08:002012-01-17T06:01:12.717-08:00WILD NEW YEAR'S EVE!<table class="posts" id="posts" style="background-color: #f5ede3; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; width: 1160px;"><tbody>
<tr class=" selected"><td class="title" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: pointer; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 4px; vertical-align: top; width: 787px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwbikiziD6M/TxU4XElYiOI/AAAAAAAACNo/CAY66wliB5w/s1600/IMG_8141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwbikiziD6M/TxU4XElYiOI/AAAAAAAACNo/CAY66wliB5w/s200/IMG_8141.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jc-b_VHs2W8/TxU4c3qYspI/AAAAAAAACNw/kMDjBfd_VyA/s1600/IMG_8143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jc-b_VHs2W8/TxU4c3qYspI/AAAAAAAACNw/kMDjBfd_VyA/s200/IMG_8143.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tP2wvNu7030/TxU4jCKQ8sI/AAAAAAAACN4/GFpj572yzMc/s1600/IMG_8152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tP2wvNu7030/TxU4jCKQ8sI/AAAAAAAACN4/GFpj572yzMc/s320/IMG_8152.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="postContents" style="margin-left: 23px;"><div class="entirePost" style="display: inline;"><u><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></u></div></div><div class="postContents" style="margin-left: 23px; text-align: center;"><div class="entirePost" style="display: inline;"><div style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></u></div></div></div><div class="postContents" style="margin-left: 23px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; text-decoration: underline;">"WILDEST NEW YEAR'S EVER" </span></div></div><div class="entirePost" style="display: inline;"><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b></b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bob's word for the year- "GetGod's word off the shelf, in 2012!"</span></b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><b><span style="font-size: large;"> so we expect to do a lot of teaching! </span></b></b></div></div><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div></b><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year to one and all. We had such an adventure! </span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <b> </b></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Okay, here it is, a crazy story! Don, Hughena, Sheri, Bob, and I went into the Masai Mara. Sheri is only here a few weeks and you CAN'T come to Kenya and not see a game reserve. They came from the lake and stayed over and we left at 6 am. We were able to get across the first bridge which has been under water for some months, but is now bare. <b>We had checked on this detail a few days earlier.</b></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">. </span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">After about 2 1/2 hours of rough road, as in deep mud holes, huge boulders, and overflowing bridges, the under part of the car was making a noise,so we stopped, and Bob got under and fixed a bent bracket. </span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">However, another noise erupted, and it didnt sound good. Hmmmm. We called our mechanic in Kehancha, thank God for cell phones, and he got a motor bike taxi and came in. This took about 2 hours, and we just sat at the side of the road. </span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>We were joined by all sorts of people, as we were "the only show in town! " </b></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Kids, youths, adults, all stopped to greet. Two girls tried to sell us some plain old rocks they insisted were gold!</b></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">They are all Masai people, and my Swahili is not the best, but we conversed as some spoke English. One man went to his home to find a hammer for the mechanic and another man full Masai traditional dress of red plaid blankets and earrings and stick, decided he was our protector.</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> He said he was the "Peace Co Ordinator, and not a child. " He chased anyone that came too close, tried to buy milk for all of us from a passing lady, and then shook my hand, and kissed it! I had a fit, and he just laughed.He informed us he had to leave, that we would be safe, and pointing to a bush, said "there is your toilet!"He left on a motor bike taxi, his blanket flying in the wind. </span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: red;">Another man came along who proceeded to tell us he will be the next General Commander of Kenya. Anyway, we were highly entertained as our mechanic pulled out all the bearings and re-greased them. The sun got hottter and hotter!</span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">we gave some bracelets and New Testaments to some girls, and by 4:00 we were on our way!</span> </span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Oh, Oh!</b> The road got<b> worse</b>, the </span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">mud got deeper, we all had to get out and walk, up to our ankles in mud!</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Some wonderful motor bike taxi fellows led the way, showing Bob where to get off the road and go through the grasslandand how to navigate small bridges that were underwater,and where the deepest mud holes were. </span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: blue;">One young man finally got in with us, and as we squeezed into a tight ball to let him in, he cheerily announced, " This is Africa!"</span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"> " because they really do crowd in hicles.</span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"> He guided us the last of the way, which was many diversions from diversions! </span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">We got to the Gate of the Reserve with 5 minutes to spare before it closed, and to the hotel by 7:30. Because of the wonderful cell phones, we had been in touch with the hotel. They had informed us that "No one is using that way this year</span></b><span style="color: red;"> <b>because of the heavy rains! </b></span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>DAY TWO </b></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">After a great dinner, showers, good sleep , and grand breakfast, we were ready for the great animal adventure.</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Within 5 minutes from the hotel, a very large, blackmaned male lion started a slow walk in front of the car, and then his three wives followed, stopping to drink from a puddle right beside us! It was so thrilling, we never tire of seeing them! </span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ofYLesIR00/TxU9wf-dvhI/AAAAAAAACOA/TaI6kD-p7uE/s1600/IMG_7884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ofYLesIR00/TxU9wf-dvhI/AAAAAAAACOA/TaI6kD-p7uE/s320/IMG_7884.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Then shortly after that, we saw a huge rhino! elephants! hyenas! buffalo! topi! gazelles! giraffe! The time just flew! </span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: red;">Back to the hotel for lunch, and t</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">he PR lady told us that we could go home another way! On a good road! We were ecstatic! We had lunch, and set out on the new route by 4:00. </span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Well, 85 km and 4(yes, 4!!) hours later, we were at a town called Kilgoris. It was pitch black, and we still had a long way to go.</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> It got later, and darker. There were people now and then, a few rabbits and huge rats on the road, but mostly, just darkness</span><span style="font-size: large;">, and thick brush right up to the edges of the road!</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Midnight saw us driving into 2012! </u></b></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">That is a first! We had done a lot of praying, and a lot of hymn singing, as we were really in a pickle. We found out that the road to the town we had to get to in order to reach the highway had disintigated !</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> No one could get through! We had to turn back, and got sidetracked down a road, into a mud bog, and then were faced with a large pond! No one remembered seeing it, so we had to turn back. At this point, we stopped completely and had a major prayer event!</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">At this point we got out of the car in the pitch dark to assess how Bob could turn around. We were bedazzled with an amazing sight: the Milky Way, The Southern Cross, and billions of stars were shining down on us! Just the most wonderful sight! Spectacular New Year's Light Show, just for us, lost deep in the African bush! </span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">There was nothing to do but try to navigate the mud bog again, and we got through!!!!</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Bob is the most amazing driver!</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We know angels got behind us and pushed. </span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Shortly, we were back on the road to Kilgoris, again, got there at 3 in the morning! We parked and sort of dozed, sitting up, until 5, then got gas, and found out we could go another way. hmmmmm ????</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <b><span style="color: red;">it turned out to be an amazing paved road to Kisii, and so we got home by 8;30 am! What an adventure! We weren't robbed, attacked, or hijacked! God truly kept us safe, and it will live on in our memories as the wildest New Year's Ever. </span></b></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;"><br />
</span></b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b>HAVE AND AMAZING NEW YEAR, WONTCHA!</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: red;">AND DON'T FORGET WHEN YOU'RE STUCK IN A MUD BOG, IN UTTER DARKNESS, </span></b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: red;">LOOK UP CAUSE THE</span></b></span><b style="font-size: xx-large;"><span style="color: red;">STARS ARE SHINING BRIGHTER THAN EVER!</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b></span></div></div></div></div></td><td class="type" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div></td><td class="type" style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0.5em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></td><td class="comments" style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"></td><td class="date" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 1em; padding-top: 4px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">12:06:00 AM</span></div></td><td class="author" nowrap="" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #777777; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 1em; padding-top: 4px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap; width: 11em;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">by PJMCNeal</span></div></td><td class="link" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 4px; vertical-align: top;"><div class="deleteLink" style="padding-right: 5px; text-align: justify; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="link" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-delete.g?blogID=5542918943423208395&postID=5457507301621421842" style="color: #3366cc; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Delete</span></a></div></div></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542918943423208395.post-17784736670456173412011-09-06T00:12:00.000-07:002011-09-06T00:12:34.869-07:00OUR LATEST NEWSLETTER<div class="ii gt" id=":44"><div id=":45"><span style="color: #000099;"><b><u><span style="font-size: medium;">MCNEAL'S FEELING GOOD MEMO </span></u></b></span><span style="color: #000099;"><b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></u></b></span><div><span style="color: #000099;"><b><u><br />
</u></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #000099;"><b><u>September 2011</u></b></span></div><div><u><b></b></u><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><div><span style="color: #000099; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="color: #000099;"> </span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Greetings to one and all! We are just so glad for all that is happening here. We had a wonderful time in Mwanza,Tz. We had good meetings, and good fellowship. Our graduates working there are doing really well. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">We were able to share God's Word in many meetings, with people wanting prayer afterwards. On Sunday, we started off in the Lutheran Church at 7am, and yes, everyone was there! Then we were in a Pentecostal church by 10:30,and finished the day with a 4pm-7pm meeting in a prayer chapel. It was just wonderful! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Our dear friends, Deborah and Jacob Maiseli, whom we stayed with, had a party on Monday to say goodbye! What wonderful people. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">One pastor said he has looked at the lives of all our students working there, and decided that he wants his life and ministry to be like theirs! So he is making preparations to come to bible college. Isn't that what we are told in scripture, "<span style="color: #009900;"><b><u>follow me as I follow Christ! </u></b></span>" We are so happy that Nick, Rubai, Deborah, Isaac, and Albert are such amazing witnesses for the Lord, and for the effect the Bible college had on them! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">Just had to share this photo! It says it all! </span></div><div><br />
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<div><img alt="IMG_6247.JPG" height="150" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=61b803ebe5&view=att&th=13232912f95ebde3&attid=0.1&disp=emb&realattid=ii_1322fae85d9fa60d&zw" title="IMG_6247.JPG" width="200" /><br />
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</div><div> <span style="color: #6600cc; font-size: medium;">Gladys welcoming Veronica home at the end of term! Veronica is deaf and she and her sister Susan are now in Gladys' care. They are a perfect match! Veronica is deaf, but doing well now that she is loved and cared for! </span></div><div><span style="color: #6600cc; font-size: medium;">We rescued these girls a few years ago from an abusive situation. they were abandoned by their mother. We sponsor them, and Gladys cares for them! </span></div><div><span style="color: #6600cc; font-size: medium;">This past week, we got all the forms filled out in order to get them birth certificates! This is necessary in order for them to write exams in school! by the grace of God, every government official was in his office, and every form got signed! Praise God, these girls will be official! </span></div><div><span style="color: #6600cc; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: #006600; font-size: medium;">Thank you for your faithful support! We are so blessed to be here. The cost of living has soared - an example is that sugar has gone from 112/= a kilo to 200/=! in just over a month! All the basics , maize, beans,rice, have all increased as well. We have been able to buy maize and beans to finish our school year, and although it "hurt", we also have enough sugar. Our students have to have sugar in their chai! </span></div><div><span style="color: #006600; font-size: medium;">God bless you all , we know you are feeling the pinch of rising costs as well! </span></div><div><span style="color: #006600; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: #006600; font-size: medium;">Keep us in prayer for safe travel, anointing to teach, and the strength to do it! </span></div><div><span style="color: #006600; font-size: medium;">We love you all, <span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms',sans-serif;">Paulette and Bob</span></span></div></div><div><span style="color: #6600cc; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div> Tax receipts: Make checks payable to <b>Elim Fellowship</b></div></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div> </div><div>Attach Note:</div><div> I<b>n Canada </b> :FOR BOB MCNEAL </div><div> I<b>n the U.S</b>., attach note "<b>preferred for the ministry of Bob McNeal</b></div><div><br />
</div><div>Elim Fellowship, 379 Golf Road, R.R. #6 Brantford, ON Canada N3T 5L8</div><div><br />
</div><div>Elim Fellowship 1703 Dalton Rd. Lima NY, USa 14485-9516</div><div><br />
</div></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="MsoNormal"> <span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14px;">:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="color: #0f243e; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14px;">USA: Click “Make a Donation” at <a href="http://www.elimfellowship.org/" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank">www.elimfellowship.org</a></span></u></b><b><span style="color: #0f243e; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14px;"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="color: #0f243e; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14px;"><span> </span>CANADA: Click “donations” at </span></u></b><b><span style="color: #0f243e; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #0f243e;"><a href="http://www.elim.ca/" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank">www.elim.ca</a></span><u><span> </span></u></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #0f243e; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14px;"><u><span><br />
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</div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5542918943423208395.post-16935315312824101382010-09-09T17:10:00.000-07:002011-09-06T00:05:33.373-07:00<b>WELCOME TO OUR WORLD!</b><br />
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<div><span class="Apple-style-span">Being fairly new at all this cyberspace communication, I am not sure how this will go. But we have such an exciting life as missionaries in Tarangan'ya, Kenya, East Africa, that we want to share our days with you! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">We hope that you will be encouraged, enlightened, and excited by what God is doing in our lives. We will share the "ridiculous to the sublime", as the old saying goes! So let me start you off with a bit of our history, why we are where we are!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span">T</span></b><b>HE START OF IT ALL....</b><span class="Apple-style-span">.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Bob and I both became Christians in the 70's. This was, needless to say, life changing. For us, for our children, we have never been the same. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">After about 10 years of growing in Christ, living and serving in Cranbrook, B.C. we arrived on the mission field of Kenya, E. Africa. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">We arrived with 31 boxes, 3 of our 4 children,and high hopes! It was hard to leave our oldest son and his new wife behind! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">It was November, 1988. We had had one year at Elim Bible Institute in upstate New York. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">We have never been disappointed in what God has called us to! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">At first we worked with a primary girl's boarding school and a group of churches. By 1993 we had started a Bible College, <b>BUKURIA BIBLE COLLEGE.</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">We are still in the same place, but we have branched out to work in Uganda and Tanzania.We now offer courses from diploma to doctorate, some in class, some by extension! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Be blessed in what you are called to, and have an awesome moment or two in your day! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div><div><b>ONE OF THE THINGS WE DIDN'T LEARN IN MISSIONS CLASS! </b></div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div>We didn't learn how to pack! We have, over the years, learned to pack about 120lbs. into a small suitcase. This is done by COMPACTING! Put loose, small items into bigger items, wrap with things you are going to use, never waste space using old papers!Wrap small things in underwear, bigger things in shirts, etc! However, this has its hazards! one time we stuffed an artificial Christmas tree box with a lot of small jars of things. Well, we never unpacked the tree till Christmas, and there was stuff we thought we had lost! Actually, it was kind of fun, like Christmas presents we had forgotten!</div><div>Oh, by the way, the airlines really frown on overweight suitcases, so we have had to buy smaller suitcases! We think a good class for prospective missionaries would be if a field missionary dumps out his suitcase and the class takes turns repacking!!!<br />
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<u><b>FUTURE BLOGS </b></u>...... we will be posting our newsletters, hopefully, and bits and pieces of our daily life! Hope you will enjoy it! Thanks for taking the time to read! <br />
</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0