28 days left!

The suitcases are out! I am thinking I may need to pay for a third suitcase this year. You have all been so generous that I now need more room!
My schedule is made up, and my passport is in Ottawa as I write. I am hoping to have my 2 visas in hand no later than January 10th.
Now I am working on lessons, greetings, packing, appropriate medications, etc, etc.
The time is going quickly!

28 days left!

The suitcases are out! I am thinking I may need to pay for a third suitcase this year. You have all been so generous that I now need more room!
My schedule is made up, and my passport is in Ottawa as I write. I am hoping to have my 2 visas in hand no later than January 10th.
Now I am working on lessons, greetings, packing, appropriate medications, etc, etc.
The time is going quickly!

to all my friends in Canada & DR Congo.........

wishing all of you a Merry Christmas !!

to all my friends in Canada & DR Congo.........

wishing all of you a Merry Christmas !!

New Life Assembly;

Sooooo good to see you all again! I have missed you!
How great is that {purl} project??? It would be wonderful to take a bunch of necklaces over there! The message of the pearl brings HOPE!!
What a great way to send a message of hope!

New Life Assembly;

Sooooo good to see you all again! I have missed you!
How great is that {purl} project??? It would be wonderful to take a bunch of necklaces over there! The message of the pearl brings HOPE!!
What a great way to send a message of hope!

Winnipeg

My dear friend invited me to her church, where we were blessed by God's word through her teaching! In addition, she set up a time to address the Congolese Congregation that shares the same building. We had a wonderful time with them! Their love and kindness made me homesick for Congo! We made new friends and were so thankful for time spent together with them. We sure hope to see them again!
I also found out that they are making necklaces for us in Winnipeg too! Thank you!!!!
The Pilot Mound Sentinel Courier is printing an article about Congo this week, I think.
Stay tuned.....the countdown will soon begin......

Winnipeg

My dear friend invited me to her church, where we were blessed by God's word through her teaching! In addition, she set up a time to address the Congolese Congregation that shares the same building. We had a wonderful time with them! Their love and kindness made me homesick for Congo! We made new friends and were so thankful for time spent together with them. We sure hope to see them again!
I also found out that they are making necklaces for us in Winnipeg too! Thank you!!!!
The Pilot Mound Sentinel Courier is printing an article about Congo this week, I think.
Stay tuned.....the countdown will soon begin......

Griswold/Oak Lake

What  a great evening! It was good to see everyone after all these years.
Your support will accomplish many things in the Congo. THANK YOU for your generosity! When I come home again, I will bring pictures and more stories of the people YOU have blessed with your gifts! It's like joining hands across miles, culture, language, and every other barrier to say that you have heard of their plight, and it's NOT OK with you! They will receive it with great joy!
Thank you so much for adding your voices to the message of HOPE!

Griswold/Oak Lake

What  a great evening! It was good to see everyone after all these years.
Your support will accomplish many things in the Congo. THANK YOU for your generosity! When I come home again, I will bring pictures and more stories of the people YOU have blessed with your gifts! It's like joining hands across miles, culture, language, and every other barrier to say that you have heard of their plight, and it's NOT OK with you! They will receive it with great joy!
Thank you so much for adding your voices to the message of HOPE!

Kelvington

Great meeting all of you. Thank you for your gift!

Kelvington

Great meeting all of you. Thank you for your gift!

Horizon College

It was great to be with you guys! Thanks for the invitation! Bless you while you fund-raise.

Horizon College

It was great to be with you guys! Thanks for the invitation! Bless you while you fund-raise.

Swan Lake School;

Off to the high school today to talk about the Congo. There are a bunch of super teachers and students, as well as community members, who have a heart for the world outside of North America. They are like gold dust....they are such a pleasure to find!. In the past, their donations have done some outstanding things and I can't wait to share that with them!

Swan Lake School;

Off to the high school today to talk about the Congo. There are a bunch of super teachers and students, as well as community members, who have a heart for the world outside of North America. They are like gold dust....they are such a pleasure to find!. In the past, their donations have done some outstanding things and I can't wait to share that with them!

I will be on the road, sharing in various places....Horizon Bible College in Saskatoon, Kelvington Church in Saskatchewan, Swan Lake High School, Griswold & Oak Lake communities, and one location in Winnipeg and possibly one further east. If I am in your area, I'd love to meet you.......this is your invitation........

I will be on the road, sharing in various places....Horizon Bible College in Saskatoon, Kelvington Church in Saskatchewan, Swan Lake High School, Griswold & Oak Lake communities, and one location in Winnipeg and possibly one further east. If I am in your area, I'd love to meet you.......this is your invitation........

Return Visit !!!!!

The plans are in motion,
the flights are reserved,
preparations are being made,
I will be back in Bukavu, D.R.Congo, in February and March of 2012!!
It will be wonderful to see our friends and family again!

Return Visit !!!!!

The plans are in motion,
the flights are reserved,
preparations are being made,
I will be back in Bukavu, D.R.Congo, in February and March of 2012!!
It will be wonderful to see our friends and family again!

I'm Back .......sort of

Within 36 hours;
- I was in Akagera National Park, Rwanda, enjoying the Zebras and Giraffes etc
- enjoying the sights of Amsterdam, with my cousin
- and meeting my family in Winnipeg......

Unfortunately, my heart did not keep up, I hope it will arrive soon. Perhaps I should check with 'lost luggage'?

Thank you so much for joining with me in this adventure! Thanks for the encouragement and support. We must do this again sometime!

Doreen

I'm Back .......sort of

Within 36 hours;
- I was in Akagera National Park, Rwanda, enjoying the Zebras and Giraffes etc
- enjoying the sights of Amsterdam, with my cousin
- and meeting my family in Winnipeg......

Unfortunately, my heart did not keep up, I hope it will arrive soon. Perhaps I should check with 'lost luggage'?

Thank you so much for joining with me in this adventure! Thanks for the encouragement and support. We must do this again sometime!

Doreen

our visit to the 'goat church'

I tried to hide, but the lady in front of me let me down.......

our visit to the 'goat church'

I tried to hide, but the lady in front of me let me down.......

It sounds like a possible riddle........"who can arrive once, and leave twice?........However, it is a fact that I will be leaving Congo a second time, on Monday! This time I am hoping to enter Rwanda without a problem. Raha & Mapendo had no problem, it was me (that will come as no surprise to many of you!)
I will be seeing you soon........

It sounds like a possible riddle........"who can arrive once, and leave twice?........However, it is a fact that I will be leaving Congo a second time, on Monday! This time I am hoping to enter Rwanda without a problem. Raha & Mapendo had no problem, it was me (that will come as no surprise to many of you!)
I will be seeing you soon........

    Well, this is it.....my last day in Congo this year!  What a wonderful visit it has been. The people were so very loving and we spent so many great times together. Pastor Raha & Mapendo have been extraordinary in caring for me, and keeping me out of trouble. Thankfully they are coming with me to Kigali in Rwanda, where we will spend the next week, until departure for me, on May 3rd. I am not sure what there is to see in Rwanda, but we will find out!
    We had a very nice graduation this morning. Unfortunately, some of the grads were working and couldn’t be there. We took many pictures (yes, I was in them!.....but, I hope they will stay here!).....my camera died of shock and needs charging.
    .............not my last day.........we must apply for a Rwandan visa one more time. Pray for success this time please. No change in return dates though, we are still on track with those arrangements. Hakuna shida (no problem), I will enjoy the extra time in  Congo.
    It is now Friday, I have my visa, complete with official stamp. I will leave AGAIN on Monday, and I’m off to Amsterdam on Tuesday night.

    In case I don’t get back to the internet before then.........HAPPY EASTER everyone!! I can’t quite believe the time is almost gone!
    Last weekend, we were invited out for supper. The home was so beautiful and the food must have taken all day to prepare! It was a wonderful evening that I will long remember. Such generosity.......it was a gift, really.
    On Sunday, we went out of the city to the ‘goat church’. Raha told them that we call them that! They thought it was hilarious!  This time we came home with a chicken and some bananas in the trunk. They now have 500 people, and have to hold their Easter service outside because there is no room! What a great problem, don’t you think?
    After class on Monday morning, some of my class took me to the grocery store and told me to get whatever I wanted! Generous, generous people! They are so gracious, how does one say ‘thanks’??
    So, what’s left to do........let’s see.......2 more Swahili classes, Wednesday, and Friday, teach Thursday morning, preach Thursday evening, Friday evening (not sure yet?), exam Saturday morning, preach Sunday, and try to choke through a farewell, then grad on Tuesday, and off on Wednesday! I think there will be some visiting on Saturday with orphan children and others.........?

    In case I don’t get back to the internet before then.........HAPPY EASTER everyone!! I can’t quite believe the time is almost gone!
    Last weekend, we were invited out for supper. The home was so beautiful and the food must have taken all day to prepare! It was a wonderful evening that I will long remember. Such generosity.......it was a gift, really.
    On Sunday, we went out of the city to the ‘goat church’. Raha told them that we call them that! They thought it was hilarious!  This time we came home with a chicken and some bananas in the trunk. They now have 500 people, and have to hold their Easter service outside because there is no room! What a great problem, don’t you think?
    After class on Monday morning, some of my class took me to the grocery store and told me to get whatever I wanted! Generous, generous people! They are so gracious, how does one say ‘thanks’??
    So, what’s left to do........let’s see.......2 more Swahili classes, Wednesday, and Friday, teach Thursday morning, preach Thursday evening, Friday evening (not sure yet?), exam Saturday morning, preach Sunday, and try to choke through a farewell, then grad on Tuesday, and off on Wednesday! I think there will be some visiting on Saturday with orphan children and others.........?

MEET VIVIAN!!!!!!

MEET VIVIAN!!!!!!

April 12, 2011

Today I had manna for lunch. I think the direct translation of ‘manna’ is ‘what-is-it’, and that is definitely what I had for lunch! I am told ‘what-is-it’ is best eaten together with peanuts, and is neither a vegetable nor a fruit. It tastes like ‘what-is-it’........... for sure!! So pleasant when there is no confusion about what you are eating, isn’t it?

    We are leaving here on April 27th, so Pastor Raha & Mapendo can have a break. They certainly need it! They have been working very hard & their responsibilities continue to increase weekly! We are driving, rather than flying, to Kigali so that the gift you sent will cover a longer break. They say they will take me to the zoo.......I hope they don’t intend to leave me there!? Perhaps I will finally be able to ‘blend’?

    We are going to have 2 classes each Thursday, for the next 2 weeks. That way we can cover more material in the time left. We are planning a grad on April 26th. This Sunday, as previously mentioned, we will be at the goat church. We are also trying to squeeze in a night with the youth. That should be interesting, I am somewhat youth-less! So I am logging in the hours with ‘Mac’ (my computer & I are on a first name basis now, though the names I call it are not always nice ones!!), preparing 3 messages, 6 lessons, and an exam.

    I am having a dress made this week.......$12. for the material, $20. to have it tailor made, and an extra $5. for special embroidery! WOW.......good deal! You choose  a style from group poster pictures on display on the wall, and they make the one you choose (top of this one, bottom of that one, and the sleeve of the other one, together with the embroidery of a sample in the works), all completed to your specs without the help of a pattern! Oh, and it should be finished in a couple of days! The stunning hand work I saw there was an adventure. I really enjoyed the experience.

Class

The classes have been going very well! The class participation reveals great learning taking place. Cell groups start next week, and I hope to be able to visit some of them.
Thanks for your continuous support, men and women come each day to receive some training. I feel that this is a good place to learn and grow together as we study. We have shared many things in the past 2 months. It will be difficult to leave.......

A Note from Pastor Raha;

Hey everyone,
Thanks for borrowing us our precious gift
we are glad to have Mum Doreen with us for these couple days, she has been such great encouragement to families, women, and the whole Body of Christ where she shared the word.

Thanks to all the help from Pastor Raha & Mapendo. They have been to very good to me. I am now spoiled!

Greetings to all my friends and family. See you soon.......

Thursday, April 7

When Vivian was born and her mother learned she was handicapped, the mother disappeared, leaving the father with the baby. The father took the baby to his mother and left her there. The Grandmother had no money or space, or clothing, or any resource to take care of Vivian, so she soon took her back to her father. By this time the father had remarried, and the new wife wanted nothing to do with Vivian! So, the father took her, once again, to his mother’s. He said “ Either you care for her, or I will throw her in the lake!” So the Grandmother did the best she could. When Mrs. Mugabane,( the pasotr’s wife), first saw Vivian, the child could only drag herself across the ground, pulling herself with her hands. They took her into the center, cleaned her up, fed her, and loved her. A short time later, one of the workers (whom I met) was bathing Vivian, and one of the child’s legs cracked. The worker was horrified, thinking she had broken the toddler’s leg! (at this point, the worker was nodding her head rapidly, with an expression of deep alarm still remaining on her face). Then the same happened to the other leg! When the worker took Vivian out of the bath, and dried her off, the child wriggled out of her arms, and started to walk, and has continued to this day! This is the child in the picture, who is forehead-to-forehead with me! She is full of joy and claps all the time, with great excitement! (She indicated no fear of the giant albino!)

John 9:1-3
As Jesus was walking along, He saw a man who had been blind from birth. “Teacher,” His disciples asked Him, “why was this man born blind? Was it a result of his own sins or those of his parents?”  “It was not because of his sins  or his parent’s sins,” Jesus answered. “He was born blind so the power of God could be seen in him.”

.....Go Vivian!!!!!!
(sorry, can't get the picture through)

Thursday, April 7

When Vivian was born and her mother learned she was handicapped, the mother disappeared, leaving the father with the baby. The father took the baby to his mother and left her there. The Grandmother had no money or space, or clothing, or any resource to take care of Vivian, so she soon took her back to her father. By this time the father had remarried, and the new wife wanted nothing to do with Vivian! So, the father took her, once again, to his mother’s. He said “ Either you care for her, or I will throw her in the lake!” So the Grandmother did the best she could. When Mrs. Mugabane,( the pasotr’s wife), first saw Vivian, the child could only drag herself across the ground, pulling herself with her hands. They took her into the center, cleaned her up, fed her, and loved her. A short time later, one of the workers (whom I met) was bathing Vivian, and one of the child’s legs cracked. The worker was horrified, thinking she had broken the toddler’s leg! (at this point, the worker was nodding her head rapidly, with an expression of deep alarm still remaining on her face). Then the same happened to the other leg! When the worker took Vivian out of the bath, and dried her off, the child wriggled out of her arms, and started to walk, and has continued to this day! This is the child in the picture, who is forehead-to-forehead with me! She is full of joy and claps all the time, with great excitement! (She indicated no fear of the giant albino!)

John 9:1-3
As Jesus was walking along, He saw a man who had been blind from birth. “Teacher,” His disciples asked Him, “why was this man born blind? Was it a result of his own sins or those of his parents?”  “It was not because of his sins  or his parent’s sins,” Jesus answered. “He was born blind so the power of God could be seen in him.”

.....Go Vivian!!!!!!
(sorry, can't get the picture through)

   
    OK, so I am in the restaurant, getting word out to my family and friends.......then, when we were leaving........I discovered the one pillar in the building that had been freshly painted (oil base, of course)! Now I am freshly painted as well! It’s a gift, really!

    All classes were suspended until we all recovered from the weekend. Today, we are back on track. Next week we will be starting another class, so I have lots of prep ahead. Pray LIFE into these lessons!

    I hope to help you visualize the latest amazing phenomenon. As you have been aware, our power supply has been largely nonexistent. Today, Raha’s efforts to have this repaired, gained a response from the company. They sent out a man to fix the problem. Picture, if you will, a man in dress shirt, dress pants, and dress shoes, climbing a very narrow ladder. He ascended about 20 feet (about the same in metric I think), and stood, not on the top rail, but rather on top of the poles on each side! Did I mention the rain? He proceeded to work on the lines while the power was full on! When he needed another tool, someone on the ground threw it up to him.......it took 3 attempts. He would reach out to catch it, and wobble on the poles. ( It’s just a good thing he had the metal pole to cling to, isn’t it?!) He patiently stripped wires, and joined them, and I think he pushed some into a ‘junction box’? The rain continued unabated. Whew! I have power, but the cost could have been steep! Raha suggested I take a picture, but my camera battery is dead. Now that I have power........ (I wonder if he would come back???)

Wednesday, March 30

    We are back on schedule tomorrow. Classes at 7:00 a.m. I am looking forward to getting back on track. We are planning cell groups for next week. They are an important part of building the church. We begin with a few day training, and then I hope to visit the groups in their own homes. There are a few other ideas taking shape also, I will keep you informed.

    This trip, I feel that I am making friends. It’s wonderful! They are open and supportive, and more trusting of me as a person, I think. We share so many good laughs and great fellowship. The keep teaching me Swahili, and when I get it right, they laugh with pleasure. I can say “Tunaenda kuu kanisa.” = we are going to the church. The only problem with this very functional little speech, is that I often have a different driver. I fear hopping into a stranger’s car and saying “Tunaenda kuu kanisa” , when perhaps they came to visit, or they are simply asking directions?!

Monday, March 28

    Some of the Canadians have left, it was a short visit, but I am sure they would call it memorable. The dedication service was fantastic! There were at least 500+ people. Every seat was taken, and all available standing room was a squeeze. The service was 4 hours, so they were dedicated. The work that Raha & Mapendo did to make this happen is monumental! It would appear that they thought of everything, and all the guests were made to feel welcome.

    In the afternoon, we went on a cruise around the Lake, similar to my first trip, and just as panoramic. We were served a ‘snack’ (resembling a meal), and later a complete supper! I was able to sit on the top deck (I know, I know, there’s probably a name for that, I just don’t know it!), and found it relaxing and entertaining. Of course, we were accompanied by the musical talents of the choir. I missed taking pictures of that event, because I used up my camera battery on the dedication. I do have a spare battery, we DID think of that! We just didn’t think of putting it in the suitcase (a small thing really)!

    We have 3 methods of cooking at my house. Propane (we’re out), electric (it’s out), and coals (they’re outside). We really are quite upscale! Actually, we think the power problems are worked out now......there is power, power, wonder working power......!

Saturday, March 26

    The Canadians have landed! 8 of them! They are here for the grand dedication
Service on Sunday, so the visit will be brief. Today, we are taking a tour of the city. It should be interesting. It looks like it will be a very hot day!

    Once again I am powerless! All around me they have power, but I have none! It is really only a problem for my computer. Thanks to the counsel of a very wise man, my husband, I have 2 batteries with me, so I switch them when I need to.

    Supper will be by the lake tonight, in a beautiful setting. I will try to get pictures for you. We are having BBQ chicken, fish, (you thought I was going to say goat, didn’t you?), and yes, goat!! ..........Try it, try it Sam-I-am!

    Greetings to my encouragers from Scotland....you are wonderful! Congratulations to Jeff & Danielle! L.H. I hope you are feeling better? Beth, it sounds like you are doing a great job, thank you, I am proud of you! Letting Dad do the cooking is a great motivator isn’t it? And to all of you, I appreciate your prayers and support more than you know!

Tale of two Cultures:

Two pre-teen girls stood a short distance form me laughing behind their hands and obviously looking at me. You share my culture, you can put your own interpretation on this, it would probably be close to mine.
    Later, it was interpreted for me........”This is Dorine. She is so beautiful, I like to just stand and look at her.......”
    I need to renew my mind!!

Thursday, March 24

    Today I am at home preparing for the big weekend. There are some very small jobs I can do.
    The extreme heat yesterday took its toll and some rest is OK with me. I do have a class later on, but until then, computer work and catch up on my laundry etc.
    Last night Eunice showed me a bag in our kitchen with an un-plucked chicken in it. This morning, that bag started to crow (OK ....so it was dark...... I couldn’t tell it was a rooster!) He is now loose in the kitchen. Wisdom dictates that I keep the kitchen door closed until Bahizire gets here! I was wondering if that constitutes a ‘bag lunch’? ..... nope....it’s a reprieve for the rooster! I spoke too soon.........
    Next week I am hoping to hire a Swahili teacher. Last night I had guests, and I told them that I could speak Swahili, they were understandably surprised, until I recited all the non-verbal communication sounds! We shared a good laugh together! They agreed that I was part way there, but there was room for improvement!
    Classes are cancelled until next Thursday, due to schedule overload. That will afford me some time for preparation and printing notes for the class. To do this, I open the English lessons I brought, select the points I want to highlight, open the Swahili version, and copy those points onto a sheet for the class. My English/Swahili course transcript is indispensable!
    To all my invisible friends who have crossed cyber-space and send a friendly word, I thank you!

DDWS

Sunday, March 20

It rained so hard all Friday night, that Saturday classes were cancelled. There was however, a church meeting later in the morning.

    OK, so the choir is ready as far as I am concerned. Apparently they are not perfect, but I can’t tell.......I think they are very close to perfect. I am ‘singing’ with the Swahili Choir as well, oh, and ‘dancing’! I will sit in the back row and no one will even notice me (who am I kidding?!.....just let me deceive myself. OK?)

    Today, Monday, the class wrote their first test. We also shared a great lesson time. Corrections are done and I need to prepare the Thursday lesson. First, I am speaking in the Sayuni Church, to the ladies group. That will be Wednesday. I am taking in some classes myself every evening this week from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Things are well on the way for the big weekend. They are expecting approximately 500 people. There are plans throughout the day, each day from Thursday to Monday.

    We have had some problems with the power in our house (the main wire was cut), so we have been in the dark for 4 or 5 days. No problem. .....I am usually ‘in the dark’ so to speak! But...... those cold showers at 5:30 a.m.......! Well, it’s better than coffee for waking one up, although there’s a slim chance of it becoming addictive behaviour!!

    Important lesson of the day; a minivan is an 18 passenger vehicle, I did not know this! Life is all about learning, isn’t it?

Thursday, March 17

    I just spent the last half hour watching a woman across the road. She had a bundle of sticks that was taller that she was, and it would take 2 of us to reach our arms around. (I hope you can picture this.) She was an older woman and very thin. She laboured to roll the bundle around on the ground, as she put ties around it, top and bottom. Can you guess where I am going with this? Yes, eventually she sat on the ground and pulled one of those ties around her forehead. She couldn’t stand under the weight of it. In spite of her tremendous exertions, she failed to rise from the ground. Finally, a young woman ran to help her to stand up. It still took some time, as her legs wobbled under the burden. When she was finally standing, with the sticks balanced on her upper back, the younger woman left. However, a stick fell out of the bundle after the first few stiff steps. Yes, she tried to bend and retrieve it. As she lowered herself, she almost collapsed, but she recovered, stick in hand, and headed off to the steep hill going up to market! You may ask why I didn’t help her instead of watching? ......... good question..........no answer.........heart-breaking.........

Wednesday, March 16

    Today started with a meeting of 216 women, some from quite far away. We gathered for  a ladies meeting at Bethsida. We still sit outside as the builders are still busy on the interior. It may not be totally finished, but it looks wonderful! I brought formal greetings from NLA, which were received with enthusiasm.
    Tomorrow is the last class before our first test. Our lessons may be hit and miss next week, because of the frantic schedule on the weekend, but we’ll make the best of it.

Monday, March 14

Habari za asubuhi.......Good morning to all my invisible friends!
It’s a beautiful day here. i think it is going to be quite hot again.
I am sorry for causing concern. I don’t have internet availability yet. I do have a cell phone, but I used up my minutes! I hope to send out a message today. Don’t worry, I am doing very well! I am well cared for, safe, well protected, and rested. (No, my dear Mother, no one has kidnapped me! I have put out the word that we are Scottish, so they all know that ransom is out of the question!! Even here, our reputation precedes us!)     Interesting....all banking is done on paper, as are gov’t records etc. They even add the account information manually. It is unusual to see a bank teller adding sums on paper.
    Had a new fruit today, some day I may have a name for you, but that is not today!  An acquired taste I think.
    Should be leaving shortly to do some banking. They now have RBC, and debit machines! Now to see if they work internationally? Then off to CEPC head offices. We have started the process for a resident visa. The only question remaining is.......can I get my passport back from Kinshasa (other side of the country) in time to leave? In the absence of said passport, they will provide me with a document to cover me while in Congo, but then, I cannot leave the country. So, the stakes are high, we need more information, so that I won’t be job hunting! I

Saturday, March 12

Getting ISOM lessons ready, choir songs, and preparing for meeting. I hope I will get better at preparing lessons (I am too slow). We have had 2 classes so far, and there will be 3/week from now on.
Yesterday...... hot, hot, hot......you can’t imagine......really!
Up to the present, I have no internet access. Still ‘sending’ emails randomly throughout the day! It’s kind of like having an imaginary friend! We even tried the restaurant today, and their internet was down also. However, there is hope, we are working on it.
Got a cell phone, and sent my first text......are you supposed to be able to read them??
Went to the bank and saw a tiny bit of the news about Japan. Jim & Colleen, is it any of the areas where you have friends? Terrible!
Went through a couple of ‘toll bridge’ crossings today. You know...... a few young men get together and block the road. Then accept money from drivers to remove the blockages. Resourceful, don’t you think?
You know, we always comment on the roads in Congo. I was thinking......they have beautiful weather, beautiful flowers and trees, beautiful scenery, fresh food all the time.....us?......well.......we have good roads!
Will talk to you again soon, my invisible friends.

DDWS

You never call, you never write..........

Yes, I know that’s me. I am hoping to get hooked up today. Obviously there have been some delays, but if you’re reading this, I’m in!
The Bible class consisted of 29 students to begin with, but that was only for the meet and greet. Tomorrow morning, 7:00a.m., we begin in full force, or should I say they will, and I will try to catch up?
Cute story: I met the PAOC missionaries last night. They came to share my Starbucks. They have a plumber working for them who keeps saying “You are from Canada, you MUST know ‘Staney’, he was my teacher and he is also from Canada. I want his email”!
So when I mentioned Stan teaching plumbing and electrical classes last year, they jumped up to ask if this could be him? There will now be no convincing this plumber that Canada is a very large country and we don’t all know each other!

I am still not hooked up, but I was able to get these posts through. Please be patient with me.

It seems that I need to instruct the Bible classes, not use the DVD’s. Nothing like a challenge to keep one busy! Raha explained that the DVD instruction method would be too foreign for them to process, they need someone to share face to face. ( so thankful to know that in advance).
Now preparing lessons and instructions, and  also student outlines in Swahili. The DVD course is still integral to the success of this venture. To make outlines, I just need to follow the English outline and find the corresponding Swahili text, copy and paste! Easy ........... I hope !
The exams and corrections are all there, and instruction is simplified, so we’re still on track. Just takes more prep work than I thought.

Tomorrow is the planned meet & greet for the class. I am told to expect more than 20 men and women. Pray for them! :) and me too! Just had my lunch. It was so good, wish you could all join me. I had potatoes, rice with carrots, a stir fry, and goat .....yummmm! (Eunice claims that was chicken, so we are having an ongoing dispute.)
It is thundering, raining, and the power keeps going out. In spite of this, the intrepid Canadian keeps sending emails and plugging in chargers! Another week of continual reminders that “that doesn’t work!” and I may remember, but........don’t hold your breath.
Also, we plan to get my computer fixed up for internet.....since the emoticoms don’t seem to copy, I’ll give you the description....... ‘Happy White Smiley Face’
Missing all of your faces, wait a minute, they’re in my suitcase, I will get it out and appreciate God’s abundant gifts to me! (cryptic reference to church photo)

Church today!

WOW, what can I say all the familiar faces, all the warm welcomes, a wonderful message! Oh, and the music...........!!
With Mapendo’s help, I was able to prepare a short speech, in Swahili, to present at the service. It was received with an encouraging degree of enthusiasm! I wonder what I said?
Due to the renovations taking place on the Church, we held the service outside. They are always very thoughtful, someone found a large umbrella to post in the ground near me. Enough to provide shade. Life saving!
The changes to the building are amazing. I knew they had done alot of work, but I was still astonished! Yes I got some pictures. (Stan, where did we pack the camera-to- computer cord?)

Sorry for the silence.

I arrived safely on Thursday. Raha met me in Kigali with a warm “Welcome home”, and a big smile and we drove to a guest house near the airport, where he had arranged a beautiful suite of rooms for each of us.
Friday morning early we were off to the airport to catch the flight to Kamembe. We met up with Mapendo and other friends at the border. It was a wonderful reunion. The crossing went without incident, and we proceeded to my house. It is large and furnished, with balconies overlooking the lake. Can you guess who my cook is? Yes, Bahizire! I have been very well provided for and feel blessed.
The rest of the day was devoted to unpacking. In spite of my best intentions to stay awake, I drifted off on the sofa, then the armchair, then ........ well..... you get the picture.
In the evening the family came over and we visited and shared much laughter.
Tomorrow we will be seeing the church construction and........and..........well the rest of the plans elude me for the moment? I think my brain is expected to arrive sometime next week, not sure which plane I left it on? Perhaps lost luggage’?

Amsterdam!!!!!!

Waldo finally got here, and will continue on schedule.
Thank you.........prayer works!

It's a New Day!

17 hours of flying ahead.
Not sure if I will have internet at all.
I am feeling like a 'Waldo'.....
see if you can find Waldo later.


DDWS

Today

- get tickets at Delta desk
- go through customs
- lug large luggage to check it
- go up to waiting area and
- wait, wait, wait
- board plane
- back out of bay
- wait more
- pull back into bay and disembark
- wait
- board plane
- back out of bay
- wait
- pull back into bay and disembark
- go back to step one and repeat with all luggage
- groundhog day!!
- total process = 7 hours to leave Winnipeg
- all connecting flights re-booked 3 times
- now in a hotel in MN, at Delta's expense
- original plane broken
- I wonder what the rest of the trip will be like?

My wish for you

I wish everyone could come to my church....supportive, affirming, encouraging, and fun! What a send off! (I should leave more often....... wait a minute.....is that why.......?!..... naw)
Anyway, the song is true....." better loved ye canna be, will ye no come back again?"
Thank you, thank you everyone!

DDWS
(dearly departed wife of Stan)

Reminders to me...

Trying to rationalize everything kills action. When has God become sensible to figure Him out?

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

All my bags are packed. I'm ready to go...........
Those of you who are a 'certain age' will hear the music.
I am hoping that the "oh, I forgot........." moments happen while still at home, although I think that would break some sort of law. (Murphy's?)

Tuesday, February 22

The Swan Lake student body has been fundraising for the Congo for a year (we did not know). I was called in today so they could formally present the proceeds. Knowing the money was collected from cookie & bake sales etc., I assumed the proceeds would be modest. However, their hard work generated $500. !! This is going to address the medical and educational needs of some orphan children.
In addition, a local church, also in Swan Lake, donated some funds for a worthy project.
Isn't it good to know that people care so much?
God's care for us is unlimited, and we have been created in His image.

Monday, February 21

Today I found out my luggage scale is not working... this means I can actually pack more than just my camera! Wonderful news! So my only decision is ........... should I put Stan in the checked luggage, or my carry on???

Today;

- passport arrived
- Rwanda visa arrived
- DR Congo visa arrived
- Bethsaida invitation paper & envelopes came in
- ISOM course was in the mail
- BOKS community development course was also in the mail........ (both courses are Mac friendly)


Some days are just better than others!!  

1 Corinthians 1:3-5

"I came to you in weakness ---- timid and with much trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. I did not use wise and persuasive speeches ........"

OK, so as I see it, here is the checklist:

• must NOT have excellence of speech
• must have weakness
• must have fear
• must have much trembling (not ordinary trembling, but MUCH trembling)

This pretty much ticks all my boxes, so I guess everything is right on track!
However, as Paul also said "Pray for me that I might open my mouth and speak boldly as I ought to." ...... please? :)

"We have the accounts of the ministry of Jesus in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. He demonstrated our potential in God. Don't limit Him!"
Dr. T. L. Osborn

thoughts?

 West ....




 meets....

 East!

why not......