We had a good trip to PAP. We had a bit of delay coming out of Miami. Our airplane had some technical difficulties they were resolved and we were on our way. everything went very smoothly when we arrived at Port au Prince The drive to the hospital went well also; we arrived around 4:30 in the afternoon.This gave us time to relax before supper.
Sunday morning we sang a song in front of the church. A couple haitian doctors, staying st the guest house, helpef us with some Creole ewords. It actually was all very enjoyable.
Today we had a productive day today and for supper Jamie brought a cake for Dawn. Today is her birthday then we went to sheilas for the evening to pack rice and oil we will be going to 3 different locations in small group this week to deliver to the Haitian people.
the week has continue to go well we have been very busy and have accomplished a lot. It is has beenfun to be back by the depot. We really interact with many of the Haitians. Theion ladies been very busy cleaning and it has been very very dirty we have also encountered four legged furry friend census creating more than one right before lunch yesterday I think the men enjoy a break from their work as the Haitians and Americans chased a rat around the building.
Still having trouble with pictures. Sandy rudy roger and I will go to a village this morning. Really looking forward to it!
Having a great week!
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
A week in January
Today, I think we rounded up the last of our items for Haiti. We have been busy purchasing things from food items to tire repair supplies to Frisbees to electrical outlets (someone is buying and transporting those) - and a lot in between. We also have a supply of blankets from the Sarasota sewing group, as well as dresses made by Martha Marty. Add some shoes from the Sunday school group and it all adds up to four 50 lb bags! Plus, our items in our two carry on suitcases! Tomorrow, we will hopefully have one additional item to add - a part to repair the hydro. Daryl called it in and it should arrive by overnight mail. We are thankful to be able to transport requested items for a number of the missionaries in Haiti!
Monday, we had a beautiful day! Sunny and around 70 degrees. We headed to the bike trail and rode down to Caspersen beach. It was a great ride! Tuesday, was nice, but more windy. We rode over to Nokomis Beach and walked a bit in the morning. Rudy shuffled with the team in the afternoon, but they only completed one game before we had an incredible downpour! He had fun, but was disappointed that he missed out on the world relief sewing. I think those men look forward to it more than the ladies...Rudy, Bob Indermuhle, Harold Widmer, Dean Marty, Carl Graf, Everett Gerber, Ralph Kuntz, Ernie Aberle....
Saturday night, we were over at Clara Bodager's to celebrate her 92nd birthday! She is still going strong! Last night, we were at the church fellowship hall for a presentation by Lifesong for Orphans. Excellent! www.lifesongfororphans.org
Tomorrow, we are having a fish fry/limburger party and then will go out to eat with Bob and Karen Indermuhle and Elaine Stoller. Friday, we drive over to Miami and Saturday we will be on our way to Haiti!!!
Monday, we had a beautiful day! Sunny and around 70 degrees. We headed to the bike trail and rode down to Caspersen beach. It was a great ride! Tuesday, was nice, but more windy. We rode over to Nokomis Beach and walked a bit in the morning. Rudy shuffled with the team in the afternoon, but they only completed one game before we had an incredible downpour! He had fun, but was disappointed that he missed out on the world relief sewing. I think those men look forward to it more than the ladies...Rudy, Bob Indermuhle, Harold Widmer, Dean Marty, Carl Graf, Everett Gerber, Ralph Kuntz, Ernie Aberle....
Saturday night, we were over at Clara Bodager's to celebrate her 92nd birthday! She is still going strong! Last night, we were at the church fellowship hall for a presentation by Lifesong for Orphans. Excellent! www.lifesongfororphans.org
Tomorrow, we are having a fish fry/limburger party and then will go out to eat with Bob and Karen Indermuhle and Elaine Stoller. Friday, we drive over to Miami and Saturday we will be on our way to Haiti!!!
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Lots has been happening down here (relatively speaking :-)!
Saturday, we had the doubles tournament at the shuffle court. I had not signed up and did NOT want to participate. I like to shuffle, but I didn't want someone to be counting on me to be able to concentrate for more than one game. Anyway, they needed a person to finish out a team, so I said that I would play. Poor Rudy...I was a bit grumpy about it. After all, aren't we here in Florida to relax and not to feel pressured into something like shuffling? Well, I had a wonderful partner, Earl Hjtle, who has a quiet gentle nature (and he is also a good shuffler). I found that I was enjoying myself, even though I played badly the first game. We scraped by, and continued on until we were in the final match! We ended up runner-up! Regardless of how the matches went, I did really have a good time and was once again reminded of how much I enjoy the people who come out to shuffle.
Sunday night, we were invited to Aaron and Kim's to help celebrate Ayana's third birthday. Aaron's parents, brother (Adam) and cousin and husband (Sue Ellen and Virgil) were there. The girls were wound up and China couldn't wait to open "their" presents. When reminded that the presents were for Ayana, she informed us very matter of fact that Ayana "wants to share". While opening, when China was asked to slow down a bit, Ayana would stop, look at her parents squarely and announce "I want to share". It really was comical. We had a great evening.
Monday, I felt a bit under the weather. I was coughing and wheezing and was exhausted quite easily. Drank a lot of juice, took my vitamins, slurped on cough drops, slept and lounged in the sun (about 75). I still have a hint of a tickle, but feeling better.
Tuesday, Rudy had an appointment with a vascular specialist for the trouble he has been having with his varicose veins in his left leg. Problems started mid December and we weren't able to get to a specialist before we headed south. I had asked Kim if she could recommend someone, and she had a couple right off the bat that she could recommend - doctors she had worked with. Anyway, we both really liked Dr. Showalter. They did an ultrasound of the whole leg to make sure there weren't any hidden blood clots in the deep veins (he has superficial thrombophlebitis - the ultrasound showed that this wasn't the first time). He reinforced what we had heard before from primary doctor - not life threatening, but needs to be taken care of. Unfortunately, until things settle down (about 6 months), they cannot remove the veins. So, for now it is a compression stocking and advil for any discomfort. He was not concerned about us traveling (thankfully).
Today, we headed up to the Red Barn fleamarket in Bradenton with Carol and Everett. Didn't spend a lot of time there, but we each (carol and I) found what we were looking for. It was a nice change of pace.
Saturday, we had the doubles tournament at the shuffle court. I had not signed up and did NOT want to participate. I like to shuffle, but I didn't want someone to be counting on me to be able to concentrate for more than one game. Anyway, they needed a person to finish out a team, so I said that I would play. Poor Rudy...I was a bit grumpy about it. After all, aren't we here in Florida to relax and not to feel pressured into something like shuffling? Well, I had a wonderful partner, Earl Hjtle, who has a quiet gentle nature (and he is also a good shuffler). I found that I was enjoying myself, even though I played badly the first game. We scraped by, and continued on until we were in the final match! We ended up runner-up! Regardless of how the matches went, I did really have a good time and was once again reminded of how much I enjoy the people who come out to shuffle.
Sunday night, we were invited to Aaron and Kim's to help celebrate Ayana's third birthday. Aaron's parents, brother (Adam) and cousin and husband (Sue Ellen and Virgil) were there. The girls were wound up and China couldn't wait to open "their" presents. When reminded that the presents were for Ayana, she informed us very matter of fact that Ayana "wants to share". While opening, when China was asked to slow down a bit, Ayana would stop, look at her parents squarely and announce "I want to share". It really was comical. We had a great evening.
Monday, I felt a bit under the weather. I was coughing and wheezing and was exhausted quite easily. Drank a lot of juice, took my vitamins, slurped on cough drops, slept and lounged in the sun (about 75). I still have a hint of a tickle, but feeling better.
Tuesday, Rudy had an appointment with a vascular specialist for the trouble he has been having with his varicose veins in his left leg. Problems started mid December and we weren't able to get to a specialist before we headed south. I had asked Kim if she could recommend someone, and she had a couple right off the bat that she could recommend - doctors she had worked with. Anyway, we both really liked Dr. Showalter. They did an ultrasound of the whole leg to make sure there weren't any hidden blood clots in the deep veins (he has superficial thrombophlebitis - the ultrasound showed that this wasn't the first time). He reinforced what we had heard before from primary doctor - not life threatening, but needs to be taken care of. Unfortunately, until things settle down (about 6 months), they cannot remove the veins. So, for now it is a compression stocking and advil for any discomfort. He was not concerned about us traveling (thankfully).
Today, we headed up to the Red Barn fleamarket in Bradenton with Carol and Everett. Didn't spend a lot of time there, but we each (carol and I) found what we were looking for. It was a nice change of pace.
Friday, January 10, 2014
What is different?
Compare the following two pictures and think about how many things are different:
The main difference...the "For Sale" sign is gone. We have taken the place off the market (again). The vacillation can be a bit frustrating for me at times, but then I think about all the changes we have each undergone in the last 5-6 years and it seems much more understandable.
If you are wondering about other differences...1)about 10 degrees in temperature, 2) sunny vs. overcast, 3) we trimmed the palm tree, 4) trimmed the bushes and planted some small ones in the center, 5) my bike is by the car in the first (though you can't really see it).
What is the same? We are both doing well and relaxing!!! We are also secure in the knowledge that God is good and Jesus Christ is our personal savior!
Thursday, January 9, 2014
As the wind blows...
We have had a good start to our week. Sunday was a beautiful 80 degrees. We went for a bike ride after church. On Monday, we headed out on our bikes again. Rudy turned back so that he could be in time for the afternoon shuffle.
It was such a pleasant day that I pressed on; I knew the weather was going to change, so I wanted to enjoy the sunshine while I could. Little did I know that it was going to change while I was riding!
I had stopped to take pictures of the gopher tortoises along the route and all of sudden it went from being warm and sunny to cold - like instantly dropped 20 degrees! It was NOT a pleasant ride home. Usually, we cruise along at 10-13 mph. I was struggling to manage 8, and it was cold and windy (yes, I realize that all things are relative - here is a Floridian telling Ohioans about cold and windy :-)
We did have a some cold weather 30 - 50 degrees, but looks like things are warming up again.
It was such a pleasant day that I pressed on; I knew the weather was going to change, so I wanted to enjoy the sunshine while I could. Little did I know that it was going to change while I was riding!
I had stopped to take pictures of the gopher tortoises along the route and all of sudden it went from being warm and sunny to cold - like instantly dropped 20 degrees! It was NOT a pleasant ride home. Usually, we cruise along at 10-13 mph. I was struggling to manage 8, and it was cold and windy (yes, I realize that all things are relative - here is a Floridian telling Ohioans about cold and windy :-)
We did have a some cold weather 30 - 50 degrees, but looks like things are warming up again.
Tuesday, we went to world relief sewing. It was fun to see spend time with everyone. We also had a visitor - a homeless girl came in off the street. She sat around the quilting table with us, we sang some songs (at her request), she ate, and slept on the floor. She shared where she had been, and Bob Indermuhle did some calling around to find out what resources were available in the area. In talking to her, it was evident to each of us that she needed some professional help. Unfortunately, she didn't seem quite ready for that; she left with some food, some money and her pack of things. We would appreciate it if you would lift this young lady up in prayer. Her name is Deanna.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Bummer vs. Blessing
Yesterday, as we "shivered" through a 50 degree day, I had to think the day would be considered a beautiful winter day up in Ohio. How many things in life are like that? If we looked at a situation from a different perspective, how many times would it change from a "bummer" to a "blessing"? In some ways it can be frightening to think of how many things we expect in this life. How often are our disappointments attached to not getting something that we had no reason to expect anyway?
When we were passing out shoes in Haiti last year, I got a little caught up with gender specific colors and sizes. Not an issue. In Haiti, a teenage boy can be thankful for a pair of purple crocs a size too big. An average American boy would be horrified to wear such a thing in public, let alone be proud to have them on. This is a situation at one end of the spectrum and the message can be obvious. I need to step back and look at my view on life and examine the not so obvious expectations that I have - they can range from big to small. May I always take time to step back and focus on the one and only true promise that I have...God is faithful.
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed...great is your faithfulness
~Lamentations 3:22-23 (part of Today in the Word devotion)
Last evening we went to Harold and Carol Widmer's along with Joanne and Lois, Everett and Carol and Lorris and Lottie. We had a wonderful time together and also celebrated Harold's 80th birthday!!
PS today is supposed to be 70 degrees, which is a good thing...our furnace is on the blink! The house was 61 yesterday and this morning was 52. Oh well. The lanai was comfy yesterday and I just relaxed and read a book with the sun shining in. Rudy braved the weather and played bocci. We both took a walk in the afternoon.
When we were passing out shoes in Haiti last year, I got a little caught up with gender specific colors and sizes. Not an issue. In Haiti, a teenage boy can be thankful for a pair of purple crocs a size too big. An average American boy would be horrified to wear such a thing in public, let alone be proud to have them on. This is a situation at one end of the spectrum and the message can be obvious. I need to step back and look at my view on life and examine the not so obvious expectations that I have - they can range from big to small. May I always take time to step back and focus on the one and only true promise that I have...God is faithful.
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed...great is your faithfulness
~Lamentations 3:22-23 (part of Today in the Word devotion)
Last evening we went to Harold and Carol Widmer's along with Joanne and Lois, Everett and Carol and Lorris and Lottie. We had a wonderful time together and also celebrated Harold's 80th birthday!!
PS today is supposed to be 70 degrees, which is a good thing...our furnace is on the blink! The house was 61 yesterday and this morning was 52. Oh well. The lanai was comfy yesterday and I just relaxed and read a book with the sun shining in. Rudy braved the weather and played bocci. We both took a walk in the afternoon.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Starting a new year!!
The weather has been overcast and rainy at times, but we have still been able to ride our bikes for the last couple of days. Yesterday, we were on the trail, but today we rode over to the beach and went for a walk. The cool windy overcast weather kept the sunbathers away - made for a peaceful empty beach...just perfect for a walk :-)
Lorris and Lottie Stisser welcomed us "home" with a roast, potatoes and carrots for supper on Saturday. Sunday we rode to church with them and went out for supper in the evening. It was wonderful to see our Sarasota church family on Sunday!!! Ayana and China (Kim's girls) each had a hug for me and Ayana gave me a kiss and told me that they like coming to our house! How sweet! Usually, the first words I hear from her are "where's Rudy?" so I am sure his charm has a great deal to do with their "liking to come to our house".
Last evening, we went to Joanne Widmer's for supper and then went to the New Year's Eve service at church.
Here are some pictures from 2013:
Lorris and Lottie Stisser welcomed us "home" with a roast, potatoes and carrots for supper on Saturday. Sunday we rode to church with them and went out for supper in the evening. It was wonderful to see our Sarasota church family on Sunday!!! Ayana and China (Kim's girls) each had a hug for me and Ayana gave me a kiss and told me that they like coming to our house! How sweet! Usually, the first words I hear from her are "where's Rudy?" so I am sure his charm has a great deal to do with their "liking to come to our house".
Last evening, we went to Joanne Widmer's for supper and then went to the New Year's Eve service at church.
Here are some pictures from 2013:
trip to Haiti
Grandpa and Lucas in Florida
picking berries on July 4th
Justin's graduation
Mathias's graduation
Gabriel's trip to the Gravel Pit for his birthday
A trip to Mt Hope Auction
Elaine and Tony jump
St Louis
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)