Central Asia Update, Friday, October 8, 2010

We are up early and on the way back to Baku to finalize our visa extension! We had a great day yesterday. I spent time at the psych hospital again with the Furmans doing makeovers with before and after photos (we printed them and gave to the ladies). We did 27 faces and nails. They all wanted lots of makeup to look like movie stars! They loved the sparkly polish and rhinestone on their nails. We played som nice calm music for them during this time. Everyone left with smiles and believe me, you would not be smiling if you lived in this place. It is nothing like a home of any kind. After lunch we went back to the hospital to play games. The rain had finally stopped so we got to play outside in the courtyard. We had egg on spoon races, played with the parachute, played dodge ball & volleyball with a soccer ball (ouch!) We played jenga and took many more pics. We did get smiles out of everyone i think, which was a huge goal of ours! They laughed, also. It was about 20 men and 2 women this afternoon we were working with. All the men seem to smoke and have to take cig breaks. We went in the worst of the mens ward and into the womens ward. Someone is working on some renovation for this men's ward. I can not put into words what we saw. It is definately the worst place to live i have ever seen. I did see the difference Asbury has made with the happy color walls in the women's ward. We also saw some of the blue plastic beds.

Melanie has taught the patients and the kids at the vo tech school the cha cha slide & they love it! Bob, Bill & Jim have spent much time in English classes and have developed quite a relationship with the English teacher. The kids really love them. Another fabulous day! Full to the brim.
Ruthie

Note: They leave early in the morning, 10/9, to travel back to Tulsa. Thanks for your prayers! Also, they were able to get their one-day Visa extension when they were in Baku earlier today 10/8.

Central Asia Update, Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Hello everybody!
Yesterday (Tuesday) was an incredibly full day...mentally & physically.
We are staying with a local family and enjoying the customs here. Lots of great cheese, yogurt and tea. Our family has a wonderful garden with grape trellis, and everything else you can imagine growing. Chickens, rooster...really everything needed to live! We had a short orientation and then immediately went to play/work. We made chili and cornbread yesterday for our party last evening. We went to computer class, English class, rug making class--all levels involved here! The students here at the vo-tech are so much fun. So happy and gaining self confidence daily. They are treasures to be with and we enjoyed the day. It was so much fun to prepare the food with the young girls and we played bananas with the kids in English class. The teachers here are awesome and full of energy and all bright spots in this world. We have also made a new friend who is a peace corp volunteer from Shawnee OK. She is about my age and we speak the same language. Fun! I also got to spend time in the psych. hospital. We did art class in which I challenged them to do something different than normal. We did music class and performed for each other. And I was able to do exercise/yoga class for the men and women yesterday. That was a great experience! I loved to share this with them. This hospital is an unbelievable experience and like no place you have ever seen or been. I can't really explain it, but I know some are very sick and some don't seem sick at all. Last night we got to spend some time with Z who is a wonderful widow woman with 3 boys. She is making it! She is a leader and is definitely a bright light. We encouraged her and were able to support her with words of love. We are making meat stew today, doing classes and have done music already. We sang lots of old familiar songs you love and have not heard for a long, long, time! Fun!!! We are making makeup bags and loving it!!! We are broken and full. We are having a blast!
Ruthie

Central Asia Update, Monday, October 4, 2010

Hello all!
Baku is a beautiful old, but modern city! We are staying in a hotel in the old part of the city within the old, ancient city wall and close to the maiden tower. The old buildings are beautiful, big wood doors & carved limestone buildings, with ancient grape vines over verandas. The Caspian Sea smells great and there is a huge new sidewalk all along the sea. I haven't seen any oil production, but it is very evident that Baku is using some of the $70/bbl oil money to build new buildings and businesses. It is clean, the people are friendly. When we got here last night, we only received 7 day visas (not the 30 day that we asked for), which is a problem because our plane home leaves after the 7 day visa is up. We did not get a good reason as to why this happened. It was disappointing to say the least! We are all feeling relieved though, tonight, because of our friends here. Our friends met us this morning and have promised to pick us up on Monday morning and take us to the immigration service office to get additional days added to our visa. Their formal legal training is a huge asset for them in their work, and will be for us on Monday. Because of the years of Asbury folks building relationships with these wonderful, kind and loving people, we think we will be able to solve this problem of ours! Thank goodness! We ate lunch with them at a great restaurant and had an assortment of food common here. It was delicious and was about a 3 hour lunch, at least! They are very inspiring, confident, wise people. Again, I am so happy & relieved beyond words that we could call on them to help. We have spent the rest of the day walking around, looking at carpets, and people watching! There are many, many, many cats here...I have never seen so many and maybe I have seen 2 dogs! Fig trees, roses, beautiful architecture, some high fashion and a real sense of history make this a very unique place! Everyone is looking forward to a good nights sleep. We will have a restful day tomorrow, exploring more. Monday to settle our visa problem and then on to G-town! We are all flexible and know that we are experiencing just what we are supposed to be!!!

Ruthie

As of 7 pm their time, they are in G-town. They are 10 hours ahead of us.

Tanzania Construction, Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Tanzania Construction Team
Tuesday September 21, 2010

Breakfast at 7 a.m. is normal as is the steaming hot water for coffee of tea. We assemble with smiles and good mornings and are ready for the day. Shortly after eight o’clock we have 10 people: Robert & Linda, Marilene & Scott, Mike, Earl, Tonya and I in the vehicle with both first aid kits, 16 gallons of paint, a suitcase of tools, paint buckets, backpacks, and water bottles. We will first go to Lugumbo and drop off Scott, Linda and I then the rest will go back to finish the work at Muhungamkola. This latter statement is fulfilling as we had wanted to be complete and the Michael the evangelist had been out of his home for several days while the construction was being done. Being able to finish allows he and his wife to move back in before the service this Sunday.

Lugumbo is a location where Asbury assisted in building a church a few years ago. It is still in good shape and the locals have put up partial walls, kept the roof secure, and use the building for kindergarten as well as church service. Currently there is not an evangelist at Lugumbo but there is a volunteer, a young man named Simkoko, who has taken on that role. Simkoko’s wife Julia, and a handful of villagers, Pastor Mwembe, and the kindergarten students listened to a short sermon by Simkoko. The passage was the feeding of the 5,000 with a few loaves of bread and fishes. In his own words, Simkoko expressed that we coming from America are providing food to the 5,000 yet it is up to his people here in Tanzania to pick up the left-over food and share it with their brothers and sisters. I am not doing his sermon justice but the point is one of gratefulness but also one of personal responsibility. This is a pillar of evangelical outreach and many who we touch here are taking on that responsibility. We’re not just helping to build churches but we are helping to build disciples.

Gladly, I introduced our group and Robert helped me by translating a few words for the villagers. One item I stated is that it was good to see Pastor Mwembe in the group as he is like the Holy Spirit. You never know where he is or what he will be doing but he is always there when you need him.

With Robert’s continued assistance we all walked through the small three room house that had no paint on the inside and languished over the problem of putting screens on the home. The way the repairs had been done at some point in the past made it impossible to replace the rotted screens with new ones without chipping away a lot of mortar. George, a relative or Thomas whom I mentioned on Sunday, stated he would perform the work of removing the improperly applied mortar at a later date. Everyone agreed that painting and a few other chores was appropriate.

Linda, Scott and I remained and the rest of the group left for Muhungambola. It was good having Linda with us as she is well known among the villagers, speaks enough of the language to translate most items, and is just enjoyable to be around.

At the evening dinner we all recalled events of the day and many were similar experiences. Foremost we shared food with the evangelists and pastors which is a blessing in friendship as well as sustenance. We had many people wanting to help: children, elders, teenagers from nearby schools, and women who fixed the meals also helped clean paint from the floors as well as our tools. While we started performing these latter tasks, we were quickly banished from doing them and the pastors directed the children and women to complete the tasks. Again, these people are not afraid of any work and none of it is beneath their dignity. They happily learn and are willing to be instructed. They simply do not have many opportunities to be carpenters or craftsman. But from all we see, they are being successful fishers of men.

Throughout our day at Muhungambola, Scott played with kids and taught them to paint. At the end of the day there were several silly things done together. One of which was Scott and I singing the Lone Ranger song and pretending to ride on a horse together. The kids and some adults laughed but this allowed Scott to use his musical talent and make up some songs. Then he was able to coax those around, a few women and children, to sing songs for us. A wonderful exchange of kinship.

At the end of the day we pondered Scott’s observation. We see women caring for kids and men assisting basically in discipline but we don’t see parents and children engaging in games together. It could be that we just aren’t around at the right time and it could be that we do things with kids that are foreign to the thinking here. Never has it been any issue as the adults laugh at us (with us) as much as the kids. But we don’t see the type of interaction we have with our children. Perhaps it is because the adults are too busy getting a single meal onto the “table” for the children to worry about playing games with them. This is most probably the sad truth. I wonder if we will ever be close enough friends with these people to really know. However, we are close enough friends with them now to know that sharing even a little of Christ’s love with these children is a blessing.

Brett

Tanzania Construction Team, Mon., September 20, 2010

Tanzania Construction Team
Monday September 20, 2010

Monday is another divide and conquer day. Marilene and Tonya will spend the day in the Kswahili language school here at KKKT. Robert will take Mike with him to check on the water well drilling and flow inspections at Ebenezer and Misera. Earl, Scott and I will be taken to Muhungambola by Mr. Kazoka where we will meet with Pastor Steven Nehru to work on evangelist Michael’s house.

The road to Muhungambola is a typical Tanzanian country road almost one and a half lanes wide, deep ditches on the side, red silt like dirt, rough, and with unexpected twists and turns. At one point the road straightens and goes up hill. The driver accelerates assuming the continuation but at the top of the crest there is a severe left hand curve causing immediate redirection and all of us grabbing for something stable. Also, typical is that vehicles have the right of way over any pedestrian either walking or on bicycle. When pedestrians see cars coming they normally step into the ditch or off the roadway. Some try to share the road which makes for very close quarters. However, we and everyone we pass is safe.

Pastor Nehru speaks a little English – that is a little English. When we first get on site we shake hands to greet the half dozen or so men who are digging a ditch to redirect the water that is washing away the foundation of Michael’s house. This is a good project and will pay dividends when the short rains come in the next few months and the long rains come after the third month of next year. Earl, Scott, and I continue to survey the work site and discuss options for the different projects. Since the family had moved all the furniture out of the house, we unloaded our tools and bags into the front room to provide convenient access. A few moments later Pastor Nehru asks us if we can pray before we begin.

I was a little embarrassed by this comment as it was obvious I had missed important protocol. Each day we begin by having team prayer for guidance in our efforts, safety, and most importantly to behave as Christ wishes. When onsite we do the same with the local people. Apparently, our surveying and setup appeared like we were only there to complete tasks and not to be brothers in doing the work together. We did find out later that Pastor Nehru didn’t feel any imposition as he just wanted to make sure we met the villagers and communally to praise God for bringing help and for God’s blessings on the work to be done. So, note to self, don’t get the tools out of the vehicle until after the greetings and prayers. Even though there was no problem, we discussed this as a team and have agreed to follow this guideline the rest of the week.

When Pastor Nehru did introduce us, he had the workers digging the ditch, carpenters, evangelist Michael and his wife Veroneka, the kindergarten teacher and several other women. The introduction to so many women was unique and showed respect to them. After the blessing, we visited a few more minutes and commented on how well quickly the men were progressing on the ditch. We inspected the recently completed floor and wall repairs and complimented the carpenter on the work. Steven (Nehru), Michael and Earl teamed to work on window screens while Scott and I taught a few villagers how to paint.

Within minutes, I was asked if we had some bandages as one of the men working on the ditch had been hit in the head and had a cut. Fortunately we had surgical gloves to protect our hands from the oil based paint but I had forgotten the first aid kit. Yesterday we had two at the different locations but both would up in Robert’s car and we didn’t pull one for our work today! Second note to self. Always bring the first aid kit. Fortunately the cut wasn’t terribly bad. I washed it with fresh water and another local man (both in their twenties) got a double edged, dirty, razor blade and shaved the wounded man’s head where it was injured. That alone would have hurt me but the wounded man did not wince once. Then I cleaned the wound with water, baby wipes and hand sanitizer. In my best Swahili told him it would burn but again the man didn’t wince at all during the cleaning. I used clean wipes and paper tape to cover the wound. Finally, I placed the “Brett Hat” on his head and told him to keep it there all day so it would keep the wound clean.

Two items: Later in the day we wanted to make sure the injured man was doing well and he had gone to his home and someone had completed my field triage. Second, the hat my mother-in-law gave me a few years ago now has a new life. For fun she had my name embroidered on it and I have worn it on short term mission trips with the Asbury youth into Mexico. I used it so kids would know my name and Justin Petron wonderfully and comically mocked me in a skit about it. Now I have pictures of the man with the Brett hat and have let him know we are now brothers and he has a new name – Tanzania Brett. Pastor Nehru assisted in the translation and we all shook hands and hugged.

It was a long day in Muhungambola and we were glad to meet back at KKKT with the others. Marilene and Tonya enjoyed learning proper greetings and meeting other students from Germany and the US. Both of them were lively at dinner as they interacted with the other students in the dining hall. Mike and Robert had good but not great news about the water well sites as one well had good water but not as much flow as hoped.

During our team meeting we discussed several aspects of the day including Scott’s questions as to where all the animals are. He is correct as we see more ground animals and birds in Oklahoma than there are here. We also talked about the importance of putting up new screens and painting homes. The tasks are important but the communicating, helping, and working with the locals is critical. At the end of the day we were amazed about the amount of work completed by the villagers. They are not scared of hard work. They just don’t have opportunity. Without the opportunity they don’t have the training. It is a wonderful feeling to be part of providing both to their lives. Not that we do a big thing but that we do it together through God’s grace and the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Oh, by the way, ask Scott about putting a Tanzanian on his head, er shoulders!

Brett

Tanzania Construction Team, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010

Tanzania Construction Team
Sunday September 19

A new day and a chance for another meal. This has been an inside joke for each of the three times I have been here. We are fed breakfast at KKKT and typically get to our first worship or work location by morning tea time which has tea and usually a fried bread or fruit or both. Then after a few hours it is lunch time. Although we don’t often return in time, there is evening tea followed at six by dinner. At evening team meetings someone will break out snacks and we’ll ingest more calories. All-in-all, we eat more here than at home. So, you may read about food quite a bit but just know it is part of the overall experience of being served by loving people in Tanzania. Specifically, in the villages it is how they show their appreciation for our efforts and provides an opportunity for close community – a small group session!

The plan for the day is to attend church at Maseyu with Pastor Mwembe a wonderful man and friend to many of us. I could write many pages about his depth of character, friendly ways, and patience with our lack of language skills, so our going to Maseyu is a treat. At breakfast we learn that Robert will not be able to take us to Maseyu as he must go west and meet with a water well crew. We decide together this is the critical link as the drilling has been in discussion for almost a year and there have been some difficulties in finalizing items. Together we decide Robert, Mike, and Earl will stay at KKKT for service then drive to Ebenezer to discuss the technical details.

God’s plans are always better than our own, especially mine, and today is no exception. Pastor Hafermann tells us his plans have changed for the day also. Instead of his preaching at another village, he has been asked to go to Maseyu. This not only provides the rest of us a ride, but also allows us to have some personal time with Herb. It also relieves us of language worries. So, after breakfast we split up, have two language school students and a young local man join Marilene, Scott, Tonya and me in Herb’s vehicle.

Upon arrival at Maseyu, we receive warm welcomes from Pastor Leonard Mwembe and then his wife Katherine. We are invited into Leonard’s home and visit for a while. We are served tea and Krispi Kreme doughnuts – actually a sweat bread fried biscuit – and talk. It is only at this time I recognize the young man who rode with us. His name is Thomas and has worked on many churches with Asbury and other teams. He was part of Luka’s crew that helped us at Tukamiasasa (Tuka) last year. He is now married, has filled out, muscle not fat, and is changing appearance from boy to man. He laughs as Herb translates how I didn’t recognize him and Herb helps us retell some stories from last year. This sets a good tone as Leonard invites others into his home. Some sit and stay. Some shake our hands and exit. A few are familiar and their faces brighten as they recognize Marilene or me.

The custom of shaking hands may be universal but here, to show honor and respect, the locals will have a slight curtsey or hold their forearm with their left hand as they shake with their right. This is very pleasant and indeed an honor to receive. With a room full of people it takes a few minutes for the elders to shake the hands of all the pastors and visitors. During one exchange, Scott is the last person to be introduced. The elder shakes Scott’s hand but Scott doesn’t let go. He continues to shake the hand then more vigorously then makes his whole body shake. At first the elder is dismayed but somehow Scott has the ability to disarm anyone’s defense mechanisms and the elder catches onto the joke and laughs vigorously. I don’t know what he says to Leonard and Herb but they all laugh cheerfully. This is a sign of things to come as through the week Scott reaches out in humor, song, teaching, and a true loving nature to all with whom he meets.

The service is in an open brick building with tin roof that Asbury helped build. This week it is full and includes 4 choirs from different villages. Two of which are at least an hour’s walk. There are 163 people total, 69 taking communion. This service is also special as there are 3 baptisms one of whom is an adult. All show signs of rejoicing at the baptisms.

The choirs are wonderful and they sing and have some footwork. All their singing is without songbook. We are somewhat prepared as we had practiced two hymns the previous night. We use small songbooks that Scott had prepared and with the two additional students, Michael and Morgan, delivered and underwhelming performance. However, the church members were excited that we participated and encouraged us with their shrill sounds of enjoyment as we sang.

Later we were able to address the congregation and shared how thrilled we were to be with them in their service and how much we appreciate their hospitality. We provide many pictures of Asbury community to them and state that we take pictures here so we can share them with our friends, and pray together for those we have met. We state that it is not important for them to remember us but hope they remember a whole community of Christian brothers and sisters at Asbury love them and pray for them. We asked for their prayers in this spirit. As the pictures are passed out it is obvious they feel the same.

It is a big Sunday. Not only are the pews filled, souls saved, and friends remembered, but there is also an auction. All auctions are fun but those here are memorable for several reasons. First is the items auctioned are provided as offerings to the church. Second as it provides a method to share goods between groups. Third, it is somewhat outrageous as people bait others into bidding higher and literally fan the flames of a bidder. With such a large crowd there are many items to auction and many bidders. We bid on a goat and a local is bidding against us. As the price raises, we’re being fanned to continue bidding. At an appropriate time, Herb who is doing the actual bidding, raises the bid a single thousand shillings which designates we know he was raising the price arbitrarily and we were now finished with our good will bidding. At this sign, there were no more bids and we took ownership of the goat. There is a pig which sells for a high rate and purchased by a Massai woman. Chickens, corn, millet, soap, congas all sell well. We wind up purchasing a chicken and some corn for Luka’s widow. The goat, corn, and some other items we donate back to Pastor Mwembe, and sugar cane which we divide between the choirs. Everyone leaves with a good feeling and many shake our hands and thank us personally as the event comes to a close.

Again we enter Leonard’s home and are served lunch. As we eat we see many people chewing on sugar cane. A bit later we see most of the people being served rice and beans and possibly some fruit. It is an important feast and shows how a few gifts of grain to the church are quickly and joyfully spread among the community.

Even with all this, we return to the KKKT seminary in time for evening tea. The team regroups and Robert tells of the success in discussions with the water drilling crew. He is very pleased with Mike and Earl’s accompaniment as the three were able to ensure all questions were fully addressed and enables Robert to continue the efforts.

After dinner, we have one more event. The team has arranged dessert at the Spitaleri’s home to celebrate my birthday. This is a pleasant surprise and another example of how these short term mission trips turn different groups into strongly bound friends.

A day that started with some confusion and concern closes with rejoicing in being even a small part of sharing God’s grace. How could a day end any better?

Blessings, Brett

Tanzania Construction Team Update, September 18, 2010

Tanzania Construction Team
Saturday September 18, 2010

It is always a pleasure to wake at the Catholic guest house and especially after arriving in Dar at night as the grounds are a beautiful, peaceful respite as compared to the large sometimes cacophonous city. While we didn’t rush; we also didn’t waste any time in getting to breakfast and exiting our temporary sanctuary. Mr. Kazoka and his assistant loaded all but our day packs into the large van and left for the Lutheran Junior Seminary where we would be staying. The eight of us, Linda & Robert, Marilene & Scott, Mike, Earl, Tonya & I scrunched into the utility vehicle and headed into town.

Robert took us to the fish market which is across the ship harbor from the guest house. We traveled around the circumference and saw parts of open ocean, control towers, stacks of shipping containers, and finally ran into the smell of fresh fish. Robert guided us into a parking lot with rows of shops on the far side. By shops, I mean open air vendors packed tightly together like booths at the county fair selling sea shells, trinkets, smoked fish and assortments of other foods and beverages.

Across the street is the real action with covered halls of fresh fish, buckets of other catch, and down at the shoreline, boats with people unloading fish, crayfish, octopus and assortments of other sea creatures. There are no tools but hands, no carrying containers other than five gallon buckets. The amount of work being done is enormous. The number of people participating in both the work and purchasing is easily in the hundreds. All walking through shallow streams of dirty, bloodied water. The sight was dizzying and the smells almost overwhelming but we were too busy studying the multi colored catch, puzzling over the strange methods, and listening to the jovial, friendly locals to be deterred from enjoying each moment.

We began our journey to Lutheran Junior Seminary in earnest after returning to the car and “washing” our feet. The eight of us wedged our way into the van and talked and gawked at the sights as Robert drove. The town is crowded and the highway packed with vehicles. Last year, at this same time, I mentioned to Robert and Mike how much more traffic was on the road than 16 months earlier on my first visit. Now, the traffic has increased even more. Part of this is good news as it means that more goods and services are being moved from the seaport capital city of Dar to inner regions of Tanzania. Part of this is bad news as it comes with a price such as numerous overloaded vehicles playing cat and mouse down a two lane “highway.”

What used to take less than an hour, now takes almost two hours to get to Chalinze which can be thought of as the halfway point. Since we exited Dar later than normal our stop includes a lunch buffet of beans, rice, greens, French-fries, a tomato dish, cooked bananas, and soda. We enjoyed our meal and walked through the “mall” which consists of a half dozen people selling wood carvings, knives, signs, jewelry and other must haves.

About another half hour down the road we stopped at a very small village where our friend Luka Ramadhani is buried. He started working for Herb Hafermann and other missionaries as a helper, then as carpenter, and saw the love of Christians. He became a Christian and even became an evangelist helping in many church services and baptism ceremonies. Luka had a big heart and was always a joy to be with. Sadly, a liver disease took him from this world and left his widow with one child and another on the way. Additionally, Luka and his widow Emi had taken in four nieces and nephews from Luka’s brother Solomon as Solomon died two years ago. At another time I hope to pass on the encouraging parts of this story and how Robert and Linda bravely assisted in the final hours and the funeral services. The set of events are sadly beautiful as Emi, who was raised Catholic, was surrounded by dozens and dozens of family and friends before and after the funeral. Luka had a second ceremony of Muslim tradition as his family was of that religion. But the burial was fully Christian and his grave marked by a lovely white cross. The cemetery is unorganized, and a statement to the frailty of man, and temporary nature of our human lives. It is also a great statement of faith and courage as it marks the site of a young man who fought through tradition and found Jesus through the outreach of missionaries. Missionaries who are close to us and to the services of our church. If the only thing we could say at this sight was “another soul for Jesus” it would be enough, but we can say much more about Luka, how he came to know Christ, and how he is our brother.

The next few miles were a little quieter and we slowly began seeing evidence of the Uluguru mountains. After hurdling speed bumps at the next few townships we came to our temporary home. Fortunately we had just enough time to unpack before afternoon tea. We gathered in one quadrant of the dining hall and enjoyed a small snack and hot tea. This, of course, was followed an hour and a half later by dinner. Believe it or not, there were rice and beans with other items :). Though tired from our long few days, we were happy to gather and give praise to our wonderful God who provides us safety, comfort, and fellowship.

I am inspired by the team members and thrilled to be here with them. It is in great joy and thanksgiving that we pray to be part of God’s wonderful plan.

Tanzania Construction Team Update, Sunday, September 19, 2010

Greetings! We arrived on time, tired, weary but all in good spirits. The flights were good and everything went well. Robert, Linda, and Mr. K met us at the airport and after the typical exchanges made our way to the guest house.

Things are moving quickly here with very little down time. Everyone’s spirits are high and rest is a little low. We are off for three separate activities. Marilene and Tonya are going to school. Robert and Mike are tending to water wells. Earl, Scott and I are doing light construction. Will send more at our first chance.
Brett

Estonia, Parnu VIM Update, Thursday, July 29, 2010

Hello Everyone,

Today was the last day of VBS, the kids were wonderful. Grant taught them how to sing a song in Swahili and showed them some pictures of the children from Tanzania. The lesson for today was Jesus looking for the lost lamb. The craft was to make a sheep out of pipe cleaners and cotton. The children played several games like limbo, captains coming and the small children drew on the sidewalk with chalk. Our gift for them today were the dove key chains that an Asbury member made for them. The key chains were a very special gift for them.

Today I realized that just being involved with the children made a huge impact on them. I had two little girls give me their craft for today as a gift. I really didn't get to speak with these girls during the week, but it meant a lot to me that just being involved was a big deal to them.

Every night the boys and I have been playing a game of soccer and more and more children come to join in on the game. The team is well and ready for the next part of our adventure.

Love,
Lauren and the Estonian Team

Estonia, Parnu VIM Update, Thursday, July 29, 2010

We have been on the go from morning until late at night. VBS was great. The painting project was finished yesterday so the whole team was with the children today at VBS. They loved the backpacks, activity books and t-shirts. We had wonderful attendance and working with the volunteers here has been fantastic. We have definitely made many friends. We head to Tallinn tomorrow morning and will meet Mall at the Lighthouse.

Thank you for your prayers. It has been hot but today we had a break. It was much cooler this morning and there was a lovely breeze.

Beth and the team

Estonia, Parnu VIM Update, Wednesday, July 28, 2010

HOT! HOT! HOT! I guess we brought Oklahoma weather to Estonia with us! This HOT weather has broken a 50 year record.

Today at VBS the theme was God Changes and we talked about Paul and Silas going to Prison. We had 66 children come today. We are hoping for 80 tomorrow. We made kites during craft time and played several relay games. The little kids played with a parchute. Everyone is doing well and ready for the last day of VBS. There will be a Celebration Picnic following VBS tomorrow (Thursday).

Love,
Lauren and the Estonian team

Estonia, Parnu VIM Team Update, Tuesday, July 27, 2010

On Monday, the team assisted with Mission Bible School at Agape Church with 46 children participating. Then on Tuesday, 51 children attended! The team also enjoyed shopping and dinner with Tonu, Kulli and Meeli, who are the pastor at Agape Church in Parnu, his wife, and the president of the Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary in Tallinn, respectively. Thanks for the continued prayers for our team as they serve with our connecting congregation in Parnu.

Estonia, Parnu VIM Update, Sunday, July 25, 2010

Hey everyone, from the team in Parnu, Estonia. We are having a wonderful time. Everyone is strong and ready for VBS tomorrow. The past three days we have been traveling and finishing all of the preparation for VBS.

Today at the church service there were several missionaries from Estonia, Brazil and America. We were asked to present a children's story and a couple of children's songs. We sang Deep and Wide and This Little Light of Mine. It went very well. The Brazilians were asked to perform a drama. The drama was very moving and powerful. They did an excellent job.

For a little of R&R after putting the final touches on VBS, we went to Hessburger (McDonald's) and went to the beach for a swim. Hope you all are having a wonderful week and I will be talking to you soon.

Love,
Lauren and the Estonia Team

Tanzania Medical Team Updates, Thursday-Saturday, June 24-26, 2010

Thursday 6/24/2010
Today we went to Kiegea (Masai Village) for clinic. When we pulled in to the lot very few people were there, but by the end of the day we saw a total of 175 people. (86 eye room, 150 medical doctors). Many of the same conditions as other days in addition to an albino baby, TB, sleep walking, hepatosplenomegaly, enlarged liver, and multinodular goiter. We got back to LJS at 6pm, had devos at 7 and tried to get on internet in common room, all to no avail.

Friday 6/25/2010
Today we arrived in village at 9am, the whole team is healthy, Praise God. When we arrived more were waiting for us. We quickly set up and prayed with villagers at 9:20am. It was very windy in the am, had to hold on to pages, etc. However the cool breeze was welcome. We saw the Asbury well drilled last June, right after lunch. Everyday the villagers cooked us food, usually rice, beans, soup with potatoes, and a few pieces of meat and greens. We served the Masai people and a few (3-4) Baribeig men came at the end of the day. We saw everyone either by doctors or at the very end just triaged through the pharmacy and gave 39 vitamins/pain pills. Our totals for eye was 113, medical 166, pharmacy 39, and total seen 221. Our week totals were eye 577, medical 727 and pharmacy 97 and grand total of 1,140. Priase God. Friday night we had dinner and walked to the house by Linda and Robert's for devos. Grant shared Matthew 9:35. Then we quickly inventoried/sorted all things left (supplies and meds).

Saturday 6/26/2010
We ate at 7am like usual, packed, walked the campus, etc. We pulled out of LJS at 10:25 headed for Dar es Salaam. We stopped at several shops and are now off to eat dinner before arriving at the Catholic guest house. We do have a few members with bad stomachs today, but I think they are feeling better. Please continue to pray for our health and safe return. Can't wait to see you guys!

Cheri Watkins

Tanzania Medical Team Update, Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Last day in Lukangazi was tiring. Crowd control issues, end of day/learning issues for those unable to be seen. We saw 295 total people(medical-134 and eye-121. At the end we sent 58 to pharmacy for just pain, worm and vitamin medications.) Saw a lot of same conditions plus sickle cell, leg mass (possible bone cancer). Tonight we will attend the chapel service on campus of LJS. Tomorrow we go to a Masaii
village-Kiagea- for clinic for 2 days. Mary Pittman needs prayer. She stayed in bed today not feeling well. The pastors, evangelists and interpreters have been a huge help. They have made things much easier. We saw a beautiful rainbow on the drive back to LJS this afternoon.

Tanzania Medical Team Update, Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Clinic Day Review

Wow-what a day! Hectic, emotional and fantastic. We saw 162 in the eye room, 151 in the medical rooms (total of 284 people). Some people saw both eye and medical doctors. We treated 2 children with burns, re-dressed one leg wound from Monday, saw African sleeping sickness, Leismoniasis. We saw many headaches, back aches, hydroceles, abdominal parasites, arthritis, hernias, typhoid, diabetes, hypertension,sprains, fungal rashes etc.

All members of team are felling well and are working hard. One last thing, at lunch break we walked down to the AUMC water well and quickly walked through the village of Lukangazi.

Sharon and Team

Tanzania Medical Team Update, Monday, June 21, 2010

Today we went to Lukangazi village, a one hour ride away on bumpy dirt roads. We quickly set up in their school, each doctor had their own room, as well as the pharmacy. We had a lot of evangelists and pastors helping us, along with interpreters. We gathered to pray with the villagers before starting. We saw total of 165 people, 95 saw the eye doctor, 126 saw medical doctors. We saw hernias, leg wounds, HIV, back pain, gastritis, migraines, malaria, scabies, leprosy, diabetes, STD's and more. Dr. Reinking is feeling much better, praise God!

Tanzania Medical Team Update, Sunday, June 20, 2010

All travel has been great. No problems. Saturday we had a delightful day at the Mikumi game park. We saw a lion, giraffes, elephants, impala, many beautiful birds, zebra, wildebeest, warthogs and baboons. We had lunch there at the park before returning to LJS (Lutheran Junior Seminary). That afternoon some went to the orphanage while others counted meds and organized for clinic. In the evening we eat dinner at 6 pm and then have devotions. The Spitaleris are very hospitable and are along side us for everything! Today we went into Morogoro to Pastor Raymond's church. It was a 4 hour service honoring Bishop Mameo. Many heads of government were there and the Bishop from Sangidi preached. The public health officer ran the auction and the lunch served afterwards. It was a delight to see and worship with all the fellow Christians in Morogoro, Tanzania. After lunch we returned to LJS where most continued to prepare for our clinic days and some went back to the nearby Catholic orphanage to play with the kids. Tomorrow we will go to Lukengazi village for the 1st day of clinics. Keep Dr. Richard Reinking in your prayers-he was sick all night Saturday and stayed in bed today (Sunday).

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers!

Sharon Hedgecock, Team Leader

Tanzania Medical Team Update, Friday, June 18, 2010

We have arrived safely in Tanzania. Other than the fact everyone being exhausted from the traveling, we are still enjoying ourselves.We really just got situated today (after leaving Tulsa time at 2:30 on Wednesday) and organized medical supplies and a few others went to the orphanage. Tomorrow (Saturday) we are heading to
Mikumi (game park), bright and early. We are excited for what the week has to
offer and will be sure to keep you updated. Hope all is well in Tulsa.

Estonia, Lighthouse VIM Update, Sunday, June 13, 2010

I am writing from a very slow computer in the hotel where we are staying. It reminded me of the piano that I played on this morning. More on that later.

On Friday, we packed up and loaded up in a rented van to go south. We crossed to an island in a ferry, and saw the beautiful Estonian countryside. We stopped along the way and visited a 13th C. castle-museum. It gives new meaning to the song, "A Mighty Fortress is our God." The walls were made of very thick walls that are still in excellent condition. (only some WWII damage from bomb) We visited the many rooms with interesting artifacts from the past.

We arrived at our hostel, that was arranged for us. It would have been fine, except there were 43 people to one bathroom. We did the minimum "requirements" and waited for better things ahead. We made our way to Haaspula (?)for Saturday evening, and this time we had very nice facilities. We ate at a famous cafe where we ate a pear torte that was delicious. We had lots of intresting food, and all of it excellent.

Sunday, we ate breakfast close to the church, and went on over. The pastor was very friendly,and we shared during the entire service. I played by myself (I Sing he Mighty Power of God), and the I found out later that they know those words to a different tune. They didn´t care, though. The piano was very stiff just like this computer--but I got by. It was in tune. Delores sang "Surely the Presence", and I played for all of the hymns that were chosen by the pastor, and were all familiar. Wayne spoke on the "Potter and the clay vessel", and did an awesome job. The pastor was so grateful for everything that we did. It was a small congregation--only about 25 people. He wanted Deloris to sing again, so we "winged it" with "Because He Lives". (she had mentioned that it was one of her favorites, so I knew that she knew it. We had never done it before the service, but it went fine.) I will never forget the communion service where we all made a big circle around the communion table. He invited Wayne to break the bread, and the pastor shared the wine. Wayne spoke the scriptural words in English, and the pastor spoke in Estonian. That will be forever etched in my memory.

We will leave early in the morning (Monday) with nearly a 24-hour trip home. Thank you for your prayers. We have felt Godś blessings.

Judy Werner and the team

Estonia, Lighthouse VIM Update, Thursday, June 10, 2010

Thursday at the Lighthouse
Today was our last day at the Lighthouse. We hustled around to get ready for the last day of music and puppets. We set up the front room with the puppet stage and the music sheets so that we could perform for all of the adults in the building. We finished making our Oklahoma chili and made spaghetti for the lunch. We told the children that it was "cowboy" or "cowgirl" chili. They seemed to really like it. We made it on the mild side. It was "no alarm" chili. We also bought Coke for them, which they wanted an unending cup! After lunch we did our performance, and the children did very well. They gave us a hand made art card with dimensional flowers on it as a gift. We sang the chorus "Alleluia" together at the end.

At lunch, one of the former Lighthouse kids came by. He is now a medic in the army. I think that the Lighthouse gives these children a hope for a different life from what they presently have. Their home backgrounds are so bad that in America they would be removed to a foster home. Here in Estonia, they do not do that too often, since the alternate is an orphanage.

Dave and Wayne did all of the painting that they could. Wayne was still wanting to get another coat of paint on the stairwell, but I think that time is running out for them. The work that they did was well appreciated.

Tonight we are going to Mallś (director of the Lighthouse)house for dinner. Her husband doesn´t speak English, but smiles all of the time! (Love in any language!)

Tomorrow we are heading to the south, and will take a ferry across. We will attend an Estonian church on Sunday. Delores is singing "Surely the Presence of the Lord" on Sunday. She has a beautiful voice.

If I don´t have a computer in the hotel, I won´t be able to email. This may be my last until we get home.

Thanks for your continued prayers.

Wayne and Judy
Dave and Jan
Delores

Ecuador VIM Update, Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Our group had another full day in Shell. Our medical professionals and therapists spent another day with the kids at Casa De Fe. They made corrective devices for kids with disabilities and examined and worked with other kids. The rest of the group spent part of the day at the construction site, finishing up with plastering the walls and ceilings, and helping the Mississippi group begin painting. They then spent the rest of the day at casa de fe, playing with and loving the kids, taking some of the toddlers to a local park, which is a real treat for those kids, and spending time with the kids doing crafts.

It was busy and challenging again, but well worth it. God really works wonders here in Ecuador!

Tim

Estonia, Lighthouse Update, Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Wednesday at Lighthouse, Estonia
Today we got to the Lighthouse early so that Mall, the director could take us to a discount store to buy chocolate and coffee. Delores, Jan, and I rode in the car to the store. Mallś husband drove us, because Mall doesn´t like to drive. I can see why, itś crazy! When we returned to the Lighthouse, the children began arriving, and we did the "Cha Cha Slide", "Alice the Camel", and played musical chairs. They loved playing musical chairs while I played the piano. I would pick very abrupt places to stop!

We did music again, and added the paper plates and chopsticks activity, which was pretty wild!! Delores helped me pass out plates and chopsticks, and also took pictures. (She really "loves" on the kids", Her "grandma" approach seems to be working well with the kids.) We needed the interupter to say " Do it together, and don´t hit your neighbor with your plates!!! All of these kids seems to have a very good sense of beat, and when directed, can do well following the boomwhacker and bell charts that I brought. We practiced our other songs, since tomorrow we will perform for all of the adults before the children go to see "Shrek" in Russian and Estonaian (two different times for shows). It is their special treat since they just finished school. Wouldn´t it be funny to see "Shrek" in Russian"? We won´t be able to do that tomorrow, as Mall has other plans for us.

We used the puppets today, and they sang to some recordings that Jan brought. The little boys are pretty wild! Tina told us that three of them come from a home of 7 children, and the mother couldn´t remember how many kids she had! The mother is probably on drugs, and the children are on their own. It is survival mode for them. I noticed one child with bruises on his face, so it is as we knew, that these children come from very difficult homes, where abuse and neglect are likely.

Wayne and Dave have painted the first coat on a large room. They are putting the second coat on tomorrow, and also plan to paint the very high stair well. They are using a very tall ladder to reach this area. Wayne arm-wrestled a boy today. He could have wiped him out in two seconds, but he played along for quite a while, and finally let him win.

Jan and Delores are in the kitchen making chili with spaghetti for the kids tomorrow. We are making an "American" meal for them. Dave insisted that chili over spaghetti is the way people eat this in Oklahoma. Jan and I were discussing this, and she said that Dave likes his chili this way. I am guessing that the children may like it with pasta, too.

Last evening, we went to eat supper at a place called "Texas". It was very interesting Tex-Mex. I ordered tostados that were tortillas with chicken, zuchinni, and red peppers, with a Holandaise like sauce with dill in it. The chips also had a fruity dip. No salsa for us! It was very tasty, but we decided that it was definitely Estonian Tex-Mex.

Tomorrow is our last day at the Lighthouse, and then we go down south and will visit two churches. Wayne is speaking on Sunday, and I will be playing the piano. When Mall talked with the minister he said that his parishiners were sick of him, and they would like to here someone else.! He wants me to play before during and after the service, so I guess I will be "faking" it a bit!

Hopefully I will send one more email tomorrow. I am uncertain whether we will have email when we go south.

Thanks for your prayers and support,
Judy and Wayne

Ecuador VIM Update, Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Our group has been busy at the Casa De Fe orphanage and also at the construction site of the new two story building that is being constructed. Don Hamilton, our doctor, has with Kelly Bryan's help, been assessing children, taking vital signs and working on getting medical records and histories. In a place where birth dates are not even known for some of the kids, this is a huge undertaking and is desperately needed. Teryl Speryle and Julie Wilson, our therapists, have been very busy assessing the many needs of the special needs kids, working with the Casa De Fe staff to help train them to perform some therapies, providing assistance devices for some of the kids, and loving on them. Michelle Carney, Lily Heine, Debra Knight and others in our group have been playing with the kids, taking them to a nearby park, where they almost never get to go because of a shortage of supervision, and doing crafts and games.

Our construction crew has been working with another group from Mississippi at the construction site. We have plastered walls, wired the first floor for electrical power and helped pour concrete to construct a five foot high, ten foot long cistern for collecting rain water. Anne Heine is a master plasterer, and Debbie Hamilton should be on Tool Time for her use of power tools. It is fun, exciting and tiring. With the work we are doing, they may be able to occupy the first floor within a month or so. We hope to lay tile on some of the floors later in the week.

We have had an exciting and challenging trip so far, and God has shown his presence in so many ways that it would take many more pages to describe them.

Tim

Estonia Lighthouse Team, Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Tuesday at the Lighthouse
Greetings again from Estonia. We are in the second day at the Lighthouse. Wayne and Dave succeeded yesterday at installing a toilet, and also mounting two large fire extinguishers. Today Wayne has been scraping a stairwell that was loaded with loose paint and plaster. The children called him a "snowman". He is now putting on new plaster so it can dry overnight, and then put on paint tomorrow. This area is in very bad shape! I know that Mall, the director, will be very happy to have it looking better.

After coffee (with pastries, cheese, ham and tomatoes), we got out tables for the crafts, and prepared for music. The children made a cross necklace with colored beads that represented the Gospel story (black for sin, red for the blood of Jesus, etc). The all seemed to be very proud of their project. One Russian boy drew me a picture. It was very well done, and was a picture of a man with a top hat carrying flowers. I thought that was very nice! The children are often hungry when they come, so we don´t put off lunch. After they are fed, we have music, and today I used a colored chart with groups of rhythm instruments. We also played bells and boomwhackers on a couple of other songs. We repeated "Jumpin´for Jesus". Wow! I feel like I´ve had an aerobic workout after we do that song! These children are younger than the group I had two years ago, and their attention span is shorter. They did seem to enjoy being wild and crazy during "Jumpin´for Jesus"!

Jan did puppets again, and they also enjoyed doing that. Tomorrow we are doing the "Cha Cha Shuffle" or whatever it was called. Oops, I got another workout because Jan and I practiced after the children had left so we won´t get too mixed up tomorrow.

In the evenings, we are relaxing. Last night, we slipped into an organ and violin recital at a church nearby. The music was really beautiful. However, I was afraid that Wayne and Dave might interrupt with snoring, so we didn´t stay too long. This church has painting all across the top of the church of Bible stories, that were during a time when people were illiterate. They would learn from the pictures.

Last night we walked around Old Town, near our apartment for about two hours. The churches and old structures are interesting and beautiful. Some of them have recently been restored. (I noticed progress in this area since I was here in 2008). The daylight lasts until about 2:00 in the morning, so before we knew it, it was bedtime (10:30) ,and we were still wandering around town.

We continue in our efforts tomorrow at the Lighthouse. Thanks for your prayers and support.

Judy and Wayne Werner & the team

Estonia, Lighthouse, Monday, June 7, 2010

After arriving on Friday, we spent the rest of the evening trying to stay awake, so that we could get our days and nights switched around. I made it until about 8:00 (That’s 4:00 AM), I gave in and went to bed. Saturday was a little easier, and we spent the day with Mall, the Lighthouse Director, as she walked around Old Town in Tallin with us. We saw numerous old buildings and churches. We got ready for Sunday services. I was playing the piano for the service at Baltic Methodist Center, so I spent some time practicing. There is a piano on the lower floor of the building where we are staying.

In our little apartment, we are able to fix our own breakfast, and make coffee, etc. We have interesting experiences buying groceries at the store since everything is in either Russian or Estonian. We bought some cereal that we thought was granola, but it was cooked cereal. It really tasted funny, too. I had different grains in it, like corn, flax, and other seeds. I have to say that it did stick to my ribs, though!

On Sunday, we took a tram down to the BMC and I was asked to play extra music for the prelude. I just chose a few songs from the hymnal, and played for about 10 minutes before the service. I also played "I Sing the Mighty Power" later during the service. We were all introduced as friends of Estonia, as our church, Asbury UMC, has given a lot to help establish and build this church. It is a beautiful building and a very modern structure. It is striking to look at the city and see the very old against the very new.

This morning, on Monday, we walked the short mile to the Lighthouse. We hurried about, getting things ready, and the children arrived around 11:00. We did some craft projects with the children, and then they ate lunch. We then did music and puppets. They did very well with "William Tell Overture" and " Ode to Joy" on boomwhackers. We added the bells to "Ode to Joy" and then did "Amazing Grace" on bells. They did pretty well. We played "Alice the Camel has 10 humps" and also sang "Jumpin’ for Jesus". We were really moving fast this morning!! Jan did a puppet song that was "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" with Christian words. The kids seemed to enjoy it.

While we were doing all of this, Wayne and Dave were working on putting a toilet in a bathroom. As Wayne would have guessed, when you do plumbing, there seems to always be something needed that is missing. They went to the store with a translator, and later returned with it. They are still working as I am typing. I know that they would like to get it done, so they can get to other repairs and painting.

I should be able to update you daily this week, as I have access to a computer after the children are gone.

Thanks for your prayers.

Wayne and Judy

Estonia Lighthouse Team Update, Friday, June 4, 2010

We arrived in Estonia this morning (Friday) after a long , but uninterrupted flight with all of our baggage, so I guess I won´t have to wear white tennis shoes with dress clothes on Sunday. We are spending a few hours at the Lighthouse before returning to our rooms later this evening. Some of the kids are still here that were here in 2008 when I was here, and they remembered me. Yeah! I am looking forward to Monday when we begin our weekly camp with music, puppets, and crafts. Wayne and Dave are doing a tool inventory to see what they need to do some plumbing and painting. With a language barrier, it was hard for them to explain that they needed an adjustable wrench, but I showed Mall (the director) a C with my fingers that gradually got smaller. Sign language always works! Thanks for all of your prayers.

Wayne and Judy and the rest of the VIM

Central Asia Update, Monday, May 17, 2010

We visited the Psych Hospital and we are painting a meal room Friday. Played chess with the men and spent the morning there. The afternoon we toured CARD and set in on some English classes. The group then went to S&P to a night English class. Everyone is having an amazing time. We all enjoyed Summer Dolma tonight but really could of had ALOT more, these kids can eat!!! This is one of the best trips I have been on. Please PR for more relationship building as the kids are really connecting. Tomorrow we are finishing the fence at the Children's Home , working at CARD in afternoon and then doing another night class at S&P. BUSY,BUSY,BUSY.
Matt

Central Asia Update, Sunday, May 16, 2010

We all made it fine and all of our luggage as well. We did get stopped coming out of the airport and they went through all of the action packers but had no problems with anything.

We made our bumpy trip to G-town (we all might need some chiropractic work done when we get home)and settled in. On our first full day Sunday we went to a foreigners meeting, where we met nearly all of the other foreigners in G-town. After the meeting we had an wonderful stroll with the Hunt family to Ellagance (Pizza) Restaurant and had a buffet of cheese, Italian, and lamb supreme pizza. After that Dick and Rachel attended a B-Group and the rest of us attended the English Club. The English Club had nearly 40 English speaking Central Asians. This was an amazing time building relationships. After nearly 2 hours of games and activities, we carried the fun to the streets where we all played Volleyball and soccer and Mallory took a personal walk with a girl who wanted to walk and have a conversation (this was an amazing highlight). I have never seen kids stay and hang out and socialize like this before. We have a packed week ahead of us and are ready to take it on.

Prayer requests:
God's safety and guidance over team.
More intimate relations with the youth to be built over the week.
For this team to be God's light.

Central Asia Update, April 29, 2010

Everyone is well - just tired. The ladies went to visit Sevince this morning while Jim and Logan cooked up hamburger helper and mac and cheese for the students. The guys will go finish the fence at the children's home this afternoon while we stay here to do English class. The students have LOVED the hot popcorn - our biggest hit. We also had jello for them today with the mac and cheese, but they say you don't eat something cold when it is cold outside. We will have dolma for dinner tonight which is much better than mac and cheese!! We will go to language classes at S&P this evening before dinner.

It was cold and rainy yesterday, but even colder and more rain today so we are looking forward to the warm weather at home. The high here today is 7 degrees Centigrade - you'll have to do the conversion as I don't have it in my head - just know it is bone chilling cold. The streets run with muddy water when it is raining so we are becoming good puddle jumpers too! The people have been so gracious and we have really enjoyed being here. Bonnie and I are staying with a lady who is working here at CARD. She is a magnificent hostess - she won't even let me sweep the floor. Mallory will be staying with her for the month she is here. We leave tomorrow about 11:00 to begin the drive back to Baku. It is about six hours as the road is still under construction. You might think of us during that time - our driver is very good but it is a very long trip. We then will spend a portion of the night in Baku - leaving the hotel at 4:30 am to go to the airport. Thanks so much for all your support. See you soon!

Mary Ann

Central Asia VIM Update, Monday, April 26, 2010

Greetings!

We arrived safely to Baku on Friday and spent a lovely day Saturday touring a bit of the city and even had some traditional Azeri food. We also met up with local American friends Ryan and Amy and their three lovely young children Jacob, Jadyn, and Jasmine. The family is doing well and is adjusting to life in Baku nicely, though they had some fun stories to share about learning to live in a foreign country without a Costco and other such daily amenities that we often take for granted. On Sunday morning we left for a long ride on the bus! From what Jim and Mary Ann told us about previous commutes, ours involved much more paved road as the highway is closer to being completed. Nonetheless, we were so grateful to arrive at Neil and Lucy's where we had a chance to relax and eat a delicious dinner they had prepared for us and meet their adorable 10 month old daughter, Annabelle. After getting acquainted with our hosts, we adjourned for sleep in preparation for a busy and exciting week.

Monday morning we all visited the Psychiatric Hospital which was truly a moving experience, to say the least. After touring the grounds, it was painfully clear that the facility is in far worse shape than any we have seen in the United States. That being said, there were several bright spots including the new windows provided by fundraising from Asbury that prevented hypothermia in the cold winter months. We spent most of our time in the art room admiring some stunning works created by the patients, yet most evident was their sheer joy at having visitors. The women especially enjoyed posing for pictures with their newfound friends. After the hospital visit, we walked back to our host humanitarian organization, CARD, and toured their site. Students were hard at work in classes ranging from woodworking, cooking, rug-weaving, computers, and English language. With every administrator we met, the endless enthusiasm for their work and their kids spoke of G’s love.

In the afternoon, the ladies and gents split up to different projects. The ladies participated in a cooking class with a couple of the female students at CARD. Since the girls in the town are very unfamiliar with baking and American food, we thought it would be fun to introduce them to some Yankee favorites while we are here. During this class we made two yummy batches of cookies. First, we made gingersnaps where the girls had a blast learning to sift flower and wrinkled their noses at the thought of tasting the raw batter. We also made a batch of thumbprint cookies where the girls had their very first lesson on separating eggs, quite the challenge for even the most seasoned of cooks! The girls seemed to truly enjoy taking the raw ingredients and turning them into a delicious treat and it was such a pleasure to watch the joy of achievement and smiles on their faces when they were praised. On the other hand, the men began day one of the project to build a fence for the garden at a local orphanage. The garden is directly next to their basketball court, so in the past all sorts of balls have kept the garden from reaching its full potential. With our goal in mind, we began by digging holes for our fence posts and fixing them in cement without such conveniences as a post-hole digger, which is quite a feat given the rocky Azeri soil that even broke one of our shovels! The children were eager and excited to help us with our task, and hopefully when we are done they will have a beautiful garden to tend and watch bloom, quite the metaphor for their own lives in G's beautiful and consistent presence and love. We finished the night with a traditional Azeri meal and some share time before heading off to restful sleep before starting again on the L's work come morning!

Jim, Mary Ann, Bonnie, Stephanie, and Logan

Central Asia VIM Update, Saturday, April 24, 2010

We arrived without any delays or luggage problems – PTL! A good night’s sleep was welcome but we are all fading this afternoon. It is extremely windy here so walkiung around is not much fun. We met with Ryan and Amy for conversations and then lunch. Their three children were real troupers as we walked quite a distance. They collected all their “gifts” and headed back home. Greetings to all.

Mary Ann Smith

Monterrey, Mexico VIM Update Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Our Monterrey VIM Team (combined with Faith UMC, Tulsa) is doing well - construction during the day, MBS in the late afternoon and evening. They had 70-80 children Monday and Tuesday evenings for MBS and will be doing that at three different areas the next three evenings. The construction work at Juan Wesley Seminary is going well - mostly repair and maintenance work. It's going a little slowly due to process of finding the needed tools and supplies. Everyone is feeling well, resting well and enjoying the good food. Thanks for the prayers - that makes a huge difference. The team is scheduled to return Saturday early evening. Brad Humphrey, pastor at Faith UMC, was invited by Bishop Garcia to attend the two-day retreat (Wednesday and Thursday) of all the Mexican pastors in this region of Mexico. This will be a great opportunity for Brad to learn more of the ministry of the Methodist Church in Mexico.
Dave Meilner