Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Island Blessings

This is my first update since we arrived in remote Indonesia. The team from Alaska are are doing well--except a few "Bally Bellies". The food has been wonderful and the team is in full gear forward. We joined a mobile clinic yesterday at a beautiful village on the ocean. The team saw over 100 patients. They saw the infected, lepers, T.B., pregnant, respiratory problems, heart issues and the full package of ailments. It was hot but enjoyable work. The children were cared for by our team of children's workers. The kids even sang "Jingle Bells"--something just didn't seem right about singing "dashing thru the snow" with palm trees swaying in the hot tropical breeze. Such is life in the field.

We found out our flight off the island is canceled. Today I will try to make new arrangements. Life at the end of the earth can be challenging. We have to remember to be flexible. I hope to get to Manado in time to speak at a Leader's Conference.

There is another clinic today at our medical base. The poor come to get free care. I can't think of a better investment of time and recourses than to help the helpless.

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Early Flight

The Alaska Team is in Manado. We are all well and warm. We heard that it was very cold back home. No one has "Bali Belly" and we have had a lot of rice to eat. We have had two days here and it has been a time of preparation. We leave at 4 a.m. for our flight tomorrow. We will land on the beautiful island and start our work. We have traveled a long way and we are ready in everyway to see our friends. Thank for the prayers.

Friday, February 1, 2008

Taking Flight

In a couple hours our team will be on the way to Indonesia. We have a lot of connections and hour on the planes. Our bags are packed and all the documents are signed and we are ready to go. It seems like such a long journey but it is worth every stop or delay. The people of Indonesia are beautiful and we will have the opportunity to help some of the poorest in remote regions of East Indonesia and to love the "little ones" in the Children's Home.

In a couple days we will have more than our share of rice and fish. The food will be different and heat will be a big change for us but we will be with friends doing what e love to do.

I will be back in about a month. If I get the chance to write I will. We will be where there is no phone or internet. So I will write when I can.