Lives Saved and Seeds Planted

She was tiny and unconscious. It was in the wee hours of the morning in the equatorial heat. The mother held her baby believing there was nothing more that could be done to save her life. A wonderful medical student form the University of Washington and his wife, who was a nurse, and an emergency room nurse from Australia were called to the hospital to help this infant. They knew they had no time and only one option—to inject the child with blood from her mother. They were all praying for this newborn when it responded to the procedure. A life was saved thanks to clear thinking by passionate medical workers. Why did I tell that story—because this is what the year is all about. There were 8,000 other stories—some dramatic others just routine. These people have trusted our staff and we are blessed to have skilled volunteers and an amazing staff of Indonesia medical workers.

The wide-eyes of our school age children gazed in excitement in the new classes they are now attending—21 pre-school and 25 in the combined kindergarten and grade one class. The school is an investment in the future. The children are unwanted by their parents but we see them as beautiful and full of potential. It is a huge commitment with a big payoff. These children will be the best educated in their generation in this remote region. Yes—2011 has been a year of planting wonderful seeds.

I do not know if you could look at it as the end of the year or the beginning on another. We close out the amazing days of the 2011. It had plenty of challenges but the blessings way outnumbered the obstacles. We offered hope to anyone who came asking us for help—our leaders served with distinction. Now 2012 is in our sights and I will look into the empty pages of the calendar wondering what lives will be saved and how will the seeds grow that we planted.

Cool in the Southland

I have been in Australia for a couple weeks but it rather cool. I have been blamed for bringing the cold temperatures here. It was minus 40 when I left Alaska and then warmed to above freezing. It was hot here and then I came and it has cooled.

The good news is the people have been wonderful and warm to me. I attended the wedding of Hendra and Miriam near Melbourne and now I am in New South Wales. It has been great to establish friendships and see new doors open.

Last night, I was with Leslie and Ruth at their home. They are an amazing couple and have a beautiful family. They have a heart to serve in Kusuri. I can see the gifting they have as they shared about the progress they have made in support and training. I also got to see Lodi, one of the key staff at Kusuri, for a couple hours. He is pure gold--he is learning about our culture and how different it is to live in a new culture.

I have a week left in Australia. Then the long trip home to the real cold of Alaska. If it begins to warm dramatically in Alaska when I arrive--I will begin to wonder.

Thawing Out

I am currently in Australia just north of Sydney. It was a long flight from Alaska to Sydney and a long way from the minus 40 I left. Just before I left the deep freeze--my car stopped on the highway and I had it towed home. I still do not know why it stalled. I figured--I will deal with that when I get home.

I have been speaking where the door opens here in Australia and have renewed friendships. These are friends I have met over the years and now we get to spend quality time together. There are doors opening to new opportunities to develop partnerships from here in the Great Southland.

The one thing that is very hard to get used to is the Christmas decorations without snow. I do not mind it for a change. I will be thawed from the arctic freeze by mid-December when I return home.

Celebration

It is over 100 degrees F. warmer than when I left Alaska. I came out of the deep freeze and into the beautiful fertile valley just over an hour east of Melbourne in Australia. I am here to celebrate the wedding of two amazing young people--Hendra and Miriam.

Hendra is the typical groom--nervous and just wanting the wedding to be finished. He is an awesome young man. There has been a lot of activity around here--with waves of people coming and going.

I get to reunite with friends and I am looking forward to the time together. I am going up to New South Wales in three days. I am so blessed to have great friends and now adding to my list of friends.

Friends--Down Under

I was in Manila in 2002 and met some Australians. I gave them my best Aussie accent for “good day mate”. They laughed and told me my try was pretty bad. We spent the next day getting to know each other. It was the beginning of a friendship. I was invited to come to Australia and went in 2003. It was an amazing time of seeing doors open for our efforts in Indonesia. I met a lot of people—spoke at schools—interviewed on radio—met with many groups over the six weeks I was in Australia and enjoyed soaking up the warmth of those who live in the Great Southland. It is a beautiful land where I walked along Manly Beach and later stood awestruck with the stunning vistas of the “Outback.” This is a unique land of great reefs and good people.

I will be traveling to see my Australian friends this next week—after a stop in Seattle. I am anxious to sit and have a “cupper” with them. The purpose of the trip is to attend the wedding of Miriam and Hendra Pontomudis. This is a very special couple and I want to support them in their new life together. I will also be meeting Peter and Esther Scarborough on the road and getting to know Bill and Leanne Anderson the new Hohidiai directors in Australia. Two weeks of my time will be in New South Wales to promote the work and see more of my friends in Newcastle and Taree.

The time I have spent in Australia over the years has been full of amazing open doors and fellowship. My Aussie friends are of the same heart and have been such a great help to the work we are doing in Indonesia. Many of them have volunteered by coming to Indonesia to give their time and support to the poor we serve. It means so much to me to have these people as partners and friends.

More Hope

In June of 2003 Yulce was brought to the Grossman Burn Center in Los Angeles for treatment of her burn injuries. She received 12 surgeries in her first year and returned home in June of 2004. Her story was made into a documentary called “A Face For Yulce” which was shown here in the U.S. and all over the world. It was a great story of hope and determination. She displayed her strength and courage as she came back to the U.S. for more plastic and reconstructive surgery and additional surgeries to repair curvature of the spine. This time she stayed over three years before returning to her home in June 2009. Yulce had changed a lot in her outer appearance, spoke perfect English and enjoyed the same things an average American teen does.

The concern was her adjustment to her life back in her home village. She lived a middle-class life in L.A. and now she was going home to a much different way of life. She was very concerned about it and verbalized her fears about going home. She has actually done very well in all the adjustments to life at home. She accepted her family and settled into life in her village. I saw her a couple months later and she was happy and respectful to her parents.

Last week I was contacted by a production company that wanted to do a follow-up story on Yulce. They believe her story is needed at this time. There are many people who are struggling and could use a message of hope. A lot of work needs to be done and Yulce has to agree to the new program. Her amazing story is a message that will encourage others to be more hopeful as they face their own challenges. Her life is marked with courage, strength and hope. She will be a testimony to all of these throughout her life.

Growing Pains

We cannot say no to helping an abandoned new born. When they are left of unwanted we have said yes 50 times. We now have about 50 little ones ranging in age from new born to mid-teens. Our family has grown and continues to grow. It is a challenge to our staff and keeping up with facilities. These are our growing pains. We encourage our staff to adopt these unwanted children and the others we have in one of our two children's home.

There are several of our staff who have met and married while working on the base. They are now in need of married living quarters. We are delighted to see couples in loving relationships and serving together.

Several of our staff have been in University training and will be returning to serve at the medical base. We have to increase the housing for those who are returning following their education.

Growing pains means we have to build facilities for the new children, married staff and returning staff. These are the challenges of growing pains--where do you squeeze the funds to keep up with the growth.

Thankful

Today I wrote several "Thank You" notes to some of our partners. I like to send a short personal note to those who pray and support our efforts. I have done this for the past 10 years--every time I write a note, I am awed by at the faithfulness and kindness of our partners. I know many of these donors personally.

In these difficult economic times it is amazing that so many are willing to help. Another amazing thing is that we seem to get just enough to cover the needs in time to meet the pressing needs. We have a full-time staff of 80--there are about 8,000 who come to our clinic and hospital asking for help annually--50 children in our care--leper rehabilitation--HIV/AIDS treatment--mobile clinics--medical staff training--facilities development--starting a school--and much, much more!!!The needs are growing and relentless. It can seem overwhelming at times.

It is an honor to have our friends and partners who stand with us. I do believe we are making a difference in a remote corner of this world. The real heroes are the hard working and faithful team in Indonesia. I feel like we all are holding up their arms as they serve the broken, sick and injured.

Roots

I have traveled all over the world to build partnerships for the work in Indonesia. I am away from home a good part of the year traveling in the U.S. and other points on the planet. I am so fortunate to have amazing friends all over this globe.

The one thing that I notice about being back home is how many people I know or am acquainted. I was a baseball and football coach here when my son was growing up and later into his High School years. I have had the joy of performing the wedding for many couples and shared the loss of others when their loved one's pass. My wife and I have roots here in the great white north.

It is the friendships based on longevity that keep us anchored. A trip to the local market can take an hour or more--depending on who you meet there. You can read the local paper and not know only who the articles are written about but also the author of the article. The mayor is known by his first name and you know where to find him on any Sunday morning.

We have beautiful summers and harsh winters here in the arctic. I think many here would say that it is the people they know who answer the question--why do you live here.

Windows

Thirty years ago--we thought a window was an opening in a structure. Today the term "Windows" takes on a more technical definition. We are in a completely new world of communication and information acquisition. Then there are the new terms--booting--downloading--email--utilities--we have to learn how to use properly.

The youth cannot remember NOT having a computer. It is my generation that has lived in both worlds. I can see the value in both eras. I remember being told that the use of computers will free up more time. I think we could say that was a total failure.

My computer recently had a problem with the operating system. It resulted in a ten days in the computer repair shop. Fortunately, it was an easy fix. Yes--Windows was not working correctly. It had to be fixed and now I am back online. I have to say it does feel good to be connected again.

Blue Screen

I am sure anyone reading this have seen the dreaded blue screen on your computer. Unless you own an Apple--as some of my Apple friends have reminded me. Yes--I had the blue screen and my computer would not open. I immediately took it to the computer repair shop and they gave me that look. It will be about 10 days to two weeks before they will let me know the verdict.

I have had to use other sources and I found that if I access the server I have still answer incoming emails. I am far from a computer guru--I just use email and check the news pages. The dependence on these electronic pieces of our life show us how we are all connected. I still have my cell phone--so I am still communicating with those on my phone.

After contemplating for a moment about all this--I could remember a time when we lived without computers. Life was a lot more simple then--we interacted on a much different level. We did not have Facebook or Skype--we talked face-to-face with our family and friends. There was a more personal touch to our interaction.

If I lose my hard drive then I lose a lot of documents and photos. Now I just wait and hold my breath. We will see how it goes with the blue screen episode.

Good People

After three weeks on the road, it was good to sleep in my own bed last night. I went to Boise, Phoenix and Springfield (Illinois). I spoke to several groups and met with supporters. The temperatures were very hot--110 plus in Phoenix.

Meeting people and talking about the work in Indonesia is such a blessing. I meet some of the most amazing people on the planet. I met Jim in Springfield--he and I found a lot in common. We could have talked for hours and we did. I loved his passion and the many experiences he shared. This is what makes traveling very worthwhile. Jim was a father of two and had a wonderful wife who was on the same page with him. It is the good people who stand with us as we serve the people of Indonesia.

Our Best

You would have to meet Dr. Naomi to know how what an awesome woman she is. She is a skilled physician and has the highest character. She is one of the lead doctors at our base in Indonesia. Naomi has been in the U.S. for the past couple months for an intensive training course on pediatric eye care. She is upgrading her medical skills by study here in the U.S.

She is one of our best. What a blessing to have her as a part of our team. She could make a lot more money if she was in private practice. Her heart is to help the poor and to give the best years of her life to help the helpless. We are all very proud of her and the hard work and compassion she offers her patients.

A Chill in the Air

It is early August and there is a chill in the air. It is the closing of the Alaskan summer and the greetings of the short fall season. I have had the opportunity to travel to many places and meet some amazing people this year. We have new partners and new doors have opened.

I am very hopeful and determined to walk into a new seasons of serving the poor in Indonesia. We have been so blessed to be able to continue the work in spite of economic challenges in our world over the last several years. We are blessed to have many faithful partners. We are entering a new season--more world economic challenges. Poverty doesn't stop because of economic woes around the world's stock markets-- disease doesn't take a break--abandonment takes no vacation when our exchange rate goes south. We continue to serve the poor--the sick and the abandoned.

Travel

I just got back from a little more than a week of travels. My wife and I drove over 1,000 miles with no incidents. We felt fortunate to see such wonderful views on this trip. We went to Seward (Alaska) where we spoke to a wonderful group of new and old friends. We saw our dear friends, Al and Donna, where we stayed up playing games and just talking. It was like we had never been away at all--we just picked up where we left off. The fellowship was amazing.

We also stopped to see Dennis and Janae. I have known Dennis for over 30 years. We so enjoyed the time with them--we went to their lake house and did some fishing. Cathy was amazing--she caught several nice red salmon. Our friends mean so much to us and we treasure them.

Seward is a port city here in the far north. There were thousands of vacationers who came to catch a silver salmon or halibut. This is a place where the visitors out number the locals during fishing season. We met some of the locals and just had a wonderful time. I consider these times as special blessings. I get to talk about our efforts in Indonesia and at the same time I get to meet new friends and see old friends.

Heavy Hearts

Baby Junita fought a good fight but lost her battle for life. We are all heavy hearted about her passing. Our hopes were high and the help that was offered to her was monumental. She was given every ounce of help we could give. She faced a domino effect of the tragic burn--dengue fever--a twisted bowel. It was just too much for her to overcome.

Jien is the nine year old who had T.B. and was severely malnourished. She was shockingly thin at around 15 pounds. Our medical staff assessed her battle was due to damaged organs that just could not process the food she consumed. She got weaker and weaker even though she was given an enriched formula. She was at our base for about a year. During that year she received lots of love and attention. This week her father came and took her back to their village. He could see she was not making progress and needed to be with family as her tiny body was not getting stronger. I think it will be best for her to be with her family during these days. She is a fighter and proved the power of the human "will to live". She touched many lives and was an example of tenacity.

Reality

I just reported the passing of baby Junita. She fought a good fight but just had too much for her frail body to overcome. If the burn injuries were not tough enough she got Dengue Fever and then a twisted bowel. The internal bleeding due to the Dengue Fever and the emergency surgery for the twisted bowel was a huge challenge to survive. She came out of the surgery but could not fully recover. This is the reality of the medical work. The staff and all our supporters put everything into saving her life. Even with the huge effort, sometimes a patient does not survive.

Jien is also a real concern. I recently saw her and spoke to the staff. She was not doing very well. She is very thin and is fighting for her life. This is reality. We want the best outcome but we have to walk in an understanding of what is actually happening.

We just continue to pray and do everything medically to join the fight to live.

Two Worlds

The transition Tison is making is best described as the tension between two worlds. Tison was born and raised on a remote island in a remote region of Indonesia. His father is a fisherman and lives a subsistence lifestyle. His life was simple and in some ways attractive. Tison came to America and lived with a wonderful family for 18 months. He was so amazing even during the toughest time of surgery and recovery. Tison was smart and learned to speak English pretty well. He loved chicken nuggets, snow boarding, computer games, movies, jet skiing, fishing and anything playing with his closest friends. He like life in America and wanted to stay here.

When he arrived on his island and saw his father. He just melted into the arms. It was an amazing moment. His love for his father will overcome all the adjustments to his culture. He was between two worlds. Neither world is better than the other--just different. They are not only different but vastly different. He brought some great tools for his father--a leatherman and headlamp. These tools will help make life much easier for his father. Now Tison need to appreciate the special things about his culture.

Tears in My Eyes

I seemed like I just finished an around the world non-stop flight. I actually left the island of Halmahera in remote Indonesia on Monday. I have been traveling ever since--either in transit or on the flights. It is good to be home.

The purpose of the trip was to take Tison home to his family. He was unsure of himself and how he would react once he got to Indonesia. He got off the last flight and saw his father waiting for him. He just hugged his father--I had tears in my eyes. There is nothing like a child and his parents. Tison was crying and had his arms around his father. It just reminded me that as much as he was a part of our lives--he had his own family.

Now he is in his village getting acquainted with his family and tasting the food he grew up eating. The best news for him was that since he left he has twin brothers born.

What It Is About

I reflected today about "why" we work to serve the poor. The root of the question is "what is it all about". Tison is going home soon after being treated here. He was here for a year and a half and had eight surgeries and nine procedures. He was welcomed into a host home and came to be loved by them. When you consider the passport and visa application process and the many cost--you have to ask "why" are we doing this. The reason we do this is the importance of the individual and the prospects of a better future. The poor cannot access this kind of help but our foundation can open those doors.

It is total joy to see these children helped and many who come to our clinic for help. We provide hope for those who need help. We are careful and compassionate in the care.

This week I received news that an infant who was burned in a hot oil spill has been accepted by the Children's Burn Foundation. Julita will be coming to L.A. for care once she and her mother are awarded visas. They have made an amazing offer to help and the Grossman Burn Center will provide the surgeries.

Party Time

Tison had many of his friends at his big party on Sunday. He had a fun day and enjoyed all his friends coming to celebrate with him. Tison will soon be leaving the U.S. and going home. There has been plenty of tears shed as the days count down.

It is hard to thank everyone who has had a part in helping him because there have been so many. His main physician came to say goodbye to Tison. It was a joyous event with plenty of food and cake.

He made an agreement with his doctors--to get an education. He is a smart kid and could do very well once he applies himself to reading and writing.

Amazing People

I just came home after over two weeks on the road. I was in Boise, Seattle and Phoenix. The highlight to me was how many amazing people I met. Steve in Phoenix had begun a season of prayer. I just loved the time with Steve and his church--Bud and Janet in Seattle were so interested in what we were doing--David, a friend of mine for over 30 year, just accepted the leadership of a church in Seattle--Greg and Jeanette were so kind to me, they are great friends and supporters--Caleb, my son, let me sleep at his apartment and we had a wonderful time on his birthday. Andy and Dwight had lunch with me--we are kindred spirits. We share an interest in helping people in other nations. I just go where the doors open and along the way I meet amazing people. They help to keep me going.

Walking

This is such an encouraging photo. Jien is now walking--it have been a long time since she tried to walk. We are praying she has turned a corner and will gain weight and strength. She is so brave and wants to live. This is a small step but it is so encouraging to the staff who have worked with her over this year. I credit her strength and the loving care of the staff for her improvement.

Friends

I have been thinking recently about the amazing friends I have made in the last 10 years. I have been to some remote and far out places. I couldn't possibly name them on these lines but I have thought about many of them recently. There is a community a couple hours drive north of Sydney, Australia. Taree has become a destination for me when I am down under.

I do not remember who was the first Aussie I met there but I have made many friends in Taree. These amazing people have partnered with our work and have become dear to me. I am rich with the friends I have made in Taree and over the last years. I have taken 30 teams to Indonesia and always consider myself blessed to be with people who see that they can give to the poor.

I will drive next to the Hunter River again some day--I know because I have lots of friends there.

Encouraging

I do not know what you need to have a sense of encouragement. The recent reports on two of the children who are being cared by our medical staff in Indonesia was exactly what made me feel encouraged. There were two little girls who have needed our help and prayers. Jien is now nine years old and Junita is less than a year old. They both needed miracles.

Jien has recently started to walk with assistance. She is so weak and frail but seems to have turned a corner. She is now eating better and is growing from the 15 pound she when we first met her 10 months ago.

Junita was badly burned on her head and upper body in a hot oil spill. She went to Bethesda Hospital in Kalimantan where she had had skin grafts over her head. She is really doing well.

Both of these children were not expected to live but it looks like they have a chance now. That is what makes me encouraged today.

A Few Steps

Jien has been fighting for her life. The medical staff have treated her with little progress. She is now nine years old and less than 20 pounds. She has T.B. and malnourishment--that is a terrible combination. We have all been concerned and cheering her on. It seemed like every small bite of food was one more step closer to her being healthy.

We just got the best news yesterday. She is not only walking but she has begun to eat more. She is a miracle and so many are praying and hoping she makes it. I can't wait to hear the next report that she is even better than today's great report.

The staff have just done an amazing job in loving and treating her. She has been through so much sadness in her short life. Her mother died of T.B. and she has to fight everyday.