Monday, January 31, 2011

Hendra Coming

I got the call from Esther asking me if we would be interested in Hendra coming to the U.S. It was excellent timing because we were at an important point in deciding the next step for Tison. Hendra has been the link between Tison's parents and our medical team here in Alaska. Tison's parents live in a very remote region of Indonesia and only come out occasionally. We are at a critical time in deciding the next procedure or the option of sending him home. He has a very badly damaged right hand. The fingers could be amputated but we are seeking the input of his parents and doctor. Hendra will be invaluable in helping make that important decision.

Hendra is also in the process of starting a private International School in Halmahera. He will be meeting with Christian School leaders in San Francisco and attend a conference in L.A. He will gain valuable partnerships and knowledge that will help him build this school.

Tison will be so happy to see him. It will help Tison process his return to Indonesia.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Ten Years

It is hard to believe that IFC has been serving in Indonesia for ten years. January 2001 was the first introduction to this amazing nation and people.

This past Friday a group of 280 friends and supporters gathered in Fairbanks for a wonderful night of food, laughter and reflection. Esther Scarborough, IFC (Hohidiai) co-founder, was the honored speaker. She is so gifted and inspiring--she always shares from her heart about the people. She has been called the Mother Theresa of Halmahera. I have witnessed her tireless work and servants heart.

We got to share our story and see the faces of our supporters. We shared how IFC was born and our hope is it will go forward. We, in many ways, have just begun. We have over 45 children in our care. We have lepers, T.B. infected, HIV sufferers and those who come to us for help by the thousands each year. We are hopeful for the future.

I got to see many of my friends--it was like a reunion. The meal and program lasted about two hours and people stayed for over an hour. It was a great seen--seeing laughter and smiles.

Now we look forward to the next ten years.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Milestone

It was January 2001 that I went to the refugee camps in North Sulawesi near the city of Manado. IFC was born to help the poor in these camps. It was an overwhelming challenge with 53,000 refugees in the area. This began a journey of IFC where we worked in food, clean water and medical programs.

These were the early days and now it has been ten years. We have reached a milestone--one decade. It hardly seems possible that 10 years has passed. I can look back and see many challenges and also breakthroughs.

It is the amazing people who have joined us in this work. I have only thanks to the hundreds of people who have volunteered to go to the refugee camps and our medical base. These are the salt of the earth--the best of mankind. I am thankful to work along side these amazing people.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Jien--a fighter

Little Jien is still alive and continues to fight. She is now 9 years old. Jien has T.B. and has recently lost two kilograms (around 4 pounds). She is now around 15 pounds. She has little gains but she need to have sustained weight gain.

Jien's mother died of T.B. and she has a grandmother with her. She gets lots of love and support from the medical staff. She has had very good medical care but continues to barely hold on to life. She does not like the feeding tube but it offers a way to get the life giving formula into her stomach. She doesn't seem to process the food she consuming.

She has taught us a lot about having a"will to live". She is a fighter. We pray she will win this battle.