Saturday, April 30, 2011

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.

Friday, April 15, 2011

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.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

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.