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.