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.