On The River

The Delaware River has a lot of historic significance for the early years of the United States. Here I was with a band of over 50 men on the shores of the Delaware River. We could see Pennsylvania State just across the river on the steep bluffs that faced us like an impossible obstacle to climb.

We were there for some historic landmarks of our own. We were gathered to have a time of refreshing from the Lord. We had the full cross-section of men--we had businessmen, bikers, college and high school students. It was a three day event and we were there to seek breakthroughs in our individual lives.

I believe it is the unexpected that touched us the most over those days. We experienced times when the challenges we face as men were faced by all. There were times of repentance, encouragement and healing. So many good things happened it is even hard to pick one. If the changes that came to every man will be real and relevant to them in the weeks and months ahead then the time was well worth it.

Who would have though we would have made recent history in the lives of these men on the banks of the Delaware.

Long Lost Friends

Thirty-five years is a long time. It is a lot of water under the bridge of life. Such is life when friends say good bye and new chapters open. High school graduations are a major event before the scattering starts. Those who spent almost every day together then are pursuing much different paths. I left high school to attend college. I had other friends who went directly to work and others got married. Whatever the reason, we all scattered and hardly looked back. We had lives to live and goals to achieve. The seasons of responsibility came, and we all raised families and/or immersed ourselves in our work. There are a lot of reasons that distance became the key word in old friendships. Literal distance was what separated me from old friends—I moved to Alaska. The reasons are many for why we all have 40 years of distance and occasional thoughts of: "I wonder where so-and-so is right now."

I got the chance to sit down with five of my long lost friends this last week. I was in Seattle for meetings and was invited by one of my high school friends to come by and meet her husband and get caught up on the gap of 35 years. It was a wonderful time of catching up. There was not enough time to talk about the last 35 years since I had seen them. We could only show photos of our children, and there were plenty of grandchildren to brag about. We were all in pretty good shape—gray hair and less hair (actually none for me) were the signs we were not wide-eyed teens anymore. We get our exercise chasing grandkids and attending fitness aerobic classes.

If you can come to this season of life and look back with a smile and give thanks to the Almighty, then it has been a blessed life. I am looking forward to the next chapter. I do not plan to slow down or give up. Life has been good, and now I have a few more friends in the boat with me.

Jet Lag

The sky was a stunning blue as I looked down on the glaciers and snow covered mountains of Western Canada and Alaska. It was a view that was the best welcome sign you could see. I was nearly home—weary but excited to be close to the end of my travels. There is no place like home even after being in the remote islands of Indonesia and the beautiful continent of Australia.

I left the northland with a dental team in early February. Seventeen flights later I am back in the same place from which I started. The international flights were all packed and the local puddle jumpers were nail biters. I was stuffed into seats made for people much smaller than I, and I sat next to Sumo wrestlers in training on a nine hour flight. The one I communicated with could not speak very good English and he definitely took up his seat and more. I even gave him part of my in-flight meal which he received with a smile. The meal was hardly a snack for him even with my donations. I met a wonderful 18 year old Singaporean who was going, during school break, to join a team to help the Japanese tsunami survivors. It has been one year since that disaster and he was giving his time to make a difference. I was so proud of him and only imagined what he will change in his lifetime. He did spend most of the trip sleeping on my shoulder. I met people who wanted to talk and those who wanted to sleep. I slept when I could and read a couple books between Sumo wrestlers in training, young world changers, cramped seating and wondering how the plane landed in that tropical rain storm.

The miles went zipping past at 600 mph over the Pacific Ocean and over the dry plains of the great southland. I am now home but jet lagged. I know what that means for me over the next few weeks. I met some wonderful people and added thousands of miles to my mileage plan. I will need to use them because I will be back in the air in a month or so. I wonder who will be sitting next to me over those cloud piercing miles.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Snow

The road was clear until we drove into Delta Junction (Alaska). We went to Valdez over the weekend to meet with some of our partners and to speak to a group of supporters. We had a wonderful time. It was so beautiful and the drive was safe--all the big animals (moose, caribou, bison and bears) stayed off the road. We did see a lot of tracks but only saw two lonely moose.

We had driven 360 miles on the road to Valdez and the next day we returned on the same road. The drive out of Valdez is just awesome. Those of you who have made that drive know--this is one of the gems of mother earth. The mountains surround you and the sky is as blue as any blue you have ever seen. We journeyed for 260 miles on the drive north. Then we saw the very dark and ominous cloud. It looked evil and sure enough it started dumping snow. A lot of snow--the road was covered and no road crews in sight.

I just slowed down and kept driving. I did not know a winter weather alert was given--that could explain why we only met one vehicle on our side of the road for 100 miles. We finally made it home safe and sound.

Eleven hours later and a nights rest--we look outside and see over a foot of snow on our car. It had snowed heavy all night. It is a part of being on the road.

Surprise

I went to Los Angeles to support Esther Scarborough, IFC Medical Director and co-founder, as she was going to be the speaker at a group of leaders. She was going to fly in from Kentucky and land at 4 p.m. drive to the meeting at 7 p.m. I did have some concerns because of the bad weather in the mid-west and all the reports of flight delays. She did have a little wiggle room but it was going to be tight.

I got a call from her that she was delayed for an hour. That was going to make it even tighter. Then she called and said the flight was now delayed for at least three more hours. Well now it was going to be too late for her to speak. I called the conference coordinator and he asked me to fill in for her. Esther is an inspiring speaker. She always does a great job and now I was to step in her place. I agreed because I could see I this was the reason I came early.

It was a wonderful time with some amazing people. I did share about our work and got to tell some of the stories of our staff. I was not Esther but maybe Esther-lite. I did fell humble and honored to stand in her place.

Later that evening Esther arrived and was able to speak the next day. She did her usual inspiring message.

This life is always a surprise. I am amazed at the turns in life. IFC got a chance to tell our story and I made several new friends.

I Saw the Mountains

After over 20 hours in flight--I caught my first view of the mountains of Alaska. The beaches of the remote islands of Indonesia have a wonder and beauty--there is a stunning, jaw dropping awe to the peaks of these snow cover mountains. I was viewing them from the comfortable seat of a jetliner. Regardless of whether you are looking up to the massive rock towering over you or looking down from the heavens--they are just amazing.

The warm weather is replaced by the cool reunion I had stepping as I stepped off the airplane. I have only memories that warmth as I think of the staff the heroes who work everyday to serve the poor. I saw their tears when two very ill patients died. They just came in way too late to be helped. One old woman, who had advanced breast cancer, was brought to the hospital by a local doctor who said--she will die soon but I wanted her to be here where she will be loved and shown dignity in the last days of her life. I also witnessed the joy on the face of a leper who loved playing the card game UNO. He got a lot of pleasure in giving his visitors a draw four card. He was a good sport even when he lost. The second Children's home is moving along and will be ready for occupancy soon.

I have got to get some sleep--my body time is somewhere over the Pacific Ocean. It is good to be home.

A Voice in the Jungles

The downpour of refreshing rain is falling here in Manado Indonesia. I have been on the remote Island of Halmahera in East Indonesia for three weeks with two teams. We are back in the big city with malls and crazy drivers. We are on a slow trip home--departing in six days.

The time at the Hohidiai base was awesome--I will have more to write later. I have a few minutes before the team comes back from lunch and then we are on the run again. A total of eleven amazing people joined me on this adventure--each one brought gifts and lots of energy. I have been blessed to travel with some of the best people on the planet.

I just wanted all of you who keep up with our efforts to know I am still alive and will soon be home in Alaska. I go from above 90 degrees to minus 20 in Fairbanks.

Keep praying for Jien, the eight year old child with T.B., she is holding with little weight gain. This is the voice in the jungle coming back to the snow and cold.

Friends

I just returned from a trip to Springfield, Illinois. I was reflecting on the time that I got to speak to several groups. I also stayed at three homes in the 10 days I was there. I can only come up with the word friends. I met a lot of people and made a number of friends.

I especially liked the opportunity to speak to a group of men and to a group of teens. They were interested and open to what I had to share. The work in Indonesia was presented and more partners are helping us in these efforts.

I see us making friends of all the people who join us in our work in Indonesia. We appreciate the many people who believe in our work and have stood with us. We have partners who have been supporting these efforts for nearly 10 years. It is just amazing to me that they have been so faithful in their support.

L.A. and Illinois

What does L.A. and Illinois have in common? Tomorrow--IFC will be represented in L.A. and in Illinois. Esther Scarborough is in L.A. and will be speaking at the fundraiser for Grossman Burn Foundation. I am in Illinois where I will be speaking at several events.

Esther will have the privileged to speak to a group regarding the burn care in the North Maluku region. She is passionate and will share the dilemma we have with so many people being injured as a result of accidental burns. We need a better program to provide care for them--preventative as well as after accident care.

I will be speaking to a men's group tomorrow night and Saturday. Sunday I will be speaking at several meetings and a youth event. I have had an amazing time and I look forward to more chances to share about Indonesia.

I will be back home on October 12 and then to Indonesia on the 20th. I can't wait to take the two team to Indonesia.

Jet Lag

It is 4 a.m. here at home. I am awake and am still on some other time zone. This is the plight of those who travel Internationally. I have flown a lot and still have the adjustment every time.

I have found that flying westward is easier than going eastward. I often fly to Singapore and then into Indonesia. I am usually ready to go on day one and have no sleep problems. Singapore is 17 hours ahead of the west coast of the U.S. If I sleep at least six hours on the flight to Singapore I am ready to go.

The return is a mystery to me--we land in the U.S. about the same time we leave Singapore. Yes--17 hours ahead of the U.S. the flights are about 17 hours from the Singapore to the U.S.

I am now awake and wondering how long it will take for me to get back to the U.S. time.

Finally Home

It was three weeks on the road. I was in Portland, Oregon for a week. Phoenix, Arizona for another week and Boise fort he final week. It seemed like a lot longer but I am now back in Fairbanks. I left with snow on the ground and came back with it clear of snow.

I spoke at a number of meeting and got to connect with some of our partners. We have amazing people who are standing with us.

However good the trip--it is great to be home.

Off The Road

I just got back home from a two week trip. I meet some new friends and made a number of contacts in familiar places. I put on a lot of miles over the two weeks. My first stop was Idaho--I went to college in Idaho and remember the beautiful springs they enjoy. It is windy but when the sun comes out it is hard to beat. I went to Nampa and Twin Falls. I am so blessed to have the contacts and friends in those places. There are a couple friends in Idaho that I know would stand with me in my toughest time. Washington is the place of my birth. I spent time driving up and down I-5. It is a rainy place but it was only sun while I was there. One of my dearest friends lives in Southwest Washington. We have known each other sine 1981. David is such an encouragement to me. He is an example of faithfulness and integrity. He is another one of those who I know would stand with me if I needed him. I also got to see two men I had not seen in over 20 years.

I am reminded of the rigors of travel and yet the blessings. I am out making contacts with our supporters and finding new ones. I have some rich friendships and lasting friends. It means a lot to me and makes these times away from home a lot better. When I left Alaska we had three feet of snow in out front yard and now it is around two feet deep. I have to say I did enjoy the green grass warm sun.

Between Two Worlds

Cathy and I had just come from the remote islands to the east of Manado. We had spent lots time with the poor and sick--it was such a blessed time to share their lives and to stand with them. There is something about the simple live they live. The daily struggle to survive is always facing them--hardship is a constant reminder of their world. Our affections were with the abandoned children and the lepers who were now close to our hearts.

Tison is an eight year old boy who was badly burned and was brought to our medical base about six months ago. He is in very bad shape but he just lives as if he had no injuries. He would play soccer and stand on his head. You would never know he was burned so bad and has not seen his family in six months. What a joy to spend time with him and the others who depend on us. I love the time I get to spend with Tison and the others. Billie, his 12 year old friend, was also a burn victim was just a sweet temperamented boy. He and Tison were just the best of friends. and could be found together most of the time.

We left these islands and our friends to speak at a conference in Manado--the rooms were arranged and we checked into the hotel. We entered the hotel lobby and realized this hotel was nicer than any place we have stayed--even in the U.S. We were in a bit of culture shock. We went to the 10th floor to our room. I looked out the window and saw the homes of the poor as far as I could see. I told Cathy--I do not like what I am feeling. It felt sad looking down from the beautifully hotel room to the poverty below us. I then understood we lived between two worlds. My heart was for the poor and I felt the contrast of these two worlds. I understand the difference and the difference is a lot bigger than how much someone owns. It is what owns you. It is one thing to feel for the poor it is another thing to get to know their struggle and to stand with them--that is when these two worlds come together.