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.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, September 26, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Our Best
You would have to meet Dr. Naomi to know how what an awesome woman she is. She is a skilled physician and has the highest character. She is one of the lead doctors at our base in Indonesia. Naomi has been in the U.S. for the past couple months for an intensive training course on pediatric eye care. She is upgrading her medical skills by study here in the U.S.
She is one of our best. What a blessing to have her as a part of our team. She could make a lot more money if she was in private practice. Her heart is to help the poor and to give the best years of her life to help the helpless. We are all very proud of her and the hard work and compassion she offers her patients.
She is one of our best. What a blessing to have her as a part of our team. She could make a lot more money if she was in private practice. Her heart is to help the poor and to give the best years of her life to help the helpless. We are all very proud of her and the hard work and compassion she offers her patients.
Monday, August 8, 2011
A Chill in the Air
It is early August and there is a chill in the air. It is the closing of the Alaskan summer and the greetings of the short fall season. I have had the opportunity to travel to many places and meet some amazing people this year. We have new partners and new doors have opened.
I am very hopeful and determined to walk into a new seasons of serving the poor in Indonesia. We have been so blessed to be able to continue the work in spite of economic challenges in our world over the last several years. We are blessed to have many faithful partners. We are entering a new season--more world economic challenges. Poverty doesn't stop because of economic woes around the world's stock markets-- disease doesn't take a break--abandonment takes no vacation when our exchange rate goes south. We continue to serve the poor--the sick and the abandoned.
I am very hopeful and determined to walk into a new seasons of serving the poor in Indonesia. We have been so blessed to be able to continue the work in spite of economic challenges in our world over the last several years. We are blessed to have many faithful partners. We are entering a new season--more world economic challenges. Poverty doesn't stop because of economic woes around the world's stock markets-- disease doesn't take a break--abandonment takes no vacation when our exchange rate goes south. We continue to serve the poor--the sick and the abandoned.
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