Some Observations

Luke and Keir practice basketball at least twice per week in the gym of the old school for missionary kids on the grounds of the mission station. We all joined in one night to watch the workout. Luke is loving basketball. Every Sunday at 3 PM Luke and Keir have a game against Nathan and some of his friends. The number of players is gradually growing it seems. So much fun to watch Keir and Luke in action together. Luke plays hard and enjoys every minute of it. He doesn't need to be reminded to shower after the workout - he is dripping wet!


Sarah is an avid reader. She enjoys "American Girl" books and biographies of missionaries. Each morning before breakfast and school she reads, most afternoons after school she reads - she loves it. Her vocabulary shows it!


On the mission station are trees of many varities including banana, plantain, lemon, orange, avocado, mango, breadfruit, atanga and star fruit. Lemon grass grows abundantly (many days Luke would clip fresh leaves to make tea for me in an attempt to keep bites from insects at a minimum). Hibiscus bloom almost year round. The bird of paradise in front of the Thelander home are beautiful right now. Orchids grow and bloom in many shapes and many shades of color.


The Thelander phones (4 lines) ring many times an hour. Many times a day there is a knock on Joanna and Keir's front door. Often the knock or call is a missionary looking for help with a computer or internet issue. Sometimes a resident wants to discuss something with Keir. Frequently folks on the mission station just drop in to say hello and pass the time of day. Sometimes Sarah's friends Azair and Geriella (sisters and daughters of the personnel director at the hospital) are free of chores at their home and ask Sarah to play with them. Many times the calls are for Keir from a resident asking a question about a specific surgery case. Joanna fields calls regarding visitors and housing. Sarah serves as the official "phone call girl" except for Joanna and Keir's cell phone which they answer themselves. The Thelander home is a busy place! And I didn't mention the over 100 email messages that come in daily!


During our visit to Bongolo the electricity went out numerous times, the water treatment system failed numerous times, the internet went down numerous times, the no-seeums bit numerous times, the rains poured numerous times and the phones were out numerous times. Nonetheless the Lord continues to bless the work at Bongolo and the work of the Thelanders of Gabon.


1,111 patients at Bongolo Hospital had trusted Jesus as their Saviour and invited Him into their heart by 11/11/11.

Adventures Indeed

Dave and Luke have completed many projects on their "to do" list and many jobs that weren't on the list. Thus far they have power washed not only the gym but the Thelanders' steps, sidewalk, front porch and garage and Davis' outer deck; they have repaired two screen doors, affixed a magnet to Sarah's side of the Jack & Jill bathroom; applied "closure sweeps to two doors"; and today Dave cleaned underneath and in back of the refrigerator.


There has been no school this week at all. We kinda of miss it actually. It was fun to be in class with Luke & Sarah with Joanna as teacher. But we have had a fun time nonetheless.


Tonight we had dinner with missionaries and the Thelander family. After supper we came to our place and Luke and Sarah are sleeping over with us in the Triplex tonight. We all played Blokus together and the kiddos turned in about 9 PM. We will have breakfast together, play Blokus and maybe Sarah and Diann will work on cutting out more Laura Ingalls Wilder paper dolls while Dave and Luke will be involved with one of Luke's new Legos.


Friday night before Christmas, we went carolling around the station with other missionaries and some of the residents and their families. We held candles, went from house to house and sang beautifully together... sometimes in 4 or 5 different languages. Meladee and I rode in the golf cart and carried as many as 7 little ones with us. It was great fun. After singing we went to Davises' home for cookies!


Christmas Eve we participated in the Bongolo CMA Church service right here on the mission station. There was singing, skits and speaking. We only stayed for an hour and a half and left to attend the gathering at Paul and Meladee's home. Santa and Mrs. Claus made an appearance and brought a gift for everyone. Somehow Santa was able to get wooden toys hand carved by Paul's dad. Each child and adult received a special gift. Many of the residents came with their family and some of the single residents came too. Folks from Madagascar, Congo, Guinea, Gabon and the US enjoyed singing and fellowshipping together but especially the children enjoyed being together and the language difference didn't seem to matter at all. We had more of Meladee's homemade cookies and treats.


On Thursday before Christmas, Dave & Joanna returned to Lebamba to pickup our new clothes from the tailor. Dave's new boubah looks great! The new matching "Bongolo Hospital" fabric shirt and dress will be fun to wear in the States. The shoppers also bought a few more pineapples, potatoes and a diesel fuel for the Toyota Land Cruiser.


Before Christmas we made peanut blossoms (Keir's favorite cookie of all time). Planned to make more cookies but several missionaries shared their Christmas cookies with us so we postponed that activity.


Christmas morning we were able to call Deborah and Aden in Lucca. They were just opening presents. It was great to see and hear them. Aden was especially thrilled with the Nintendo he received from Babbo Natale.


The Thelanders waited patiently for us to open their stockings and presents and have breakfast. Luke and Sarah were blessed to be remembered by several churches and families in the States. Opening presents was such fun. Nothing like being with children on Christmas Day. Sarah received new volumes of American Girl books and Luke was delighted with new Legos. We both received special notes written by Luke and Sarah and Grandma even got a book written by Sarah. Mocha (the family dog) got lots of new bones and chew toys much to her delight.


Christmas Day the missionaries on the station gathered at Dr. Dave and Becki Thompson's home for a bring-a-dish Christmas feast. Before the blessing, Dr. Dave ask each person to share something they appreciate about the person on their left. It was fun to listen in on what the missionaries had to say about each other. For our feast, we ate baked ham (from the US), garlic (local) mashed potatoes (Senegal), candied sweet potatoes (local), green bean casserole (from Libreville), corn pudding (from US), homemade rolls, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, pumpkin roll, crumbled apple (South Africa) pie along with super berry juice and coffee and tea. Some of the group watched "Ice Age" til the DVD "froze" (get it?) while others played Mexican Train and a card game which we had played before in the States (golf something). It was a great day. Came home tired but rejoicing for the Babe in the manger.


After returning back to Thelanders' home, we both called some family members to wish them a Merry Christmas.


The problems with the electricity continue. Keir and Paul spent half a day on Christmas Eve rectifying a problem in the lines. Paul and his crew did more work this week. The water filtration system is still failing. The water from the tap is not pure enough to drink and turns the laundry a dingy color. The internet is off and on many times a week as is the Vonage phone. The telephones on the station are intermittent. It is so disruptive and frustrating to us. However, the Thelanders take it all in stride and say "Welcome to the jungle!" when these things happen.


Dave was able to scrub in on two surgeries this week: a non-descended testicle on a six year old and a stomach muscle adjustment on a six week old boy. Of course, Keir told him the medical terms for these procedures but it is long gone from memory. Keir put in a shunt in a five week on baby with hydrocephalus this week. He has a case right now of a 12 year old boy that was hit by a taxi. The child has broken femurs, broken shoulder and major head injuries. A large number of patients who come to the hospital have tuberculosis and/or HIV/AIDS.


Last week at the hospital, Dr. Renee had a 20 year old male patient with a racing heart beat. It was over 200. Renee was able to use the recently donated but acquired-from-Intervol (Rochester) defibrillator and save the man's life. Without it the man would have died. God is in the business of healing people and saving lives and souls at Bongolo.


Last night there was a major (to us) thunder, lightning and rain storm. Luke tells us it was "nothing"! It just poured for a long time. The daytime temperatures remain in the 80s and in the lower 70s at night (Joanna wears a blanket after dinner!). The kids wear a jacket and won't go in the pool because it is "too cold".


We have had thus far many times of excitement and diversity while in this place at this time. Seeing how Luke and Sarah continue to grow and learn and enjoy each other has been such a blessing. Being with folks from other countries with different traditions and languages has made us appreciative and accepting.

Where Did the Time Go?

Where did the Time Go?

WOW! We have been in Bongolo for over a week now and it seems like we just arrived. Lots of memories made and remembered during our time with the Thelanders of Gabon.

What a thrill it has been to be the "new students" in Mrs. T's home schooling class. We have studied Bible (the 10 plagues), Science (learned how to "root" avocado seeds for planting in the plantation), Spelling, Greek (kinesis & phone), Music (Vivaldi's Winter - didn't remember the second movement is so short) and Reading (Luke and Grandpa, Sarah and Grandma- we read to each other). It was a challenge learning all the ins and outs of the classroom day :) Joanna does a great job of making each subject interesting and holding the attention of all four of us students. After our lunch together, on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, Luke and Sarah go with Aunt Rachel for art, Shakespeare, Aesop's Fables and baking of late. On Wednesday Luke shadows Uncle Paul, the director of maintenance from 1-5 for while Sarah is with Aunt Meladee for home economics. During the absence of Luke and Sarah, Joanna works on the scheduling and care of visiting resident professors (visiting doctors of different specialities from the States).

A joy has been to have dinner with some of the missionaries including Dr. Renee, pediatrician, internal medicine and AIDS/HIV clinic and Paul and Meladee. Renee graduated from Victor High School. We also attended Movie Night and liked seeing "Christmas with the Kranks" starring Tim Allen. This event is held nightly at Paul and Meladee's during December complete with popcorn and Meladee's homemade treats.

Dave and Luke on Saturday power-washed the gym floor. Dave says you can eat on it now. Luke & Keir practice basketball there 2 or 3 nights a week and have a game on Sunday at 3 PM.

The front sidewalk and the porch were also cleaned by the Dynamic Duo with the power-washer. The surfaces look so different and seem to sparkle.

Friday was shopping day in Lebamba. Joanna purchased fresh spinach (a rarity here), another fresh greens which we have to learn how to cook (I think it is similar to collard greens), 16 pineapple (This is the only time of the year they are in season. I helped peel, core and cut them up for freezing for smoothies.), sugar, butter and flour for baking, hot peppers, eggplant (another rarity), soy milk (extended life), passion fruit juice, white potatoes from Cameroon, and green tea. Lots of folks including many drunk men in the market because Saturday was election day and many people had return home to vote. We went to the tailor to have a dress and bobau made from fabric given to us by Pastor Serge (Bongolo Hospital administrator) and Jacquie (his wife). Ose, the owner of the tailor shop, is at home in Benin for six months but we did business with his staff.

Saturday was Christmas carolling with some missionaires and residents and their families on the station. We were a great sounding group. At one point, we had folks singing in 5 different languages. It weas wonderful. Meladee and I rode in the golf cart and had up to 8 kiddos in the back. Candles were provided as well as song books. More Christmas goodies were enjoyed at Paul and Meladee's home after the event.

God has provided much cooler temperatures (high 87 - low 72) than we expected or is usual this time of year. The sun has been hidden most days with the overcast skies. The down part of that is the bufoutu (no-seem-um) are out in force with no sunshine. Diann has a mass of bites on her arm that is the most painful but she has bites all over her body. Dave has about 6 total. Diann sprays every time before going outside; Dave rarely sprays. Small price nontheless...

Sunday morning we were in the sanctuary for about 30 minutes of singing before joining Joanna and Luke and Sarah in Sunday School. 53 boys and 53 girls... Joanna told the Nativity story using small stuffed props. The kids enjoyed holding the different characters and then taking them back up to the front of the room for the recap. Each "older" child got a small candy cane and the "younger" children received star candy at the end of the class.

Most nights we put Luke and Sarah to bed and read or listen to them read their devotional for the day. It is so special to be able to listen to them read and then pray. We are blessed. It is fun to see how much they have grown and matured.

When Luke and Sarah are asleep we visit with Joanna and Keir unti 10 or 10:30 (sometimes later !!) to catch up on each other's lives. Great times...

Keir has had a full schedule at the hospital and continues to get calls at night from the resident on call about emergencies that come in. He installed new shocks (which we brought with us) on their 5 year old Toyota Land Cruiser on Saturday; the difference is amazing as we ride over the bumpy unpaved roads both here on the station and enroute to Lebamba.

The physical plant of the hospital continues to grow and expand. New housing in preparation for new hospital staff who will join the team soon, new offices, new hospital facilities; the water filtration system is still a challenge (for some of the time we have had yucky dirty water coming from the faucet; praise the Lord for good water filers!). Lots of other changes going on at Bongolo Hospital with missionaries leaving and arriving; with business practices changes; and with changes in the CMA.

What a blessing to be in this place at this time:) Thank you, Lord.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Arose after a fairly good night of rest and had breakfast with the Thelanders minus Keir who had gone ahead to church early because he was preaching.

No-see-um bites count: Diann 10; Dave 5.

Arriving about 9:30 AM at Bongolo Church we recognized a familiar tune being sung by the congregation, "How Great Thou Art". Of course, we did not understand one word but it was beautiful nonetheless. On a regular Sunday morning, the singing starts around 8:30 AM; then about 10 AM there is about a half hour of announcements; then the sermon. This Sunday after the announcements, Keir was introduced as guest speaker. His sermon was about an hour long. He spoke in French and then his words were translated into Nzabe (the local tribal language)- thus one hour for a half hour sermon. Keir spoke on marriage and family relationships. The church was very quiet and that is an indicator that people were listening so say the locals.

By the way, the ushers tap the shoulder of anyone who dozes off during the service - young and old alike. If the usher cannot easily reach the dozer, they tap the bench nearby. You can bet we tried our best not to be tapped. With only a hand full of white people in the sanctuary and all but us as missionaries, we judged it would not be a good witness to doze off. Many of the missionaries attend other village churches; many preaching every Sunday.

Lunch at the Thelanders was cheese quesadillas made with cheeses recently purchased in Libreville. How fun it was to be having another meal with Luke, Sarah, Joanna and Keir.

Sunday afternoon we visited and caught up a bit and just enjoyed being together.

Sunday night, Eric (the bookkeeper), Dr. Wendy (the opthamologist here on the mission station) Hofman and their six month old daughter, Esther plus Rachel Thompson (missionary here who helps Joanna with home schooling and looks after Esther) joined us and the Thelanders for dinner. That night it was baked ziti and fresh garlic bread, bean salad, fresh pineapple and papaya and wonderful triple ginger cookies made by Rachel, Luke and Sarah.

After dinner the Hofmans who orginally came to Bongolo with Samaritan's Purse announced to us that they are staying until God calls them elsewhere. And they announced they are expecting Baby #2! Two bits of great news!

Spent some time after the guests left putting Luke and Sarah to bed. What a joy to hear them pray and to listen to them read their devotional.

Chatted with Keir and Joanna til Keir got called to the hospital for an emergency. We were asleep by 11 PM.

We are so impressed with the "Christmas Birds" which are beautiful white egrets. They seem to pay no attention to being around people as they sweep down in small flocks and land nearby.

Another fun nature observation: the thousands of bats. The flight over the Thelander home lasts at least one half hour every night. Bats are a welcome sight in Bongolo; they help keep the mosquito population to a managable level.

Arrivals and Departures

Thank God we made it "safe and sound" to Bongolo. God provided for us as we traveled. We are grateful to you for your prayers for us. Some details of our arrivals and departures.

Our friend, Don, arrived in his van at 12:30 PM to take us to Rochester International Airport. After loading our luggage and picking fresh holly for the Thelanders we were off!

Checked 10 pieces of luggage and carried on a personal item each and a carry-on each for a total of 14 pieces! The United manager waived the fee on two pieces for us thus we were blessed with lighter fees. Our luggage was checked all the way to Libreville.

Our plane to Washington DC departed and arrived on time. The international terminal at the DC airport is fairly close to where we de-planed. Our security check through Lufthansa went smoothly; our lay over was just 2-1/2 hours total. And we are off to Frankfurt albeit late because the plane taking us arrived in DC late; nonetheless we arrived in Frankfurt ahead a schedule due to a tail wind.

In Frankfurt, we had a 4-1/2 hour layover which passed quickly; after boarding the plane the captain announced that we'd be delayed because the co-captain's window would not close; we waited an hour before the mechanics were able to repair it. Had a good dinner on board and went to sleep (more or less) shortly thereafter; had breakfast and arrived in Libreville one hour late. Made it through all security checks; retrieved all 10 checked bags and made it to the Guest House before 8 PM in time for a swarma dinner complete with Pomplemousse (a grapefruit soda) with Alace, Steve, Dr. Dave, Becki, Hanna and LeaAnn. Off to bed; up at 5:15 AM to begin our 6AM trek to Bongolo with Steve at the wheel of his truck which was loaded high with our luggage that was covered with a huge tarp to keep out the rains.

This being the rainy season, the roads were somewhat muddy but still a bit dusty. Some pot holes covered the entire width of the two laned road and were a good 2-3 feet (yes, feet) deep. Made a stop at a gas station that had a bathroom with a toilet seat but water had to be poured into the bowl for it to flush (luxury stop with the real toilet seat). We have now been on the road for a little over three hours. The shop that made pain au chocolate had been raised to make way for widening of the road out of Libreville. As a result we had snack bars and little water for breakfast. PTL we had some bars leftover from our flight. Arrived at the designated rendevous spot in Lambarene.

Luke and Keir met us with big hugs and big smiles in Lambarene; the men transferred our 14 pieces of luggage plus some AIDS/HIV medicine that was coming down from Libreville to Bongolo. After 45 minutes of hauling and repositioning luggage into the Thelander Land Cruiser, we departed for Bongolo and took on the remaining 5 hours of the 10 hour drive. The quality of the roads is much improved on this part of the trip since our last visit.

Arrived at House #4 to see Joanna and Sarah running down the path to meet us. We were greeted with more hugs and smiles. Had homemade pizza and more pomplemousse for dinner; turned in at 11 PM local time.

Recap of the time: Departed Pittsford at 1:00 PM (EST) on Thursday and arrived at Thelanders of Gabon at 10:30 PM (EST) on Saturday. We are grateful to God for his mercies to us during our travel.

Soon . . .

In 48 hours or so we will be weighing our luggage for the last time (right now we have 4 trunks, 2 boxes, 1 suitcase packed and at least one other suitcase of goods on a guest bed waiting plus our own personal items yet to be packed). We are on the right track and we WILL make it!

God has blessed us with clear roads and driveways and no snow. Going from place to place filling last minute requests has not been hampered with typical winter weather conditions.

Dave is still seeing clients and having meetings plus going to the bank, Wegmans, picking up short-wave radios for the fire truck, etc.

Thank you for your prayers for traveling mercies as we go. And yes, I have my visa! :)

Less Than One Week to Departure

Time is going quickly! Less than one week to departure. We have learned that we will be riding in a van the 8-1/2 to 10 hours from Libreville to Bongolo. The missionary plane is in the US for repairs and the rental plane is unavailable. The local plane doesn't fly for 2 days down to Mouila. The ride will be rough and muddy but will be worth all the struggle to get to see the Thelanders of Gabon. Pastor Sangoye will drive us down to Lamberane where Luke & Keir will meet us.

Thank you for praying for traveling mercies for us particularly as we travel down to Bongolo from Libreville, the capitol city.

Packing is coming along albeit slowly. We have 4 trunks and one 45 pound box packed and ready to go. We have perhaps 4 suitcases and 2 carry-ons to pack yet. We will continue on with great energy :)

We are blessed with only snow flakes so far which is very unusual for this time of the year in these parts. It is hard to get my head around the fact that we will be in temperatures ranging from 92 to 102 degrees - with no airconditioning. But we will have overhead fans which make a world of difference and for which we are grateful.

Blessings.