Blessings Abound

Large ceiling fans in every room of the Thelander home to help combat the high temperatures and high humidity.

Hot and cold running water; electricity generated from the hydroelectric power plant just two miles away at the Bongolo Falls; gas dryer; gas stove; electric fridge and freezer; Sarah's bed to sleep in at night.

The pool here at Bongolo Missionary Station is just the thing to cool off; we use it least every other day for at least an hour.

Being able to see and hear the loud and hard rainfall and see the rain storm move in as the clouds gather over Bongolo.

Being greeted personally by all the residents and their wives upon my arrival; their children have grown and a couple more children are on their way. It was so good to see them when they came by to say hello.

Amazing sunset every day just about 5:30 until 6 when the sun is completely set. The sunrise is 6 AM every day; the sunset is 6 PM every day.

Oliver killed a yard long iguana with his machete. One less jungle creature to be concerned about. Oliver plans to grill it and take off the skin then cook the iguana in tea to dispel some of the "gamey" flavor.

Star Fruit galore. Joanna, Luke and Sarah are picking some as I type; Joanna will make Star Fruit Crisp for tonight's dessert. (Pickers just cam back with 23 prime Star Fruit.)

Local banana every day; often from the Thelander property but the ones this week are from the bush about an hour away.

Fresh lime in the seemingly gallons of water I drink every day in the Thelander's new Purdue insulated plastic see through glass.

The privilege of tucking Luke and Sarah in every night which includes reading, singing and praying with them.

Visiting time with Joanna every night. She has been able to be excused from the weekly staff meetings so we can be together.

Being able to talk with Dave every day and Deborah and Aden often. (Please pray for Aden to heal quickly from infection in both ears and bronchitis in both lungs.)

Realizing all over again how content Joanna is to be here in this place at this time. They are committed to two more years after July.

Having access to Internet (be it ever so slow!).

Spending time with the other missionaries on the station and having dinner in their home; a team of dedicated folks. I continue to be in awe of how isolated they all are and how remote this hospital and the mission station are but how content the missionaries are to be here.

Seeing the transformation of the physical plant that Paul has made since coming here a year ago December. Things are really shaping up.