A quick, little post today.
We've enjoyed some down time from traveling to preach; though it's hard not to want to minister on Sunday! We've had some family time, couple time, and friend's time, too.
Last weekend we were blessed to be with my family: Mom; sister, brother, nephew, and their families. It was wonderful. To be able to attend church with Mom was a true gift.
Also, like other years we've combined our birthday's, anniversary, and even Christmas gifts, to enjoy a meal and show at our local Fireside Dinner Theater. It was fabulous! Check it out online...
Tomorrow we hope to spend sometime with our youngest son and his family and then to go to our oldest grandson's football game. We saw his JV game on Tuesday...he did great!
You know a woman of a certain age truly enjoys these gathering times...being with our kids and their families; seeing my siblings and Mom, and mostly being with my best friend this side of heaven.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Retrospective 8: Monday in Ethiopia & Tuesday in Wisconsin
13 December 2010. Our last full day in Addis Ababa. Up early to join Dr. John Balikowski for breakfast and conversation. Did some packing, reading, and enjoying the morning. At about 10 a.m. Robin Thomas (missionary Bob Thomas' wife) arrived to pick us up for a day of souvenir shopping, conversation, lunch, and a lot of goodbyes!
Other than saying goodbye, it was a fun day. Of course to be able to spend a full day with missionaries is always a fun day! Shopping, bargain hunting, thinking of who might like what--plus wondering what I might like to keep! Purchased some pottery, scarves, Ethiopian coffee, and other items for Christmas gifts.
The four of us enjoyed an American meal at a local restaurant; the owners are from Seattle! While we were there we enjoyed a quick conversation with some other people from the States. The world is very small some times!
After saying goodbye to Rhonda, Bob brought us back to Dr. John's house. Bob downloaded all the pictures we took onto his laptop, hopefully there was some good ones.
After saying goodbye to Bob (who will be bringing us to the airport later) we went to pack some and rest some.
We were so surprised; the house staff gave us a going away gift...a beautiful, handcrafted, pottery coffee pot. So sweet! We then enjoyed a wonderful supper meal and more conversation with Dr. John...we won't be seeing him until January, if we can connect when we get to Florida.
After we finished packing we actually went to sleep for awhile. Our flight is at 4 a.m., but because it is an international flight we need to get there early (or late depending on how you say it). Bob picked us up about midnight to take us to the airport, which was very nice of him! Customs and immigration went very smoothly...it was really suprising to see all of the other people flying out at that same hour.
14 December 2010. So began our long journey home. It is so hard to imagine being in Ethiopia one day and at the end of the same day being home in southeastern WI! We flew from Addis Ababa to Jordan; then to London for the longer flight. We arrived in Chicago about 5:30 pm (if it was still Tuesday I would be surprised). We went through immigration, customs and baggage claim in time to catch the bus to our car in Janesville, WI.
Remember it's December! Yup...our car was covered in snow and ice. It took Bill some time to get it all off, but finally we were home by 9:30 p.m. Did very little after arriving home except go to sleep. I did make a couples of phone calls to let the family know we were home safe.
This ends my remembrance of our missions trip to Ethiopia...hope you enjoyed it.
Soon we'll be planning and going on our next overseas missions trip to Cebu City, Philippines. That will be exciting, too.
Other than saying goodbye, it was a fun day. Of course to be able to spend a full day with missionaries is always a fun day! Shopping, bargain hunting, thinking of who might like what--plus wondering what I might like to keep! Purchased some pottery, scarves, Ethiopian coffee, and other items for Christmas gifts.
The four of us enjoyed an American meal at a local restaurant; the owners are from Seattle! While we were there we enjoyed a quick conversation with some other people from the States. The world is very small some times!
After saying goodbye to Rhonda, Bob brought us back to Dr. John's house. Bob downloaded all the pictures we took onto his laptop, hopefully there was some good ones.
After saying goodbye to Bob (who will be bringing us to the airport later) we went to pack some and rest some.
We were so surprised; the house staff gave us a going away gift...a beautiful, handcrafted, pottery coffee pot. So sweet! We then enjoyed a wonderful supper meal and more conversation with Dr. John...we won't be seeing him until January, if we can connect when we get to Florida.
After we finished packing we actually went to sleep for awhile. Our flight is at 4 a.m., but because it is an international flight we need to get there early (or late depending on how you say it). Bob picked us up about midnight to take us to the airport, which was very nice of him! Customs and immigration went very smoothly...it was really suprising to see all of the other people flying out at that same hour.
14 December 2010. So began our long journey home. It is so hard to imagine being in Ethiopia one day and at the end of the same day being home in southeastern WI! We flew from Addis Ababa to Jordan; then to London for the longer flight. We arrived in Chicago about 5:30 pm (if it was still Tuesday I would be surprised). We went through immigration, customs and baggage claim in time to catch the bus to our car in Janesville, WI.
Remember it's December! Yup...our car was covered in snow and ice. It took Bill some time to get it all off, but finally we were home by 9:30 p.m. Did very little after arriving home except go to sleep. I did make a couples of phone calls to let the family know we were home safe.
This ends my remembrance of our missions trip to Ethiopia...hope you enjoyed it.
Soon we'll be planning and going on our next overseas missions trip to Cebu City, Philippines. That will be exciting, too.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Retrospective Seven
Another beautiful day in Ethiopia...Sunday!!!
12 December 2010. Please forgive misspelling of cities and names!!!.
Zaway, Ethiopia, south of Addis Ababa with Pastor Jonas. Because the drive to the church is about 2 1/2 hrs. away we had to get up pretty early. Missionary Bob Thomas picked us up by 7 a.m. Back the clock up from that point and it's pretty early. The only thing... no water or water pressure; which means no shower...a sponge bath with water from the reserve barrel in our bathroom. [Not drinking water mind you, but water to use for bathing, flushing, etc.] We used bottled water to brush our teeth.
As I said, we drive about 2.5 hrs south of the city through some very beautiful country, towns, and villages. We see people walking, riding bikes, waiting for the bus, or sitting outside enjoying the cool morning. Lot's of animals: sheep, goats, and donkeys. On the way down Bob told us to look for the camel herds and we saw them. Don't see that at all in Wisconsin...a herd of camels on the side of the road!!! He also said, at times there are baboons in the area, but we didn't see any.
Had an excellent time at church; the people were so glad to see us and hear what the Father had to say. Pastor Jonas interpreted for Bill...both did a wonderful job. After service I had some fun with the kids taking their pictures...they were giggling and laughing as they looked at their own photos. A great memory!
After church we ate at a local restaurant with Pastor. We then went to a local lake where we could have seen hippos; apparently they were around the bend of the lake. Had fun talking to a gentleman though, he wanted to be my friend...pastor witnessed to the man. Quite interesting!
One of our main reasons for going to the church was that our host, Dr. John Balikowski (who is a retired dentist) had scheduled a medical clinic at the local prison and we were invited to see what they were doing. I have never been to a place like this...a compound of buildings and dirt. Well organized but still dirty! And the odors...no explanation for that. Oh, if you only could have been there with us; your heart would have been changed forever.
The doctors, nurses, dentists, receptionists, helpers, equipment cleaners, and pastors were so very busy with the needs of both men and women at the prison. And the prisoners were very thankful. I have no idea what crimes they committed; but they needed help. The prison warden was also very thankful that the medical clinic had come. There is a chapel in the compound that local ministers preach and teach at.
The men and women are separate, of course; but something I hadn't thought of...there was also a child there with it's mother. A definite eye opener. The whole time we were there was extremely moving and life-changing.
We say goodbye and thank you to each one who was helping. As we travel back to Addis Ababa we see they same herd of camels except there are at least 100! Amazing! Stopped at a local motel to use their restroom facilities (western!) and later stopped to eat at a restaurant (had pizza!!!).
We were finally back to John's house by about 8 p.m. After that hot, dry, dusty, and wonderful day I treated myself to a nice, hot shower. What was kind of funny was that we read our emails and they were having a big snowstorm in Wisconsin.
Another beautiful day in Ethiopia. Next blog will be about our last full day in Ethiopia!
12 December 2010. Please forgive misspelling of cities and names!!!.
Zaway, Ethiopia, south of Addis Ababa with Pastor Jonas. Because the drive to the church is about 2 1/2 hrs. away we had to get up pretty early. Missionary Bob Thomas picked us up by 7 a.m. Back the clock up from that point and it's pretty early. The only thing... no water or water pressure; which means no shower...a sponge bath with water from the reserve barrel in our bathroom. [Not drinking water mind you, but water to use for bathing, flushing, etc.] We used bottled water to brush our teeth.
As I said, we drive about 2.5 hrs south of the city through some very beautiful country, towns, and villages. We see people walking, riding bikes, waiting for the bus, or sitting outside enjoying the cool morning. Lot's of animals: sheep, goats, and donkeys. On the way down Bob told us to look for the camel herds and we saw them. Don't see that at all in Wisconsin...a herd of camels on the side of the road!!! He also said, at times there are baboons in the area, but we didn't see any.
Had an excellent time at church; the people were so glad to see us and hear what the Father had to say. Pastor Jonas interpreted for Bill...both did a wonderful job. After service I had some fun with the kids taking their pictures...they were giggling and laughing as they looked at their own photos. A great memory!
After church we ate at a local restaurant with Pastor. We then went to a local lake where we could have seen hippos; apparently they were around the bend of the lake. Had fun talking to a gentleman though, he wanted to be my friend...pastor witnessed to the man. Quite interesting!
One of our main reasons for going to the church was that our host, Dr. John Balikowski (who is a retired dentist) had scheduled a medical clinic at the local prison and we were invited to see what they were doing. I have never been to a place like this...a compound of buildings and dirt. Well organized but still dirty! And the odors...no explanation for that. Oh, if you only could have been there with us; your heart would have been changed forever.
The doctors, nurses, dentists, receptionists, helpers, equipment cleaners, and pastors were so very busy with the needs of both men and women at the prison. And the prisoners were very thankful. I have no idea what crimes they committed; but they needed help. The prison warden was also very thankful that the medical clinic had come. There is a chapel in the compound that local ministers preach and teach at.
The men and women are separate, of course; but something I hadn't thought of...there was also a child there with it's mother. A definite eye opener. The whole time we were there was extremely moving and life-changing.
We say goodbye and thank you to each one who was helping. As we travel back to Addis Ababa we see they same herd of camels except there are at least 100! Amazing! Stopped at a local motel to use their restroom facilities (western!) and later stopped to eat at a restaurant (had pizza!!!).
We were finally back to John's house by about 8 p.m. After that hot, dry, dusty, and wonderful day I treated myself to a nice, hot shower. What was kind of funny was that we read our emails and they were having a big snowstorm in Wisconsin.
Another beautiful day in Ethiopia. Next blog will be about our last full day in Ethiopia!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Retrospective Six
Continuing our 2010 Ethiopian Missions Trip.
11 December, Saturday. Because it's Saturday, we have a day to relax. Dr. John has lost his voice from being out in the night air at the services with us; and he has a lot to do today so he won't be coming with us. We are up by 6 am and ready to go after breakfast. Missionary Bob Thomas and their son Bobby pick us up and drive us out of town to a local resort/hospital that offers clear/clean air, vistas, cute restaurant, and an opportunity to really relax. It's a beautiful setting; not too far from the city with good food. Bob & Bobby take time to throw a football...can you imagine. Here we are in Africa (a true dream of mine) with missionaries doing a very American father-son 'thing'; throwing a football...it was great! After lunch we walk around a bit, then head back to town. We so appreciate Bob taking time out of his schedule to give us this sweet day and memory. We meet up with Rhonda (Bob's wife) at a coffee shop...enjoy an ice cream cone actually! It was really good! After that we did a little shopping for some baskets. When we finally arrive home we do some reading, resting, studying for Sunday, and have another meal. BUT: the water isn't flowing and there is no electricity. Dr. John and his assistant get the generator powered up and we have electricity. As far as the water? Well, the next time you see me ask me about how that went! It's Saturday night, what else is there to do but pop some popcorn and watch a movie...Dr. John and I did just that, in front of his computer. Another great time and memory; it gave me a flashback of doing this very same thing with my Dad (except in front of the TV).
Next post? ...our adventure south out of the city for a 2 1/2 hour drive that includes a camel sighting, but the adventure started even before we left...
11 December, Saturday. Because it's Saturday, we have a day to relax. Dr. John has lost his voice from being out in the night air at the services with us; and he has a lot to do today so he won't be coming with us. We are up by 6 am and ready to go after breakfast. Missionary Bob Thomas and their son Bobby pick us up and drive us out of town to a local resort/hospital that offers clear/clean air, vistas, cute restaurant, and an opportunity to really relax. It's a beautiful setting; not too far from the city with good food. Bob & Bobby take time to throw a football...can you imagine. Here we are in Africa (a true dream of mine) with missionaries doing a very American father-son 'thing'; throwing a football...it was great! After lunch we walk around a bit, then head back to town. We so appreciate Bob taking time out of his schedule to give us this sweet day and memory. We meet up with Rhonda (Bob's wife) at a coffee shop...enjoy an ice cream cone actually! It was really good! After that we did a little shopping for some baskets. When we finally arrive home we do some reading, resting, studying for Sunday, and have another meal. BUT: the water isn't flowing and there is no electricity. Dr. John and his assistant get the generator powered up and we have electricity. As far as the water? Well, the next time you see me ask me about how that went! It's Saturday night, what else is there to do but pop some popcorn and watch a movie...Dr. John and I did just that, in front of his computer. Another great time and memory; it gave me a flashback of doing this very same thing with my Dad (except in front of the TV).
Next post? ...our adventure south out of the city for a 2 1/2 hour drive that includes a camel sighting, but the adventure started even before we left...
Friday, July 1, 2011
Retro 5
8 December 2010. Actually, the last day or so I wasn't feeling well. Today, Wednesday, I stayed at Dr. John's while Bill went to chapel. That evening, though, after some rest and tea & toast I was feeling much better. We went to Missionary Bob & Rhonda Thomas' home for a meal. Very nice. Tonight was an early night because of the rolling black-outs that happen across the city; meaning no electricity.
9 December 2010. Still feeling a little sick...get up and get moving, have a little more tea & toast and go to the Bible College with Bill. While we wait in Bob's office, he and Dr. John go to teach their class. We meet up again for chapel. After a snack we shared with the student body, Bill went to a meeting/teaching session with the General Superintendent of the Ethiopian Assemblies of God and about a dozen Assembly of God leaders and pastors. It was a thrill for him to be able to speak into their lives, ministering and helping any way he could. I went back to Bob's office to get on the internet and send some emails!!! That evening, after our supper meal, we preached at another local church. Very exciting!
10 December 2010. Still feeling the effects of whatever I had, but not enough to slow me down; continued on with our day. This is our last day on campus and for Bill to minister at chapel. The faculty and students presented us with a gift of Ethiopian coffee and tea...excellent! Today I sang a song for them...powerful message of 'going' when God says 'go'. Most of the students understood the words because they know the English language. Because of service starting at 5:30 pm we ate our supper a little earlier. At service tonight, the people were all so very excited and thankful that we came to minister to them. All I was thinking was how they were ministering to me: with their faithfulness, warmth, excitement and their passion for the things of God. The people were responding to God's holy presence; and to the worship. They asked me to sing a song for this service...not sure if they understood the words, but it truly was an honor and priviledge to sing for them. They were all very appreciative. They also had a singing guest in attendance...the people knew who he was if we didn't! A popular Christian recording artist from Ethiopia. He sure could sing!!! They were also recording the event...kind of like a music video. The man was very impressive! Home by 8:30 pm, did some reading and went to sleep.
Remember, within all of these daily reports is a lot of Dr. John & the Thomas' taking very good care of us. Feeding, housing, driving us where we need to go; missionaries are the true heroes of the faith!
9 December 2010. Still feeling a little sick...get up and get moving, have a little more tea & toast and go to the Bible College with Bill. While we wait in Bob's office, he and Dr. John go to teach their class. We meet up again for chapel. After a snack we shared with the student body, Bill went to a meeting/teaching session with the General Superintendent of the Ethiopian Assemblies of God and about a dozen Assembly of God leaders and pastors. It was a thrill for him to be able to speak into their lives, ministering and helping any way he could. I went back to Bob's office to get on the internet and send some emails!!! That evening, after our supper meal, we preached at another local church. Very exciting!
10 December 2010. Still feeling the effects of whatever I had, but not enough to slow me down; continued on with our day. This is our last day on campus and for Bill to minister at chapel. The faculty and students presented us with a gift of Ethiopian coffee and tea...excellent! Today I sang a song for them...powerful message of 'going' when God says 'go'. Most of the students understood the words because they know the English language. Because of service starting at 5:30 pm we ate our supper a little earlier. At service tonight, the people were all so very excited and thankful that we came to minister to them. All I was thinking was how they were ministering to me: with their faithfulness, warmth, excitement and their passion for the things of God. The people were responding to God's holy presence; and to the worship. They asked me to sing a song for this service...not sure if they understood the words, but it truly was an honor and priviledge to sing for them. They were all very appreciative. They also had a singing guest in attendance...the people knew who he was if we didn't! A popular Christian recording artist from Ethiopia. He sure could sing!!! They were also recording the event...kind of like a music video. The man was very impressive! Home by 8:30 pm, did some reading and went to sleep.
Remember, within all of these daily reports is a lot of Dr. John & the Thomas' taking very good care of us. Feeding, housing, driving us where we need to go; missionaries are the true heroes of the faith!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Retroactive Part 4
6 December 2010. Monday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia was the beginning of a gloriously, busy week. Bill was scheduled as the guest chapel speaker at AABC (Addis Ababa Bible College). After a wonderful breakfast at Dr. John's house we arrived on campus for the 10 am chapel service. The staff and students were truly excited about meeting us and waiting to hear what God had to say to them. At this service, Bill was able to teach in English because the students know the language. After chapel we went back 'home' to rest some, eat a light lunch, and do some sight-seeing with Dr. John. He brought us to the future dental clinic (John is a dentist); the university where he teaches dentistry; and stopped at a couple of local shops. How he ever found these two places? We may never know! They were down some very narrow streets and alleys...but once we got there...oh my! One was a weaving shop that made hand-woven items: tablecloths, scarves...beautiful! The second place was a pottery shop, amazing, hand-painted items: little dishes, napkin holders, coffee pots, cups; the hand-crafting was beautiful. Bought a couple of things there...I love pottery! Back to the house for our evening meal, to watch a video, and catch our emails. Another wonderful day in Africa!
7 December 2010. Bill spoke at chapel (AABC) on Tuesday, as well. Because Missionary Bob Thomas and Dr. John were teaching that day we needed to get there earlier. Up and out of the house by 8:30 am. While we waited in Bob's office for chapel to start we got online and checked our emails and Facebook. It's such a great way to communicate across the miles; keeping everyone updated and knowing all is okay at home, too. Chapel was exciting, again! Each day more staff and students were attending. It was a great honor for us to be there; seeing the excitement and hunger of each one wanting to learn more! A wonderful lesson for us, too. That evening we attended, and Bill spoke at, another local church. There was singing, praying and then the message. The service was truly exciting. Their style of singing may be different from ours, and we can't understand the words, but we still worship the same Saviour! Back to Dr. John's; lights across the area go out again, a sure sign it's time for bed! What a truly awesome experience being in Africa!
7 December 2010. Bill spoke at chapel (AABC) on Tuesday, as well. Because Missionary Bob Thomas and Dr. John were teaching that day we needed to get there earlier. Up and out of the house by 8:30 am. While we waited in Bob's office for chapel to start we got online and checked our emails and Facebook. It's such a great way to communicate across the miles; keeping everyone updated and knowing all is okay at home, too. Chapel was exciting, again! Each day more staff and students were attending. It was a great honor for us to be there; seeing the excitement and hunger of each one wanting to learn more! A wonderful lesson for us, too. That evening we attended, and Bill spoke at, another local church. There was singing, praying and then the message. The service was truly exciting. Their style of singing may be different from ours, and we can't understand the words, but we still worship the same Saviour! Back to Dr. John's; lights across the area go out again, a sure sign it's time for bed! What a truly awesome experience being in Africa!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Retroactive Part 3
5 December 2010. On Sunday morning in Addis Ababa we were up and moving by 6 am! After breakfast we arrived at church by 8:30 am. Traditionally services are quite lengthy and the two morning services Bill preached at were no different. Not because of his preaching, but because the people are excited about being at church.
Each service was very exciting; filled with music, worship, the people, the church staff...all very wonderful, warmly receiving us into their church. Remember it has always been a dream of mine to go to Africa and here were are at the largest Assemblies of God church in Ethiopia; with 10,000 members we were told!
After the services, Bob & Rhonda Thomas (the missionaries from the Michigan District we were working with) and their children, Dr. John, and us, all went out to eat. After a delicious meal, Bob took us to the local museum for some Ethiopian history.
We were back to John's house by 4 pm. Had a little rest, then watched part of a teaching video, checked our emails, Facebook, visited with John and closed another day in Africa.
When we minister overseas we realize that each day is different and exciting or just another average day. We might not see goats and sheep in the streets everyday or have to turn on the generator because the electricity failed, but we do know that each day is a blessing and an honor for us to have lived it in Africa!
Each service was very exciting; filled with music, worship, the people, the church staff...all very wonderful, warmly receiving us into their church. Remember it has always been a dream of mine to go to Africa and here were are at the largest Assemblies of God church in Ethiopia; with 10,000 members we were told!
After the services, Bob & Rhonda Thomas (the missionaries from the Michigan District we were working with) and their children, Dr. John, and us, all went out to eat. After a delicious meal, Bob took us to the local museum for some Ethiopian history.
We were back to John's house by 4 pm. Had a little rest, then watched part of a teaching video, checked our emails, Facebook, visited with John and closed another day in Africa.
When we minister overseas we realize that each day is different and exciting or just another average day. We might not see goats and sheep in the streets everyday or have to turn on the generator because the electricity failed, but we do know that each day is a blessing and an honor for us to have lived it in Africa!
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