Welcome to Baby Naomi!!

Would be remiss if I didn't welcome this new baby. Heddy, Donatus and baby Wendy, our dear friends that moved from Yaounde to Colorado back in January are welcoming a new member into their family. Naomi was born Sunday the 26th of October in Aurora Colorado. Mom and baby are doing well, after a C-section, and we praise God with them. What a different experience for Heddy this time...Donatus commented to us, regarding how the nurses are taking care of Heddy and Naomi in the hospital, "I can tell here that Nursing is a vocation and not just a means to make money." Think about it...are the things God calls us to just a means to an end or are we rejoicing in the journey? Many blessings to Dona, Heddy, Wendy and Naomi!!

If it's not one thing, it's another

I just have to chuckle. I really did whine last week about the power being off and friends leaving. Sometimes these day to day struggles seem to magnify with added stresses of living cross-culturally. Someone has likened living in another culture to being in a pressure pot. Everything gets revealed!

So...within the last 2 weeks we dealt with water issues. This week we are dealing with power issues. As I said in the last blog, I do find it easier to do day to day things without power. After all, it's light outside! Hahaha...also, come nighttime, we tend to play more games together since everyone can't trek off to do their own thing. Apparently the "transformer" that serves all of Yaounde is having issues. So, we have been prepped that these outages (up to 6-8 hours per day) could last a week or 10 days, or more. Ah, the joys!

But, parenthetically, I had a friend comment to me...and bring me some perspective. She said that she has had to say some tough good-byes within this last month. She also said that over the past 6 months, they have had sporadic hot water. Just reminds me that Cameroon is not that far away after all and that I need to keep my perspective right.

Thanks Joyce for journeying with me! And thanks for all of your prayers for us here. You are a real blessing!

Water's Back

Our water has been sporadic, at best, since last Friday. We were advised to start to stock up because this could happen. The water company supposedly went on strike and water came only from about 10 pm until 5:30 am daily. Well, this too has passed! We are happy to have running water again, though pressure in the mornings is painfully low. This got me to thinking, though. I realized that I much prefer to go without power for a day or two than without water. My hat goes off, and gets thrown so high in the air, to those who live in villages without running water. What a weird insight, huh? Just my thoughts today as I bathe in water from the tap. I guess you could say I feel pretty spoiled! Thanks for praying!

Ho hum...mysteries of God

I am in a bit of a blue funk today...just got word that some dear missionary friends who are home on furlough are not returning to Cameroon. And this after another dear family decided the same thing earlier in the year. And this only after another dear friend left Cameroon after 30 years of ministry here. And this only after our good neighborhood buddies left suddenly before Christmas, not to return. What is God up to?? Do I have to like it?? I do know that God does fill in those voids, and He has begun to do so with our buddies in the NW province and some good work relationships. So, deep down, I believe and trust, but my flesh is aching and rebelling something fierce. I often wonder why God has called me to a lifestyle such as this - all the comings and goings and transitions - when it is something that I have struggled with as long as I can remember. I remember so clearly each time I left to go to France, just bawling in the airport and on the airplane and then even when I would arrive in France and realize my family was not there. Duh! But you get my drift. My mom, a woman of great wisdom and insight, would sweetly say, "Just go to bed and get a good night's sleep. Things will look better in the morning." And they usually did. Today I can't just run to bed...too many fires to put out, newsletters to send and meals to make. Night will come; sleep will come; and I pray for a better outlook tomorrow. Thanks for your faithful prayers for us...priceless.

Fall Break in the NW Province

We enjoyed a week in Bamenda for our fall break from school. We originally went up to attend (and for Josh to participate in) Wilson and Rose's wedding. You may remember that Wilson is one of our key volunteer leaders. Josh was the ring bearer and it was a beautiful ceremony. Cameroonian weddings are so full of pomp! But this one was also filled with lots of music and dancing. It was a great day. Then we stayed on at the Jackson's for another several days. We even prolonged our trip by a couple of days. We enjoyed picnics, laughing, coffee on the veranda, laughing, good eats, more picnics, horseback riding, and much more laughter. We came back by way of Douala to see the orthodontist which led for a very long day in the car. But God is faithful...we made it safely back home to two very excited dogs!! School started back up yesterday and Josh's grade now stays until 2pm. So, Sam and I have lunch there too and I get a few more hours of work in. We really had a great break and are refreshed as we launch back into the groove.

Jess and Erin with some younger ones

"How beautiful...are the feet of those who bring good news" Isaiah 52:7

The Team from Grace Church, Maryland

What an amazing group of servants!

Team #2 from Grace church

Words will be totally insufficient to describe the impact of this Grace Church team on The Navigator work here in Cameroon! These 16 people came to fully give themselves away...with no, or very low, expectations...an adaptability that we have rarely seen, even in career missionaries...and in many ways they put us to shame. From the moment we got them at the airport all the way until the moment they flew out of here...amazing servants! I really am at a loss for words to explain the impact of this team. They came with the sole purpose of running the childcare program for the National Navigators Conference. Their service permitted husbands and wives to come together and then above that, for the kids to experience time with other Nav kids and also to see what Mom and Dad are all about in their ministry. We weren't sure how this would go over as the concept was very new and had not been done before here with The Navs, but God truly paved the way. The Grace team split up into Cameroonian homes for the first few days here. The conditions for many were very far from what they are used to in the US, and again, no complaints and amazing flexibility. We were so proud of them! Then they moved to the conference venue which was less than ideal for their ministry. The living conditions were tough and they shone, yet again! They taught the kids memory verses, how to live out a life in the Fruit of the Spirit, how to be "superheroes" for Jesus, played games, hugged them and just loved on them so much! Tears come to my eyes...the impact they made on these families and children is completely priceless. The photos of them holding Cameroonian babies, or doing crafts with the young kids, or playing soccer outside...priceless. Then, they had the privilege of bringing with them and delivering the goody bags that the Children's Choir at WEAG (our home church) had put together (over 100 bags with toothbrushes, paste, crayons, stickers, small toys, candies, etc). What a treat for the local children and what a joy to see the investment of so many American children in the lives of these children. Wow! (Thanks Debbie for the brainwork behind making that a reality...the impact was unbelievable.) Tears were shed when the team left, by us, by Cameroonians and by some of the team. God has such an amazing way of binding us together so quickly. What a great God!
We love you and so appreciate your prayers and love for us. Stay tuned for photos and more to say later...

We are still alive!!

Boy this blog is long overdue! I really apologize for the time lapse. It took us quite some time to host the team from Grace Church in MD as well as to settle into a school routine. I think we are in a groove and it allows me a chance to catch you up on things.
The biggest event in the life of our family and ministry has been the start of the school year! I think we were ready, but it still has been such an adjustment. Sam and Josh go to the Parent-Run School of SIL. I work there 3 mornings per week as an assistant to the director, Mary Santos. I really enjoy getting out and pitching in there. It is right up my alley and is a joy to me. Josh is in grade 4 and Sam in grade 2. Sam has two other boys in his class...and that's it! Josh has a total of 8 students, including him. They are adjusting well, but don't enjoy the homework load.
Gaby is going to Rain Forest International School also of SIL. The school goes from grades 7-12. Her class is very international, indeed - students from America, Switzerland, Cameroon, Korea, the Netherlands, South Africa, and maybe one or two others. She has adjusted pretty well, but we are still getting the hang of the study habits and homework load. She leaves with me and the boys around 7am and returns anywhere from 4-5 depending on her schedule that day and week. A big change for our young lady.
I need to work some schoolwork with Sam and so will continue more later. Blessings and thanks for praying for us...we love you.

What a team!

What a great looking crew! This is the NavYouth team as well as our 5 faithful, volunteer leaders. They partnered so well together. What a blessing to have had the investment of the US team.

Juggling 101

Dave taught the kids how to juggle with these lightweight scarves. Here are a bunch of them practicing. Such concentration!

Discipleship Camp

This is Molly washing the feet of her small group on the last night. What a very powerful time. Those American youth came as such servants and it really touched hearts.

English Camp

This was the NavYouth team with the group of Cameroonians from Solange's school. They did morning English courses with them and then afternoon "play" time. This was the afternoon that they played soccer, basketball and did jumping rope. This camp really opened the doors for Solange in her ministry in the school where she works.

Amazing Young People

We have had a great time, the past 2 1/2 weeks with the team from NavYouth Columbia. They will board the plane tonight as they begin their journey home. They will spend one overnight in Zurich and we only wish we could be stowaways for that leg, for sure. We have really had an amazing time as we have worked alongside them and as we have watched God do a work in each of their lives too. The English Camp (the first week) was a huge success with almost 20 young people in attendance. They did a taxi scavenger hunt and played ultimate Frisbee in the afternoons. The final day they were all treated to a lunch out where Grace shared her testimony (on her 16th birthday, no less) and Lindsey presented the plan of salvation. A side note, when we first moved to Columbia in 2000, Lindsey was 7 and she is Dick and Marti Stum's youngest daughter. Gaby had her first sleepover ever with Lindsey. It is very cool to see what God has done with her thus far. The camp was HUGE...there were about 70 in attendance (including the American team and our Cameroonian leaders). All things condsidered it went smoothly. The young Cameroonians seemed to really "get it" that service should be done out of love for God and not to please man. The two culminating events were a service project day and a special evening surprise by the American team. For the service project, we had one group at an orphanage, one group doing street ministry with homeless at the train station and one large group doing clean up at the Center for the Blind (as they prepared for their 25 anniversary celebration). We were proud to see them all get to work and to really apply what they had been learning. The surprise by the US team was a foot washing, but only for the US group to serve and wash the feet of the Cameroonians. God showed up in full force and many, many were touched, weeping and very ministered to. Was so sweet.

We are regrouping and will recover our house tomorrow. It has been a real joy to host them in our home for 12 of their 18 days. We need to just recover a bit. The next team arrives the 4th of August but only 4 will stay with us.

Sam has battled Impetigo this week, Gaby was treated for Malaria and is now fighting off an ear infection...oh the joys. We struggle a bit as we have dealt with more sickness this term than we did our first, but God is still God!! Amen

Gaby will take a second French placement test this Thursday and then we seriously have to get ready for the start of school, also the 4th of August.

Blessings, thanks for your prayers and we love you!!

Sam at the wheel

Is that going to fall off??

Be-a-u-tiful!! Just like back home...almost

Go Fly a Kite!

Picnics

Kids in a creek

Gaby with Horse and Rasta Hair

Banana/Plantain Car

To Bamenda or BUST

We hit the road bright and early on June 6 and headed NW to Bamenda. We made stops in Bafia, Makinene, Bafoussam and counted all 162 speed bumps. The trip was so great, though about 6 hours long. Scenery beautiful, fellowship so fun, s'mores so yummy, and so on. We had a great time. Above you saw a pile of photos...Gaby with horses and rasta hair, kids doing pottery, kite fun, picnic after picnic, boys in the water, loaded cars with bananas, loaded vans with whatever they stock on the top...just the sights and sounds of travel in Cameroon. Enjoy!

Just some goings on...

OK, I realize that I totally botched up the posting of the pictures. Obviously all you smarties out that figured out that Milka was not a snake and that the slithery "blessing" was not our new puppy. Thanks for your grace.

The past 5 weeks, our National Director, Peters TANIFORM has been in the US sharing about what is happening within the Navigators of Cameroon. We are thrilled that he has gotten to go and do this PR work as well as get refreshed and recharged a bit. He has had a great time and will be returning to us on the 21st. This past week, he spent 4 days with my parents and then about 3 days in Maryland connecting with the two teams that will come here to minister this summer. My folks kept him very busy and he got to see, meet with, share with, pray with so many people that are dear to our hearts. Maybe you were among them? Well, what a great trip for him. We can't wait to get him back...to hug him and hear all about how God used him and ministered to him while he was there.

Gilles is very busy these days and is somewhat overwhelmed. I know he'd love your prayers. He has many speaking engagements and we are also very actively preparing the summer camps and teams. There are only two more team meetings with his team here before the team from NavYouth Maryland comes to minister. (This is led by Dave and Julie, friends very close to us and with whom we partnered in ministry in Columbia.) Many details to work out...much to discuss and expectations need to be shared. All is good, but just many things to take care of.

Family...we are good...school continues at least another 2 weeks or so before we take one week off to visit the NW province, more specifically dear friends up there. We look forward to that time as it is cooler there, much, and we may be able to have a fire in the fireplace and make s'mores. Woohoo!

Blessings, love and hugs! W, for all

Woohoo...look at Sam go!

And God Provides...

Many of you were very instrumental in praying and providing for the scooter that we mentioned back in November. Well, God has provided! Gilles found a used Yamaha Majesty 125 a few weeks ago. We went through many negotiations as well as getting it looked over well and then got the green light. So, we are so grateful and humbled at how God takes care of us. Thanks for being a part of this blessing for us.

The little beauty

Slithery "Blessings"??

Milka

We got a new puppy about 3 weeks ago. She is a shepherd/boxer mix, sort of! :-) So, she ought to be a pretty one, huh? Our friends, that had the puppies originally, had named her Chocolate because of her dark color at birth. We had to add a Swiss twist to that...hence, Milka. Yumm, yumm! She and Smokey are getting along so well and I think he puts up with alot. She is very yippy and tries often to incite him to play. Very fun!

Slithery Slimy Snakes

Josh has had a passion for snakes ever since we visited friends the Greishaws over furlough, thanks Ben!! So,as we returned to Cameroon he has been very faithfully looking for one here. Cameroonians hate snakes and so don't even take the time so see if it is a poisonous one or not. We sort of say they "kick butt and take names later" when it comes to snakes!! We knew that the chances of finding one on our property was slim with both Smokey and Milka and also with Albert, our guard. Well, wouldn't you know it...that Albert is still coming to work but is feeling pretty icky with malaria so rests alot at night. Smokey has gotten mange and is weak from treatment and shots and Milka is too little to care at this point. So, yesterday Josh almost sat on a small black snake in our yard. We don't know what kind it is, however. He got into a nice diamond head though when he felt threatened. So, we are cautious. We see this as a sweet provision from God so Josh can observe him for a time. I say for a time because I am admittedly squeamish about that slithery creature. It gives me the willies just thinking about him.
So, we've now got this snake, make a "habitat" for him complete with sand, water, sticks, leaves and rocks to hide under and little insects to munch. Then, this morning what does Gilles find in the backyard?? A brother to our first one...no way!! So, we have two, temporarily...Josh is beside himself and so excited. What a sweet, slithery treat from God for our middle guy. Snake soup anyone??

Easter Sunday 2008

What's up?

We thought it time to update you on the “state of our union” here in Africa. All is quiet and uneventful, still! Praise God for this. Life has very much returned to normal here and many Cameroonians (and expats as well) are eagerly anticipating April 1^st. This is the announced date for food price decreases and government salary increases. We deeply pray that those in positions of decision-making will carry through on their word and make true to their commitments. Will keep you posted.

On a ministry note – things are moving smoothly. We have now had 2 of our monthly youth get-togethers at our house and they seem to be meeting a need. The first one was laid back with lots of games and fellowship. This month there were some games and then a guided discussion about a movie clip we showed from The Matrix. The main theme was “the real world”. It was a neat experience with these folks and we hope to exploit that means a bit more as it leads them towards a more Christian worldview…to view things with a critical eye.

This coming Monday (31^st), Gilles will be having our first ever, all-day Timothy Team retreat. You may remember Tim Team from our days in Maryland. This is basically a smaller group of teens that show leadership potential and a discipline in their study of the Word. We will work towards training them to take on more responsibility as student leaders in the ministry. There will 4 students coming and we are really thrilled with those that God has chosen: Eric, Jean, Cathy and Elisabeth. In addition, Wilson is in town and will co-lead this retreat with Gilles.

As for Wilson, continue to pray for his transfer papers. He has filed with his department to be transferred to a teaching position in or very close to Yaounde. In his favor is the fact that he is engaged to a young lady that attends University here in Yaounde. We pray that those concerned will have favor for him and that he can be transferred closer. (He is currently in Batouri…remember Gilles’ trip there last year – 9 hours over very precarious roads?)

On the home front…we rejoice with Gaby’s acceptance to RFIS…she is thrilled! Also this week (the 5^th) she is turning 12! Can you just believe it??? I am baffled at how time flies and what a sweet, young lady she is becoming. A true testimony of what the enemy meant for evil, God deemed for his ultimate good and glory!!

Boys are doing great and are loving the pool adn their weekly soccer practices.

We love you guys and are so grateful for you and how you stand so faithfully by us…we really couldn’t be here doing what we do if it weren’t for your love and prayers. We will keep you posted and hugs abound!!

OK...this picture definitely needs explanation. We had Gaby's friend, Amy, over here for about a week last month while her parents travelled. The two girls brought a very special invitation to me and invited me to an afternoon of relaxation. They had set up a "spa" in Gaby's room. Here I am with an oatmeal mask on my face and slices of zucchini on my eyes. I giggled when they put the zucchini on and they then told me that they couldn't find any cucumber in the fridge so they thought that the zucc would work just fine. Before the oatmeal mask I was treated to a papaya facial. What fun...they even did a manicure and pedicure for me. Then they took the rest of the afternoon to do it on each other.

Emergency prepared-ness...in light of the recent tensions and riots in Cameroon, we packed evacuation bags and stocked up on water. This is our HUGE barrel downstairs that we filled up, as the locals heard rumors of no power or water for three days. Thank the Lord that didn't come to fruition, but we were prepared. The DGA would be so proud of me (inside joke).

A very exciting this has come to Yaounde...pizza delivery! Here was our first attempt...we had a day and night without power and it seemed the time to try it. The kids were so excited and kept saying, "It even tastes like Papa John's!" I personally don't think they remember what Papa John's pizza tastes like. It was pretty good the combo came with sodas and salads. Not bad...

There are Gilles, Josh and Gaby on one of the first days in the pool. The water, even though we live almost on the equator, is still chilly. Sam only lasts about 20 minutes.

This pic is of Karelle, Frank, Cathy and Dominique (L-R) in our pool. They do Bible study together bi-weekly led by Karelle. This was the first, brave group of Cameroonians to come swimming. For Cathy, it was her first time ever in a pool. They played so hard and surely slept well that night.

A mean game of Phase 10 with Miriam, Eric, Fidele, Gilles and Gaby. They really loved it and giggled so much when they skipped each other. Fun!

This is Sam and Bazil (ba-ZEEL) playing badminton on our first monthly meeting with all the youth at our house. They really seemed to have a good time. We had badminton, darts, basketball, Phase 10 and chatting all happening at the same time. These meetings will take place at our house on the 4th Saturday of each month.

This cool bat was in our front tree for about 3 days. Very fun!

Doesn't she look awesome!!

Gaby playing in the RFIS-ASOY soccer match

Too long silent

I really apologize for the silence. It is just now that I am feeling “settled” enough to sit and write a bit about what is going on here. What does it mean to be settled, anyway?

We had a wonderful welcoming committee at the airport when we arrived and our fatigue of the previous two days and the drama to come back to Cameroon quickly vanished. It is nice to be “home.”

It has not rained since November and so things are very dusty here. We, unfortunately, have to keep the house closed up as it gets filthy too rapidly. (Remember that we have no A/C either…ick.) This morning I just had to open some windows to get some air and felt quickly rejuvenated. Ah, simple pleasures.

School is well underway. We are happy to have our school room back and the routine of our school days is very welcome. We also turned in Gaby’s application for Rain Forest International School (RFIS) so you can pray with us about the outcome of her applying. We are hopeful and excited for her.

She played soccer with the middle school girls for their last 2 games and it has been a good way to make some new friends. Not only is Chloe not here, but her other best friend, Amy, is leaving in June for a year. Needless to say, Gab needs our prayers and is overwhelmed at times. The boys have jumped into the Wed afternoon soccer lessons and are enjoying it. We did find someone (an itinerant teacher) to give Gaby flute lessons and she started last week. She loves it.

It has been good to reconnect with our Cameroonian friends. We missed them so much and they missed us too. The reunions and get-togethers have been fun and joyous. Gilles has begun to meet with each member of his team individually to get their feedback on how things went in our absence and to ask a few of them to pray about further, in depth training for youth ministry. He has been encouraged about the feedback he has received and still has a few more to pursue.

We have a new house helper. He is a hard worker and seeks to please our expectations. He and Gilles do Bible Study on Friday mornings before he begins work and that is a good time for him to have a spiritual father figure. He is relatively new in the Body (about 3 months), though raised Catholic, so let’s pray for deep roots to form.

We love you and cherish you so much. Let us hear from you when you can. Your prayers and love are priceless to us.

We are off!

What an amazing 7 months this has been! We have eaten, travelled, seen, laughed, cried, played, eaten some more and fully experienced this American/Swiss furlough. Time has flown by. We are all packed in 13 suitcases or trunks. The plane blasts off at 4:55 this afternoon with a hopeful arrival into Yaounde around 7pm tomorrow, Cameroonian time.

We covet your prayers for us as we travel...especially that all 13 pieces make it with us on our plane and for mercy and sympathy of the customs officials. Our readjustment will take time, I'm sure and many of our friends from our first term are no longer there. Please lift up the kids especially.

Thank you for how each of you has touched our family in this time. What a blessing-filled whirlwind it has been.

I will keep blogging and get some pics up once we return.

Blessings and love...