CAROLYN'S CAPERS

Omaha Snowstorm Photos!

2012-02-06T16:12:00.001+01:00

Saturday we had a snowstorm in Omaha, 9.1 inches. I stayed home all day. Did go out and shovel the sidewalk near the front door for ten minutes of exercise. The homeowners' Association plowed the driveway. They may have done sidewalks too but I needed the exercise.

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I woke up Sunday morning not knowing if the driveway was plowed or not. If it wasn't, I was going to have a hard time getting my car out of the garage. The drive was plowed so I was able to go to Sunday Bible Study and morning church service. I had received the group email from Pastor Mark Ashton the day before that yes, Christ Community Church would stay open. Many churches closed. The email reminded people that yesterday, February 5th would be the day that the church was launching a weekly online church service. We already have four services in the church, 2 services in a High School in the next county, one or two services in the city jail and now we have an online service. Here is the link to the online church service:

http://cccomaha.churchonline.org/

I leave this Saturday, February 11th, for a six week speaking trip. I'll be able to get back to Omaha twice the first week but then probably not after that. I'll be the speaker at the Mission's Conferences at seven churches. During this time I'll be speaking to children, youth, women, Sunday School, Sunday morning services, on the radio, at a Jr. College, at a High School and even at a Valentine's Banquet. Yes, this 62 year old never married woman will be the speaker at a Valentine's Banquet!!

Today's Positives:
1. I'm making progress in getting ready for my speaking trip (although still have lots to do).
2. My driveway got shoveled out so I could get to Church yesterday.
3. The weather in Omaha will be above freezing and sunny most of the week so our snow should melt! The ground did need the moisture but it's good that it will not last long.

Thanks for stopping by my blog.

The Flu!

2012-01-01T01:49:00.001+01:00

Check out another blog on my Christmas in Wisconsin. This one is called, "The Progression of the Flu"! Click here:

The Progression of the Flu

Just wanted you to know that I did NOT get the flu!!

Christmas in Wisconsin... or Attack of the Flu!

2011-12-26T13:50:00.001+01:00

Nope, I have not had the flu but almost all eight of the other people in this house have had it! I flew to Wisconsin on Thursday. Some of my family were already sick before I arrived. Since then there have been others sick too, the latest being my grandnephew Jesse around noon on Christmas Day. Poor thing, he only got half of his presents opened when he threw up and then fell asleep before opening the rest.

These days we've remained flexible. The company who were coming over for lunch on Thursday night were told to stay away, and then then came to eat with us on Saturday noon. My brother's family usually has lasagne for their Christmas eve meal but we had vegetable beef soup instead. In fact, we've had soup meals. There are many cookies and candies in the house but they are not being eaten much.

Most of us did go to the movies on Friday afternoon to see "Arthur Christmas". That was cute. Then Saturday late afternoon most of us went to the Christmas Eve church service. Only my brother Larry and I went to the Christmas morning service.

Although the days have been "strange" and not at all what we expected, it's been nice being together. I've not been with my brother for Christmas since we were kids. Here are some photos.

My brother in church Christmas Eve. The church was very nicely decorated.

My sister-in-law and her grand-kids, my grandnephews and grandnieces.

Eleven month Josie and I.

My nephew Joel and his kids.

Before this weekend I had never seen these grands before, except for Asher the oldest but when he was about three months old. He is now 7 1/2 years old.

Today's Positives:
1. I have not yet gotten the flu and I don't want to get it!
2. I've enjoyed being with family and getting to know the grands.
3. We did not have a White Christmas but I do enjoy the WARMer weather.

My plans are to fly back to Omaha tomorrow BUT...... today I'm borrowing my brother's car to drive north about an hour to meet up with and have lunch with an online friend Roxie. It will be fun to meet each other.

Merry Christmas!

Misdirected by a GPS!

2011-12-07T03:25:00.001+01:00

Well, I wouldn't really say "misdirected" by the GPS. HOPEFUL, which is the name I gave to the GPS in the van I'm leasing did at least take me in the right direction!

Let me back up. This morning my nurse friend drove me to the airport for a 7am flight, on her way to the hospital for a 7am shift. I flew to St. Louis, MO via Minneapolis. While in Mpls Well, I wouldn't really say "misdirected" by the GPS. HOPEFUL, which is the name I gave to the GPS in the van I'm leasing did at least take me in the right direction!

Let me back up. This morning my nurse friend drove me to the airport for a 7am flight, on her way to the hospital for a 7am shift. I flew to St. Louis, MO via Minneapolis. While in Mpls I got a call from a lady at the ministry that was going to lease the van. She said that there was ice on Hwy 70 and that there had been about 6 accidents already on one stretch. She said that when I got to St. Louis, that I might want to wait til later or tomorrow before leaving for my trek back to Omaha.

Well, I arrived in St. Louis and was picked up by a man, driving the van that I would use. We drove to "Righteous Rides", the ministry that has fleet of vans that they lease to ministers and missionaries at a "good rate". The car had just joined their fleet of 38 other vehicles and needed a bit of tweaking. After an orientation to the car, I started off driving, listening to GPS HOPEFUL tell me to turn left onto HWY 61. I did as told. I drove, hoping to find Hwy 70, the one I expected to cross Missouri to get to Kansas City and then go north to Omaha.

HOPEFUL never did get me to Hwy 70. Of course, I didn't know where it was. I just kept going north. The van has a compass so as long as I was driving North or West or NW, I felt I was ok. I finally stopped at a filling station and looked at a map to see I was heading directly North and was almost to Hannibal. Mark Twain's territory I'm thinking since there were lots of things with his name attached. Anyway, before getting to Hannibal HOPEFUL directed me to turn left onto Missouri A. That turned out to be the "scenic" route which is might have been if it had been a sunny day. It was however cloudy with snow flurries the whole trip. That road was the most snow covered but no where the whole day did I hit anything that made the car slip. I road West on Missouri A until it had me turn North for a few miles to get to HWY 36. I turned left on 36, headed towards St. Joseph, MO and completely bypassing Kansas City. That's fine with me.

By this time it was 5pm and dark. My prayer was twofold. That I would not have an accident (with the possibility of ice) and that I would find a hotel with internet for the night. About 5:30 HOPEFUL got me to Mason, MO where I spotted ONE known motel, a Super 8. I got the LAST room, a smoking room for four people. Of course I do not smoke and I am one person but the price wasn't really much different, only about $8 more. And it was the ONLY room!

I left my stuff in the room and checked out the internet. If there had not been any, I would have taken my computer to the restaurant when I went out to eat. There WAS internet. Why did I doubt? I ran off to the Burger King and had a grilled Chicken salad with honey mustard dressing. It tasted oh so good. I am now in the room watching NCIS LA and computing. WooHoo!

Today's Positives:
1. My flights were good and I got some exercise walking through the airports.
2. I picked up my nice van, easy to drive with a nice ride.
3. Although there were snow flurries in the air, I didn't hit any patches of ice on the road.
4. I got the LAST available room at the motel!
5. I chose a chicken salad for supper instead of some highly caloric, not so good for me meal.
6. I was able to buy a snow scraper after supper in case I need it in the morning.
6. I'm here in my warm room, doing INTERNET! I don't yet have it yet in my home in Omaha. That should be installed on Friday.

Thanks for the many who have been following my adventures from the Equator to the snow storms of the Midwest. After finishing my trip to Omaha tomorrow I hope to stay put for awhile. No trips!!

247I got a call from a lady at the ministry that was going to lease the van. She said that there was ice on Hwy 70 and that there had been about 6 accidents already on one stretch. She said that when I got to St. Louis, that I might want to wait til later or tomorrow before leaving for my trek back to Omaha.

Well, I arrived in St. Louis and was picked up by a man, driving the van that I would use. We drove to "Righteous Rides", the ministry that has fleet of vans that they lease to ministers and missionaries at a "good rate". The car had just joined their fleet of 38 other vehicles and needed a bit of tweaking. After an orientation to the car, I started off driving, listening to GPS HOPEFUL tell me to turn left onto HWY 61. I did as told. I drove, hoping to find Hwy 70, the one I expected to cross Missouri to get to Kansas City and then go north to Omaha.

HOPEFUL never did get me to Hwy 70. Of course, I didn't know where it was. I just kept going north. The van has a compass so as long as I was driving North or West or NW, I felt I was ok. I finally stopped at a filling station and looked at a map to see I was heading directly North and was almost to Hannibal. Mark Twain's territory I'm thinking since there were lots of things with his name attached. Anyway, before getting to Hannibal HOPEFUL directed me to turn left onto Missouri A. That turned out to be the "scenic" route which is might have been if it had been a sunny day. It was however cloudy with snow flurries the whole trip. That road was the most snow covered but no where the whole day did I hit anything that made the car slip. I road West on Missouri A until it had me turn North for a few miles to get to HWY 36. I turned left on 36, headed towards St. Joseph, MO and completely bypassing Kansas City. That's fine with me.

By this time it was 5pm and dark. My prayer was twofold. That I would not have an accident (with the possibility of ice) and that I would find a hotel with internet for the night. About 5:30 HOPEFUL got me to Mason, MO where I spotted ONE known motel, a Super 8. I got the LAST room, a smoking room for four people. Of course I do not smoke and I am one person but the price wasn't really much different, only about $8 more. And it was the ONLY room!

I left my stuff in the room and checked out the internet. If there had not been any, I would have taken my computer to the restaurant when I went out to eat. There WAS internet. Why did I doubt? I ran off to the Burger King and had a grilled Chicken salad with honey mustard dressing. It tasted oh so good. I am now in the room watching NCIS LA and computing. WooHoo!

Today's Positives:
1. My flights were good and I got some exercise walking through the airports.
2. I picked up my nice van, easy to drive with a nice ride.
3. Although there were snow flurries in the air, I didn't hit any patches of ice on the road.
4. I got the LAST available room at the motel!
5. I chose a chicken salad for supper instead of some highly caloric, not so good for me meal.
6. I was able to buy a snow scraper after supper in case I need it in the morning.
6. I'm here in my warm room, doing INTERNET! I don't yet have it yet in my home in Omaha. That should be installed on Friday.

Thanks for the many who have been following my adventures from the Equator to the snow storms of the Midwest. After finishing my trip to Omaha tomorrow I hope to stay put for awhile. No trips!!

Yesterday's Equator Crossing!

2011-12-01T10:50:00.001+01:00

I have closed down my home here in Africa and started my six month trip to the States. Yesterday I left home at nearly 7am, about an hour later than I had wanted. There was just too much to do to get ready to leave. I picked up Odile, the wife of the High School Chaplain, and we started out of town.

Here is some of what I saw on the trip:

The highway from the town to the capital city, Libreville, is a mix of newly paved roads, those roads were the tractors are still working and some bridges not yet done, places where there the road is still dirt or mud when it rains and old paved roads. By far, the worst road of the trip was that which had been paved many years ago but has not be repaired for years. The potholes were absolutely terrible!! Three times I had to pull over to close my eyes because I was quite sleepy. We stopped in a larger city for "fast food", in my case, and omelet sandwich. When we got to the capital city the traffic was bumper to bumper because of road construction in many areas. Our trip took 10 1/2 hours.

What did I see? Lots of trees as I live in the jungle. There were "umbrella" trees, palm trees, mango trees, banana plants (bananas do not grow on trees), huge bamboo plants. There were wild flowers, poinsettia looking bushes and some as big as trees, ferns, Safou trees (the “Butterfruit”). Here is an article on the Butterfruit.

blogs.worldwatch.org/nourishingtheplanet/safou-the-%E2%80%9Cbutterfruit%E2%80%9D/

Most houses in a village are on the main highway as there are usually no other roads in town! In front of the houses people put 55 gallon steel barrels and each one usually has a wooden board on top to expand it into a small table. This is where food goods or other items are placed for sale. As we drove around yesterday we say sweet bananas, plantains (cooking bananas), pineapple, mangoes, wild garlic, a monkey, an antelope, manioc (cassava), tomatoes, cabbages, baskets, short wooden stools, etc.

Yes, I did "see" the equator. I wanted a photo for this blog. As soon as I got out of the car the little man pictured with me came up to me and said in French, "God Bless You". It turns out he goes to a church near the equator that is connected with my church. The sign at the equator shows that there are 10,300 kms (6,400 miles) from there to New York City.

Today's Positives:
1. I did not fall asleep on my 10 1/2 hour trip yesterday. Thanks for those who prayed for me about that. I have had a history of falling asleep at the wheel before.
2. I slept very well last night, 7 hours. For me, that is exceptional.
3. I have today and tomorrow until 11pm to catch up on blogging, emails, personal financial files, etc.

Thanks for visiting my blog!

I give Thanks... Past, Present and Future!

2011-11-20T20:49:00.001+01:00

I wrote this blog entry first for www.sparkpeople.com and decided to share it here on my personal blog. If you would like to know more about Sparkpeople.com then click on the above link. It is a site that motivates people to good health. Here is what I shared:

During this week of American Thanksgiving to God for His provision, I want to give thanks to Him and others for my blessings.

Past:
I thank the Lord that at age 12 He accepted me as his child when I believed in Him.
I thank God for leading me to serve him abroad and for keeping me as I have lived overseas since 1975.
I thank the Lord that I live in an African country that is peaceful, beautiful and has friendly people.
I thank the Lord for the many American, Dutch, Canadian and African colleagues that I have worked with over the past 36 years.
I thank my cousin Roxanne for inviting me to SparkPeople in January 2008.

Present:
I am thankful for health. Even though I have various chronic "conditions", I am rarely sick.
I am thankful that I have had the privilege to help start a 158 bed teaching hospital that started as a very small African dispensary. I am thankful that I still work at that same hospital.
I am thankful for electricity, water into my house, telephone, internet, satellite TV, a comfortable home and a car to use. I do not take these things for granted because I have lived many years without some of them.
I thank all my SparkFriends for their support during these 3- 3/4 years.

Future:
I am thankful that it is time for my six month Home Assignment in the States. I'm tired and do need this break. I will do lots of speaking but it will be a change from living on the equator. I leave home here Nov. 30 to arrive in Omaha, NE on Dec. 3rd.
I am thankful that a couple has offered me a two bedroom townhouse to use during the next six months.
I am thankful that I found a van that I can lease at a reasonable price for my time in the States.
I am thankful that I will continue to receive support from SparkPeople and Sparkfriends. I will NOT give up my quest to become healthier!

This & That !

2011-11-06T13:37:00.000+01:00

I'm going to ramble a bit today....

It's Sunday and I went to Nzoundou Chapel for church this morning. I took three American visitors along so they could see a this small African church.

I watched "Top Chef" on TV as I ate lunch. Now I'm doing a SP blog.

I have just a bit over three weeks before my trip to the States and I have a long list of things to do. This afternoon I'm going to look through my freezer and see what I will use up and what I will sell or give away. Since I'll be gone for six months, I'll completely empty out my freezer and fridge and not leave them plugged in for that time.

Last night I had a dinner party for Dinah, a nurse who studied Midwifery with me and who finished up in September. I had just not given her the Certificate yet. After eating we all watched a movie in French, a comedy. I'm glad to have finally finished with all the classes and paperwork for the three midwives who have studied with me this past year.

My class on Obstetrical Pathology will finish in about ten days or so. I have a few classes to give, one set of exams to correct and the final exam to write, give and correct.

I'm having guests for dinner again tomorrow night. My plan this time, meatloaf. Don't know what I'll fix to go with it.

I'm designing a prayer card, type of business card. I would like to order them so that I'll have them when I arrive in the States an start doing speaking in churches. I'm going to use one of my new profile photos on it. I'm now downloading a free publishing software so I can design the card and then I'll order them online.

Well, I should get up out of this recliner and get to my freezer!!

Have a good day.

Photo Shoot!

2011-11-03T06:18:00.001+01:00

In October I had a "Photo shoot" done by Alicia Lewan. Here are some of my new profile photos.

Cakes and Cookies for the President!

2011-10-09T20:06:00.000+01:00

On Tuesday October 4th all of us American women made cakes and cookies to prepare for the arrival in Lebamba of the President of Gabon. Then on Wednesday morning Wendy Hofman, Joanna Thelander and I went to the home of the Minister of Health to cut our goodies and place them on about 5-6 large platters. Photos are of Wendy and I then of all three of us with some of the ladies at the Minister of Healthy's home.

Back to School!

2011-09-16T18:11:00.000+01:00

I teach in the Nursing School at Bongolo Hospital. The students started their second year of classes last week and of course I too went back to school as one of their professors.

I am teaching Obstetrics (Maternity) this quarter.

CCC- Walking Stick

2011-09-13T12:51:00.000+01:00

Gabon and my church Christ Community Church (Omaha) are linked together in this video about the opening of the Gabon Field.

Opening of the Gabon Field

Remembering 9-11.... !

2011-09-11T16:36:00.001+01:00

On September 11, 2001 I was in the States, in Colorado, at a MidAmerica District Conference for all the Pastors and Delegates of a five State area. I was scheduled to speak at a Women's noon banquet that day. Mary Block, another International Worker, and I went to Village Inn for breakfast. After finishing eating Mary and I walked over to the table of Pastor Gary Benedict, who was the President of Crown College at that time. As we approached his table he got a phone call from his Secretary who was still back in MN at the College. She told him that a plane had just flown into the 1st World Trade Center Tower. Then she told him about the next plane flying into the 2nd Tower.

Mary and I walked back to the Hotel and found many of our conference delegates watching the TV in the Hotel lobby. Our conference had started only the night before and was to finish on Thursday. We went to our first morning of meetings, still not knowing what else was to happen. The Military Chaplains who were present left the conference to report in back at their bases.

At noon I was scheduled to speak at a Women's banquet for those women who attended and also for women from churches in the area. The banquet continued as planned and I was given the floor to speak. The title of my message that day was "UNDER HIS CARE". God had given me just the right message, even though I, of course, did not know what that day would entail. I shared many things but for this blog, I will only share which Bible verses I shared that day:

Psm. 91 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

Psalm 55:22 “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.”

Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, b ut in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

SONG “Under His Wing I am safely abiding….”

Well, our Conference was shortened and finished on Wednesday instead of Thursday. Churches around the Nation were going to have services on Friday that week and all the Pastors from the 5 State area were in Colorado but needed to get home to their congregations. I got home on Thursday.

Everyone was flying American Flags at their homes, in their windows. I went to many stores before I finally found a package of plastic flags. I put one in the window of my apartment and one in my car window.

I live in Africa but I am an AMERICAN. I fly my flag!

I live in Africa but I have Satellite Television so I've been watching the news Remembering 9-11.

Where were you on September 11, 2001?

Birthday Blog!

2011-08-17T13:00:00.001+01:00

Monday night my brother David and his wife Leslie had several of us over for a BBQ to help celebrate my August 16th Birthday. I turned 62 years young. The Chocolate with Mint Ice Cream Baskin Robbins Ice Cream cake was yummy.

Yesterday morning my brother Bill and his wife Shari took me for a Birthday breakfast to a restaurant called, "The Egg and I".

I had many online Birthday greetings yesterday. My 62nd Birthday was great!

I have been on a one month vacation in the States so that I could attend a Smith family reunion in CO. I have had a great time in Colorado: visiting family, family reunion and Birthday. I fly from Denver back to Omaha today.... with only about ten days left before flying back to Africa.

1st Annual Bongolo 5K WALK/RUN!

2011-07-03T20:25:00.000+01:00

Yesterday, July 2nd, was the 1st Annual Bongolo 5K WALK/RUN! There were 24 of us who registered to participate including Missionaries, Africans and many Visitors on the Station.

First the runners took off and then those of us who were walking. At first I stayed ahead of many of the walkers.

Then everyone passed me up and I was behind:

Although I came in Last at 55 minutes 25 seconds, I met my GOAL of improving my 1st ever, June 25th, 5K WALK time of 60 minutes. I had shaved off 4 minutes and 35 seconds!

At the end of the 5K WALK/RUN we gathered for stretching, carbs and water.

Here I am, the oldest walker in the 5K (62 years old next month), with the youngest walker who is 55 years my Junior!

Oops... Nope... she wasn't the youngest. Our youngest was pushed in a stroller!

Thanks for checking out my 5K Photos!

My First 5K WALK!

2011-06-26T13:22:00.001+01:00

The past 5 weeks Dr. Deborah Walker and I have been doing the SparkPeople 5K Walking Training Program together. Yesterday we walked our first 5K in 60 minutes. WooHoo!

As we passed one of the homes we hollered in to those in the kitchen to get their cameras to be able to take a photo of us as we finished the 5K. They not only came out with photos but with a computer playing triumphant type music!

Today's Positives:
1. I walked my first 5K yesterday and finished in 60 minutes.
2. I have another 5K scheduled next Saturday and would like to improve my time. It will be Bongolo's First ever 5K Walk/Run.
3. There were 52 people in Nzoundou chapel this morning. Many adults were away at a conference but we had about 40 children present.

Party Time!

2011-06-16T21:22:00.000+01:00

On Monday afternoon one of the Nursing Students invited the class and professors over to her house for an end of the year PARTY! Here are some of the photos from that afternoon:

The Students were dancing with joy! I'm sure that they burned a lot of calories!

Me with a few of those who were at the party.

The whole "bunch" of us!

Today's Positives:

1. I walked over 2 1/2 miles today as Walk 2 of Week 4 of the 5K Walking Training Program. (my legs really ache tonight).
2. I got some more hospital bookkeeping done today.
3. I got my Visa this week. It's a visa that permits me to leave this African country and return to it so that I can go to the States for an August vacation.

Thanks for following my blog.

Midwifery Graduation!

2011-06-01T16:40:00.003+01:00

On Monday, May 30th I hosted a reception for two nurses who finished a one year Midwifery program. Martine and Annushka both did well in their academics, a good match for each other! It was a pleasure to teach them. Monday they received their Midwifery Certificates from Dr. Kier Thelander, the Medical Director of the Hospital. The Administrative Director, Pastor Serge, also was present. Various employees who work at the Hospital stopped by for cake and soft drinks.

After the reception Martine and Annushka came over to my home to learn to make Pizza. It was a first for them. They made it a contest to see which one made the best looking pizza!

Here is Martine and her Pizza.

Here is Annushka and her Pizza.

When the pizza was ready Dinah arrived. Dinah did not start the Midwifery course until later in the year so she still has more studies to do. Here is a photo of all three of them, Annushka, Martine and Dinah.

By the way, our look-a-like dresses were ones we wore last year for the Nursing School graduation that took place in May 2010.

My Guinea West African Trip and More!

2011-05-07T10:30:00.000+01:00

On April 18th I flew to Libreville then on April 22 I flew to Conakry, Guinea via ASKY Airlines. I was met by Arnie Solvig who drove me to their home. Cheryl had dinner waiting. Saturday I spent with Arnie, Cheryl, Stephanie and Katie. Nicole was away at boarding school in Senegal. The Solvigs had spent `3=`4 years in Gabon and Katie and I have a special bond. I was the "Midwife" when she was born.

Sunday was Easter and we attended an 8 am Easter service on the tennis court on their mission compound. There must have been 40+ people present. After the service we had a potluck breakfast together before some of us headed off on a 4-5 hour van ride to the town of Mamou.

April 25-30 Cheryl and I attended a SYIS Workshop in Mamou, Guinea. SYIS stands for "Sharpening your Interpersonal Skills". It was excellent!

This past Monday I flew back to the equator. Went from Conakry to Abidjan to Accra to Lome and changed planes. Then flew from Lome to Lagos and then my final flight to Libreville. I had no problems with flights and was glad to get to Libreville even earlier than my e-ticket said I would.

Tuesday I worked on budget items for the hospital. Also rested up from my 12 hours of flights on Monday.

Wednesday I had a 12 hour bus/car ride down to where I work at a hospital. I carefully reserved place on an air conditioned bus BUT.... the air conditioning was never turned on and everyone had their windows down. It was a bus with a high top and high windows and I was sitting where I got the morning East sun. I got a blue top out of my carry on so I could protect myself from sun burn as we rode along. Here is me riding along on the bus, listing to a podcast.

Thursday afternoon my neighbor and I hopped in my car to go grocery shopping in town, a couple of miles from here. We had not even gotten to the stores yet when my car made aloud noise and then the CLUTCH went out!. I called a colleague who came over with his car and towed us back home. A National car repairman followed us and worked on my car that afternoon for a couple of hours. He returned yesterday and worked on the car for about four hours. I was glad that he was able to fix the clutch so the car is back up and running, I hope permanently. At least I know which piece to buy if it breaks down again.

Yesterday morning I also had Dan Lewan and Olivier install my new stove. Unfortunately the top works but electric system will not spark the oven to start. Our American maintenance man, Paul Davis, is on vacation and will not be back for about ten days so it looks like I either not be using my oven or I'll need to use the neighbor's oven. Then I hope that it can be repaired.

Today's Positives:
1. I had such a nice trip to Guinea, with no complications in my travels.
2. It so nice seeing and being with the Solvig family again.
3. The SYIS Workshop was very good and taught many Interpersonal Skills.
4. My car got fixed without buying any parts.
5. My stove got installed and works at least partially.

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Resistance!

2011-04-20T20:59:00.000+01:00

I'm in the capital city Libreville and some of us went out to eat supper. I had a very good chicken fahita pita sandwich and bottled water. Next to the cash register there was a long counter of pastries.

What I resisted:

Then on the way home we stopped and some of us bought (deluxe) Magnum Ice cream bars.

What I did NOT resist:

Nuf said!

Today's Positives:

1. I bought a new stove this morning. My other one had a gas leak and then had the thermostat fried with a lightening strike.
2. I wrote a news letter today.
3. I'm in Libreville and got to go out to eat supper this evening.

Have a great day!

Queen Esther!

2011-04-12T14:43:00.001+01:00

Yesterday was a good day. I worked at the hospital this morning, visiting the students on their wards and then working on Hospital bookkeeping. In the afternoon I and my Midwifery students attended a lecture by a visiting doctor.

Last evening I attended our weekly women's Bible Study. We are using a Beth Moore Bible study on Queen Esther in the Old Testament. Here is a photo that we took at one of our Monday studies.

After Bible Study last evening I walked a mile with a Leslie Sansone DVD.

Yesterday's Positives:
1. Our rain did not have too much lightening!
2. I used a Walking DVD!
3. I heard that my Visa for the country of Guinea was obtained. I will be traveling to Guinea Conakry next week so that I can attend a seminar. I'm glad that I now have my visa.

Thanks to all to follow my blog. I sure appreciate you.

Update!

2011-03-24T21:05:00.000+01:00

March 24, 2011 UPDATE from Carolyn!

March 24, 2011

Thanks for your prayers for the Bongolo Hospital Nursing School. This past quarter I taught the Pharmacology course. The students just finished their second full quarter of classes and I am happy to report that all eleven students passed and will be admitted into the third quarter of classes. They are now on a one week vacation before classes resume again on Monday, March 28th. I will not be teaching a class to students nurses during the third quarter.

I had been teaching two new Nurses (Annushka and Martine) a one year course in Midwifery but this third quarter of classes we now have an additional student, Dina. Dina's husband was just transferred to the Bongolo Hospital Surgery Residency program from one that closed down in the Cameroon. Dina was already a nurse with experience in Maternity but she had had no additional classes in Midwifery. Annushka, Martine and Dina are doing well with their classes. They will finish third trimester theory on April 14th except for a term paper "care study" that will be due before the end of May. I will teach Dina the first two quarters of material this summer. Pray that the three nurses get good learning experiences in during their clinical work.

A month ago I became the Bongolo Hospital Bookkeeper again, after a break of two years. Until this week I did not have time to actually work in that office but my African helper, Christine, and I have worked every day this week and it's going smoothly.

I continue to attend church at Nzoundou Chapel, the next small village out the back road from Lebamba where the Bongolo Hospital is located. From our high of 94 people who attended for the Christmas service with following meal, the chapel is back down to having about 40+ each Sunday morning. An African couple, Felix and Adele, go with me each Sunday. Between Felix, Adele and the village nurse, Parfait, we four take turns giving the Sunday message.

Thanks for your prayers.

Blessings,
Carolyn

Visiting Hope House!

2011-03-06T13:45:00.000+01:00

I drove up to Libreville on Friday to do some bookkeeping this next week. There is an Alliance Orphanage here called Hope House. Most of my colleagues have visited there but yesterday was my first visit. The 30 kids live in this temporary home, awaiting construction of their new home.

I went with others. Upon arrival, some of the kids were finishing their spaghetti lunch. We got lots of hugs as the kids were so excited to see us.

I did not get to meet their "house parents" as they were out for the day but I did get to meet a young man who lives in the house and helps out with the kids.

A few of the kids tried to teach me a game with my hands, I'll call it "patty cake" but I had really no ideas who's hand to "slap" and when. I guess I won the game though because they told me so!

I gave an impromptu English class to about a half dozen kids, mostly teens.

We were at the orphanage about two hours. It was fun.These kids are getting a solid Christian upbringing.
I'm glad I got to go and I would go back if given the chance.

33+ Years without DRINKABLE TAP WATER!

2011-02-14T19:50:00.000+01:00

For over 33 years I have lived in Africa and worked as a nurse at Bongolo Hospital. The water that comes into our houses and into the hospital wards has been pumped directly from the Louetsi river into a reservoir and then it has come into our houses by gravity.

At first I had a BUCKET FILTER SYSTEM. With a bucket of tap water (from the river) on the top.... and a filter in that bucket. The water would enter the filter and then go by plastic tube down to a lower bucket that received the filtered water. I would drink the water in the bottom bucket.

In recent years I have had an inline filter connected directly to the tap so that I could drink water that came through that filter. I fill up bottles so that I already have filtered water when I need it.

In the past ten days a team of four men have been on our hospital compound to install a PROFESSIONAL FILTERING SYSTEM that has started to filter all of the water that comes out of our taps! It also chlorinates the water.

This afternoon some of us had a tour of the facilities, so we could be convinced that the water was potable, pure. After all, I have been filtering my water for over 33 years! That means that I haven't even brushed my teeth using the tap water. Some of us needed to be convinced! Here are some photos from the tour.

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After a few weeks of this purified water going through our old pipes to clean them out, the chlorine level coming out of the taps in our homes will be checked to make sure that they have the correct amount of chlorination. At that point our water will be DRINKABLE!
______________________

Today's Positives:
1. We will soon be able to drink the water coming out of our home taps without first filtering it!
2. The patients at the hospital will now have drinkable water instead of having to buy it from other sources.
3. The water is not only pure, it is clear. The water in our house has had so much dirty sediment that sometimes washing our clothes changed them to a dingy color instead of whitening them!

Now..... if I only liked to DRINK WATER!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Shall I give them Away?

2011-02-07T13:46:00.001+01:00

Yesterday afternoon I got in the mood for Oatmeal cookies. What I really wanted was an Oatmeal- Peanut Butter cookie (healthily made) like I had eaten at a SparkFriend's house on Friday. Well, I went into the Kitchen to make cookies but did not have the right recipe and I really wanted peanut butter to be in my oatmeal cookie.

I spotted a package of brownie mix that really needed to be used up because it was old and I had fresher mixes in the house. I decided to make the Brownies. They were no fuss and were done in about 40 minutes, complete with putting them together. I ate two brownies right away!

What they tasted like was................ old. I had saved the package tooo long. I don't know what an old package mix tastes like in the States but on the very humid African Equator, well, if we keep things around too long they taste.... well. I can't even let you know other than OLD.

Now for my dilemma. Should I save them and eat them? If I frosted them would the frosting make them taste better? I really didn't want to waste the frosting. Should I give them to the lady who cleans house for me and maybe she or her kids would like them? It's not that they were tooo bad but I just knew that they weren't .... well, they were old tasting. They looked ok.... see the photo!

What should I do? What would YOU do?

Today's Positives:
1. After warning the cleaning lady that perhaps only her kids would like them, I gave all my brownies away today!
2. I've been on track with my eating today!
3. I will go for a walk outside today!

Thanks everyone who follows my blog.

Moving Day!

2011-01-06T16:04:00.000+01:00

Today the new Outpatient Clinic Building of the hospital was opened. After our 7:30 am prayer time, all the hospital personnel walked over to the new building to have a Prayer of Dedication for the building, those who will work there and those patients who will be consulted there. After the prayer, the building opened for service! Here are a couple of photos.

Today's Positives:

1. I was going supervise Nursing Students today but instead I worked with the one nursing student who was working in this new building. I helped direct patients who were not sure where to go because of the building switch. I also weighed patients and my student took their blood pressure. I was on my FEET for 5 hours and this is better than SITTING!

2. I am about ready to leave the house to go Nordic Pole Walking!

I am having a good day!

Christmas at Nzoundou Chapel!

2010-12-25T22:49:00.001+01:00

Yesterday morning (Friday) we had our Christmas service at the Nzoundou Chapel. There were 91 people at the church which was more than normal. We had two pastors with us. One of them gave the Christmas message and the other did a communion service. Normally it is us laypeople who take care of the church so the people were really happy to have Pastors at their Christmas service.

After church we had a Church Dinner. They had not had a dinner together for over ten years. Here are a few photos. First of the little service.

Now for some of the foods: fermented manioc (cassava) root, two kinds of green leafy veggies and rice. We also had chicken wings that are not shown here.

After the adults were given food, the children came up the the food table and I helped serve them. There was plenty of food for everyone present.

Today's Positives:
1. Two SparkFriends came over for brunch. I served an egg casserole and we had a coffee bread that another friend had given us.
2. I had a Christmas meal at 2pm with about 18 other Americans working here at the hospital.
3. Two days of days of Christmas eating are over and my eating will get back on track!

It is 10:30 pm Christmas night and I'm headed to bed. Good night.

Thanksgiving Celebration!

2010-11-26T21:47:00.000+01:00

We celebrated Thanksgiving today, Friday. Fourteen of us met for a meal of turkey (mostly wings), dressing, corn, sweet potatoes, homemade bread, pies and other desserts. After the meal we read Bible verses on giving Thanks and each shared one thing for which he was thankful. We then were given a Thanksgiving Trivia quiz and each one was able to "win" a prize! The men went off to another room to watch a prerecorded Football game, one that had been played earlier this week. The rest of us played games, watched last years Parade and chatted. I played several games of Sequence with a couple of people. It was a nice day with my Missionary Family. This year marks 35 years since Dave and Becki Thompson and I started celebrating Holidays together. That's a long time!

A Sad Day Indeed!

2010-11-13T10:33:00.000+01:00

It is a sad day indeed because the Ditchi restaurant closed for good this week. It opened about a year ago. It has been the favorite restaurant for us expats (foreigners). The problem? The owner/cook hardly had any other customers. A few or many of us would go eat at the restaurant every week or so but he hardly saw anyone else. I live in Gabon Africa in a small town in the jungle. There are a couple of other restaurants in town but nothing that compared to this one. We are sad but understand that since business was bad, he had to close! A sad day indeed!

Update!

2010-10-27T22:50:00.000+01:00

Time is flying by and I need to update you on a few things.

The Triplets are doing great, just waiting until baby Ely gains some more weight. Ben and Tom are growing fine. Here is a photo I took a few weeks ago.

Pastor Moukingui and the other two men who were tortured by people pouring kerosene on their feet and lighting their feet on fire are still at the hospital and undergoing skin grafts. Each has had skin grafts at least twice and their feet are heeling well. They are encouraged by all the prayers that are going up on their behalf from all around the world. I asked Pastor Moukingui about returning to their village and he said that he plans to go home quietly. The men and Christ will not be chased from the village! The men who did this to them have not yet been brought to justice though so please pray about that.

The Nursing Students are over half way through their first Trimester of school. A couple of them are really struggling with their grades and at least one of those has very little opportunity to pull up his failing grades. Pray for all thirteen of the students as they finish up the trimester by the first week in December.

I've been teaching two new Nurses a one year course in Midwifery. Annushka and Martine have been studying with me since June 14th. Please pray for Martine as she is having complications with her pregnancy. Her baby is due in January but it looks like she may deliver early. She has now been taken off of WORK until after the baby is born. Pray for a safe delivery and healthy baby. Martine is still in classes but but she will have to make up the practical work next summer after the one year course is over.

This week we received a truckload of food that various missionaries ordered from the States, Our Annual Food Order. Each household looks downloaded a current catalog from the internet and decided what to purchase. These items were trucked in the States to port then shipped to Libreville, Gabon then trucked down to us. It's fun having some new things to eat. Libreville is one of the most expensive cities in the world so buying our food in bulk saves us much money plus allows us to get some fun type foods that we would not be able to buy locally.

I've been sick for about six days. It all started with a sore throat which lasted for two days and then the coughing began. I've been coughing so much that my ribs hurt. Yesterday I had a slight fever but today it was lower. I've been sticking pretty close to home so I do not contaminate already sick patients. Since I already have asthma, this "cold" has aggravated my asthma which had been well controlled until now. I have all the medicines that I need to get over this "bout" and since I live at a hospital, I have doctors available to treat me. Please pray that my asthma cough stop. Thanks.

On an upbeat note, the Nzoundou Chapel is having great attendance. There is a new nurse at the Government Dispensary at Nzoundou. His name is Parfait. He's actually a graduate from the Bongolo Hospital School of Nursing and he is a Christian who has started leading the Nzoundou Chapel. That small congregation had had no one who would lead the services, so it is really of God that Parfait was transferred to Nzoundou. There were 64 in church last Sunday. Praise the Lord.

Bongolo Hospital has continued to be very busy, taking care of patients from all over Gabon. Pray for our nurses who are getting tired. Pray for Strength and Joy for them in serving the Lord at Bongolo. There are a number of Personnel openings that are unfilled. Pray that we find just the right people to fill these positions. Thanks.

Your prayers are so needed and appreciated. Thanks too for your emails and news from the States.
God Bless you.

Joyfully serving,
Carolyn

Triplets!

2010-10-04T20:50:00.000+01:00

Yes, Triplets were born just after noon today. It was the first time we've had three LIVE triplets born since I arrived in Africa in 1977. There have been a couple of cases where one or two babies did not live but all three of these BOYS are doing fine.

Weights: Baby A- 1kg520, Baby B- 2kg050 and Baby C- 2kg170. To change these weights into Pounds, multiply times 2.2.

The local Television station came and filmed the babies, Father, Pediatrician and the head Midwife. The father and Head Midwife are hoping that the family can get some government subsidy for their family. They have four other children.

I came home at 2pm, exhausted from running around. Legs aching. I canceled the Midwifery class for 3pm since my two Midwife students got a great experience already today.

Praise the Lord that mother and boys are fine. Please pray for Mom as she recovers from surgery and the triplets that they will grow big and strong. Thanks.

Bible Study on Jesus and the Kingdom of God, Jesus Walk Bible Study Series

2010-09-18T17:35:00.000+01:00

Bible Study on Jesus and the Kingdom of God, Jesus Walk Bible Study Series

Nursing Students Arrive!

2010-09-16T20:45:00.000+01:00

September 6th the Bongolo Hospital School of Nursing accepted 13 new students into the Class of 2010-2013. A 14th student was unable to come to school because of the death of his Father just the week prior to the start of school. Meet the new Class:

The first day of school students got registered, payed their student fee, learned about the school's policies, signed their contracts and got a tour of the hospital.That afternoon they started a two week intensive Orientation Course which included Techniques, Pharmacology and Primary Health. Tomorrow they will finish this accelerated course. On Monday they will start their regular fall quarter.

Gabon Field Forum

2010-09-05T10:26:00.000+01:00

Every summer we attend a Field Forum. It is like going to family camp. For the past ten years Field Forum has been held in Lambarene, Gabon. This year the FF was held at a Hotel just south of Libreville. My brother Pastor Larry Thorson was asked to be the Speaker and arrived in the country on August 11th, along with Dave Zimmermann who came to work with our Youth during the conference. See my previous blog entry about Larry and Dave's trip to Bongolo Hospital.

August 16th, my Birthday, Larry, Dave and Karen Fitch drove back to Libreville to attend Field Forum. We stopped at the Equator for a photo shoot!

Field Forum lasted from late afternoon on Monday through Saturday breakfast. We were lodged at an old, but nice one story Hotel complete with air conditioned, private and semi private rooms, swimming pool, work out room, sand volleyball court and a quality dining room. Wow, did we have a buffet feast on our first night of the conference! Meetings were held each morning and late afternoon in a large, freshly painted, air conditioned conference room. Many of these things are taken for granted in the States. I merely want you to get to picture that we were doing Fine at FF! This hotel even had wireless, at least Part of the time! There was a problem with hot water though. Some of the rooms almost never had hot water. Can't ask for everything, right? Well, we'll see if we chose another hotel or not for next year's conference!

Pastor Larry preached on "Joy" and we were blessed. Several times we broke up into small groups after the messages and had discussions on various topics. At these times the three young people met in a group with Dave Zimmermann. We also had team building exercises directed by Pastor Scott Wakely, from our team's Pastoral staff at Allegeney Center in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Field Forum ended on Saturday morning and Larry, Dave, Deborah Walker and I went to downtown Libreville to show Larry and and Dave the city. They were able to go to the "African Village" which is an open air souvenir market. We went to lunch at a nice cafe that was new to me.

Deborah and I returned to Bongolo on Sunday August 22nd. That was the same day that Larry and Dave flew to the States. Before flying out, Larry was able to preach at two services at a large church in Libreville. It was good that Larry and Dave got to see a small village church the first Sunday in the country and a large city church the second Sunday. It was so much fun having them here!

Now for the others in my family to visit!!! :-)

My brother Larry's Arrival and trip to Bongolo!

2010-08-24T16:55:00.001+01:00

My brother Larry, who is Pastor of River Valley Alliance Church in Watertown, Wisconsin, came to visit! WooHoo! He is the first member of my family to visit me in the 33 + years I have lived in Gabon. He came with a friend from his church, Dave Zimmermann. Dave is a High School Music teacher. They arrived August 11th, on Larry's Birthday. I took them out to eat at Tivoli's Italian Restaurant that was very close to the airport. At the right find Dave and Larry in front of the Tivoli's Pizza ovens.

August 12th we drove down to the Lebamba where I live and work at the Bongolo Hospital. We stayed for four days, three nights. I took them on a tour of the hospital and also of the town. We stopped at the Albert Schweitzer Hospital on the way down country and Dave got to sit at the Dr. Schweitzer piano. NO, he did not touch the keys.

On our tour around the Bongolo station we saw the Bongolo waterfalls, where Larry and I stand in the next photo.

In town they got to try some BBQ chicken wings from the vendor in front of the local Barak Obama Restaurant. We also ate at the Ditchi Restaurant to celebrate the Eric Hofman and my Birthdays. Eric grew up in OMAHA!

On Sunday August 15th we went to the Nzoundou Chapel where Dave shared some thoughts and then Larry preached. Four young people accepted Christ that day. Larry Prayed for them after they had done so. Larry and Dave also met one of the Village Chiefs, Inono.

The River Valley Alliance Church ladies had made some dresses out of pillowcases and Larry and Dave brought some with them. I got the fun of handing out some of these dresses at Nzoundou.

More about Larry and Dave Zimmermann's time in Gabon in another blog entry!

LOST, SAVED, SAFE!

2010-08-08T16:10:00.000+01:00

Thursday afternoon I went to the other end of the city to visit colleagues for the evening. We had a committee meeting for the conference we're having later on this month. I spent the night.

Now about Friday morning. I ate breakfast, finished using the internet and then started my drive across town. My objective was to go to a new "American Store" in town and then to the main grocery store. I knew that there was a large hole in the road going into that part of town so I took the "express...NOT..." way to another cross road to get back to the road I wanted. As I was going into town all the traffic got diverted away from that road. I did not know what was ahead. Cars were bumper to bumper. It took at least a half hour to go several blocks. I wanted to get back down to the main road that goes along the waterfront but kept going parallel to it. Then I finally got a view of what looked like a marching band where I wanted to go, a parade! I decided to turn to the right and worm my way, eventually going north again, but the roads do NOT go north and south. They seem to go in circles.

I got royally LOST in winding roads, in a mixture of residential and business areas. It was noon so the sun was straight up and I didn't know if I was going North or South. I just knew if I made the choice to go on a road that led DOWN a hill, it would likely lead me back to where the parade was! Eventually I got to exactly where I did NOT want to be, near the busiest open market in town! I was lost though because I would get to an intersection and have NO idea which way to turn. I have never been so lost in the city before. Normally I AVOID this section of town but I had no choice today.

Finally, after sitting for awhile at one long line before an intersection I asked two men who were walking by to tell me which direction I should turn to get to Mbolo, the store I was aiming for. They said, "Left". When I got to the corner I found a policeman directing traffic. I asked him and he said "RIGHT". I went Right! I did get to a familiar intersection and I was able to make my way to Mbolo, arriving about 15 minutes later. I had been SAVED by the Policeman who directed me in the correct direction. He was an answer to my prayers!

I made it home to the guest house safely. With all that traffic, cars going in and out with very little semblance of lanes, there was much potential of having an accident but the Lord helped me through it all and kept me and my car SAFE. Thank you Lord!

Nzoundou Chapel Seminar!

2010-07-11T19:08:00.001+01:00

Friday through today we had a three day seminar at the Nzoundou Chapel. All three mornings I taught a illustrated Bible lesson, not only to the children but to the whole congregation. Friday and Saturday I taught a health lesson. On Friday it was on AIDS and on Saturday it was on brushing teeth. In the photo Mrs. Louise Ngora is showing everyone how she thinks teeth should be brushed.

The main message each morning was was taught by a different person from the Bongolo Church. On Friday Pastor Jonathan Ngora taught the subject "The Deity of Jesus, Our God". On Saturday morning Mrs.Louise Ngora taught on the subject, "The Humanity of Jesus, Our Savior". This morning Evangelist Patrice taught on "The Life of Christ, Our Model". Three of the Ngora sons came with to help out with the music so most mornings we were a team of eight people who drove the 15 minutes from Bongolo to the small village of Nzoundou.

We had attendance of 43 on Friday, 66 on Saturday and 85 people this morning! See some photos that were taken during the three day seminar.

During the weekend we had fourteen people make decisions for Christ. On Friday there was one young person, on Saturday there were four people and today there were nine people who accept Christ into their lives! Praise the Lord.

After each morning session Village Chief Inono and his wife Marie had us over for lunch. Here they are standing outside their home.

Just before leaving the village today we saw a pet monkey, tied to a tree. I had not seen him before in this village. Yes, I do live in Africa!

BBQ in the Tiki Room!

2010-07-11T18:33:00.001+01:00

On July 4th the Mission family had a BBQ on the new porch made on the second level of the QuadraPlex. It is outside between Paul and Meladee Davis' home and Karen Fitch's home. Paul and Meladee named their new screened in porch the "Tiki Room"! It was a great place to have our Independence day BBQ. See some photos.

Happy 4th of JULY!

2010-07-03T17:36:00.000+01:00

On the Bongolo station we had a July 4th Parade today! It was complete with instruments, a drum and a Vuvuzela! Americans and Africans participated. Tomorrow we Americans will have a BBQ lunch together. Check out the photos.

I’m a Survivor!

2010-06-15T21:44:00.001+01:00

Today is my 6th Anniversary of being an Ovarian Cancer Survivor!

Most women with ovarian cancer do not find out about it until they are in the later stages of the disease. I had a very rare type (composite thecoma granulosa) that produced Estrogen hormone. This extra hormone in my body gave me symptoms, leading to early detection of the disease. In fact, I had surgery for another reason and did not find out I had cancer until the laboratory report came back AFTER the surgery. Then my symptoms made sense.

I had had a friend and colleague die of ovarian cancer so I was blessed to have had it found early, in stage one. Praise the Lord! I had no radiation nor chemo-therapy was necessary.

Today's Positives:

1. I am a 6 year ovarian cancer survivor!

2. I have almost 10,000 steps in today and it's not supper yet.

Entrance Exams 2010!

2010-06-12T21:55:00.000+01:00

Today the Nursing School had entrance exams for determining the next class of students. Twenty six people took the exams. About a dozen will be selected to start Nursing school in September. Here are some random photos from today.

Coupé-Coupé (Central African barbecue)

2010-06-04T16:28:00.000+01:00

I live in Gabon, Africa and I like to eat Coupé-Coupé (Central African barbecue), especially the chicken. There are two places in town that sell Coupé-Coupé. "Couper" is a French word meaning "to cut". It is beef or chicken which is grilled on a crude open fire grill and then chopped up and wrapped in Aluminum foil for a fast "take out" food. I either eat it with my fingers or else I put it in bread for a sandwich.

Check out the recipe for this barbecued meat using this link:

http://www.congocookbook.com/meat_recipes/coupe_coupe.html

This recipe is found in "The Congo Cookbook". I don't know which Congo this refers to but I do know that many of the foods are foods and recipes that the Gabonese eat.

There are two countries called Congo. One was the Belgian Congo and has been called Zaire, but is now called The Democratic Republic of Congo (capital city Kinshasa). The second Congo was the French Congo and it was part of the French Equatorial Africa before it's independence. It is now the called the Republic of Congo (capital city Brazzaville)! It is the Republic of Congo that borders with Gabon, where I live. In fact, I live in the southern part of Gabon, very near to the border of Republic of Congo. We get patients at our hospital from that country.

I mostly eat what I fix, which is American food. I do eat African food when I am in the homes of African friends or at some potluck dinner. We also have some restaurants in town that fix African foods.

Enough of this history and geography. Now for a photo of grilled snake! This snake is being grilled right over on the fire, rather than on a crude grill that the Coupé-Coupé is grilled on. Yes, snake DOES taste like chicken.

On the Street Where I Live!

2010-05-21T23:48:00.003+01:00

I live on the right side of a cement block duplex. Here it is, complete with the satellite dish for my TV reception.

I live in a community, next to the hospital were I work here in Africa. There are about 16 housing units on our "station". Hospital personnel living and working here are from the U.S.A., Gabon, Guinea (Conakry), Congo (Kinshasa) and Mali.

The housing on our hilltop is sparse, with lots of park-like space between most houses.

Today's Positives:
1. I'm keeping up my steps, walking over 10,000 steps today.
2. It's Friday!
3. I'm feeling well today.
4. I finished almost all the letters to applicants who desire to take the Nursing School entrance exams on June 12th.

Nursing School Graduation!

2010-05-10T21:14:00.004+01:00

Graduation for Bongolo Nursing School was held yesterday at the end of the Bongolo church service. The class of eight entered the church from the back, doing the "African Shuffle" as the worship choir sang and the instruments played (electric keyboard, guitar).

The Medical director, Keir Thelander, gave a speech. Next was the Alliance district Superintendent, Pastor Mbesse. I then gave a short speech as the Director of the Nursing school then I gave out Diplomas. The Bongolo church was packed.

Many photos were taken, including this one with the eight new Nurses and three of their professors, Lisa Nicky, Moungala Claude and myself. Two other Professors, Rebecca Thompson and Karen Fitch, were not able to attend Graduation because they were in the States.

After the Graduation ceremony a reception was held for the new Nurses and their invited guests. Lisa Nicky made a sheet cake and Joanna Thelander helped her decorate it. Other ladies on the Station also made cakes: Wendy, Deb, Joanna , Meladee and myself. Elaine Greene and some of the Hospital employees helped serve about eighty people who were at the reception.

Praise the Lord for HIS help for these new nurses during these past twenty nine months of studies!

Graduation Dinner!

2010-05-09T19:18:00.003+01:00

Last evening I took the Bongolo Nursing students and two other professors (Lisa and Claude) out to eat at a local restaurant, "Chez Marie Therese". Some of them had never before been to this restaurant. We were celebrating their Graduation which was held this morning! Each of the eight students could invited his or her spouse or family member. There were nineteen of us in all.

Marie prepared rice, fermented manioc root, French fried sweet potatoes, fish chicken in palm nut sauce, porcupine and another one or two wild bush meat dishes. There was more food on our private buffet table than we could eat and the rest of the food was taken home by the new graduates!

Overturned Truck!

2010-04-29T22:52:00.000+01:00

I was in the States from June until mid December when I returned to Africa where I work in a Christian Hospital. I sent some UHaul Cartons of purchases to a shipping company so that they could be shipped to me. About two weeks ago I heard that the ship had docked and that my "stuff" was in the country.

Today two trucks hauled container stuff about 350 miles from the capital city to the hospital. Well, they tried to haul the stuff. It RAINED ALL DAY. It was very slippery. Between our town and the next larger one there are road men working the dirt road and then with the rain it made it VERY SLIPPERY. One of the two trucks TURNED OVER. It was the one with our personal cartons on board.

A third truck was sent to the scene of the accident twice to haul our things to us. Yeah! All of my carton arrived. They were quite wet but there was no damage inside. WooHoo!

Today's Positives:
1. No one was injured when the truck overturned.
2. The third truck slipped off the road twice on it's return with our things. It was able to get back on the road.
3. All my cartons arrived and there was no water damage.
4. My Scale arrived! Yeah!!!
5. My cartons are all unpacked and most of the things put away!
6. Four out of five days of auditing is DONE!
7. Several friends are helping me get things done, thus decreasing my stress level.
8. God is my Strength and my Joy!

Continuous Chest Compression CPR - Mayo Clinic Presentation

2010-04-25T06:39:00.000+01:00

One Million Step Challenge!

2010-04-14T18:58:00.000+01:00

I am on a 140 day Challenge which started January 24th. It is through AARP and is through a program called: Step up to Better Health. The goal of the challenge is to walk 1,000,000 steps!

When I started the challenge the recommended daily steps was just over 7000 daily. At that time I was doing up to 10,000 steps on many days so my Average steps were about 8500 per day. Then my heel started hurting (plantar fasciitis) and I dropped my walking down to 6000 steps on most days. Well, My Average steps since January 24th now is 7255 per day. In order to finish the challenge in the required 140 days, I will need to get an average of 6998 steps per day until the end of the challenge. I need to step up my 6000 goal most days to be able to do this. We'll see how my heel does. My heel is feeling some better.

The goal of this 140 day challenge is to walk 1,000,000 steps! As of last night, I had walked 573,146 steps!
Today's Goal: 6998 Today's Steps: 0 Steps so far: 573,146 Average: 7255

Also.... I am doing this challenge along with twelve other Missionaries who live and work in Africa.

Today's Positives:
1. It is early evening and I have about 5500 steps today so I will go over my needed steps for the day.
2. I got a lot of work done at the Nursing School office this morning.
3. I started planning the program of the students Graduation Ceremony today. They graduate on May 9th.
4. I took my material for a graduation dress to the Tailors. I found he was already working on other Nursing Student's Graduation outfits! The students had given me the material for my dress to look like their outfits.

Nearing the End!

2010-04-05T20:22:00.001+01:00

Nearing the end of WHAT? In September 2007 I proctored an entrance exam for the Bongolo Nursing School. This photo was taken during the first two weeks of orientation for the new class which started in January 2008. I was helping to teach practical techniques, like using a wheelchair.

Tomorrow I will start teaching the students' last class before graduation. It will be a 2 1/2 week intensive course in Ethics and Nursing Management. The first week in May the students will take comprehensive exams over all their courses from the 29 month schooling. Then Graduation is scheduled for May 9th.

The class of 2008-2010 is nearing the end of their formal schooling! Then the cycle will repeat itself with Entrance exams scheduled for June 12th.

Today's Positives:
1. I've had a nice two weeks free from teaching.
2. Classes start again tomorrow.
3. I went shopping today and bought groceries for the week.

BUG SPRAY before Church?

2010-03-14T18:29:00.001+01:00

Do you apply insect repellent before going to church? I do! I live and work as a nurse in Gabon, Africa. Gabon is on the West coast of Africa, right on the equator. I've been working here since 1977.

Over these last 33 years I have attended various churches/chapels, most of which are in small villages. Rather than attend the large church near the hospital, I drive to help out in a small chapel. Since January I have been attending and helping out in Nzoundou, a village just a 15 minute drive from my house.

Before going out the door I spray my legs and arms with insect repellent so I don't get bit while in church. I do not wear repellent on other days but somehow, there are more insects in these little villages. We have what is called a "no see-um" Yes, called that because they can't usually be seen! Very little gnat type insects that leave "red dots" all over the skin. They can be itchy but I have been here for so many years that they do not cause me to itch, even though I still get red dots over my skin. I mostly do not want to get bit by a malaria carrying fly!

Above see me greeting people as they leave the church.

Today's Positives:
1. We had a good attendance in chapel this morning, 34 people.
2. I have a crock pot and it is full of chicken, potatoes and carrots which I will serve to visitors coming for Sunday dinner at 1pm! (I just heard the plane overhead so they arrived from the capital city ok)
3. "American Idol" is on satellite TV later this afternoon and evening. We are behind in the actual showing of the program in the States so don't anyone ask me about it nor tell me what is happening! :-)

P.S. In case you are interested, we do NOT have Daylight savings time here on the Equator. Year round we have light for 12 hours of the day and darkness for the other 12 hours of the day. It only varies by about 30 minutes.

Have a great Sunday!

Cookie Party!

2010-03-12T12:42:00.005+01:00

A couple of weeks ago Joanna Thelander invited all of us ladies over along with a number of African ladies for a Cookie baking party! Many types of cookies were made and lots of chatting done. It was a good way to form friendships. Joanna loves to party and we like to be invited! Everyone went home with a platter of cookies.

New Edition!

2010-02-26T22:26:00.000+01:00

Yes, the Bongolo Hospital Nursing School has a new edition. I used some "Work Of" monies to special order a nice, large bookshelf for the school office. We had had one cupboard which would not, could not hold all of our teachers' medical library. How much fun I had organizing our library in this nice "huge" sturdy bookshelf. Thanks to all who have sent me money for my ministry.

Teaching CPR!

2010-02-25T20:10:00.000+01:00

I teach in a Bongolo Nursing School. This quarter I have been teaching Traumatology (Emergency Room). Included in this course is the technique of doing Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation. The school has a teaching mannequin that the students named "Madame Claude". Each student had his/her turn at doing CPR on Madame Claude.

Feeling the Heat!

2010-02-04T05:37:00.004+01:00

In Gabon Africa where I live the hottest months of the year are March and April. February is also a hot month, working up to March. We've really been feeling the heat more these past few days, literally.

This link has an interesting chart that explains how Temperature + Humidity feels.
www.usatoday.com/weather/wheat3.htm

Right now, at 5am, it is 80 degrees F with 80% humidity. According the the chart in the above link it "feels like" 86 degrees rather than 80 degrees. Yesterday when I was walked outside it was 85 degrees. I did not look at the humidity but suppose that it was the same, 80%. That would make the 85 degrees "FEEL" like 97 degrees!

March and April will BE and FEEL hotter!

Last evening I walked for 45 minutes while standing directly under my ceiling fan. That helped get me through my steps for the day! I also was thirsty and drank more plain water as I walked!

Today's Positives:
1. I have been keeping up drinking my 8 glasses of water a day.
2. I have ceiling fans in several rooms in my home.
3. I will increase my steps to 10,000 today!

Fish & Butterflies!

2010-01-23T16:37:00.001+01:00

This afternoon I spent two hours at a "Fishing Hole", a river bed that was partially dried up. Quite a few of us went on a fishing and butterfly catching trip. The fish were for the aquariums of the two children who were along, Luke and Sara. Imagine going out fishing for tropical fish instead of buying them from an expensive pet store. Well, that's what we did! You can do that in the tropics where I live.
While some caught tropical fish, others caught butterflies. I took photos and mostly just tried to balance on the slippery rocks so I didn't fall and break a bone! In the 33 years since I arrived in Gabon, I had never been to this river bed!

Almost saw an Elephant!

2010-01-14T11:49:00.000+01:00

Last weekend I traveled back to the hospital from Libreville and on that trip ALMOST saw an elephant!

Keir and Joanna Thelander and their kids Luke and Sara were with me in the car when we came to an area on the road where we saw about 15-20 men, one with a rifle and the others with machetes knives! Now, let me explain. People walk in the forest with a machete knife in case they see a snake so it was not strange to see a man with one but there were 15-20 men with them!!! I stopped the car to ask what was going on and they said that there were elephants in the forest and that these elephants were trying to get across the road. They had trampled the gardens of these villagers and the day before had destroyed a house. It is against the law to kill an elephant unless they come too close to the villages and start to do havoc in the plantations. These men were on an elephant hunt!

Some of us (not the kids) got out of the car and started to gaze into the forest, along with the men. We (Joanna and I) stood there for about fifteen minutes, watching the trees move, hearing the elephants (there were three I'm told). The elephants never did come towards the road and we had to keep going on our ten hour drive home so ..... I almost saw an Elephant! You realize I have lived in Gabon since 1977 and have never seen an elephant here. Maybe another day I will!

Beach Day!

2010-01-14T11:37:00.002+01:00

One week ago today, Thursday, I drove to Libreville so I could pick up two official papers. I needed to get a safety inspection done on my vehicle and I needed to obtain a long-term (2 year) residency card for Gabon. The Thelander family went with me and Keir helped me to drive the ten hour trip both Thursday and Sunday. I was so glad for that. I was able to obtain the two official documents that I needed.

Besides getting my papers, we went shopping and ate out in several restaurants. While much of the Northern world were "freezing", We were able to go to the beach on Saturday! I got in a nice walk on the beach. I didn't go into the water but was mostly the watcher of the purses. It was fun watching the others play.

Take Out Pizza... to the JUNGLE!

2010-01-02T18:52:00.002+01:00

Yes, this evening I ate Take Out Pizza that was flown to my jungle home from the capital city. Our hospital now has a Cessna 207 Plane that will open an Air Ambulance Service. The plane will be based in the capital city but will ferry patients, medical supplies, visitors and International workers to and from our Hospital. The plane arrived a few days ago but today arrived a second time and we were able to order PIZZA to come with it. There is an Italian restaurant next to the airport and the pizza was delivered to us by PLANE! Now THAT was a FIRST!!

Today's Positives:
1. I did NOT eat the whole pizza which I have done in the past. I left some for tomorrow!
2. The cheese on the Pizza gave me the calcium that I need for my weak bones.
3. My laptop computer that would not start yesterday, started today!

P.S. More about the plane in a future blog entry.

Dad and I in 1963!

2009-12-21T07:44:00.001+01:00

Dad and I the summer of 1963!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-19T16:31:00.001+01:00

Merry Christmas!

I left Omaha on December 8th in a snow storm, missed my flight from Chicago to NYC, missed my flight from NYC to Africa and had to find a hotel in NYC. The next day I flew through Germany to Libreville Gabon with a stop in Accra, Ghana as well. With a complication that smoke was detected in the baggage hold so we had to stay several hours in Accra while the firemen checked out the plane. All was "ok" so we boarded again and made our way to Libreville. I arrived about midnight on Thursday evening December10 and flew down to the Bongolo Hospital area the next morning.

Thanks for praying for my settling in at my Bongolo Hospital home. I have moved much of what I want from the attic downstairs into my side of the duplex. I have not yet found the two can openers that I KNOW are upstairs somewhere. Joanna Thelander loaned me a can opener until I can find mine.

Becki Thompson has turned over the Director of the Bongolo Nursing School responsibilities to me and I have also been working on the two courses that I will start teaching the week of January 4th. I did learn that one of our Nursing Students was let go at the end of the last semester because of bad grades. Two other Nursing Students of the nine who are left are on probation and must improve their grades this next quarter!

The Christmas season has arrived at the Bongolo Hospital Mission Station here in Gabon. It started last Sunday afternoon with a "Cookies and Photo Shoot" party at Keir and Joanna Thelander's home. Above see the photo that is the result of the one opportunity that we had to have everyone together after my arrival and before the departure of Dave & Becki Thompson and Karen Fitch on their six month Home Assignments! We took many group photos but this one was the BEST. Can you tell who pushed the camera button and ran to get in the photo? Tim Kelly made it into his place, all but one foot!

Ten Days of Christmas movies are being shown at Paul and Meladee Davis' home. Each evening they are showing a different Christmas movie and anyone attend. I have been two evenings so far. I also had one evening where I invited my African friend Christine over for dinner and the movie "White Christmas". Three missionaries joined us for dinner and two of them stayed for the movie which we watched in French with English subtitles. Christine loves musicals.

Christmas Eve at 5:30 many of us are going to a new restaurant in town to celebrate Dr. Renee Valach's Birthday! From 7-8:30 pm we are going to Paul and Meladee's for a "Cookies, Cocoa & Caroling" party. I am not sure where we are going to go caroling but it should be fun.

Christmas Morning we will go to Christmas services at various churches. I think that I will probably stay here at the Bongolo Church for Christmas morning. The Bongolo church is right next to the Hospital and every Sunday has many patients and/or their family members who attend the services. I am sure that many will also attend the Christmas service. At about 2 pm we Missionaries will all meet together at Tim & Amanda Kelly's home for a Christmas Potluck dinner. I am preparing two chickens, a pie and a salad of some sort, maybe cabbage.

Good News! The Bongolo Cessna 207 Plane should arrive in Gabon on Monday, December 11th! Check out the website of Steve and Alace Straw at: http://gabonpilot.blogspot.com/2009/12/azores-check.html for the news. The Bongolo Ambulance Service is about to begin! Thanks for your prayers for this over many years.

The Bongolo Hospital Nursing School students will start their third year of classes beginning January 4th. I will be teaching five hours a week, 4 hours of Traumatology and 1 hour of Bible (an Evangelism course). Lisa Nicky will be teaching the other five hours. The students have practical work in the hospital each morning and classes for two hours each afternoon, Monday through Friday.

Have a very Blessed Christmas as you celebrate the birth of Christ during these next days.
Luke 1:14 "And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth"

Fire Trucks in Accra!

2009-12-12T01:39:00.006+01:00

I wrote this blog entry on another site but wanted to share it here too:

Where is Accra? It is in Ghana, Africa. What was I doing in Accra? Well, here is my story...

I flew out of Omaha on Tuesday, in the beginning of their snow storm that dumped ten inches of snow on the city. We were late flying out so I missed my flight in Chicago (two flights in fact) and finally got to NYC about midnight. Of course I had missed my flight to Casablanca so I found a hotel room for the rest of that night. The next day my travel agent was able to get me on a flight going to Frankfort Germany and then down to Libreville, Gabon which is the city I had been aiming at all the time. My flight to Frankfort was uneventful. The flight out of Frankfort was delayed a bit but not too bad. We had a normal landing in Accra Ghana to let out most of the passengers and then the plane planned to take the rest of us, about twenty passengers, on to Libreville.

Before landing or maybe on landing the pilots noticed the smoke detector went off in one of the baggage holds so they activated the FOAM covering. Three fire trucks met us on the runway! We all had to get off of the plane while the firemen checked out the baggage area and all of our baggage was put into another hold. There was no fire found so we were able to get back on the plane and take off again. I don't know exactly where to foam was because my suitcases didn't look like they had been sprayed. Oh, all those of us from Economy class were bumped to Business class for the rest of the flight!

I got into Libreville just before midnight and to the Guest House before midnight. I did a little online and then went to bed and slept well, not long enough but well. Today I will take my last fight which will get me two hours from Bongolo Hospital. The hospital chauffeur will pick me up. I think he will be driving my own car as it needs a safety inspection!

Today's Positives:
1. The travel agent was able to get my tickets changed and get me to Africa!
2. There was no fire on the plane.
3. The Police process to get into the country only took about twenty minutes.
4. I was able to sleep in a bed last night, instead of sitting in a chair!
5. My last flight is today and I should be HOME!
6. So many friends have prayed for me during this 36 hour trip!
7. God is so good!

Update: I had a great flight to the provincial capital and then a two hour ride to my home at Bongolo Hospital. It's great to be home. Home Sweet Home! Thanks to everyone who prayed for me during this trip which lasted from Tuesday morning through Friday.

Stuck in NYC!

2009-12-09T15:03:00.003+01:00

Well, I left Omaha for Africa yesterday in a big snow storm. My flight was delayed by 4 1/2 hours but I was actually at the airport over seven hours. Two hours of that time I was on the plane, even taxied out to where the de-icer tried to de-ice the plane. That machine got "frozen breaks" and had to have a mechanic come fix it so our plane could get de-iced properly.

While still in Omaha my next flight out of Chicago was changed from one airline to another because I would be missing my flight. With the delay on the plane I missed the SECOND flight too. The flight to Chicago was uneventful but then I had to wait until a later flight, having missed my flight. That 5:30 flight didn't leave Chicago until about 8pm local and I didn't get to NYC until about 11:30pm and to a hotel at nearly 1am!!!

Now you ask, what about my flight to Africa? Well, it was missed of course. The next open seat on that airline is not until SUNDAY!! My travel agent is now working on it, if to convince the airlines that I must travel before Sunday or else to try to change airlines.

The Lord has reminded me of the following verses for this trip:
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths." Prov. 3:5-6

Todays Positives:
I had friends help me with last minute packing!
I made it to NYC, without getting stuck in Omaha nor Chicago's blizzard!
I found a good priced Super 8 Motel that gave me an AARP discount!
I have wireless internet here at the hotel!!!!!!!
The Lord is directly my path!

Thanksgiving!

2009-11-24T23:42:00.007+01:00

God has been very good to me this past year and for that I give HIM thanks. Some recent/current things that I thank Him for are:

Jesus is my Savior and I know that He is coming back soon!
A hospital visitor did a total redesigning of the www.bongolohospital.org website and I have been able to keep it up!
Eric and Wendy Hofman (Ophthalmologist) arrived at Bongolo Hospital, sent by Samaritan's Purse. Just before I left Gabon, Eric was able to take over the Hospital Bookkeeping that I was doing!
I have had a good six month Home Assignment, mostly in Omaha!
In June I celebrated 5 years as an ovarian cancer survivor!
In August I celebrated my 60^th Birthday!
God has been with me and helped me as I have traveled and spoken in many churches these past months.
I have been relatively healthy since being in the States. The asthma flair up that I have had this past month is about over!
I was able to get an H1N1 flu vaccination at my Doctor's office last Friday!
I have been able to see many relatives this summer and fall, including some cousins I had never before met!
I leave for Gabon December 8^th, two weeks from today!
I have received my Entry Permit to Gabon (like a Visa)!
Although I will have to pay for the third piece, the Airlines will accept three suitcases when I fly!
My Nissan Patrol vehicle in Gabon is ready for my use!
The Lord is helping me get all the "things" done that need to get done before my flight date!
I get to celebrate with FOUR Thanksgiving meals, one last Sunday with cousins, one with ladies from Church on Monday and two on Thanksgiving Day ( Step Family and other cousins)! I like TURKEY!

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world."

Isaiah 12:4-5 (New International Version)

More Steuert Cousins!

2009-11-24T23:42:00.005+01:00

Sunday I had a Thanksgiving meal with my first cousin Connie (Steuert) Redburn, two of her three sons, their wives and two of Connie's grandchildren and also a friend of Connie. I had not seen my Connie's children since they were very small, and of course, they did not remember me. Connie is the daughter of my "Uncle Mort", my Mom's late brother. It was fun getting to know her family! Here is their group photo:

Catching Up!

2009-11-18T02:18:00.002+01:00

Just this Sunday I finished a two month fall Mission's tour speaking in Alliance Churches and sharing about my ministry and that of the Bongolo Hospital. In September I started out by attending the MidAmerican District Alliance Womens' conference that was held in Orange City, IA. From there I spoke in Colorado and Nebraskan churches, finishing up two days ago. I was blessed by meeting many praying friends in these eight churches.

Now with just three weeks left before leaving for Gabon, I am playing "catch up" here in Omaha. With last minute purchasing to do, thank you notes to write, boxes to be packed for UPS to Ohio where a container is being prepared for shipment to Gabon and the hospital, emails to write, etc, I am enjoying the time to do these things. I'm also going out to eat with friends, still doing some speaking and enjoying watching the TV series "The Biggest Loser".

My date to fly to Gabon is December 8^th. Pray that my entry permit (visa) be granted so that I can get on that plane. Thanks.

More to come….

Steuert Cousins' Reunion

2009-10-09T19:12:00.012+01:00

Last Sunday we had a Steuert Cousins' reunion at a restaurant in Colorado Springs. Steuert was my Mom's maiden name.

I had not seen my first cousin Wayne since 1962, just before I turned 13 years old. He came with his wife Glenda and his daughter Keri and son Matthew (see below). My brother Bill was there with his wife Shari. My brother David was there with his wife Leslie and her daughter Courtney.

We had a great time trying to piece together our memories of growing up knowing the same people: Grandma, Aunt Harriett, Wayne's Dad and my uncle Jimmy, etc. We remembered sliding down the fire escape of the grade school in Bancroft, Nebraska where my Mom was born. We remembered Aunt Harriett's roses that were in her back yard. We got caught up on those missing years.

We decided not to wait 45 years again before having another Steuert reunion!

On the way to Fort Collins from the dinner Bill and Shari and I stopped in Denver at the Fort Logan Military cemetery to visit the graves of Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Irma.

Glance at the Past!

2009-09-28T04:06:00.005+01:00

Recently I have been going through my old slides and choosing some to digitize. Take a look at some from the 1970s and early 1980s:

Thorson Cousins' Reunion

2009-09-18T14:40:00.003+01:00

Last Sunday, September 13, I went to a Thorson cousins' meal at a restaurant called "Taxis". It was on 120th and Blondo here in Omaha. The reunion was actually for Dad's generation but I went anyway. I knew almost everyone. After eating our lunch at Taxis, we went to Steven & Honor (Thorson) Schwid's home to continuing our chatting. See here some photos from that day.

Trip to the Zoo!

2009-09-06T09:29:00.004+01:00

Yesterday I went to the Henry Doorly Zoo here in Omaha. That zoo is one of the best zoos in America. I had not been there for about five years. I went with the Agrawi family, a couple with three children. They are from my church and we attend the same Sunday School class. We saw about everything there was to see and enjoyed getting to know each other. Mariam brought a lunch that we shared at the zoo. When we got to their home after the zoo they invited me in for a cup of tea. We chatted another hour. Here are a few photos of our trip to the zoo.

Preparing for Tour

2009-09-05T03:44:00.001+01:00

My fall speaking tour will soon begin so I have been busy preparing talks, Power Point presentations, a display table and so forth. My tour will start by attending the fall Alliance Woman's Retreat that will be held in Orange City, Iowa the weekend of September 18^th. Next I will be the missionary speaker at the Millard Alliance Mission's conference. Millard Alliance is in Omaha so I will stay at home during this six day conference. Thanks to those who are praying for me as I prepare to speak in eight different churches located in Nebraska and Colorado. My last conference ends November 15^th.

Birthday Weekend!

2009-08-17T08:25:00.015+01:00

Well, yesterday I turned 60 years old. Saturday evening my StepMom took me out to Gorat's Steakhouse for a steak dinner. A friend, Nancy Stauffer, went too. We had a nice meal and then went to the Burger King to have chocolate sundaes afterwards to celebrate my birthday.

Yesterday morning I went to Sunday School and Church and then went to "Step Out and Serve 2009". About 6,000 people from about 30 churches in Omaha spent part of the day in community service around the city. I went to the Open Door Mission, a Gospel mission for the homeless in town. They had about 500 volunteers today at that site alone.

I was on bus 22, one of the many buses from my church to go out into the city and one of two buses from my church that went to the Open Door Mission. We were each given a box lunch so we could leave just after the second church service.

I was one of about nine or ten who worked in the kitchen helping to prepare supper! After a few hours work we were bussed back to the church where we got our vehicles. I arrived home at about 5 pm. I was really glad to be able to see the Open Door Mission. I remember in the mid 60s when I was in High School and our Youth Group would go to the Mission to hold services in the chapel. The Mission had moved since then and I had not been to the "new" site. It's actually 40 years old now so I guess it is not new!

It was a good Birthday weekend and I am thankful. I am especially thankful to the Lord for giving me these sixty years!

Family Reunion!

2009-08-17T01:53:00.009+01:00

Here is the whole Loren Thorson/Bardon clan!

Last weekend, August 7-9, we had our first ever Loren Thorson/Bardon reunion. We met at the Best Western Hotel in Nebraska City, Nebraska. All of my five brothers, their wives and some of their children and grandchildren were able to come. Also many of my step family (Bardons) were there for part or all of the reunion. We came from five States, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Colorado and Missouri.
Here I am with my brothers Glenn, Bill, Larry and David. I used to be the tallest!Here is the Loren Thorson clan!

Carolyn's Capers Letter.. July 24

2009-07-26T01:11:00.005+01:00

I’m just back in Omaha after a nine day trip to Ohio. July 15-18 I attended the Dynamic Communicators Workshop along with 24 other International Workers and a few Pastors. We each had to give three speeches during the workshop and then received encouragement and constructive criticism to help us do better. On July 18th, in the afternoon, we were shuttled to Beulah Beach Conference Center on Lake Erie. There over 60 International Workers for a re-entry Seminar. We had group sessions and other sessions where we had optional topics from which to choose. We had worship times and fun times together. I flew back to Omaha yesterday. The word from Gabon is that the ship with our annual “Food Orders” arrived and that the food for those of us who live at Bongolo Hospital started arriving by truckload. See photos: Yes, I did order food but not much since I will not be there until December. I ordered mostly canned goods. The men will carry it into my home for me. We have found that food items ordered from the U.S, shipped and trucked to us at the hospital are cheaper than foods bought in the country. Gabon is one of most costly countries IN THE WORLD. We each make one food shipment order per year. It is always a fun day when the food arrives!

June 8th the President of Gabon passed away after 41 years in office. The National Presidental elections are scheduled for August 30 with several candidates running for office. Pray for peace to continue during and after these elections.

The Mission holds an annual Field Forum Conference which is like family camp. The dates for this conference are set for August 31- September 4, the days just after elections! Pray for wisdom in planning the meetings and safe traveling for this conference. A hotel in the town of Lambarene has been reserved for Forum. Pray for spiritual refreshment for all who attend.

While in the States I am doing quite a lot of speaking. Here is my schedule for the next months.

7/26 Speak at Soujourner's SS Class- Christ Community Church
7/27 Priscilla Women
7/30 Missionary Coffee 9:30am in Blair
8/30 Christ Community Church- Sarpy County Site
9/13 Speak at Ambassador's SS Class- Christ Community Church
9/18-20 Alliance Women's District Conference- Orange City, IA
9/22-27 Millard, NE Millard Alliance Church
9/28-10/1 Workers Retreat – Colorado Springs, CO
10/2-4 Colorado Springs, CO- Crossing Church
10/5-8 Travel/Time Off- Visit with my two brothers who live in CO.
10/9-11 Grover, CO - Friendship Alliance Church
10/12- Fly back to Omaha from Denver
10/18-21 Princeton, NE- Countryside Alliance Church
10/23-25 Bellevue, NE - Bellevue Community Church
11/1-4 Hamlet, NE- Hamlet Union Church
11/5 Travel 11/6-8 Brunswick, NE- The Community Church
11/11-15 Wahoo, NE- Wahoo Community Church

Pray for me as I prepare both my heart and my messages to present to the above churches. Thanks so much.

Happy July 4th Weekend!

2009-07-05T10:53:00.003+01:00

Look what is NOT for July 4th dinner. SNAKE! Yes, snake tastes like chicken!

July 4, 2009

It is hard to believe that it is already July 4th. Freedom is something to enjoy in all seriousness. Not everyone is FREE like we are in America. It is good to be able to celebrate that freedom this year on home soil! I think of John 10:10 that says “The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly. ASV” I think of those around the world AND in America who are not free but are bound spiritually by the thief (Satan) and who very much need the Lord to “free” them. I rejoice in that freedom that I have in Christ who gives me abundant life. I plan to attend a picnic at my cousin’s home late this afternoon. There should be about a ten or so of us together. Tomorrow after church I’ll have lunch together with my stepfamily right here at home.

I heard that the Missionaries at the Bongolo Hospital are getting together this evening for a BBQ dinner as they celebrate July 4th. It is nice that it fell on the weekend so that they could take the time off of their busy schedule to be together.

July 5th Update: Check out the parade that they had at Bongolo Hospital yesterday!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CazIOPAXYas

Carolyn's Capers from Gabon to Omaha!

2009-06-04T03:45:00.004+01:00

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16.

Thanks for praying for me these past two weeks as I traveled from Bongolo Hospital in Gabon to Omaha, Nebraska where I will make my Home Assignment/Furlough home. My last few weeks at the hospital were very busy as I sorted, threw and packed up my “stuff”. I also oriented Eric Hofman to the Hospital bookkeeping as well as helped him with Mission bookkeeping. He was a quick study for which I was very thankful.

May 18th I flew to Libreville and on the 19th and 20th went to the government office to obtain my Exit Visa. Thanks for praying. At that time I also heard that my Saturday night flight out of the country had been canceled and I was given the choice to leave one day later or one day earlier. I chose to leave on Friday night.

Friday night I flew from Libreville to Casablanca, Morocco where I then had a thirty hour layover while waiting for my next flight. Remember, I had flown there one day early. The airline gave me a hotel room. I have a good friend who works near Casablanca so she drove to the city and airport and picked me up. I had a great time as we did some sightseeing together. Above is a photo of me while in Casablanca. The second photo was taken that evening. Yes, I went to McDonald's while there! You might not be able to read the writing but you should be able to notice the "Golden Arches"!After a night in the hotel I then flew from Casablanca to New York City to Chicago and then to Louisville, Kentucky as planned, arriving complete with my luggage intact. Thanks again for praying.

Last week I attended Pre-Council for International workers and then the Alliance annual meeting called, “Council”. It was held at the Convention Center in Louisville, Kentucky. There were good speakers and it was fun seeing lots of people I knew. My brother Larry, his wife Leslie and their daughter were also there so that was a treat. Sunday I then flew to Omaha and was picked up by my Stepmom and a friend. We then went to the Village Inn for a supper. Later that evening I went to pick up the car that I plan to borrow until mid August.

I will let you know what I’m up to as my plans unfold. I do know that this JUNE I have several medical appointments, a Bible Study on Tuesday evenings, shopping to do, friends to see and messages and audiovisuals to prepare. I have joined CURVES for the summer so will be exercising many mornings during each week. June 28th I have a speaking engagement in Maple Plain, Minnesota and I am now planning that MN trip. I do not know the exact dates or length of the trip.

Prayer Requests:
1. Praise that I have a car to use for most of the summer but please pray that I find another car to use from August 12 until December 8th when I return to Gabon.
2. Pray as I prepare messages to give in churches. I will be speaking to congregations, men, women, children, youth, and various small groups.

Thanks again for your prayers during this time of transition from Bongolo Hospital to Omaha!

"Christmas Boxes" in April!

2009-04-26T19:17:00.005+01:00

This morning it was Christmas in April at the Memba Chapel. For a couple of years Samaritan's Purse has sent the church in Gabon containers of "Christmas Boxes", presents for children in a plastic "shoe boxes". These have not come down into the Southern part of the country where I live but other boxes have. Pastor Joshua Thompson grew up in Gabon as a "Missionary Kid". His California church sent out boxes of gift items for some of the children in this area. This morning Missionary Amanda Kelly, her three children and I had fun handing these boxes out to surprised children, age 2-13. See some photos of the morning.

Make a Difference in Africa

2009-04-10T16:08:00.007+01:00

Steve (BongoloPilot) and Alace Straw created a video about Gabon and their ministry. Enjoy and at the same time learn more about the country where I live.
Click and watch, "Make a Difference in Africa".

Almost Easter

2009-03-30T04:43:00.005+01:00

March 29, 2009

Dear Family and Friends,

It is hard to believe that Easter is just two weeks away. The lesson at Memba Chapel today was on Jesus raising Lazarus back to life and also an introduction to the triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem. Over half of those at church today were early grade school age and did not seem to know about Lazarus. One 8 year old girl, Naomi, stood up indicating she wanted to believe in Christ. I was able to pray with her after the service. As people file out of church they shake the hands of the people who have left before them and then they get to the end of the line to shake the hands of the ones after them. Everyone shakes the hands of everyone else!

I asked you to pray about the Great Commission Fund, the Fund that supports me here on the mission field. Nearly two weeks ago we each received an email that because the GCF was having a shortfall, it had been decided that 30 missionaries around the world would be pulled home from the mission field. They would tell us in the next 5 days who that would be. Of course we all wondered if it was us or others at the hospital. After five days we heard that six missionaries in Africa will be removed from the International Ministries roster after June 30th. None of those six were in Gabon but then again, our field had already been stripped down to only seven missionaries for this new budget year. Please continue to give to the Great Commission Fund so that no more missionaries will need to be pulled from the fields. I do want to give a special thanks to people in my own church, Christ Community Church in Omaha, for their great support of the Great Commission Fund.

Speaking of BUDGET, I have been very busy going through the budget process for both the Mission and also the Hospital. I was so relieved to have those budget proposals done and await the decisions as to if they are accepted or not. At least the bulk of the work is over! YES!

All ten Nursing School students successfully finished all their classes for the trimester and after receiving their "Report Cards", we had a sandwich luncheon for them at Karen Fitch's new apartment (see photo). Lisa Nicky showed us all various slides and multimedia shows she had used while in the States and the students enjoyed seeing photos of themselves and others at the hospital. They are now on a ten day Spring Break which means that we their professors are also on break from teaching. YES! School restarts on April 2nd with my Obstetrical Pathology class. I will teach OB Path each Thursday during April and then give a final exam the first week in May.

On May 1st my replacement for bookkeeping responsibilities will arrive at the hospital so I have been busy getting the files for the two offices in some order so that I will have time to spend teaching him in May. Eric Hofman will replace me as the Assistant Mission bookkeeper and also the Hospital bookkeeper while I am in the States for the six months. Eric's wife Wendy will not arrive until about June 1st as she is doing an Opthomology Fellowship on the Mercy Ship. She is an eye surgeon who will be heading up our Eye Clinic. Eric and Dr. Wendy are coming to us through Samaritan's Purse. By the way, Eric grew up in Omaha and his family lives only a couple of blocks from where my Step Mom lives and from where I will live on Home Assignment! Its a Small World!

Jeff Miller, a visitor to Bongolo Hospital, contributed many hours and days of time to designed a new Bongolo Hosptial website. It is me however who is making all the entries into this new website and it is taking me hours, and days. I had hoped to have it completed by the end of March so that I could publish it using the same www.bongolohospital.org address but it will still be maybe a week or two before I can do that. In the meantime, the "old" website is still up and running but not being updated. I trust by my next update letter that I will be able to announce a totally new Hospital website!

My Home Assignment time is quickly approaching. I will fly from Libreville Saturday night May 23rd and fly directly to Louisville, Kentucky to the Alliance Council. After Council my flights to Omaha are for Sunday May 31st. I will be living with my StepMom so my housing is already confirmed. I do not yet have a vehicle to drive during my SIX months in the States so please pray with me about that. I also have not yet heard where I will be doing the fall "Speaking Tour".

I am leaving the planning of Easter Services at the Memba Chapel up to the Lebamba church, their parent church. I do not know what special plans if any they have for Memba. The Lebamba church sends one man to Memba each Sunday but perhaps others will participate to make Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday special.

Please do remember that CHRIST IS RISEN, HE IS RISEN INDEED!

In the name of our Risen Lord,

Carolyn

Happy Spring!

2009-03-23T21:41:00.009+01:00

It is Spring but where I live in Gabon it is always warm with lots of flowers. Here is the Bougainvillea that is outside my house.

To the right see the red Hibiscus plant that is next to my
duplex. I also have peach Hibiscus in the yard but I prefer the red.

I understand that this orange flower is a Day Lily. Once they bloom, they do not stay around long... a day???

There is a Frangy Panny tree between my house and then next. It smells lovely when in bloom.

In my yard is also a Bird of Paradise flower.
It is not my favorite because it always seems to be covered with ants!

Meet my Namesake!

2009-02-26T06:50:00.004+01:00

Last year in February I was teaching Bible Class and one of my Nursing students started into obvious labor during class. Soon she delivered a little boy and she named him Carlin after me! He's here with me in this photo taken a couple of months ago. He turned one year old this month.

White Bread !

2009-02-21T06:46:00.004+01:00

I have lived in Africa since 1977. When I first got here I had to learn to make bread. I had many flops, so many that I finally hired an African cook to come to my house once a week to make the bread that I needed for the week. He told me that he would teach me to make bread, that he did not need to keep coming. I got his recipe and got so I could make bread. I did not have whole wheat flour those years.

Next came the bread machine. I have used one off and on over the years but with little success. My bread from the machine is heavy and does not rise. I am able to make healthy bread though as I use whole wheat flower and sometimes add Bulgar. I just does not turn out well.

A few years ago our little town got a bakery. You can see above the bread that it puts out. The long French loaves can be purchased every day but those "fat" loaves have to be special ordered. Each Monday we make our "fat bread" order and it arrives hot on Tuesday. But it is oh so yummy. I have a problem limiting the bread I eat on Tuesdays because of it having just come from the oven! The other problem of course is that it is WHITE BREAD.

I have found a recipe for Hot Dog and Hamburger buns that I can make easily from scratch. When I make them I add whole wheat flour and usually make a double batch. Sometimes I use this dough to make Pizza.

I know that Wheat bread is better for me than White bread but it sure takes time to make it from scratch. White bread is what I usually eat because that is what the bakery makes!

Do you make your own bread? Do you eat white, whole what or multi-grain bread? Do you use a bread maker? Do you make your own pizza crust?

Valentine's Day Wedding !

2009-02-14T14:06:00.008+01:00

I wanted to wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day! I went to an African wedding today but since they do not celebrate Valentine's Day here in this country, the couple did not choose this day to get married because of the day. In fact, they have been "married" already for 19 years!

There are three steps to marriage here in Gabon. The first is the Traditional Wedding when the families of both bride and groom come together negotiate the "Bride Price". Officially in the country there should not be a "Bride Price" but all families require it. I have only been to one Traditional Wedding in which the "side of the groom" presents items to the "side of the bride". They refuse and say that she is worth more. Then the groom's family goes into huddle to see what else to offer. They hold back items and money to be able to present as the traditional wedding proceeds. Finally the Bride's family agree that the bride price offered for their daughter is enough and the couple then get to sit on the same love seat and are presented as Mr and Mrs, followed by the public "kiss" and of course a meal! These were all it took to get married in the past but not any more!

As far as the government is concerned however this couple are still Mr. and MISS! They no longer recognize Traditional Weddings. A public official must perform the wedding. Since this couple who married today had already been traditionally married for 19 years, they decided to have the official ceremony done in a home.

The Assistant Mayor of the town, a woman, performed the official marriage asking the necessary questions of the couple. One question was, "Do you plan on having a Monogamist marriage or a polygamous marriage! Yes, you read right. They have to chose weather the groom will have only one wife or if he will take more than one wife! Today he chose, Monogamist! A second question was if their possessions would be owned together or if their possessions would be owned separately. This couple chose, "Separate". I do not know why. I suppose these two questions could be considered like a prenuptial agreement that is made publicly at the official wedding ceremony. They exchanged rings, something not done in the Traditional wedding ceremony. It was the Assistant Mayor who pronounced them husband and wife and they kissed.

The third Wedding Ceremony is usually done at the church but since this couple had already been together for 19 years, they invited the Pastor to their home. He asked them some of the same questions that the Assistant Mayor had asked and he symbolically pronounced them husband and wife after having prayed a prayer of blessing over them. Unlike in the States, the pastors here can not sign the official wedding certificate.

Next was some soft drinks and appetizer which in this case was olives with toothpick in them. Following the appetizer was a reception line called the "Presentation of gifts". The guests go up and greet the new couple and leave a gift for them. A large meal followed but I did not stay for the meal today because I had other plans before I was even invited to this wedding.

Well, again, I say HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY all those who follow my blog!

Hospital Staff

2009-01-29T03:57:00.004+01:00

The Bongolo Hospital Staff has an extra heavy patient load these days because of a nationwide strike of medical personnel who work in other hospitals. The Bongolo Hospital is a private, church owned hospital.

Pictured are some of the 70 or so hospital staff members. Pray for them that they work extra hard to take care of the medical and spiritual needs of their patients. Pray that they would be encouraged as they minister in this way and that they would not also want to strike for more salary!

Great Quote!

2009-01-29T03:54:00.000+01:00

Inauguration Day!

2009-01-20T13:26:00.002+01:00

In honor of the Inauguration of President Elect Barack Obama, I show you the photo of the new "Cafe Pub Barack Obama" that is now in my little town here in the jungles of Africa! I hear that there is also a second new cafe in town that has a similar name.

I have satellite TV so will be turning on CNN at 5pm to watch the Inauguration program and of course at 6pm (my time) when Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America

I have had company over for dinner so many times lately that for tonight I invited a few people over but asked them to bring their own "picnic". We'll eat together while watching the Inauguration but I will not have to fix it! That way I will be able to eat a simple, healthy meal and not have to fix food fit for company!

HELP! Army Ants!

2009-01-15T06:18:00.001+01:00

Where I live in Africa we have invasions of "Driver Ants". We also call them "Army Ants". When they are hunting for food they scatter about but when they have found food and are transporting it to their hideout, they march in columns. To see a YouTube video of Driver Ants, check out this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taYMcraitqo

These ants have pincers so do NOT step on a column of ants. If even one goes up your leg, "he" will grab on to your skin with his pincers causing PAIN. You will have not be able to just brush him off of you, you will have to pick him off. Now imagine if you have several driver ants crawling up your legs. Sometimes the only way to get them off of you is to take your jeans/slacks off and start taking them off of you one by one!

When Driver ants enter a home they go in search of food so they easily find your kitchen. You had better hope that you washed or rinsed your dishes that day! They will scatter all over the kitchen, looking for food that is available. When they have eaten or carried off what food they want, they will leave.

If you start killing ants, you will have a real mess to clean up. It is best to just let them clean your kitchen for you!

Once I was in bed and I woke to a few ants pinching me. I got up and slept in the living room for the rest of the night because they had not come there. The ants were gone from the house in the morning. P.S. I was NOT eating in bed. Sometimes these ants check out the whole house and some people have even moved OUT for the night!

P.S. More about Ants can be found at the following link:

http://antbase.org/ants/africa/dorylinae/anomma.htm

Traveling Tales!

2009-01-10T12:44:00.007+01:00

Yesterday I made a 10 1/2 hour trip to and from the airport in order to pick up visitors who were coming to do construction at the Bongolo hospital. Traveling in Africa is not always easy. The bridge to the left is an example of how some of the bridges are built. Logs are put across the stream and then running boards are attached to the logs. This bridge (not one that I crossed yesterday) seems to be collapsing. Fortunately, it has been fixed.

The alternative to building bridges is the use of the ferry. For the first 17 or so years of my life in Africa (I've lived here over 30 years) I had to cross a ferry each time I wanted to go from my side of town to the side of town that had the grocery stores and post office! Fortunately there now is a nice, well built, steel bridge that crosses "our" river. I am so thankful for the bridge over the Louetsi River (see below)!

NEW YEAR- 2009

2009-01-01T11:31:00.007+01:00

I had a lovely Christmas 2008 leading into a New Year's Eve party.

Dec.20- Christmas Cookie making party .

Dec. 21- Christmas church service at Memba Chapel. There were 13 people who made decisions for Christ during the service.

Dec. 24- Christmas Eve dinner with five friends.
Dec. 25- am.. Breakfast and opening gifts with friends.

Dec. 25- 1 pm Christmas dinner with the whole missionary family. We played games and had fun all day, stayed for supper leftovers and did not get home til about 8pm.

Dec. 29- 2nd Annual White Elephant gift party followed by a three hour game of Mexican Dominoes.

Happy New Year 2009!

Sinterklaas Day!

2008-12-05T15:53:00.009+01:00

Today, December 5th, the Dutch celebrate Sinterklaas Day (Santa Claus Day). I am half Swedish and was raised with Swedish traditions but my next door neighbors here in Africa are Dutch. This is their first Christmas season in Africa. I dressed with a "Mrs. Sinterklaas" hat and delivered a little Christmas Bear gift to their 16 month old daughter, Rebecca. It was fun to see Rebecca's reaction to me. She just stared and stared.

For a history of Sinterklaas Day, look at the following Wikipedia link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Nicholas

Christmas is NOT about Santa Claus. It's about CHRIST.

"The historic record of the birth of Christ can be found in Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 2:1-20. Unlike any other baby, the one born that night in Bethlehem was unique in all of history. He was not created by a human father and mother. He had a heavenly pre-existence (John 1:1-3, 14). He is God, the Son—Creator of the universe (Philippians 2:5-11). This is why Christmas is called the incarnation, a word which means “in the flesh.” In the birth of Jesus, the eternal, all-powerful and all-knowing Creator came to earth in the flesh."
The above description of the birth of Christ can be found in the link:

http://www.christiananswers.net/christmas/home.html

Picture from: http://download-free-pictures.com/

Videos of Gabon

2008-12-04T16:04:00.005+01:00

(photo taken on Bongolo Mission Station)
I have had fun today posting YouTube videos on this sight. Go to the bottom of my blog and you will find several videos about Mission trips to Gabon or other ministries here at the Bongolo Hospital. Check back again I will try to keep my blog video list updated as they are produced. Please comment here if you enjoyed the videos.

Thanksgiving Celebration!

2008-11-30T07:05:00.005+01:00

I celebrated Thanksgiving Day on Friday. There were 14 of us, 9 adults and 3 children. We had a delicious meal, with more than enough leftovers to eat again in the evening!

During the afternoon most watched a football game and then most played Mexican Train Dominoes. It was relaxing, spending the day with my Missionary family.

Why am I Thankful ?

2008-11-26T08:47:00.006+01:00

Photo by http://download-free-pictures.com/

Why am I Thankful?
1. I am thankful for Eternal Life in Jesus and that I know that "My Redeemer Lives"
2. I am thankful for physical life and health. I am a 4 1/2 year ovarian cancer survivor.
3. I am thankful for family. I have four married brothers, 8 nieces and nephews, a loving StepMother, 2 living step siblings with 8 step nieces and nephews and lots of grand nieces and nephews and of course an Aunt, Uncles and lots and lots of cousins!
4. I am thankful that I am a missionary in Africa. I've been here over thirty years and love what I do.
5. I am thankful for my missionary family. All my colleagues and also their children who call me, "Aunt Carolyn".
6. I am thankful for all my friends, prayer supporters, those who write me emails, those who gave to my new car, those who support me financially.
7. I am thankful for a new Nissan Patrol and that the title for the vehicle was finally issued!
8. I am thankful for cell phones in the jungle.
9. I am thankful for electricity in the jungle.
10. I am thankful for satellite TV in the jungle.
11. I am thankful for satellite internet in the jungle.
12. I am thankful for a Vonage internet phone in the jungle and that I have unlimited phone calls to the USA and Canada! WooHoo. I have a US phone number.
13. I am thankful for a bridge over our river. From 1977 to 1994 I had to cross my car from one side of town to the other on a glorified raft!
14. I am thankful that my cousin sent me an invitation to SparkPeople and that I opened it rather deleted it!
15. I am thankful that SparkPeople is FREE!
16. I am thankful that with SparkPeople I have been able to lose 20 pounds , rather than gain 20 pounds!!! WooHoo.

My list could go on and on..........

Thanksgiving Day Plans

2008-11-22T21:53:00.002+01:00

November 21, 2008

Dear family and Friends,

It is almost Thanksgiving Day so in America people may be getting some Thanksgiving cards in the mail. Someone came towards me this morning with a pile of mail. Mail is that which comes through the post office and not the computer. Our Airmail arrives at the Bongolo Hospital about once a month. The U.S. will no longer accept boat mail for Gabon and several other African nations. Well, anyway, I got some mail today. I said immediately, “Oh, my Birthday cards have arrived”. Sure enough! There were four Birthday cards for me. Now my Birthday was August 16^th, over three months ago. These cards were mailed AIRMAIL in August! They just got to me today, November 21^st. Thanks Hamlet, Maple Plain, Irene and the C&MA! If you mail your Christmas card now, I should be able to get it by about mid March! We get Christmas mail for MONTHS! Now, I’m not asking you to send me a card. I’m just giving you the facts! Please do send one if they have a Christmas letter in the. It’s best to send E-Cards as they arrive instantly!

Before Christmas though is Thanksgiving Day! Each Thanksgiving here on the Mission field we get together for a meal. We chose a day that will allow us the most relaxation. Normally it is Friday so this year we'll be celebrating on Friday instead of Thursday. Thursday will be a regular work day.

We will eat at the home of one of our surgeons. He and his wife have two children, 6 y.o. Luke and 4 y.o. Sara. There is another family with 15 month old Rebecca. In addition there is one couple who's kids are grown and in the States and there are five single women right now. We'll have three visitors too, a doctor and his two teenage daughters.

We ladies got together to make sure that we'll be preparing all the necessary foods. We can't get turkey in town except for turkey wings. We have decided to have both roasted chicken and turkey wings. I will put turkey wings in the crock pot to take it off the bones. I will then make dressing and put the turkey on top and heat them up in the oven. We will have mashed potatoes (either real or from Mousline, a French made instant potatoes that is tasty), sweet potatoes, veggies, salads, etc and of course desserts. I plan to make a peach pie.

We will meet for lunch at 1 pm. After lunch our hostess says she has some "trivia games" for us. They also have a Wii and we'll play some Wii this year. Everyone brings games and favorites include Dominoes, Mexican Golf, Smarter than a Fifth Grader, etc. Some will watch a football game that will be prerecorded off of Satellite TV.

After an afternoon of games and football, we'll eat leftovers for supper. It is one of two days in the year that we spend together as a station, eating two meals together. This has been my typical Thanksgiving Day for over thirty years now.

I give thanks to the Lord for all He IS to me and for all He does for me. Praise His name!

1 Chronicles 29:11-13 (KJV)

"Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.

Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.

Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name."

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Where are the Elephants?

2008-11-22T10:15:00.005+01:00

In the thirty plus years that I have lived in Gabon Africa, have I seen an elephant? Not even!
I've seen what was probably "droppings" from an elephant. I've seen photos that others have taken of elephants. I've heard of elephants trampling Africans' gardens but never have I seen one. I've seen elephants in the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo but not in Africa!

Exciting News!

2008-11-12T16:50:00.007+01:00

(photo of "Super Berries growing on the bark of a tree)
Here is a PRAISE REPORT: In September I wrote a letter that our Bongolo Hospital maintenance man Henri had given notice and would be leaving us in a couple of months. The very same week that Henri gave notice we learned of a couple from the U.S. Midwest who were interested in coming out to Gabon to do maintenance for the Bongolo Hospital. Paul and Meladee Davis have now been appointed to Gabon and are about ready to come! Thanks for praying that their house sell. It did. They have had a garage sale to sell off their belongings and they fly from the USA on December 8^th, arriving in Gabon on December 9^th! Praise the Lord for their willingness to come join us in Gabon. Pray as they say goodbye to their family and friends. Pray for their travel to Gabon and their adjustment to living on the equator! Thanks.

The Memba Chapel was struggling with attendance running about 10-15 people on Sunday mornings? You prayed and last Sunday there were 35 people. This weekend, November 15-16^th we are going to have a Seminar with Pastor Guy Patrick and I as speakers. There will be two sessions for children and two sessions for everyone. On Sunday Pastor will give communion and then we’ll have a potluck dinner. Pray for a message preparation for Pastor and I. Pray for a good attendance for Saturday and Sunday. Pray that God will move hearts.

Some of you are praying for Tim and Amanda Kelly and their three children who should arrive at Bongolo about March 1^st to head up a Center for receiving visitors to our hospital. We just got word this week that Tim and Amanda are coming to Gabon the first week in December for a site visit. Please pray that they get their passports, visas and necessary vaccinations in time for their flight.

To the right is a photo of a Frangy Panny Tree that near my house.

Please continue to pray that my old vehicle get fixed and then sold. The Isuzu Trooper is located in Libreville problems with the motor block, the same problem as the summer of 2007 when it broke down for me. Arnie even tried to sell it “as is” at a reduced price but was unable to do so. I am thankful that the car did not break down in September when I drove it to Libreville! I need the money from the sale of that car to pay for my new Nissan Patrol. and Arnie Solvig is trying to find someone to fix it. He will then put it “on the market” for selling it. The problem is that it has serious

The Title for my Nissan Patrol still has not been issued so I am driving on an expired “temporary” document. Pray that the title be released soon and that Arnie find a way to get it from Libreville down to me at the hospital. Other than that and the fact that my car fund is still in debt, it runs beautifully! It is hard to know how much I still need since I have not yet been able to sell the Isuzu Trooper. Please pray that this all get regulated soon. Thanks.

You can tell by this blog entry that your prayers are being answered but that your prayers are still needed. Thanks for praying.

My Survivor Gabon T-Shirt !

2008-11-02T13:05:00.004+01:00

I ordered a Survivor Gabon T-Shirt and it arrived in Gabon a week or so ago. I just thought you'd like to see that I've got the shirt. I watched the first night of the TV series but not the following weeks. I think that someone is taping it so I should be able to see the series later on.

My Update /STMO Coming to Bongolo

2008-10-29T18:45:00.011+01:00

(Photo of Tim, Amanda Kelly and their family)

I wanted to say a quick “hi” from Bongolo Hospital. I’ve been busy teaching Pathology in the Nursing School, doing hospital bookkeeping and assisting in doing Mission bookkeeping. There is plenty to keep me busy.
Please continue to pray that my old vehicle get fixed and then sold. The Isuzu Trooper is located in Libreville and Arnie Solvig is trying to find someone to fix it. He will then put it “on the market” for selling it.
I am enjoying driving my new Nissan Patrol vehicle. I bought it September 2nd and its two month temporary registration paper has just about expired. The government has not yet issued the permanent Title for the vehicle though. Please pray that the Title for my new car be issued and get from Libreville to me down at the hospital as soon as possible so that I will be able to continue driving with up-to-date papers. Thanks.
November 15-16 I will be helping with a weekend seminar at the Memba Chapel. Please pray for planning for that two day seminar. Pastor Guy Patrick will participate. He is the Pastor at the Lebamba church. The Memba Chapel is an annex of that church.
We have had many visitors at the hospital this month. Seven people from Florida left just this morning. Six other visitors are still here. The STMO is planning to set up a Center here at the hospital. STMO stands for Short Term Mission Office. Tim and Amanda Kelly and their three children should arrive at Bongolo about March 1st to head up a Center for receiving visitors to our hospital. One prayer request for the Kelly family is that their house sells before they move to Gabon.

The website for information about STMO is: http://www.cmalliance.org/serve/stmo/?/stmo.jsp.
The Kelly family has their own website at: http://stmogabon.org/index.html.

Well, I promised you that this would be a quick Update. Thanks so much for your support financially through your gifts to the Great Commission Fund. Thanks for your prayer support.

Halleluhia !

2008-10-17T05:47:00.005+01:00

I just got word of some large donations to my Carolyn Thorson Vehicle Fund! When my old ISUZU TROOPER is sold, I will then have enough money to completely pay for the beautiful black NISSAN PATROL that is sitting in my garage! PRAISE THE LORD!

PRAISE the LORD:

For friends who have given money to my car fund during the past few years.

For friends who have prayed for my car fund during the past few years.

Thanks to everyone!

Pray:

That my old Isuzu Trooper be repaired quickly.

That when sold my Isuzu Trooper brings a good sale price.

PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!

Travel, Seminar, Teaching!

2008-10-15T05:46:00.003+01:00

October 14, 2008 Email Prayer Letter

It's been three weeks since I last wrote and you are probably wondering if I am still "Surviving" in Gabon, the theme of my last letter. I have been so very busy but now want to update you. Since I last wrote I caught up after my car buying trip to Libreville, then made another trip to Libreville for Field Leadership Team meetings, returned to Bongolo Hospital and immediately attended a three day seminar. That ended late Sunday yesterday.

This week I am getting caught up on many projects, besides working hard on preparing and teaching Pathology to the nursing students at the Bongolo Hospital. We still have 11 nursing students but Oscar continues to do poorly with his studies so may have to be let go at the end of the trimester. Either way, I am sure he needs your prayers. Please also pray for wisdom for us, the professors.

My new Nissan Patrol vehicle runs great! It has now been back to Libreville for its first “check up” with Nissan Company and it passed.My vehicle account is in debt. I still have my Isuzu Trooper to sell but the problem is that the Trooper is again having motor problems and needs repairs before it can be sold. Please pray that the car be repaired to the point that it can be sold, that it will bring in a good selling price and that I will receive additional gifts to my vehicle fund to make up the difference. I figure that after the old car sells, I will still need $5,000-$6,000 to break even. I want to sincerely thank those of you who have given and given towards my Nissan Vehicle. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks!

This past weekend we missionaries attended a seminar using the book “Beyond Your Best- Develop Your Relationships, Fulfill Your Destiny” by Thrall, McElarthn and McNicol. An attached photo will show us working hard at completing our in seminar assignments! This seminar was taught by Chris and Marcia Braun. Chris is the Africa Area Director for the Alliance missionaries.

Allan Ballard our field bookkeeper was also visiting Bongolo this past weekend. He lives and works in Dakar Senegal. He is our Gabon Bookkeeper and I am his Assistant. It was good to be able to chat face to face about some transition issues and bookkeeping.

I still attend church in Memba Chapel and sometimes do the teaching on Sunday morning. I am trying to get a Seminar together for Memba for mid November. The Gabonese like concentrated teaching times. Please pray that the Lord direct in this. I think the weekend will be November 16^th but this is not certain.

This evening we missionary women here at Bongolo will begin the Beth Moore Bible study on “Daniel”. It will be our first get together for this. We’ll be having Bible Study on Tuesday evenings. Please pray that the Lord use this study in our lives. Thanks.

You ask how I spend my spare time. I am active on www.SparkPeople.com , an online weight loss site. I’ve been able to lose about twenty pounds through the support I get on this free site. Ask me about it if you wish!

Thanks to all of you who give to the Great Commission Fund. That is the fund that supports me. We heard this weekend that so far the gifts to that fund are meeting budget. Praise the Lord that in times of financial crises, people are still giving to the Lord’s work.

Thanks so much for praying, giving, writing, and encouraging me.

Mangoes !

2008-10-02T06:02:00.004+01:00

I have five huge mango trees in my back yard. The mangoes will be ripe at the end of October. There are thousands of mangoes on the trees this year! I am looking for mango recipes: mango pie, mango crisp, frozen mango, baked mango, etc. If anyone has a good mango recipe, please send it them to me. Thanks.

It's hard to get fresh fruit and veggies here. Lettuce, tomatoes, green peppers and cucumbers will only grow for a couple of months out the the year. Otherwise it is too wet here in the rain forest of Gabon. We're eating lots of veggies right now. Soon they will be gone and we will be back to canned or frozen veggies.

SURVIVING IN GABON !

2008-09-23T21:18:00.003+01:00

Yes, I am SURVIVING in Gabon! For one thing, I had my physical exam this past week and had a good checkup. I have been SURVIVING Ovarian Cancer since June 2004!

I teach in the Bongolo Hospital Nursing School and I survived the first week and a half of teaching Pathology class. I’m not sure though if my students successfully SURVIVED their first exam which they took this afternoon. I still need to correct the exam.

Our hospital maintenance man Henri has given notice and will leave us in a couple of months. We have good news that a couple from the Midwest is interested in selling all and moving to Gabon to help us with our maintenance needs. Praise the Lord! Pray that they be able to sell their house. In the meantime, pray that we SURVIVE the time between Henri’s leaving and the arrival of this couple. Our station is huge with much electrical, plumping, building, telephone, yard-work problems that need overseeing.

The Memba Chapel is having problems SURVIVING. In a village of about 800 people, this chapel only has about 10-15 regular attendees on Sunday morning. The only other church in town did not survive. This one is struggling. They have no resident Pastor so I help out with teaching in Sundays. Pray for the believers in Memba, that they would not neglect getting together for Sunday worship time or the Memba Chapel might not SURVIVE. The church is not just a building, it is PEOPLE.

Yesterday a cargo boat sank at the Port in Libreville Gabon. We have expected a container of items that we shipped to Gabon and that ship with container was to have arrived about NOW. We were very grateful that the ship that sank was NOT the ship that has our container on board and “our ship” SURVIVED! Please pray though as now there is a delay in docking “our” ship, the one that has the container that we had shipped!

I am back to my theme of SURVIVING in GABON. I have been a missionary in Gabon for thirty one years, since 1977. Some things from my past that no longer exist or things that still exist and I continue to survive include: a gasoline powered wringer wash machine, two years without the electric turbine, using lamp light, Kerosene refrigerator, malaria twice, bad roads, car breakdowns without AAA, Congo Fever, no see-um bugs but they bite anyway, snakes, rats living under the stove, “outhouse” boards that gave way, jigger fleas, flashlights instead of street lights, 18 years of using a ferry boat to get to the main part of town, mail delivery taking up to three months, breaking a leg that needed surgery in our jungle hospital, using bug spray, asthma, hardly any stores in town, no restaurants (no Fast Food), many missionaries coming but then leaving, goodbyes, the life and death of three cats (I apparently have more lives then them), and I could go on and on!

How am I SURVIVING? Well, now I have 24 electricity (when it works), satellite TV, electric stove, wash machine and refrigerator, toaster, Magic Bullet, microwave, bread maker, bridge over the Louetsi River, a borrowed cat when the neighbor is on a trip, lots of shops in town, African restaurants (still no Fast Food), indoor plumbing (have always had that in my house), email, Internet, Vonage phone, a new NISSAN PATROL vehicle (my old one still needs to sell) and I could go on and on! I am blessed!

In June and July the TV series “Survivor Gabon: Earth’s Last Eden” was filmed in Gabon. The filming was not done near the hospital where I live. Some missionaries living in the capital city were able to meet some of the film crew. This TV series will have its two hour CBS Premier this Thursday evening, September 25, 2008. I have seen very few of the other Survivor series but this one, well, it’s from Gabon! What can I say? My brother will record at least the first one for me. It won’t be shown here until probably next year! I do not promote this TV series. I merely know that there are a lot of you who watch it and I want you to know that Gabon is where I live!

Click below for Previews of “Survivor Gabon: Earth’s Last Eden”. These links will tell you a lot about the country where I live, work and SURVIVE!

Survivor: Gabon Season17 Preview

“Survivor: Gabon Preview Part I”

Thanks to all of you who have prayed for me and have supported me financially for all these years. You are loved.

Joyfully Surviving in Gabon,

Carolyn