Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Rusks
The recipe is:
1kg (4 cups) of farina de trigo confomento (whole wheat flour? I think)
5 copas (cups) fareb (bran)
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp salt
Mix these dry ingredients then add the following mix
500 grams (2 cups) butter
2 copas (cups) brown sugar
500 ml (16 oz) amasi (sour milk)
Bake at 180 degrees Celsius 45 minutes. Cut and then continue drying to toast. Cool and store in airtight container.
Well I did what I had praying all the while cause I didn't want to waste any food. My first try:
4 cups flour
5 cups ground flax seed meal
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp salt
1 cup coconut oil
1 cup agave
2 cups sprouted almond milk (using 1 cup sprouted almonds and water to the 2 cup line)
1kg (4 cups) of farina de trigo confomento (whole wheat flour? I think)
5 copas (cups) fareb (bran)
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp salt
Mix these dry ingredients then add the following mix
500 grams (2 cups) butter
2 copas (cups) brown sugar
500 ml (16 oz) amasi (sour milk)
Bake at 180 degrees Celsius 45 minutes. Cut and then continue drying to toast. Cool and store in airtight container.
Well I did what I had praying all the while cause I didn't want to waste any food. My first try:
4 cups flour
5 cups ground flax seed meal
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp salt
1 cup coconut oil
1 cup agave
2 cups sprouted almond milk (using 1 cup sprouted almonds and water to the 2 cup line)
Lonely
Did the laundry. Exercised. Somehow I'm lonely today. Yesterday Daddy caught the 2 guards? with 2 big bags of mangoes and made them bring them to the house and called Sammy (a Maranatha friend that speaks ok English) and made him tell them that they were not to take the fruit from this place. They tried to split it with Dad but he said no. It just wasn't right. They didn't like it much. Then we are to go overland to Biera and Drew had purchased fuel on David’s request for this trip and had it put in the garage. I was here the day it came and they packed it to the garage. Brundee and Dad both saw it too. Well its gone and now we have to find out where. Sammy was suppose to show up at 8:00 this am to get to the bottom of it, but never showed.
Hey I made a neat recipe called Rusks. I guess when the pioneers settled this area they made it because it didn't spoil in the humid climate and would last a long time.
It turned out and is very delicious. Kind of addicting Brundee said. So we can take it with us on the overland with trail mix and beans and rice and get the fresh stuff along the way. We will be gone for 5 days at least OUT THERE. Should be interesting. I will take some Portuguese bibles with me. Pray that our things here will be safe while we're gone. Drew won't be back for a few more days.
Hey I made a neat recipe called Rusks. I guess when the pioneers settled this area they made it because it didn't spoil in the humid climate and would last a long time.
It turned out and is very delicious. Kind of addicting Brundee said. So we can take it with us on the overland with trail mix and beans and rice and get the fresh stuff along the way. We will be gone for 5 days at least OUT THERE. Should be interesting. I will take some Portuguese bibles with me. Pray that our things here will be safe while we're gone. Drew won't be back for a few more days.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas
Well it’s Christmas and laundry day! That is why the pictures are so glamorous. We had raw coconut pudding for our gourmet specialty for the holiday. It was a job as the pictures will show, most of the work being done by the mighty mango and coconut picker Brundee himself. The coconuts were harvested and washed Christmas Eve. And first thing Christmas morning the work began. We feasted on fresh pineapple and coconut with coconut milk for breakfast. Christmas dinner was fried potatoes with cucumbers and then the pudding! mmMMMmm! Brundee finally got a moment to walk around and take a few pictures of where we live. The picture of the Toyota Land Cruiser with the brown box on top will be our next home on the road. God has been so good to us. We have not been sick and have had such good food to eat, we have been safe on the roads and at work. God's marvelous grace! Enjoy the pictures and hopefully there will be more soon. You mean so much to us and we pray for you each day. Have a wonderful Holiday! Ours was good.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Happy Holidays!!!
Dear Family and Friends,
We've been in Africa since Dec. 4 2009. The trip Portland, D.C. Dakar, Johannesburg, Maputo was crazy and seemingly endless but we finally arrived. And thanks to answered prayers got all of our luggage over the next week. My clothes were the very last to arrive which was a test of my patience. Good thing for the one outfit Bruce got me in the gift shop of the hotel at Joburg.. I wouldn't have had anything to wear to church.
We live in a 50s home built by the Portugese on a lovely grounds with mangoes coconuts tangerines oranges papayas lichi pineapple and pomegranate…What’s on now are coconut and mangoes compliments of Brundee. Maranatha’s guards seem to think it is their job to pick all the fruit they can to take with each day when they go. So one day the tree is hanging full and the next empty. Brundee and I caught on to this and made substantial harvests and today two days before Christmas I put 4 Gallons of mango in the freezer. The first day I went to the local Shop Rite who do you think I saw? Santa Claus. And as I was shopping I listened to strangely familiar Christmas tunes howbeit with Portuguese lyrics and a definite African twist. Its so strange. It doesn’t look or smell or feel like Christmas except for the traffic. If I could tell Santa what I wanted It'd be a washer. It kills to do greasy jeans. And they don't come too clean either.(but a good Speed Queen is ONLY 900 to 1200 US$ here) Anyhow I don't speak his language. Ha! There is so much interesting history here. At one time Maputo was the tourist capitol of Africa. Our first Sabbath afternoon we toured the city a little. There is a grand old park with a house made of metal. It was built by the man who made the Eiffel Tower. Nobody could ever live in it its too hot but its really neat to look at. The park was from the 30s and the plants and ponds terraces and outdoor theatres were something to see. One area with huge pillars was totally covered in a flowering vine whose branches were immense. Someday it may bring the supports down. It was gorgeous. It seemed as though every park bench had a cozy couple on it. Other than the mosquito’s it was a great place for courting and proposing. But the thing I remember the most was the huge flocks of bats. Fruit bats laying low in the trees in the heat of the day. They are in our yard too and when they come out at dusk they are soo noisy. Bruce’s first assignment was to go overland hundreds of kilometers away to fetch 2 Samil trucks. One broken down the other a roll over. What a trip and what adventures he had on the way. Brundee's first job was welding windows and doors for the school addition in Maputo. The shop is in a gated very roomy area with well made buildings and a well. Mango trees here as well. So the workers have worship at 7 am and go to eating mangoes and visiting with each other walking slowly over to get drinks breaking for the free lunch to continue the same. The children stop by to gather the bowls of mangoes dad knocks down for them to take home or to market...until the boss shows up then how the sparks do fly and the area buzzes with activity. When the boss goes home its back to the drag until closing then switcho changeo on go the fancy street clothes. Out come the ipods and people are moving out. Its interesting to observe. And don't set your gloves or safety glasses down for a minute. They won't be there. Bruce is proposing some spread sheets for tool check out to teach the workers accountability. It is a privilege to have a good job. But the best thing is the example of your own life of course. We will be here a couple of months and then moving on to Malawi. We had to go to South Africa for parts and tools and the popup tent for our overland cruiser… It was such a beautiful drive. A man plowing fields with Watusi cattle. The huts and kraals for the animals at night so pretty in the landscape. Then of course the not so pretty tolls, borders, and customs. Out of Mozambique and into South Africa. The scenery really changed to mountains of rocks stacked up jungle growing all over them. There were miles of banana groves. Fruit markets along the Highway and side roads. The rivers were full up. I guess one of the SA sports is taking kayaks down the swollen rivers and over the falls. In Nelspruit were all kinds of stores and a huge mall with the logo Everything In One Place. Too true cinemas food courts groceries any kind of salon spa treatment anything. What drives people world round is love of the world lust of the flesh and the pride of life which can be found anywhere but is really obvious in the cities. In Nelspruit SA Brundee and I had our first experience with?? We were in a parking lot waiting to meet up with dad. Brundee had just gotten back from the restroom. He told me lock the doors arm the car keep the windows up. It was sooo hot so I had them down a little. Well as I said he just got back and someone started jumping on the back of the vehicle and shouting I see something trying to get Brundee to get out of the car. We relocked the doors and rolled up the windows except for the one behind Brundee. He didn’t know I opened it. He honked and shouted heah! And the man ran up to his window yelling to get out so he could show him something wrong with the truck. He saw the open window and could have grabbed him or his backpack. We took like a shot with him running after us with a buddy. We almost hit a car pulling out into the road in our haste to make our escape. We went down a short block and crossed an intersection and parked in a secure parking lot of a store we had been to earlier. Waiting there we watched them try to rob another pickup at the KFC. One guy checked out the parking lot and waved to the other and he came and would have taken stuff but the owner was behind the truck. Bad guys. On the way to the shop we pass by a beautiful garden area. Here is where you find the poor hard working people (who are really the richest happiest). The huts are tiny but spic and span and the gardens immaculate. I forget the name but they are raised rectangles that go on for miles and the people hand water weed and grow all kinds of greens and potatoes and who knows what all. It is beautiful and peaceful in contrast to the city its next to. As for me the first few weeks have been like living in a hostel or flophouse as volunteers are transitioning out of the country to new places. But now it is just us and the office in one corner of the house. The accountant will be back in another week or so from holiday and is moved in temporarily till he moves on to Biera. I asked for the maids to not be underfoot so I can get more settled and have more freedom in the kitchen and so the groceries we buy don’t walk off. It was hard there for awhile. There’s a history for them and I am a big change. Poor people I asked for the wise as serpent harmless as a dove wisdom from God. I came to give of myself and find myself in a peculiar position of being taken from which is different than giving. I do love these people but don't care for their habits. Africa is a beautiful country and I have only seen a drop in the bucket. Can't wait for overland and animals. Pray for us. This is the worst form of malaria in this area. There are real dangers. God has been so good to us. We love and miss you all and pray for you everyday. Jesus is soon to come and we want to do as much good as we can while we can. I never thought we would get a call to Africa. I guess every kid at one time or another wanted to go over the sea and be a missionary in Africa. It’s very far from all that we love most in this world. Hate to miss a minute of our families and those adorable grandaughters but we are excited to be here and help keep the work moving on. Pray that we will make a difference and be a blessing.
Love,
Bruce & Tanya
Brundee
We've been in Africa since Dec. 4 2009. The trip Portland, D.C. Dakar, Johannesburg, Maputo was crazy and seemingly endless but we finally arrived. And thanks to answered prayers got all of our luggage over the next week. My clothes were the very last to arrive which was a test of my patience. Good thing for the one outfit Bruce got me in the gift shop of the hotel at Joburg.. I wouldn't have had anything to wear to church.
We live in a 50s home built by the Portugese on a lovely grounds with mangoes coconuts tangerines oranges papayas lichi pineapple and pomegranate…What’s on now are coconut and mangoes compliments of Brundee. Maranatha’s guards seem to think it is their job to pick all the fruit they can to take with each day when they go. So one day the tree is hanging full and the next empty. Brundee and I caught on to this and made substantial harvests and today two days before Christmas I put 4 Gallons of mango in the freezer. The first day I went to the local Shop Rite who do you think I saw? Santa Claus. And as I was shopping I listened to strangely familiar Christmas tunes howbeit with Portuguese lyrics and a definite African twist. Its so strange. It doesn’t look or smell or feel like Christmas except for the traffic. If I could tell Santa what I wanted It'd be a washer. It kills to do greasy jeans. And they don't come too clean either.(but a good Speed Queen is ONLY 900 to 1200 US$ here) Anyhow I don't speak his language. Ha! There is so much interesting history here. At one time Maputo was the tourist capitol of Africa. Our first Sabbath afternoon we toured the city a little. There is a grand old park with a house made of metal. It was built by the man who made the Eiffel Tower. Nobody could ever live in it its too hot but its really neat to look at. The park was from the 30s and the plants and ponds terraces and outdoor theatres were something to see. One area with huge pillars was totally covered in a flowering vine whose branches were immense. Someday it may bring the supports down. It was gorgeous. It seemed as though every park bench had a cozy couple on it. Other than the mosquito’s it was a great place for courting and proposing. But the thing I remember the most was the huge flocks of bats. Fruit bats laying low in the trees in the heat of the day. They are in our yard too and when they come out at dusk they are soo noisy. Bruce’s first assignment was to go overland hundreds of kilometers away to fetch 2 Samil trucks. One broken down the other a roll over. What a trip and what adventures he had on the way. Brundee's first job was welding windows and doors for the school addition in Maputo. The shop is in a gated very roomy area with well made buildings and a well. Mango trees here as well. So the workers have worship at 7 am and go to eating mangoes and visiting with each other walking slowly over to get drinks breaking for the free lunch to continue the same. The children stop by to gather the bowls of mangoes dad knocks down for them to take home or to market...until the boss shows up then how the sparks do fly and the area buzzes with activity. When the boss goes home its back to the drag until closing then switcho changeo on go the fancy street clothes. Out come the ipods and people are moving out. Its interesting to observe. And don't set your gloves or safety glasses down for a minute. They won't be there. Bruce is proposing some spread sheets for tool check out to teach the workers accountability. It is a privilege to have a good job. But the best thing is the example of your own life of course. We will be here a couple of months and then moving on to Malawi. We had to go to South Africa for parts and tools and the popup tent for our overland cruiser… It was such a beautiful drive. A man plowing fields with Watusi cattle. The huts and kraals for the animals at night so pretty in the landscape. Then of course the not so pretty tolls, borders, and customs. Out of Mozambique and into South Africa. The scenery really changed to mountains of rocks stacked up jungle growing all over them. There were miles of banana groves. Fruit markets along the Highway and side roads. The rivers were full up. I guess one of the SA sports is taking kayaks down the swollen rivers and over the falls. In Nelspruit were all kinds of stores and a huge mall with the logo Everything In One Place. Too true cinemas food courts groceries any kind of salon spa treatment anything. What drives people world round is love of the world lust of the flesh and the pride of life which can be found anywhere but is really obvious in the cities. In Nelspruit SA Brundee and I had our first experience with?? We were in a parking lot waiting to meet up with dad. Brundee had just gotten back from the restroom. He told me lock the doors arm the car keep the windows up. It was sooo hot so I had them down a little. Well as I said he just got back and someone started jumping on the back of the vehicle and shouting I see something trying to get Brundee to get out of the car. We relocked the doors and rolled up the windows except for the one behind Brundee. He didn’t know I opened it. He honked and shouted heah! And the man ran up to his window yelling to get out so he could show him something wrong with the truck. He saw the open window and could have grabbed him or his backpack. We took like a shot with him running after us with a buddy. We almost hit a car pulling out into the road in our haste to make our escape. We went down a short block and crossed an intersection and parked in a secure parking lot of a store we had been to earlier. Waiting there we watched them try to rob another pickup at the KFC. One guy checked out the parking lot and waved to the other and he came and would have taken stuff but the owner was behind the truck. Bad guys. On the way to the shop we pass by a beautiful garden area. Here is where you find the poor hard working people (who are really the richest happiest). The huts are tiny but spic and span and the gardens immaculate. I forget the name but they are raised rectangles that go on for miles and the people hand water weed and grow all kinds of greens and potatoes and who knows what all. It is beautiful and peaceful in contrast to the city its next to. As for me the first few weeks have been like living in a hostel or flophouse as volunteers are transitioning out of the country to new places. But now it is just us and the office in one corner of the house. The accountant will be back in another week or so from holiday and is moved in temporarily till he moves on to Biera. I asked for the maids to not be underfoot so I can get more settled and have more freedom in the kitchen and so the groceries we buy don’t walk off. It was hard there for awhile. There’s a history for them and I am a big change. Poor people I asked for the wise as serpent harmless as a dove wisdom from God. I came to give of myself and find myself in a peculiar position of being taken from which is different than giving. I do love these people but don't care for their habits. Africa is a beautiful country and I have only seen a drop in the bucket. Can't wait for overland and animals. Pray for us. This is the worst form of malaria in this area. There are real dangers. God has been so good to us. We love and miss you all and pray for you everyday. Jesus is soon to come and we want to do as much good as we can while we can. I never thought we would get a call to Africa. I guess every kid at one time or another wanted to go over the sea and be a missionary in Africa. It’s very far from all that we love most in this world. Hate to miss a minute of our families and those adorable grandaughters but we are excited to be here and help keep the work moving on. Pray that we will make a difference and be a blessing.
Love,
Bruce & Tanya
Brundee
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
A wish list of sorts
My holiday wish list… I know I am just dreaming!
jean capris
khaki capris
black capris
Dads flip flops
4 big bottles of yummy shampoo
hand sanitizer
Ziplocks gals, quarts, pints
earth science natural lichen deoderant(me) mine broke and fell apart in the dirty
natural misquito repel (someone said citronella ?
a package of scrubber sponges
20 flour sack (fast drying) towels
nail buffer 4 sided
3 Emergen-C lemon lime
disposable gloves
hair bands loved the one I had stayed put (broken now)
music cds old acapella, cadets, 2 piano hymns 1 bluegrass(my house)
waffler iron
Pam cooking spray
Pampered chef citrus juicer on porch and garlic press
chop and go from Pampered chef
my tiny food processor
mosquito tents for over king bed 2 the nets here have insect rep in them makes you ill
6 flat sheets, 3 comforters, 3 duvets, 3 pillows and 6 slips
pictures, egw, bible, concordance
psyllium husk
agave
maple syrup (dad)
cinnamon, ginger, clove
medjool dates
organic corn chips crushed and bagged
graham crackers crushed and bagged ( recipe for crust)
recipe for almond coconut crumble
tortilla press and recipe for flour and corn tortillas
spelt, wheat
2 picodagillo 2 chili con limon
more liquid limes
olives chopped
2 enchilada sauce
6 pizza sauce
tomato sauce and roasted garlic paste (Contadina I think)
plastic jug green and red sauce
Rawvolution bars
lara bars
barley green
barley green cleanse
freeze dried beans and soups
freeze dried strawberries pineapple cherries and blueberries, fruit salad, tropical and raisins
freeze dried fruit powders any flavors
last but not least a couple miracle bras....... if that’s not toooooooo much to ask.......
I know, I think its hopeless!
Well that is just a few things…ha ha smurk laugh ha ha smurk laugh snort! It was a blast just writing it all down!
jean capris
khaki capris
black capris
Dads flip flops
4 big bottles of yummy shampoo
hand sanitizer
Ziplocks gals, quarts, pints
earth science natural lichen deoderant(me) mine broke and fell apart in the dirty
natural misquito repel (someone said citronella ?
a package of scrubber sponges
20 flour sack (fast drying) towels
nail buffer 4 sided
3 Emergen-C lemon lime
disposable gloves
hair bands loved the one I had stayed put (broken now)
music cds old acapella, cadets, 2 piano hymns 1 bluegrass(my house)
waffler iron
Pam cooking spray
Pampered chef citrus juicer on porch and garlic press
chop and go from Pampered chef
my tiny food processor
mosquito tents for over king bed 2 the nets here have insect rep in them makes you ill
6 flat sheets, 3 comforters, 3 duvets, 3 pillows and 6 slips
pictures, egw, bible, concordance
psyllium husk
agave
maple syrup (dad)
cinnamon, ginger, clove
medjool dates
organic corn chips crushed and bagged
graham crackers crushed and bagged ( recipe for crust)
recipe for almond coconut crumble
tortilla press and recipe for flour and corn tortillas
spelt, wheat
2 picodagillo 2 chili con limon
more liquid limes
olives chopped
2 enchilada sauce
6 pizza sauce
tomato sauce and roasted garlic paste (Contadina I think)
plastic jug green and red sauce
Rawvolution bars
lara bars
barley green
barley green cleanse
freeze dried beans and soups
freeze dried strawberries pineapple cherries and blueberries, fruit salad, tropical and raisins
freeze dried fruit powders any flavors
last but not least a couple miracle bras....... if that’s not toooooooo much to ask.......
I know, I think its hopeless!
Well that is just a few things…ha ha smurk laugh ha ha smurk laugh snort! It was a blast just writing it all down!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
To my Eden Aariell
Dear Eden,
In all the world there is no Gramma as lucky as me!
Yesterday on the way home from South Africa we saw the coolest huts with dark brown grass roofs and the sides were made out of a tan looking mud. They were so pretty with all the grasslands and trees around them. Next to the huts they had kraals were they put their cattle and goats in at night to be safe. We saw a man plowing with two watusi cattle on our way to SA and on the way back all kinds of fields were plowed up. I wonder if he did it all by himself? So many people pass by our gate everyday and I wonder if they know about Jesus? I can't wait for some literature so I can share Jesus with them. There is a mother with a baby tied on her back and right behind her son with a little sister tied on his back and they are always carrying some things to the market avenue a quarter mile away. The mommy is always walking very fast and the little boy has to run sometimes to keep up. She seems very tired and hard working. I have never seen her smile. But the other day I got to see the boy smile just a little. His back must get very hot and tired but he never stops. I think it’s nice he is a helper and not just go running around playing. We had pineapple and mangoes for breakfast with fresh coconuts and spelt. It was really good and our hearts were overflowing with thankfulness for the good food and that it was Sabbath! I can't wait to send you pictures of where we are right now. Uncle Brundee said maybe tomorrow! I've got to write to your Mommy now. When you go to bed at night remember I'm thinking about you and if I was there you know what I would do. I'd hug you and kiss you and squeeze you so tight and say I love you forever and ever! You know I do and you promised never to forget. Right? I love you Eden.
Love,
Gramma
In all the world there is no Gramma as lucky as me!
Yesterday on the way home from South Africa we saw the coolest huts with dark brown grass roofs and the sides were made out of a tan looking mud. They were so pretty with all the grasslands and trees around them. Next to the huts they had kraals were they put their cattle and goats in at night to be safe. We saw a man plowing with two watusi cattle on our way to SA and on the way back all kinds of fields were plowed up. I wonder if he did it all by himself? So many people pass by our gate everyday and I wonder if they know about Jesus? I can't wait for some literature so I can share Jesus with them. There is a mother with a baby tied on her back and right behind her son with a little sister tied on his back and they are always carrying some things to the market avenue a quarter mile away. The mommy is always walking very fast and the little boy has to run sometimes to keep up. She seems very tired and hard working. I have never seen her smile. But the other day I got to see the boy smile just a little. His back must get very hot and tired but he never stops. I think it’s nice he is a helper and not just go running around playing. We had pineapple and mangoes for breakfast with fresh coconuts and spelt. It was really good and our hearts were overflowing with thankfulness for the good food and that it was Sabbath! I can't wait to send you pictures of where we are right now. Uncle Brundee said maybe tomorrow! I've got to write to your Mommy now. When you go to bed at night remember I'm thinking about you and if I was there you know what I would do. I'd hug you and kiss you and squeeze you so tight and say I love you forever and ever! You know I do and you promised never to forget. Right? I love you Eden.
Love,
Gramma
To my Teagan Belle
To my dear onliest Teagan,
I am sorry that your heart cries. My heart hurts too whenever I think of you. And especially when I see the big wide ocean and remember all the hours I flew away from you and all that I love so dear at home. BUT, When I think of your giggles and wiggles and how you love your Kailah and look out for her and all the fun you have with Eden and when I think of you all dressed up like a fine ladies playing with your dollies I'm happy then cause I remember so much all the fun we've had together and how good your hugs feel(like you hug me with your whole heart)and your sweet smooches I can't help but feel better! I want you to remember something really important. Okay? There is nothing that can bring us comfort like Jesus. He is so tender and so true... He knows when we are sad and if we listen His spirit speaks to our hearts. Sometimes we may be separated and the big wide ocean may roll between us. We may not get to show each other how much we care by doing things together but nothing and no distance can seperate us from our heavenly Comforter. Wherever we are, wherever we may go, He is always there! Jesus gave us this comforter since He can't be with us right now in person. This Comforter is always at our side to hold us up and make us cheerful in our hearts. Don't forget how much Jesus loves you! And remember I love you oodles too!
Love,
Gramma
I am sorry that your heart cries. My heart hurts too whenever I think of you. And especially when I see the big wide ocean and remember all the hours I flew away from you and all that I love so dear at home. BUT, When I think of your giggles and wiggles and how you love your Kailah and look out for her and all the fun you have with Eden and when I think of you all dressed up like a fine ladies playing with your dollies I'm happy then cause I remember so much all the fun we've had together and how good your hugs feel(like you hug me with your whole heart)and your sweet smooches I can't help but feel better! I want you to remember something really important. Okay? There is nothing that can bring us comfort like Jesus. He is so tender and so true... He knows when we are sad and if we listen His spirit speaks to our hearts. Sometimes we may be separated and the big wide ocean may roll between us. We may not get to show each other how much we care by doing things together but nothing and no distance can seperate us from our heavenly Comforter. Wherever we are, wherever we may go, He is always there! Jesus gave us this comforter since He can't be with us right now in person. This Comforter is always at our side to hold us up and make us cheerful in our hearts. Don't forget how much Jesus loves you! And remember I love you oodles too!
Love,
Gramma
Sunday, December 13, 2009
A beggar mans good providence
Dad is still on his trek overland with a helper steering the vehicle in tow. They came around one corner to find a set of three speed bumps and Dad said poor guy behind both trucks caught air! Kind a scary… Then they hit a terrific rain storm that soaked them both. Pressing on thru they came to a place to stop for Sabbath and today Sunday found 2 of the huge tires were flat. They are over the halfway now but it could be a couple days as some of the worst road is ahead and its slow going. Can't wait till he's home even though I must admit having the bed to myself has been wonderful! A double is awfully small for 1 person in our family and try it with two and don’t touch the mosquito net or you’ll get bit. (more like eaten alive!!!) It's a double extra short Portuguese style bed.
Daddy just called at breakfast this am when he had breakfast they served him up bread and beans and a cabbage/greens dish with some kind of broth and 2 big hunks of fat which they said was not pig but cow (BUT FAT!!!) then he found out the beans had pig in them so he started on the bread (being vegan) thinking how am I going to get out of this one??? He couldn't leave it and then saving grace showed up! A beggar man begging for a meal and daddy moved over and had him sit up to a feast! He said his eyes were popping out and he was smacking his lips. He couldn't believe his good providence. He’s come by Dad a couple times today doesn't want to miss out on another possibility. Dad walked all over town and one tire shop could do it but is not open on Sundays. The other was open but it’s too big of a tire. As we were talking the man who could do it if he only would stopped by hopefully he will help. Dad said if he had the tools he would have already done it himself and they would have been long gone. He was cheerful though it’s just like being in Haiti.
Brundee drove for the first time alone through the miasma of the city on the wrong side of the car on the wrong side of the road. Pray Pray Pray people out there drive crazy and there are no rules. Hello to all of you!
Brundee drove for the first time alone through the miasma of the city on the wrong side of the car on the wrong side of the road. Pray Pray Pray people out there drive crazy and there are no rules. Hello to all of you!
Shopping in Maputo
I went shopping for the first time on Thursday. Debbie took me. I got the things on my list and headed to the check out… A smiling young man greeted me and there were 3 ladies bagging. 4 full bags into my pile and we were at 532R nice. Then the avocados were added some big ones on a special that had to be picked thru carefully but there were some good ones. The man had said dirt cheap. Suddenly my total went up to 1768R I said stop and he called the manager and I tried to explain the avocados were too high and he said something like I was complaining trying to get them for free! Seriously! He said what he would do for me was start all over and I must choose what I wanted and control my mountain. This he said 3 times (about the mountain part) But they were all still smiling as they unloaded the bags and began again. So we added everything without the avocados and did just fine. About that time my friend showed up wondering what was taking sooo long and I told her about the expensive avocados and she called the manager and explained again and since they had already taken my first picks back he said come with me and we went and sure enough he saw the deal and I picked them out again and weighed them and I got 12 for 28.75R They are 60R each. I was so glad he knew I was telling the truth and that I got my Avocados!!! My total was 1992.75R I had 2000R in my purse. Always was a close shopper!! They were all still smiling the manager (who was a really nice man) told me to have a good day. I wish I didn’t have to shop here. So much easier to eat a mango’s.
Friday we got out the greens and the pineapple juice for a smoothie. Brundee was super excited! He happily filled the blender up and it would not work. Should’ve checked first we don’t have the right adapter/inverter... So he had fresh coconut milk instead. I've never been too fond of it but, fresh I really enjoy it.
Had the kitchen all to my self today made I tacos for Sabbath and sang! There were so many people here to see Drew earlier in the week, volunteers transitioning out of the country on to the next jobs etc.
Friday we got out the greens and the pineapple juice for a smoothie. Brundee was super excited! He happily filled the blender up and it would not work. Should’ve checked first we don’t have the right adapter/inverter... So he had fresh coconut milk instead. I've never been too fond of it but, fresh I really enjoy it.
Had the kitchen all to my self today made I tacos for Sabbath and sang! There were so many people here to see Drew earlier in the week, volunteers transitioning out of the country on to the next jobs etc.
Praise the Lord
Debbie’s husband Gary got home Thursday at 8:00 with a bad ear ache. They spent Friday am in Maputo doing paperwork for their move and he got to feeling weaker and weaker. He went home and to bed and by Sabbath woke up worse. He was having chills by this time they took him to the medical clinic and after a malaria screen. After the screening a Dr said he had a fungal growth in his ear and come back at 6 pm to have it taken out? I had shared them the silver sol and Melrose oil Friday night. She gave him foot baths etc. We were praying for this treatment not to have to be done and on the way to the clinic just after they passed thru the toll they got a call, the Drs were too busy. Praise the Lord! Melaluca down the ear and he was better this am and went to shop with Brundee to work. Lord willing it will heal and they will not need to pay thousands of rand for services that may lead to a worse infection or?
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Please pray!!
Dad is in Biera has not started the trek home because of parts. This may take awhile. At least I can talk to him on the phone. Wish I could call my kids in the US every night! Tuesday I went to the shop with Brundee all day left at 6:30. You wouldn't believe all the traffic and people. Each vehicle is rated for a speed according to its make and capacity. So vehicles can go 60-80 miles an hour unless posted and let me tell you right now these are not the kind of roads to do that on let alone all the grossly overloaded people haulers which come in every make and size flying down the roads with arms and yes legs sticking out of windows and side doors! Coming into the city I saw the most amazing gardens acres of them with all sorts of things growing. So well cared for! And the so called poorer classed were out sweeping their dirt yards with palm branches everything so tidy really beautiful and in striking contrast to the large high rises bulging with people. Always the trees and landscape soften the scenery. And I have never seen so many mango trees just loaded with fruit. The shop is really neat and has a huge grounds also. The day started with worship and a prayer circle. On the way over the welding dept I admired some mangos wondering if they were ripe enough to eat. A couple moments later a man came with 2 fresh washed ones in hand for me so after saying a prayer I peeled and ate them and oh so very good! I helped the ladies Maranatha hires for cooking for the workers haul their garbage out to their surprise and busied myself with a wheelbarrow and rake getting rid of trash and a dead rat by the eating area, read my bible some and two small books then getting really sore and no place to sit, kept Brundee company when I could at his work which was welding windows and doors for the new school. I saw 5 or so varieties of birds, and some pretty skinks one was huge! But never saw one of the illusive’s blue with the bright orange head. Can't wait till I see one of those!
As Brundee was working the mig welder quit. He got out the stick welder and it quit working. He got out another to discover it didn't work either so he went out back and someone had shut off the power hmmm. Then after welding a short time oh no! No more rod, so back to the mig welder and then he ran out of gas! This is a huge warehouse shop. No problem... So he went to the next job the rear ended Toyota pickup to open it up to see what damages it had but someone had welded something on it so he couldn't. Enough to try a guys patience!!
It was quite an entertaining day all in all. As we help tie off the loose ends please pray for our safety here as most of the workers have or will be leaving and we will be up for it alone (with God). Not one speaks English of the guards and I'm continually confused as the face changes so many times I can’t keep up with all the names.
As Brundee was working the mig welder quit. He got out the stick welder and it quit working. He got out another to discover it didn't work either so he went out back and someone had shut off the power hmmm. Then after welding a short time oh no! No more rod, so back to the mig welder and then he ran out of gas! This is a huge warehouse shop. No problem... So he went to the next job the rear ended Toyota pickup to open it up to see what damages it had but someone had welded something on it so he couldn't. Enough to try a guys patience!!
It was quite an entertaining day all in all. As we help tie off the loose ends please pray for our safety here as most of the workers have or will be leaving and we will be up for it alone (with God). Not one speaks English of the guards and I'm continually confused as the face changes so many times I can’t keep up with all the names.
Our favorite daily reading...
The good news here is there are plenty of tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, even potatoes and a few other veggies for a price! There are greens what they call spinach here is our chard. If you can afford it the only other problem is sanitation! We've all had one weird belly thing but charcoal fixed it right up. The government comes and mandatorily sprays every house and yard with deet…and who knows what else periodically and without notice. Psalms 91 is becoming our favorite daily reading. The house here is 5 bedrooms 3 baths but very little water pressure. Part of this is used for office of course and there’s a caretakers home behind. Despite the lovely windows and beauty of the yard because of the climate they are smelly and musty. I open the windows on the cool side every chance I get for air... It is large for which I am grateful since it’s not safe to roam about I don't feel totally closed in. Oh for a good mop and some cleaning supplies and a toilet brush. This place needs some work. We enjoy the lichi fruits. People call them sheep eyes cause out of the skin that’s exactly what they look like. Oh the little green mangoes are so good you can even eat them on the unripe side like an apple which the kids in the street do all the time! I used some tiny onions and garlic cloves that Anu gave me with a hot pepper in olive with noodles and Brundee climbed up and got us a huge pile of coconuts and then Debbie my South African friend invited David and us over for dinner. Her home is huge each room with its own bath. Big beautiful grounds and a huge pool! Too bad they are leaving the country on Tuesday next. I wish my granddaughters could meet her Kelly who is 8 years old. She served us refreshments in the lounge. Then we had dinner in the dining room. (the biggest dining room I've ever seen in a home) And then I helped her with the dishes. She is such a wonderful lady! Please pray for them Gary & Debbie Antony Joshua and Kelly. I do hope we meet again. Was up again at 4:30 seems to be the new sync. Shared Charcoal with some one who was having bad pains from Mozambican food ate, who is all better today! The day before we treated someone’s throat with clove oil. Canker sore? It helped told him peroxide or salt water washes. This morning the maid, a sweet lady named Gloria came in sick coughing and achy like some of the other workers I shared some tea and had Ernesto who speaks a little English tell her for me how to make it and what it was for. Psalms 91 The chair at my desk is insufferable my legs are totally numb. Write me and check back tonight after Brundee gets home and we will try to send some pictures! Wish I could hug you right now and show you around. I am truly thankful that things aren't rougher but cannot wait till I'm overland! Out in the better air and far away from all this city. Grace until then.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Mozambique
6 bags came Sabbath. And yes the other mosquito net! 2 are more bags are due today pray, pray, pray! Sabbath was interesting…We went to the big English church in the city. It's like Haiti all over again en masse. There was a special Patherfinder program. The pastors sermon was based on the story of Paul and Eutychus and he said where were the elders of the church telling the young man the place he was sitting was not safe? Where were the church members when he began to cross eyes and nod off the shake the leg to wake him to his danger? It was about watching and not sleeping. And he encouraged his congregation when they saw a brother or sister starting down the wrong path not to sit idly by, when they saw someone falling asleep spiritually to there real condition to not be the same but to rouse to action and watch for others souls. On the way out they empty the rows front to back and as we came out the whole church shook our hands and wished us happy Sabbath. It took some time! We had haystacks at Elizabeth’s house. She does accounting for ADRA. Then we went downtown and walked around a gardens from the 1900’s. At one time Maputo was the tourist capital of the world. We saw a train station built by the man who built the Eiffel tower. Drew Maranatha’s accountant, our pickup at the airport was our guide and we were stopped 2X by the police. The first time he made a little mistake but it is almost Christmas and they need money (totally illegal)… He wanted 3000Rbut Drew tackled him down to 600R. At the train station 3 police stopped him for no reason 2 of them had AK47s. He did nothing this time but it was too tempting a van of 9 foreigners. If they asked for our passports could have gone to the station. Not all of us had them with us they being at Elizabeths house.
David arrived Saturday night and we had a good visit.
David arrived Saturday night and we had a good visit.
Beginnings
Bruce and Brundee are with David now across town at the shop doing inventory and making plans to go and retrieve a rollover to fix it. Bruce will fly to Beira on Monday and drive overland to bring the truck down. Sometime next week we'll drive to South Africa to get parts and any needed tools. So the work will begin. Pray that people will slow down and have less accidents. Most of the missionaries that die here are from driving accidents. We have met some wonderful people here. As we come in many of them are leaving for other places to continue their work. We are glad for meeting their families and the brief time we spent together. The house we stay in is in a nicer area. I wish you could see the yard. It's semi tropical along the coast and there are lichi trees with berry like fruit, sweet tart tasting with a large pit. There are mango trees in our yard and everywhere here. Some have a very smallish fruit. We have pomegranate not yet ripe and tangerines and lemons green also of course the coconut palms loaded. It is a spacious grounds complete with security guard in morning and at night. Just about the time the neighbors cranked up for a party Friday night God put on a little noise and light show of his own a really nice thunder and lightening show. We slept soundly through the pouring rain. We are missing you at home but glad for the challenges of the work ahead… Will write again and are working on a few pictures. LOVE LOVE LOVE to each one of the family!!
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Saturday, December 5, 2009
Our first Sabbath in Africa
6 bags came on Sabbath and the other mosquito net. 2 more bags are due today pray pray pray!! Our first Sabbath was interesting…We went to the big English church in the city. It's like Haiti all over again en masse. There was a special pathfinder program. The pastors sermon was based on the story of Paul and Eutychus and he said where were the elders of the church telling the young man the place he was sitting was not safe ? Where were the church members when he began to cross eyes and nod off the shake the leg to wake him to his danger? It was about watching and not sleeping. And he encouraged his congregation when they saw a brother or sister starting down the wrong path not to sit idly by, when they saw someone falling asleep spiritually to there real condition to not be the same but to rouse to action and watch for others souls. On the way out they empty the rows front to back and as we came out the whole church shook our hands and wished us happy Sabbath, it took some time!! We had haystacks at Elizabeth’s house. She does accounting for ADRA. Then we went downtown and walked around a beautiful garden from the 1900. At one time Maputo was the tourist capital of the world. We saw a train station built by the man who built the Eiffel tower. Drew Maranatha’s accountant, our pickup at the airport was our guide and we were stopped two times by the police. The first time he made a little mistake but it is almost Christmas and they need money( totally illegal).. He wanted 3000R but Drew tackled him down to 600R. At the train station 3 police stopped him for no reason 2 had AK47s. He did nothing this time but it was too tempting a van of 9 foreigners. If they asked for our passports could have gone to the station. Not all of us had them with us they being at Elizabeths. David arrived Saturday night and we had a good visit.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Johannesburg
After a lovely breakfast of African breads avocado tomatoes peppers onion and garlic in olive oil with pineapple for desert we purchased some postcards to mail to everyone only to find we had to have rand for the stamps no US$ bummed we took the shuttle to Johannesburg ahead of the rush only to find a new challenge awaiting us. The lady at the desk demanded the receipt for proof of payment of the luggage to go on to Maputo. This receipt had been taken at D.C. by South African airlines and put into the system but not returned to us. We told them our story and showed them our tags for each bag and then it got worse. They claimed we did not have any record of payment to Portland for these bags 12 in number which had made it all the way from the US to JB. Our story remained unchanged more and more prayers were being said. Finally after detaining us to the point of missing our plane they begrudging gave us our boarding passes and we RAN between customs and to the gate to make the last flight to our final destination Maputo. Up to this point the weather had been pleasantly cool. Now we felt the heat! Got through the yellow fever check. Then by the skin of teeth through customs and got the tourist visa $25 each. They wouldn't accept our 100 it was too old nothing before 2003. We found acceptable payment, whew! Now the luggage, only six bags! 6 of the original12 and the 2 last minute carry ons not there!! We worked on this for at least another hour. We were finally assured that the remaining items would arrive at Maputo the next day at 11:45. Guess I (Tanya) can make it one more day without my clothes. Trouble was only 1 mosquito net! Brundee had a miserable night and yes they feasted.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Africa Or Bust
The sun was coming up when took off for D.C. That was the easy part. At D.C. (huge airport) We caught the shuttle to our gate and checked in on the African Airlines. The Ladies Checked all the luggage items took our receipt of payment from Portland for the extra bags and with our boarding passes we proceeded to our plane. At the last minute they made us check Brundee's and my carry on bags (our clothes). We did not have to pay for this service excuse was too many carry ons on the plane no room left. Later we found out it is an often used ruse to go through your things and take what they want. We counted it a blessing as we wouldn't have to lug it all around being encumbered by two guitars as well as our personal items. They also tried to relieve Brundee of his computer bag at the door of the plane saying it would have to go under the belly. This he would not allow. It was over 8 hours to Dakar which is a lot longer in a plane than on paper. They do not allow anyone off but those bound to Dakar. We had to sit most of our wait to clean and service and fuel the plane. The odors of the sewer being emptied were astronomical! Throughout this time there was a heavy mist pumping out of the air vents rather unpleasant then to top it all off it was announced That the World Health Organization (the WHO which makes you wonder who they think they are!)By law required them to fumigate the plane which they did at once fully loaded with people. Two male stewards one on each side with two cans of unknown substance proceeded from one end of the plane to the other down the aisles with cans blaring off the noxious substance in the already tainted air. We covered our nose and mouth and shut our eyes and stayed bowed over as long as long as we could without breathing. The smell (like a bug bomb) persisted for even an hour after take off. The promises of Psalms 91 were real and precious to us. Then the torture continued over eight more hours. At last we saw land and touched down in Johannesburg. There we found a shuttle to take us to our hotel, a shower, some delicious fruit plates with red passion fruit yum and best of all horizontal rest.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Goodbyes Are Never Easy
Finally!! We are on our way to Africa!! Thanks for all your help! I remember....Goodbyes :( My dear Mom and her tender heartfelt prayers, hugs, and support, I know they wont' be the last. The card with the scriptures from Isaiah 40 and Psalm 91, thanks Mom for everything. Brandtley thanks for driving us up to Portland, the last minute mad dashes, the late night, the 3 hours sleep, helping load then unloading and for helping to make it all happen. So much Love!! Family!! I remember as the final moments came and I was embracing Carrie as she was praying, I was crying, Kailah’s solemn little face showing she knew something serious was happening. Then my sweet Teagan hugging me tight saying I wish we could start all over. I replied, you mean from the packing part, and she said no with a look I'll never forget, from the baby part. It was the sweetest thing. And my beautiful Eden With our secret known only to us sign saying I will love you forever I will not forget!! Praying on last prayer together, then off through security, waving blowing and kisses and then we were gone around the corner out of sight. If we would have blown any more kisses we would have missed our boarding group call. More prayers and we're off…bound for Africa!! God keep our families.
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