Thursday, February 13, 2014

Africa Trip




It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Sorry. I had a terrible time in Africa getting on the Internet to do anything much less blog. As a matter of fact I gave up out of frustration. Now, I've been home nearly a month and I still haven't found time to write. Allow me to describe my Africa trip first:

I left for Africa on Dec 23. I flew a red-eye to Washington DC and then flew all day and night to Addis Ababa and Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Not comfortable flights, but the way I see it, if I land it is better than the alternative. (I landed, by the way.)

Janet and Jason picked me up in Dar on Xmas day at 2 PM. We drove halfway home that day. Our Christmas dinner consisted of a chex-mix that Leasa and Laural made for Janet. It was great; it’s just that it didn’t seem appropriate for Xmas. As a matter of fact, that’s what we ate on Boxing Day, as well. We finally had supper at Dina's, Jason’s friend’s house in the evening.

Janet had determined that we would take a week to vacation and the rest of the time would be all laid back. The problem was, I had determined that I needed to do some physical work. I’m tired of sitting at a desk all the time. Well, the bottom line is, I won and I enjoyed every minute of it. We cut acres of lawn, painted her living room, sealed her cement flours, built a small green house, chopped and hauled firewood, worked two days with Jason on his avocado plantation and as usual, preached four times.

Now my Lover says, the house looks great, but it is empty. Well, I know all about it. My house doesn’t look too bad, either, but it is a lonely den at best.

Before it was all over, I did spend time with my granddaughters—four of them. Brianna came down from Washington to Kibidula. She’ll be there for several months. Good experience for her.

Now, I am home playing catch-up. It's amazing how I haven't been able to quit spinning my wheels.  We had a week of prayer at EVI featuring Dr. John Clark, our new Medical Director. Very good. I've never met an individual (and his family) who follow the Spirit of Prophecy more closely in regard to health principles. 

Richard Bland, the Prison Ministry leader, spent one session with us in the Lifestyle Center and he decided to stay for another. He's been going to the jail with our Prison Ministry Team helping them along. He's a real asset. He lives in my house. As a matter of fact, I have two men in my house. They both requested to have their own restroom. (The other is Bob Nehler who use to work for Light Bearers.) So, I gave up my room and am using the restroom in the laundry room. Best shower in the house, but no sink. I have to shave in the laundry tubs and brush my teeth. Today, the whole gang from the Lifestyle Center decided to come to my house to see Richard. They caught me without a shirt on. What can I do, I have to clean up almost in public.

The last three weeks have been very cold for this part of the world and lots of snow too. I haven't minded much. As a matter of fact, I make it a rule to walk five miles per day, whatever the weather. This way I stay acclimated . . .  and healthy. 

My dear wife has had it. She wants to come home, but can't find anyone to take her place. Ten years is long enough and she is getting tired. We really would like to find some one soon. Please pray with us.