November 14, 2010

As with most people, the longer you are in one place the more familiar your daily routines become and so it is with us serving here in Botswana. There is much to keep us busy and the time is passing quickly. It is hard to believe we have been here 2 and 1/2 years! Here is a recap since our last posting mid October. During all of October both airplanes were in Gaborone for maintenance. It seems like the constant issue with maintaining anything mechanical, is getting the right parts. Our flight schedule remained busy, so all the booked flights were sub chartered. Through our office, we continued to coordinate flights and meet clients to insure quality in service. Also, there were numerous Mercy flights from Gaborone to assist and a few local Mercy flights that Colin was able to accompany. A small air service recently started in Maun using a Cessna 207. They became a dependable option while our planes were being serviced. The plane is pictured below just before Colin, the pilot, and medic took off to a remote village to transport a sick child to the hospital. Even in the smaller plane, the medic, child and mother could comfortably fit. Colin was the copilot on the flight. On October 24 we started our two day journey to South Africa so that Julie could have surgery. Whenever we travel, Colin has to be on the road at the crack of dawn and this trip was no different. A short way out of Maun, we missed our turn off as we were distracted by a wrecked car on the opposite side of the road. We did not even realize it until we entered the boundaries of the Makgadikgadi Pans Game Reserve. It ended up adding almost an hour extra to our trip, but was an interesting diversion into the recently burned area. The area was almost like being on a black and barren plant, with herds of zebra peppered throughout the landscape. Though the area seemed devastated by fire, we knew that within two weeks the animals would be feasting on six inches of new grass. Our first night of travel was spent in Gaborone, and we drove the second leg of our trip the following day. On Tuesday, October 26 we saw the surgeon. After reviewing Julie's medical condition, he moved the operation up to the next day. Originally, we were told his schedule was so full that the surgery would be done November 1. That meant we would have 5 days to wait. The doctor moved his schedule around to make room for Julie, which was quite a relief and blessing to us both. The hospital was quite modern and we found out after the operation, that the surgeon we had was one of the best in South Africa. The picture below is of the entrance to the Sunninghill Hospital near Johannesburg. The only thing that seemed a bit strange to us was that the West Wing of the hospital had to be accessed by walking through the middle of the coffee shop. While Colin waited during Julie's operation, he watched a number of patients being transported to the Radiology and other departments. Many of the patients were wheeled through the coffee shop in nothing more than hospital gowns. We were able to find inexpensive accommodation through the Baptist International Mission during our stay in South Africa. It was about a thirty minute drive from there on a few busy freeways to get to the hospital. There were a number of avenues to drive on before getting to the freeway entrance and some very confusing intersections. The day before Julie's surgery, we drove back and forth a number of times so that Colin could find his way home without Julie navigating by map. On one of the small streets leaving the hospital, we saw another sign to add to our collection. Everywhere in Botswana, you find street vendors who have set up business along the shoulders of the road. We did not see any on our route to the hospital and this sign made it clear to us why not. After checking into the hospital on October 27, Julie was given a hospital bed to rest and wait in before her operation. When it was her time to go, they moved her still in bed to the "theater". People here say, "She is going to theater." instead of, "She is going to surgery." Anyway, the picture below is of Julie drugged with pain medicine after returning from theater. Colin insisted it be included in this blog... Like many places here in Southern Africa, the Baptist mission property looked a little like a prison from the outside. Having good security is a consideration no matter where you live or stay. The compound is on a large piece of property, or plot as they say here, with offices and housing. The picture below shows the means that people use for security, including an automatic gate and guard house. Once inside the gate, we found a lovely landscaped property with missionaries from many other countries coming and going for various reasons. Like us, some were there for medical reasons. In fact, there were five families all waiting to have babies while we were there. The ladies were getting teased about being the "big five" on the plot. Those of you that hunt will know that the big five trophy animals in Africa are: elephant, lion, cape buffalo, leopard, and rhino. The ladies took the joking in good nature, and while we were there three of the moms gave birth. They all had grandparents waiting with them from the states and it was fun for us to meet new people who love and serve the Lord. As you drive in the gate, the first thing you see is the play yard for kids. The flats are to the left of the play yard. There are also apartments for longer staying families and those waiting to have babies were housed in them. Not only were they all waiting weeks to deliver, but after the babies are born they will wait weeks for paperwork to be processed in order to get their new baby a passport before returning to their country of missionary service.

The next picture was taken from the back door to our room.

The picture below was taken from the front door to our room. There was a little kitchen and two rooms off each kitchen with beds and a bathroom. The only room that was available during the dates we needed was one with twin beds. There was internet access, but we did have to pay per hour. That is the reason why we did not respond quickly to some emails while we were gone on this venture.

Julie was in the hospital for two days while they regularly drew blood to monitor calcium. The doctor had to remove all her thyroid, but was able to save and transplant her parathyroid. Monitoring the calcium levels was needed to see if the parathyroid were working. Once released, we had a few days to relax while waiting for lab work to determine if the growths on the thyroid were cancer. We enjoyed the atmosphere and visiting with people on the mission property, and we were also able to attend church Sunday morning.
After a relaxing weekend, we had an early appointment on November 2nd with the surgeon to find out the lab results. Fortunately, the news was good and no cancer was found. Medication was prescribed as treatment for the removed thyroid, and we were soon on the road back to Botswana. Our deepest thanks go out to so many of you for your prayers and encouragement. Just after returning home, we ran across this statement in a daily Bible devotional. Theodore L. Cuyler wrote: "I do not believe there is such a thing in the history of God's eternal kingdom as a right prayer, offered in the right spirit, that remains forever unanswered." We appreciate your genuine concern and heart for us during this brief health setback. The positive results are proof that God answered the petitions of so many of you. "Let no one seek his own, but each other's well being." 1 Corinthians 10:24.

Once back in Gaborone we spent two days visiting, in meetings at the FMS main office, and taking care of some personal business before returning to Maun on November 5. Our timing was perfect to see our flight scheduler, Melly, and her new baby boy. The picture below was taken while visiting Melly in the hospital less than 12 hour after giving birth.

Below is a closer look at baby Realeboga. His name means, "We are thankful."

Our first Sunday back to Maun, we jumped right back into ministry. Julie taught Sunday school and you can see by the next two photos that the program has really been growing. When she took over helping to organizing the teachers and lessons last January, there were 30 to 40 kids coming weekly. With the end of the year's term, the numbers have grown to 60 to 70 weekly. As you can see by the photos the room is packed full.

Every week we also load up our car with kids and people to transport to church. We usually have about 4 neighborhood kids and a dear elderly woman who rides in the front seat, as it is easier for her to get into. BB and Nicoline have moved, but still attend church regularly. Nicoline's mother was visiting, and is pictured between Julie and Nicoline in the back. BB and 4 younger children were riding in the very back. We were blessed with the news that wedding plans for the young couple was the reason for Nicoline's mother to visit. The date is fast approaching and we should have photos in our next blog.

That same Sunday, we also had plans to celebrate the first birthday of Misheck and Debra's little boy. Many of you may remember us writing about and having pictures of baby Briane when he was newborn. He was a big baby then, but you will see in the photos to come just how much he has grown over the past year. Colin wrapped presents and decorated the house while Julie baked a cake and cooked dinner.
Later, Colin went to pick up the family and we sat down for a celebration meal. Notice that Debra preferred to sit on the floor, as usual, and feed Briane from her plate.

When the meal was finished, it was time to sing "Happy Birthday" and eat cake.

Then Misheck helped Briane open presents.

It has been such a blessing to have this loving family as a part of our extended family here in Africa.

As November draws to an end, so does the third school term for students. It is also the end of their full school year. Soon they will be on a month break during December, and will return to a new grade in January. At the school where Julie does Bible Club, the end of the term meant a time of celebration and reflecting for the students she has been ministering to. The highlight was a plastic ball that our youngest son sent to us from the states. This ball is special because it makes ice cream as the kids play games. On one end, a mixture of cream, sugar, and flavoring is poured in. On the other end, ice and rock salt is put in to surround the cylinder containing the cream mixture. Julie is pictured below putting it all together while explaining what a "ball" they were all going to have playing the games.

There were kicking games....

and passing games.

All the games were fast paced and to music, to keep the ice cream mixture moving.

After 30 minutes, we all ate a rich and creamy treat while reviewing the Biblical concepts covered this term. Over the school year the focus has been on faith, trust, and obedience in our walk with God. This group of kids has been such a blessing to spend time with. They have been so open and receptive for such young students. A few weeks ago during a discussion on disobeying, the kids were asked, "What happens when you lie?" Their responses were too good not to share with you all. Here are just a few statements: "My heart pains...", "My heart beats very fast...", "I feel like I've lost something...", "My smile goes upside down...", "I feel like crying...", "I hiccup...", "I feel bad...sad." and finally, " It feels like I'm releasing good things and holding on to something bad..." I think most of us can relate to their feelings when we know we have done something we should not have. Anyway, the ice cream event was a great success. Hopefully the time together this year will leave a lasting memory in the hearts and minds of these beautiful children.

In closing, here is another "around town" snapshot. This is a man leading his donkeys while his wife with parcels is riding, as they cross the local one lane bridge.
Upcoming events for next blog will be: Thanksgiving with the other Americans living here at the Love Botswana Outreach Mission; BB and Nicoline's wedding Nov 26; the end of the year Sunday School award ceremony Nov. 28; and a three week visit with our dear friend from Alaska, Jill Chadbourne. That will take us almost right up to Christmas. It may be the New Year before we get time to write again... So we wish you all many blessings over the holiday season!

October 10, 2010

It is 10.10.10 and October is considered the hottest month of the year. We would have to agree, with the last few days hitting above 100 degrees F. By 1pm today, it was already 110 degrees F. Any errands or chores are done early in the day before the heat sets in. We are so thankful for the air conditioning in our house, office, and car! Though, Colin still often has to fly in the heat of the day...The weather in September was not as hot as the previous years and fairly comfortable, so now we are really feeling the heat.

Since our last posting in September, the last few weeks of the month were filled with the usual daily activities and work we are involved in with some additional visitors.

FMS had invited a team from Mission International Safety (MSI) to do a safety audit and safety seminar the last two weeks of September. On September 22, Steve Quigg was sent to Maun to look over how our operation is functioning through interviews and observations. The rest of the MSI team stayed in Gaborone to evaluate operations there. Steve is pictured below on the far right of the picture with the FMS Maun team. It was a delight to host him for a few days, and glean from his experience.
We also got a brief visit with one of the Gaborone base pilots, Bryan Linder, while he was on a special charter for a day. Because we are removed from the main base further south, it is always nice when we can connect with other FM personnel. Bryan is pictured below as he relaxed for a few hours in our air conditioned office.
During that same week, we had a visit from Dr. Roy Bryan. He is returning to Maun after a four year furlough in Wyoming, and previously worked as a mission doctor for a number of years around Botswana. Roy stayed in one of the guest flats as he searched for housing. He has a wife and five children, so finding a large reasonably priced house here may take some time. Since the photo below was taken, he has returned to Maun once more to look. Nothing has turned up yet...

The same night the photo below was taken with the doctor, we had a dinner for Matt and Jessica Cressman, who were moving back to Gaborone in a few days. More on their move a little later...In addition to the doctor, the Cressmans and us, Tuan is pictured behind the couch in the center. Tuan has fit in well with our Maun team, and we will miss him immensely when the time comes for him to also return to the main FMS base in Gaborone...Though hopefully by then, the Kowalskis will be back to fill the gap.
The next night after the send off dinner for the Cressmans, we were invited to a "Believers Braii" at some friends of ours that live about 10 kilometers from Maun on the Boteti River. The braii (BBQ) was in honor of a group visiting from South Africa, that travel to Botswana fairly often to do mission work. The evening was a really enjoyable time of fellowship with our friends and the team. It was also our first time trying to find our friends rather secluded property. We had tried once before about a year ago, with no success. The pictures below are of the location and gathering that night.

Above is the Boteti River from the yard.

The main house pictured above, is made from rocks found in and along the river.

Below is the "lapa" (a thatch covered patio) by the river where we all socialized and ate dinner.

Early the following day, Colin and Tuan set off on the long drive to Gaborone to help the Cressman's move. Matt had flown the C207 down a few days earlier for maintenance and drove a truck back to use for their move. Matt and Jessica filled their other two vehicles with smaller boxes, and Tuan drove the truck with the larger items. All the pilots had to be in Gaborone for the MSI safety seminar the next day, so in addition to helping with the move, it was a way to travel to the seminar.
The drive was long, and about 12 hours later the group unloaded the vehicles at the Bell's plot where the Cressmans were moving temporarily. Jon and Alysa Bell came to Botswana just 6 weeks before us to serve with FMS. They have since had a lovely little boy, and have also recommitted for another two years of service here. Jessica and Alysa visited and held lanterns for all the guys while things were unloaded.
Needless to say, it was a long day of driving and first thing the next day was a comprehensive safety seminar. Not only were FM personnel able to benefit from the expertise of the MSI team, but also other aviation agencies were invited and participated in the two day event. There were close to 50 people in attendance.
When in Gaborone, it is always a pleasure for Colin to get time to visit and interact with many of the other FMS pilots.
Colin could even wear trousers while in Gaborone, as the climate is much cooler than in Maun.
Julie continues to teach Sunday school at our local church, and also a weekly Bible club at Okavango International School. The Bible club students have been learning the meaning of faith, in addition to what it means to trust and obey God. Recently, Julie taught an Old Testament story about Naaman, a general in the Syrian army who was healed of leprosy by following God's instructions given through the prophet Elisha. To introduce the lesson, Julie asked if the students would trust her even if what she asked them to do did not make sense. Of course they said yes, and she had them place their hands in wet mud and sit quietly while she taught the story.

The children never even questioned why they were asked to sit with the wet mud drying on their hands. They simply trusted and obeyed all through the story. Julie used the mud as an additional object lesson to help explain how we all need to be cleansed spiritually and ..."come near to God with sincere hearts and sure faith with hearts that have been purified from a guilty conscience..." Hebrews 10:22. The message taught was that just as Naaman had to trust God to be cleansed from his disease, we all need to trust and obey God by surrendering our lives fully to Him. Though it did not make sense to the students to sit with muddy hands, in the end they had a clear understanding of the concepts being expressed.

Just for fun, here are a few more photos and stories of everyday life in Maun. All is quiet at the airport as the sunrises (below) over the Maun terminal and flight tower. Colin had an early morning flight to Gaborone.
Botswana's Independence Day was September 30th. The next photo is of a group of traditional dancers that were entertaining and celebrating at a local shopping area that day.
While at a local hardware store, Colin found this large beetle on our car when we had finished our purchases. It was dead, or you would have never seen him holding it. Usually, the large and strange bugs show up in abundance when the rains come in November. We were surprised to see this one during the dry season.

As mentioned at the beginning of this blog, it has been extremely hot. Everyday as we pass over a small bridge on the way to town, there are numerous children swimming in a creek that drains into the Thamalaklane River. If you click on the photo to enlarge it, you will also see a dog cooling itself in the lower left corner. Even the dog was too hot!
Our local news paper, The Ngami Times, had a couple of articles that we thought some of you may enjoy. You should be able to click on them to enlarge the scanned stories.

Finally, after three months of trying to get referred to a qualified surgeon in South Africa to do Julie's thyroid surgery we have a date in place for November 1. We will have to travel down a week earlier for a consultation, and will travel back to Gaborone for a few days in between. The drive to South Africa will take two days from Maun. Johannesburg is a four hour drive from Gaborone, so it will be easier and less expensive to just stay in Gaborone for a few days seeing other FM personnel while we wait. We would greatly appreciate prayer for safety in travel and for the surgery to go well. It will be really nice to have this behind us. Waiting to get the operation scheduled has been a test of trust and patience. But through prayer, the Lord has given us comfort and direction. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7