The Duck and the Penguin

Once upon a time there were two friends. They were not at all the same age. In fact, they were 40 years apart. They did not grow up in the same country. And, they did not even meet until just a few years ago. At first they were not very good friends. The older one(a duck)had to take care of the younger one (the penguin)and she did not always like the older ones rules. Then one day the younger one went away and they did not see each other for a long time. Sometimes the duck would sent the penguin little gifts and remind her that she had not forgotten her. Not too long ago the penguin returned to live with the duck. They were glad to see each other again and so they had their picture taken together.

The penguin has an artistic mind. When she looks at other people she often imagines which animal they look like. Once she drew a picture of her duck friend because "the duck" would often have her hands on her hips and it would remind her of a ducks wings. In the picture the duck had very curly hair just like her friend. Then one day the ducks husband told her that she is the penguin (because she always liked wearing a black hoodie). And now they live together happily ever after!

belated pics...

The latest (I guess)

This is going to be a difficult post, but I still want to do it. On the right is a picture of our good friends and colleagues, Cello and Sopena Meekis. We first met them about 35 years ago and have gotten to know them as we worked with them over the many years in serving the native people of northwestern Ontario together. Cello and Merle were born 4 months apart in 2 very different locations and with very different upbringings. However, as Merle spoke yesterday at his funeral, Cello (and Sopena) never made us feel like outsiders nor did they openly correct us when we made cultural blunders. But, in their own gentle way, we were able to learn a lot from them in areas of accepting others, giving generously, hospitality and much more. Cello had rhumatic fever as a child, which left his heart weak. Later in life he suffered with a rare disease which left his body weak as well. In the recent years he was diagnosed with Parkinson's as well as Type 2 diabetes. He had a lot of health issues that left his earthly tent very weak.
We were able to visit them in Winnipeg (where he was hospitalized again), just before we left on our trip south. We said our last good-byes to Cello on March 16, knowing full well it might be the last time we'd see him on this earth.

We left the next morning for Ohio, where we spent almost one week. First we set up the Living Hope Native Ministry display at RBC in Rosedale. They were having a mission emphasis week. It was great to reconnect with friends and family. The speaker was challanging to us and the weather was great for taking walks. One morning, Merle checked email and had to tell me the very sad news that another good friend had taken her flight to glory. Doris and her husband Marlin Ebersole had lived in this area and worked for our mission for some years in the late 80's. She was diagnosed with cancer in Dec. 2005, and it spread to her brain in the past few weeks. It does not seem real to me yet. I think she was a year or 2 older than me and leaves behind 4 married children and several grandchildren. She will be missed!

After that event we spent the week-end with Karla, Kirk and baby Mayah in Columbus. Isn't God good? It was so special to get to enjoy family like we did. She is growing nicely and so alert for 5 months old. It was fun interacting with Kirk's brother, Kenton and family as they all live together in a huge old (but lovely) house in downtown Columbus. Thanks again, Karissa, for giving up your comfy bed for this "old lady".

Then we went to PA where we spent a lot of time reconnecting with friends from the past and even made some new friends. One afternoon we blocked out 2 hours to shop a bit. We went to Park City where Merle found some really great bargains at Kolh's for himself. I was feeling so frustrated with their ladies clothes and finally went back to him and begged him to take me to a Goodwill Store! When we were walking out of the store he said (a bit jokingly, but half serious too), "well, find a Mennonite women and ask her where one is". I was doubtful it would be possible, but as we rounded the corner there was a M. women reading the mall directory. I said, o.k., I will! It was pretty amazing and she did help us out. She got us to a very nice large organized Goodwill store not too far from there. (Thanks, Phoebe!) After looking through a few sections, I once again started to wonder why I was even bothering and what is wrong with me! I mean, don't ALL women love shopping? Well, apparently not. I had looked at Kolh's for a new pair of jeans like I wear and know fit well, but the $30 ones that were marked down to $20 were sold out of my size. So, as I came to the end of an isle I know it must have been the Lord lifting my eyes (because I was looking for summer shirts by then), and I saw a brand new pair of jeans with tags on them in plain sight; someone had looked at them and not hung them back up properly. They were only $9.99 and were my size!!! That made me rejoice and lifted my spirits enough to keep going awhile. I really enjoy finding new clothes with the tags still on at places like this, but even other clothes that still have a lot of wear in them suit me fine. I think it's partly because I know I'm hard on clothes and partly because of our budget. Anyway, enough of that.

In PA we stayed at our usual spot, the Gary and Joyce Leaman home. We've done it enough, that we know the routine and it really does feel like coming home. They are so hospitable and gracious. She grew up here in Red Lake as an MK and he lived in this area for some time as well. They head up our banquet committee, so it makes it really nice to be there to finish up plans for the banquet as the week goes along.

We had a informational and fund raising banquet at Yoder's Restaurant in New Holland on the 27th. Then that morning we found out that Cello had passed away so it was a rather emotional day. We were blessed with a good turn out though and things went well. We did cut our time in PA short a bit as we left on Sat. instead of Mon. We managed to get home Mon. afternoon and got to see Sopena and the family yet that evening. My heart is heavy for her and especially as she and her sons and daughters-in- law help the grandchildren work through their loss. It was a large and meaningful funeral yesterday with an estimated 400 people present.

We had Jim and Mary Keesic with us Tues. p.m. and overnight, but they left for their home in Thunder Bay again immediately after the funeral. Looking outside I feel like it's January, but when I go outside I realize it really isn't. In other words, we have LOTS of snow but the temperature is right at freezing. Maybe it's God grace to give me time to do a few indoor projects yet before our spring arrives! I'd better get started.

Grrrrr!!

The rest of the pictures that blogger wouldn't post!

Where friends meet

I'm glad our home is a place where friends can meet. Or even re-unite, as was the case last week when John, Lilly, Marvin, Yvonne, Sarah and Colleen were here one evening. It had been awhile since they had seen each other.
This morning I hosted a brunch for some of my "goldie-oldie" friends because Mary Elaine is here visiting her dad and this helped her see her moms friends without going all over town. It was fun to hear them tell some of the funny things that have happened in their lives and reminisce. You should heard their stories and the laughter that followed. While we were eating one of them noticed a spruce grouse trying to find something to eat on the hill so we had fun watching his progress as we ate our brunch.

A few promised pictures

Dorothy's cheesecake make by Melva for last night's birthday supper. She put the candles into the shape of an "89". Next year we'll have to have a grand celebration for her 90th!
The day we did the newsletter mailing at our office we had lots of good help. (Even some special little people, eh, Twila?) Dorothy was very surprised when we sang "Happy Birthday" to her and brought the coconut cake out. I'll be happy if I'm still able to help with a mailing when I'm 89!!

Here's Sienna with her first pie ever! She did a great job.

Cold outside, but warm inside

When I woke up this morning and came downstairs, I checked the thermometer and it read a chilly -35 C. That is COLD, just in case you're wondering. Then I checked the inside temp. and it read a warm and cozy +20 C. The coffee is making the house smell so good and after being gone for 3 days, it's fun to be alive and well here at home.

The past 2 weeks have been filled with blessings from God as we have experienced His unfailing love, provisions and protection. It is always a joy to hear an unbeliever as they express their desire to know God, which is what one young lady told me over coffee one afternoon.

Another day I had fun teaching a young mom/friend how to make pie crust and also how to make lemon meringue pie from scratch. I'm still not totally sure why she picked that kind, except that she likes it. It turned out well, and the next evening she used an extra shell and made another one all on her own.

Then one afternoon my little 8 year old friend called and wanted to visit. It was a cold day, but her mom doesn't drive so Hannah walked over here (about a 10 min. walk), and stayed for several hours. She loves playing around on the piano and would do well if she'd take lessons, I'm sure. After supper and playing a few games with her, I drove her home.

Last Friday was our bulk mailing day at the office. I offered to make a cake for dessert and also to celebrate Dorothy's 89th birthday a week early. I made one of my favorites, a 4 layer, coconut cake that is hard to beat! We had so much great help that we were finished with everything by 1:30 p.m. and Kendra was on her way to the Falls to mail it shortly after.

It seems we've been feeding one person at at time lately. But that's fun too sometimes as you get to focus on that person alone. We had a widower, a single guy, a widow, another single guy, and Hannah. Who's next? It keeps my blog title reality, I guess.

This past Tues. morning, we were on the road around 6:00 a.m. heading to Dorion Bible Camp for our winter prayer retreat. It was a good turnout, with all our staff minus 2 couples. We always have a lot of fun times reconnecting with each other and between the prayer sessions there's time for eating, and playing games. Some venture outside for fresh air and walks, but for myself, I mostly stay inside once I'm there. All of us stayed in a huge lodge called The Eagles Nest. The young kids found jumping off a top deck rail down into the deep soft snow a real thrill. I preferred watching the sun rise over Lake Superior yesterday morning. I am so grateful to be a part of a dedicated team of missionaries like we are. They are just "normal" people in most respects, with joys and sorrows like anyone else. The part that's impressive is their willingness to leave mother, father, brothers, sisters, children, grandchildren, houses and lands to follow Christ's call to wherever that has led them. ( See Matthew 19: 28-30) Some live on remote first nations reserves, others live in modern cities. Those of us in administration live in a small gold mining town here in Red Lake. I've come home challenged to do my part in praying for each of them with their own unique needs and desires that God has placed in their hearts.

Well, this has gotten longer than I thought it would and I haven't even included pictures. So, I think I'll wait for that and maybe I can even borrow some from others who were taking pictures at the retreat. We'll see, but don't sit around holding your breath!

OH DEAR! How could I forget to make my confession? I took the leap into the unknown (for me) world of addictions; namely, facebook. I already can see why some have a love/hate relationship with it. I plan on checking it every so often, but, truthfully, I find it pretty hard to put down and so if I don't want to be totally controlled by it, I just can't look at it every day. Are you on it? If so, let me know what you think of it and/or how you control it. thanks.

Valentines Day/week-end

It's Sunday evening; almost bedtime and not the best time to blog, but I just wanted to make sure you knew I had a good week and week-end. Not that you've told me you're out there reading what I write (except you faithful few that comment or tell me in person--thanks!).

My honey of 35 years grilled some special steaks on Friday evening for our little valentines dinner together. I almost messed up our evening by making a run to help out a friend that was in desperate need of prayer and encouragement. But everything worked out o.k. in the end. I had made a mocha cream pie for dessert which went well with our decaf coffee to end the evening. I forgot to take pictures of our little white table with candles, etc. in the sun room.

On Sat. evening we went to our church's annual sweetheart banquet. The attendance was smaller than some years, but the food was a delicious roast beef meal made by Kendra and team with a choice of two desserts to choose from. There were some special musical numbers and talks on communication in marriage.

One fun "gift" this week-end was seeing a video (or two) of our youngest granddaughter rolling over in her bed. Pretty amazing for a 3 1/2 month old! Her smile is priceless.

One thought from a devotional book: A great Valentine would be a picture of Jesus. When we open it up, there would be our own picture inside, next to His heart! I'm so grateful for His unfailing LOVE for me, His daughter!

You know you're sick when...

...your internet is off and it doesn't even matter
...you can't smell the fresh coffee first thing in the morning
...you don't remember when you fall asleep or when you wake up in the middle of the day
...broth tastes better than food
...you're housebound for 4 days and it's o.k.
...you're thankful your husband doesn't complain about leftovers
...your bones feel like you ran a marathon without practicing first
...you wonder what you look like but always forget to look in the mirror 'cause you just want to get back on the couch*

Well, you get the picture. *You know you must look awful when you catch your husband suppressing his laughter as he looks at you.

Anyway, with the long hard winter we've been having, just thinking about spring brings HOPE! Last week one day I looked out my picture window and saw something interesting. We have a small ornamental crab apple tree that is only several years old now. When I noticed it standing there I saw it was being whipped by the wind and had snow blowing all around it. It looked cold and lonely, but strong. The snow must be close to 3' deep around it. (See picture above.) The picture below helps me remember that winter will not last forever and when we have spring and summer we thoroughly enjoy the vast differences. One morning I told Rhonda in Mada that we started out with -30C. They, on the other hand, had +30C over there in the middle of the day.

I once had someone comment to me that us "northerners" must have to stay inside when it's that cold here. I was rather taken aback when I realized she was serious. I didn't remind her that people go to their jobs, kids go to school, and all in all we are, after all, quite normal in those respects. So, yes, in case you're wondering, we do go outside. And, our vehicles even run. We do have heaters that we plug in when we know it's going to be a cold night to make sure they start. And we know how to dress warmly, believe me. If we didn't our exposed skin would be frost bitten in 6 minutes at that temperature.

I wish I had a good quality camera and were a great photograper for some of the breathtaking beauty that God has blessed us with in this area. I wish I could capture the clear blue sky when there's hoarfrost glistening on the bare branches or when the snow is fresh and hanging on all the evergreen branches about 4" thick with that bright blue sky behind it.

And now, for the rest of the story... you know you're getting better when...

...you start to think about others again instead of just yourself
...you're thankful your eyes are back to the right color
...you thank the good Lord for health and pray for friends who aren't getting better

What are you grateful for today? I'd love to know!

Does Jesus Care?

Yesterday I got one of those phone calls that I don't care for. Our missions staff that lives in a remote community called to let me know that J. (age 17) had taken her own life. I was stunned. Then angry. I had first met her when she was about 13 while caring for her through a child and family services agency. She was a hurting little girl sobbing her eyes out and for a few moments allowed me to comfort her and pray for her. She was so shy that she wouldn't eat with us. She went on to a rehab program and the next time I saw her I hardly recognized her. She had grown up but she had also gained confidence. She was no longer shy and, in fact, had become quite a clown. It was hard to get her to be serious or express her real feelings. As time went on, I would only see her occasionally as she would be shifted from one place to the next, always causing her caregivers plenty of grief. I remember one particular day she resented me checking up on her and in her anger she punched a hole in the wall of her bedroom. Since her mother had taken her own life when J. was a little girl she would live with her grandmother whenever she went to her home community. I haven't seen her for quite a long time.

As my heart bleeds for this loss, I find myself asking "does Jesus care?" And if I think my pain is great, well, I only have to imagine her grandma. This is at least the 4th family member she's lost in this way.

I haven't heard any funeral plans or details and I don't know if I'll be able to go or not. It would be easy for me to get bitter over these situations, but I know it won't help. Suicide funerals are the absolute worst ones to go to. There's just no explanation or sense that can be made from a human point of view. Oh believe me, there are plenty of excuses or reasons, but what I mean is that it's just way too late then.

I think things like, "why didn't the Holy Spirit remind me to pray?", or "why haven't I stayed in touch with her?, maybe then...." Or, "why didn't she go talk to someone?" And now it's too late. Does anyone care? Anyone that knew her or are they all just struggling too much to see the pain around them? Then I can only cry out to the Lord of the Harvest to send more workers. People, with skin who can be Jesus to these lost hurting souls. All J. might have needed was for a real friend to call her up and talk, who knows? Our one staff who lives there is tired, and weary. She just started a weekly Bible School there, and now this. These events upset the whole community. Thank-you for reading to this point and hopefully it will cause you to pray for Colleen (our staff) and this family and community.

I know Jesus cares; His heart is touched with my grief...And His grace for me gives me HOPE!!!

Now What?

It feels like New Year's Day in some ways. We're alone again and have an empty nest for the most part. Today I had 2 little girls come for a few hours and tonight K.F. is sleeping here after meetings at the office. But, after all the Dec. traveling and then having family here it is very quiet.

After they left last Weds. I tackled the mound of sheets and towels plus put away the last bits of Christmas stuff. (Well, almost all of it. The outside wreaths are still up.) Then I started sorting out closets and drawers all the while telling myself to be really tough and act as if I were moving so I'd get rid of any and all unnecessary stuff. Hopefully I'll have enough stuff and time to have a garage sale this spring.

We did travel (5 hours one way) over the week-end to help a small struggling church and watched the Lord work in peoples hearts. It was rewarding to renew friendships and make some new friends. It's refreshing when you know people want to move forward.

I am asking the Lord what's next and waiting each day for Him to guide me. I'm not at all convinced I should go back to my old job. I seem to have plenty to do ministry wise the way it is. I for sure will not do 12 hour shifts again, or maybe I should say I don't want to. Guess I'm too old for that. I did start something new in the way of expanding my brain but I'll let you guess what that might be. And no. It's not face book!!! Not yet anyway. In some ways I'd like to go on to see which old friends from younger years I may reconnect with. The other side of me wonders how disciplined I'd be with it. What do you think?

Family times in KS and here

My sister, Doris holding her grandson, Wesley with Aimee beside them and her husband, Gary.
Granny and my brother, Howard helping Larissa get started filling health kits, which we did instead of giving gifts to each other.
Seven out of nine granddaughters with their new pajamas.

Kath, Doris and I!
Emilie on her pajamas! They match her blanket that I'd made for her and when she saw the p.j.s she didn't want to give them up to put on but just wanted to lay down on them.

Rhonda's four girls the Sunday before Christmas at our house. Below: my mom, with her latest Great grandchild, Mayah Grace Kauffman; my sister Kath with Mayah; around the table at my parents house; proud Papa holding Mayah in the dress he gave her.

The continuing journey

Ready to eat!
Instead of buying veggies off the MB truck, the guys found lobsters being sold off the back of some guys truck. So, they bought a bunch of supper and cooked them up. I had a few bites, but truthfully, I'd have to acquire a taste for them.

Just before dropping it into the water. The kids were impressed, but I didn't want to watch.

We drove out to see Peggy's Cove one day and I decided seeing it in the summer would be even more fun and enjoyable.

Catching up with Dec. '08

I'm not going to try to write all the details of my life in December, but I will try to post a bunch of new pictures in the next few days. From the 8th-18th, I was helping daughter # 2 and family move to the east coast. From the 23d - to Jan. 2, we were in KS with my family (and with our kids and grandkids). So, you can imagine that there are plenty of pictures.

SHOUTIN' TO THE LORD

Yesterday was my app't. in Winnipeg and we just got home a couple of hours ago. I have so, so much to be thankful for!

My doctor told me that she discussed my case with the angio. dr. and they knew they could put me through another angiogram to see what my torn artery looks like now. But, she said that if it's still torn like it had been they still would be unable to stent it or do an angioplasty. So, she figured why do an invasive procedure like that when the stress test could show how my arteries worked when the heart is under stress.

I forgot to ask what drug they used to get my heart rate up to 139/min., but I had no pains whatsoever the whole time and was amazed that it was over so quickly. The technicians were all so friendly and then excited when everything showed up looking so good and saying what a strong heart I have, etc. I knew from what the cardiologist had said earlier that if everything checks out "normal" compared to how my heart is/was at rest, there would be no need for further treatment. I think I had so many emotions that I'd been holding in and didn't realize it until the news was good.

Well, first I choked up and started to cry but I was so happy when I was told my heart under stress was just as normal as it was when at rest. And then I said, "Thank-you, Jesus!!!" I am so humbled by all of this and cannot thank my good Creator enough. When I went out into the hall and saw Merle, I was just overcome with a flood of greatful feelings of just being alive! The cardiologist ended our talk by saying, "You won't need to see me again." When I smiled and thanked her for all she's done for me she said that sometimes when she tells people that they don't like it. I assured her it wasn't because of not wanting to see her again, but that it meant I'm well enough to not need to see her and for me that is just awesome. She said if I ever need her not to be afraid to let her know.

Be presistent in seeking the Lord. Never ever give up!!!

Changes are coming

November has been filled with traveling to see our staff in the urban areas, meeting baby Mayah, (oh yeah, we did visit with her parents too), and I spent a week in the 'peg helping daughter #2 with babysitting, cooking, cleaning, packing, crying, etc. This saying good-bye business gets old in a hurry as many of you know, I'm sure.

I learned that I can, with the Lord's help, give pokes to take blood sugar levels and give insulin even when it's to a precious little granddaughter. I guess it's a bit like God does to me. Even when things don't "feel" good they are for my own well being in the long run!

The next few weeks don't look any less busy, unfortunately. This coming Thursday is my next app't. with the cardiologist with 2 more echocardiogram tests. One with my heart resting and the next one with it stressed induced. If they don't match up they will likely want to repeat the angiogram. For some reason I am not looking forward to this but want to get it over with! I'd again appreciate prayer as we go through this and will try to update when I return. I need wisdom to ask the right questions too.

It was fun seeing little Emilie toddling around and playing peek-a-boo around the stack of packed boxes. She sways back and forth when there's music going or when her sisters are singing and even tries to help sing. She likes to cuddle and even let Papa and I have some turns! Their whole family can use all the prayers available for this transition time as it's still a long way from finished. Thanks for caring!

Sweet times

Here are some of the pictures of our first meeting our precious new granddaughter, Mayah.