I arrived in Kona on Thursday afternoon. Tabitha got sick the previous day and has been sick (with a bit of pneumonia) all week. Today was the first day she seemed to feel better and acted more herself. She's been a sick girl. You know, though, when you love a kid you just want them to not hurt. You don't care if they cough in your face or wipe their nose with their hand then caress your cheek with the same. You just want to hold them and snuggle and somehow drain out the fever that is making them moan and toss. There're few things that feel better than little child arms around your neck.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Three Warthogs
Faces only a mother could love! Who ever saw three such attentive warthogs?
We had a yellow umbrella at the Tyler zoo, and they seemed ready to charge one minute and run the next.
We had a yellow umbrella at the Tyler zoo, and they seemed ready to charge one minute and run the next.
the Holden's newest! baby Lucy
Monday, March 13 Lilian and Ciaran had a second daughter - Lucy Rachel. This is me holding her the next day in the hospital. She is perfect! Amazing. God is amazing.
Making smores with Sarah Whitlock
Texas winters and springs seem to merge, going back and forth in weather and temperature. One chilly night on campus, we made smores. Made me want to go camping!
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
What is Gateway?
Some have asked me 'so what is Gateway?' Gateway is Mercy Ships entry training program. It's a three-month course that prepares folks to work with the poor and needy in a cross-cultural setting. The curriculum includes topics in three broad areas: faith foundations, cross-cultural communications & community development, and personal/interpersonal development. At the end of two months, the participants spend one month on field service in a developing country. Our speakers are a combination of local and international teachers, speakers, and staff. The participants come from everywhere, although since 9/11 some nationalities have had difficulty getting visas to the USA. I have enjoyed hearing the testimonies of how the Lord gets people here to Mercy Ships and what He is doing in their lives that has inspired them to want to serve in missions. Then it's great fun to see them gell as a group, become transparent with each other, learn to work with each others' strengths and weaknesses, and get a bigger glimpse of what God can do through them to love world and bring about change. So that's it in a nut-shell. It sure seems to take a whole lot of details to bring it all about, but it's a good nitch for me in this season.
I am a little sad not to be sailing away on one of the ships, but land is good too. (smile)
Sorry to be so long between updates, but I'm still having trouble having internet access outside of the office. Not much time during the day to blog...until later...
I am a little sad not to be sailing away on one of the ships, but land is good too. (smile)
Sorry to be so long between updates, but I'm still having trouble having internet access outside of the office. Not much time during the day to blog...until later...
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Perhaps you can relate?
I sat down recently and wrote about my last flight to visit my brother's family. Perhaps you have had a similar experience with air travel lately?
Hunger Strike
I’m a tightwad. So as I sit here on a flight from Dallas, Texas, to Kona, Hawaii, to visit my brother’s family, I am shocked to discover that the airline no longer provides complimentary meals or snacks.
What? I fume. I pay almost $1000 for this flight, am trapped here twelve
hours, and they aren’t going to feed me? I refuse to fork over another $5.00 for a mere turkey sandwich. I feel it my personal responsibility to justice and all that is right to stand firm (or sit, as it were). It’s not just the $5.00; it’s the principle of the matter! Where is the lost graciousness of air travel? Where are the perks of a long flight – the two full-length movies and a decent meal? Where, in fact, are a blanket and one of those cute miniature pillows? Thus I begin my own personal hunger strike.
Instantly, my moments-ago full stomach starts to grumble and whine. I sit stubbornly in my narrow seat casting furtive looks at the passengers ahead of me opening their snack boxes. Humph, I mutter to myself. Cheezits and Oreos, who needs them? I have an unopened packet of pretzels in my purse from a previous, more generous flight. I reassure myself that I won’t starve, though pretzels are my least favorite snack. Tasteless pretzels are a fitting companion for the water I’ll order. At least water is still free. Surely.
The rustle of pre-packaged food items and happy munching increases my dissatisfaction. The cart is drawing closer to my aisle. I stare ahead, leaning my chair back a notch. It rumbles closer. I put a piece of gum in my mouth. I pick up the emergency procedures card and diligently study the diagrams. Perhaps I will need to know how to use my seat as a flotation device as we fly over Arizona. Nearer and nearer come the flight attendants and with them my last opportunity for guaranteed sustenance. Can I really let it go by and remain empty handed? The ten hours remaining loom long in my mind. I’ll eat pretzels and then sleep ‘till we get there, I tell myself.
But then another voice inside pipes up, reminding me of the $2.00 I saved when they passed out complimentary headphones since the video projector was broken. Instantly I only have to justify $3.00. My resolve crumbles. “I’ll take one!” I blurt out to the flight attendant, now at my elbow. To eat later, I tell myself. When it’s dinner time, it will be worth it. My hunger strike ends.
Soon the drink cart follows. Great, what will I have to pay for this? However, the flight attendant offers a selection of complimentary juices and sodas. When I select a cranapple juice, she asks if I would like the whole can. I nod profusely, feeling like I have just scored the deal of the century. Wow! The whole can free! Along with the drink, she places before me a packet of pretzels. I put it in my purse for later…just in case.
I’m a tightwad. So as I sit here on a flight from Dallas, Texas, to Kona, Hawaii, to visit my brother’s family, I am shocked to discover that the airline no longer provides complimentary meals or snacks.
What? I fume. I pay almost $1000 for this flight, am trapped here twelve
hours, and they aren’t going to feed me? I refuse to fork over another $5.00 for a mere turkey sandwich. I feel it my personal responsibility to justice and all that is right to stand firm (or sit, as it were). It’s not just the $5.00; it’s the principle of the matter! Where is the lost graciousness of air travel? Where are the perks of a long flight – the two full-length movies and a decent meal? Where, in fact, are a blanket and one of those cute miniature pillows? Thus I begin my own personal hunger strike.
Instantly, my moments-ago full stomach starts to grumble and whine. I sit stubbornly in my narrow seat casting furtive looks at the passengers ahead of me opening their snack boxes. Humph, I mutter to myself. Cheezits and Oreos, who needs them? I have an unopened packet of pretzels in my purse from a previous, more generous flight. I reassure myself that I won’t starve, though pretzels are my least favorite snack. Tasteless pretzels are a fitting companion for the water I’ll order. At least water is still free. Surely.
The rustle of pre-packaged food items and happy munching increases my dissatisfaction. The cart is drawing closer to my aisle. I stare ahead, leaning my chair back a notch. It rumbles closer. I put a piece of gum in my mouth. I pick up the emergency procedures card and diligently study the diagrams. Perhaps I will need to know how to use my seat as a flotation device as we fly over Arizona. Nearer and nearer come the flight attendants and with them my last opportunity for guaranteed sustenance. Can I really let it go by and remain empty handed? The ten hours remaining loom long in my mind. I’ll eat pretzels and then sleep ‘till we get there, I tell myself.
But then another voice inside pipes up, reminding me of the $2.00 I saved when they passed out complimentary headphones since the video projector was broken. Instantly I only have to justify $3.00. My resolve crumbles. “I’ll take one!” I blurt out to the flight attendant, now at my elbow. To eat later, I tell myself. When it’s dinner time, it will be worth it. My hunger strike ends.
Soon the drink cart follows. Great, what will I have to pay for this? However, the flight attendant offers a selection of complimentary juices and sodas. When I select a cranapple juice, she asks if I would like the whole can. I nod profusely, feeling like I have just scored the deal of the century. Wow! The whole can free! Along with the drink, she places before me a packet of pretzels. I put it in my purse for later…just in case.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
this and that
Weekends go by WAY too fast! I'm just now getting online and it's time to start winding down. Tomorrow starts early. Just wanted to check in.
If you haven't already, go see the movie End of the Spear. It's about Steve Saint, son of Nate Saint who was one of the missionaries massacred in the 1950's with Jim Elliot. The movie is well-made and answers questions and loose ends that have taken 50 years to find out. Everyone should see it. Make sure you stay for the credits, 'cause they show some of the best parts then. You'll leave smiling.
I just finished the first week with a new Gateway school. It was a really good week. In fact, I actually had fun! I know there will be days when I don't like my job directing the Gateway Program, so I want to appreciate (and savor) the days I do. Friday I loved my job! I got to teach a short session, the participants are getting to know each other and slowly sharing more about themselves, I got to see my staff shine, and we had beautiful weather every day... If I'm going to share the bad news, I want to make sure and share the good, as well!
This weekend we finally had rain. It hasn't rained all day like today since September when Hurricane Katrina was blowing around, so everyone has been happy to see the clouds. Sunday afternoons are the best time to have a wet rainy day!
until later...have a good start to a new week!
If you haven't already, go see the movie End of the Spear. It's about Steve Saint, son of Nate Saint who was one of the missionaries massacred in the 1950's with Jim Elliot. The movie is well-made and answers questions and loose ends that have taken 50 years to find out. Everyone should see it. Make sure you stay for the credits, 'cause they show some of the best parts then. You'll leave smiling.
I just finished the first week with a new Gateway school. It was a really good week. In fact, I actually had fun! I know there will be days when I don't like my job directing the Gateway Program, so I want to appreciate (and savor) the days I do. Friday I loved my job! I got to teach a short session, the participants are getting to know each other and slowly sharing more about themselves, I got to see my staff shine, and we had beautiful weather every day... If I'm going to share the bad news, I want to make sure and share the good, as well!
This weekend we finally had rain. It hasn't rained all day like today since September when Hurricane Katrina was blowing around, so everyone has been happy to see the clouds. Sunday afternoons are the best time to have a wet rainy day!
until later...have a good start to a new week!
Monday, January 09, 2006
Getting ready for Gateway
I've been back at work one week and it seems like three! Whew! The Gateway course starts next week with Registration on Sunday. I'm looking forward to getting to know this new group of participants. I think this job is a good fit.
Have Mercy!
No, we don't usually dress alike! However, it's a cool shirt, don't you think. That's my mom, dad, brother, and sister-in-law (and the hands of Tabitha who doesn't like being left out.)
my brother's family
My brother's family on our drive to the North end of the island. Yes, it is beautiful, but believe me, I saw more of the WalMart parking lot than the beaches of Hawaii during the holidays. smile. Benjamin is 8 with a broken wrist. Lydia is 6 and likes horses. Tabitha is 2 1/2 and likes to eat candy.
Making a Gingerbread House
Christmas was spent at my brother's house in Kona with his family and my parents. We had fun making a gingerbread house, but Tabitha kept eating the candy decorations faster than we could put them on the house. We finally convinced her to stop and leave a few on the house. Actually, she just compromised. Everytime she passed by the gingerbread house, she couldn't resist licking her finger, rubbing the candy pieces, then licking her finger again. By Christmas day the candy had practically melted before our eyes.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Merry Christmas!
I have been without internet connection since early November. I hope to fix the situation by the new year, so check back here again after the holidays. In the meantime, have a very merry Christmas celebrating the ultimate gift from God!
Monday, November 07, 2005
The End of an Era
Last week the three of us - Udo, Keith, me - met with Don, gave him our final proposals. Final copy, all polished up. He was leaving the next day to meet with the Board. Twenty-one men and women who would decide what to do with the Caribbean Mercy and the Anastasis. Today, we received an email on how to communicate the Board's decisions. It read:
1. On April 6, 2006 Mercy Ships will commission the flagship of our future, the Africa Mercy. Due to a significant increase in the hospital and community development capacity, the Africa Mercy will double the amount of people served by the Anastasis and Caribbean Mercy combined.
2. It is our belief that the Africa Mercy will serve some of the region’s most needy for the next 30 years.
3. Both the Caribbean Mercy and Anastasis are over 50 years old. International maritime regulations indicate significant additional expense should the two ships remain in service. The Africa Mercy is the first ship of a new era of Mercy Ships hospital ships and part of the long range plan to bring hope and healing to the world’s poorest people.
4. The Anastasis and Caribbean Mercy are both to be retired after serving as effective tools in bringing hope and healing to countless of the world’s poor.
5. Many of the crew from the Anastasis and Caribbean Mercy are considering service on the Africa Mercy.
--------------
I'm sad. I knew to expect this decision, but I guess I still hoped. Now there's a lump in my stomach. Even if I didn't go back on crew, I still liked the idea of it existing, thriving, serving, still being intact. A beautiful little ship with inlaid wood on the walls and inlaid carvings not found in ships ever again. Tiny cabins that still were able to reflect the personalities of their inhabitants. Noisy dining room that served as the social hub of the ship, usually buzzing with conversation and laughter. Unless it was early Sunday morning, and then there was a sleepy silence to be savored and enjoyed over several cups of coffee as friends trickled in and joined you for seconds on breakfast before church. A small Aft deck - our definition of a backyard - a place to catch a cool breeze, escape a crowd, watch the ship kids run around and play, look out over the town in which we were docked and dream. I'm going to miss being able to come out of my office, step through a door, and be on the water, lean over the side and listen to gentle waves lap at the hull while seagulls screech, then go back inside for my next class. I'm going to miss the brilliant reflection of sunshine bouncing off the water, sun rises (when I caught them), and sun sets (which I caught regularly), friends to eat meals with, and always new people to meet or to get to know better. I'm going to miss walking up the gangway to my home. And I'm going to miss the view out of my porthole changing.
It's late. So I'm stopping. sigh.
1. On April 6, 2006 Mercy Ships will commission the flagship of our future, the Africa Mercy. Due to a significant increase in the hospital and community development capacity, the Africa Mercy will double the amount of people served by the Anastasis and Caribbean Mercy combined.
2. It is our belief that the Africa Mercy will serve some of the region’s most needy for the next 30 years.
3. Both the Caribbean Mercy and Anastasis are over 50 years old. International maritime regulations indicate significant additional expense should the two ships remain in service. The Africa Mercy is the first ship of a new era of Mercy Ships hospital ships and part of the long range plan to bring hope and healing to the world’s poorest people.
4. The Anastasis and Caribbean Mercy are both to be retired after serving as effective tools in bringing hope and healing to countless of the world’s poor.
5. Many of the crew from the Anastasis and Caribbean Mercy are considering service on the Africa Mercy.
--------------
I'm sad. I knew to expect this decision, but I guess I still hoped. Now there's a lump in my stomach. Even if I didn't go back on crew, I still liked the idea of it existing, thriving, serving, still being intact. A beautiful little ship with inlaid wood on the walls and inlaid carvings not found in ships ever again. Tiny cabins that still were able to reflect the personalities of their inhabitants. Noisy dining room that served as the social hub of the ship, usually buzzing with conversation and laughter. Unless it was early Sunday morning, and then there was a sleepy silence to be savored and enjoyed over several cups of coffee as friends trickled in and joined you for seconds on breakfast before church. A small Aft deck - our definition of a backyard - a place to catch a cool breeze, escape a crowd, watch the ship kids run around and play, look out over the town in which we were docked and dream. I'm going to miss being able to come out of my office, step through a door, and be on the water, lean over the side and listen to gentle waves lap at the hull while seagulls screech, then go back inside for my next class. I'm going to miss the brilliant reflection of sunshine bouncing off the water, sun rises (when I caught them), and sun sets (which I caught regularly), friends to eat meals with, and always new people to meet or to get to know better. I'm going to miss walking up the gangway to my home. And I'm going to miss the view out of my porthole changing.
It's late. So I'm stopping. sigh.
Fusion Convention in Dallas
A couple of us represented Mercy Ships at a Mission Convention this weekend. We ended up talking to lots of people. Who knows, maybe some will be future crew....it still amazes me how I ended up in Mercy Ships.
Jan Kronester in action
The Kronester family are my neighbors downstairs, so I went to Jan's soccer game last Saturday. There's not much more exciting than watching eight 5-year olds try to kick a ball two different directions!
Friday, October 28, 2005
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Hurricane Wilma was able to find the tiny town of Puerto Castilla, Honduras where the Caribbean Mercy spent 6 months last year. Thanks Jeremy for finding these photos on the web! See here for the rest of the pictures.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Gateway Class Banquet
Yesterday ended the lecture segment of the Gateway Course. I had the opportunity to teach the last two days and give a charge to the participants at the banquet last night. Tonight they depart at 2:00 AM for a month-long field assignment in the Dominican Republic. I'm off to bed so that I can get up in three hours to wave them off.
Monday, October 17, 2005
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