Monday, December 3, 2012
Soon
Soon our travels to Bongolo to spend Christmas with the Thelanders of Gabon will begin. We leave on Thursday, December 6 to return on January 7, 2013. And today is Monday already. We do have 3 suitcases packed, some clothing and personal items laid out. So we are doing well. 46 degrees today here with light misty rain.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Libreville Adventures
Wednesday, August 26
Point Denis is our destination today. We will take the "ferry" over and spend the day at the beach. We've packed enough food, according to Keir, to feed an army. We arrived at the dock at 8:15 am after picking up pastries along the way at a Lebanese bakery. Having made a reservation two days earlier helped us get a spot on the first boat over which was scheduled to leave at 9 am. We and 20 others loaded the "ferry" which is an African speedboat that looks to be in a state of disrepair. They did have life jackets for all of us for which we were grateful. The ride was a thrill for us all but Luke and Sarah loved having the waves splash in their face and on Grandma and Grandpa's glasses. When our 20 minute ride was over, we disembarked down a scary ladder onto the beach and were left there until our 5 pm pickup. There are several hotels, a leatherback turtle mini-museum and the new Bongo seaside estate which is still under construction. Bought fries and pamplemousse from a nearby hotel. We lounged on the beach, played in the surf and sand, took long walks along the shore and had a restful day and we ate all the food that we had brought and bought French fries at the hotel nearest the wooden beach chairs we used. At 5:15 on the horizon we sight the boat coming toward the beach. We climbed aboard using the same scary ladder and we on ou way for another waterfilled ride back to Libreville shores.
Shwarmas from Comodore, a Lebanese restaurant and take-out, was on the dinner menu. We had dinner at home at the Guest House. Turned in early to bed.
Thursday, August 27
Lots of shopping at Souvenir Village with Alace, Megan, Marley, Joanna & Sarah. Dave purchased an elephant to go with the hippo that he has at home.
Lunch was with the King family, Garett, Sara, Zack, Nehemiah and Geoffrey. Sara made a delicious fettucini alfredo for us. It was fun to get to know these missionaries from Tucson who are with The Door Christian Fellowship Church. They are church planters here in Libreville.
Did some shopping at Birdy Art, a boutique that is way pricey. Joanna was looking for a lamp to add to her "small lamp" collection. This one is shaped like a white bakery bag. They were sold out however.
Costa Sylvia, an Italian restaurant, was a treat fom Joanna & Keir. The four of us enjoyed our quiet dinner out while Megan watched Luke & Sarah. Diann had a South African t-bone steak which was deliciously prepared and yummy to taste. Dave ate local fish which were served with their heads and tales and very tasty. Keir said his filet mignon was not as good as the one he'd had there earlier in the year; Joanna's shrimp dish was great. Luciano, our Equitorial Guinean server, was very into American jazz and had Ella and Louie and the Duke playing for us. We were in a private room behind a curtain which was very quaint and great for privacy. While we were eating, Joanna & Keir looked at each other mysteriously when we could hear a man speaking loudly. The upshot was that he had come into the restaurant wielding a knife and was asked to leave. We did find out later that he was the gardener but should not have entered the restaurant with his tools.
The children were asleep when we arrived home at 10:45 and we went to bed shortly thereafter.
Friday, August 28
Dave & Keir spent 4 hours trying to "right" the Thelander roof rack. They were not successful in getting it straightened out. Joanna did laundry and meet with the VBS short term missionaries to sort out details of Field Forum VBS.
Stopped to have air put in the tires. That took about 20 minutes since the "mechanic" had to do it himself. Spent the afternoon at SunSet Beach with the Straw children, Megan, Joey, & Sam. The beach was beautiful. We were able to watch the sun set over the ocean. The kids built a bridge of sand and caught lots of waves in the high tide. Ordered fries and pamplemousse from the nearby restaurant.
Joanna made a great pasta dish for our early dinner. "Flipper" was on schedule for the evening. We ate our mint chocolate chip ice cream during the movie.
Did some packing and re-arranging of our stuff and went to bed.
Saturday, August 29
Slept in as did the whole family. These few days on vacation with the Thelander family in Libreville has been wonderful. After a late breakfast, Dave, Luke and Keir went shopping for a few items on Mbolo and some brake fluid while Joanna finished us the laundry. Sarah and Diann did some coloring.
Lunch was caprese, conte and brie cheeses and more baquettes with olive oil and fresh garlic. Finished packing and now we are ready to head to SunSet Beach for more fun in the sun.
We are praying that our Royal Air Maroc flight is on schedule and that we are able to get to Rochester tomorrow. Thanks for praying with us for safe travel and for safety in Gabon during the election.
Update: As we drove to SunSet Beach we saw great masses of people; roadways on the other side were at a complete standstill and the roads were parking lots. All this for a "meeting". Just returned from SunSet Beach where we had a great time of fun in the overcast sky. Enroute home the meeting was just letting out and the crowds were dispering. Four lanes of traffic where there should have been two; lots of people walking in the roads and an overall generally scary situation. Then 10 or so men surrounded our vehicle and began shouting and banging their hands on the doors, windows and hood of the car and shouting out, as they had done with a few others. We were all very quiet as Keir just continued driving even with a shirt over his windshield. Very, very frightening situation. We arrived at the Guest House safely and are off to dinner and then to the airport. Thanks for your prayers for us!
Point Denis is our destination today. We will take the "ferry" over and spend the day at the beach. We've packed enough food, according to Keir, to feed an army. We arrived at the dock at 8:15 am after picking up pastries along the way at a Lebanese bakery. Having made a reservation two days earlier helped us get a spot on the first boat over which was scheduled to leave at 9 am. We and 20 others loaded the "ferry" which is an African speedboat that looks to be in a state of disrepair. They did have life jackets for all of us for which we were grateful. The ride was a thrill for us all but Luke and Sarah loved having the waves splash in their face and on Grandma and Grandpa's glasses. When our 20 minute ride was over, we disembarked down a scary ladder onto the beach and were left there until our 5 pm pickup. There are several hotels, a leatherback turtle mini-museum and the new Bongo seaside estate which is still under construction. Bought fries and pamplemousse from a nearby hotel. We lounged on the beach, played in the surf and sand, took long walks along the shore and had a restful day and we ate all the food that we had brought and bought French fries at the hotel nearest the wooden beach chairs we used. At 5:15 on the horizon we sight the boat coming toward the beach. We climbed aboard using the same scary ladder and we on ou way for another waterfilled ride back to Libreville shores.
Shwarmas from Comodore, a Lebanese restaurant and take-out, was on the dinner menu. We had dinner at home at the Guest House. Turned in early to bed.
Thursday, August 27
Lots of shopping at Souvenir Village with Alace, Megan, Marley, Joanna & Sarah. Dave purchased an elephant to go with the hippo that he has at home.
Lunch was with the King family, Garett, Sara, Zack, Nehemiah and Geoffrey. Sara made a delicious fettucini alfredo for us. It was fun to get to know these missionaries from Tucson who are with The Door Christian Fellowship Church. They are church planters here in Libreville.
Did some shopping at Birdy Art, a boutique that is way pricey. Joanna was looking for a lamp to add to her "small lamp" collection. This one is shaped like a white bakery bag. They were sold out however.
Costa Sylvia, an Italian restaurant, was a treat fom Joanna & Keir. The four of us enjoyed our quiet dinner out while Megan watched Luke & Sarah. Diann had a South African t-bone steak which was deliciously prepared and yummy to taste. Dave ate local fish which were served with their heads and tales and very tasty. Keir said his filet mignon was not as good as the one he'd had there earlier in the year; Joanna's shrimp dish was great. Luciano, our Equitorial Guinean server, was very into American jazz and had Ella and Louie and the Duke playing for us. We were in a private room behind a curtain which was very quaint and great for privacy. While we were eating, Joanna & Keir looked at each other mysteriously when we could hear a man speaking loudly. The upshot was that he had come into the restaurant wielding a knife and was asked to leave. We did find out later that he was the gardener but should not have entered the restaurant with his tools.
The children were asleep when we arrived home at 10:45 and we went to bed shortly thereafter.
Friday, August 28
Dave & Keir spent 4 hours trying to "right" the Thelander roof rack. They were not successful in getting it straightened out. Joanna did laundry and meet with the VBS short term missionaries to sort out details of Field Forum VBS.
Stopped to have air put in the tires. That took about 20 minutes since the "mechanic" had to do it himself. Spent the afternoon at SunSet Beach with the Straw children, Megan, Joey, & Sam. The beach was beautiful. We were able to watch the sun set over the ocean. The kids built a bridge of sand and caught lots of waves in the high tide. Ordered fries and pamplemousse from the nearby restaurant.
Joanna made a great pasta dish for our early dinner. "Flipper" was on schedule for the evening. We ate our mint chocolate chip ice cream during the movie.
Did some packing and re-arranging of our stuff and went to bed.
Saturday, August 29
Slept in as did the whole family. These few days on vacation with the Thelander family in Libreville has been wonderful. After a late breakfast, Dave, Luke and Keir went shopping for a few items on Mbolo and some brake fluid while Joanna finished us the laundry. Sarah and Diann did some coloring.
Lunch was caprese, conte and brie cheeses and more baquettes with olive oil and fresh garlic. Finished packing and now we are ready to head to SunSet Beach for more fun in the sun.
We are praying that our Royal Air Maroc flight is on schedule and that we are able to get to Rochester tomorrow. Thanks for praying with us for safe travel and for safety in Gabon during the election.
Update: As we drove to SunSet Beach we saw great masses of people; roadways on the other side were at a complete standstill and the roads were parking lots. All this for a "meeting". Just returned from SunSet Beach where we had a great time of fun in the overcast sky. Enroute home the meeting was just letting out and the crowds were dispering. Four lanes of traffic where there should have been two; lots of people walking in the roads and an overall generally scary situation. Then 10 or so men surrounded our vehicle and began shouting and banging their hands on the doors, windows and hood of the car and shouting out, as they had done with a few others. We were all very quiet as Keir just continued driving even with a shirt over his windshield. Very, very frightening situation. We arrived at the Guest House safely and are off to dinner and then to the airport. Thanks for your prayers for us!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Home Church, Barack Obama, Farewells, Ride to Libreville, Birthdays, Shopping
Sunday, August 23
Dave was asked to give the sermonette for our home church service at House 4. His scripture was Proverbs 22:1-4 "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches..." He shared that his family names of Conquest and Swanson were highly respected in his hometown of Crown Point, Indiana. Family and friends are more important than riches of silver and gold. Keir served as worship leader and Joanna was song leader; Luke, Sarah and Diann were able to make special song requests with some songs in French but most in English.
Finished up packing by 4:30 for our trip to Libreville tomorrow. Dave had to have one last photo. This one of him by the Bongolo Hospital sign. We then headed off to Barack Obama Cafe for fish, chicken, rice and French fries which was the best we've had here. (No kidding!) When we've eaten at the Lebamba & Dakar restaurants, we take our beverage along with us. They serve unfiltered water and we steer away from that.
Many of the residents and missionaries came by to say farewell to us and some of them prayed with us. It was sad to say goodbye to them all, many of whom we have seen now for 3 years. During our visit we met the new and first Gabonese resident Dr. Simplice and his wife and 20 month old daughter, we met Paul & Meladee for the first time and we met the Kelly family for the first time. All the other residents and missionaries we have spent time with before.
Dave & Keir loaded the car by about 9 PM; they had to put a few pieces on the roof rack. The Thelanders are going straight from our 5 days in Libreville to Field Forum in Lambarene with the other missionaires to Gabon. Thus we had lots of luggage. We are returning home with 3 suitcases and one trunk plus 2 carry-ons as opposed to the 4 trunks, 4 suitcases and 2 carry-ons that came with us.
Monday, August 24
Joanna's thirtysomething birthday
Joanna called us at 5:30 am to make sure we were awake and on schedule for our 6 am departure. We sang "Happy Birthday" to her over the phone!
We departed House 4 at 6:15 am with two mostly sleepy children and 4 mostly tired adults. We left the hospital grounds under a light lifting fog. The station Mango Man had not yet picked mangos for us and placed them on palm leaves. So no mangos for the trip.
We met 5 trucks at the Bongolo Bridge and had to wait our turn on the one lane bridge. The first 30 kilometers after that were basically traffic free. The roads weren't very dusty because of the fog and Sunday night's mist. On our way to Mouila, the washboarding effect was ever present and the dust was kicking up. The dust was worsened by the presence of about a dozen logging trucks - one of which was rolled over on its side. On one stretch, as Keir began passing two logging trucks, we began slipping and sliding on the edge of the road and almost veered into the path of one of the huge trucks and to these passengers, at one point it seemed that we would roll over. It reminded us of the out-of-control spins that we experience on NY highways during ice and snow storms. God protected us and we are grateful indeed! The roads are difficult to describe.
We saw a lot of road construction enroute and saw a record number of construction vehicles including Caterpiller. We also experienced a record number of police check points with nearly 20 in all. At each stop we were waved through with no question after the police saw the Bongolo Hospital identifying decal on the vehicle.
A half hour stop in Lamberane at the Field Forum sight allowed Joanna to finalize a few of the details for the conference. It is a nice hotel on the Ogooue River. Dr. Dave has built a tent since the facility has no conference room. Breakfast will have to be brought in every morning from town. The conference leader is Ralph Trainer of Beulah Beach in Ohio. A quick stop for locally handpainted cards and fresh pain au'chocolate and we are on the road again.
Luke & Sarah are great travellers snacking along the way and watching movies. Sarah and Diann made the trip with no car sickness.
The new concrete sign at the equator was cause for another photo shoot. A man who lives nearby came out to tell us he used his machoette to cut down the tall grass. Keir rewarded his efforts with some money.
Arrived at the Guest House in Libreville about 4 PM which enabled us to avoid the rush hour traffic. But we also missed the toilet paper sellers along side the busy streets.
A wood fired pizza dinner at Tivoli's by the airport was our first experience with a server and a menu in over a month. The alfresco dining was fun.
Tuesday, August 25
Cold cereal (yes, we did have fresh cereal in Bongolo!) for breakfast after sleeping in and then we are off for shopping in the big city. San Gel, the waterfront frozen food store, was our first stop because they close between 12 noon and 3 PM. Broccoli, peas, chicken nuggets and mozarella cheese were purchased (later to be stored in the missionary freezer at the Guest House). At the open air market there, we bought cucumbers, carrots, fresh basil, a watermelon and papaya. A huge ship was docked and French miliary personnel were coming ashore; we watched them walk through the market. At M'bolo, the supermarket, we bought Comte & Brie cheeses, Coke, snacks plus we looked at the drawings of a street vender artist. On the way home at an open air market, we bought tomatoes, banana chips and were given a passion fruit by the fruit stand owner.
At 4:30 we were invited down to the Straws for ice cream and birthday cake for Sam. We joined Tim, Meredith and LeaAnn plus the King family. Afterwards we ventured to a private sports club for bowling. The bowling alley was closed at 6 when we arrived but a delivery man from the local bakery said he was scheduled for a 6:30 delivery. So we waited but toured the rest of the complex. At 7 PM no sign of the bowling alley personnel so we left. We prepared a quick dinner for ourselves and Luke and Sarah while Joanna and Keir had a dinner date at La Dolce Vita.
Dave was asked to give the sermonette for our home church service at House 4. His scripture was Proverbs 22:1-4 "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches..." He shared that his family names of Conquest and Swanson were highly respected in his hometown of Crown Point, Indiana. Family and friends are more important than riches of silver and gold. Keir served as worship leader and Joanna was song leader; Luke, Sarah and Diann were able to make special song requests with some songs in French but most in English.
Finished up packing by 4:30 for our trip to Libreville tomorrow. Dave had to have one last photo. This one of him by the Bongolo Hospital sign. We then headed off to Barack Obama Cafe for fish, chicken, rice and French fries which was the best we've had here. (No kidding!) When we've eaten at the Lebamba & Dakar restaurants, we take our beverage along with us. They serve unfiltered water and we steer away from that.
Many of the residents and missionaries came by to say farewell to us and some of them prayed with us. It was sad to say goodbye to them all, many of whom we have seen now for 3 years. During our visit we met the new and first Gabonese resident Dr. Simplice and his wife and 20 month old daughter, we met Paul & Meladee for the first time and we met the Kelly family for the first time. All the other residents and missionaries we have spent time with before.
Dave & Keir loaded the car by about 9 PM; they had to put a few pieces on the roof rack. The Thelanders are going straight from our 5 days in Libreville to Field Forum in Lambarene with the other missionaires to Gabon. Thus we had lots of luggage. We are returning home with 3 suitcases and one trunk plus 2 carry-ons as opposed to the 4 trunks, 4 suitcases and 2 carry-ons that came with us.
Monday, August 24
Joanna's thirtysomething birthday
Joanna called us at 5:30 am to make sure we were awake and on schedule for our 6 am departure. We sang "Happy Birthday" to her over the phone!
We departed House 4 at 6:15 am with two mostly sleepy children and 4 mostly tired adults. We left the hospital grounds under a light lifting fog. The station Mango Man had not yet picked mangos for us and placed them on palm leaves. So no mangos for the trip.
We met 5 trucks at the Bongolo Bridge and had to wait our turn on the one lane bridge. The first 30 kilometers after that were basically traffic free. The roads weren't very dusty because of the fog and Sunday night's mist. On our way to Mouila, the washboarding effect was ever present and the dust was kicking up. The dust was worsened by the presence of about a dozen logging trucks - one of which was rolled over on its side. On one stretch, as Keir began passing two logging trucks, we began slipping and sliding on the edge of the road and almost veered into the path of one of the huge trucks and to these passengers, at one point it seemed that we would roll over. It reminded us of the out-of-control spins that we experience on NY highways during ice and snow storms. God protected us and we are grateful indeed! The roads are difficult to describe.
We saw a lot of road construction enroute and saw a record number of construction vehicles including Caterpiller. We also experienced a record number of police check points with nearly 20 in all. At each stop we were waved through with no question after the police saw the Bongolo Hospital identifying decal on the vehicle.
A half hour stop in Lamberane at the Field Forum sight allowed Joanna to finalize a few of the details for the conference. It is a nice hotel on the Ogooue River. Dr. Dave has built a tent since the facility has no conference room. Breakfast will have to be brought in every morning from town. The conference leader is Ralph Trainer of Beulah Beach in Ohio. A quick stop for locally handpainted cards and fresh pain au'chocolate and we are on the road again.
Luke & Sarah are great travellers snacking along the way and watching movies. Sarah and Diann made the trip with no car sickness.
The new concrete sign at the equator was cause for another photo shoot. A man who lives nearby came out to tell us he used his machoette to cut down the tall grass. Keir rewarded his efforts with some money.
Arrived at the Guest House in Libreville about 4 PM which enabled us to avoid the rush hour traffic. But we also missed the toilet paper sellers along side the busy streets.
A wood fired pizza dinner at Tivoli's by the airport was our first experience with a server and a menu in over a month. The alfresco dining was fun.
Tuesday, August 25
Cold cereal (yes, we did have fresh cereal in Bongolo!) for breakfast after sleeping in and then we are off for shopping in the big city. San Gel, the waterfront frozen food store, was our first stop because they close between 12 noon and 3 PM. Broccoli, peas, chicken nuggets and mozarella cheese were purchased (later to be stored in the missionary freezer at the Guest House). At the open air market there, we bought cucumbers, carrots, fresh basil, a watermelon and papaya. A huge ship was docked and French miliary personnel were coming ashore; we watched them walk through the market. At M'bolo, the supermarket, we bought Comte & Brie cheeses, Coke, snacks plus we looked at the drawings of a street vender artist. On the way home at an open air market, we bought tomatoes, banana chips and were given a passion fruit by the fruit stand owner.
At 4:30 we were invited down to the Straws for ice cream and birthday cake for Sam. We joined Tim, Meredith and LeaAnn plus the King family. Afterwards we ventured to a private sports club for bowling. The bowling alley was closed at 6 when we arrived but a delivery man from the local bakery said he was scheduled for a 6:30 delivery. So we waited but toured the rest of the complex. At 7 PM no sign of the bowling alley personnel so we left. We prepared a quick dinner for ourselves and Luke and Sarah while Joanna and Keir had a dinner date at La Dolce Vita.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Birthday Celebrations, Hardware Store, Swimming, Finished Book
Friday, August 21
Today we had Sarah's family birthday celebration. She will be 5 on August 31 when the family is at Field Forum. Her specially selected dinner of pizza, pears, cranberry sauce and peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream was a treat. The pizza, cobbler and ice cream were homemade. It was all delicious! Had another couple rounds of opening birthday gifts which produced more fun things for "Fancy Nancy of the Jungle". Sarah is a fun, bright, articulate young lady with a flair toward the creative. We are blessed to have her as a granddaughter!
Dave rode into Lebamba with Paul for an outing at the hardware store. Paul picked up locks and a variety of hardware for doors. They ran into the pastor from Paul & Meladee's church. Visited Petro Gabon for gasoline and saw the long line waiting of folks waiting with their wheelbarrow for bottled gas. Rumor has it that the strike is over and bottled gas should become more available.
Paul & Dave noticed the renovation on the bridge from Lebamba to Bongolo Hospital. The crews were actively working on dismantling and painting the bridge. Work should take about 7 months according to the government sign at the site.
Because the sun was out for the third time since our arrival, we headed to the pool for a quick dip and some fun games with the Kellys and Luke, Sarah and Joanna. Tim Kelly has cleared a great swath of jungle and now we can see and hear the Louetsi River from poolside.
Luke, Sarah and Grandma finished reading "Mountain Born". We learned some things about shepherding and were sad to know that Biddy died.
Saturday, August 22
Today we celebrated Joanna's birthday (She will be thirtysomething on August 24!). Her specially selected dinner was eating out at Marie Therese's. We dined with Dr. Dave, Dr. Bill and Marley and had fish, gazelle, rice, manioc leaves, and French fried sweet potatoes. Had another round of opening presents. The most unique present Joanna received was from Keir - a Himalayan salt lamp which she had requested.
Heard stories from Dr. Dave which are always enlightening and fun. It's wonderful to hear about his 30 years of experiences here even if some of the stories about mice and rats are gruesome. Dr. Bill & Marley shared their first time impressions of Bongolo and the hope and vision they have about Fairhaven Church in Dayton sending more Short Term Missionaries to the hospital.
This week Diann spent a couple of hours in Depot 5 sorting donated hospital goods with Meladee. The warehouse is full of hospital gowns, surgical scrubs, medical supplies with a few thousand termites mixed in with some of the scrubs. Meladee has her hands full organizing the goods so that the staff will know what is on hand. She has been making steady progress since she began in March. It is a huge task.
The sunset tonight was spectacular! To know that God made the same sun to rise and set here and in Pittsford is just overwhelming as we gazed into the sky a little before 6.
Diann was pleased today when Honoreen, house help for Joanna, walked to the Triplex to our apartment to say goodbye. She doesn't speak English and Diann doesn't speak French but she gave her a big hug when she'd see her in the mornings and did so today to say goodbye. Hugging is not a common practice in Gabon especially between blacks and whites. Diann was blessed to be hugged by Honoreen.
Today we had Sarah's family birthday celebration. She will be 5 on August 31 when the family is at Field Forum. Her specially selected dinner of pizza, pears, cranberry sauce and peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream was a treat. The pizza, cobbler and ice cream were homemade. It was all delicious! Had another couple rounds of opening birthday gifts which produced more fun things for "Fancy Nancy of the Jungle". Sarah is a fun, bright, articulate young lady with a flair toward the creative. We are blessed to have her as a granddaughter!
Dave rode into Lebamba with Paul for an outing at the hardware store. Paul picked up locks and a variety of hardware for doors. They ran into the pastor from Paul & Meladee's church. Visited Petro Gabon for gasoline and saw the long line waiting of folks waiting with their wheelbarrow for bottled gas. Rumor has it that the strike is over and bottled gas should become more available.
Paul & Dave noticed the renovation on the bridge from Lebamba to Bongolo Hospital. The crews were actively working on dismantling and painting the bridge. Work should take about 7 months according to the government sign at the site.
Because the sun was out for the third time since our arrival, we headed to the pool for a quick dip and some fun games with the Kellys and Luke, Sarah and Joanna. Tim Kelly has cleared a great swath of jungle and now we can see and hear the Louetsi River from poolside.
Luke, Sarah and Grandma finished reading "Mountain Born". We learned some things about shepherding and were sad to know that Biddy died.
Saturday, August 22
Today we celebrated Joanna's birthday (She will be thirtysomething on August 24!). Her specially selected dinner was eating out at Marie Therese's. We dined with Dr. Dave, Dr. Bill and Marley and had fish, gazelle, rice, manioc leaves, and French fried sweet potatoes. Had another round of opening presents. The most unique present Joanna received was from Keir - a Himalayan salt lamp which she had requested.
Heard stories from Dr. Dave which are always enlightening and fun. It's wonderful to hear about his 30 years of experiences here even if some of the stories about mice and rats are gruesome. Dr. Bill & Marley shared their first time impressions of Bongolo and the hope and vision they have about Fairhaven Church in Dayton sending more Short Term Missionaries to the hospital.
This week Diann spent a couple of hours in Depot 5 sorting donated hospital goods with Meladee. The warehouse is full of hospital gowns, surgical scrubs, medical supplies with a few thousand termites mixed in with some of the scrubs. Meladee has her hands full organizing the goods so that the staff will know what is on hand. She has been making steady progress since she began in March. It is a huge task.
The sunset tonight was spectacular! To know that God made the same sun to rise and set here and in Pittsford is just overwhelming as we gazed into the sky a little before 6.
Diann was pleased today when Honoreen, house help for Joanna, walked to the Triplex to our apartment to say goodbye. She doesn't speak English and Diann doesn't speak French but she gave her a big hug when she'd see her in the mornings and did so today to say goodbye. Hugging is not a common practice in Gabon especially between blacks and whites. Diann was blessed to be hugged by Honoreen.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Bon Fete, Painting, Kittens, Luke's Birthday
Grandpa & Grandma with Luke and Sarah at
Mandji Church in the recently completed Sunday School room.
Monday, August 17 - Independence Day in Gabon
Most employees at Bongolo Hospital had new ensembles made for the fete and resulting parade which took place at a new site in Lebamba (an open field where the grass had been recently cut by machete according to Luke. He said he could tell because the blades of grass were uneven and the grass was higher than if it had been cut by a mower.) At this site stands a yet-to-be revealed statue of the late President Bongo.
The parade was scheduled to begin at 9 AM. We (Keir, Joanna, Luke, Sarah, Dave & Diann)arrived at 11 AM (note a pattern here regarding the time?). Soon Dr. Keir was escorted to his seat with other local dignitaries in the reviewing stand. The Lebamaba residents about 2,000 strong had gathered already into groups from their different nations and businesses. Each group member was decked out in colorful matching African attire. The village chiefs were dressed in matching khaki outfits and were seated to the right of the reviewing stand. The Prefeit (town supervisor not from Lebamba but appointed by the Gabonese government) arrived at 12:15; the recorded national anthem was played over the loud speaker and after a few technical difficulties, the Gabon flag was raised on the new 20 foot tall 4X4 flag pole. The Prefeit then walked the distance circumference of the crowd and shook the hand of Diann & Marley (those were the only two people with which he shook hands).
The parade started after thirty minutes of speeches and the re-aligning of the parade participants - most of whom had waited in the hot (85 degrees) sun since before 9 AM. Bongolo Hospital was represented by almost 40 people and were a hit with the "emergency" skit they performed in front of the reviewing stand.
One of the highlights of the parade was the appearance of about a dozen pieces of construction equipment, tractors and heavy trucks many of which were loaded with some Covec road construction crew in them.
The Prefeit circled the crowed again and Dave, Keir and Dr. Dave shook his hand this time as well as many other parade goers. The Prefeit is an evangelical Christian.
We left the parade grounds about 2:30 PM. Bon fete, indeed! We had a great time being a part of the celebration with the Bongolo Hospital contingent.
Tuesday, August 18
Dave, Erich, Michele, Danny & Adoule finished up the painting project except for a few touch ups that must be done by Master Painter Dave. The house looks great! But most importantly, Joanna is pleased and happy with the new color scheme.
Dave & Luke worked on Luke's Struxx Dinosaur which has 625 pieces. A great team project for two engineering minds! Diann sewed PAACS patches on the new resident's lab coat and on a few of Keir's coats too (PAACS - Pan African Academy of Christian Surgeons - the residency program at Bongolo at which Keir is Program Director - http://www.bongolohospital.org/ and click on PAACS).
Paul, the maintenance supervisor, was burning four trees in the back of the Quadplex. We were invited over and arrived with graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate. Meladee joined us. The S'Mores were tasty!
We have been getting around on the station in a station-supplied golf cart. It has been fun. Diann thinks she's driving a go-cart!
Wednesday, August 19
A trip to Lebamba found Diann, Joanna, Luke, Sarah, Meladee and Marley in Ose, the tailor's shop, to pick up a few souvenirs and at a few of the local umbrella shops for groceries (found Irish potatoes from Cameroon again and fresh garlic). But the treat was to be able to visit Afoussa's home. She greeted us warmly in her tiny two room home that she shares with her husband. The living room, kitchen and dining room area was about 14 X 18 feet. She ha an dorm sized refrigerator and a two burner gas stove and cable television for which they pay more per month than they do for rent. We looked at photo albums and through these visited her homeland of Benin and met her family. As we prepared to leave, she told Diann through Joanna, our interpreter, that she could have any photo of her that she wanted. Diann was honored and chose one of Afoussa and her husband Yousouff.
Stopped by the newest Lebamba artisan, Lambert, to pick up an order of carvings and paintings and for the second time he did not have the promised items ready. We were able to purchase some articles but not what we ordered :(
As we neared the hospital station, right in the middle of the road, was a tiny kitten. Joanna stopped the car and heard the kitty calling loudly. She immediately calls Amanda to see if they want another cat in their home. Amanda after checking with Tim said she'd pass. When Joanna loses sight of the kitty, she gets out of the car and the kitten is under her car- meowing even louder. The kitten comes to Joanna's feet and is picked up. Joanna hears an echo and lo! and behold! there are two kittens. The other on the opposite side of the road. A Bongolo nurse comes by walking home from work and tells Joanna that the cats have there since yesterday and they don't belong to anyone. Joanna scoops us both kittens and hands them to Luke and Sarah in a pair of scrubs pants. We stop by Eric & Wendy's home and ask them (with no warning) if they'd like to adopt TWO newborn kittens. Eric & Wendy have been having snake, rat and cockroach problems and Joanna thought these kittens in a few weeks would be great hunters. We left E&W holding the kittens in the scrubs and said goodnight. Checked on the kitties today and took along an eye dropper. The kittens were thrilled with the milk they were able to get through it. E&W are deciding on names!
Karen prepared a lovely dinner for all six of us. It was great fun to see her African artifacts that she has collected over her many years in this country. Had to make it an early night with her as Keir and the rest of the missionaries had a staff meeting.
Thursday, August 20
Luke's 7th Birthday! My how time flies! It seems like yesterday that we drove to Cleveland to Fairview Hospital to meet our less-than-nine-hours old first grandchild! He is an inquisitive, bright, sensitive, helpful and fun boy with an eye for organization. We are blessed!
Opened some of Luke's presents just before lunch and the rest after his special birthday requested dinner of "loaded baked potatoes" complete with bacon, cheese, onions, mushrooms (Dave put Frank's hot sauce on his) plus we had the specially requested baby peas, cranberry sauce plus frozen peanut butter and chocolate dessert.
Sarah won her first ever Wii bowling game with Grandpa coming in second, Grandma third and the birthday boy who is Wii ProBowler coming in third for the first time.
Notes: There is a knock on the Thelander door at least 5 times a day which results in changes to their daily plan. The Thelander phone rings at least 8 times every day and who know how many emails they get each. Keir gets at least 2 requests for tech support almost every day. Joanna gets a call about an upcoming visitor at least once or twice a day. Their Vonage connection to the states is of variable quality but we are grateful nonetheless for the connection). The hospital is expanding with a new x-ray lab, new administrative offices, new toilets for the family of patients plus new outdoor kitchens for the families.
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If you would like to see a few photos of our time here, email us after August 30th. Uploading a photo for this site takes a LONG time here with the slow internet connection.,
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Painting, Birthday Party, Dinners Out, Fishing, Raffia Artisans, Etc.
Wednesday, August 12
A shopping trip into Lebamba produced the usual staples plus a new hand woven from reeds hat from Benin for Dave. Now he looks like an African farmer!
Diann finished reading "In Grandma's Attic" to Luke and Sarah in the afternoon before a sleep over here when we started reading "Mountain Born". Both books are part of Luke's second grade curriculum. We enjoyed our multiple rounds of Uno.
Dave's house painting project is moving right along! House Number Four is quite beautiful now as we see it from down at the hospital when we come back from Lebamba. Quite a change on the station!
Had delicious chicken on the grill at Paul and Meladee's home.
Thursday, August 13
A continuation of painting for Dave and his crew in the morning.
The afternoon brought a 40 minute trip to a stream to go "fishing" for new residents for L&S's gallon sized aquariums. We sprayed up heavily and trekked through jungle to reach the 30 foot wide stream which feeds into the Louetsi River. Luke was the most successful fisherman with a take of seven fish. We used some of the Cornell fish researchers nets and felt professional! We also spotted frogs and snails and caught a few of the colorful butterflies which we put into L&S's butterfly carrier for transporting home.
In the station pool we watched as Luke dove to the bottom of the pool and swam with one arm which holding his nose with his other hand. Sarah loves the water but clings to her floatie still. The water was much to cold for them and for Grandpa so we didn't stay long. It was the first day we had seen the sun so we rushed to the pool to enjoy it.
Enjoyed another meal at Coca Cola Restaurant but the popcorn man wasn't set up.
Friday, August 14
Getting closer by the inch to the end of the painting project. The crew has started painting the newly built garage/carport.
An hour and a half trip (passed Mandji church) and we were in a village that has two raffia workshops. The buildings are dedicated to the looms and the artisans. The craftsmen knew we were coming and we ready at their looms because Jacqui had made the connections for us. The workshops both has a fire on the side made from a log that was 4 feet long and about 18 inches in diameter. The fire had been started in the middle of the log and both middles of the logs were burning, The raffia is beautiful and made into table runners. We had to pay the artisans to take their photograph.
Supper with Wendy and Eric for his birthday celebration produced out first taste of local ground beef that Eric had made into lasagna with no mozzarella cheese because you can't buy that in Lebamba. Joanna made her signature Apple Cheese Torte for the occasion. How wonderful to get to spend time with the new opthomologist and her accountant husband who is really an actuary.
Saturday, August 15
Most of the morning was filled with preparations for the birthday party for Luke & Sarah which included all the missionaries, all the residents, and the visitors and all their families - 37 in all. Luke's blue frosting chocolate cake was in the shape of a 7 and was a race track complete with Hot Wheels including one which had run off the track. Sarah's pink frosted number 5 was adorned with pink flowers and sprinkles. Both grandchildren had matching M&Ms splashed obn their cakes. One of the highlights of the party was Grandpa's giant bubble making prowess. Diann learned from the African residents' wives how to make bubbles with her hands. Many of the party goers stayed until 6 PM.
Dave, Diann, Joanna & Keir continue to work on the 1026 piece Norman Rockwell "Doctor and the Doll" puzzle. Luke and Sarah helped in the beginning but our days are so full that they rarely work on it during the daytime.
Sunday, August 16
After a very harrowing drive on the slick-as-ice wet roads through Bamboo Palace, we arrived for worship at Mandji Church. Four trucks were off the road, stuck in the mud. One was headed toward the 50 foot drop off into the jungle ravine. Church was a full house with the largest number of men in attendance ever. We were accompanied by a large drum and a guitar for the singing. Joanna taught Sunday School again and Marley and I were there to support her.
Marley is here on short term mission with her husband, Dr. Bill who is a GI specialist. They are from Dayton.
Had pancakes, eggs and bacon for lunch. Let the record show that Keir cooks eggs. He says he cooks grilled cheese too but we haven't experienced that yet.
Dave & Keir watched Y.E. Yang win the PGA tournament. We stayed up till after 12:30 to see this history making show down with Tiger.
A shopping trip into Lebamba produced the usual staples plus a new hand woven from reeds hat from Benin for Dave. Now he looks like an African farmer!
Diann finished reading "In Grandma's Attic" to Luke and Sarah in the afternoon before a sleep over here when we started reading "Mountain Born". Both books are part of Luke's second grade curriculum. We enjoyed our multiple rounds of Uno.
Dave's house painting project is moving right along! House Number Four is quite beautiful now as we see it from down at the hospital when we come back from Lebamba. Quite a change on the station!
Had delicious chicken on the grill at Paul and Meladee's home.
Thursday, August 13
A continuation of painting for Dave and his crew in the morning.
The afternoon brought a 40 minute trip to a stream to go "fishing" for new residents for L&S's gallon sized aquariums. We sprayed up heavily and trekked through jungle to reach the 30 foot wide stream which feeds into the Louetsi River. Luke was the most successful fisherman with a take of seven fish. We used some of the Cornell fish researchers nets and felt professional! We also spotted frogs and snails and caught a few of the colorful butterflies which we put into L&S's butterfly carrier for transporting home.
In the station pool we watched as Luke dove to the bottom of the pool and swam with one arm which holding his nose with his other hand. Sarah loves the water but clings to her floatie still. The water was much to cold for them and for Grandpa so we didn't stay long. It was the first day we had seen the sun so we rushed to the pool to enjoy it.
Enjoyed another meal at Coca Cola Restaurant but the popcorn man wasn't set up.
Friday, August 14
Getting closer by the inch to the end of the painting project. The crew has started painting the newly built garage/carport.
An hour and a half trip (passed Mandji church) and we were in a village that has two raffia workshops. The buildings are dedicated to the looms and the artisans. The craftsmen knew we were coming and we ready at their looms because Jacqui had made the connections for us. The workshops both has a fire on the side made from a log that was 4 feet long and about 18 inches in diameter. The fire had been started in the middle of the log and both middles of the logs were burning, The raffia is beautiful and made into table runners. We had to pay the artisans to take their photograph.
Supper with Wendy and Eric for his birthday celebration produced out first taste of local ground beef that Eric had made into lasagna with no mozzarella cheese because you can't buy that in Lebamba. Joanna made her signature Apple Cheese Torte for the occasion. How wonderful to get to spend time with the new opthomologist and her accountant husband who is really an actuary.
Saturday, August 15
Most of the morning was filled with preparations for the birthday party for Luke & Sarah which included all the missionaries, all the residents, and the visitors and all their families - 37 in all. Luke's blue frosting chocolate cake was in the shape of a 7 and was a race track complete with Hot Wheels including one which had run off the track. Sarah's pink frosted number 5 was adorned with pink flowers and sprinkles. Both grandchildren had matching M&Ms splashed obn their cakes. One of the highlights of the party was Grandpa's giant bubble making prowess. Diann learned from the African residents' wives how to make bubbles with her hands. Many of the party goers stayed until 6 PM.
Dave, Diann, Joanna & Keir continue to work on the 1026 piece Norman Rockwell "Doctor and the Doll" puzzle. Luke and Sarah helped in the beginning but our days are so full that they rarely work on it during the daytime.
Sunday, August 16
After a very harrowing drive on the slick-as-ice wet roads through Bamboo Palace, we arrived for worship at Mandji Church. Four trucks were off the road, stuck in the mud. One was headed toward the 50 foot drop off into the jungle ravine. Church was a full house with the largest number of men in attendance ever. We were accompanied by a large drum and a guitar for the singing. Joanna taught Sunday School again and Marley and I were there to support her.
Marley is here on short term mission with her husband, Dr. Bill who is a GI specialist. They are from Dayton.
Had pancakes, eggs and bacon for lunch. Let the record show that Keir cooks eggs. He says he cooks grilled cheese too but we haven't experienced that yet.
Dave & Keir watched Y.E. Yang win the PGA tournament. We stayed up till after 12:30 to see this history making show down with Tiger.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Bongolo Adventures Continue
Saturday, August 8
Luke rode his bike without training wheels for the first time! He doesn't ride his bike in the rainy season so this was one of the first time out in months. The day before he had showed us how he comes barrelling down the 10 degree grade hill dodging all the pot holes while still using his training wheels.
Attended a double wedding ceremony at the Bongolo Church. The ceremonies were slated to begin at 8 am which was the civil ceremony with the mayor; this started at 11 am. Next was the nuptials which started about 1:30 in the sanctuary. Many of the same traditions hold in Gabon as in the US. Here, however, the wedding couple(s) "dance" into the church to a stroll with their children (yes, one couple had been living together for 21 years and had children); each couple was followed by 6 women strolling to the same beat. After two hours of many photos, we left and the wedding dinner began in the sanctuary which was turned into the dining hall. The meal was a feast of the local foods of manioc, bush meats, chicken, fish and sweet potatoes. Keir did return to the wedding feast for about an hour. The wedding guests were decked out in a bright array of African attire and so were we.
Sunday, August 9
Attended church service at Manjii which is where the Thelanders usually worship. The sermon was brought by Dr. Dave and translated by Pastor Pascal into Nzebi. Joanna lead the almost 60 Sunday School children's class in songs and Bible stories. Diann lead the children in "God is So Good" which they sang in English and in French. It was just amazing to see some 14 to 18 year old girls with their babies on their backs coloring during craft time. We sang "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" as 6 students held up world maps and identified different countries. Dave pointed to the United States as we sang.
Family Movies Night delivered "The Sound of Music" complete with popcorn. Luke & Sarah were enthralled and it was fun for us to see again one of the first movies we ever saw together. L&S were amazed that the four adults knew so many of the songs!
Monday, August 10
Painting project continued with more of the yellow on the upper portion of the house. We watched "The Sound of Music" as a family (the second half) complete with popcorn and more singing.
Got a call that bottled gas had arrived in Lebamba. Joanna made a quick run into the village but alas! the line was very long and no gas was available for her. She did not like the looks of the long line, took a few photos, and turned around and headed home. She is down to the last of 3 bottles now.
Tuesday, August 11
Big news! Painting project continues with brown showing up on the lower portion of the house. Dave is working with Michele, Erich, Danny, Luke (sometimes) and Joanna (sometimes).
Afussa (misspelled in other posts) came to teach Joanna & Diann how to make red beans, white beans (which looked a lot like black eyed peas to Diann), red sauce and fufu (which is made from finely ground corn) and baked fish with garlic and ginger. The fufu is similar in taste to polenta; the fish was yummy; the red beans were delicious with the fufu was very tasty with the sauce on it; the white beans were ok but not great in our opinion- bland to our taste.
Dave and Luke touched base with the fish researchers again and found out that they caught a 26 inch electric cat fish. The locals who went with them tried to entice the white men to touch the fish knowing full well they'd be shocked. But the Cornell crew was was too informed to fall for that! Guess they all had a good laugh.
More later. Thanks for your prayers for us and our family.
Luke rode his bike without training wheels for the first time! He doesn't ride his bike in the rainy season so this was one of the first time out in months. The day before he had showed us how he comes barrelling down the 10 degree grade hill dodging all the pot holes while still using his training wheels.
Attended a double wedding ceremony at the Bongolo Church. The ceremonies were slated to begin at 8 am which was the civil ceremony with the mayor; this started at 11 am. Next was the nuptials which started about 1:30 in the sanctuary. Many of the same traditions hold in Gabon as in the US. Here, however, the wedding couple(s) "dance" into the church to a stroll with their children (yes, one couple had been living together for 21 years and had children); each couple was followed by 6 women strolling to the same beat. After two hours of many photos, we left and the wedding dinner began in the sanctuary which was turned into the dining hall. The meal was a feast of the local foods of manioc, bush meats, chicken, fish and sweet potatoes. Keir did return to the wedding feast for about an hour. The wedding guests were decked out in a bright array of African attire and so were we.
Sunday, August 9
Attended church service at Manjii which is where the Thelanders usually worship. The sermon was brought by Dr. Dave and translated by Pastor Pascal into Nzebi. Joanna lead the almost 60 Sunday School children's class in songs and Bible stories. Diann lead the children in "God is So Good" which they sang in English and in French. It was just amazing to see some 14 to 18 year old girls with their babies on their backs coloring during craft time. We sang "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" as 6 students held up world maps and identified different countries. Dave pointed to the United States as we sang.
Family Movies Night delivered "The Sound of Music" complete with popcorn. Luke & Sarah were enthralled and it was fun for us to see again one of the first movies we ever saw together. L&S were amazed that the four adults knew so many of the songs!
Monday, August 10
Painting project continued with more of the yellow on the upper portion of the house. We watched "The Sound of Music" as a family (the second half) complete with popcorn and more singing.
Got a call that bottled gas had arrived in Lebamba. Joanna made a quick run into the village but alas! the line was very long and no gas was available for her. She did not like the looks of the long line, took a few photos, and turned around and headed home. She is down to the last of 3 bottles now.
Tuesday, August 11
Big news! Painting project continues with brown showing up on the lower portion of the house. Dave is working with Michele, Erich, Danny, Luke (sometimes) and Joanna (sometimes).
Afussa (misspelled in other posts) came to teach Joanna & Diann how to make red beans, white beans (which looked a lot like black eyed peas to Diann), red sauce and fufu (which is made from finely ground corn) and baked fish with garlic and ginger. The fufu is similar in taste to polenta; the fish was yummy; the red beans were delicious with the fufu was very tasty with the sauce on it; the white beans were ok but not great in our opinion- bland to our taste.
Dave and Luke touched base with the fish researchers again and found out that they caught a 26 inch electric cat fish. The locals who went with them tried to entice the white men to touch the fish knowing full well they'd be shocked. But the Cornell crew was was too informed to fall for that! Guess they all had a good laugh.
More later. Thanks for your prayers for us and our family.
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