Tison has had three surgeries in the last six months. He had a cold on the day his second surgery was scheduled, so it was set back three weeks due to the congestion. His left foot is really looking good. The graft around his ankle has allowed the foot to start to lay in the normal flat position. He had remarkable changes in his burned right hand and scaring on his face.It was clear that he was in need of more surgeries and would need more time...

The amazing technology of this day allows us to communicate with our leaders in Indonesia. We have a satellite phone for emergencies and outgoing calls. We also have a system called BGAN to send emails. It connects to a satellite and then sends the message. We are charged a flat rate and beyond the allowed minutes we are charged for each additional minute.I am writing about this because right now the BGAN is out of operation. It is being...

I am always looking for partners. I have met some amazing people over the last nine and a half years. I have been to the Australian outback to the frozen villages of Alaska. You can never judge a place by its size or location.I just go where the doors open. If they open in Pennsylvania–I will find a way to get there. I remember Gustavo and his family so well in Reading, Pennsylvania. What an awesome family. Then there is Greg the rancher...

The Kusuri Clinic and Medical Base is very remote. The Island of Halmahera is one of the approximate 17,000 islands in the nation of Indonesia. It is a very historic place also know as the Spice Islands. The Dutch, Portuguese and Japanese controlled these islands over the years. The islands are amazing and the rich volcanic soil and the tropical climate make is a rare growing environment. It is so beautiful and yet it is remote. The Kusuri base...

Tison has his skin graft to his chin and face. The skin is healing and looking much better. He had a very uncomfortable gauze covering sown over the new skin graft. it was on about a week he was embarrassed about it and it was uncomfortable. He was very happy when the gauze was removed.It was a beautiful day and I had a chance to get a nice photo of his chin and lip. We took a long walk and just enjoyed the sunny day. It is snowing as I...

Break-up is a word used here in Alaska to signify the end of winter and the beginning of our summer. Summer is close when the snow and ice begin to melt. The sun is higher in the sky and everyone has a smile. The river ice “breaks-up” and the deep green waters appear again.It is a time out get out the bikes and jet ski’s. Tison got in full swing with his first ride on the bike at the Johnson’s. He is just having a great...

It was three weeks on the road. I was in Portland, Oregon for a week. Phoenix, Arizona for another week and Boise fort he final week. It seemed like a lot longer but I am now back in Fairbanks. I left with snow on the ground and came back with it clear of snow.I spoke at a number of meeting and got to connect with some of our partners. We have amazing people who are standing with us.However good the trip–it is great to be home.

Tison had an appointment with his surgeon today. He is doing well following his second surgery. The graft on his left ankle is healing nicely. The big toe on the same foot setting well. It was a positive report and the next step in his progress was set.Tison has a radiant smile and it will only get better. He will have plastic surgery to his face in about two weeks. That smile will get better and brighter.His English language skill are really...

When I first saw him in February I was not sure he would even live another day. He was very frail and sick. He was a throw away child–just like the other children we have in our care. He was born at our hospital and was unwanted. I was told by Peter Scarborough that they had named him. His name was Carl. I took a long look at him and wondered if little Carl would even live.I got a report that his caretaker, Ribka, was doing a great job in...

Peter and Esther Scarborough, the directors of the Hohidiai base, have been in Australia for personal time and to meet with friends and partners. Their sons, Leigh and Andrew, both were married in January. These were exciting times and what an honor for them to be there to see their sons start a new chapter in their lives.Esther had her hands full with the little ones she brought to Australia with them–along with Miriam and Amy, their...