Blog
Friends–Down Under
I will be traveling to see my Australian friends this next week—after a stop in Seattle. I am anxious to sit and have a “cupper” with them. The purpose of the trip is to attend the wedding of Miriam and Hendra Pontomudis. This is a very special couple and I want to support them in their new life together. I will also be meeting Peter and Esther Scarborough on the road and getting to know Bill and Leanne Anderson the new Hohidiai directors in Australia. Two weeks of my time will be in New South Wales to promote the work and see more of my...
read moreMargaretta
Nov 14, 2011 IFC/Hohidiai is the only help some find in their most desperate time of need. Tiny Margaretta came to our clinic with her parents. She was born with deformed eyelids (see photo). Her parents were asking for help and did not know where to turn. The staff examined her and knew she needed surgery to repair her eyelids. She was sent to surgery in hopes of improving her appearance and saving the sight in her one functioning eye. The surgery was a success—especially because her sight was saved. We all know how precious it is to have...
read moreMore Hope
In June of 2003 Yulce was admitted to the Grossman Burn Center in Los Angeles for treatment of burn injuries. She received 12 surgeries in her first year and returned home in June of 2004. Her story was made into a documentary called “A Face For Yulce” which was shown here in the U.S. and all over the world. It was a great story of hope and determination. In 2006, she displayed her strength and courage as she came back to the U.S. for more surgery. This time she also underwent surgeries to repair curvature of the spine resulting from the...
read moreGrowing Pains
We cannot say no to helping an abandoned new born. When they are left of unwanted we have said yes 50 times. We now have about 50 little ones ranging in age from new born to mid-teens. Our family has grown and continues to grow. It is a challenge to our staff and keeping up with facilities. These are our growing pains. We encourage our staff to adopt these unwanted children and the others we have in one of our two children’s home.There are several of our staff who have met and married while working on the base. They are now in need of...
read moreThankful
Today I wrote several “Thank You” notes to some of our partners. I like to send a short personal note to those who pray and support our efforts. I have done this for the past 10 years–every time I write a note, I am awed by at the faithfulness and kindness of our partners. I know many of these donors personally.In these difficult economic times it is amazing that so many are willing to help. Another amazing thing is that we seem to get just enough to cover the needs in time to meet the pressing needs. We have a full-time...
read moreRoots
I have traveled all over the world to build partnerships for the work in Indonesia. I am away from home a good part of the year traveling in the U.S. and other points on the planet. I am so fortunate to have amazing friends all over this globe.The one thing that I notice about being back home is how many people I know or am acquainted. I was a baseball and football coach here when my son was growing up and later into his High School years. I have had the joy of performing the wedding for many couples and shared the loss of others when their...
read moreWindows
Thirty years ago–we thought a window was an opening in a structure. Today the term “Windows” takes on a more technical definition. We are in a completely new world of communication and information acquisition. Then there are the new terms–booting–downloading–email–utilities–we have to learn how to use properly.The youth cannot remember NOT having a computer. It is my generation that has lived in both worlds. I can see the value in both eras. I remember being told that the use of computers will...
read moreBlue Screen
I am sure anyone reading this have seen the dreaded blue screen on your computer. Unless you own an Apple–as some of my Apple friends have reminded me. Yes–I had the blue screen and my computer would not open. I immediately took it to the computer repair shop and they gave me that look. It will be about 10 days to two weeks before they will let me know the verdict.I have had to use other sources and I found that if I access the server I have still answer incoming emails. I am far from a computer guru–I just use email and...
read moreGood People
After three weeks on the road, it was good to sleep in my own bed last night. I went to Boise, Phoenix and Springfield (Illinois). I spoke to several groups and met with supporters. The temperatures were very hot–110 plus in Phoenix.Meeting people and talking about the work in Indonesia is such a blessing. I meet some of the most amazing people on the planet. I met Jim in Springfield–he and I found a lot in common. We could have talked for hours and we did. I loved his passion and the many experiences he shared. This is what makes...
read moreOur Best
You would have to meet Dr. Naomi to know how what an awesome woman she is. She is a skilled physician and has the highest character. She is one of the lead doctors at our base in Indonesia. Naomi has been in the U.S. for the past couple months for an intensive training course on pediatric eye care. She is upgrading her medical skills by study here in the U.S.She is one of our best. What a blessing to have her as a part of our team. She could make a lot more money if she was in private practice. Her heart is to help the poor and to give the...
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