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Rain
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It can rain in the tropics–as you can see. This photo is taken at the Medical Base House–it was taken in February during the rainy season. These islands have dense jungles drenched nearly every day during the rainy season. The rich volcanic soil combined with a perfect climate produce ideal conditions for the growth of fruit and vegetables. It also provides a wet playground for the children at the base. Epen (big brother) is enjoying the downpour with Teresa and Victor. It wasn’t long before they we running and splashing in...
read moreYulen’s Story
Yulen’s story in her own words:”I remember the time and date the 22nd of February at 7 o’clock at night Iwanted to light the kerosene lamp at our house. I put more kerosene in thelight then I went to put the container of kerosene back but I was stillholding the light when all of a sudden my hair and face was on fire. At thetime my hair was long and it was falling off onto my body, hands and legs asit burnt. I screamed and fortunately my neighbour who was bathing nearby atthe well heard me and threw water over me. I was cared...
read moreRibbon Cutting
It was the only day we got a reprieve from the tropical rain. It was a beautiful night for this celebration. The Tamarista, Leper Center, had two four-plex buildings completed. We were there that night for a ribbon cutting and celebration of the completion of these leper houses. The children danced a traditional dance and we enjoyed a nice dinner. I shared the story of Mephibosheth who was a lame boy who was a relative to Jonathan. King David sent his servant to find him and then brought him to his home. Mephibosheth was a throw-away and when...
read morePlanting Oak Seeds
Children were being left at our clinic. There were some who just were not wanted but others were orphans. The number started to grow and we had to make a decision about how we would care for them. We decided to not only care for them but to provide a future for these little ones. They had no idea their lives just made a turn for the best. These were the seeds being planted for the future. They are like the oak seeds that were planted to provide the massive beams for the cathedrals. The first generation plants the seeds, the next generation...
read moreWhy People Seek Treatment
In Indonesia you do not just go to the “emergency room” for treatment. You must have the money in advance for the treatment. It makes it very hard for the poor to get medical help. The IFC Clinic offers free care for the poor. This is a way for the poor to get examined and then treated for their injuries or sickness. If the patient needs surgery we try to help with that if we have the funds. We have provided many surgeries from broken bones to tumor removal. We usually take them to a hospital in Manado which provides good care. We...
read moreRain
If you have never been in the tropics during the rainy season you cannot imagine how hard it can rain. The rain keep the place green and provides some relief to the heat. It is now 33 C. (91 F.) with over 90 % of humidity. There is no AC so you get a little reprieve from the heat when the rain comes. It is fun to watch the children enjoy the rain. They just take life as it comes. What a concept. Let it rain and take one day at a time.
read moreHospital Progress
The hospital being built on the Medical Base has a roof, walls and the interior work is being completed. It will be a 16 bed facility with a birthing center on one end. This is will provid needed in-patient care for this region. It is located next the clinic and will compliment the out-patient work there.This project is being funded by Rotary (Australia). There is a helicopter landing pad and an ambulance that will add to the versatility of the hospital. The cost of cement and steel have increased the cost of this construction which has...
read moreMobile Clinics
The poverty in this region of Indonesia can be so bad that even the cost of transportation to a hospital or clinic can be more than most can afford. The mobile clinics that go to remote villages bring help to those who cannot access health care. The Alaska Team went to a village on the Island of Halmahera. This clinic was to be just a one day event. IFC have sent teams to remote areas and they stay for three days to as much as three months. This clinic was conducted under a roof but there were no walls around the clinic area. The first step...
read moreShe Wanted a Girl
Jeremy has curly hair and seems to smile all the time. He is plump and looks very healthy. When he was born he was rejected by his mother. She wanted a girl. His mother was a prostitute and she was not willing to keep him. He could not advocate for himself and ask for life but she was talked into giving him to us. His future is bright and he is just adorable. The future would have been dark if he was raised by a mother who would provide little love and was willing to just throw him away. He is now joined by the other band of throw-aways in...
read moreFinally Home
It was a month ago we left with our team for Indonesia. We had some amazing days and became deep friends in the process. We traveled lots of air miles and sat in plenty of airports. The time with our staff, children and the people of remote Indonesia were just priceless. I will have a lot of stories in the next days. I am jet lagged and have a pile of emails to answer.We are at an important time of our work. Thanks for all your support and prayers.
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