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...

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.

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...

He came as a translator and to help Tison adjust to his new home in Alaska. Hendra was here for over two months. He is an amazing young man with a hunger to learn and a gift of serving. He did everything he was asked and did it with a humble gentleness. His study of the English language started when a young American came to Indonesia and taught an introductory English class. Hendra had a passion to learn and pursued his degree in English. He...

Elizabeth (Liz) Wood is a surgical nurse who has a huge heart. She organized a monumental effort to save the life a a child, Billy Ponto, who was very ill and faced certain death. Liz arranged for the doctors, hospital, housing and even raised the money to cover all the expenses. Liz is someone who sees a need and then just finds a way to gather resources and partnerships to meet the need.It was an honor to recognize Liz, for her heart and...

I just got the official announcement today. Epen Akay and Miriam Scarborough are engaged to be married. Epen is an amazing Indonesian young man. He is the foreign team coordinator for our medical work. He has made so many friends because of his kindness and care for each person traveling to our base. Epen taught himself English and is now fluent–that is a tough task. He is my favorite translator when I speak in large meetings. He is like...

I have been stranded in airports around the world for many reasons. Once I was with a team and we were delayed for three days in a row. The reason that was finally given was they had no windshield for the plane. I was glad to be on the ground. I have even seen burning planes on the runway. This year we had a flight cancel from a remote island. It was complicated by the fact that it was the only flight off the island and we had an international...

I am sure all of you have had issues with your computer. We have a satellite connection for email use at our medical base in Indonesia. It has periodic problems with connection but they usually get worked out. Recently the software and modems had to be changed. This is not a simple fix. You cannot just run to the Comp USA store and get what you need. There are no computer geeks with the needed parts just laying around. The problem had to...