The sign said–Butler population 200. It was raining and it didn’t take long to get a glimpse of what turned out to be Butler. There was a Post Office on the main road and a couple closed down shops. I am sure the vast majority of you have never been to Butler, Illinois. My friend, David Hunter, recommended we stop there after a recent speaking engagement in Central Illinois. We were looking for “Love Packages”. There...
Read MoreI will be traveling tonight on the late flight out of Alaska. We had six inches of snow yesterday and I think I will find green grass in my final destination–Illinois. IFC has many friends and partners in mid-state Illinois.My friend, Terry Holderread, invited me to come to Illinois in 2003. We called him “Brother Terry” which fit him so well. He was a brother and friend to everyone. I miss him since his death last year. I...
Read MoreThere will be a transition in our work in the years to come. It has been our heart to give this work into the capable hands of our Indonesian staff–they are smart and dedicated. We are building the infrastructure while selected members of our team are being trained. It will be a number of years before this transition is completed but we are now investing in the future.Well over 50 young people have completed the one year medical course...
Read MoreI was in one of the villages near our medical base and was served some coffee. It was one of the best cups of coffee I have ever had. I asked where did they get this coffee–an old woman smiled and told us it was from her tree. She told us that all of the fruit tree and coffee trees had been destroyed in the crisis. She got this twinkle in her eye and said, ” My coffee is from a few branches that survived.” I asked her if she...
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The conflict (1999-2003) left this region devastated. There are ruins almost everywhere you look. This was a difficult time for those who survived the conflict. It is now a season of rebuilding their homes and lives. This photo seems to illustrate the status of this region. The portion of the ruins of a church is still standing next to the new church under construction. This is a place that is between the dark past and their future. Our hope is...
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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...
Read MoreIf 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...
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It is more like a bee hive–full of activity. People are going everywhere–some are cleaning–some are working with animals–some are helping the sick–some are building new buildings–some are security guard–some are loving and caring for children in the Children’s Home–some are mechanics repairing our ailing vehicles–some are gardeners–some are translators–some are...
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