VOICE Philippines
The Truth & Honesty module for High School has been reprinted and is now available!
Anti-Bullying and Anti-Drug seminar held in Davao City
True Love and Sexual Purity Seminar for those involved in Developing Youth
VOICE was awarded a plague from the university of the Philippines for their involvement in the Student Community Service Program, which they have done here for 10 years now.
VOICE Philippines also celebrated their 20th Anniversary on November 15, but we have not yet received any report or pictures of that wonderful milestone.
VOICE Philippines
The Truth & Honesty module for High School has been reprinted and is now available!
Anti-Bullying and Anti-Drug seminar held in Davao City
True Love and Sexual Purity Seminar for those involved in Developing Youth
VOICE was awarded a plague from the university of the Philippines for their involvement in the Student Community Service Program, which they have done here for 10 years now.
VOICE Philippines also celebrated their 20th Anniversary on November 15, but we have not yet received any report or pictures of that wonderful milestone.
VOICE Philippines
The Truth & Honesty module for High School has been reprinted and is now available!
Anti-Bullying and Anti-Drug seminar held in Davao City
True Love and Sexual Purity Seminar for those involved in Developing Youth
VOICE was awarded a plague from the university of the Philippines for their involvement in the Student Community Service Program, which they have done here for 10 years now.
VOICE Philippines also celebrated their 20th Anniversary on November 15, but we have not yet received any report or pictures of that wonderful milestone.
VOICE Philippines
The Truth & Honesty module for High School has been reprinted and is now available!
Anti-Bullying and Anti-Drug seminar held in Davao City
True Love and Sexual Purity Seminar for those involved in Developing Youth
VOICE was awarded a plague from the university of the Philippines for their involvement in the Student Community Service Program, which they have done here for 10 years now.
VOICE Philippines also celebrated their 20th Anniversary on November 15, but we have not yet received any report or pictures of that wonderful milestone.
 |
| The Truth & Honesty module for High School has been reprinted and is now available! |
 |
| Anti-Bullying and Anti-Drug seminar held in Davao City |
 |
| True Love and Sexual Purity Seminar for those involved in Developing Youth |
 |
| VOICE was awarded a plague from the university of the Philippines for their involvement in the Student Community Service Program, which they have done here for 10 years now. VOICE Philippines also celebrated their 20th Anniversary on November 15, but we have not yet received any report or pictures of that wonderful milestone. |
VOICE Africa
Nov 1 - We flew from Moncton, NB, to Toronto and transferred to Ethiopian Air for a non-stop flight to Addis Ababa, just over 13 hours.
We arrived fairly late on Nov 2. Beth & the Scripture Union Ethiopia National Director, Berhanu, met us and took us to a hotel for an evening meal.
Nov 4 - Ruth was surprised with a Birthday Celebration--a beautifully decorated and delicious cake!
And a beautiful Ethiopians shawl; the bands are the colors of the Ethiopian Flag and the printing is the Amharic alphabet!
Nov 4 - Berhanu took us to see the Scripture Union Ethiopia office--a mere two rooms on the 5th floor with no elevator! You'll notice I'm wearing my birthday shawl; the temps were slightly more chilly than we anticipated, especially in the mornings.
Nov 5 - We led an Introduction to Puppets Workshop for Sunday School Teachers. Although we struggled with the language barrier, their newly created sock puppets certainly didn't!
Practicing a short script with each other
And another couple of budding puppeteers
Nov 5 - Our suitcases carried about 6 large puppets; two of them found their new home in Ethiopia
One of Berhanu's other names (Africans can have many names--none of them are first/middle/last; they can be referred to using any of them--yes, confusing to us!) is Solomon. His wife, far right, introduced herself to us as Berhanu's Queen; her name in English means Sheba!
Nov 6 - We joined the 2-day Training Seminar which introduced some of the Scripture Union Ethiopian staff and volunteers to the Purity Module which will soon be printed in Amharic. As part of their devotional time, they asked both Laura and Ruth to share their testimonies including our part in the VOICE program and curriculum. Everything had to be done via translation; here is (English interpretation of his name) Daniel.
Nov 7 - Group Picture of Scripture Union Ethiopia staff who participated in the Purity Training.
Nov 6 & 7 - Beth led most of the VOICE Training on Purity, using Robbie (the English nickname she said we could use as none of us could get our tongues around her true name!). As we put this blog together, Robbie has come to Uganda for a 2-week rather intensive orientation to the VOICE program and curriculum since it still is rather new to Ethiopia. Beth will work with her on two VOICE Purity Trainings plus actually teach the Purity lessons to a group of young people--it's school vacation now.
Ethiopia was the first to discover coffee and it certainly is cherished by them. They use a rather elaborate coffee pot (pictured above) and pour it into small tea cups. Sugar can be added but not milk (although we broke that rule!).
Beth and Ruth enjoying their small cup of coffee following lunch.
A couple of days after we left Ethiopia, we received this picture of the "printer's blueprint" of the front cover of the Amharic Purity Visual Aid. People in North America, including a Vacation Bible School in Maine, raised sufficient funds so that the Amharic Purity module can be printed. Scripture Union Ethiopia is very grateful and looking forward to being able to use it soon.
Berhanu and his three lovely children; all of which can communicate fairly well in English.
As far as we know, there are none of the Western restaurant chains in Ethiopia; here's the closest we saw--Starbacks!
Nov 9 - We flew from Addis Ababa to Dar es Salam, putting us over the East Indian Sea.
We were met by Stellah, the Scripture Union Tanzania National Director
Nov 10 - An Introduction to Puppets Workshop with some of the Scripture Union Tanzania staff.
Enjoying their newly created friends
Laura introducing a new-to-her (and everyone else) puppet friend whom Beth named "Akello." Eventually she found a home in Uganda.
Two lovely staff members giving a brief puppet show.
Group picture
That afternoon, Beth led in a demonstration of the first lesson of the Forgiveness module, using an interpreter who is holding the Swahili visual aid.
During one of our meals, we enjoyed getting to know these three who were dressed in identical dresses. They serve in the Tabora region (western) and were so excited to meet the ones who had a part in bringing the Biblical values program and curriculum to Africa. The lady at the far right has an amazing testimony of being able to forgive her late husband's family for their cruelty to her as a widow...and how God has blessed beyond measure.
Two more of the traveling puppets were passed on to Scripture Union Tanzania. The belt Ruth is wearing was handmade by one of the participants; Laura was wearing hers too but hidden in this picture.
Nov. 11 - Since the ongoing meetings were for the Scripture Union staff to report and plan, the three of us were free to enjoy the beach which was not very far away...what luxury!
That evening we were gifted with Tanzanian dresses which we promptly put on over our clothes for a picture.
Nov 12 - We flew north to the city of Arusha where we had visited during our previous time in 2020.
Nov 13 - Once again, we had the fun of watching adults smile and laugh as we introduced them to using puppets.
That was followed by a demonstration of the first lesson of the Self-Control module which will soon be printed in Swahili, which is another project that North American donors have made possible. Chris, to the right, came by bus from Uganda to meet us and help with the training, plus finalize with the printer the details and cost of printing the Swahili Self-Control module.
This group picture was taken after we left to get back to where we were staying before dark.
Nov 14 - Since the Scripture Union staff there in Arusha had internal meetings, we were encouraged to visit the nearby National Game Park. Giraffes met us soon after entering!
A Warthog family, eating on their bended knees.
A herd of Cape Buffaloes were in the distance; a few zebras were also around but quite a distance away.
A baboon family
If you look closely toward the middle of this picture, you'll see a Colobus Monkey, long haired black and white. Although we didn't witness it, we were told that they jump further than other monkeys. The park does have some elephants which eluded us, but what a special treat!
A very comfortable Air B & B was rented for us. Some of the many fruits in season made up several of our meals.
Nov 15 - The Arusha Scripture Union Regional Director, Johanes (pointing to the map) came with 3 volunteers to spend more time with us. Each shared their testimonies and Johanes shared testimonies of how the Biblical Values program has impacted his area as well as other areas of Tanzania. We are all looking at a map of Tanzania to see where some of the stories came from.
After they left, a German missionary, Angelica, arrived. She and Beth have a mutual friend who wanted them to meet while we were there. Among several other ministries, she runs an orphanage about half an hour's drive from where we were staying. Upon her invitation we went with her to see it. Here she's playing her guitar and singing praise songs with the happy and excited orphans.
Beth then introduced "Akello" to them; they were mesmerized! All in all, it was an almost unbelievable time of being introduced to a very fascinating and unique servant of God (who for several years lived in a tent with the wild animals around her, including a lion...and on and on the stories go!).
Nov 16 - We flew back to Dar es Salam, leaving our place at 3 AM!
Nov 17 - Another couple of hours with Stellah as we tied up our wonderful visit to Tanzania. (We almost cancelled plans for Tanzania due to their post election violence, but things quieted down just in time...and we are SO glad we went. Five years ago when we came, the first Swahili curriculum had just arrived and it was a brand new program/ministry. Now, 5 years later, it is being used in many schools in all five of what they refer to as zones with many lives touched and transformed. All praise to our God!)
That evening we enjoyed KFC. There's only a couple outlets in the country!
Nov 18 - We flew back to Addis Ababa and then on to Entebbe, Uganda. We stayed the first couple nights at a Missionary Guest House. Chris (left) and Dickens, both of whom work with Beth, came for a meeting with Beth and then Chris drove Beth back to Jinja. Behind them is the vehicle God provided for them that is tough enough to go to the Refugee Camps.
We met for the first time two full time Scripture Union Uganda VOICE Africa team members, Jackie (between Laura and Ruth), and Dorah, the VOICE Team leader. They came to where we were to plan the next training with Beth.
Nov 20 - Dickens came to drive us to the Scripture Union Uganda offices. You just never know what you'll meet on the roads.
And the number of motorcycles used for public transportation has only increased since we lived there!
Here we are with the former Scripture Union Uganda Director, Dickens, with whom we worked during our five years. To the right is the current National Director, Sammy.
A group picture with all of the staff that were there that day; some that we knew and many that were new to us.
Ruth with Robert, a long-time VOICE worker, standing in front of the two containers that God provided for storing the VOICE curriculum...as well as other literature.
Nov 21 - Dickens drove us to Jinja where a 2-day VOICE Training was being held, focused on the Responsibility module which was developed by the VOICE Africa staff after we retired and returned to North America. In the end there were about 80 people who joined.
Beth used "Akello" as a way of inviting people to an Introduction to Puppet workshop to be held a couple days later.
Jackie (pictured above), did an excellent job leading the training, as did Dorah and Paul (next picture); it was so encouraging to observe them in action.
Another member of the training team is Paul with whom we worked in several capacities when we lived in Uganda. He continues to serve with excellence.
The participants doing the actions for one of the songs.
Nov 22 - The participants all took turns teaching one of the lessons to the others. This one is teaching the Responsibility Theme verse.
Several little participants came with their Moms; this cutie settled in nicely with Laura!
Group picture of those who attended the Training; we had already left for the day.
A couple days later, this picture was sent to us showing one of the participants actually teaching the Responsibility module to children in her church!
Nov 21 - Beth took us to The Sailing Club along the Nile River for a meal.
Nov 24 - Beth took us to a fairly new resort, Whispers of the Nile, where we availed of their beautiful swimming pool.
Such a beautiful and peaceful place right along the Nile River, considered to be the longest river in the world, about 6,650 km (4,130 mi) long. Jinja, Uganda, is considered by many to be the source of the Nile River.
There are numerous kinds of birds, especially water birds, and jumping fish. Using a bit of imagination, we could hear this River "whispering" it's pride and joy of cradling baby Moses so many years ago!
Nov 23 - Enjoying some time with Lisa, Beth's adopted daughter, who wore the dress we purchased in Ethiopia for her.
Nov 23 - A gal (far left) who worked with us in the early days of VOICE Africa came by to visit bringing two young people with her. As a sign of respect for age, all 3 of them are kneeling as they interact with Beth's mother. The boy is a fairly recent convert from Islam. During this visit, he chose Jonathan to be his "Christian name."
The two of us wearing the dresses we purchased while in Ethiopia.
Nov 27 - Our fourth and last Introduction to Puppets Workshop, held in Jinja.
Group picture of the participants with their puppet friends.
The last of the puppets that we brought from Canada were given to Scripture Union Uganda. And, lastly, "Akello" was entrusted to Dorah, the VOICE Africa Team Leader. She was one excited lady!
Nov 26 - Celebrating American Thanksgiving with long-time missionary friends of ours dating back to our Philippine days. There were 2 Americans, 2 Canadians, 1 Filipino, and 3 Ugandans with a young Ugandan gal joining us later. What a fun time together with them.
After the delicious meal, Laura introduced "Akello" to everyone. Actually we were told, jokingly in part, that we couldn't come without Laura bringing a puppet with her!
We wore our Tanzania dresses to the Thanksgiving meal.
Nov 26 - Later that day, a Ugandan friend came for a second visit, this time with her niece who had somewhat frequented our home when she was quite young. We all enjoyed recalling some of the special memories we shared together from those days.
Nov 28 - Beth drove us back to Kampala, fairly close to the airport where we stayed the final two nights. She cooked us the most well-known Ugandan meal called Matoke with G-nut sauce--boiled cooking bananas with a peanut sauce.
Nov 29 - Our missionary neighbor during our time in Uganda came to us and we enjoyed a meal together at a nearby restaurant. It was special to get caught up with her and hear about others that we interacted with during those wonderful years.
Nov 30 - We worshiped at a Watoto Church quite close to the airport and "happened" to find another Scripture Union worker, Joseph, that we knew from our Ugandan ministry days.
After church and our last meal together with Beth, she dropped us off at the Entebee Airport. Our flight pattern took us back to Addis Ababa, then Rome, then Toronto...about 17 hours that were mostly in the dark. But as we approached Toronto, the dawn appeared! After a 12-hour layover there, we boarded the final plane for Moncton, NB, arriving around midnight. A pastor friend picked us up in Laura's car and soon Laura was back in the driver's seat as we headed to Sussex, arriving around 3 am, Dec. 2. Although tired, our hearts were full of thanks to our God for safe travel and such a wonderful return visit to East Africa!
Pictures from Canada
Oct 29 - One of Ruth's "musts" before leaving for Africa--to see "Mom Bonney" again.
Nov 1 - We flew from Moncton, NB, to Toronto and transferred to Ethiopian Air for a non-stop flight to Addis Ababa, just over 13 hours.
We arrived fairly late on Nov 2. Beth & the Scripture Union Ethiopia National Director, Berhanu, met us and took us to a hotel for an evening meal.
Nov 4 - Ruth was surprised with a Birthday Celebration--a beautifully decorated and delicious cake!
And a beautiful Ethiopians shawl; the bands are the colors of the Ethiopian Flag and the printing is the Amharic alphabet!
Nov 4 - Berhanu took us to see the Scripture Union Ethiopia office--a mere two rooms on the 5th floor with no elevator! You'll notice I'm wearing my birthday shawl; the temps were slightly more chilly than we anticipated, especially in the mornings.
Nov 5 - We led an Introduction to Puppets Workshop for Sunday School Teachers. Although we struggled with the language barrier, their newly created sock puppets certainly didn't!
Practicing a short script with each other
And another couple of budding puppeteers
Nov 5 - Our suitcases carried about 6 large puppets; two of them found their new home in Ethiopia
One of Berhanu's other names (Africans can have many names--none of them are first/middle/last; they can be referred to using any of them--yes, confusing to us!) is Solomon. His wife, far right, introduced herself to us as Berhanu's Queen; her name in English means Sheba!
Nov 6 - We joined the 2-day Training Seminar which introduced some of the Scripture Union Ethiopian staff and volunteers to the Purity Module which will soon be printed in Amharic. As part of their devotional time, they asked both Laura and Ruth to share their testimonies including our part in the VOICE program and curriculum. Everything had to be done via translation; here is (English interpretation of his name) Daniel.
Nov 7 - Group Picture of Scripture Union Ethiopia staff who participated in the Purity Training.
Nov 6 & 7 - Beth led most of the VOICE Training on Purity, using Robbie (the English nickname she said we could use as none of us could get our tongues around her true name!). As we put this blog together, Robbie has come to Uganda for a 2-week rather intensive orientation to the VOICE program and curriculum since it still is rather new to Ethiopia. Beth will work with her on two VOICE Purity Trainings plus actually teach the Purity lessons to a group of young people--it's school vacation now.
Ethiopia was the first to discover coffee and it certainly is cherished by them. They use a rather elaborate coffee pot (pictured above) and pour it into small tea cups. Sugar can be added but not milk (although we broke that rule!).
Beth and Ruth enjoying their small cup of coffee following lunch.
A couple of days after we left Ethiopia, we received this picture of the "printer's blueprint" of the front cover of the Amharic Purity Visual Aid. People in North America, including a Vacation Bible School in Maine, raised sufficient funds so that the Amharic Purity module can be printed. Scripture Union Ethiopia is very grateful and looking forward to being able to use it soon.
Berhanu and his three lovely children; all of which can communicate fairly well in English.
As far as we know, there are none of the Western restaurant chains in Ethiopia; here's the closest we saw--Starbacks!
Nov 9 - We flew from Addis Ababa to Dar es Salam, putting us over the East Indian Sea.
We were met by Stellah, the Scripture Union Tanzania National Director
Nov 10 - An Introduction to Puppets Workshop with some of the Scripture Union Tanzania staff.
Enjoying their newly created friends
Laura introducing a new-to-her (and everyone else) puppet friend whom Beth named "Akello." Eventually she found a home in Uganda.
Two lovely staff members giving a brief puppet show.
Group picture
That afternoon, Beth led in a demonstration of the first lesson of the Forgiveness module, using an interpreter who is holding the Swahili visual aid.
During one of our meals, we enjoyed getting to know these three who were dressed in identical dresses. They serve in the Tabora region (western) and were so excited to meet the ones who had a part in bringing the Biblical values program and curriculum to Africa. The lady at the far right has an amazing testimony of being able to forgive her late husband's family for their cruelty to her as a widow...and how God has blessed beyond measure.
Two more of the traveling puppets were passed on to Scripture Union Tanzania. The belt Ruth is wearing was handmade by one of the participants; Laura was wearing hers too but hidden in this picture.
Nov. 11 - Since the ongoing meetings were for the Scripture Union staff to report and plan, the three of us were free to enjoy the beach which was not very far away...what luxury!
That evening we were gifted with Tanzanian dresses which we promptly put on over our clothes for a picture.
Nov 12 - We flew north to the city of Arusha where we had visited during our previous time in 2020.
Nov 13 - Once again, we had the fun of watching adults smile and laugh as we introduced them to using puppets.
That was followed by a demonstration of the first lesson of the Self-Control module which will soon be printed in Swahili, which is another project that North American donors have made possible. Chris, to the right, came by bus from Uganda to meet us and help with the training, plus finalize with the printer the details and cost of printing the Swahili Self-Control module.
This group picture was taken after we left to get back to where we were staying before dark.
Nov 14 - Since the Scripture Union staff there in Arusha had internal meetings, we were encouraged to visit the nearby National Game Park. Giraffes met us soon after entering!
A Warthog family, eating on their bended knees.
A herd of Cape Buffaloes were in the distance; a few zebras were also around but quite a distance away.
A baboon family
If you look closely toward the middle of this picture, you'll see a Colobus Monkey, long haired black and white. Although we didn't witness it, we were told that they jump further than other monkeys. The park does have some elephants which eluded us, but what a special treat!
A very comfortable Air B & B was rented for us. Some of the many fruits in season made up several of our meals.
Nov 15 - The Arusha Scripture Union Regional Director, Johanes (pointing to the map) came with 3 volunteers to spend more time with us. Each shared their testimonies and Johanes shared testimonies of how the Biblical Values program has impacted his area as well as other areas of Tanzania. We are all looking at a map of Tanzania to see where some of the stories came from.
After they left, a German missionary, Angelica, arrived. She and Beth have a mutual friend who wanted them to meet while we were there. Among several other ministries, she runs an orphanage about half an hour's drive from where we were staying. Upon her invitation we went with her to see it. Here she's playing her guitar and singing praise songs with the happy and excited orphans.
Beth then introduced "Akello" to them; they were mesmerized! All in all, it was an almost unbelievable time of being introduced to a very fascinating and unique servant of God (who for several years lived in a tent with the wild animals around her, including a lion...and on and on the stories go!).
Nov 16 - We flew back to Dar es Salam, leaving our place at 3 AM!
Nov 17 - Another couple of hours with Stellah as we tied up our wonderful visit to Tanzania. (We almost cancelled plans for Tanzania due to their post election violence, but things quieted down just in time...and we are SO glad we went. Five years ago when we came, the first Swahili curriculum had just arrived and it was a brand new program/ministry. Now, 5 years later, it is being used in many schools in all five of what they refer to as zones with many lives touched and transformed. All praise to our God!)
That evening we enjoyed KFC. There's only a couple outlets in the country!
Nov 18 - We flew back to Addis Ababa and then on to Entebbe, Uganda. We stayed the first couple nights at a Missionary Guest House. Chris (left) and Dickens, both of whom work with Beth, came for a meeting with Beth and then Chris drove Beth back to Jinja. Behind them is the vehicle God provided for them that is tough enough to go to the Refugee Camps.
We met for the first time two full time Scripture Union Uganda VOICE Africa team members, Jackie (between Laura and Ruth), and Dorah, the VOICE Team leader. They came to where we were to plan the next training with Beth.
Nov 20 - Dickens came to drive us to the Scripture Union Uganda offices. You just never know what you'll meet on the roads.
And the number of motorcycles used for public transportation has only increased since we lived there!
Here we are with the former Scripture Union Uganda Director, Dickens, with whom we worked during our five years. To the right is the current National Director, Sammy.
A group picture with all of the staff that were there that day; some that we knew and many that were new to us.
Ruth with Robert, a long-time VOICE worker, standing in front of the two containers that God provided for storing the VOICE curriculum...as well as other literature.
Nov 21 - Dickens drove us to Jinja where a 2-day VOICE Training was being held, focused on the Responsibility module which was developed by the VOICE Africa staff after we retired and returned to North America. In the end there were about 80 people who joined.
Beth used "Akello" as a way of inviting people to an Introduction to Puppet workshop to be held a couple days later.
Jackie (pictured above), did an excellent job leading the training, as did Dorah and Paul (next picture); it was so encouraging to observe them in action.
Another member of the training team is Paul with whom we worked in several capacities when we lived in Uganda. He continues to serve with excellence.
The participants doing the actions for one of the songs.
Nov 22 - The participants all took turns teaching one of the lessons to the others. This one is teaching the Responsibility Theme verse.
Several little participants came with their Moms; this cutie settled in nicely with Laura!
Group picture of those who attended the Training; we had already left for the day.
A couple days later, this picture was sent to us showing one of the participants actually teaching the Responsibility module to children in her church!
Nov 21 - Beth took us to The Sailing Club along the Nile River for a meal.
Nov 24 - Beth took us to a fairly new resort, Whispers of the Nile, where we availed of their beautiful swimming pool.
Such a beautiful and peaceful place right along the Nile River, considered to be the longest river in the world, about 6,650 km (4,130 mi) long. Jinja, Uganda, is considered by many to be the source of the Nile River.
There are numerous kinds of birds, especially water birds, and jumping fish. Using a bit of imagination, we could hear this River "whispering" it's pride and joy of cradling baby Moses so many years ago!
Nov 23 - Enjoying some time with Lisa, Beth's adopted daughter, who wore the dress we purchased in Ethiopia for her.
Nov 23 - A gal (far left) who worked with us in the early days of VOICE Africa came by to visit bringing two young people with her. As a sign of respect for age, all 3 of them are kneeling as they interact with Beth's mother. The boy is a fairly recent convert from Islam. During this visit, he chose Jonathan to be his "Christian name."
The two of us wearing the dresses we purchased while in Ethiopia.
Nov 27 - Our fourth and last Introduction to Puppets Workshop, held in Jinja.
Group picture of the participants with their puppet friends.
The last of the puppets that we brought from Canada were given to Scripture Union Uganda. And, lastly, "Akello" was entrusted to Dorah, the VOICE Africa Team Leader. She was one excited lady!
Nov 26 - Celebrating American Thanksgiving with long-time missionary friends of ours dating back to our Philippine days. There were 2 Americans, 2 Canadians, 1 Filipino, and 3 Ugandans with a young Ugandan gal joining us later. What a fun time together with them.
After the delicious meal, Laura introduced "Akello" to everyone. Actually we were told, jokingly in part, that we couldn't come without Laura bringing a puppet with her!
We wore our Tanzania dresses to the Thanksgiving meal.
Nov 26 - Later that day, a Ugandan friend came for a second visit, this time with her niece who had somewhat frequented our home when she was quite young. We all enjoyed recalling some of the special memories we shared together from those days.
Nov 28 - Beth drove us back to Kampala, fairly close to the airport where we stayed the final two nights. She cooked us the most well-known Ugandan meal called Matoke with G-nut sauce--boiled cooking bananas with a peanut sauce.
Nov 29 - Our missionary neighbor during our time in Uganda came to us and we enjoyed a meal together at a nearby restaurant. It was special to get caught up with her and hear about others that we interacted with during those wonderful years.
Nov 30 - We worshiped at a Watoto Church quite close to the airport and "happened" to find another Scripture Union worker, Joseph, that we knew from our Ugandan ministry days.
After church and our last meal together with Beth, she dropped us off at the Entebee Airport. Our flight pattern took us back to Addis Ababa, then Rome, then Toronto...about 17 hours that were mostly in the dark. But as we approached Toronto, the dawn appeared! After a 12-hour layover there, we boarded the final plane for Moncton, NB, arriving around midnight. A pastor friend picked us up in Laura's car and soon Laura was back in the driver's seat as we headed to Sussex, arriving around 3 am, Dec. 2. Although tired, our hearts were full of thanks to our God for safe travel and such a wonderful return visit to East Africa!
Pictures from Canada
Oct 29 - One of Ruth's "musts" before leaving for Africa--to see "Mom Bonney" again.
Nov 1 - We flew from Moncton, NB, to Toronto and transferred to Ethiopian Air for a non-stop flight to Addis Ababa, just over 13 hours.
We arrived fairly late on Nov 2. Beth & the Scripture Union Ethiopia National Director, Berhanu, met us and took us to a hotel for an evening meal.
Nov 4 - Ruth was surprised with a Birthday Celebration--a beautifully decorated and delicious cake!
And a beautiful Ethiopians shawl; the bands are the colors of the Ethiopian Flag and the printing is the Amharic alphabet!
Nov 4 - Berhanu took us to see the Scripture Union Ethiopia office--a mere two rooms on the 5th floor with no elevator! You'll notice I'm wearing my birthday shawl; the temps were slightly more chilly than we anticipated, especially in the mornings.
Nov 5 - We led an Introduction to Puppets Workshop for Sunday School Teachers. Although we struggled with the language barrier, their newly created sock puppets certainly didn't!
Practicing a short script with each other
And another couple of budding puppeteers
Nov 5 - Our suitcases carried about 6 large puppets; two of them found their new home in Ethiopia
One of Berhanu's other names (Africans can have many names--none of them are first/middle/last; they can be referred to using any of them--yes, confusing to us!) is Solomon. His wife, far right, introduced herself to us as Berhanu's Queen; her name in English means Sheba!
Nov 6 - We joined the 2-day Training Seminar which introduced some of the Scripture Union Ethiopian staff and volunteers to the Purity Module which will soon be printed in Amharic. As part of their devotional time, they asked both Laura and Ruth to share their testimonies including our part in the VOICE program and curriculum. Everything had to be done via translation; here is (English interpretation of his name) Daniel.
Nov 7 - Group Picture of Scripture Union Ethiopia staff who participated in the Purity Training.
Nov 6 & 7 - Beth led most of the VOICE Training on Purity, using Robbie (the English nickname she said we could use as none of us could get our tongues around her true name!). As we put this blog together, Robbie has come to Uganda for a 2-week rather intensive orientation to the VOICE program and curriculum since it still is rather new to Ethiopia. Beth will work with her on two VOICE Purity Trainings plus actually teach the Purity lessons to a group of young people--it's school vacation now.
Ethiopia was the first to discover coffee and it certainly is cherished by them. They use a rather elaborate coffee pot (pictured above) and pour it into small tea cups. Sugar can be added but not milk (although we broke that rule!).
Beth and Ruth enjoying their small cup of coffee following lunch.
A couple of days after we left Ethiopia, we received this picture of the "printer's blueprint" of the front cover of the Amharic Purity Visual Aid. People in North America, including a Vacation Bible School in Maine, raised sufficient funds so that the Amharic Purity module can be printed. Scripture Union Ethiopia is very grateful and looking forward to being able to use it soon.
Berhanu and his three lovely children; all of which can communicate fairly well in English.
As far as we know, there are none of the Western restaurant chains in Ethiopia; here's the closest we saw--Starbacks!
Nov 9 - We flew from Addis Ababa to Dar es Salam, putting us over the East Indian Sea.
We were met by Stellah, the Scripture Union Tanzania National Director
Nov 10 - An Introduction to Puppets Workshop with some of the Scripture Union Tanzania staff.
Enjoying their newly created friends
Laura introducing a new-to-her (and everyone else) puppet friend whom Beth named "Akello." Eventually she found a home in Uganda.
Two lovely staff members giving a brief puppet show.
Group picture
That afternoon, Beth led in a demonstration of the first lesson of the Forgiveness module, using an interpreter who is holding the Swahili visual aid.
During one of our meals, we enjoyed getting to know these three who were dressed in identical dresses. They serve in the Tabora region (western) and were so excited to meet the ones who had a part in bringing the Biblical values program and curriculum to Africa. The lady at the far right has an amazing testimony of being able to forgive her late husband's family for their cruelty to her as a widow...and how God has blessed beyond measure.
Two more of the traveling puppets were passed on to Scripture Union Tanzania. The belt Ruth is wearing was handmade by one of the participants; Laura was wearing hers too but hidden in this picture.
Nov. 11 - Since the ongoing meetings were for the Scripture Union staff to report and plan, the three of us were free to enjoy the beach which was not very far away...what luxury!
That evening we were gifted with Tanzanian dresses which we promptly put on over our clothes for a picture.
Nov 12 - We flew north to the city of Arusha where we had visited during our previous time in 2020.
Nov 13 - Once again, we had the fun of watching adults smile and laugh as we introduced them to using puppets.
That was followed by a demonstration of the first lesson of the Self-Control module which will soon be printed in Swahili, which is another project that North American donors have made possible. Chris, to the right, came by bus from Uganda to meet us and help with the training, plus finalize with the printer the details and cost of printing the Swahili Self-Control module.
This group picture was taken after we left to get back to where we were staying before dark.
Nov 14 - Since the Scripture Union staff there in Arusha had internal meetings, we were encouraged to visit the nearby National Game Park. Giraffes met us soon after entering!
A Warthog family, eating on their bended knees.
A herd of Cape Buffaloes were in the distance; a few zebras were also around but quite a distance away.
A baboon family
If you look closely toward the middle of this picture, you'll see a Colobus Monkey, long haired black and white. Although we didn't witness it, we were told that they jump further than other monkeys. The park does have some elephants which eluded us, but what a special treat!
A very comfortable Air B & B was rented for us. Some of the many fruits in season made up several of our meals.
Nov 15 - The Arusha Scripture Union Regional Director, Johanes (pointing to the map) came with 3 volunteers to spend more time with us. Each shared their testimonies and Johanes shared testimonies of how the Biblical Values program has impacted his area as well as other areas of Tanzania. We are all looking at a map of Tanzania to see where some of the stories came from.
After they left, a German missionary, Angelica, arrived. She and Beth have a mutual friend who wanted them to meet while we were there. Among several other ministries, she runs an orphanage about half an hour's drive from where we were staying. Upon her invitation we went with her to see it. Here she's playing her guitar and singing praise songs with the happy and excited orphans.
Beth then introduced "Akello" to them; they were mesmerized! All in all, it was an almost unbelievable time of being introduced to a very fascinating and unique servant of God (who for several years lived in a tent with the wild animals around her, including a lion...and on and on the stories go!).
Nov 16 - We flew back to Dar es Salam, leaving our place at 3 AM!
Nov 17 - Another couple of hours with Stellah as we tied up our wonderful visit to Tanzania. (We almost cancelled plans for Tanzania due to their post election violence, but things quieted down just in time...and we are SO glad we went. Five years ago when we came, the first Swahili curriculum had just arrived and it was a brand new program/ministry. Now, 5 years later, it is being used in many schools in all five of what they refer to as zones with many lives touched and transformed. All praise to our God!)
That evening we enjoyed KFC. There's only a couple outlets in the country!
Nov 18 - We flew back to Addis Ababa and then on to Entebbe, Uganda. We stayed the first couple nights at a Missionary Guest House. Chris (left) and Dickens, both of whom work with Beth, came for a meeting with Beth and then Chris drove Beth back to Jinja. Behind them is the vehicle God provided for them that is tough enough to go to the Refugee Camps.
We met for the first time two full time Scripture Union Uganda VOICE Africa team members, Jackie (between Laura and Ruth), and Dorah, the VOICE Team leader. They came to where we were to plan the next training with Beth.
Nov 20 - Dickens came to drive us to the Scripture Union Uganda offices. You just never know what you'll meet on the roads.
And the number of motorcycles used for public transportation has only increased since we lived there!
Here we are with the former Scripture Union Uganda Director, Dickens, with whom we worked during our five years. To the right is the current National Director, Sammy.
A group picture with all of the staff that were there that day; some that we knew and many that were new to us.
Ruth with Robert, a long-time VOICE worker, standing in front of the two containers that God provided for storing the VOICE curriculum...as well as other literature.
Nov 21 - Dickens drove us to Jinja where a 2-day VOICE Training was being held, focused on the Responsibility module which was developed by the VOICE Africa staff after we retired and returned to North America. In the end there were about 80 people who joined.
Beth used "Akello" as a way of inviting people to an Introduction to Puppet workshop to be held a couple days later.
Jackie (pictured above), did an excellent job leading the training, as did Dorah and Paul (next picture); it was so encouraging to observe them in action.
Another member of the training team is Paul with whom we worked in several capacities when we lived in Uganda. He continues to serve with excellence.
The participants doing the actions for one of the songs.
Nov 22 - The participants all took turns teaching one of the lessons to the others. This one is teaching the Responsibility Theme verse.
Several little participants came with their Moms; this cutie settled in nicely with Laura!
Group picture of those who attended the Training; we had already left for the day.
A couple days later, this picture was sent to us showing one of the participants actually teaching the Responsibility module to children in her church!
Nov 21 - Beth took us to The Sailing Club along the Nile River for a meal.
Nov 24 - Beth took us to a fairly new resort, Whispers of the Nile, where we availed of their beautiful swimming pool.
Such a beautiful and peaceful place right along the Nile River, considered to be the longest river in the world, about 6,650 km (4,130 mi) long. Jinja, Uganda, is considered by many to be the source of the Nile River.
There are numerous kinds of birds, especially water birds, and jumping fish. Using a bit of imagination, we could hear this River "whispering" it's pride and joy of cradling baby Moses so many years ago!
Nov 23 - Enjoying some time with Lisa, Beth's adopted daughter, who wore the dress we purchased in Ethiopia for her.
Nov 23 - A gal (far left) who worked with us in the early days of VOICE Africa came by to visit bringing two young people with her. As a sign of respect for age, all 3 of them are kneeling as they interact with Beth's mother. The boy is a fairly recent convert from Islam. During this visit, he chose Jonathan to be his "Christian name."
The two of us wearing the dresses we purchased while in Ethiopia.
Nov 27 - Our fourth and last Introduction to Puppets Workshop, held in Jinja.
Group picture of the participants with their puppet friends.
The last of the puppets that we brought from Canada were given to Scripture Union Uganda. And, lastly, "Akello" was entrusted to Dorah, the VOICE Africa Team Leader. She was one excited lady!
Nov 26 - Celebrating American Thanksgiving with long-time missionary friends of ours dating back to our Philippine days. There were 2 Americans, 2 Canadians, 1 Filipino, and 3 Ugandans with a young Ugandan gal joining us later. What a fun time together with them.
After the delicious meal, Laura introduced "Akello" to everyone. Actually we were told, jokingly in part, that we couldn't come without Laura bringing a puppet with her!
We wore our Tanzania dresses to the Thanksgiving meal.
Nov 26 - Later that day, a Ugandan friend came for a second visit, this time with her niece who had somewhat frequented our home when she was quite young. We all enjoyed recalling some of the special memories we shared together from those days.
Nov 28 - Beth drove us back to Kampala, fairly close to the airport where we stayed the final two nights. She cooked us the most well-known Ugandan meal called Matoke with G-nut sauce--boiled cooking bananas with a peanut sauce.
Nov 29 - Our missionary neighbor during our time in Uganda came to us and we enjoyed a meal together at a nearby restaurant. It was special to get caught up with her and hear about others that we interacted with during those wonderful years.
Nov 30 - We worshiped at a Watoto Church quite close to the airport and "happened" to find another Scripture Union worker, Joseph, that we knew from our Ugandan ministry days.
After church and our last meal together with Beth, she dropped us off at the Entebee Airport. Our flight pattern took us back to Addis Ababa, then Rome, then Toronto...about 17 hours that were mostly in the dark. But as we approached Toronto, the dawn appeared! After a 12-hour layover there, we boarded the final plane for Moncton, NB, arriving around midnight. A pastor friend picked us up in Laura's car and soon Laura was back in the driver's seat as we headed to Sussex, arriving around 3 am, Dec. 2. Although tired, our hearts were full of thanks to our God for safe travel and such a wonderful return visit to East Africa!
Pictures from Canada
Oct 29 - One of Ruth's "musts" before leaving for Africa--to see "Mom Bonney" again.
Nov 1 - We flew from Moncton, NB, to Toronto and transferred to Ethiopian Air for a non-stop flight to Addis Ababa, just over 13 hours.
We arrived fairly late on Nov 2. Beth & the Scripture Union Ethiopia National Director, Berhanu, met us and took us to a hotel for an evening meal.
Nov 4 - Ruth was surprised with a Birthday Celebration--a beautifully decorated and delicious cake!
And a beautiful Ethiopians shawl; the bands are the colors of the Ethiopian Flag and the printing is the Amharic alphabet!
Nov 4 - Berhanu took us to see the Scripture Union Ethiopia office--a mere two rooms on the 5th floor with no elevator! You'll notice I'm wearing my birthday shawl; the temps were slightly more chilly than we anticipated, especially in the mornings.
Nov 5 - We led an Introduction to Puppets Workshop for Sunday School Teachers. Although we struggled with the language barrier, their newly created sock puppets certainly didn't!
Practicing a short script with each other
And another couple of budding puppeteers
Nov 5 - Our suitcases carried about 6 large puppets; two of them found their new home in Ethiopia
One of Berhanu's other names (Africans can have many names--none of them are first/middle/last; they can be referred to using any of them--yes, confusing to us!) is Solomon. His wife, far right, introduced herself to us as Berhanu's Queen; her name in English means Sheba!
Nov 6 - We joined the 2-day Training Seminar which introduced some of the Scripture Union Ethiopian staff and volunteers to the Purity Module which will soon be printed in Amharic. As part of their devotional time, they asked both Laura and Ruth to share their testimonies including our part in the VOICE program and curriculum. Everything had to be done via translation; here is (English interpretation of his name) Daniel.
Nov 7 - Group Picture of Scripture Union Ethiopia staff who participated in the Purity Training.
Nov 6 & 7 - Beth led most of the VOICE Training on Purity, using Robbie (the English nickname she said we could use as none of us could get our tongues around her true name!). As we put this blog together, Robbie has come to Uganda for a 2-week rather intensive orientation to the VOICE program and curriculum since it still is rather new to Ethiopia. Beth will work with her on two VOICE Purity Trainings plus actually teach the Purity lessons to a group of young people--it's school vacation now.
Ethiopia was the first to discover coffee and it certainly is cherished by them. They use a rather elaborate coffee pot (pictured above) and pour it into small tea cups. Sugar can be added but not milk (although we broke that rule!).
Beth and Ruth enjoying their small cup of coffee following lunch.
A couple of days after we left Ethiopia, we received this picture of the "printer's blueprint" of the front cover of the Amharic Purity Visual Aid. People in North America, including a Vacation Bible School in Maine, raised sufficient funds so that the Amharic Purity module can be printed. Scripture Union Ethiopia is very grateful and looking forward to being able to use it soon.
Berhanu and his three lovely children; all of which can communicate fairly well in English.
As far as we know, there are none of the Western restaurant chains in Ethiopia; here's the closest we saw--Starbacks!
Nov 9 - We flew from Addis Ababa to Dar es Salam, putting us over the East Indian Sea.
We were met by Stellah, the Scripture Union Tanzania National Director
Nov 10 - An Introduction to Puppets Workshop with some of the Scripture Union Tanzania staff.
Enjoying their newly created friends
Laura introducing a new-to-her (and everyone else) puppet friend whom Beth named "Akello." Eventually she found a home in Uganda.
Two lovely staff members giving a brief puppet show.
Group picture
That afternoon, Beth led in a demonstration of the first lesson of the Forgiveness module, using an interpreter who is holding the Swahili visual aid.
During one of our meals, we enjoyed getting to know these three who were dressed in identical dresses. They serve in the Tabora region (western) and were so excited to meet the ones who had a part in bringing the Biblical values program and curriculum to Africa. The lady at the far right has an amazing testimony of being able to forgive her late husband's family for their cruelty to her as a widow...and how God has blessed beyond measure.
Two more of the traveling puppets were passed on to Scripture Union Tanzania. The belt Ruth is wearing was handmade by one of the participants; Laura was wearing hers too but hidden in this picture.
Nov. 11 - Since the ongoing meetings were for the Scripture Union staff to report and plan, the three of us were free to enjoy the beach which was not very far away...what luxury!
That evening we were gifted with Tanzanian dresses which we promptly put on over our clothes for a picture.
Nov 12 - We flew north to the city of Arusha where we had visited during our previous time in 2020.
Nov 13 - Once again, we had the fun of watching adults smile and laugh as we introduced them to using puppets.
That was followed by a demonstration of the first lesson of the Self-Control module which will soon be printed in Swahili, which is another project that North American donors have made possible. Chris, to the right, came by bus from Uganda to meet us and help with the training, plus finalize with the printer the details and cost of printing the Swahili Self-Control module.
This group picture was taken after we left to get back to where we were staying before dark.
Nov 14 - Since the Scripture Union staff there in Arusha had internal meetings, we were encouraged to visit the nearby National Game Park. Giraffes met us soon after entering!
A Warthog family, eating on their bended knees.
A herd of Cape Buffaloes were in the distance; a few zebras were also around but quite a distance away.
A baboon family
If you look closely toward the middle of this picture, you'll see a Colobus Monkey, long haired black and white. Although we didn't witness it, we were told that they jump further than other monkeys. The park does have some elephants which eluded us, but what a special treat!
A very comfortable Air B & B was rented for us. Some of the many fruits in season made up several of our meals.
Nov 15 - The Arusha Scripture Union Regional Director, Johanes (pointing to the map) came with 3 volunteers to spend more time with us. Each shared their testimonies and Johanes shared testimonies of how the Biblical Values program has impacted his area as well as other areas of Tanzania. We are all looking at a map of Tanzania to see where some of the stories came from.
After they left, a German missionary, Angelica, arrived. She and Beth have a mutual friend who wanted them to meet while we were there. Among several other ministries, she runs an orphanage about half an hour's drive from where we were staying. Upon her invitation we went with her to see it. Here she's playing her guitar and singing praise songs with the happy and excited orphans.
Beth then introduced "Akello" to them; they were mesmerized! All in all, it was an almost unbelievable time of being introduced to a very fascinating and unique servant of God (who for several years lived in a tent with the wild animals around her, including a lion...and on and on the stories go!).
Nov 16 - We flew back to Dar es Salam, leaving our place at 3 AM!
Nov 17 - Another couple of hours with Stellah as we tied up our wonderful visit to Tanzania. (We almost cancelled plans for Tanzania due to their post election violence, but things quieted down just in time...and we are SO glad we went. Five years ago when we came, the first Swahili curriculum had just arrived and it was a brand new program/ministry. Now, 5 years later, it is being used in many schools in all five of what they refer to as zones with many lives touched and transformed. All praise to our God!)
That evening we enjoyed KFC. There's only a couple outlets in the country!
Nov 18 - We flew back to Addis Ababa and then on to Entebbe, Uganda. We stayed the first couple nights at a Missionary Guest House. Chris (left) and Dickens, both of whom work with Beth, came for a meeting with Beth and then Chris drove Beth back to Jinja. Behind them is the vehicle God provided for them that is tough enough to go to the Refugee Camps.
We met for the first time two full time Scripture Union Uganda VOICE Africa team members, Jackie (between Laura and Ruth), and Dorah, the VOICE Team leader. They came to where we were to plan the next training with Beth.
Nov 20 - Dickens came to drive us to the Scripture Union Uganda offices. You just never know what you'll meet on the roads.
And the number of motorcycles used for public transportation has only increased since we lived there!
Here we are with the former Scripture Union Uganda Director, Dickens, with whom we worked during our five years. To the right is the current National Director, Sammy.
A group picture with all of the staff that were there that day; some that we knew and many that were new to us.
Ruth with Robert, a long-time VOICE worker, standing in front of the two containers that God provided for storing the VOICE curriculum...as well as other literature.
Nov 21 - Dickens drove us to Jinja where a 2-day VOICE Training was being held, focused on the Responsibility module which was developed by the VOICE Africa staff after we retired and returned to North America. In the end there were about 80 people who joined.
Beth used "Akello" as a way of inviting people to an Introduction to Puppet workshop to be held a couple days later.
Jackie (pictured above), did an excellent job leading the training, as did Dorah and Paul (next picture); it was so encouraging to observe them in action.
Another member of the training team is Paul with whom we worked in several capacities when we lived in Uganda. He continues to serve with excellence.
The participants doing the actions for one of the songs.
Nov 22 - The participants all took turns teaching one of the lessons to the others. This one is teaching the Responsibility Theme verse.
Several little participants came with their Moms; this cutie settled in nicely with Laura!
Group picture of those who attended the Training; we had already left for the day.
A couple days later, this picture was sent to us showing one of the participants actually teaching the Responsibility module to children in her church!
Nov 21 - Beth took us to The Sailing Club along the Nile River for a meal.
Nov 24 - Beth took us to a fairly new resort, Whispers of the Nile, where we availed of their beautiful swimming pool.
Such a beautiful and peaceful place right along the Nile River, considered to be the longest river in the world, about 6,650 km (4,130 mi) long. Jinja, Uganda, is considered by many to be the source of the Nile River.
There are numerous kinds of birds, especially water birds, and jumping fish. Using a bit of imagination, we could hear this River "whispering" it's pride and joy of cradling baby Moses so many years ago!
Nov 23 - Enjoying some time with Lisa, Beth's adopted daughter, who wore the dress we purchased in Ethiopia for her.
Nov 23 - A gal (far left) who worked with us in the early days of VOICE Africa came by to visit bringing two young people with her. As a sign of respect for age, all 3 of them are kneeling as they interact with Beth's mother. The boy is a fairly recent convert from Islam. During this visit, he chose Jonathan to be his "Christian name."
The two of us wearing the dresses we purchased while in Ethiopia.
Nov 27 - Our fourth and last Introduction to Puppets Workshop, held in Jinja.
Group picture of the participants with their puppet friends.
The last of the puppets that we brought from Canada were given to Scripture Union Uganda. And, lastly, "Akello" was entrusted to Dorah, the VOICE Africa Team Leader. She was one excited lady!
Nov 26 - Celebrating American Thanksgiving with long-time missionary friends of ours dating back to our Philippine days. There were 2 Americans, 2 Canadians, 1 Filipino, and 3 Ugandans with a young Ugandan gal joining us later. What a fun time together with them.
After the delicious meal, Laura introduced "Akello" to everyone. Actually we were told, jokingly in part, that we couldn't come without Laura bringing a puppet with her!
We wore our Tanzania dresses to the Thanksgiving meal.
Nov 26 - Later that day, a Ugandan friend came for a second visit, this time with her niece who had somewhat frequented our home when she was quite young. We all enjoyed recalling some of the special memories we shared together from those days.
Nov 28 - Beth drove us back to Kampala, fairly close to the airport where we stayed the final two nights. She cooked us the most well-known Ugandan meal called Matoke with G-nut sauce--boiled cooking bananas with a peanut sauce.
Nov 29 - Our missionary neighbor during our time in Uganda came to us and we enjoyed a meal together at a nearby restaurant. It was special to get caught up with her and hear about others that we interacted with during those wonderful years.
Nov 30 - We worshiped at a Watoto Church quite close to the airport and "happened" to find another Scripture Union worker, Joseph, that we knew from our Ugandan ministry days.
After church and our last meal together with Beth, she dropped us off at the Entebee Airport. Our flight pattern took us back to Addis Ababa, then Rome, then Toronto...about 17 hours that were mostly in the dark. But as we approached Toronto, the dawn appeared! After a 12-hour layover there, we boarded the final plane for Moncton, NB, arriving around midnight. A pastor friend picked us up in Laura's car and soon Laura was back in the driver's seat as we headed to Sussex, arriving around 3 am, Dec. 2. Although tired, our hearts were full of thanks to our God for safe travel and such a wonderful return visit to East Africa!
Pictures from Canada
Oct 29 - One of Ruth's "musts" before leaving for Africa--to see "Mom Bonney" again.
 |
| Nov 1 - We flew from Moncton, NB, to Toronto and transferred to Ethiopian Air for a non-stop flight to Addis Ababa, just over 13 hours. |
 |
| We arrived fairly late on Nov 2. Beth & the Scripture Union Ethiopia National Director, Berhanu, met us and took us to a hotel for an evening meal. |
 |
| Nov 4 - Ruth was surprised with a Birthday Celebration--a beautifully decorated and delicious cake! |
 |
| And a beautiful Ethiopians shawl; the bands are the colors of the Ethiopian Flag and the printing is the Amharic alphabet! |
 |
| Nov 4 - Berhanu took us to see the Scripture Union Ethiopia office--a mere two rooms on the 5th floor with no elevator! You'll notice I'm wearing my birthday shawl; the temps were slightly more chilly than we anticipated, especially in the mornings. |
 |
| Nov 5 - We led an Introduction to Puppets Workshop for Sunday School Teachers. Although we struggled with the language barrier, their newly created sock puppets certainly didn't! |
 |
| Practicing a short script with each other |
 |
| And another couple of budding puppeteers |
 |
| Nov 5 - Our suitcases carried about 6 large puppets; two of them found their new home in Ethiopia |
 |
| One of Berhanu's other names (Africans can have many names--none of them are first/middle/last; they can be referred to using any of them--yes, confusing to us!) is Solomon. His wife, far right, introduced herself to us as Berhanu's Queen; her name in English means Sheba! |
 |
| Nov 6 - We joined the 2-day Training Seminar which introduced some of the Scripture Union Ethiopian staff and volunteers to the Purity Module which will soon be printed in Amharic. As part of their devotional time, they asked both Laura and Ruth to share their testimonies including our part in the VOICE program and curriculum. Everything had to be done via translation; here is (English interpretation of his name) Daniel. |
 |
| Nov 7 - Group Picture of Scripture Union Ethiopia staff who participated in the Purity Training. |
 |
| Nov 6 & 7 - Beth led most of the VOICE Training on Purity, using Robbie (the English nickname she said we could use as none of us could get our tongues around her true name!). As we put this blog together, Robbie has come to Uganda for a 2-week rather intensive orientation to the VOICE program and curriculum since it still is rather new to Ethiopia. Beth will work with her on two VOICE Purity Trainings plus actually teach the Purity lessons to a group of young people--it's school vacation now. |
 |
| Ethiopia was the first to discover coffee and it certainly is cherished by them. They use a rather elaborate coffee pot (pictured above) and pour it into small tea cups. Sugar can be added but not milk (although we broke that rule!). |
 |
| Beth and Ruth enjoying their small cup of coffee following lunch. |
 |
| A couple of days after we left Ethiopia, we received this picture of the "printer's blueprint" of the front cover of the Amharic Purity Visual Aid. People in North America, including a Vacation Bible School in Maine, raised sufficient funds so that the Amharic Purity module can be printed. Scripture Union Ethiopia is very grateful and looking forward to being able to use it soon. |
 |
| Berhanu and his three lovely children; all of which can communicate fairly well in English. |
 |
| As far as we know, there are none of the Western restaurant chains in Ethiopia; here's the closest we saw--Starbacks! |
 |
| Nov 18 - We flew back to Addis Ababa and then on to Entebbe, Uganda. We stayed the first couple nights at a Missionary Guest House. Chris (left) and Dickens, both of whom work with Beth, came for a meeting with Beth and then Chris drove Beth back to Jinja. Behind them is the vehicle God provided for them that is tough enough to go to the Refugee Camps. |
 |
| We met for the first time two full time Scripture Union Uganda VOICE Africa team members, Jackie (between Laura and Ruth), and Dorah, the VOICE Team leader. They came to where we were to plan the next training with Beth. |
 |
| Nov 20 - Dickens came to drive us to the Scripture Union Uganda offices. You just never know what you'll meet on the roads. |
 |
| And the number of motorcycles used for public transportation has only increased since we lived there! |
 |
| Here we are with the former Scripture Union Uganda Director, Dickens, with whom we worked during our five years. To the right is the current National Director, Sammy. |
 |
| A group picture with all of the staff that were there that day; some that we knew and many that were new to us. |
 |
| Ruth with Robert, a long-time VOICE worker, standing in front of the two containers that God provided for storing the VOICE curriculum...as well as other literature. |
 |
| Nov 21 - Dickens drove us to Jinja where a 2-day VOICE Training was being held, focused on the Responsibility module which was developed by the VOICE Africa staff after we retired and returned to North America. In the end there were about 80 people who joined. |
 |
| Beth used "Akello" as a way of inviting people to an Introduction to Puppet workshop to be held a couple days later. |
 |
| Jackie (pictured above), did an excellent job leading the training, as did Dorah and Paul (next picture); it was so encouraging to observe them in action. |
 |
| Another member of the training team is Paul with whom we worked in several capacities when we lived in Uganda. He continues to serve with excellence. |
 |
| The participants doing the actions for one of the songs. |
 |
| Nov 22 - The participants all took turns teaching one of the lessons to the others. This one is teaching the Responsibility Theme verse. |
 |
| Several little participants came with their Moms; this cutie settled in nicely with Laura! |
 |
| Group picture of those who attended the Training; we had already left for the day. |
 |
| A couple days later, this picture was sent to us showing one of the participants actually teaching the Responsibility module to children in her church! |
 |
| Nov 21 - Beth took us to The Sailing Club along the Nile River for a meal. |
 |
| Nov 24 - Beth took us to a fairly new resort, Whispers of the Nile, where we availed of their beautiful swimming pool. |
 |
| Such a beautiful and peaceful place right along the Nile River, considered to be the longest river in the world, about 6,650 km (4,130 mi) long. Jinja, Uganda, is considered by many to be the source of the Nile River. |
 |
| There are numerous kinds of birds, especially water birds, and jumping fish. Using a bit of imagination, we could hear this River "whispering" it's pride and joy of cradling baby Moses so many years ago! |
 |
| Nov 23 - Enjoying some time with Lisa, Beth's adopted daughter, who wore the dress we purchased in Ethiopia for her. |
 |
| Nov 23 - A gal (far left) who worked with us in the early days of VOICE Africa came by to visit bringing two young people with her. As a sign of respect for age, all 3 of them are kneeling as they interact with Beth's mother. The boy is a fairly recent convert from Islam. During this visit, he chose Jonathan to be his "Christian name." |
 |
| The two of us wearing the dresses we purchased while in Ethiopia. |
 |
| Nov 27 - Our fourth and last Introduction to Puppets Workshop, held in Jinja. |
 |
| Group picture of the participants with their puppet friends. |
 |
| The last of the puppets that we brought from Canada were given to Scripture Union Uganda. And, lastly, "Akello" was entrusted to Dorah, the VOICE Africa Team Leader. She was one excited lady! |
 |
| Nov 26 - Celebrating American Thanksgiving with long-time missionary friends of ours dating back to our Philippine days. There were 2 Americans, 2 Canadians, 1 Filipino, and 3 Ugandans with a young Ugandan gal joining us later. What a fun time together with them. |
 |
| After the delicious meal, Laura introduced "Akello" to everyone. Actually we were told, jokingly in part, that we couldn't come without Laura bringing a puppet with her! |
 |
| We wore our Tanzania dresses to the Thanksgiving meal. |
 |
| Nov 26 - Later that day, a Ugandan friend came for a second visit, this time with her niece who had somewhat frequented our home when she was quite young. We all enjoyed recalling some of the special memories we shared together from those days. |
 |
| Nov 28 - Beth drove us back to Kampala, fairly close to the airport where we stayed the final two nights. She cooked us the most well-known Ugandan meal called Matoke with G-nut sauce--boiled cooking bananas with a peanut sauce. |
 |
| Nov 29 - Our missionary neighbor during our time in Uganda came to us and we enjoyed a meal together at a nearby restaurant. It was special to get caught up with her and hear about others that we interacted with during those wonderful years. |
 |
| Nov 30 - We worshiped at a Watoto Church quite close to the airport and "happened" to find another Scripture Union worker, Joseph, that we knew from our Ugandan ministry days. |
 |
| After church and our last meal together with Beth, she dropped us off at the Entebee Airport. Our flight pattern took us back to Addis Ababa, then Rome, then Toronto...about 17 hours that were mostly in the dark. But as we approached Toronto, the dawn appeared! After a 12-hour layover there, we boarded the final plane for Moncton, NB, arriving around midnight. A pastor friend picked us up in Laura's car and soon Laura was back in the driver's seat as we headed to Sussex, arriving around 3 am, Dec. 2. Although tired, our hearts were full of thanks to our God for safe travel and such a wonderful return visit to East Africa! |
Pictures from Canada
Pictures from USA
Pictures from USA
Pictures from USA
Pictures from USA
Pictures from USA
Oct 21 - Jake, a fellow SEND Philippine missionary who also served as the VOICE Philippines Director for several years, stopped in for a visit with Ruth as his way back to Ontario after visiting with his son and wife. Of course, we had to drink from the Philippine mugs!
Oct. 27 - Ruth overnighted at her favorite spot, her sister and husband's home, as she made her way to Canada to join Laura for the return visit to East Africa. Her sister served "catfish" which brought back so many childhood memories of catching catfish/hornpout in our farm pond. But these were from southern fish farms...much larger than what we caught and also deboned...and delicious!
The pictures below are from the previous blog.
VOICE Philippines
Oct 21 - Jake, a fellow SEND Philippine missionary who also served as the VOICE Philippines Director for several years, stopped in for a visit with Ruth as his way back to Ontario after visiting with his son and wife. Of course, we had to drink from the Philippine mugs!
Oct. 27 - Ruth overnighted at her favorite spot, her sister and husband's home, as she made her way to Canada to join Laura for the return visit to East Africa. Her sister served "catfish" which brought back so many childhood memories of catching catfish/hornpout in our farm pond. But these were from southern fish farms...much larger than what we caught and also deboned...and delicious!
The pictures below are from the previous blog.
VOICE Philippines
Oct 21 - Jake, a fellow SEND Philippine missionary who also served as the VOICE Philippines Director for several years, stopped in for a visit with Ruth as his way back to Ontario after visiting with his son and wife. Of course, we had to drink from the Philippine mugs!
Oct. 27 - Ruth overnighted at her favorite spot, her sister and husband's home, as she made her way to Canada to join Laura for the return visit to East Africa. Her sister served "catfish" which brought back so many childhood memories of catching catfish/hornpout in our farm pond. But these were from southern fish farms...much larger than what we caught and also deboned...and delicious!
The pictures below are from the previous blog.
VOICE Philippines
Oct 21 - Jake, a fellow SEND Philippine missionary who also served as the VOICE Philippines Director for several years, stopped in for a visit with Ruth as his way back to Ontario after visiting with his son and wife. Of course, we had to drink from the Philippine mugs!
Oct. 27 - Ruth overnighted at her favorite spot, her sister and husband's home, as she made her way to Canada to join Laura for the return visit to East Africa. Her sister served "catfish" which brought back so many childhood memories of catching catfish/hornpout in our farm pond. But these were from southern fish farms...much larger than what we caught and also deboned...and delicious!
The pictures below are from the previous blog.
VOICE Philippines
 |
| Oct 21 - Jake, a fellow SEND Philippine missionary who also served as the VOICE Philippines Director for several years, stopped in for a visit with Ruth as his way back to Ontario after visiting with his son and wife. Of course, we had to drink from the Philippine mugs! |
 |
| Oct. 27 - Ruth overnighted at her favorite spot, her sister and husband's home, as she made her way to Canada to join Laura for the return visit to East Africa. Her sister served "catfish" which brought back so many childhood memories of catching catfish/hornpout in our farm pond. But these were from southern fish farms...much larger than what we caught and also deboned...and delicious! The pictures below are from the previous blog. |
VOICE Philippines
FINALLY! The Truth & Honesty module for High School that has been out of stock for several years now has been updated/revised and is being sent to the printer! Praise God for answered prayer.
A number of churches have now partnered with local police stations to teach Biblical values together in nearby public schools. Trained volunteers from a nearby church meet with the police to prepare the lesson and then they co-teach it together.
And here's the proof.
Wow, Praise God! VOICE is celebrating its 20th Anniversary!
VOICE Africa
FINALLY! The Truth & Honesty module for High School that has been out of stock for several years now has been updated/revised and is being sent to the printer! Praise God for answered prayer.
A number of churches have now partnered with local police stations to teach Biblical values together in nearby public schools. Trained volunteers from a nearby church meet with the police to prepare the lesson and then they co-teach it together.
And here's the proof.
Wow, Praise God! VOICE is celebrating its 20th Anniversary!
VOICE Africa
FINALLY! The Truth & Honesty module for High School that has been out of stock for several years now has been updated/revised and is being sent to the printer! Praise God for answered prayer.
A number of churches have now partnered with local police stations to teach Biblical values together in nearby public schools. Trained volunteers from a nearby church meet with the police to prepare the lesson and then they co-teach it together.
And here's the proof.
Wow, Praise God! VOICE is celebrating its 20th Anniversary!
VOICE Africa
FINALLY! The Truth & Honesty module for High School that has been out of stock for several years now has been updated/revised and is being sent to the printer! Praise God for answered prayer.
A number of churches have now partnered with local police stations to teach Biblical values together in nearby public schools. Trained volunteers from a nearby church meet with the police to prepare the lesson and then they co-teach it together.
And here's the proof.
Wow, Praise God! VOICE is celebrating its 20th Anniversary!
VOICE Africa
 |
| A number of churches have now partnered with local police stations to teach Biblical values together in nearby public schools. Trained volunteers from a nearby church meet with the police to prepare the lesson and then they co-teach it together. |
 |
| And here's the proof. |
 |
| Wow, Praise God! VOICE is celebrating its 20th Anniversary! |
A Biblical Values class showing their bookmarks which they received at the end of the series.
A recent Teachers Training featuring the Forgiveness module.
A training was held for High School girls at a rather exclusive Girls Boarding School. These girls will now be teaching community children/teens during their weekends as part of their schooling.
Too cute of a picture not to include!
A Biblical Values Class being held in the Western Region of Uganda.
Beth with her recently graduated from university daughter who is now volunteering at a nearby orphanage, one of which spent some time with them outside of the orphanage.
Beth was waiting for her car to be washed and got to talking with one of the attendants who expressed his desire to have a Bible...which Beth "just happened" to have in the car.
Beth recently spoke at a nearby church. And in the picture below, she is sharing the CrossTalk with some onlookers.
Chris and Beth recently went to the Refugee Camps in the north to do some training on various topics. As always their vehicle is stuffed full of clothing and food supplies for the refugees, plus other things for the ministry.
One of the benefits of going to the refugee camps is passing through or close by one or more of the National Parks.
A Biblical Values class showing their bookmarks which they received at the end of the series.
A recent Teachers Training featuring the Forgiveness module.
A training was held for High School girls at a rather exclusive Girls Boarding School. These girls will now be teaching community children/teens during their weekends as part of their schooling.
Too cute of a picture not to include!
A Biblical Values Class being held in the Western Region of Uganda.
Beth with her recently graduated from university daughter who is now volunteering at a nearby orphanage, one of which spent some time with them outside of the orphanage.
Beth was waiting for her car to be washed and got to talking with one of the attendants who expressed his desire to have a Bible...which Beth "just happened" to have in the car.
Beth recently spoke at a nearby church. And in the picture below, she is sharing the CrossTalk with some onlookers.
Chris and Beth recently went to the Refugee Camps in the north to do some training on various topics. As always their vehicle is stuffed full of clothing and food supplies for the refugees, plus other things for the ministry.
One of the benefits of going to the refugee camps is passing through or close by one or more of the National Parks.
A Biblical Values class showing their bookmarks which they received at the end of the series.
A recent Teachers Training featuring the Forgiveness module.
A training was held for High School girls at a rather exclusive Girls Boarding School. These girls will now be teaching community children/teens during their weekends as part of their schooling.
Too cute of a picture not to include!
A Biblical Values Class being held in the Western Region of Uganda.
Beth with her recently graduated from university daughter who is now volunteering at a nearby orphanage, one of which spent some time with them outside of the orphanage.
Beth was waiting for her car to be washed and got to talking with one of the attendants who expressed his desire to have a Bible...which Beth "just happened" to have in the car.
Beth recently spoke at a nearby church. And in the picture below, she is sharing the CrossTalk with some onlookers.
Chris and Beth recently went to the Refugee Camps in the north to do some training on various topics. As always their vehicle is stuffed full of clothing and food supplies for the refugees, plus other things for the ministry.
One of the benefits of going to the refugee camps is passing through or close by one or more of the National Parks.
A Biblical Values class showing their bookmarks which they received at the end of the series.
A recent Teachers Training featuring the Forgiveness module.
A training was held for High School girls at a rather exclusive Girls Boarding School. These girls will now be teaching community children/teens during their weekends as part of their schooling.
Too cute of a picture not to include!
A Biblical Values Class being held in the Western Region of Uganda.
Beth with her recently graduated from university daughter who is now volunteering at a nearby orphanage, one of which spent some time with them outside of the orphanage.
Beth was waiting for her car to be washed and got to talking with one of the attendants who expressed his desire to have a Bible...which Beth "just happened" to have in the car.
Beth recently spoke at a nearby church. And in the picture below, she is sharing the CrossTalk with some onlookers.
Chris and Beth recently went to the Refugee Camps in the north to do some training on various topics. As always their vehicle is stuffed full of clothing and food supplies for the refugees, plus other things for the ministry.
One of the benefits of going to the refugee camps is passing through or close by one or more of the National Parks.
 |
| A Biblical Values class showing their bookmarks which they received at the end of the series. |
 |
| A recent Teachers Training featuring the Forgiveness module. |
 |
| A training was held for High School girls at a rather exclusive Girls Boarding School. These girls will now be teaching community children/teens during their weekends as part of their schooling. |
 |
| Too cute of a picture not to include! |
 |
| A Biblical Values Class being held in the Western Region of Uganda. |
 |
| Beth with her recently graduated from university daughter who is now volunteering at a nearby orphanage, one of which spent some time with them outside of the orphanage. |
 |
| Beth was waiting for her car to be washed and got to talking with one of the attendants who expressed his desire to have a Bible...which Beth "just happened" to have in the car. |
 |
| Beth recently spoke at a nearby church. And in the picture below, she is sharing the CrossTalk with some onlookers. |
 |
| Chris and Beth recently went to the Refugee Camps in the north to do some training on various topics. As always their vehicle is stuffed full of clothing and food supplies for the refugees, plus other things for the ministry. |
 |
| One of the benefits of going to the refugee camps is passing through or close by one or more of the National Parks. |
Beth and Chris with the refugees they trained centered on the Purity module.
Teaching some of the refugee children about Obedience.
And another class on Purity; they are singing the theme song for that module.
One of the trained teachers wearing a Scripture Union/VOICE T-shirt.
A picture from Tanzania of Rodrick (left front) meeting with a Christian Radio Station. Rodrick is holding the Swahili VOICE module on Truth. Those with them are holding Swahili CrossTalks.
Pictures from Canada
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| Beth and Chris with the refugees they trained centered on the Purity module. |
 |
| Teaching some of the refugee children about Obedience. |
 |
| And another class on Purity; they are singing the theme song for that module. |
 |
| One of the trained teachers wearing a Scripture Union/VOICE T-shirt. |
 |
| A picture from Tanzania of Rodrick (left front) meeting with a Christian Radio Station. Rodrick is holding the Swahili VOICE module on Truth. Those with them are holding Swahili CrossTalks. |
Pictures from Canada
A recent picture of Laura, her brother, as well as a caregiver (from Ghana!) playing Scrabble with dear Mom.
Laura and Mom enjoying time together.
Canadian Thanksgiving meal, 3 Bonneys and the caregiver for that day.
From Thanksgiving with her family, Laura went to visit Ruth's nearby nephew who also had hosted a celebration for many from his family--those from Nova Scotia has left already. In this picture are four of the six cousins who are now studying at NBBI.
A recent picture of Laura, her brother, as well as a caregiver (from Ghana!) playing Scrabble with dear Mom.
Laura and Mom enjoying time together.
Canadian Thanksgiving meal, 3 Bonneys and the caregiver for that day.
From Thanksgiving with her family, Laura went to visit Ruth's nearby nephew who also had hosted a celebration for many from his family--those from Nova Scotia has left already. In this picture are four of the six cousins who are now studying at NBBI.
A recent picture of Laura, her brother, as well as a caregiver (from Ghana!) playing Scrabble with dear Mom.
Laura and Mom enjoying time together.
Canadian Thanksgiving meal, 3 Bonneys and the caregiver for that day.
From Thanksgiving with her family, Laura went to visit Ruth's nearby nephew who also had hosted a celebration for many from his family--those from Nova Scotia has left already. In this picture are four of the six cousins who are now studying at NBBI.
A recent picture of Laura, her brother, as well as a caregiver (from Ghana!) playing Scrabble with dear Mom.
Laura and Mom enjoying time together.
Canadian Thanksgiving meal, 3 Bonneys and the caregiver for that day.
From Thanksgiving with her family, Laura went to visit Ruth's nearby nephew who also had hosted a celebration for many from his family--those from Nova Scotia has left already. In this picture are four of the six cousins who are now studying at NBBI.
Pictures from USA
Pictures from USA
Pictures from USA
Pictures from USA
Pictures from USA
Dickens was recently in the USA, primarily to attend the orientation to the Global Outreach Mission. Here he is speaking to fellow attendees. He's now back in Uganda.
A recent birthday celebration for two family members in Ruth's kitchen.
Ruth and a long-time friend enjoying a meal together which ended with Cantaloupe Custard Pie! Bet you've never had that before!
Dickens was recently in the USA, primarily to attend the orientation to the Global Outreach Mission. Here he is speaking to fellow attendees. He's now back in Uganda.
A recent birthday celebration for two family members in Ruth's kitchen.
Ruth and a long-time friend enjoying a meal together which ended with Cantaloupe Custard Pie! Bet you've never had that before!
Dickens was recently in the USA, primarily to attend the orientation to the Global Outreach Mission. Here he is speaking to fellow attendees. He's now back in Uganda.
A recent birthday celebration for two family members in Ruth's kitchen.
Ruth and a long-time friend enjoying a meal together which ended with Cantaloupe Custard Pie! Bet you've never had that before!
Dickens was recently in the USA, primarily to attend the orientation to the Global Outreach Mission. Here he is speaking to fellow attendees. He's now back in Uganda.
A recent birthday celebration for two family members in Ruth's kitchen.
Ruth and a long-time friend enjoying a meal together which ended with Cantaloupe Custard Pie! Bet you've never had that before!
 |
| Dickens was recently in the USA, primarily to attend the orientation to the Global Outreach Mission. Here he is speaking to fellow attendees. He's now back in Uganda. |
 |
| A recent birthday celebration for two family members in Ruth's kitchen. |
 |
| Ruth and a long-time friend enjoying a meal together which ended with Cantaloupe Custard Pie! Bet you've never had that before! |
Love seeing the pictures of your life there. Will be praying for you as you minister to the little ones on Thursday...and look forward to seeing some pictures of their precious faces.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting to see highlights of your travel! We pray for wisdom and discernment for the VOICE ministry in a different context. I'm sure you must often think, "this is the way we did it in the Philippines". May the Lord lead and guide. We're starting to feel like winter is coming--no frost yet, but maybe later this week. Blessings, Jake & Lillian
ReplyDeleteWhat a Saviour indeed! I think the banner with the lion and the Lamb is such a cool, tangible reminder to the two of you of the presence of the Lion of Judah
ReplyDeleteNice to be able to see some of the process in picture form.
ReplyDeleteWELL! you ladies are just like machines...........you don't quit going and going and going.........churning out materials and entertaining and teaching and and and........... SO LOVED hearing about Joyce's new awareness of being special to God. I read it to my sister Christine as she experienced much the same awareness when she was nine and it changed her life too!
ReplyDeleteLove seeing the pictures. The last one from last week (that looks like a pink blossom having a bad hair day) reminds me of mimosa which I remember from the southern US.
ReplyDeleteLovely pictures except for number 4...about which I have one word - YUCK!
ReplyDeleteMERRY CHRISTMAS Ruth and Laura! Praise God for His indescribable Gift and His goodness in letting us be used to offer that Gift to others.
ReplyDeleteYour family is such an example of living for the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ Ruth. Thank you for sharing it with us through these pictures and comments. Prayers for you as you return to Uganda! Words fail to express what's in our hearts for you at this time. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if you might get to see Mon. Glad it worked out to get together--before that unexpected medical emergency! We'll be praying for a good recovery.
ReplyDeleteLove seeing all these pictures. I missed last week's for some reason. Thanks for taking the time to share the beauty of Uganda, the work God is doing through you and the people He has chosen to share your journey.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures. Fun to share your journey. Laura, you are a very diverse driver...not only can you adjust to driving on either side of the road in various driving conditions, it looks like you'd make a fine boda driver too.
ReplyDeletePraying you are both recovering from jet lag and adjusting to being back in North America.
Such wonderful pictures! They are so wonderful to have and share. Love to see you always seem to find plenty of food to sust ain you in your travels. Happy birthday-belated to you Laura amd your dear Mom. So great to see all your family. Such blessings!!!
ReplyDeleteAWESOME AWESOME PICTURES!!! What a whirlwind trip. Thank you Lord for all you are accomplishing through it for your glory! Amen!
ReplyDelete