2011 - A YEAR AT A GLANCE...

Jack and I look back over this past year - there are many memories...

January:

After a wonderful meal at Jennifers with five other Pinawa couples we enjoyed a 'night cap' and a Welcome into 2011 (well almost at 12) at our house.

the ladies of Pinawa Lutheran

Jack continued to work in Pinawa Lutheran as Interim Pastor - his confirmation class and a few members presented the play "Report to Herod" following a pot-luck supper. It was well received.

February:
With no plans to return to Cameroon or Guyana, we decided on a new mission call - let's go to New Orleans and 'Camp Restore' to help in the endless restoration following Katrina six years past. What an experience with the 17 others from St. Paul's Lutheran in Steinbach. The bus ride was long but filled with friendship and fun along with several eating trips to the Cracker Barrel.

 Group with Gregory - well done!

March:
We said our sad goodbyes to Hector our brother-inlaw and then Granny Mabel. But when one door closes another opens - we welcomed Mae Rose into our family on March 17th.
We started ripping up all the carpeting in our house...

 a wonderful Mom  and brother

April:
Our home has a much brighter look with the newly laid hardwood flooring throughout.
The Lenten season was busy in church - Shrove Pancakes, mid-week soup and services, Maundy Thursday Seder meal followed by Easter.
We left for Flower Mound TX  following the Easter service - travelled through flood waters to enjoy two weeks with Glenn and Cathy - ending with a great Mother's day.

May into June:
All my seedlings and fish in the sunroom were anxiously awaiting planting outside. Gardening another of my passions took over. Plans to return to Cameroon - flight plans with Siama were made for October 10th departure.

July:
The Frederick - Leddy - Iaria families all headed for Walker, MN to celebrate Mae Rose's baptism with Papa Pastor officiating. What a FUN time - bought a new Honda CRV for the trip.

 Great Papa Pastor baptizes Mae Rose

Val's mom, Mae's butterfly square gets made into a pillow

August:
Glenn's birthday present to himself: a long awaited log home in Walker, MN. We look forward to many trips to enjoy the fishing, swimming and family time. August was hot this year ---

September:
well into September!! Jack busily prepared his Confirmands for their Confirmation on Thanksgiving Sunday. We were shocked on September 20th when Jacqueline suffered a heart attack - after a double stent/stint - she started into her road to recovery - now talking of doing the half marathon in May with Tracy in Duluth.

October:
Great Thanksgiving/Confirmation - family time at Lori's - driving departure on 10th with Snooky, our dog and 8 large fish for Allan's in Georgian Bay country. We departed there on the 17th - arrived in Yaounde on 18th - took train on 19th - arrived in Ngaoundéré on 20th. Tired but happy - we were well welcomed...KHK's welcome time with singing, dancing and sketches on the 23rd.

Lian - Kaeli - Pastor Jack - Mats

November:
Back in the mission groove - Jack with evangelizing, me with Kids Helping Kids and both of us talking with women, preparing the way for Lisa and Kelly the end of January.

December:
Many concerts - church services at this time generally last up to four hours - visits to and from friends - of course the gala Christmas Fête with the KHK's. We had a great time - the three wise men even dropped in for a visit. They loved learning and singing 'Jingle Bells'.
We spent three days the 27-29th at a safari game reserve close to the Chad border called Bouba Njida. We saw many animals - the biggest giraffe we've ever seen - many antelope types, the biggest of all being the Derby Elan - the rear quarters of a lion in the distance, but we heard them throughout the two nights there. Needless to say we stayed in our beds and listened.

giant Derby Elan





We ushered in the New Year with William, Mary and their daughters Viola and Wilma and on the eve with mission friends for a pot-luck and games. Micah really enjoyed the paper ribbons and balloons - we with the 'Slap' game (the name ?).

a motion shot of the fun...

Bonne Année

May you ALL experience

PEACE - HAPPINESS and GOOD HEALTH  in 2012

avec les Bénédictions de Dieu...

Jack & Val