HOME SWEET HOME
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| Our garden was waiting for us - I do love my sun room - great bird watching |
When one can experience having more than one home -
in more than one country -
how sweet is that ??? So many wonderful memories and friends.
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| Jack loved his garden |
We have had the greatest of opportunities in experiencing two additional countries other than Canada. God called us to Cameroon, West Africa in 1999 where we initially spent 4 years and then Guyana, South America in 2004 - we have spent over 5 years in Cameroon and 2 years in Georgetown, Guyana.
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| Confirmation Class 2013 Cross and Crown Lutheran |
This past year we spent almost five months in Ngaoundéré in Cameroon, arriving in Yaoundé on December 31st. We travelled many kilometres, evangelizing (baptizing/confirming) - being with our 60 children within the Kids Helping Kids Orphan program. How many hundreds of cookies (maybe I should say thousand) did I bake for them, they call me Cookie Mama. Jack's love of teaching, especially Confirmation came into fruition with the Class of 2013 of eight young people from Cross and Crown Lutheran Church (the only English speaking congregation within EELC). They were confirmed on Easter Sunday - following the service they surprised us with a meal they had prepared. What a joy they were. Our prayers continue to be uplifted for our church family in Cross and Crown.
We have many, many memories - our brothers and sisters in Christ from both countries, and missionary friends from all over the world. We have been blessed.
Susan & Jacki from CAR
Emma & Etienne Fomgbami
Gashahun our Ethiopian friend
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| Justin our helper and friend |
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| little Nehemiah liked his visit and my puzzle |
We did experience a few bumps this year, could it be the 13 in 2013?? The theft our our prized possessions on March 11th left us in shock, but friends came to our immediate support - their prayers kept us strong. Another not so fun experience to end off a lovely farewell evening at the 'Coffee Shop' was my/Val's sudden dive into the trench across from the 'Shop' - swill and shock left me with a messed up face, bruised ribs and a very large hematoma on my right leg! Again what wonderful friends - they lifted me up and all but carried me home to be nursed by two very efficient nurses, Jacki and June. Love and prayers again kept me God Strong.
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| my hobbies - early in the morning |
Yes, a very puzzling time... in more ways than one - yes, we do come out of the downsides of life, the upsides level us off and definitely make us stronger. I have many hobbies to keep me busy (no TV) whether it be reading, knitting, crocheting, beading and zig saw puzzling. This year we tackled the most difficult puzzle ever!! Ask Jacki - Phil wouldn't even look at it, Susan tried a few pieces...as did Fanta, Marina and Eimma.
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| my puzzle wasn't quite finished but thanks to Jacki it is now |
Yes, life is also puzzling in this way - so many little pieces than seem to fit in more than one place - but if you persevere, it all fits in one exact place - just perfect in the end.
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| Martin & Joan Webber (in back) our farewell lunch with them, good friends |
Lastly we thank Anne, Willie and Micah for their hospitality and help in our last three days in Yaoundé
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| Anne, Willie & Micah Landji |
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| Getting ready to depart Brussels with Drs. Joeli & Solofo |
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| Grandkids were waiting for us - thanks Micah for your Lion drawing, visit us soon |
We will continue to post the ongoing activities of the Kids Helping Kids
Jack & Val
with God's ❤ and prayers
