Our Mission experiences from Canada into Cameroon ...: DUST... Dust ... Did you say DUST?? What's that

A few short weeks ago on February the 18th our churches held the service of the Imposition of Ashes / Ash Wednesday.

Remember that You are Dust — to Dust You Shall Return.

The cross of ashes imposed on one's forehead is a reminder

of our baptism and our mortality.

My Bird Rock was actually used for grinding millet and corn but now it is a haven for the birds - it could serve nicely as a baptismal font also.

Children don't mind the dust - neither does our friendly gecko

We are in the throes of very dusty dry conditions - NO rain has fallen since October - maybe it may return by late March. Our ENT Specialist, Dr. Max is busy these days with sinus conditions - I've been one of his patients.
While thinking of this next Blog — Dust came to mind, please dust boy, don't rake up the dust today. But, there has to be the positive side to dust - right? Our faith and Christian beliefs being definitely a positive, in the fact that, from whence we came to where we will return. DUST! Christ has given us the hope of salvation!

Dust is cleansing - even the birds and animals realize this when water is not available.

Birds of course need to drink, but they also need to bathe - Birds also take dust baths which helps to dry the skin and and kill parasites. Dust baths are a necessity for some animals and serve to clean the feathers, skin, or fur similar to the more common bathing in water, or wallowing in mud. Many animals like to roll in sand or dirt to keep the flies and insects away from them and also to help dry off after exercise or being wet.

As the season continues - the rivers dry up - the well levels decrease, as does the city water supply. We are very fortunate here on the mission station to have an excellent well. Friday into Saturdays seem to be a favourite time to shut down city waters. Many, many are welcomed to the tap water from the well to the right front of our duplex.

We have many children and adults walking past our door

Children out front after a field trip - sport's day

Bananas and what else in this big truck?

Evangelism Trips usually take place in the dry season - the roads are at their best then - the rains make many impassable. The best time to travel to a Game Reserve is during the dry season - better to see the animals...

We travelled to Meiganga last week - Jack was preaching in the church there - while driving we suddenly witnessed a dust cyclone. It is rather scary, as everything in its path goes flying.

It was the first time Jack had preached there - we arrived very early, should not have left at 6:30AM. Church commenced right on time at 10:30 with much singing. We were treated to a luncheon meal following worship and got home around 4PM - a long day (330 kms).

Homeward bound - so cute - stay put lil guy...

Two weeks ago we also re-travelled to Garoua Boulaï (GB) - for a few days respite but also to touch base with the Bible School there. No luck, everyone was elsewhere...? Jack helped Brian with some wiring issues at the hospital - he also met one of the Doctors working with Doctors Without Borders who is working with the CAR Refugees in a huge tent. He is from Canada, B.C. but born in Winnipeg.

Above is the Doctor's Without Borders white tent cordoned off by fencing

A banana tree in the back of the GB Guesthouse, also ripe and we missed out - too green

Young children walking in the back of GB guest house - into tall grass

I would call it Elephant Grass or is it millet - the type that gets burnt off at the end of dry season to make ready for gardens when the rain re-appears - also very easily spreads with extreme dryness...

Pass times for us: for Jack it is French, French - French, parlais vous Français?

For me it is knitting little critters for children, doing a puzzle, reading a good book - at present, The Orenda - a great true story of Canada's First Nation people by Joseph Boyden, it has been personally signed to us by him — thanks to Nicole & Allan. Last but not least - baking cookies for the KHK Kids but also for the guards and our friends — Kids call me Cookie Mama.

My puzzle of 2013 & below is 2015 what tiny pieces they are Jacqueline

come and help me...

a few of my critters...

Micah now has Leo the Lion - Gyro the Giraffe along with silly Monkey

Cookie Mama's kitchen - Fanta and Judicael both want to learn .

'cooking making'

Fini baking approximately 200 snicker doodles & ginger snaps

Always in my heart... is memories of my first little girl that liked cookies, Tatiana

Road Scenery

La Paix de la Nation et La Croissance de l'Eglise

Congregation de MILLENAIRE

Dimanche 01 Mars 2015

9:00 AM

Jack was asked to give the Prayer of Supplication for peace in families and the Cameroon nation...

He did present this prayer in French

...

We pray that families live peacefully in communities and work together.

We pray that all the communities have a common goal of peace and freedom. Renew in us the desire to be peacemakers: Let us read the words again:

Blessed are the peacemakers - for they shall be called the Children of God.

We know that God desires peaceful people, but perhaps His greater desire is to have Peacemakers.

We pray that when we look at others, we look with the eyes of Jesus. We pray that we will listen to those of different options.

We pray for the leaders of Cameroon that they work for peace and freedom.

We pray that Cameroon's neighbouring countries will find those who desire peace.

We pray that our leaders not only speak of peace, but are in fact serious peacemakers.

Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the Children of God.

Grand Dieu dans la ciel nous accorde la paix sur la terre. AMEN

Boko Haram's presence marked by BH

Kids Helping Kids on March 1st for their get together

We met at 1PM in the reception area at the EELC Protestant Hospital following church at Millennium Lutheran on Station. Being the alternate month, not as many children are in attendance. The children made cards of 'Thank You' with their new crayons and coloured pencils. They enjoyed the cards they received from our Canadian church.

Following their cards... Fanta shared with them some upcoming events - prayers were shared for one of the young boys, whose mother had died a week ago (last month, we had prayed for her). We will be visiting his family with the children. Rev. Marie Besong uplifted prayers for all.

Our get together ended with cookies and gifts of two bracelets and a pencil. They want to meet in two weeks - they enjoy getting together... I told them - they can bring me cookies then, they laughed at that.

I feel my family has grown immensely, my traditional children number 26 (4 children + 16 grands + 6 great grands) — now we add 60 Kids. WOW! How exciting.

A very jolly young man - he loves delicious cookie

Fanta, Marie and Val - we work well together

Fanta explaining what's what

children are spread out on benches doing their cards

after shopping - new photos, Thanks Steve

Toothbrush/paste/floss + facecloth & soap in the hot sun

Jack my Helper and best friend

Breakfast on Monday with friends at 7:30 AM

International Women's Day 2015 Theme: MAKE IT HAPPEN

All around the world, International Women's Day represents an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women while calling for greater equality.

Make It Happen is the 2015 theme for our internationalwomensday.com global hub, encouraging effective action for advancing and recognising women.

Each year International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. The first International Women's Day was held in 1911. Thousands of events occur to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Organisations, governments, charities, educational institutions, women's groups, corporations and the media celebrate the day.

Various organisations identify their own International Women's Day theme, specific to their local context and interests. Many charities, NGOs and Governments also adopt a relevant theme or campaign to mark the day. For example, organisations like the UN, Oxfam, Women for Women, Care International, Plan, World Association of Girl Guides & Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and more - run exciting and powerful campaigns that raise awareness and encourage donations for good causes. The UN has been declaring an annual equality theme for many years.