Nov 11th - 17th

Nov. 11th
Tuesday - Too much to do and not enough time. I was distributing the supplies to the medical team and Dr. Tomarken called and asked about getting some computers set up so I got 2 desktop computers up and running. They have XP pro installed so that is a blessing as I had no idea what to expect. I thought maybe the hard drive might have been wiped clean since they were coming from an office in the states. These were some computers that came over on the container. Need to get step-down transformers tomorrow for the monitor, baby scale and incubators so they are working for a long time to come. The picture to the right is those items in the nursery. It is a blessing to have my computer because I’m listening to worship music as I’m writing. This helps to bring the whole thing back in perspective and set my focus back on the fact that I’m here for God not me or man. The glory is all His. I should know by now He is in total control.

Nov. 12th
Wednesday - Today was a good day. I have seen more progress today. I think we will make it in the time I have left. We sent much of the supplies to the pharmacy so the doctors can get what they need. Much of the overstock was put in the newly renovated part of the hospital in a clean and safe place. It will be gone in about 3 months or less. Had time to talk with Dr. Tomarken today about this entire process we have had to go through to get the contents of this container. Project C.U.R.E. wants a report about this container and how it was handled. He was very upbeat about it and told me I was welcome anytime. He said I was good for the people and he claims I have given them encouragement to do things as they now see that none of what they thought could not be done could, but only if they try and ask questions when necessary. Now many think I should stay another month. There is enough to do but they can manage if they keep the "I can attitude".

Nov 13th
Thursday - I got an email today that someone is funding another container and they want a list of items for it ASAP to send it out right away. Isn’t GOD Great! Now the real issue is, what will do the most good here. I need a real tour tomorrow of the entire hospital that’s working with what was sent (this container) by the people here in the US. My only regret here is that I really never got to see much of the country with me not being able to drive myself around. Went to the Reeves home for dinner tonight and it was good. Rice and beans, not to hot. She had the hot in a bowl by itself. It rained here tonight again. The rain is nice but it raises the humidity and that is hard to deal with. Everything sticks to you, and sleep is hard when you just lay there and sweat. And then no shower in the morning just put on your dirty clothes and go, few! Tomorrow is my last day to make a difference here. May GOD grant me Grace through the Prayers of His people.

Nov. 14th
Friday - The last day at JFK started at 7:30am in the warehouse trying to see how to get the most done. Had to install some step-down transformers for the major equipment. We put out some incubators and a baby scale. Dr. Julie said that the scale alone will save babies lives as they didn't have any before. You don’t just go buy a scale here. Now they can do medications by the weight not a guess and hope it's right. She said that if you miss the weight by 3 lbs they might possibly die. This is really how basic the need is here. Being here this long is really the only way to see the true need but even more than that the true need of the people to change there mindset to care for what they have. It seems to me that maybe a loss of hope has lead to a loss in caring which makes this circle. It must be broken to really affect change here. My belief is that it will only come when others come along side and show the people that there is hope, in a physical sense, then you may show them how God can do that in their lives.

Nov. 15th
Saturday - I finally got a tour of the city per-say. We when down town and went on a walking tour of the street vendors and sights from the edge of that part of the city. It reminds me of a very large flee market. I could see the port from this point and saw the Mercy Ship in port. It has spent 10 months here and is leaving about the first of the year. Just shortly after that JFK should be reopening the areas that are being remodeled. Went to a few more places and it was time to get to the airport to leave Liberia. My plane was to leave at 5:50pm for Accra, Ghana and we arrived at the airport at 4:45. Sat next to a missionary lady from Sudan and she was going on to Nigeria. She was on her way back from teaching and training on the Mercy Ship for a week. When I got off the plane my baggage was nowhere in site. I prayed that God would help me find my luggage and a man came up to me and led me to where it was. God is Good!!

Nov 16th
Sunday - Had Breakfast and took a walk around the city a little. Not so many people out in most places as this is Sunday. There are still many street vendor though. Went to the hotel until I got a ride to the airport for my 11:00pm flight to South Africa. Had a great flight because the plane was less than half full so I had 4 seats to myself. First class at coach fair, not bad. All night flight.

Nov 17th
Monday - Arrived at Johannesburg Airport about 7am. It took 90 minutes to get through customs and baggage claim and got my luggage. Hooray!! Found Stan, that is from the guest house where I will be staying until the next flight, and off we went. This is basically a motel. It is nice and the rooms are set up like a church camp. 2 rooms with 2 or 3 beds, common kitchen and each room has a bathroom. Have Internet which is Great. I have been able to talk with Sharon on skpye this afternoon. It was like a phone call. Did my wash, have to iron them to finish drying them due to rain. Ready for the next journey to the Dinas' and praying that the flights work out as they have had some changes since I got to Africa. My plane leaves at 1:50 pm on Tuesday. I walked down to get some dinner and it rained so I’m a bit sore tonight but it's all good. The whole day has been busy work and walking. I am readying for the next leg of this journey. Thanks again for praying for me. God has protected and kept me healthy.