Late Night

I want to apologize for the gap in posts (again). These past few weeks have been a blur. We have been packing, sorting, dividing, purging, inventorying, purchasing, cramming, folding, weighing, and moving. Tired yet? If not, here is an outline.

Step one. We asked for guidance on what to bring and we were instructed to think about our daily routines and one by one write down everything we use. Just think about all the mini steps you go through each morning to get ready: soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, vitamins, etc. After coming up with a list of some of these things, we proceeded to step two.

Step two, picture yourself in a third world country and ask other missionaries what items from the above list are available. If available, are they outrageously expensive? For example, is there a certain brand of toothpaste you like or will generic do? I have to use sensitive with extra fluoride on a daily basis, which is not available. Do you mind spending $35 on a single sippy cup or do you have space to pack them? Do you use Ziploc bags? Because they are not found at all, just like aluminum foil. Once you have marked this on your list, you may proceed to step three.

Step three - buy missing items from your list. Some of our supporting churches really came through for us and held a supply drive for us. There were so many things we did not own or we needed to purchase more of to have as back-up. For example, we needed thermometers and lots of them. We need them for the refrigerator, freezer, and oven because when you are dealing with intermittent electricity, food can quickly spoil. But hey, what's a little botulism among friends...also, do they make a trichinosis vaccine??? We also had to purchase lots of personal items like deodorant, toothpaste, Tylenol, first aid supplies, batteries, and baby wipes. You don't realize how much you use until you try to count up a three year's supply! Now that you have your missing supplies, move to step four.

Step four (a) inventory and (b) attempt to fit everything into tubs/luggage. These two were pretty much hopelessly merged into one big mess. All items needed to be checked for HAZMAT before final packing. We ended up removing RainX, rubbing alcohol, and aerosol cans of bug spray. As we inventoried, we placed the item(s) in the shipping tubs to make sure they would fit...

We are limited by weight and space on what we can bring with us. Keeping this in mind, the goal is to be pragmatic with what we take. Let's face it, a Keurig single cup coffee make is not going to be a useful item in Africa. We needed to simplify and step four (a) and (b) turned into step five - purging!

We purged a large supply of winter clothing (we did just spend a winter in Canada!); we purged electronic kitchen gadgets (they are supposed to have 220V, same as Europe, but the voltage [if present] has been measured anywhere between 300V and 90V); we purged large paintings and extra picture frames; we purged unused baby toys; we purged extra tools (Kevin cried); we purged, and we purged, and we purged until we thought everything would fit....then we repeated step five.

Step six - fold, squish, and stuff! We were blessed to have a handful of helpers that day as we removed everything from the tubs, and separated all articles into piles by category. We had a pile for the kitchen, a pile of tools, a pile of linens, a pile of toiletries, a pile of crafts, and a pile of electronics. If something happened to one of our tubs en route, it would be devastating if we had "all of our eggs in one basket", so we split up the category items and put a little in each box. As we placed an item into a box, the box number had to be labeled on the inventory list for future reference. We also re-visited step five...

Step seven - weigh each tub. We had to make sure each tub was under 150 lbs or it would have required additional work in order to ship. So, we weighed boxes, moved articles around, re-inventoried the items, re-weighed...and got re-acquainted with step five...again....

Step eight - sigh with relief that we finished... at 11 pm...the night before we left for Idaho...

1,903 lbs, 125 cubic ft, 12 bins, & 1 tool box...our shipment is READY!!!

12 Boxes of Stuff

I apologize for the delay is blog posts. Right now, we are so consumed with activities in an attempt to finish our "to do" list before we leave for training in Idaho. As part of our blog, we have decided to share the truths involved with our journey into the world of missions. In that journey, there are good days and there are bad days, there are memorable moments and there are trying times. I don't want to hold back on anything, even if the information shared isn't the most uplifting one.

The other night I could not sleep. Adah slept beautifully, not waking at all from 10 PM until 9 AM, so the only reason I was up was because my mind was racing. It seems like every part of our journey thus far has working towards a goal. Our first goal was acceptance into MAF. After we crossed that hurdle, we began our ministry partnership. Then once fully funded, we leaped towards our next goal, which was the move to Canada and language school. Now, that season is behind us and our next goal is to purge our things in storage and pack up our lives for Africa.

We have limited space and our lives must now fit into 12 large tubs. I never realized how hard this step could be. To take everything we own: photos and frames, pots and pans, linens and pillows, books and DVD's and condense them all into a "few" boxes. Once minute I feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of useless items we have carried around for so long claiming it to have sentimental value and the next minute I feel we don't have enough stuff.

I look at my jewelry box. A beautiful gift given by my mother to me to hold all those precious trinkets that I looked forward to wearing. But I can't take it to Africa. Not only would the jewelry separate me from the local Africans because of their poverty, the I cannot waste that bit of space that could be used for something more useful. I think about my favorite fall brown boots that have a 3" heel. They go perfect with skirts and they are so comfortable. They were a gift from my husband and I love wearing them. But I can't take them to Africa. Not only is it too hot to wear calf length boots, but they are not practical for the landscape and they definitely would separate me from the locals.

The other day, I was looking at a picture my friend posted on Facebook of a cute little girl's summer dress. I must confess, I loved the idea of Adah wearing that cute dress! I wanted more than anything to buy a new outfit for my sweet baby to prance around in. But deep down, I realized I could not. With limited space for storage, another dress would take up room that could go to something more needed. But a battle soon ensued in my mind:

"But it is just a scrap of material," says the little red devil on one shoulder.
"But she already has enough clothing," exclaims the little white angel on the other shoulder.
"But the dress is adorable and will she will love it," declares the devil.
"But you should not waste money," cries the angel.
"But you get a discount if you buy two," the devil pronounces triumphantly.
"But a dressmaker can make one locally," the angel utters loudly.

Eventually my conscience grows a backbone and I did not yield into temptation, but for a few moments, I wanted to feel "normal." I wanted to be like every other person in our consumer driven society and just go shopping. I see a new kitchen gadget on TV and think "WOW! I need that!" But then I realize, no I don't. I need room for bed sheets in our tubs. I see an advertisement for a sale on scrap booking supplies, and I think to myself how much use I could get out of those things. But I don't need them. I need the space for a four year supply of medication. I flipped through a magazine and looked at all the lovely ladies clothing and think I need new clothing. But I don't. The clothes were not practical or appropriate for what I will soon be doing. Besides, I really do need some mosquito nets.

I long to fill the melancholy in my heart with nothingness...with stuff.  I realize I have allowed false idols to consume my mind and my heart instead of God.  In my desire to have everything I believe I need for Africa, I have allowed my desires to devour my every thought. This way of thinking has even crept into my prayers. On numerous occasions, I have caught myself saying "thank you God for all the things you have given to us". Sure, God can bless us with "things", but it is way too easy for us to focus so much on the "things, the "stuff" and forget that the "things" are really to help us be better servants to His people.

Have you ever allowed something to become a false idol that has separated you from God?

The Gorge of Coaticook

Our last field trip together as a group was a little over a week ago. As a group, we traveled to Coaticook to enjoy the natural beauty of the park. We took a long hike around the gorge and even crossed a suspension bridge! After enjoying a "pique nique" lunch we went to visit the "laiterie" were they make homemade ice cream. Coaticook ice cream is famous in Canada.

View of the suspension bridge from the hike

Suspension bridge

View looking down into the gorge

Gorge from the hilltop

The cave

The water was low

Beautiful view

Self photo during the hike

The water was low today

Ice cream manufacturing

A bite of heaven: maple ice cream with
maple taffy and maple bites!

BBQ with the hockey ministry

Friday was the annual BBQ with the hockey ministry where they close the end of the school year with a final gathering. It was so much fun to see everyone and have the opportunity to say good-bye with style. There were many games to play. Afterwards, we all enjoyed a dinner of hot dogs, chips, and juice. For a special treat, there was chocolate and vanilla cake. That evening, a Christian magician came in to show the children some fun magic tricks with a Christian theme. We didn't stick around that late since it was Adah's bedtime, but we heard how inspiring he was! 

We have been blessed to be a part of this unique ministry and hope it continues to expand each year. There are so many children touched by this program. I ask everyone to please pray for those involved with the program and pray that they will continue to find people to assist with the program each year.

Here are a few photos from the BBQ that you might enjoy. Please note how many children there are!:

Basketball

Face painting

Face painting

Candy given by roller skating clown

Kevin the clown, who decided to dress the part

Games

Parachute 

Putt-putt

Water balloon toss

Bowling

Le Village Québécois D'Antan

We had the privilege of going on another field trip this past week. It was so much fun! We went to visit the Old Québécois Village in Drummondville, QC. It is best described as an 18th-19th century (1810-1930) re-creation of a village. There is a blend of everything from those time periods of buildings, vehicles, and characters walking around to whom you can ask questions. We spent the day walking around, practicing French, and just enjoying the scenery. Here are a few photos from our time:

The village is complete with street names and signs

1917 Model T Ford in working condition, you can pay to take a ride

A gentleman in character demonstrating the
antique tools and their usage

Fromagerie, you can buy poutine cheese here

Taking a break from the carrier to practice walking

Quarantine sign due to cholera...creative!

Band outside of the General Store

Characters playing a game outside the church

Adah watching a fiddler and jig 

You can play croquet with the priest

Another band outside the Boulangerie (bakery)

Beignerie (donut shop)
Yes, we partook of said item on International Donut Day!

Trolley rides

This girl is photogenic! 

Québec City

The other week, we were able to celebrate Victoria Day with an extra day off. Woo-hoo! So, how did we celebrate? We took an overnight trip to Québec City! We had so much fun exploring the old city and peaking at archaeological evidence of the old old (ancient) city. The weather was beautiful, we were with good company (another missionary family with children), and the crowds were not too bad. Here are a few pictures from our exciting trip:

This is how we roll!

View from the top of citadel

View on the boardwalk

View from the boardwalk, down into the old city

One of the many streets in the old city

Playing with cannons

Grumpy Baby

View of the St. Lawrence

Adah was over the photos

Our attempt at a family photo did not work with a baby who wanted to play in the water!

View from the ferry crossing the St. Lawrence

Splash pad at the hotel