Last Day Bitter-Sweet Blues

A photo album will be posted in an blog entry on Saturday.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30th

Carol Claes writes:

This is it, our last day. We leave here changed - more open, loving, and aware of God’s heart for people. Please Lord keep us tender and remembering, faithful and sharing. A trip to the Air France office this morning to check luggage and get our boarding passes was made easy by the presence there of Dr. Hibaile. He is obviously well respected, practicing what he preaches about character, because “we’re with him” was all it took to get us through smoothly.

We were glad to make another trip to the Orphan Care Center to sit in on our own child’s class, and be amazed all over again at the job these teachers have. In Abigail class they were doing math problems on the chalkboard. School began this week, but they are still working on separating out the classes. Abigail's class at present has 80 students, but will be split next week. I sat on the bench with her, unfortunately displacing 2 children, who had to stand by the wall or squeeze into another row. Needless to say, I and my camera were a distraction that the teacher was glad to get rid of!

Our kids were then transported back to the Guest House for lunch (hamburgers and French fries and chocolate cake). I gave Abigail her dress that matches mine and she beamed! Also, thanks to the generousity of my teammates (I’m low on funds) I was able to give her a Sango New Testament. I highlighted John 15:5. I so pray that this is a milemarker in her life and spiritual development. I was very hard to see them leave here. She told me, “God provided a way for us to meet. Do you think the tears were flowing from me? Oops, here they come again.

But, let’s go home. It’s too hot here! I can say to everyone that the CAR is full of wonderful people, and that PHC is absolutely worth the prayer and money given for this ministry.

As they say here, Ciao!

Lee Ann writes:
Here’s what I remember about today. Our visit at school with our kids was all I expected. Blandine’s class was working on grammar and arithmetic. They all seemed pleased to have a visitor and she especially seemed proud to have someone sitting beside her on her bench.

As we left the center to share lunch together back at the our residence, I was struck by the fact that she didn’t know how to open the car door. Probably was the first ride in a passenger car ever. I think she’ll remember this for a long time.

She, too, received a matching dress. We had fun shopping for material a week ago . . did I say a week ago . . where did it go? We had a skilled seamstress who had 7 outfits done in 2 days. I was able to give her a New Testament and included some favorite Bible verses. She said she didn’t have a Bible.

It was so hard to say, “Good Bye” but she told me she no longer had sadness in her heart as she had Jim and I now.

A side note, I got to meet 3 beautiful children at the school who have much sadness. They lost their widow mother several years ago and were living with their aunt. Their aunt and grandmother were walking on the road, the aunt carrying a little baby on her back. They were hit and killed by a car. . . The grandmother survived but is still in the hospital.

While these children do have a home to live in with some extended family members, they are not treated the same as the biological children in the family. When food and money are tight, the orphans get slighted. The PHC group mother has been keeping close tabs on these children and tries to make up for the deficit in these children's care, but she is limited in what she can do.

I had some funds that people gave to help out with just such as case as these three children -- George, Prince and Regina. With these funds we purchased some of the things these children need:

• 3 foam mattresses
• 3 sheets
• a lantern

I got to meet the children, who are in school at PHC. They do have someone looking in on them and helping them until something else can be worked out. It was through the money that I was able to have sent over that provided for these children. PHC will continue to work through their needs but at least they have bedding now thanks to many of you.

Also, you should know that over 100 kids not in the PHC program showed up the first days of school in hopes of entering the PHC program, but there just aren’t enough spaces for them right now.

PHC also needs sponsors to take on some of the fifty or more new children taken in this year. Barb Wooler (bwooler@gbim.org) is the contact person if you would like to become a PHC sponsor. You can also sponsors a child through the PHC website (http://www.ph-c.com/) which will have some of these new children posted next week. These folks do a wonderful job . . . We are anxious to come home but missing our children and we haven’t left yet!! God Bless . . . Lee Ann

Brenda Artrip writes:
I’ve been talking to people and still need to get cleaned up before we leave so I’ll make this short. Delphin asked that I give my love to Terry and Godiva. He knew Godiva’s name from my letters! I got to be a room mother today and visit his class. He thanked me for everything over and over…such a little man…I am so proud of him.

Delphin presented me with a picture of him taken just Sunday (how he got it developed is a mystery to me). He was so very proud when he presented it to me. It is now one of my greatest treasures! He seemed sad to say good-bye but promised to work on his English so that we could write more often. I told him that we’d have plenty of time to talk in heaven!

I am emotionally wrung out, hot and looking forward to getting home now that my last visit with Delphin is over. In the picture he is wearing his Flambeau uniform (kind of like Bible Boy-Scouts) and he has already earned the first level (a big accomplishment I’m told for a boy his age.)

Blessings and home soon -- B

Uno Games at PHC Orphan Center

Wednesday, October 29th

Carol Claes writes:
We received a wonderful treat this morning, having two very special men come to the Guest House and share their ministries and hearts with us. Dr. Hibaile is the head of an organization called CIDEL (Center International for Development of Ethical Leadership.) He is a police chaplain, works with university professors, the Prime Minister of the CAR, and youth. The goal is to encourage good character which will lead to ethical conduct in these areas of leadership. He leads seminars and meets one on one with individuals. He and his wife will be on the plane with us to Paris tomorrow on their way to Israel. The other gentleman, Dr. Mboi Andre is president of the union of Grace Brethren churches in this country. (There are many, and the total membership for the country around 300,000.) He has a heart to encourage the pastors, and also a desire to reach Muslims with the gospel. It was a treat to listen to them. There is a Pastor’s Conference next week, and some of the guests from the US arrive in the morning to stay here at the Guest House. They’re kicking us out!

Next, we were off to the PHC Orphan Care Center! I was blessed to spot Abigail right away, there is no way to miss her winning smile! They let “our” kids out of class and let us spend time with them in the “Grand Salon”. We played Crazy 8’s, had fun with balloons, bubbles (my favorite), and sidewalk chalk on the cement floor. I think Abigail liked posing for, and taking pictures best! We sang “Jesus Loves Me” in English phrase by phrase. I never want to go a day without praying for her. Ask me, keep me accountable, please.

Well, I need to let someone else have a turn to share. I’ll see some of you on Friday!

Joyfully, Carol

Kay Carver writes:
Kay Carver writes: We met with our orphans at the center today. What a joy… Kirk spent time with Junior while he drew pictures with his new notebook and colored pencils. I got to play with Petula. Junior remained a bit guarded and shy but was obviously grateful and touched by the attention he received from Papa Kirk . Petula blossomed, talking in Sango, singing, dancing and cheesing for the camera.

I took the opportunity in the afternoon to visit a True Love Waits (ACLS) meeting of the leaders with missionary Laura Engle. These teenagers and young adults meet together on Wednesdays to experience the lessons they in turn share with their clubs throughout the city of Bangui. It was encouraging to see over 30 young people committed to the biblical truth of remaining sexually pure. We took a city taxi and I am glad we chose to share the front seat with the taxi driver because we picked up 6 other people along the way.

Later in the day we watched the sunset over the Oubangi river enjoying the view across the river of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Lee Ann writes:
Blandine shared that, when she completes her school work, she wants to work for God which was like music to my ears. While it is of course hard to communicate, her winning smile and sparkling eyes tell the story of a girl at peace. We certainly have had fun playing games together. She has a brother whom I have met. But, I haven’t met her younger sister, Marlene. Her aunt is taking care of her since her mother died 2 years ago and her father 13 years ago. She got to talk to her mother about PHC before she died so hopefully she her Mom had peace knowing that she would be cared for. She gets to come to lunch tomorrow at the mission house with 5 other children. We’ve told the kids that we are having an American meal . . hamburgers and French fries, of course. We’ll have a happy houseful. We are packed and ready to go to the airport early in the morning to check in. Then we wait until 11:05 tomorrow to depart. It will be 5:00 PM here. We get into Columbus at 8:15 PM so it will take us a total of 27 hours to get home. So, see you soon in Columbus. Please pray for safe travel!! Thanks so much to ALL the staff who have taken such good care of us and lovingly planned every detail of our visit!!

Brenda writes:
I am so content. I got to play Uno with Delphin today at the Orphan Center and met Chamberlin, the boy that my friend Sylvia sponsors. I adopted him of for the day too. He was trying to teach me Sango—I’m a poor student! Chamberlin quickly gained a reputation of being a real flirt. He was helping me communicate with Delphin. Chamberlin has the biggest dimples and I would love to bring both boys back with me.

I bought 2 elephant hair bracelets—one for me and one for Delphin. I gave it to him today and asked Laura to translate that we have a saying that an elephant never forgets so I am giving him an elephant hair bracelet to help him remember me! Every so often I saw him looking at it and smiling. Tomorrow we have lunch together and I’ll give Delphin his back pack and more t-shirts. He was wearing the yellow Columbus Crew shirt today and it was already all pulled out of shape and dirty…I’ll bet he hasn’t taken it off since I gave it to him!

Sunset on the Ubangi River was fabulous. The guys on the river paddle these ancient-looking canoes. They are made from hollowed-out logs just like the “olden-days.” While we couldn’t take photos the pictures in my head will be with me as long as I live.

Sorry to leave but so happy and thankful to be going home to my family!

Tuesday Blog Entries from Kay, Brenda & Lee Ann -- HnH Schools

Tuesday October 28, 2008

Kay Carver writes:

9:00-ish…We loaded up the truck for the drive out to the Hand-in-Hand school, Cite de la Paix (City of Peace) our team of 8 (Kirk and the girls). It was evident that the students knew we were coming because as we drove toward the church on the dirt road all of the students ran out of the church screaming with excitement, waving their hands and running along side the truck. We felt like celebrities.

We met Pastor Simon and the 3 teachers. There were two classes inside the church building and a third outside with palm frond walls, a chalkboard and some benches. We worked individually with the students in reading and writing and we observed level 3 learning French. The children were fed a bowls of porridge. The church is making bricks and will begin construction of a school building with 3 classrooms, an office and a nurse’s office (Pastor Simone is a nurse) in January. The funding and construction of the project is supplied by the church members themselves. It was a blessing to see this church, that has little, sacrifice for the children of their community. The pastor said they are soldiers of the Lord.

Brenda writes:

One of the most touching things I’ve seen this week happened today at the Hand in Hand school we visited. One little boy got his cup of porridge and, against the rules, fed a bite each to two younger children not enrolled in the school. That cup of porridge may have been the only thing that child had to eat that day, or even for two days since this school gives food three times per week. But it is forbidden to feed those that are not students as the numbers of “bystanders” who coming to be fed would quickly overwhelm the staff and resources. That young, hungry boy knew that he would be scolded, yet he shared his meager lunch and “took a hit for the team.”

Kay again: After lunch, which was "Pizza a la Rosalie" (the wonderful cook at the guest house), the ladies assisted Heidi with her English class while Kirk and I treated a few ‘patients’ here at the mission station. I am not sure what they did during class, but we could hear a cacophony of laughter from the ‘classroom’.

We, the ladies, have helped the economy of the C.A.R. by shopping at the artisan market. That is quite a cultural experience. I did the bartering myself in French.

Tomorrow Dr. Hibaile from the International Center for the Development of Ethical Leadership (CIDEL) will share with us the vision and work of the organization. Then, we will go to the center to visit with our orphans (all of us can’t wait!!!) and visit the widow’s garden.

Lee Ann writes:
During my teaching career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many interesting and fantastic ESL students at the middle school level. Today, the highlight was working with 7 adult people who are closely associated with PHC and are learning English as a second language.

Knowing before we left that they would be working on telling time, I found little clocks with hands that moved. It was so much fun working in groups with these clocks to practice various practical situations dealing with time. It was challenging thinking up questions that were meaningful to them such as “What time do you arrive at work?” They then had to set their clock to indicate the answer to the question.

“Nicholas,” one of our valued security guards, “if you go outside to play with your boys at 3:00 and come in at 4:30, how much time were you outside?” Rosalie, who lovingly prepares our fabulous meals, shared that she goes to church at 7:00 and leaves church at 9:00. “So, how long are you in your church service?” The questions all came after we practices telling time. Carol just came through and said, “That was so much fun.”

Brenda, Carol, and I feel that the students are well prepared for their big quiz next week!! They are in the beginning class but I’ve never seen such striving for excellence. They smiled and laughed with us and had time to ask questions for the last few minutes of class. Of course, they had to ask using their new English skills.

Of course, at the very end, we had to teach them how to spell O - H - I - O that we all love. We have really cute pictures of helping with this Buckeye tradition. Thanks to Heidi who is the residence manager and the teacher of these students for sharing them with us today!

Trying Our Hand at Teaching Literacy

Monday, October 27, 2008

Carol Claes writes:

Welcome to PHC blog readers today. It was another hot one today, and after having electricity all weekend, it was off most of the day. It’s on right now though.

After a time of worship and prayer this morning, which was a tremendous personal blessing, the Team piled in the van with fearless driver Barb and went to the Hand in Hand School at Yemba. We got to help! The level 2 readers came to us one by one and we “tested” them by pointing to words and saying “Diko”, which means “read”. The children taught us to count to 5 in Sango. Oto, ase, ota, usio, oku.

Then came recess without swings, balls, or any playground. But they are kids and like kids anywhere had no problem making their own fun. We helped Level 1 children write on their slates and say the letters “A” (sounds like ah) and “O”. Fun for us and hopefully not too scary for them to sit with us to read and write!

We had our first rainfall this afternoon as we left for the Artisan’s market on foot. Yea for the cooling rain and yea for a beautiful rainbow against the sky and a hillside. It seemed close enough to run up and touch it. We left the market happy and left some happy vendors behind. We look forward to a cooler night with fans running for sleep and more contact with precious children at another Hand in Hand school tomorrow.

Brenda & Lee Ann Write -- Sunday, Oct. 26

Brenda Artrip writes:

Sunday in Bangui…we’ve worshiped with Africans in French and then with kids this evening in Sango…FABULOUS!!! My husband (Hi Honey) prayed that today would be the best worship of my life today and his prayer was answered. I just kept thinking that someday I would be worshiping with these believers in heaven and no translator would be needed.

This evening we attended a PHC neighborhood group. They had lots of singing and a Bible lesson on John 3:16. Their offering was a contest between boys and girls…you should have seen them when we added out coins to the piles – girls won!!!!!

I met my future "daughter-in-law" there. My new friend Laura (a fabulous missionary working here with us) helped me talk to some of the girls. I asked them if they knew Delphin and one of the girls lit up like a Christmas tree at the mention of his name, “Oh yes, that’s a boy I know! I’m going to marry him!” I told her that I would come back to dance at the wedding!” Oh, you have seen the giggling. She posed for a picture of me and continued to giggle the whole.

All for Jesus – Brenda

Lee Ann Parsons writes:

Today I have been thinking so much about, “This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad it.” We rejoiced at worship this morning in an outdoor church with a cool breeze and no humidity. There were about 100 African believers there during the service. The message was from Matthew on the judgment of believers. He had a very clear message on how we should live day to day. Then, this afternoon, what fun we had at the group meeting with about 50 or 60 young believers of all ages who will start school this week. I got to meet Ornella who is the child of Sharon and Jim Edwards. I have wonderful pictures for the Edwards, and Ornella told me how much she appreciates their love and support. Barb worked with her on reading the Bible while wearing several different pairs of glasses which they sent with me. The teachers will know best what will help her with reading. Each day reinforces the beauty and wonder of reaching beautiful children with God’s love. We “rejoice” each day in our unique experience and are “glad” to have the opportunity to see PHC first hand as they provide so much for these dear children who live in Bangui.

Lee Ann & Carol Blog Entries from Friday, Oct. 24

Lee Ann Parsons writes:

Today has been another incredibly busy day but a wonderfully uplifting day. The staff here have thoughtfully planned our days and have shepherd us around the city. We started out at the market selecting material to make matching dresses for ourselves as well as our sponsored child. Of course, everyone nearby the store wanted us to stop and look and to sell us their wares. Believe me, it was hard to walk by and ignore their pleas.

The end of the afternoon was spent swimming at the U. S. Embassy which was a refreshing treat after these past 2 hot and humid days.

However, on a personal note, I got to go on a home visit with our child, Blandine (see photos here in a previously posted photo album). She is 16 and only has been in school since she was 13 ½. Her brother greeted us and invited me to sit with them in the living room . . which is their front yard. I was told that go inside the house would be like our asking someone to come into our bedroom. In other words, they primarily live outside.

They had set a small table with a cloth and had lawn chairs around the table. As it turns out, Blandine’s mother died 2 years ago and her father died 13 years ago. There are 7 people who live at her house but only Blandine and her brother, Armel, were there today. I had a wonderful visit with this amazing young lady.

Blandine has done well in school even though she got a very late start. Her first opportunity to go to school was when she was 13 years old and just entering PHC. She started first grade at that time, but today, three years later, she is in fifth grade. She wants to continue her education.

I’ll have another visit with her at school the day before we leave. We played a new game to her called Right, Left, and Center. Both she and her brother caught on quickly and we really had fun. At this time, there were at more than 50 beautiful children surrounding us in a circle. They were so curious! During our lunch prayer, Kirk Carver was praying and he said, “language has barriers but love has no barriers.” While this should be obvious, I certainly saw this in a very real way today!! God is so very good and so are the PHC folks in the U.S. and in Bangui. A big “thank you” to Margaret Hull for her skilled and careful translation and to Barb Wooler for being our GoTeam Leader thus making my visit with Blandine possible.


Carol Claes writes:

I was blessed to accompany Lee Ann on her home visit with Blandine, nothing but smiles and tears of joy. Barb chauffers us around Bangui like a pro! I’ve seen one traffic light so far, the norm is for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles all seem to have the right of way all the time. They treat us like queens here, good food and lots of it, same for the conversation.
I have the home visit with Abigail and her family tomorrow, hopefully be at the Lumiere
(girl’s group) meeting, and go to the market. It is very hot! But it is very wonderful to be here.

Carver's Visit to Meet Junior's & Petula's Families

Kay Carver writes:

This morning we visited a market where the orphans would shop for the groceries to supplement what they grow in their gardens. It was quite an experience for the senses.

VISIT WITH JUNIOR
This afternoon we visited our orphans at their homes. Our first stop was to visit Junior, a striking 15 year old young man. Initially he appeared a bit shy, unsure of his French speaking abilities so Barb translated for us in Sango. He lit up when he found that he and Kirk had fishing in common. Kirk measured him for a shirt that a seamstress will make for him and when we had pictures taken together he warmed up to us. When he walked us to the car he began to speak to us in French without our translator around to tell us he likes to ride bikes too (I shared with him that I like to ride). He wants to be a mechanic. This is his second year in school because of the Project Hope & Charite program. After he completes high school he can attend a program in Bangui to do what he desires.

He was also curious about our participation in our home church and shared that he is part of the choir at his church. Junior touched our hearts deeply. We can’t wait to see him again to present him with his shirt that will match Kirk’s.

VISIT WITH PETULA
Then we got to meet Petula at her home. She is a vivacious 6 year old girl. She spoke in Sango and Laura, a missionary here, translated for her. She sang for us and we colored in a coloring book, something she had never seen before. We played a game with her and some of her family members. She warmed up and really loved having her picture taken. When it was time to leave, as is the custom in Africa, the family walked us to the truck. Petula almost instinctively took my hand.

What an incredible time we had today. What a blessing to be a part of helping raise the next generation of Central African followers of Christ.

In the evenings we have a time of debriefing and sharing, growing closer as a team and learning about how God has worked in our lives to bring us together for this unique opportunity. Thank you for supporting us.

Brenda working the crowd...

Petula with mother (L to R) grandfather and aunt.

Carol Claes's Orphan Visit to Meet Abigail's Family

Carol Claes writes:

It’s Saturday, October 25—We went to the Central market this morning, and in the afternoon did a home visit for me with my orphan and two visits with two of the Carvers orphans. Let’s hurry over the market part, which reminded me of some parts the flea market at Holmes County minus the Amish. Not the open market, of course, with fruit, vegetables, raw meat, fish, and live chickens but the stores have similarities!

VISIT WITH ABIGAIL'S FAMILY

I have prayed and we have prayed as a team and others have prayed for me that this visit would be everything that God means it to be. It’s all about Him, and Abigail. So it doesn’t matter what I think happened at the home visit, I trust God to do the right thing. So now that I have set you up for something bad, we had a good time.

Abigail was a little shy and maybe embarrassed by all the attention at first. Her grandmother, who is the head of the household, her siblings, and cousins were all very gracious and welcoming. Her grandmother, whose name is Awa, is a very knowledgeable about herbs and knows which leaves and bark have medicinal value for which illnesses. Of course she didn’t tell me about this herself; I found this out later. I gave Awa some gifts of food (no live chicken), and Abigail some small gifts. Laura was our translator.

Abigail is so sweet though, every time I would ask her a question she just smiled, nodded, and said yes. They were prepared for our visit with chairs set up in front of their house. We were invited into the house briefly, accompanied Abigail to draw water from the well, and went to a nearby church for a little more private visit. As with all these visits, we had attracted a crowd. After lots of picture taking, smiles, hugs, hand holding, and a great rendition of “When the Saints go Marching In,” it was over!

This time with Abigail is obviously my highlight; other highlights would include singing “Do You Know the Way to San Jose” in the car, listening to Barb do Peter Sellers imitations, picking ants out of rice, rest time, and having electricity all day today! Keep praying ! Joyfully, Carol

The well where Abigail goes to fetch water and carry it back to her home.

Carol tries her hand at pulling up a bucket of water from the well.

Abigail's family. Her grandmother, Awa, knows how to make medicine from certain leaves, roots and barks. This provides some income for the family.

PHOTO Album -- Team 3

Below are some of our favorite photos so far since Sponsorship Team #3 arrived yesterday. Read previous blog entries for more narrative on the photos.

Lee Ann Parsons and translator Margaret Hull applauding
Lee Ann's orphan, Blandine, after she won a game they were playing.

The encouragement was not lost on this young lady, who
three years ago started first grade and is today in fifth grade
at PHC school. She says she wants to continue school.

Kirk Carver and Brenda Artrip yesterday playing Uno with
Victor (the Carver's orphan) and his family. Victor's mother
proved to be a good Uno player.

Victor (on right) with "Mama Kay" (with hat).

On Thursday morning Madame Zokoe (PHC Africa-based Director)
called together the entire PHC staff.
She and Barb Wooler (PHC USA-based Director) challenged them
to excellent service to the Lord and the children they serve in the
new school year.

At the end of the staff meeting, Kirk & Kay Carver took
turns handing out diplomas to the teachers who successfully
complete PHC teacher training this month.

Kirk & Kay Carver Visit Their Orphan & Orphan Center

Kay Carver writes:

Good Morning Bangui! The day starts just before sunrise (5am). Lots of activity; taxis, walkers, bikes, motorcycles, carts and dogs all vying for there spot on the potholed streets. It is amazing to watch the interweaving of humanity. The dirt is a soft shade of orange and the foliage is beautiful hues of greens as it is rainy season.

We drove into the orphan center shortly after our arrival here yesterday where we were to meet our sponsor child, Victor. We immediately recognized Victor’s warm smile from his picture. His enthusiasm to meet us was a great stroke to the ego. His father died about 3 years ago. Without PH&C orphan care he would not be going to school. He is starting at Yaloke high school this year.

Victor’s heart language is Sango, and ours of course is English but we were able to communicate in French which was a great! Later we went to his home to meet his family. He was so proud. He carried my bag for me and his little sister would not let go of Kirk’s hand.

Kay during Uno game with Victor

Kirk & Kay with Sanbiro family

We are thankful for this opportunity through PH&C to make a difference in the lives of these orphan children as they are the future of Central Africa. Madame Zokoe held a meeting for the staff of the school yesterday morning and we were invited to attend. Barb translated for us, but we could understand some of what she was saying because there is a blend of French words with the Sango and she is a dynamic and animated orator.

During the meeting, Madame Zokoe encouraged the teachers and administrators to strive for excellence as they examples to the children and will be imitated. She believes that raising children of excellence will make a profound difference in the future of the Central African Republic. It is so comfortable here. The people are warm and friendly. Wide smiles, warm greetings and deep laughter are heard often. I feel at home. What a blessing to experience the global body of Christ.

Flat Tire Adventure & Visit With Delphin -- Brenda Artrip

Brenda Artrip writes:

Pot holes, flat tires and beautiful faces…No words can tell you what it looks like, smells like and feels like here. So many people, so much poverty and yet so much happiness and love.

I cried through my first meeting with sponsored child Delphin. He is beautiful and extremely sweet. Before I tell you about our meeting, let me tell you about getting there.

We heard a funny noise that kinda sounded like an air compressor. By the time we realized that it wasn’t a machine that we were passing but the machine we were riding in, the tire on the Jeep was flat. Barb, our team leader, searched high and low for the jack and other equipment necessary to change the flat but to no avail. Very quickly, a crowd gathered. Kids and adults alike are huddling around the jeep. While we waited for help, Barb starting teaching the kids to play “Rock, Paper Scissors” —too funny! Took a bit but we finally got tools and helpers and were on our way. Kids just want to greet us and the brave ones run over to shake our hands.

VISIT WITH DELPHIN
Delphin is absolutely one of the most beautiful boys I’ve ever seen. He walked beside me and reached up to hold my hand. He likes to say my name, Breeeenda, he makes it sound like music. Today was just an initial meeting. Tomorrow I get to meet his caregiver and take presents and food. I don’t know how I’ll make it through without crying…can’t even say more here without tears.

New Team Member-- Carol Claes

Thursday, October 23

Carol Claes writes:

Hi, this is Carol Claes, arrived this morning in Bangui with the sunrise on this week’s sponsorship Go Team. Traveling with me are LeeAnn Parsons and Brenda Artrip. We have spent two nights on cramped, crowded, airplanes and one day in Paris in order to get here, but if it were all just for today, it would be worth it! Paris included a 3 hour walking tour of the airport, (that’s how long it took us to get metro tickets, boarding passes for the flight to Bangui, and finding out there is no place to store or check your carry on bags in the airport).

But we did take the metro to Notre Dame, and walked a few more blocks along streets with thoroughly charming architecture, cafes, bakeries, and storefronts. Rob and Nicole Plaster met us there and we appreciated their helping us experience their city. The café we had lunch at was a few blocks from the cathedral, so I guess you could say that we did have lunch back of Notre Dame! That only left time for the Eiffel Tower, and more Metro rides, but we feel that we got a good whirlwind tour of Paris.

So 3 sleep deprived and shower deprived ladies came to Africa and were whizzed through Bangui airport with the help of Madame Zokoe, her husband, her secretary, and a driver. They helped with forms, retrieving and carrying luggage, (we each had 2 50 # bags or trunks) and getting out of there. Thanks to their help, this was a breeze compared to the Paris airport.

We have all been truly blessed to meet our sponsored child, well actually Lee Ann will meet her girl tomorrow. It was one great big tear jerker and blessing all at once. How can I describe 100 or more children on the “porch” of the PHC Center, waiting for us to arrive and singing and clapping and smiling. I personally had a wonderful visit with our sponsored child Abigail, with more to look forward to. I could go on and tell about some of us getting left there after dark, wild rides, culture shock stories, but………. more later.

PHOTO ALBUM of Last Two Days -- Oct. 21-22

Barb Wooler writes:

Please forgive the delay between the writing and the posting of these blog entries. The spirit is willing by the electricity is weak! Electricity cuts and other issues sadly make it likely that this will continue into the next team, which arrives tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 23.

Below are some fun photos we took the last couple days.

Lois sitting with one of her pupils. Lois was sent by the Palmyra, PA
GBC to visit their sponsored child as well as their Hand in Hand
School at Yembi III.

Everybody was happy on this All-School Party Day
at Yembi. Margaret is seen here moving to the groove.
Yes, in case you're wondering they've both still got it!

In Africa the stones have to be removed from the rice
before it is prepared. That's what these happy ladies are doing.

Dinner's on. After an appetizer of peanuts, dishes of
Beef and pork stews, rice, and oranges were served.
See an earlier posting for Lois' and Margaret's account
of the event.

The children lining up with the dishes that
were told the day before to bring from home.

Dr. Augustine & Marie-Helene Hibaile's adorable
little guy Jeff. See Margeret's earlier blog entry
about our lunch with the Hibaile's.

We were all ou-ing and aw-ing at this sight
of a mother dog nursing a kitten at the Cattin school.
Seemed an appropriate sight for a team doing orphan care to see!

Margaret and Elizabeth consulting at the chalk board.

Teacher Elizabeth is doing a great job with her students.
She is using a new exercise to teach the letters.

Lois Wilson and Barb Wooler visited the Cite de la Paix School, whose partner church is the Marysville, Ohio GBC. The level 2 teacher was absent so level one and two were combined today. We were very impressed with the control and teaching skill of Teacher Joseph.

Teacher Joseph with one of his students doing subtraction at the board.

Level III class meeting under the trees. The pastor (see photo below) of the Cite de la Paix church told us that they would be starting to build school rooms for their orphans when dry season arrives (January)
Pastor Simon with wife Helene and their youngest child. Pastor Simon has done a wonderful job mobilizing his congregation to care for orphans. Combining all 3 classrooms they are educating and feeding over 150 orphans!

Pastor Mboi -- Taking the Gospel to the Uttermost Parts

Margaret Hull writes:

Oct. 22, 2008 Wednesday
This was a less hectic day than the several previous. We did Hand to Hand school visits again, as we had done on Monday and Tuesday. Laura and I went to one (Cattin, CAR-Lititz, PA GBCs' School) and Barb and Lois to another (Cite de la Paix, CAR-Marysville, Ohio GBCs' school).

Laura and I were able to help the teacher Elizabeth with an alphabet game to help the children learn the letters. They were wild to be chosen to identify a letter and stand in front of the class, displaying the letter.

We were back to the mission by 10:30 and there was a station full (slight exaggeration!) of people waiting to see us. I was very happy to reconnect with the family of Marthe, the young woman I worked with in the Boguila-Paoua area in girls’ work. She had leprosy and I assumed she was dead because of the news we had heard of the destruction by bandits in that area. But I learned that she is alive and well and is being well cared for by a niece who has a position high in the government. That was such happy news for me.

Mboi Pierre, Evangelist par Excellence, was also here and I got in on the tail end of his visit with Lois. He and Lois worked together at Bata and he was her pastor there for about five years. Sometime later he moved over to the eastern part of CAR, to Bambari. He told me that he has four centers of evangelists and he travels to these centers, which are very wide-spread, reaching almost to the Sudan both east and north east. He does a circuit twice a year, teaching these evangelists. He told me that the fire still burns in his heart to spread the gospel to those who have never heard.

Pastor Mboi will be having surgery tomorrow and the surgeon will reset his right wrist and reset it, and put it in a cast. The bones had healed in the wrong position. During these two days he has been in Bangui preparing for surgery, he has read again Acts and Romans, and said his heart was challenged again to the task before him.

Yembi School Party!

Lois Wilson writes: (Photos of party in Photo Album blog entry above)

Well, today the Yembi school children, about 124 of them, had a wonderful day,thanks to the Palmyra PA GBC. Saturnin, the teacher, usually has a well controlled class but today the excitement of the coming fete overcame them!

This morning when we got to the church where the school is held, 5 ladies, including the pastor’s wife, Adeline Pezza, were already well into preparations of the meal. The fires were going with big pots on them. The ladies were going through the rice, picking out the stones… well, most of them. If you had been here to see the children standing in line for their 3 course meal it would have brought tears to your eyes, as it did mine.

First course was porridge, of rice, sugar, peanuts (ground fine), lemon flavoring… yummy. Marg., Barb and I ate first….. That’s just how it’s done.

The kids ate their porridge, and then got in line again, all very orderly, led by their teachers calling them one by one.

Second course was not what we had expected. The children were given rice, then meat and sauce was added, and at the last stop they were handed a peeled orange. Well, when our class returned to the classroom to eat, they ate their oranges first, relishing every drop of yummy orange juice they could squeeze out. We thought that would be the dessert, but maybe an orange is a bigger treat than we had imagined. There are orange trees here and there, with oranges sold in the markets, but these kids had expressions of sheer joy on their faces enjoying their oranges.

Third course was the rice with meat and sauce. Each child received a chunk of meat and an ample serving of rice. We 3 ladies were served two bowls of meat and sauce. One, pork; the other, beef. As I said before…. Delicious.

I could go on and on, but I’ll let Marg do an email or so……….

Tomorrow I’ll visit another school, observe the teacher and make suggestions, and enjoy the kids. I’m hoping to also visit a widow tomorrow. She’s a friend from Bata days. Then on Thursday, I might stop in where the Seminary is meeting temporarily.

Thanks for your prayers. Even at the school today, at noon, it wasn’t too hot. Of course, I had a fan along!

Lunch With Dr. Augustin & Mari-Helen Hibaile

Margaret Hull writes: (see photos in later Photo Album entry)

I want to tell you about two things: our meal yesterday noon with the Hibaile family, and the church service this morning. Many of you are acquainted with Dr. Augustin Hibaile who took his doctorate at Grace Seminary, and his wife Marie-Helene. They have both visited the States various times. Dr. Hibaile has a ministry, CIDEL, teaching Christian ethics and leadership to government officials, which includes Ministers all the way down to the police officer on the street. He is also a part-time professor at the Bangui University where he teaches ethics and leadership.

Marie-Helene is involved in many things; she is the mother of eight children, the oldest one currently a student at a university in Morocco, down to four-year-old Jeffery. Their firstborn died, and this along with many of life’s experiences has prepared this couple to be counselors to those with family problems.

When we arrived at their house for lunch, Marie-Helene was not yet home. She was teaching a class to a group of women on how to relate to their husbands; her 19 year old daughter had in the meantime prepared the meal.

Dr. Hibaile mentioned that he and Marie-Helene had recently been called to counsel a neighboring couple who were actually in a fist fight. The couple later remarked that they had never received this kind of counsel before, and they subsequently have had three of four sessions with the Hibailes. The husband in this case is a Muslem and he had simply set the furniture outside the house and told his wife to get out.

Augustin said that this week the Prime Minister had stopped him as he was leaving a government building and remarked that Hibaile had not visited him recently. He had seen Augustin going in to visit other government officials but why not him? So they set a time and Hbaile had an hour-long visit with the Prime Minister, who told him that he wants to build this government on Christian principles.

There is still a long ways to go, but at least there has been a beginning. And possibly we have Dr. Hibaile to thank for this.

Sorry, this is already too long, so we’ll talk about the rest some other time.

Bye-bye Becky & Hand in Hand Orphan School Visit

Friday, October 18

Margaret Hull writes:

We drove out to Yembi this morning, getting there about 8:30. Three teachers were busy teaching their students. Saturnin (that’s the spelling, but he pronounces it Saturné) had his group inside the church because the hangar for his class had blown down in the great wind and rain of yesterday.

I’ve never seen such an orderly group of kids who answered immediately to their teacher, sitting up straight and doing as told. It was very impressive! The Level 3 class was meeting under a mango tree, using a blackboard on a portable stand. The students sat on benches in front of the teacher and could gaze out at beautiful scenery all around.

Lois Wilson’s home church sponsors this Hand to Hand school. Lois arranged to have a big FETE (party) next Tuesday for all the students. She gave 75,600 CFA’s (Central African francs = about $165.) sent from the church, to Pastor Pezza who will arrange to buy the food - meat and rice and an orange for each child. There are 125 students (3 classes). The pastor was very, very appreciative.

Today we all had visitors. Lois was delighted to see her special little friend Nadia, a deaf girl of 7, who may attend a school here in Bangui for the deaf. She had come down from Bata, where the Bible School is located. Lois taught there for years.

Margaret was busy doing interviews with widows. She has finished seven and doesn’t know how many more there are to go. There were originally only eight women chosen to participate in this project, but Barb explained that no one wants to be left out, so they are all trecking in to the mission to get their story written down on paper and get their picture taken. Two of them came directly from a funeral and didn’t have their jewelry on, so Margaret had to lend them her ear rings when she took their picture.

We are wondering where Becky Dick is now. She went out to the airport four hours ahead of time last night for the plane which was to leave around midnight. About 1 AM she and another missionary who was also to go showed up at the mission. A gas leak had been discovered, so the plane did not go. A phone call this morning told them to be back out at the airport as quickly as possible. The plane was supposed to leave about 11 AM.

We all appreciated so very much Becky’s input on the team. We miss her tonight and the dogs will have to howl and bark without her notice.

Last Blog Entry from Becky Before Her Departure

Becky Dick writes:

As some of you may have known I’m a widow of six months. When Barb approached me about coming to teach here soon after Phil’s death, it seemed to give me a purpose to go on. In the two-day teacher training seminar I tried to teach the teachers ways to adapt the curriculum to the orphans in the classroom and how to have lessons that are multi-leveled.

The hardest part was trying to adapt these teaching strategies to a teaching situation where there are such limitation for resources. These teachers only have a large chalk board, and each student has a slate and chalk. Back in the USA as I’d share with Barb and Ginger my ideas, for example using hands-on material, they would shake their heads. So we adapted to using things like sticks and stones to help children learn.

I stressed first the need for them to remember when they were children – so as to give them insight into their students, and also I encouraged them to establish relationships with their students. I shared Matthew 18:3 where Jesus said, “Unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” And also Mark 10:14, “Let the little children come to me, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

After sharing I John 3:1, “How great is the love that God has lavished on us that we should be called the children of God and that is what we are,” they sang a song that uses this verse.

My heart was breaking this morning when we visited a Hand in Hand school (local church-based Christian school for orphans) to see children as young as three in the same class with ones who are 8-10 years old!

My prayer request is that, since they have very young children coming to their schools, that they find a way to separate the very young ones from the older ones who are more ready for lessons on literacy. Pray that the pastors, who are in charge of the schools, will find other ways to teach these nursery school age children.

Of course, as a teacher, I really feel for these teachers having such a wide age-range of children.

What a responsibility and privilege these teachers involved in Project Hope & Charité’s schools have. Please pray for Barb Wooler and Ginger Hock (PHC’s Hand-in-Hand Director) as they work with our African colleagues and local churches here in Africa to teach these children who otherwise would never be sent to school.

“Tomorrow’s world will be shaped by what we teach our children today.” I found this quote in My Daily Bread.” What an impact the Project Hope & Charité students can make in this country as the Lord tarries His return!

My last prayer request is that God will help me know how I can continue to help from the USA side.

Losing One of Our Four Muskateers

Thursday 16 October
Margaret Hull writes:

Hi everyone. There’s lots of activity here this morning. Barb is waiting for the rain to let up a little so that they can make the dash to Air France to weigh in and get boarding passes. Though the plane leaves only a bit before midnight to make its way up to Paris, check in is this morning.

We’re all sorry to see Becky go. She had a good ministry here and all the people have fallen in love with her. Because of her 34 years of teaching experience, being the mother of twins, and losing her husband to cancer six months ago, she has a lot of points of reference with these women.

Not only do we have to be flexible with the hours of electricity that we have, but in other things as well. Last evening at the widows’ meeting (which I hope to tell you about later) we made arrangement for eight women to come here to the mission and I would interview them, get their stories, and take pictures of them. We arranged that two would come two each day for four days. This morning six of them showed up, in the rain! So instead of finishing this blog, I’ll go do interviews.

Lois Wilson writes:

Excuse me…. It’s now Lois writing. My two visitors just left after a wonderful visit. Christine, my prayer partner at Bata, and Marcelline, head of the Bata pre-school. I had the privilege to teach both of these women and to see them both grow in the Lord by leaps and bounds. It’s been exciting to visit with them this week. They came to Bangui to take part in the Seminar taught by Becky Dick. Christine teaches adult women who are either still illiterate, or are beginner readers. Marcelline teaches the wee children of the Bible Institute students. Students bring their families when they come to study at Bible Institute for 3 yrs.

The reason for today’s visit was so Christine and Marcelline could spend time sitting with me to mourn my Mother’s death. I was in PA when my Mother went to Heaven October 2, 2007, but my family here in C.A.R. mourned as well. So today these dear sisters in Christ came to help “share my sorrow”. Such a wonderful family God has given me here in Africa.


Margaret Hull writes again
Margaret again. I wanted to tell you about our meeting with widows yesterday afternoon at Madame Zo Koe’s house. Almost all the ladies were already gathered in the shade on the north side of the house when we arrived. Small tables had been set with soft drinks, sandwiches, and thermoses of coffee and tea. We had barely gotten started when the sky darkened, the wind blew, drops began to fall, and we all dashed to the big porch to continue the meeting.

Becky’s testimony, as she shared her experiences as a widow, was especially effective. Barb had asked me to tell about widows in Portugal and the sadness in their lives, the way they wear their mourning clothes from the day of the husband’s death to the end of their own life, whether it be 10 years or 40, how they go to the cemetery every week to burn a candle and pray for his soul.

What a contrast there is between the widows of Portugal who live in the presence of death, and the widows of CAR who hang on to life! Later we heard testimonies of several of the women, and it was both heart-breaking and uplifting, to hear of their sorrows and yet their hope in the Lord. The meeting ended with a fantastically joyful time of singing, dancing, claping and giving of thanks.

Saturday & Tuesday Blog Entries - Margaret & Lois

Margaret Hull writes:

Saturday, October 11, 2008 Today was a warm day. Lois had her face in one of her two fans most of the time. At Margaret’s invitation four long time friends joined us for the mid-day meal. Baba Dibona and his wife Alice have been married for 54 yrs. He was a fantastic obstetrical nurse in the medical work here in the C.A.R. for many years, and his wife taught in many girls’ classes and camps with missionary ladies.

The other couple who came were young Dibona, also known as Dr. Dibona, and his wife Denise. They’ll celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in 09. Dr. D. treats PH-C orphans with much love. Wife Denise is a good teacher of Nutrition to the Fulani people. We enjoyed being with the older and the younger Dibona couples, people who serve the Lord with gladness.

Lois Wilon writes: Orphan Teacher Training Seminar

Tuesday, 14 October ……… Tonight we’re “resting up” after a full day of Seminar. Becky did a good job teaching activities to help young children learn different concepts. Following lunch we had a “practice” session. During the 2 day Seminar Margaret, Barb and Lois all had a part in putting Becky’s words into Sango so the 29 teachers could understand. It’s been two good days, but we’re really tired this evening.

Lois translating Becky's lesson. 29 teachers attended seminar.

God showed us again His faithfulness in giving help when needed. We’re having a nice rain as I write, so we should sleep well tonight. Rain often keeps the sounds from the street a little more subdued, making it easier to get a good night's sleep.

Sunday Worship Service -- Becky Dick

by Becky Dick

Today we worshipped with the Brethren at the Castors Grace Brethren Church. It was a wonderful experience to be here after hearing, knowing and praying about this area of Africa since I was a child.

We were greeted at the entrance to the church by a man in a uniform. Barb Explained he is a TTN (Soldier of the Good News) mens group. We were ushered to our bench by an older woman (see photo at right) who made sure that we and everyone else squeezed in -- with thousands of people needing to be seated, wasted space is not allowed! Our bench, which was about ten feet long, was filled with seven people.

The music was such a blessing. They had two choirs sitting on opposite sides of the podium. The pastor, Pastor Joseph Ndomale, shared the word from II Samuel 24:19-25.

Afterwards I was greeted in English by a gal that I knew in Winona Lake when she was a little girl! It was Pastor Ndomale's daughter. What a treat to meet her again after all these years!

We capped off the morning worship time with a trip to the Grand Cafe, a bakery/cafe. The coffee and tea were delicious as were the French pasteries. Of course, with our two-day teacher

seminar starting tomorrow, our conversation eventually turned to the lessons we'll be presenting. Please pray for our time with these orphan teachers -- we'll have 30+ teachers in our class.

GO Team Journal Entry: Marg Hull

October 10, Margaret Hull writes:

Pictured (l to r) Margaret Hull, Lois Wilson & Becky Dick

Here we are, Barb, Becky, Lois and Margaret, thankful that it is finally time to go to bed and we can begin to try to catch up on some of the sleep we missed over the past two days as we were en route to Bangui, Central African Republic. We’re so thankful that God brought us and all eleven of our checked trunks through safely, and that M. Zokoe, husband of Madame Alexandrine, (director of the Project Hope and Charité) was at the airport to hasten the processing of all that baggage.

I, Margaret, wasn’t prepared for the emotional bomb that would explode in my heart as we made our way into the city I had left in 1989 after 25 years of ministry in this country. I would miss seeing many dear friends who had died in the interim of my absence, and others who, because of the danger of travel, would not make the trip down to Bangui.

This afternoon we went out to the center to see and participate in Mme. Zo Kwe’s meeting with her groups, a combination of four of the total of eight orphan groups, which meet weekly for fellowship and encouragement. We were deeply impressed with the joy and well-being of the 200 children gathered there – their happy singing, their touching testimonies, even the obvious health of their bodies. They came by the dozens to shake our hands, to practice their English on us, and to crowd into the pictures we were taking. God is at work in the lives of these children.

I talked with one student, Mandaba, who on Monday will begin his 4th year of study at the Yaloke Christian High School. He told me that he is grateful to God and his sponsor for the possibility of studying at this fine school, and for the care he receives from the Project Hope and Charite. Barb told me that he is an excellent student, at the head of his class, with a clear Christian testimony. I thought, “What a worthwhile investment his sponsor has made.” But then I realized that every investment in the life of a child is a potentially eternal, greatly worthwhile investment. I’m anxious to meet my little gal, Josette, perhaps tomorrow.

I had the unexpected pleasure of talking with children and nephews and nieces of the people I had worked with years before; children who have become adults and are now living and working for God. For instance:

• Dibona Paul. He is the nephew of one of my favorite nurses, and was one of my medical students. He now serves as the doctor of the Project, and works in a surgical clinic here in Bangui.
  
• Elisabeth, daughter of Wieina, who was a nurse at Boguila for years and died a few years ago. She is a teacher in one of the Hand to Hand schools.

We are only one day into our adventure and have already seen so much. Our focus for this weekend is on a training seminar we are offering on Monday and Tuesday (Oct. 13-14) to over 30 PHC teachers. It will be taught by Becky Dick, who taught young children for 35 years, and the rest of us will be helping with translating and leading discussions.