tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55214614699391174552024-03-13T13:48:24.564-07:00NicholasMissionAfricaNicholasMissionAfricahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13583205526475008653noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521461469939117455.post-77210240781840749092011-05-21T02:30:00.000-07:002011-05-21T02:45:26.218-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyZ2jUjS3gLylpQsi8Y8MCkADb_CbTJKuKI5hS6fPqrcFicOjLEZ6mbMRdENdD7PeIjfmj1x17GuIs8_HU1ymCgHcYxl88i4CZrvIbUQYPzVnh2UrnS8j6RouqO8sd4JweAGY_2OlGKg/s1600/P4301345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyZ2jUjS3gLylpQsi8Y8MCkADb_CbTJKuKI5hS6fPqrcFicOjLEZ6mbMRdENdD7PeIjfmj1x17GuIs8_HU1ymCgHcYxl88i4CZrvIbUQYPzVnh2UrnS8j6RouqO8sd4JweAGY_2OlGKg/s320/P4301345.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Things are looking up in Africa, we found <b><i>Mountain Dew</i></b>! I bought the four bottles they had and now ration them out. For those who like Coke, it is the most common soda found here to purchase.<br />
We are adjusting well to the foods and basic living conditions. If the electric power is on I even get a hot shower.<br />
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Lori keeps busy in the clinic providing health care for students and staff. She also oversees the safety of water and food handling, mosquito netting, and policies for health at KIST. One of her "oh by the ways" was the co-teaching of the class Fundamentals of Health.<br />
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I am teaching two classes this term at KIST, A Study in the Book of Hebrews and Introduction to Psychology. I also facilitate a Mentoring Group of eleven students that meets every Wednesday for an hour and are planning a trip to do ministry at a place caring for orphans and widows near Kisumu.<br />
I will be the Chapel speaker this coming Sunday and have been scheduled for speaking on several other occasions. In August, I will be the Saturday Evening Speaker for the G.A. Convention of the Church of God in East Africa - Kenya. <br />
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We have Spread the Word interns coming to KIST next week and we will be hosting one of them in our home. For those who have not attended a International Youth Convention of the Church of God, Spread the Word is a youth funded missions program, that provides ministry materials to places like KIST, like this van that is used most weekends by student ministry teams.<br />
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Lori and I are in the process of purchasing this 2002 Subaru Forester for our missionary use in Kenya. Most vehicles are twice as expensive as in the USA, and don't complain about the price of gas too loudly, we are currently at about $1.60 per liter ($6.40 per gallon) here in Kenya.<br />
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Here is our alarm clock that goes off at the beginning of dawn's light and continues through most of the morning. He is large and loud! and all the roosters in the area join in the raucous, that starts the cows bellowing as well; and there is no snooze button to push. Morning light starts at about 6:30 AM and it gets DARK at 6:30 PM; and if it is clear, the stars shine brightly in a different pattern than what is seen in the USA.<br />
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Well, I will close this posting with a picture of the KIST campus as seen in the afternoon. Yes the weather is beautiful and we enjoy this place of endless summer... Blessings!NicholasMissionAfricahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13583205526475008653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521461469939117455.post-22245000524771059872011-03-27T11:06:00.000-07:002011-03-27T11:06:36.867-07:00We are at language school in TanzaniaUnasemaji kwa Kiswahili? (<i>How do you say this in Swa</i>hili?) Pole Pole ... (<i>slowly</i>)<br />
From the beginning ... say, Jina Langu ni Ernie. (<i>My name is Ernie</i>) I think I got that...<br />
At my age the words all swim around in my head and I need a deep sea fishing expedition to get them out.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have learned so much this first week, and trying to remember over a hundred words each day has been challenging. We are in class from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM with a Chai break at 10:30 (Everything stops for Chai !!) and Lunch from 12:30 to 2:00 PM, then after class we have 2-3 hour of homework.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There often is the diversionary "monkey break" to watch the little rascals. I played camera tag with this one...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoKcR4BRu0JfL6AZGFkX_zFsxLzrl0L06HAb2_RuxsvYeZMAK4Z8ebbT10rI13ymxW8ZTLAODWpWR6xBbm_9_p9cuRRvm1z8u3IEbDmQZdoMEGzga1MSUo1m6nnfnHgACIBumidV4w4s/s1600/P3230122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoKcR4BRu0JfL6AZGFkX_zFsxLzrl0L06HAb2_RuxsvYeZMAK4Z8ebbT10rI13ymxW8ZTLAODWpWR6xBbm_9_p9cuRRvm1z8u3IEbDmQZdoMEGzga1MSUo1m6nnfnHgACIBumidV4w4s/s320/P3230122.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This weekend we had the opportunity to "safari" in Arusha National Park which will be remembered for a long time. Here are some select photos...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJjgUsTee2EUF3oH0WdHxW-ECGPOdX2uHo9blj9JpxNPaOs4tvFUUXJqisJEAMqu1ziCRrs5JUPgeIEIWVR1H6HsBeMl1hBHihyxH_5etn2g8vqtVhALhDdT8L6H-ABL_BtfdW67P8Hg/s1600/P3260170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJjgUsTee2EUF3oH0WdHxW-ECGPOdX2uHo9blj9JpxNPaOs4tvFUUXJqisJEAMqu1ziCRrs5JUPgeIEIWVR1H6HsBeMl1hBHihyxH_5etn2g8vqtVhALhDdT8L6H-ABL_BtfdW67P8Hg/s320/P3260170.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are standing on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you have seen the old John Wayne movie "Hatari" it was filmed here in the Arusha National Park and in the nearby city of Arusha. If you did not know, in Swahili <b><i>hatari</i></b> means danger. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, I had better look over my report on what I did this weekend, which has to be given in Swahili.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We appreciate your prayers,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Barikia Ninyi ! (<i>Blessing on you all</i>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bwana Ernie and Mama Lori</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>NicholasMissionAfricahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13583205526475008653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521461469939117455.post-51913395534112096802011-03-15T01:26:00.000-07:002011-03-15T01:26:14.147-07:00We have arrived in Kenya<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKLOhhaJDni7Tjz6FfX30Qg6_Qsf6iV1Xx9ooWTfDKaLoJ_xTOx1mznY-E6j5Ud3W-imxohDhjdmjwWtc-imiFMxGLUeLFK3r3EDfd1zsBZ05N1O6U2HpwFiKms821kx0RdlPp2DNeBY/s1600/P2211175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglKLOhhaJDni7Tjz6FfX30Qg6_Qsf6iV1Xx9ooWTfDKaLoJ_xTOx1mznY-E6j5Ud3W-imxohDhjdmjwWtc-imiFMxGLUeLFK3r3EDfd1zsBZ05N1O6U2HpwFiKms821kx0RdlPp2DNeBY/s320/P2211175.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wow the sun is bright on the equator in Kenya, Africa.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is where our home will be for the next three years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Everything takes longer in Africa... we finally are getting to the updates here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This will be more of a photo entry that tells the story.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we arrived our water source tested positive for E-coli; so in goes the bleach.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Did I say I'm getting use to the taste of bleach?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, bleach is our "friend" it keeps us from getting sick. We do boil and filter all our drinking water,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and wash all dishes and vegetables in a bleach rinse. Wonder if that is why my hair is turning white?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now travel here is a "ride" that most amusement parks would be envious of...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Actually this dirt road is better than the pot-holed tar road, until it rains that is...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have been in vehicles that have broken down several times, and have no doubts why? We will be purchasing a vehicle in the near future, hope I can find a "monster truck", or at least a good used land rover. For most distance travel we will need to fly, as Lori did to attend a nursing conference near Nairobi. She learned a great deal about African medicine, including some things I hope she never has to practice on me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjlRorRzO4fxdDQLDeG7yUaYs6lzkmLY-K2KQyjThcSrC0eTm7XlRc2Dd5ZxdWnNgoqlWCsHTzlfgUfg7UghtfU4F0uiMpS5teIEGhinNxWoNMrWJfAnb0DVWarRR4zBfIziadfF6_HY/s1600/P3010729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjlRorRzO4fxdDQLDeG7yUaYs6lzkmLY-K2KQyjThcSrC0eTm7XlRc2Dd5ZxdWnNgoqlWCsHTzlfgUfg7UghtfU4F0uiMpS5teIEGhinNxWoNMrWJfAnb0DVWarRR4zBfIziadfF6_HY/s320/P3010729.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Suturing Practice?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And there is no xylocaine at the clinic...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While Lori was away, I attended the KIST Board of Governors' meeting and met the Church of God leaders from Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOY2AsSEUBP13XSoz84yi30OHPTBOI_uzAMxVEf2_wHzexsbYkFrq1w79zS5I4fEjLhIzu66rsNL-P3RNzvfVAUkSXj_bAElOhKDKH39zKGc0PSszbxCLLqE3DSVqqsXIYjgN5bRtGsXc/s1600/P3050006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOY2AsSEUBP13XSoz84yi30OHPTBOI_uzAMxVEf2_wHzexsbYkFrq1w79zS5I4fEjLhIzu66rsNL-P3RNzvfVAUkSXj_bAElOhKDKH39zKGc0PSszbxCLLqE3DSVqqsXIYjgN5bRtGsXc/s320/P3050006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rev. Dismus Mofulu (TZ), Dr. Byrum Makokha (KE), and Rev. David Ojule (UG)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These men have amazing stories of ministry in their countries and appreciate the training of leaders that happens here at KIST.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, I need to publish this post before heading to chapel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Blessings,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ernie</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>NicholasMissionAfricahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13583205526475008653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521461469939117455.post-44268787526872089442011-01-16T15:25:00.000-08:002011-01-16T15:25:53.737-08:00MTI break - Weekend at Evergreen with Family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKNlphdFbWQtOxAa4v7ZRBa87sK9qfi27bdHhTbwcKyAGXwYNVn-jVWuHPBOFpxfNEcUxWtF20njlwrTPUkII97RHKweLs-DgghAPVyrzxGTHru4qwNRqKqQY2-Tbr1_50b80u8U3Xx0/s1600/P1150982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKNlphdFbWQtOxAa4v7ZRBa87sK9qfi27bdHhTbwcKyAGXwYNVn-jVWuHPBOFpxfNEcUxWtF20njlwrTPUkII97RHKweLs-DgghAPVyrzxGTHru4qwNRqKqQY2-Tbr1_50b80u8U3Xx0/s320/P1150982.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rick, Ernie, Haley, Lee</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Deni, Mark</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lori, Kathy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chance</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had the opportunity to spend the weekend at Mark and Kathy's home just outside of Evergreen, CO and visit with many members of Lori's side of the family. Lori's sister Kim was not able to make it, because she just started a new job. The weather was wonderful and we enjoyed playing table games.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYW2VNrsyZ0agA3yT_JMT6M7DJFAa49J9hw0ukItPKSGeWoqn7kHQxRQfsfc_m_KOZ6jgmdyTRdta8H1qK9k7PdxQBMvtwoCD0UYBL18fBv6yuSx5kkcUHtS63RaKESmANBqGMagba2w/s1600/P1130951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYW2VNrsyZ0agA3yT_JMT6M7DJFAa49J9hw0ukItPKSGeWoqn7kHQxRQfsfc_m_KOZ6jgmdyTRdta8H1qK9k7PdxQBMvtwoCD0UYBL18fBv6yuSx5kkcUHtS63RaKESmANBqGMagba2w/s320/P1130951.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lori on the trail next to MTI</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We will be returning to MTI on Monday to begin the SPLICE Program for the next three weeks. This will assist in preparing us to enter the culture of Kenya Africa and be able to serve effectively.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have been given notice that our Airline tickets to Kisumu Kenya Africa have been purchased!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We leave Indianapolis, IN on February 17th traveling through Chicago, London, and overnight in Nairobi, before arriving in Kisumu on February 19th. We will be picked up there for the 45 minute ride to Kima International School of Theology which will be home for the next three years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are so many details that must be covered in the next month that it will be such a relief to finally get to our new home in Kenya. One of the big ones is the sale of our Envoy...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hear the cookies Haley and Lori are taking the cookies our of the oven -gingersnaps...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and the table games are starting up...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>NicholasMissionAfricahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13583205526475008653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521461469939117455.post-26992255057712690012011-01-09T16:38:00.000-08:002011-01-16T14:49:14.741-08:00Missionary service begins at MTI<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0GCLexUzGv_IQa0fNcN1m6rG_1cxE769ev4MlcpPhdQdtfJwjD-QSc4gYpXgeGEUv4C7mQOzdo9eZsuSlk88hulx4XkBQBox7QxTKxk16caqIe1dnHoeN2B9vFVQAQaZYbU9Vl_wyIk/s1600/PC270872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0GCLexUzGv_IQa0fNcN1m6rG_1cxE769ev4MlcpPhdQdtfJwjD-QSc4gYpXgeGEUv4C7mQOzdo9eZsuSlk88hulx4XkBQBox7QxTKxk16caqIe1dnHoeN2B9vFVQAQaZYbU9Vl_wyIk/s320/PC270872.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0GCLexUzGv_IQa0fNcN1m6rG_1cxE769ev4MlcpPhdQdtfJwjD-QSc4gYpXgeGEUv4C7mQOzdo9eZsuSlk88hulx4XkBQBox7QxTKxk16caqIe1dnHoeN2B9vFVQAQaZYbU9Vl_wyIk/s1600/PC270872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>We left Cedar Rapids, Iowa on January 1st to begin our new position as full time missionaries of Church of God Ministries traveling to Mission Training International in Colorado.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DRxGlU-8mc8ucVgBpxEHILIDGyC5nkZQf8vdhz_VHQgcMkvj6ixh_-QsAqZaqlrtBEWo0wHxrGjdOoYZli2NNELO0lxbL3u_hswcYbJQgEm92O8sXoYVK3LnS1YyeEI95gNLdaw2Edk/s1600/P1060911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DRxGlU-8mc8ucVgBpxEHILIDGyC5nkZQf8vdhz_VHQgcMkvj6ixh_-QsAqZaqlrtBEWo0wHxrGjdOoYZli2NNELO0lxbL3u_hswcYbJQgEm92O8sXoYVK3LnS1YyeEI95gNLdaw2Edk/s320/P1060911.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">PILATE - Program In Language Acquisition Techniques is our challenge for the next two weeks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After this first week my brain is in over load and my mouth and tongue is tired from trying to make sounds and reproduce on command sounds that are not a part of the English language. The English language has 44 basic sounds and we have now learned many more that that (in the 100s I think).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have had several writing assignments and projects to keep us busy. I even know some words in several other languages. I can see how this experience will help our learning of Swahili when we get to Africa in February.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This weekend we went to rest and relax in the beautiful Garden of the Gods and took a trip on Pikes Peak by Cog Railway.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well it is back to the training and I hope to soon post more...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>NicholasMissionAfricahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13583205526475008653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521461469939117455.post-73251147774097410812010-11-20T17:49:00.000-08:002010-11-20T17:49:14.316-08:00One step closer to Kenya...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54gn3FNQz4rMqFu-SEiF2dVu68GAxd4ToUof_x-uT9ca3yw9MF1qGYIk3kUjj0sa_j5zjrJQYv4KSOIHT2PRVqaP3d_PRBVY2W0MHRJq2x31sJ4sQxk5ZKd9IYZBpb9Su2ZEdflSpIyo/s1600/P4290068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54gn3FNQz4rMqFu-SEiF2dVu68GAxd4ToUof_x-uT9ca3yw9MF1qGYIk3kUjj0sa_j5zjrJQYv4KSOIHT2PRVqaP3d_PRBVY2W0MHRJq2x31sJ4sQxk5ZKd9IYZBpb9Su2ZEdflSpIyo/s320/P4290068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Lori and I are moving our storage trailer to Indiana this weekend, for it to be accessible to us in our missionary travel out of Anderson, Indiana. What a challenge it has been for us to pack everything we want to store and everything we believe we will be taking to Kenya in the trailer. While keeping out what we will need for the next month in Cedar Rapids and for the training in Colorado in January. <br />
We are scheduled to be at Missionary Training International near Palmer Lake, Colorado beginning January 3rd for five weeks of specialized training.<br />
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We will have many meetings at Church of God Ministries Global Missions in this coming week. At the last accounting we still needed about 9% to be pledged toward our budget to be fully funded and we are praying that comes in within the next month. Lori and I will be continuing in our current jobs through December and plan to move on to Global Missions funding in January Lord willing.<br />
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Last weekend we traveled to Baraboo, Wisconsin were I was born while my father pastored the church there. We have several missions partners here who keep us in their prayers. We had a wonderful time connecting with Pastor Bacon and the congregation, some of whom have known me all my life.<br />
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So the days are numbered for my school bus driving and I hope I they will end before bad weather hits Iowa. I hear our son Aaron and his wife Holly will be visiting here just after Christmas. Yeah!<br />
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<b>Please remember in your prayers our son Adam </b>who has been deployed to Afghanistan, and his wife <b>Michelle</b>, daughter <b>Kaylee </b>and son <b>Joel</b>. We are proud of his service to our country.NicholasMissionAfricahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13583205526475008653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521461469939117455.post-8501957154388726572010-10-22T19:51:00.000-07:002010-10-22T19:51:11.474-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbmbXAPvDH0iKfSaj-w4KKxA5Vdj-avKC83-Yl-Fcn6JU-Ts7XuvCwyOwTggRhSip6iBDFUWOVWjpNc2rtsqiDo6NI1LA5Rcz4PeP41n-b1bwEw4TztE2ef3KvrGuIvSq1FkaR8A6IfE/s1600/PA140685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbmbXAPvDH0iKfSaj-w4KKxA5Vdj-avKC83-Yl-Fcn6JU-Ts7XuvCwyOwTggRhSip6iBDFUWOVWjpNc2rtsqiDo6NI1LA5Rcz4PeP41n-b1bwEw4TztE2ef3KvrGuIvSq1FkaR8A6IfE/s320/PA140685.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The wheels on my bus are still going round and round... But the "Check Engine" light came on...Mechanics are playing "Rock-Paper-Scissor" for who fixes it...ah the one who lost is now cussing...Maybe I should be concerned? I have a longer trip on Monday morning to Dubuque.<br />
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This weekend is pack the suitcases and actually see want fits in and what may need to be shipped. <br />
We plan to move our storage trailer to my brother's place over Thanksgiving week and from then on be living out of suitcases until we finally leave for Africa.<br />
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Yes our time to go to Africa is getting closer! Our fund raising at the end of this week went over the 90% mark if I have figured correctly. And there is an great effort to get this to 100% in the next two weeks to be able to start our training at MTI the end of November. We really would not like to push it back into January, but that is in the Lord's control. We have about $6000 of on going support needing to be pledged.<br />
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Thanks to all who keep us in your prayers!NicholasMissionAfricahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13583205526475008653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521461469939117455.post-25461816307291407552010-10-09T15:42:00.000-07:002010-10-09T15:42:14.315-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYrzKfrRU9VhdQo5ZNl6U-qqr4wJPz67w4eQDlo_IAIb9tcbO1eQOAtIg2Ygv8cGpMcF71NvOB7TB2QnPcdzMI5Qjvfutpe4eRlDvoVdGQjgy8ql8TZPGUeYl2nG9aK4kZGjHa8Nm7Ko/s1600/PA080649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYrzKfrRU9VhdQo5ZNl6U-qqr4wJPz67w4eQDlo_IAIb9tcbO1eQOAtIg2Ygv8cGpMcF71NvOB7TB2QnPcdzMI5Qjvfutpe4eRlDvoVdGQjgy8ql8TZPGUeYl2nG9aK4kZGjHa8Nm7Ko/s320/PA080649.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The first week of October was beautiful in Cedar Rapids and we truly are enjoying this weather. God paints a wonderful masterpiece before the winter cold and snow arrives... and we don't mind missing that snow part. <br />
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We are in our last portion of fundraising and several new supporters have partnered with us! <br />
We hope to be fully funded in the next two weeks so that notices of ending employment and plans to attend the Mission Training International in November for "PILAT" and December for "SPLICE" can be made; and finally to arrive in Kenya around Christmas.<br />
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We will be in Kirksville, MO next weekend sharing on missions, and after that our schedule is "open".<br />
This weekend I will be filling the pulpit at a the Prairieview Church in Norway, Iowa.<br />
Lori continues to be busy at the doctor's office and it is flu shot season... yes she got me with one...<br />
I'm staying busy with school bus driving plus phone and email contacts to potential partners in missions.<br />
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We are getting more excited as we move closer to our time of departure for Kenya, and then almost overwhelmed by the list of details needing to be done... we appreciate your prayers!<br />
Blessings,<br />
ErnieNicholasMissionAfricahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13583205526475008653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521461469939117455.post-8370406402388604052010-10-01T11:35:00.000-07:002010-10-01T11:35:47.917-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Special Blessings to Ruth Cooke who has been serving at the Kima International School of Theology in Kenya. She is currently returning to the USA to obtain medical treatment and our prayers are with her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now that leaves KIST without a nurse until Lori and I can get there, so the we pray the remaining funding that is needed will be pledged in this month of October!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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We have over 75% of the Living Link budget pledged and we are praying for partners to step up and finish this fund raising process. If my figures are correct we still need about $8000 per year for the three years we plan to serve at KIST. (That is about 12 pledges at $700 per share, or 23 pledges at a dollar a day, or 8 pledges at $1000 per year - P.S. one time pledges can be divided over the three years.)<br />
We are truly blessed by those who have chosen to be our support partners!<br />
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Adam our oldest son is in the final stages of training for deployment and we request prayers for him and the family he will leave in Cedar Rapids.<br />
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Our granddaughter Kaylee watches as her daddy is sent off on deployment and Joel wants to hang on to dad too. Michelle will have her hands full while he is gone, but she has a good support system thankfully.<br />
We have been blessed to be so near to them and able to help in this time.<br />
Speaking of time, I need to be on my way to get the school children home on the bus I drive.NicholasMissionAfricahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13583205526475008653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521461469939117455.post-60214428300595259312010-09-17T11:28:00.000-07:002010-09-17T11:30:34.945-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-fEFuIVYR1WpZD6o9nXVNRNkePd8EeXrPaCI-53gwiSedcpxxFsnq06AfHyARmITY8QaH0uTsIUMhiQgWz9qf0Nn-732a_jNtmt5_UCwUa286GFcujWxyOCe_DHj9bqFa7oVQVCaWCM/s1600/P9140621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-fEFuIVYR1WpZD6o9nXVNRNkePd8EeXrPaCI-53gwiSedcpxxFsnq06AfHyARmITY8QaH0uTsIUMhiQgWz9qf0Nn-732a_jNtmt5_UCwUa286GFcujWxyOCe_DHj9bqFa7oVQVCaWCM/s320/P9140621.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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As Lori and I make plans to begin serving at the Kima International School of Theology it is becoming apparent that <b>we need to be there by November for Lori to take over the nursing responsibilities</b>. The current nurse Ruth will need to be returning to the USA at that time, leaving the clinic without services for students and staff. </div><div>We need the final 25% of our funding to be pledged in the next month. Please pray with us, for individuals and churches to partner with us financially in this mission to provide eastern Africa with quality Christian Leaders.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>Leadership Development for the churches in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania is vitally important as the statistics show the largest population groups of these countries to be under age 25. If the current population trend in Kenya continues it will have the greatest population in Africa within ten years. That is an amazing opportunity for KIST to directly influence these African cultures through providing quality christian leaders. As an Instructor at KIST, I can have a direct involvement in this transformation process currently happening in Africa. Lori and I are getting anxious to be there!<br />
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We are thankful for our current employment. Lori works as an office nurse for Dr Lottes and I am a school bus driver for the Cedar Rapids Community Schools. We continue to worship and participate with the Ellis Park Church of God. The "5th Street Ministry" continues ministry to those effected by the massive flooding two years ago.<br />
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</div><div>In addition Lori and I are completing the landscaping around a home of a handicap couple in this neighborhood that has just been restored.<br />
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Have you noticed that there never seems to be enough time? So I better get this posted and be on my way to get the wheels of my school bus to go around.</div><div><br />
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</div>NicholasMissionAfricahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13583205526475008653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521461469939117455.post-18064412291887741932010-09-03T10:54:00.000-07:002010-09-07T19:11:48.577-07:00Labor Day Weekend is upon us and for many that means R&R, but for us it means completing all those jobs that have accumulated over the summer. With all the travel involved in the fund raising process things were often done just enough to get by and now need to be finished. <br />
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Speaking of finished! we really need to have our funds completely pledged for our mission to Kenya to commence by the end of the year. This pursuit requires most of the time we have in-between our current employment responsibilities. Our desire is to be involved in the leadership development of Africans that will transform their culture. Statistics are showing that the country of Kenya will have the greatest population in Africa in 15 years. What an opportunity Kima International School of Theology has to provide truth and hope towards Kenya's future, and it could stabilize the entire region.<br />
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Lori had a wonderful weekend sharing in Kittanning, PA and being with Rebecca, the former nurse at KIST, that is moving to care for her family here in the USA. We request prayer for Rebecca to find employment soon! as she ends her Global Missions responsibilities. Also the nurse Ruth, currently filling in at KIST through this next term, has injured her back and needs God's healing touch so that she can cover the nursing responsibilities. Ruth plans to be leaving KIST in November when we hope to be able to get there. We currently have no speaking opportunities on our schedule which is a concern for us. We are trusting God to provide and trying to be faithful not to miss opportunities to serve and speak for Him.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjl5f_sauLoOHFhpwS-9Fz_4bgh3CEAslIYOl7vOYMZ7YtVVgg1Dv4xeIxMYON76uD4rXyNYYAlwz5GLcD8T9CupDqRKUx1X81k4oiCgum-Mp2rXRVlCWV7uKPEKmZUEtla47-iwL-q5Y/s1600/Charlie+my+writing+assistant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjl5f_sauLoOHFhpwS-9Fz_4bgh3CEAslIYOl7vOYMZ7YtVVgg1Dv4xeIxMYON76uD4rXyNYYAlwz5GLcD8T9CupDqRKUx1X81k4oiCgum-Mp2rXRVlCWV7uKPEKmZUEtla47-iwL-q5Y/s320/Charlie+my+writing+assistant.JPG" /></a></div>The housing that has been provided for us has a couple of resident cats. This one named Charlie was determine to be my writing assistant; and Lori wonders why my hand writing looks like "cat scratching"? We have been blessed by God's provision and pray for partners to come along side us to support the opportunity to provide East Africa with leaders who have faith and hope in the Lord Jesus Christ.NicholasMissionAfricahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13583205526475008653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521461469939117455.post-51716744661011315312010-08-27T10:43:00.001-07:002010-09-07T19:17:05.977-07:00Mom's with tears in their eyes watch their 5 year old AK students bounce up into my bus on my first load to school. Then for the next load, the upper class HS students come dragging out all bleary eyed and as they get on the bus is that a "happy dance" I see the mom's doing? Well my 1999 bus has one more "problem" today, the turn signal lever came off in my hand two turns from the school where I drop my final load of the morning; and the other drivers thought I was nuts making hand signals out the drivers window as I got it back to the transportation center. I have a 2006 bus for my afternoon route that is a wheel chair lift bus, which is thankfully not needed at this moment for the wheel chair students I pick up have improved to be able to "walk" on to the bus with assistance.<br />
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Lori and I have been keeping busy assisting those who are still working at recovery from the flood that covered about 10 square miles of Cedar Rapids two years ago. This week we have been working on landscaping at home of a handicap couple who have just got back into their refurbished home. Many neighboring homes that were not able to be repaired have been torn down. The whole "time-check" area is still in need of rehabilitation and some of it will not return to housing (a "green-space" will be created). The Ellis Park Church of God continues to provide a "tail-gate" meal ministry every Sunday noon in this area, as it has for the last two years. Serving 30-40 each Sunday with a touch of Jesus' love in this need filled area of Cedar Rapids. People trapped in drugs, alcohol, sexual ... addictions are served with kindness and the message of hope.<br />
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We continue seeking to finish our fund raising process that has taken longer than expected. We have less than 40% of our funding needing to be pledged (about $25,000) for each of the three years we plan to be in Kenya. The costs for us to be in Kenya are equal to want would be needed in the USA, but then you must add the cost of international travel and specialized training. We will need to learn the language of Swahili ... Jambo! Lori flies to Kittanning, PA tomorrow for a Faith Promise missions weekend. She will meet up with Rebecca the former nurse at KIST there for her last "official" missionary presentation for Global Missions. We have been praying for a job near Rebecca's VA home to open for her as she leaves the mission field ("for a while") to care for family needs. <br />
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And if you think that leaves me with nothing to do this weekend, you have not seen my "Honey Do" list... and further "down-sizing" is needed to be ready to go to Kenya. Thanks for your prayers, encouragement and support.NicholasMissionAfricahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13583205526475008653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521461469939117455.post-8745218624846702362010-08-16T09:21:00.000-07:002010-09-14T20:29:17.466-07:00<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"></span>The Summer has flown by and it is now mid-August. The US Census has Lori and I officially listed as "homeless"!? I'm not sure how to justify that to reality... We have been blessed to have a "bed and roof" over our heads... I guess the bed may have been a air mattress on the ground, sagging cot in camp dorm, futon in a cabin, or the beloved Serta perfect sleeper. <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"></span>Oh you need to know that we have traveled over 6000 miles this Summer. After the family reunion in Wyoming, we have traveled to Rockford, IL and the Northern Missouri Camp Meeting, then on to the Nebraska State Camp Meeting and the St. Louis Michigan Camp Meeting. We only suffered one minor accident when the Envoy was hit in the rear in Cedar Rapids, which is now repaired. Lori will continue our missionary travels heading to Kittanning, PA the last weekend in August. We are hoping to soon be on the way to Kenya.<br />
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<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"></span>We are continually asked WHEN are you going to get there? Well the answer is "God only knows"... it depends upon when we become "fully funded"... Global Missions requires that we have 100% of our support for the next three years pledged and currently we have 60% pledged. We praise the Lord that ALL of our Start-Up Fund has been given, so we are financially ready to leave as soon as the pledges reach 100%. (We need 35 pledges at $700 per year - of course any amount will move us closer to being in Kenya) We need to be in Kenya by year's end to take up the positions at Kima International School of Theology now being covered until November.<br />
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</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"></span>We had to say good-bye to Adam being deployed to Afghanistan with the Iowa National Guard. Michelle, Kaylee and Joel need our prayers and support while he is gone. Andrew is still on the injured list pending deployment with the Wisconsin Army Reserve. His knee injured in training will be checked at the University of Iowa Hospital next week. He, Kiana and Austyn continue to also be in our prayers. Aaron with the Florida National Guard is currently not in the deployment process, which I'm sure Holly is thankful for, as well as her new teaching job.</div><div><br />
We have been blessed to be "house sitting" which now has the possibility to be extended through November, at which time we hope to be on our way to Kenya. Lori continues to be an office nurse for Dr. Lottes and I am back to driving a school bus next week. Tomorrow I have to report for my "route and rig" assignment. Could I possibly have one of the new 2011 busses? Well since I'm low on the seniority list it will likely be a 1993 model I have had before. I have also been trying to get the route that Kaylee rides to Arthur on for Kindergarten. Yes our granddaughter starts Kindergarten next week! Where does the time go?</div>NicholasMissionAfricahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13583205526475008653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521461469939117455.post-21633221583686833812010-05-25T09:16:00.000-07:002010-09-14T20:32:26.929-07:00<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"></span>Lori and I have been given the opportunity to extend our "house sitting" stay until September at which time we hope to be nearing completion of our fund raising phase and on to the needed education period before being in Kenya. We crossed over the 50% mark in Living Link pledges and nearing the completion of the Start-up funding, so we hope the Summer will provide us the opportunities needed to be fully funded. <br />
<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"></span>My employment driving bus for the Cedar Rapids School system ends in 12 days and it is possible that I could pick up a few hours during the Summer, but further employment is being sought. Lori's nursing position will remain until we leave. </div><div><br />
The next few weeks will find us traveling to Indiana for my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">nephew's</span> graduation, Lori flying to Selma, NC to link up with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Rebecca</span> Pierce in a missions convention, then we travel to Marion, SD for their Faith Promise convention, next the North American Convention in Anderson, IN and 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> of July weekend we will be in the mountains of Wyoming with Lori's family. So the rest of May and June will fly by quickly for us. So I will be job hunting for July and August with the opportunity to return to driving school bus in September if needed.<br />
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<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"></span>Our "house sitting" <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">arrangement</span> has us caring for the yard work and Three CATS. There is shy pompous <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Pyewacket</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">obnoxious</span> attention demanding <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Icabod</span> and inspector Charlie who is into everything but has the best purr of them all. If there is any doubts, they believe that they rule the house and they sometimes loudly complain when we insist that we are in charge. We really have been blessed to have the use of this home while to owner needs to be away. We know the Lord supplies our needs so we will see what's happens beyond September.</div></div>NicholasMissionAfricahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13583205526475008653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521461469939117455.post-38976306079987456122010-04-25T16:37:00.000-07:002010-09-07T19:21:18.693-07:00<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"></span>We are on the move this week... we have been given the opportunity to "house sit" for the next 8 weeks before we attend the North American convention in Anderson. God provides "just on time" as we needed to leave the missionary housing we have been in on April 30th. We truly thank the Faith Bible Church for allowing us to utilize this house for the last 10 months, and fully understand their ministry need of it. Now if we are to remain in Cedar Rapids we will be needing housing here in July. Our desire is to be in Kenya Africa, but we are needing to be fully funded before moving there. In our fund raising process our Start-up fund is progressing well, however pledges to our Living Link on going support have been slow. We really need to be over 50% in this fund by the end of May, so we appreciate your prayers in this. <br />
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<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"></span>We had the wonderful opportunity to be at the First Church of God in Hutchinson, KS to share in their Faith Promise. We enjoy getting to know those who will be partnering with us in the Mission of serving at the Kima International School of Thelogy.</div>NicholasMissionAfricahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13583205526475008653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521461469939117455.post-31726359017224311572010-03-19T09:44:00.000-07:002010-09-07T19:23:07.016-07:00The Chili Fundraiser last Saturday raised $1526!! Some liked the chili "Hot and Spicy" and others liked it "Wimpy" but all agreed it was a great day for chili, and Thanks to all who helped! <br />
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This next week is spring break for Cedar Rapids schools, so I have a week of working on storage packing and moving preparations. We need to find new housing for May and beyond? until we obtain fully funding for our African Mission. Progress is being made, yet the Living Link pledged support is coming slow. We are ready to go! My bus driving ends the first week of June... not sure what can be found for employment then? <br />
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We have begun plans to be at the North American Convention in Anderson in June, and it would be great to be fully funded by then... it could happen! We would like to plan the Summer, but there are so many unknowns... The Lord has it in His hands, wish He would let me in on the plans.NicholasMissionAfricahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13583205526475008653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521461469939117455.post-67309621650450697782010-03-09T09:21:00.000-08:002010-03-14T21:49:49.442-07:00We had a wonderful time in Portland during the <strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">Warner Pacific College Alumni Weekend</span></strong> and the weather was sunny and warm. We shared the stories that made WPC special to our lives and celebrated with those being honored for their service to the church. The campus has seen some wonderful improvements over the last 25 years since we were last there. We cheered on the Knights basketball teams to 3 out of 4 wins (time for "free-throw" practice! after the one they lost). Reminisced with Richard Craghead one of the key professors directing my studies at WPC years ago. We met several other professors, area pastors and retired alumni that touched our lives in some way. Staying over the weekend we were able to worship with the Lynchwood Church of God and specially thank them for their investment in our lives as WPC college students. It was truly a blessing having Pastor John Kuykendall pray a blessing over us as ones sent out from that congregation. We met several we had worked with in our internship and was privileged to see Norma Webber, whose husband was the pastor we served under developing the leadership in us that would help us serve the church over the 26 years since. We had worked with the Davidson boys and now were privileged to hear some of their girls sing and they have wonderful voices. A couple of other youth we had worked with Brad and Cindy invited us to a Thai lunch with their family. We even met Kathy from my home church in Willmar, Minnesota, who I had not seen for almost 30 years. We were so blessed renewing contacts with so many at the church there. In the afternoon we had the opportunity to meet with Mt. Scott Church of God missions team and hear the report of one who had served in Uganda from there. With many other contacts made we returned to Iowa's snowy landscape to get on with the work we currently have.<br /><br />This coming Saturday, the Ellis Park Church of God is hosting a <strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">"Chili Fund Raiser"</span></strong> to raise support for our mission to Africa. Several of the local "chili specialist" will be providing their special recipe chili for the event running noon to 4 pm with a silent auction.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#000099;">This</span> <span style="color:#000099;">month</span></span></strong> is <strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">very important</span></strong> in our <strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">fund raising</span></strong> as the nurse that Lori will be replacing, Rebecca Pierce, will be leaving KIST the end of this month and we need to get there as soon as possible. The home we have been privileged to live in will be needed in May, so we will be <strong>needing new housing</strong> then as well. My bus driving job ends in early June with the end of school, so we are hoping to be close to full funding then.<br /><br />In just a few weeks we will be heading to Orlando, Florida to celebrate the <strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">wedding</span></strong> of our <strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000099;">middle son, Aaron</span></strong> to Holly his college sweetheart. The April 3rd wedding in Florida sounds so good after a long cold and snowy winter in Iowa. It will be great traveling with our oldest son Adam and his family.<br /><br />Well it's time for me to prepare for the "wheels on the bus to go round and round" and yes the kids I drive go "up and down" plus other directions... Wonder what the school fed them for lunch today?NicholasMissionAfricahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13583205526475008653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521461469939117455.post-2667105154356303662010-02-15T15:04:00.000-08:002010-02-21T05:27:22.320-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPd5NnaKCC5x8IiE8MOJwMaVQWfn__1KpABth3dTL2m9q-sykOknxF0nKQGDHmY2G4Gkbj-gTreiXv9jQ4EPLJtIrnFyOZdXvErfn5YeohioEqUpDN5Wa8C6JNMs1O5s0uLZvnxxadrX8/s1600-h/warnerpacific-logo.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 75px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 64px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440687631554995762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPd5NnaKCC5x8IiE8MOJwMaVQWfn__1KpABth3dTL2m9q-sykOknxF0nKQGDHmY2G4Gkbj-gTreiXv9jQ4EPLJtIrnFyOZdXvErfn5YeohioEqUpDN5Wa8C6JNMs1O5s0uLZvnxxadrX8/s200/warnerpacific-logo.gif" /></a> Traveling time is near for us. We are going to Portland, OR on Thursday to attend the Warner Pacific College Alumni Weekend. There we hope to connect with individuals and church that may become partners with us in missions to Kima International School of Theology in Kenya. It has been over 25 years since we have last been at WPC so we are excited to see all the developments we have heard about over the years. We hope to renew friendship and develop new ones in this time and get to cheer for the WPC Knights Basketball team again.NicholasMissionAfricahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13583205526475008653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521461469939117455.post-83622324604031191672009-12-26T10:51:00.000-08:002009-12-26T11:09:00.550-08:00Christmas MemoriesWe had a wonderful Christmas with our family and hope that you did too. What a blessing to make memories with our family and friends. I'm still awed that God knows everything about us and still loved us so much that he gave us Jesus. The snow is falling as I hear people talking and laughing here in the coffee shop. We plan on playing table games and watching the Nativity Story this weekend. Make it a happy new year!! LoriNicholasMissionAfricahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13583205526475008653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521461469939117455.post-53658617889595043532009-12-05T11:54:00.000-08:002009-12-05T12:39:22.534-08:00Happy December! As we celebrated Thanksgiving with family and friends we couldn't help but wonder what the holidays would be like next year in Kenya. I'm sure there will be plenty of new friends as well as missing our family and friends in the US.<br /> For now, we cherish the time together. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">grandkids</span> bring so much fun and laughter. It is perfectly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">acceptable</span> to crawl around on the floor, play with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">playdough</span>, sing silly songs with Bob the tomato, play peek a boo, and read the same book four times in one afternoon. I can't think of a better way to spend my day off from the clinic! Ernie drives a school bus, so much of the day it is just me and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">grandkids</span>. Kaylee and I enjoyed our quiet snack for about 20 min while both babies were napping, maybe one of these days they will both sleep longer at the same time! Oh how I will miss these little ones!<br /> Another missionary family that is in the fund raising process to go to Kenya have two boys. Joshua is 11 years old and Michael is 5 years old. Since we will be neighbors, I'm sure I'll get my playtime in!<br /> As you plan for Christmas, remember to pray for those missionaries already on the field, our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">military</span> men and women that are fighting for freedom, and those who are spending their first Christmas without a beloved spouse. This will be my dad's first Christmas without Mom. They were married for 55 years before she passed away in May. I'm so thankful that Dad can spend Christmas with us and meet his new great grandson!<br /> Well, I think we've <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">occupied</span> this table at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">coffeeshop</span> long enough, we don't have <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Internet</span> at home, but I thank God daily for the missionary house we are able to live in this winter!!<br /> Enjoy your day with Jesus! LoriNicholasMissionAfricahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13583205526475008653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521461469939117455.post-18990866192921695272009-11-18T08:25:00.000-08:002009-11-18T08:38:12.022-08:00I can hardly believe it is into the middle of November, but the weather is turning cold and wet. I have had to scrape frost off the windsheld several mornings now. The Ellis Park Church of God had a wonderful reception for us last Saturday and several ministerial friends from Cedar Rapids were able to attend. We had a good time sharing with the Zion Community Church of God in Ottumwa and are very thankful for their gift. I'm trying to find a way to link our newsletters to this... maybe even our Thanksgiving/Christmas letter we hope to have out this week. We are traveling on Saturday to get my mother for a week's visit. We plan to meet my brother Paul who is bringing her about half way to Normal, IL. It will be good to have lunch with him there too.<div><br /></div>NicholasMissionAfricahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13583205526475008653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521461469939117455.post-73352145069559988642009-10-30T09:55:00.000-07:002009-10-30T10:22:10.552-07:00As October ends we had hoped to be moving on to being in Africa, however the economic conditions have slowed our fund raising so that perhaps we will be able to make that move just after the first of the new year 2010. Thankfully we have been allowed to remain in the missionary housing provided by Faith Bible and keep Lori's position working as Dr Lottes' office nurse. I have found interim employment driving bus for the Cedar Rapids School District.<div>We are a bit disappointed in where we are at, but look to the positive side of having one more Christmas with the kids. We hope to have my mother visit at Thanksgiving and Lori's father visit for Christmas. Last week we had all the boys home and got a picture of them all in uniform.</div><div>This weekend we will be putting shelves in and organizing the storage trailer. Next weekend we will be speaking in Ottumwa with the Zion Community Church. We enjoyed our visit to the Des Moines Church of God two weekends ago. Last weekend we met Aaron and Holly in Tennessee to transfer Tux to them. Somehow we keep going and going. </div><div>The Ellis Park Church of God is going to have a celebration for us on November 14th honoring our years of service here which will bring a closure needed. </div>NicholasMissionAfricahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13583205526475008653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521461469939117455.post-90128533994468690382009-10-13T19:36:00.000-07:002009-10-13T20:02:14.455-07:00We have overcome the hazards of traveling in Wyoming "winter" weather. Hitting "black ice" sends one flying through the air and landing in a ditch, thankfully upright! We had a tire come off the rim and it it took about 3 hours to get it fixed and back on the road thanks to AAA. (We could not get it jacked up high enough, nor dug out of the mud enough to get the spare tire on.)<div>Should be home in Iowa tomorrow to get the tire fixed and check the alignment on the Envoy.</div><div>We now have the storage trailer we have named "Behemoth" (it's 8'x24'). We have some of what we want to store in it, but are awaiting the shelves on "back-order" at Menards for the rest. Aaron came home for a visit and he helped me get the equalizing hitch set-up for pulling it.</div><div>With Aaron coming home, we made a trip out to Wyoming for him to visit Lori's dad, he was in military training when his grandmother passed away in June. So we have been in Casper, Wyoming for 10 inches of snow and record cold (14 degrees) and delayed traveling home until today. Should have waited another day perhaps, but Thank the Lord we stayed safe!</div><div><br /></div>NicholasMissionAfricahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13583205526475008653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521461469939117455.post-7270972950232175052009-09-23T11:45:00.000-07:002009-09-23T11:59:11.348-07:00Back from our trip to Minnesota and the cabin is all in order and now run by generator power.<div>Had a opportunity to share about our mission at the Harvest Community Church in Willmar, MN. The Willmar Church of God was the congregation I grew up in. </div><div>Hoping to soon obtain a storage trailer for the packing of our household. This is one more step towards the move to Africa.</div><div>Aaron is now done with his military training and we are looking for a visit from him soon.</div><div>Looking forward to making presentations in Des Moines and Ottumwa in this coming month. We now have 27% of our start-up funds in the account at Global Missions, Church of God Ministries; and about 20% of our annual budget pledged. Fund raising has been slow going in this economy but we believe God will provide for what is needed soon.</div>NicholasMissionAfricahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13583205526475008653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521461469939117455.post-12719371066390120832009-09-04T14:43:00.000-07:002009-09-04T15:03:11.503-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Back at last! During the move our computer "crashed" and would not let me return to blog. We made the move to missionary housing and are still down-sizing. We hope to obtain a storage trailer and get it packed soon. During August I traveled to camp meeting from </span><!--StartFragment--><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; color: black; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">Iowa’s Inspiration Acres to Wisconsin’s Rock Springs Camp, then on to Minnesota’s Camp Arrowhead and South Dakota’s Lake Poinsett Living Waters Retreat Center provided contact with a substantial portion of the Church of God Ministries in the North Central USA. I am in the process of writing up a newsletter to tell about it.</span></span><!--EndFragment--><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 15px;">As I end my ministry at the Ellis Park Church of God in Cedar Rapids, Iowa It was my privilege to baptize Joe, Kacie and Dayzaray; individuals I have worked with over the years. In fact, Kacie I dedicated as a baby and now 16 years later has grown in her faith to making this commitment of her life. This has helped as we say goodbye to those we have ministered to over 17 years. This weekend will be a reunion of a youth camp I was involved in 10 years ago. It will be fun to celebrate the accomplishment of the youth who are now youth adults active in many ministries. Then next week we will be traveling to Minnesota to take more stuff there and make sure it's ready for the winter. </span></div>NicholasMissionAfricahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13583205526475008653noreply@blogger.com0