Three boys, all in a row...

Apparently I can't catch a good picture fromt he bow of the boat. It's fuzzy but here's a picture of the house on the second day after the peak flow during April Fools' Flood - that's my name for it. For a brief moment we pondered whether or not Meteorologists across the country would conspire to play such a joke as to tell the entire SE that they would be flooded during the week of April 1 and following... During this picture it's actually about a foot lower than the peak, but none the less, it's quite dramatic to realize the amount of water that flowed past my house.

I scheduled an appointment for my boys to visit the Pediatrician today. It's loads of fun to haul all three together and hear them place bets on who will get shots. This time it was L. He took them both in stride as M and S watched in wide eyed wonder. I totally respect our pediatrician. He is acquainted with my dad and all that we've done over the years as a family. He's the kind of guy that I'd want watching out for my kids health. I won't get into the vaccination debate. I'm a wimp and uneducated in such matters. Please comment all you want about it, but don't expect me to respond... Any way, that's not what prompted me to post tonight. Tonight it's all about boys. On FB I did a silly quiz about "how many kids will you have". Based on my answers, 3 girls. How could the 5 question quiz be so off? I'll never know. I talked with another mom - she has 5 kids- all but one are girls. They talk all the time. My boys wrestle and fight all the time. The fights aren't about anything real, just about anything that doesn't matter so they can get it off their chests. Then as I walked out of the office with the official estimate "L, if he keeps going, might grow to be 5' 8" or so by the time he's done." a nurse commented "all in a row" and made the motion like stair step kids. Before we left the house his friend came to visit and we discovered he'd grown by several inches (or so it seemed) since we last saw him - how could this be? Now he's a head taller than L now and taller than me.

I also realized today, as we travelled around town that I have been really stressed lately. I had no idea how stressful flooding is to the victims - you think I'd know by now after 2 major (although they call it officially moderate) and several minor floods! This one really took it's toll on us and we are all as a neighborhood recovering as best we can. If you know someone who's been through any kind of flooding, lend them a hand - even a batch of cookies (even from the store) would make their day a little brighter. Reach out and touch them with a gesture of warmth and love. My folks wouldn't have us stay anywhere but their house in our time of need, but I know it's hard on them both. Hug someone who's helped displaced people.


Pray for a couple of teen boys who need a stable home before DCF places them in a foster home.

For the record, that's our mailbox on the left side of this picture. Yes - the water was over 3 feet above our road! Also pictured are two of our neighbors who kept our generator fueled up to keep our fridge running for Saturday - Tuesday!

We interrupt this slow developing blog-cast about Uganda to bring you the latest news from the winding river...

We cannot tell the precise moment when friendship is formed. As in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is at last a drop which makes it run over; so in a series of kindnesses there is at last one which makes the heart run over. –James Boswell from Life of Johnson, September 1777.

So when I first met MM he went on and on about this house. The house on the river. The house in which he grew up. The house he spent hours and hours playing without siblings. On and on the stories went. Before that though I remember returning from senior vacation with my dad and the Hwy 20 bridge across the Ochlocknee was closed and we had to detour through Quincy. I said “Those dang fools living on the river!”. I had no idea that less than 10 years later I’d be one of those fools. I think I even sang the song “Don’t build your house on the sandy land. Don’t build it too near the shore. It might be kinda nice, but you’ll have to build it twice, yes you’ll have to build your house once more…”

Today I sing a different song. It goes something like “Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise him all creatures here below. Praise Him above, ye heavenly host! Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.” It started last August when we learned how the different emergency agencies behaved during storms. It was very stressful. So last weekend when the river started to rise and MM was camping with L, at God’s prompting, I purged our basement (the first floor is supposed to stay empty) of junk and organized what was to stay down there (there’s a high shelf!). I felt silly on Saturday after cleaning the extra room in our house because the river didn’t rise in to the basement.

It wasn’t until Tuesday when I called MM back home from camping that I felt slightly vindicated. I drove home from town to begin preparing for the rain that was to come. About the time my neighbors and I gathered all our potted garden to our patios (tell me we don’t know that it’ll flood!) and emptied all the basement bottom shelves and makeshift tables from last weekend, MM shows up to handle all the man work. It seems the work never stopped. We believed we were ready for whatever would come. So much so that I brought our boys back to the house (L stayed out camping with my dad) on Wednesday. Why on earth would I bring them back except I think that we’ll stay at the house through the flood?

We woke up Thursday morning with the river over our driveway by about a foot or two. Wednesday it had been only ankle deep and rising. I worked on work a little while MM worked on miscellaneous things around the yard. The rain fell and the river rose. The kids played around the house (what’s not covered with stuff from the basement) and I worked on important things like clean dishes and clean floors. Oh, and then the electric company made an error and turned off our power instead of power across the river! I spent the afternoon making phone calls to restore our power and finally succeeded. After dinner with our neighbors (had to wade with kids on my shoulders to get there!), we waded back to go to bed.

You’d think that we’d have known the signs. When we went to bed the river was still rising. MM was scheduled to return to L and break camp on Friday. Certainly we could wait until morning and get out of the house safely – why didn’t we take the cars up the road before now? Then it’d just be a boat ride to the cars and we’d be to safety. It was 3 a.m. when I woke with a start and called the dam. The river is rising and not going down anytime soon. It was two inches up the wheels of our neighbor’s truck. Everyone must move their cars now. What possessed us all to wake up to walk their dog or call the dam can only be called God’s hand of protection. We didn’t know about the lower than our part of the road spots until Friday morning as we drove out of the neighborhood and encountered them with our truck and van. I don’t think I’ve ever been so scared in all my life. After we all made it out of the house and to the neighbors where we parked the boat trailer, MM and I had a moment – WOW. What on earth were we thinking?

I often wondered why our family doesn’t spend much time camping together. After all, the struggles you encounter as a family serve to draw you together as you search for solutions. Now I know why we don’t camp together (I just send Dad with one or more of them)- we encounter all our struggles together and find solutions as we live in our sometimes houseboat. Our family is being forged in the crucible of floods and life on the river!

as of right now, the river is 26.11 feet. It was 23.71 or so when we were leaving. That's right - it's up to the mailbox bottom now and gently rising. We're taking refuge at my parent's. The water might not recede until next week after all the Sunday rain...

And I really did say "This is life. If I thought it was supposed to be any different, I wouldn't live down here." For a copy of the picture see:

http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=CD&Dato=20090402&Kategori=PHOTOS03&Lopenr=904020805&Ref=PH

What else did you learn in Uganda, Kahlua?

Before I get totally slammed with "upload those pictures already" requests, here is a picture of the foothills of the Rwenzori mountains. Enjoy. I was taken all over the area surrounding Fort Portal. This was on a day hike when all 8 of us wore me out hiking up the trails. Also, this particular shot shows the slope of the mountains. The camera is upright. The trees in the foreground are planted on the slope of the mountain.

But onto the real reason for this post.

A couple years ago Clea along with her family and mother, moved into our house. While we all lived together we learned much about each other - as anyone would... I learned that I'm a terrible housekeeper and my dear friend learned that I live in the MATRIX. If you need a pot, there's a special place for it, but you have to move the canister in front before you reach for the pot or it won't come out or if you want a special jar of sauce, it's in it's place, but you need a stool and a road map to get to it. Everything is that way - even my linen closet. Pull from the top and insert at the bottom... I also learned that if there's a way to make a doable list, Clea's the gal for the job.

Well, in Uganda, things weren't much different when I entered into Clea's home. I didn't think they would be. The amazing thing is that I didn't see much activity going on about cleaning anything. It didn't need to be cleaned. Either it had been or would be before the next month is over. I didn't notice it until we were talking one day and she mentioned her chore program. It's for keeping the house clean without giving up days on end to accomplish it. It's useful for Susan who works in the house to help Clea and Connie, because it lets her know what's going to be done so she needn't worry about it.

I've heard of such programs. Flylady is the only one that comes to mind right now, but they are all over the place "how to clean your house in 15 minutes a day" "What to do when guests are coming over" "Year round spring cleaning" (Those are just my ideas) Here's what you get when you do a web search for "How to keep your house clean":

1. How to Keep Your House Clean in 20 Minutes a Day
2. The 10 Habits That Keep Your Home Clean
3. Keeping House Clean - Tips on Maintaining Your Home As a Peaceful...

So imagine my delight when I had a chance to sit down with Clea herself and generate a plan that if followed at a minimum should help me with my own home. You would think it was complicated or something but really it wasn't. I'd share it with you but a picture is worth a thousand words. I've been following the chart for nearly two weeks now. I actually find it quite rewarding. My family of males can even follow it. I'm sure you can't read it, but you don't need to. Just know that I'm following the program and enjoying success along the way.

Clea, here's to you, dear friend. Thanks for a job well done!

Did anyone besides me notice that the beginning of CLEAn is Clea?

I've had a weeks rest at home...

[just in case you are wondering, the pictures haven't been uploaded yet...]
now back to the old grindstone... I thought I'd start my journey blog with a taste of the cuisine to which I was treated...

We'll start with dinner since it's the first thing I ate at the Wootton's monastary (more on that later). I had chicken soup. I'm confident there was chicken but from where I didn't know. The soup was great. I think I even had buttered bread. I was quite surprised at the presence of chicken as I had heard that meat was not very good locally and it was too expensive to get to the big city for better meat... Even so, I enjoyed the soup after a long journey (3 days to be exact!) to get there.

Fast forward to breakfast and you have eggs - rolled up in chapati - Add a little sauce of chopped onion and tomato and perhaps some green bell pepper on the side. Oh but wait, it's not that easy... First you have to get the eggs from the market --- more on that later --- then they sit on your counter in a egg carton (the big 2 dozen or so size) until you use them. Yuck say all us refrigerator freaks, but the reality is, fresh eggs can be treated that way. Before you cook the eggs, you must crack them. How will you know that the egg is fresh? The grocer might not have perfectly rotated his stock. Does he even know how to rotate stock? If he does, does he throw in a few bad with the good and pretend ignorance?

In Kenya, Connie and Clea, broke many rotten eggs and were very sad to say the least when once it was broken right into a cake batter they were making - all from scratch... It wasn't until they arrived in Uganda that they learned to float test the eggs. You know the old David Letterman segment "Will it float or will it sink?" Good eggs sink. Each egg is tested that way.

Back to breakfast - are you worn out yet? Don't give up, last night we had to make chapati (much like tortillas but with fat cut into them and the pan fried.) If you've never made tortillas, you ought to try it some times. There's no bakery to go and pick up the bread you want at $1 a loaf. Even if you do buy bread, you might make croutons out of it but not a nice soft cold cut sandwich. So here I am enjoying breakfast - complete with juice from concentrate.

From my description you'd think all we did was eat. To look at the scales, you'd be convinced. But really we did have some normal days. There are four kids to tend to. They aren't all out of diapers and only half of them will string a whole story together. Onward to lunch. It's usually leftovers, but with me around I don't think there were as many so at times lunch was an extra preparation. Peanut butter and jelly. Seems simple enough. Grab the peanut butter and jelly and a few slices of bread and you're good to go. Not so fast. Remember the bread? While breakfast was being cooked, you had to start a batch of bread dough. It takes at least two hours to prepare. which includes rising times. As long as Clea doesn't object, I'm going to take the liberty of sharing the recipe here. She got it from somewhere, but it's a good recipe.

Combine the following items and let dissolve and poof:

2 Tbsp yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 tsp sugar.

Combine and dissolve in big bowl:
2 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp shortening
2 tsps salt
2 cups boiling water

Add first mixture to second. Add 7 1/2 - 8 cups flour (Clea uses 7 cups). Mix.

Turn out on floured surface; kneat 10 min

Place in greased bowl (probably the one you used for the second mixture); turn once; cover and let rise until doubled. Punch down let rest 15 minutes. Divide into two (2)

So as long as you started the bread before breakfast was served and you got it in the oven more than 20 minutes before lunch, PB&J is an easy lunch. Although I have to say, I really did enjoy the Nutella sandwich we enjoyed one day... Oops I dont' think I was supposed to share that... Tee Hee!

Before you take a deep breath, there's the cleaning up of all the cooking mess we made. Thankfully they have hired a helper that is able to take care of these things so Clea and Connie can focus on the kids and other things they have to do. Are you thirsty yet?

Remember, TIA (This is Africa) what should be simple is never and what should only take a few minutes of concerted effort takes weeks. TIA and therefore I shall not shall not shall not touch the tap water to my lips. TIA, I shall not touch the tap water to my lips. For that we have squirt bottles to rinse the toothbrush and our mouths. But just how do we fill those squirt bottles? Katadyn makes a great tank filter that adequately filters the water to make it safe for consumption. Every day (I can hear Connie missing me now) someone has to take the tap water and pour it into the filter tank so that over the course of the morning it can drip via gravity out of the filter and into the holding tank.

As long as everyone does their part, the water is great. I've seen other filter contraptions that aren't so nice. With any of them, there is the possibility that the floor will be mopped. Well, it seems I've rambled on and on. Perhaps too much, but if you've read this far thank you.

One post from Uganda

So I'm here in Uganda, I've sort of turned my heart towards home. Today the Internet connection is speedy enough for me to blog for the day. I have so many things to tell you about my trip, but the best thing is that my friends are all doing very well. They aren't starving and they are very secure. Most secure in God's arms, but physically in a compound that gives the kids freedom to roam a little and still be safe.

I have to stay awake on the first leg of my return flight after spending a day travelling to Kampala and shopping for a few last minute items like malaria test and Bilharzia treatment then onto Entebbe to be dropped off at the airport. Staying awake at the right time coming over here made jet lag adjustment very minimal. I'm hoping to take a nap in Amsterdam. Please pray for my return flights. I had no troubles getting over here and I hope it is the same on the way home.

Please praise the Lord also for MM and the boys. It's been some fun for them while I've been away, but I think they are just barely keeping their heads above water and waiting for my return. Praise the Lord for the work he's doing over here. It's seems it's slow progress discipling but there is lasting fruit. Praise the Lord for all that he's shown me and all the blessings he's poured out on The Woottons and Connie!

We made it to Orlando...

After dropping the kids at G & Ps we departed but not before changing the oil in the van - very important DFs, very important...

I'd say that is was all fun and games leaving today, but a dead battery, Sunday drivers on Monday and defective printers at the car shop prevented such an adjective (or would that be an adverb... -I'm leaving for Uganda I don't care!).

We arrived and had a great time getting here after the bumpy start. As I type this Isaac and Clea are at home sleeping, preparing to get up in the AM and look for fuel. There was none in all of Ft. Portal. They are making their way to Entebbe to pick me up tomorrow...

About the good word on my last post: Blow some points on the Hyatt Regency at the Airport. Yes the rooms are outrageously priced , but if you have enough bonus points that you'd otherwise waste - they are worth it. Not only that but they checked my flight times and arranged to come pick us up and take me to my terminal so I'd be there on time! How totally cool is that. I'm so glad I stayed here.

Sorry if you've never traveled internationally, but it is really nice to know that I can eat a brunch in the hotel before we are set to go and then all my baggage and my car will be taken care of - It's way cool. The only problem we have encountered so far is that we don't exactly know what a good tip is for the valet service and the bell-hops! So, chime in here for me...

Bags are packed. now what

Without giving away any details to strangers, I'm leaving very soon!

I find it incredibly funny that my carry on weighs more than each of my checked bags...  

I have more stuff for my friends than I do for myself (OK the cured meat may be a little selfish, but I can't possibly eat 4 pounds of salt pork, 4 pounds of summer sausage and 2 pounds of pepperoni while I'm there.  Besides it'll give me a great opportunity to go on that beans and rice diet I've been wanting to try....

I spent last Friday with a missionary friend of mine.  She spent the past year in Switzerland.  Some people think that it was vacation, but I tell you the truth, it was not.  She spent more than a few hours alone - really alone - no TV, radio or phone or anyone else.  It wasn't a journey where she was supposed to be alone, but after her daily work was done (ministering to a precious aging servant!) all she had was time.  She could get on the computer, but even that was limited...  Emailing your kids is just not the same as talking to them or being with them.  Emoticons don't even come close to sharing all the feeling in your voice or face...  It was so encouraging to know that God showed up when she hadn't planned it.  

I have no real plans for what I'll do or be in Uganda other than a servant to my dear friend and her family!  Perhaps that's the best place for me to begin - with nothing to offer but me.  I could ask to go on safari or some exotic journey, but Uganda is exotic enough TYVM!  I'm content just doing whatever my hands find to do...

Like now, I have shoes to shod on my 3 yo, dinner to make ready and tidying up along with folding laundry...  

May the Lord Bless you and keep you and cause His face to shine upon you and give you peace forever...