A Day at the Park

One of the things that the Director of the Mango Tree Centre tries to do when they have outreach teams come by is to take some of the disabled people for outings in the local area.  They take them to the beach or for a drive along the coast or to a cafe for a meal out or out to a park for a picnic.  They do this with the teams because often, they need the extra hands to help with all the wheelchairs and lifting and pushing and feeding.  And they normally have to bring 2 vans - just in case one of the disabled people has a health issue, they can then get them back to the Centre or home without having to take everyone back.  On this trip, J and I got to tag along and help out as we took three people t the park for a picnic.

That might sound so basic and simple to us but that is because we often take such things for granted.  We can hop in a car or on our bikes or a bus or train or simply walk and pretty much go anywhere we want, any time we want.  But not so for them.  First, none of the families have cars or vehicles - they just simply cannot afford it.  Second they don't have anyone who could drive them.  And third, it often takes so much work to get one of the disabled people ready for an outing that the families simply have a hard time doing it.  The 3 that we took out that day were actually relatively easy to get ready - they are all able to sit in a wheelchair.  But many of the others are bed-bound, so they would need a 'mobile bed' or they don't go at all.  Can you imagine being in bed your whole life?  So for most of them, they rarely go out of their house!

So these outings are a special treat for them - just to get out of the house and experience something different.  And you could see it on their faces as we sat at the park with them - they were looking around, gazing at the kids playing on the playground, watching the people walking by, hearing the waves on the nearby beach and the cars and the birds and the conversations around them - things that we take for granted!  Makes me really think - maybe I should be more grateful for the simpler things in life!

Here are a few photos of the day at the park - click on the photos to enlarge.

 

[caption id="attachment_1876" align="aligncenter" width="450"] We had a great time at the park with the whole gang.[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1879" align="aligncenter" width="449"] One of the staff member brought his brand new guitar and sang a few worship songs - in Tongan![/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1877" align="aligncenter" width="444"] One of the special treats is to have a special meal with them. Often they are malnourished and so any extra food is a blessing for them!  J also got to help feed this man.[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1878" align="aligncenter" width="449"] Often, it's just the little things that mean so much. Here we just go for a stroll around the park.[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1880" align="aligncenter" width="446"] J said this was one of his favorite days - just to see the people so happy![/caption]

Servant's Heart

Well, we've been back for a week and a half now from Tonga and are getting settled back into life in New Zealand.  But there are so many memories and experiences that are engrained in our minds and hearts.  Our main purpose for the trip was to build the house for the family with the blind daughter and also to participate in the home visits and pastoral care of the disabled.  We stayed at the Mango Tree Centre for Disabled People which ministers to 80 families with disabled family members who live in the community around the Centre

Over the next couple of weeks, I will share some of the experiences so that you can get a taste of what life was like in Tonga for us during the week-long outreach.  In this post, I will start with what J experienced.  Actually I will let you just read what he wrote about the time in Tonga and what God was showing him.

While I was in Tonga I experienced the LORD working through me and the others around me, helping me and encouraging through the whole trip.  I felt like I had a real purpose, to serve the LORD.  The only things I gained while I was in Tonga were wisdom, friendship, and faithfulness.  I met some great people who showed love and affection to me.  The girl and her family who we built the house for were a great family, the girl we built the house for was blind, (but you wouldn’t know it) she was at a real disadvantage because of all the rocks and junk where she lived.  So when we built the house for her family, we built a ramp so that she could get into the house without hurting herself.  One of the most rewarding things while we were there was the looks on the family’s faces and their joy when we finished the house.  All in all I think the best thing while we were there was the feeling of serving.  - J -

A young man learning servanthood. :-)  He helped do a little painting on the new house and digging the pit for the sandbox and building the shelves.  And he went with us on all the home visits - he bought little balls and toys for the kids and helped to keep them entertained while the adults visited with the parents and the disabled family members.  Almost every home that we visited had kids so he was pretty busy!  He also played a lot with the director's 5-year-old son - who was only lonely because he is the only kid at the Centre for Disabled People.  Overall, it was a an experience he will never forget!

Phamily Elf Disco

The boys and I did this one special for you all...

Phamily Elf Hip Hop

Here is another video we did. Hope you enjoy it...

Phamily Christmas Disco

Since it's only a few weeks (AHHH!!!) to Christmas, the kids and I put together this little dance video to get us all into the holiday spirit. Ahhh, doesn't it bring back memories for some of you?!

Enjoy...

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Monkey See, Monkey Do...

Just recently, our 10 year-old said he has committed to reading through the Bible.  He's starting in Genesis and going through.  And our 8 year-old said she is reading through Revelation every morning.  And that without us telling them to or saying much about it at all - except to say that all Christians should read their Bible.  I think the most telling words from our 8 year old - 'I don't see Daddy reading anything except the Bible!'  She doesn't see me when I am reading commentaries or the news websites or facebook or emails, etc.  All of my 'books' are pretty much digital - except for my Bible.  So obviously that is all she sees.

But that aside, they see me reading my Bible so that is what they do also!  Isn't that the way our faith should be - caught as well as taught?!?

For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.  And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that YOU BECAME EXAMPLES to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.

1 Thess 1:5-7 (my emphasis)

Paul writes in 1Cor 11.1 - imitate me as I imitate Christ.  I guess that is what it's all about - following an example and being an example.  Are you an example?  What type of example? (believe me, I also have some bad habits that I don't want my kids to pick up!)

What Do You Wanna Be When You Grow Up?!

Some random things our kids said at the dinner table last night. Out of the mouth of babes...

Jesaiah - 'I wanna be a paleontologist when I grow up. Then I can travel all over the world and look for old things and draw them. And when I am done for the day, then I can be a missionary in that country.'

Taliah - 'I wanna be an author when I grow up, because I like to write and I can make up good stories.'

Zachy - 'I wanna be a worker and build things like Daddy and be a pastor and teach people who don't know Jesus.'

Dariah - 'When I grow up, I wanna play pink drums and be a spy. A good spy.'

So what do you wanna be when you grow up? I am still trying to figure out that question. I guess it helps if I would/could grow up, huh? Maybe in a few years or so. Or maybe never. ;-)

What Do You Wanna Be When You Grow Up?!

Some random things our kids said at the dinner table last night. Out of the mouth of babes...

Jesaiah - 'I wanna be a paleontologist when I grow up. Then I can travel all over the world and look for old things and draw them. And when I am done for the day, then I can be a missionary in that country.'

Taliah - 'I wanna be an author when I grow up, because I like to write and I can make up good stories.'

Zachy - 'I wanna be a worker and build things like Daddy and be a pastor and teach people who don't know Jesus.'

Dariah - 'When I grow up, I wanna play pink drums and be a spy. A good spy.'

So what do you wanna be when you grow up? I am still trying to figure out that question. I guess it helps if I would/could grow up, huh? Maybe in a few years or so. Or maybe never. ;-)

Bust-a-Move...

Just some random fotos of the kids bustin' a move. Or striking a pose. I don't know if they are pretending to be wild animals (don't have to try too hard) or pretending to be Jedi masters. Or both. You pick.

PS - if the video or music stutters/skips, try playing it twice. The second time around it should have been buffered (loaded) to your web browser and should be smoother.

Bust-a-Move...

Just some random fotos of the kids bustin' a move. Or striking a pose. I don't know if they are pretending to be wild animals (don't have to try too hard) or pretending to be Jedi masters. Or both. You pick.

PS - if the video or music stutters/skips, try playing it twice. The second time around it should have been buffered (loaded) to your web browser and should be smoother.

Hiyahhh!!

(click foto to enlarge)

Three weeks ago, the three older kids have been doing karate at a local studio. The neat part about it is that it is a Christian run by Christians so they do not go into the whole spiritual side of martial arts. Well, I should say, they do go into the spiritual side, but from the Christian perspective.

The kids all have monthly memory verses they must learn and practice. In order to move onto the next belt or degree, they must not only be proficient in their karate moves, but also must show proficiency in the Word of God. And in their attitudes - they must show respect, courtesy, integrity, etc. Way cool. It's basically a discipleship program!

Too bad that we didn't start them sooner - they will only be in this program until we leave for NZ. Some of their friends have been in this program for years. But they are enjoying it tremendously. Thanks to the instructors at the studio for their care and love for the kids!

Hiyahhh!!

(click foto to enlarge)

Three weeks ago, the three older kids have been doing karate at a local studio. The neat part about it is that it is a Christian run by Christians so they do not go into the whole spiritual side of martial arts. Well, I should say, they do go into the spiritual side, but from the Christian perspective.

The kids all have monthly memory verses they must learn and practice. In order to move onto the next belt or degree, they must not only be proficient in their karate moves, but also must show proficiency in the Word of God. And in their attitudes - they must show respect, courtesy, integrity, etc. Way cool. It's basically a discipleship program!

Too bad that we didn't start them sooner - they will only be in this program until we leave for NZ. Some of their friends have been in this program for years. But they are enjoying it tremendously. Thanks to the instructors at the studio for their care and love for the kids!

Happy Birthday Jesaiah!

Wow, we can't believe Jesaiah is 9 yrs old! Happy birthday young man! Or young whipper/snapper - whatever fits better. Here's a walk down memory lane...









I hate cameras!















Coffee. I need cooffeeee

















Like my new hairdo?
















Kindergarten
















Almost 9!

Happy Birthday Jesaiah!

Wow, we can't believe Jesaiah is 9 yrs old! Happy birthday young man! Or young whipper/snapper - whatever fits better. Here's a walk down memory lane...









I hate cameras!















Coffee. I need cooffeeee

















Like my new hairdo?
















Kindergarten
















Almost 9!

Science Phun

This past week, Jesaiah and Taliah had to present their science research projects at the school science fair. Jesaiah did his research on 'friction' - what it is, how it works, what has more friction, etc. And Taliah did hers on the 'surface tension of water' - again, what it is, how it works and how you can see it. I got the opportunity to help them with this - science is right up my alley! I have to admit it was really fun - i enjoy science a lot. Anyways, they did really well on their research and the teachers (and other students) were impressed with their work. And it was fun to see the projects from the other kids at the school - there were some truly impressive ones!

So, here are a few fotos of Jesaiah and Taliah doing their research...





Talk about 'sticky' rice!



















What has more friction - smooth plastic, rubber or sandpaper??












Fill 'er up!













My cup runneth over!












Cutting water?!















Finished products...













and Taliah's











Random...'hey take my picture too Daddy!'
Zachie and his 'sleeping-bag'.













'Me too' says Dariah, 'look what I can do!'

Science Phun

This past week, Jesaiah and Taliah had to present their science research projects at the school science fair. Jesaiah did his research on 'friction' - what it is, how it works, what has more friction, etc. And Taliah did hers on the 'surface tension of water' - again, what it is, how it works and how you can see it. I got the opportunity to help them with this - science is right up my alley! I have to admit it was really fun - i enjoy science a lot. Anyways, they did really well on their research and the teachers (and other students) were impressed with their work. And it was fun to see the projects from the other kids at the school - there were some truly impressive ones!

So, here are a few fotos of Jesaiah and Taliah doing their research...





Talk about 'sticky' rice!



















What has more friction - smooth plastic, rubber or sandpaper??












Fill 'er up!













My cup runneth over!












Cutting water?!















Finished products...













and Taliah's











Random...'hey take my picture too Daddy!'
Zachie and his 'sleeping-bag'.













'Me too' says Dariah, 'look what I can do!'

Father and Son Getaway

This last weekend, Jesaiah and I got away for a quick overnight camping trip to Joshua Tree National Park in the desert beyond Palm Springs. It was a great trip, just Jesaiah and I - we were able to do many fun things. On the first day, we saw 2 rattlesnakes, not more than 3 feet from our path. On the second day, we saw another snake as we were in a cactus garden, again not more than a couple feet from us. It's spring, so the reptiles are out in force to mate and enjoy the warmth.

We were also able to do some rock-climbing - Jesaiah surprised himself by climbing a rock that was over 2 stories high (20 feet or so up). He didn't think he could do it, but with a little exhortation and guidance, he easily climbed to the top and even more impressive, climbed back down (much harder!). We also did a lot of bouldering on some smaller and shorter boulders - lots of fun! We both loved that!

We also visited a huge Cholla (not chollo) cactus garden, a rock that has been wind-blasted into the shape of a skull, drove to the highest viewpoint in the park to look down into the Coachella Valley, hiked 4 miles round-trip to an original goldmine - all this and much more crammed into a day and a half!

But my favorite part and the main reason for this trip was to give Jesaiah undivided time for conversations. We spent about 4 hours sitting around the fire-pit, splitting wood for kindling, making the fire and roasting hot dogs, corn and marshmallows - all the while talking about anything and everything - both fun stuff and more 'meaning of life' topics.. Jesaiah learned a very practical spiritual lesson from the embers and coals. He saw that when he takes a red-hot ember out of the bed of coals, it soon dies down and turns black and cold. He learned that all believers 'burn' hotter when they stay together, but when they try to go it alone, they soon burn out and turn cold. He applied that to 2 of his friends from school who are Christians, but don't go to church and don't 'act like Christians' (his words). And we prayed for them on the spot!

All in all, it was a great trip!

Father and Son Getaway

This last weekend, Jesaiah and I got away for a quick overnight camping trip to Joshua Tree National Park in the desert beyond Palm Springs. It was a great trip, just Jesaiah and I - we were able to do many fun things. On the first day, we saw 2 rattlesnakes, not more than 3 feet from our path. On the second day, we saw another snake as we were in a cactus garden, again not more than a couple feet from us. It's spring, so the reptiles are out in force to mate and enjoy the warmth.

We were also able to do some rock-climbing - Jesaiah surprised himself by climbing a rock that was over 2 stories high (20 feet or so up). He didn't think he could do it, but with a little exhortation and guidance, he easily climbed to the top and even more impressive, climbed back down (much harder!). We also did a lot of bouldering on some smaller and shorter boulders - lots of fun! We both loved that!

We also visited a huge Cholla (not chollo) cactus garden, a rock that has been wind-blasted into the shape of a skull, drove to the highest viewpoint in the park to look down into the Coachella Valley, hiked 4 miles round-trip to an original goldmine - all this and much more crammed into a day and a half!

But my favorite part and the main reason for this trip was to give Jesaiah undivided time for conversations. We spent about 4 hours sitting around the fire-pit, splitting wood for kindling, making the fire and roasting hot dogs, corn and marshmallows - all the while talking about anything and everything - both fun stuff and more 'meaning of life' topics.. Jesaiah learned a very practical spiritual lesson from the embers and coals. He saw that when he takes a red-hot ember out of the bed of coals, it soon dies down and turns black and cold. He learned that all believers 'burn' hotter when they stay together, but when they try to go it alone, they soon burn out and turn cold. He applied that to 2 of his friends from school who are Christians, but don't go to church and don't 'act like Christians' (his words). And we prayed for them on the spot!

All in all, it was a great trip!

Danke Freiburger Freund(e)!

A couple weeks ago, we got an unexpected package in the mail - actually it was for Jesaiah. Most likely a belated birthday present for him. We opened it up and it was a huge LEGO set - almost 1400 pieces that make a bulldozer complete with motors and a remote control!

It didn't come with a sender name except for 'Friends from Freiburg'. So we don't know exactly who to thank for it but will just post this to thank all who were so thoughtful and generous. After we got back from Oklahoma, Jesaiah and I sat down and started putting it together - actually he did most of the work and I only helped when he couldn't figure it out. It was great father / son time.

What you see in the fotos below took him 2 and a half hours to put together, but he LOVED it so much! So again, thanks so much for your generous gift! We'll be putting it together over the next weeks and will post the final product.

Danke Freiburger Freund(e)!

A couple weeks ago, we got an unexpected package in the mail - actually it was for Jesaiah. Most likely a belated birthday present for him. We opened it up and it was a huge LEGO set - almost 1400 pieces that make a bulldozer complete with motors and a remote control!

It didn't come with a sender name except for 'Friends from Freiburg'. So we don't know exactly who to thank for it but will just post this to thank all who were so thoughtful and generous. After we got back from Oklahoma, Jesaiah and I sat down and started putting it together - actually he did most of the work and I only helped when he couldn't figure it out. It was great father / son time.

What you see in the fotos below took him 2 and a half hours to put together, but he LOVED it so much! So again, thanks so much for your generous gift! We'll be putting it together over the next weeks and will post the final product.