Becky's fortunate life events

2007-12-02T20:28:00.000-06:00

Hey, it's been a while. I went to a Casting Crowns concert this past weekend in Iowa. We made it there and back despite a bad snow/ice storm. It was a fun trip for the most part. Fantastic Concert!!!

2007-09-14T08:49:00.000-05:00

Here are some randoms shots of the people of Mbuzi and their village.There were many babies. They were actually some of the most content babies I have ever seen.

2007-09-03T13:38:00.000-05:00

Here is our arrival in Mbuzi, Mozambique. We arrived around 5 in the evening and being that it gets dark at around 5:30 or 6, we ended up doing most work in the night. We had seemingly half the village around our camp as we were setting up because we were such great entertainment. It was a bit unnerving at that time because we had not really met anyone yet.

2007-09-01T19:04:00.000-05:00

Here are picture of me with my first patient. Some of the girls that arrived before me found him and told me of him within a few minutes of my arrival in the village. His name is Givey, and he had gotten a "thorn" wedged in his foot a week and a half earlier. It was in so deep that there was no getting it out, so his mom just wrapped a plastic bag around it. By the time we were there, an definite infection had set in. (These pictures do not do it justice!) Thankfully the next day we soaked his foot, and Kevin Zac tried looking around the wound for the thorn but could not pull it out. I took the tweezers then and was able to pull it out. ( I think Kevin could have done it, he just wanted me to have the fun!) What we pulled out was actually a approx 1x1/4 inch of rough wood. Something that would never have worked its way out on its own. Givey did not wimper, yell or even cry the whole time. I was absolutely amazed! Strong people definitely. Too used to a rough life!! Anyways, we washed it, medicated it and bandaged it almost every day we were there. When we got there, he was not walking on his foot. One of our interpreters carried him home that first night. When we left 9 days later, he was kicking the soccer ball and running all around. It was one of the few things that I was able to do that I really felt had a lasting effect! At least medically.

2007-08-29T20:11:00.000-05:00

I will put more posts up here about my trip, but in a few more days I will have a bizillion more photos from the rest of my team, so I will share when I know I have the best pictures to show ya'll. Have great days until then!

2007-08-23T18:54:00.000-05:00

We spent the first thursday through Saturday morning at the Zaks and then left for Polokwane, SA where we met up with Samaria Mission. Here we are packing up the combie (van) to head to Polokwane. Kevin Z and 2 of his sons- Nathan and Ben- spent the first 4 days with us in Mozambique. It was so much fun spending time with all 3 of them there and the rest of the family in SA

Sorry some of these pictures are repeats. I don't know how to erase them.

2007-08-23T18:47:00.000-05:00

So we had to stop at KFC. It was funny to see their slogan fits in there too. KFC is very popular there. We saw about 2-3 KFC and only 1 or 2 McDonalds.

One of the things we got to do to help Sarah Zak was help her cater a mothers/teen daughters luncheon and tea. (Tea is very big there! Roibos tea.) We had a lot of fun doing that. One thing we found out, is that they do not sell chocolate chips in South Africa. South Africans do not know about chocolate chip cookies. SOO SAD!

2007-08-23T18:24:00.000-05:00

Well, everyone I am back from my FANTASTIC African trip. So many stories and exciting adventures. Many sad sites too. I have so many pictures to post. I will share leg by leg of my trip here over a couple of days, and maybe post a lot of pictures on my facebook page. Here are pictures of the day we took off and the first couple days with the Zakariasens. They are one fantastic family! The first full day with them, we visited a Creche (daycare-I thought I had some pictures of this, but I guess I only have video) and also a nursing home. The nursing home was run by a very sweet loving lady, but she only had so much money to work with. Abundant poverty in South Africa. We also got a tour of the Bethesda orphanage, but I did not really get any good pictures there, just a couple. Very nice facilities. We met a young man out in the community one day who had grown up in a Bethesda home. It was fun to talk with him. Elaine bought a (unity gift-headbands) for all the girls to open at the airport the morning we took off.

2007-07-21T17:32:00.000-05:00

Hey "ya'll",

(Been in the habit of saying that lately.) For those who do not know, I will be going to South Africa and Mozambique on August 1st with 7 other people from my church. Our main goal is Mbuzi, Mozambique, which is a very "rural" village somewhere in the bush. We cannot find it on any maps! We will be sleeping in tents, and there will be no plumbing or electricity ANYWHERE! Sounds like Boundary waters plus a few new "critters!" Our group will be evangelizing, holding Bible studies, teaching area pastors, children's minstries, women's ministries and holding a medical first aid clinic. All prayers are needed and appreciated! Also we will be visiting with the Zakariasens for a few days, and hopefully visiting one of the orphanages he helps with. We will be in Africa for 3 weeks. There will hopefully be some awesome pictures and stories to tell next time I blog.

2007-06-01T16:20:00.000-05:00

We even visited an historic jailhouse. Noelle was not too excited about the idea of us leaving her in jail though!

2007-06-01T16:15:00.000-05:00

Here are some scenic things of what we did and saw. Willmington and Southport are cool (well, temperature-wise, they can be quite hot) places to visit!

2007-06-01T16:10:00.000-05:00

Noelle and Belle got along great! It was quite entertaining watching Noelle growl, chase, squish and squeal Belle around all week! Belle is really great with Noelle. Very attached to the whole family!

2007-06-01T16:04:00.000-05:00

We went to the aquarium in Wilmington. It was a lot of fun watching Noelle's reactions to things.

2007-06-01T14:39:00.000-05:00

Then... I visited Holly, Phil, Noelle and Bell in North Carolina. I really think I need to move down there someday!! We did many things down there. We all got sunburned (except Bell) when we went to the beach on memorial day. We even put sunblock on!

2007-06-01T14:33:00.000-05:00

Then, a couple saturdays ago, we had a going away picnic for Eric (my brother-in- law deploying to Iraq). I just realized today that I got only pictures of the nieces and a few others, but none of Eric. They were throwing the volleyball around and the fast flowing stream "stole" it from them. Zach thankfully "saved" it.

2007-06-01T14:30:00.000-05:00

Next, everyone can say good bye to my bike. Unfortunately I never got a picture of myself on it (kind of a hard task when you are by yourself). I have decided to get a different kind, probably next year. Maybe even a scooter, we will see. Can't let the license and helmet go to waste.

2007-06-01T14:26:00.000-05:00

First of all, to catch up with the times, I must post pictures of my newest niece, Maleah. Her cousin Anna does not know quite what to do with her though.

2007-03-19T20:24:00.000-05:00

Believe it or not, spring has finally sprung in my yard! No, no green yet, but my creek is gurgling again!! Actually gushing! Oh that you could hear it!!! Unfortunately it is hard to see in these pictures, but believe you me...it is flowing! I LOVE spring!!

The Beautiful Spring
by George Cooper

"I was here first," said the snowdrop: "look!"

"Not before me!" sang the silver brook.

"Why," cried the grass, "I've been here a week!"

"So have I, dear," sighed a violet meek.

"Well," piped a bluebird, "don't leave me out!

I saw the snow that lay round about."

"Yes," chirped a snowbird, "that may be true;

But I've seen it all the bleak winter through."

"I came betimes," sang the southwind,

"I!""After me, love!" spake the deep blue sky.

"Who is it cares?" chimed the crickets gay:

"Now you are here, let us hope you'll stay."

Whispered the sun,

"Lo! the winter's past:

What does it matter who's first or last?

Sky, brooks, and flowers, and birdies that sing,

All help to make up the beautiful spring."

2007-03-10T22:00:00.000-06:00

Here are a few snap shots of some of those who made it, including a close up of our beloved and well renowned photographer!

2007-03-10T21:29:00.000-06:00

We had Monica's baby shower today. Despite competing with the MACS tournament, we had quite a show of people. 24 I believe. It went well...I think...I hope! Oh well, its done! YEAH! Sue Peterson did a great job with games. We had favors for all and themed baskets for prizes! We had enough great food, and I love the cake! Monica got a lot of really cute things! I did not get a picture of all her gifts together. I regret that, but here are some!

2007-02-19T19:05:00.000-06:00

The weather is FINALLY warming up here after weeks of sub zero weather! Here are some pictures of this past summer and spring that are making me really look forward to this coming spring and summer! (My life if too boring recently, so I have to pull from my past in order to update this blog!! Ugg!) My bike, my puppy (well, was) the ocean and sunsets! Oh, and cute adorable little faces playing at the beach!

2006-12-31T21:12:00.000-06:00

We all got together at grandma's again this year on New Year's Eve. I am always surprised how many people we can fit in her house, but we always manage quite comfortably. I also got some good pictures of dad teaching Susannah how to shoot a gun. (He has loosened up quite a bit since I was a kid, I gueuss ;-) )

the fun of Christmas morning with kids

2006-12-30T10:01:00.000-06:00

It was so much fun watching the little ones open their gifts this year. Noelle even got to be Santa's little helper by passing out the gifts. (With Holly's help of course!)

Mary Poppins exhibit at Macy's

2006-12-30T09:41:00.000-06:00

Most of us went to the Macy's exhibit this year. The lines were long, but it was fun enough. Ryan and Noelle did not quite know quite what to think though!

2006-11-30T17:18:00.000-06:00

Here are a few pictures of everyone having fun!

2006-11-30T17:02:00.000-06:00

Last week, all of us (minus Megan, Eric and Anna) got together for Thanksgiving at Jeremy and Jo's house.

2006-11-30T16:43:00.001-06:00

Hey everyone, I finally took the plunge and attempted this. Bare with me, and hopefully I will soon figure it out. I don't have much of a life, but you guys look like you have so much fun doing your blogs, so I thought I would try!