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“Time Keeps on Slippin’, Slippin’…”
It’s hard to believe that we’ve been in North America for four months already. One-quarter of our home assigment is already spent. We relate to the lyrics of the 1976 Steve Miller Band song, Fly Like an Eagle, “Time keeps on slippin’, slippin’, slippin, into the future.” It’s been great to reconnect with family, friends and supporting churches. We’ve had our fill of doctor, eye, and dental appointments and are grateful for good ol’ Canadian medical care. While Susie keeps the home fires burning in Kelowna with the girls in school, Calvin travels to report to and thank supporting churches. If he has not yet been to your church or area, be assured that a visit is planned for the new year. We have until June 2017 to do the rounds.
While there is much that we miss about Cameroon, there are certainly things we enjoy about North America. Here are just a few of our favourite things:
- Celebrating birthdays with extended family members
- Taking a break from tropical fruits and enjoying pomegranates, pears, crispy apples
- California rolls and other Asian inspired flavors
- Hiking in the beautiful Okanagan Valley
- Experiencing the different seasons; autumn has to be a favorite for all of us
- Paying with little plastic cards versus cash
Ysabelle Grade 10
- Pacific NW smoked salmon
- The girls have connected with new friends at their schools
- Fast internet and Netflix
- Learning kick-boxing (Ysabelle) and guitar (Elianna)
- Youth group at church
Elianna Grade 7
- Real school photos!
Redeeming the Time
While time slips away from all of us, there are always opportunities to redeem and make the most of the time we presently live in. One of the verses of the above mentioned song, Fly Like an Eagle, states:
Feed the babies
Who don’t have enough to eat
Shoe the children
With no shoes on their feet
House the people
Livin’ in the street
Oh, oh, there’s a solution
One solution is simply to take advantage of the many opportunities available to us in North America to bless those less fortunate than we – and there is always someone less fortunate.
If you, your family, colleagues or fellowship group are looking for a way to give to and bless others this Holiday Season, consider one of the following projects and programs. These are some of the ministries we are involved with in Cameroon and we can attest to their integrity and effectiveness in transforming lives. May you be equally blessed as you bless others.
Hearts for the Deaf: The Integrated School for the Deaf provides primary and secondary education to children with hearing impairment. The children learn how to communicate through sign language and are then integrated into local schools as a way of preparing them for future social and economic empowerment. Hearts for the Deaf donations support the work of the Integrated School for the Deaf, giving these children the opportunity to be educated and integrated into society. You can give online to help educate deaf students this project at:
http://www.nabconference.org/give/online/cameroon-hearts-deaf
or send a check to: NAB, 1219 Pleasant Grove Blvd. Roseville, CA 95678
Seminary Student Work Scholarship Fund: Most seminary students in Cameroon rely on friends and family to help them pay for their education. By working part-time at the seminary through the work-study program, needy students can earn the shortfall in their tuition fees and continue in school. The program also benefits the seminary by providing the funds necessary to hire students for campus work. You can give online to this project at:
http://www.nabconference.org/give/online/cameroon-ndu-seminary-workstudy-program
or send a check to: NAB, 1219 Pleasant Grove Blvd. Roseville, CA 95678
Integrated School for Blind Children: Promoting sustainable livelihood, this school operates a 4-year program for beginners that prepares students to function in a seeing world. In these four years, the students learn daily living skills through mobility and orientation training. They also learn to read and write Braille. All students, regardless of age, begin in this program. Once they are both confident and competent in their skills they move onto mainstream schools. You can give online to help educate blind children at:
http://www.nabconference.org/give/online/cameroon-integrated-school-blind
or send a check to: NAB, 1219 Pleasant Grove Blvd. Roseville, CA 95678
Chosen Children: The Chosen Children Program identifies, assists and supports HIV/AIDS orphans to stay in their villages with “caregivers” who provide a safe and stable home environment. Both children and caregivers receive services. Children are provided with HIV screening, nutritional assistance, education, and medical care. Caregivers receive training in social and medical care of children, HIV education, counseling and support by qualified social workers. You can give online to assist orphans at:
http://www.nabconference.org/give/online/cameroon-hivaids-chosen-children
or send a check to: NAB, 1219 Pleasant Grove Blvd. Roseville, CA 95678
Wishing you a blessed season of celebrating the Greatest Gift ever given Jesus – Immanuel – God with us, and a New Year full of opportunities to love God and love the people around you.