Yes, it has been almost two weeks - I've been sick with Dengue Fever for over a week: an acute infectious disease characterized by sudden onset, headache, fever/chills, racking joint pain, and a rash and caused by a virus transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes chiefly in tropical and semitropical regions. These mosquitoes are the daytime biters. There has been over 300 cases of Dengue reported in our local hospitals - the continuing heavy rains that cause trenches to overflow and then breed more mosquitoes doesn't help. This trench runs directly through our yard under the windows.Another symptom of Dengue is the terrible dizziness which did cause me to pass out, Jack was out of the house. The total lack of appetite has caused my body to become weak but today I ate my first full meal at lunch. Thank you for your messages and prayers... I'm going to let Jack take over with what his life has been during my down time.
We have not been very communicative during the past week... Val has explained why. Today is looking better - we took a short walk through the closest markets this morning to buy some carrots, tomatoes and pineapple.
I must comment that during Val’s illness, members and friends were very kind and generous in offering food, advice, prayers and constant assurance that they were there to assist us.
I must comment that during Val’s illness, members and friends were very kind and generous in offering food, advice, prayers and constant assurance that they were there to assist us.
The congregation is gradually becoming more aware of my presence and suddenly requests for baptisms were arriving, and after family interviews, 2 babies, one four year old and a teenager received God’s blessing through water and the word, and names were added to the church roster.
The first confirmation class was held three Saturdays ago and zero persons arrived. Two Saturdays ago four persons showed up and last Saturday we had seven young people registered for confirmation.
I completed my third service up river (Demerera River) to the village of Sand Hills. This involves travelling by taxi for about 45 minutes to the Timehri Dock where a small wooden boat awaits to offer transport up river. This is a large tidal river and the duration of your trips depends on which way the tide is moving: 45 minutes to an hour. The last two trips were on the damp side as rain decided to be a companion. Valerie, “Jack I told you to take an umbrella”!
The banks of the river are dense tropical rain forest, and if you ever capsized I do not know how you would reach shore as muka muka (sp??) trees grow very close together along the banks and reach out yards from shore.
I also travelled to the West Bank of the Demerara River for a visit to King of Glory Lutheran Church last Friday. We travelled over the longest pontoon bridge in the world over the Demerara River. This is a small congregation that was virtually none existent four years ago, but through persistence and some active members has become a viable congregation.
Last Saturday I was able to speak via a Skype phone conference with my fellow members on the World Mission Committee in Winnipeg. This was the final meeting of this committee as our world mission programs will be undertaken by the ELCA in a transition that will occur between now and October 2009. Since Valerie and I have been involved as volunteers since 1999 in Cameroon and Guyana this is a difficult pill to swallow. The discussion of the pros and cons of this decision would include many extra pages.
On Saturday afternoons I meet with the youth and they have already scheduled Valerie for a power point presentation. They want to learn about the life of their 'brothers and sisters' in Africa. This Saturday is a meeting of the District wherein there will be a Bible Quiz contest. "What is the name of Moses wife"??
Thanks for the incoming messages. When you are miles apart from family and friends, incoming mail immediately (usually) lifts one out of the doldrums of loneliness. Leave us a few comments here - we'd like to hear your feedback.
Our daughter Lori phoned to check on Mom and tell us the latest and we were especially happy to hear that Granny Mabel has settled so well into her new home. Maureen please pass our love on to Auntie's Ruthie & Gertie.
The rain does bring freshness and beauty to our hibiscus trees and we have many beautiful birds right outside our balcony.
Think about that Skype hook-up...
God’s blessings - Jack & Val
We are In Mission for Others...
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