tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30554497713976012722024-03-21T09:46:35.162-07:00Steve, Joe, and David's TravelsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055449771397601272.post-34094517382889983562009-09-29T10:23:00.000-07:002009-09-29T12:16:59.736-07:00IntroductionThis blog is about a year of travel and volunteer service by Steve Grey, Joe Tepe, and David Conway.<br />
<br />
Steve and David traveled from July 2008 to August 2009, visiting 26 countries and doing volunteer service in 15 countries with 22 different organizations. Joe joined Steve and David for the first 5 months, visiting 11countries and doing volunteer service in 8 countries with 9 different organizations. Our schedule and all our blog entries are listed in the column to the right.<br />
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The most meaningful part of our journey was meeting people who are giving their lives away to help others. If you're interested in reading about the inspiring people we met, here's a summary of the places where we did volunteer work:<br />
<br />
<div><ul><li><a href="http://stevejoedavid.blogspot.com/2008/07/honduras.html">Honduras</a> - Helped build a small church for a hill village near Siguatepeque</li>
<li><a href="http://stevejoedavid.blogspot.com/2008/08/nicaragua.html">Nicaragua</a> - Painted a sports complex for children outside Managua</li>
<li><a href="http://stevejoedavid.blogspot.com/2008/08/pucallpa.html">Peru</a> - School for disabled children in the jungle region of Pucallpa<br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://stevejoedavid.blogspot.com/2008/09/bolivia.html">Bolivia</a> - Crafts, games, and puppet shows for children's Bible school in Cochabamba<br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://stevejoedavid.blogspot.com/2008/09/brasil.html">Brazil</a> - Children's home for 180 street kids in Campinas and 50 street kids in Vittoria</li>
<li><a href="http://stevejoedavid.blogspot.com/2008/10/tibet.html">Tibet</a> - Orphanage for 80 children outside Lhasa<br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://stevejoedavid.blogspot.com/2008/10/yangshuo-and-wuming.html">China</a> - Taught English in night classes to Chinese children in Wuming<br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://stevejoedavid.blogspot.com/2008/11/vietnam.html">Vietnam</a> - Orphanage for disabled children in Hoi An<br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://stevejoedavid.blogspot.com/2008/12/chiang-kham-thailand.html">Thailand</a> - Home for 120 girls who would have otherwise been sold into prostitution, outside Chiang Kham<br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://stevejoedavid.blogspot.com/2009_01_01_archive.html">South Africa</a> - Community development, literacy, and after-school programs for a squatter camp in Kensington<br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://stevejoedavid.blogspot.com/2009/02/mozambique.html">Mozambique</a> - Orphanage for 200 street kids plus outreach to people who live at the dump in Maputo<br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://stevejoedavid.blogspot.com/2009/02/uganda.html">Uganda</a> - Vocational school outside Gulu for 60 boys and girls abducted by rebels during the war<br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://stevejoedavid.blogspot.com/2009/03/kigoma-tanzania.html">Tanzania</a> - Sports, games, and after-school programs for hundreds of village children at "Kid's Club" in Kigoma</li>
<li><a href="http://stevejoedavid.blogspot.com/2009/03/kenya.html">Kenya</a> - School for 100 village kids who can't afford public school and Catholic orphanage in Mashaka<br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://stevejoedavid.blogspot.com/2009/04/calcutta-and-taj-mahal-india.html">Calcutta, India</a> - Boys home for 40 street children<br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://stevejoedavid.blogspot.com/2009/05/varanasi.html">Varanasi, India</a> - Day program for 30 train station boys, after-school tutoring, and Mother Teresa orphanage<br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://stevejoedavid.blogspot.com/2009/07/indonesia.html">Indonesia</a> - Children's homes in Gunung Sitoli and Teluk Dalam, Nias and in Denpensar, Bali</li>
</ul><div>We hope this blog inspires you to travel or to volunteer your time to help others at home or around the world.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Best wishes,</div><div>Steve, Joe, and David</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055449771397601272.post-66963253323202204552009-08-05T12:59:00.001-07:002009-08-10T10:23:08.254-07:00Fiji<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCWThkTPCT_wDXgjWq35lB6EjbuPjwwnmcwSwU7EI93W_4El7U0KSAchOcgNTHC4cGZDOvHYYlPg7HstJrj3PqyoZErk-y1yzpKa5jJCEVBOdb6UaQFj1oc-nv6UAUflX1gjTSTyLIaED/s1600-h/P1060245.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366574206974318674" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCWThkTPCT_wDXgjWq35lB6EjbuPjwwnmcwSwU7EI93W_4El7U0KSAchOcgNTHC4cGZDOvHYYlPg7HstJrj3PqyoZErk-y1yzpKa5jJCEVBOdb6UaQFj1oc-nv6UAUflX1gjTSTyLIaED/s200/P1060245.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWlxJwh0b_LQcYSX0tD9kYu9Y7i6f2RUTbUNc_PSqR6qwewe3u2YIwFVFQxL1jlcX-jkyCKNQwi_VpQSF2zDTOl4Qli9TTBx4iU5wjnz5mYMN39I7-ZMMTxmIFpPlw-RhpOTBefnhuG31/s1600-h/P1060313.jpg"></a>When we realized that our flight from Australia to the U.S. flew through Fiji, we thought, “Why not stay for a week?” So we did.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNlx-ISN2w6SKRuLM6A773hEHbF0nB_VRcYnaNwLPq73sxnocHNWQGmgx6iE2386lcBYGk7L1K1lk1JrwdV-PP7oaNzKOgvptMPzvUT_5tn0MYnAII99P5T1YWwgvKvr81DPCX6-Qv4zQ/s1600-h/P1050910.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366572178665563762" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNlx-ISN2w6SKRuLM6A773hEHbF0nB_VRcYnaNwLPq73sxnocHNWQGmgx6iE2386lcBYGk7L1K1lk1JrwdV-PP7oaNzKOgvptMPzvUT_5tn0MYnAII99P5T1YWwgvKvr81DPCX6-Qv4zQ/s200/P1050910.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqKZn5fDjP9Zu4Q33plFUp22ZcOGUMgTAEuKdDWBWs-8BlJccGWweWMrYwbI1EyIS8rCf__hMoQqcA8RsuI0aPlyb2k8eL-SGBjmvOCWcjwAm0AAiHbtJpz-0csi7sFRePP23xC4cVGRz/s1600-h/P1050918.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366572181105085698" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqKZn5fDjP9Zu4Q33plFUp22ZcOGUMgTAEuKdDWBWs-8BlJccGWweWMrYwbI1EyIS8rCf__hMoQqcA8RsuI0aPlyb2k8eL-SGBjmvOCWcjwAm0AAiHbtJpz-0csi7sFRePP23xC4cVGRz/s200/P1050918.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJu8BkeQzSrcOvTgFposPSJzraS1UnZTbpe-2xdlor-LmQpDOVwFY9KdvRrjxeoC9Ed1RD_KMCULXZ4KaOu01Iuz4aNRUMmL3yZvcRar4hIzu4kozNgE58duLZ5kmPXSTFiq6wl3x0Bw9i/s1600-h/P1060209.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366573698711832274" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJu8BkeQzSrcOvTgFposPSJzraS1UnZTbpe-2xdlor-LmQpDOVwFY9KdvRrjxeoC9Ed1RD_KMCULXZ4KaOu01Iuz4aNRUMmL3yZvcRar4hIzu4kozNgE58duLZ5kmPXSTFiq6wl3x0Bw9i/s200/P1060209.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggV74QS6MNBdE6hzY0VoahnlqmrBycEr3jFQJsqe-vmHRf0eS_LE9Mg1bEElIr_pmB6x5nku41wuilKObh9_uMGLFdfY7kS95MUS3dQircO4PVflgPPoe15ha7rshS0IJZtqoCHgGKiDdh/s1600-h/P1060026.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366572842839523010" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggV74QS6MNBdE6hzY0VoahnlqmrBycEr3jFQJsqe-vmHRf0eS_LE9Mg1bEElIr_pmB6x5nku41wuilKObh9_uMGLFdfY7kS95MUS3dQircO4PVflgPPoe15ha7rshS0IJZtqoCHgGKiDdh/s200/P1060026.jpg" border="0" /></a>Fiji is the last of 26 countries we would visit on our year-long trip around the world. We spent a week on Taveuni, one of the remote islands that is known as “The Garden Island of Fiji” because of its abundant tropical palms, flowers, and ferns. Though only about 40 km long and 10 km wide, it is said to have over 200 waterfalls, many of which splash into pools surrounded by lush tropical plants that instantly evoke the feeling of being in a tropical paradise. (And yes, we got to swim in several of them.)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGU6eKiFyGffuorahU7pdMKG8GhjMQlOwmFeYqafIasT_TLbkETKwitKoMcXl8419GscjJuVTE_8b94uatmjKsLjloslL_fQ60xwq1uBLyN67d4uLhJv12lpat4-myseWjsV3ewA-MCV0/s1600-h/P1060271.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366574219440042322" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGU6eKiFyGffuorahU7pdMKG8GhjMQlOwmFeYqafIasT_TLbkETKwitKoMcXl8419GscjJuVTE_8b94uatmjKsLjloslL_fQ60xwq1uBLyN67d4uLhJv12lpat4-myseWjsV3ewA-MCV0/s200/P1060271.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is Ronna Goldstein and some of the wonderful staff at the Coconut Grove Cottages (<a href="http://www.coconutgrovefiji.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.coconutgrovefiji.com</a>) on Taveuni. Ronna left the U.S. corporate world 18 years ago to open a small restaurant on Taveuni. Over time, she added a few beachfront cottages for guests. TripAdvisor.com rates Coconut Grove as one of the “hidden gems” in the South Pacific and it’s because Ronna and her staff go out of their way to make sure all her guests have a fantastic stay. We’ll always remember the taste and smell of coconut bread, papaya curry, ginger fish and so many other delicious dishes... and how Ronna and her staff made us feel invited into their family. Thanks!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHj_lIHemu8eDZsYmSvgDadERs8lcwMqf0oXZWD5a-lQkgo9fxxRXpilc11fuNhemlOI231lzUHRopV8lEhpGOLa5xLsbR7upakEFbZqMn_lnf4cPDMvbNKHbstYPu09UNvBFhFH3uE8x/s1600-h/P1050929.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366572191914143842" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHj_lIHemu8eDZsYmSvgDadERs8lcwMqf0oXZWD5a-lQkgo9fxxRXpilc11fuNhemlOI231lzUHRopV8lEhpGOLa5xLsbR7upakEFbZqMn_lnf4cPDMvbNKHbstYPu09UNvBFhFH3uE8x/s200/P1050929.jpg" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366758970354648722" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 130px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAt4JR5m0ekvRECn4guVYyAHA6az3xaMuCTAMTr1jcuA13tukrUXSHsYCDvbsvPzqgnESitr_U-llSymy36nR1Dk3TAJPnpIzuAB4k4xK0hBWXb3TydxCqAr3X6oXGYHjngWbB92GvzxC/s200/coconut+grove+beach.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />One night some local schoolchildren demonstrated the traditional dance of Fiji – the “meke” - accompanied by the sweet sound of island guitars and ukeleles or the thundering boom of Fijian drums.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHfxyMt-6EiAnVuu0FhbWNmzEsAeL16fCoEUOEEQEWbQk5FTIandHzhhVCyCobcrhiVSka4LljIoXfUu331CCWnne6DAVD84K5BYC5Fn4tGZzbp4yrRY9L-xPex84mvVi1J7kNMX6v4nU/s1600-h/P1050940.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366572194020540434" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHfxyMt-6EiAnVuu0FhbWNmzEsAeL16fCoEUOEEQEWbQk5FTIandHzhhVCyCobcrhiVSka4LljIoXfUu331CCWnne6DAVD84K5BYC5Fn4tGZzbp4yrRY9L-xPex84mvVi1J7kNMX6v4nU/s200/P1050940.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJ-2aMjs5CreeaXfhAx3D4sAO19CoWAOPmRjGaE_vdSuXBS6nNz43lHuTQEdbdpkKWadqsDVoXVoHhu_qRQfqEQG0W_0-evyKjvlhUp0c4KahEpmqrzRVZTRioJQhCRQM2Q6V0bbXLAfZ/s1600-h/P1050977.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366572201900033074" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJ-2aMjs5CreeaXfhAx3D4sAO19CoWAOPmRjGaE_vdSuXBS6nNz43lHuTQEdbdpkKWadqsDVoXVoHhu_qRQfqEQG0W_0-evyKjvlhUp0c4KahEpmqrzRVZTRioJQhCRQM2Q6V0bbXLAfZ/s200/P1050977.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_QMxZZCjMMC-6o2vETqWGrZQtqwgdl6oIW8TQyai-2FOYGj_YMR7pGh9SC867MY5bE2r3D635lmiXZJVvRBlIVmJaAamI-nab4nP9Vjm7Nz_jMYwwkkgXOMkGWUEI7U4Nv-eK3L-anLM/s1600-h/P1050981.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366572822301793522" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_QMxZZCjMMC-6o2vETqWGrZQtqwgdl6oIW8TQyai-2FOYGj_YMR7pGh9SC867MY5bE2r3D635lmiXZJVvRBlIVmJaAamI-nab4nP9Vjm7Nz_jMYwwkkgXOMkGWUEI7U4Nv-eK3L-anLM/s200/P1050981.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Since it was our last week of our trip, we spent our time relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty of Fiji – hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and diving.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDMNlFqzOOaB15rKZw_hIhN07xJcByvq0Dk9Cyn4Ag6gDLr47vzLNjocLuUK-yJisf25SOgrZ-Bq3vaToyRTjXI8VCAIZbLERaiVY-Mt7AkBfd_26M6vsbGoClfJ0fmvt51Dvn0QXej_Q/s1600-h/P1060252.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366574209547010466" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFDMNlFqzOOaB15rKZw_hIhN07xJcByvq0Dk9Cyn4Ag6gDLr47vzLNjocLuUK-yJisf25SOgrZ-Bq3vaToyRTjXI8VCAIZbLERaiVY-Mt7AkBfd_26M6vsbGoClfJ0fmvt51Dvn0QXej_Q/s200/P1060252.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4Cp_rQsWnRiR26jkgFj2e8rve1GdHoE5SBVhTrY_OfsC6GbM3F2__KwoWbsgpHSZmCBniEkB-F34CnRzb-EDIBpcIcrZJ687_XTaguaaGK97BiXBz3CqgfZjxq83vPlNk9wnfvFAhAwU/s1600-h/P1060016.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366572832165501074" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4Cp_rQsWnRiR26jkgFj2e8rve1GdHoE5SBVhTrY_OfsC6GbM3F2__KwoWbsgpHSZmCBniEkB-F34CnRzb-EDIBpcIcrZJ687_XTaguaaGK97BiXBz3CqgfZjxq83vPlNk9wnfvFAhAwU/s200/P1060016.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXSKiQTP9mmncQWj-cimdNCs0jdHmVIgdAzc7bv68w3VOAQkKH5gvtrhPEPIH9g4Mb3fBvDxRnibMkbln4oHOgTx1HSdpdAOS-iRjgKgZ9C3cBKg7J-cV_MYsdEtb0kTqWp5HbmavbPrH/s1600-h/P1060112.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366573246437103346" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXSKiQTP9mmncQWj-cimdNCs0jdHmVIgdAzc7bv68w3VOAQkKH5gvtrhPEPIH9g4Mb3fBvDxRnibMkbln4oHOgTx1HSdpdAOS-iRjgKgZ9C3cBKg7J-cV_MYsdEtb0kTqWp5HbmavbPrH/s200/P1060112.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kcPla8qMxxvNILx6Wubz8HlqwbXq9uroIU3pBJO0B4QBvOP-hyTJFmjCc255eMh8-P08faLWoVsqKBsclMsa9gLpcKz03XZnZOgVhWMop_uwhoeHzSh9PrCRSQJD8vI-ygF9ysP35F3G/s1600-h/P1060231.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366574200751964098" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kcPla8qMxxvNILx6Wubz8HlqwbXq9uroIU3pBJO0B4QBvOP-hyTJFmjCc255eMh8-P08faLWoVsqKBsclMsa9gLpcKz03XZnZOgVhWMop_uwhoeHzSh9PrCRSQJD8vI-ygF9ysP35F3G/s200/P1060231.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoEBFtFCrfjfT3u0nvAvBJ0mRTNoFG8TZhyphenhyphencQD0r7LJzmHiQacmij7CFDHaaI1bY_cYAQGRpE7Jlq6z9D8DjpjFoG_nlyQExUV8tuDtpwZtC8YiXI3DNv_xcSc8-CT2PGGJeLl3vhfSWr/s1600-h/P1060080.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366573231181059410" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoEBFtFCrfjfT3u0nvAvBJ0mRTNoFG8TZhyphenhyphencQD0r7LJzmHiQacmij7CFDHaaI1bY_cYAQGRpE7Jlq6z9D8DjpjFoG_nlyQExUV8tuDtpwZtC8YiXI3DNv_xcSc8-CT2PGGJeLl3vhfSWr/s200/P1060080.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Tr0DUWQ0TjmxirUMzOVaeLww3EnkOhDbPviIdmML-7sw0eZ4qTn3iSP_HvnpbxXDLxvNMYOw1FT42cL4oHqwetmYMkPDszjx9FxTsytM3pvZUAPCd3vtBHJ8qiKzZIEFF9tmGvIvHChg/s1600-h/simone.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366758979272989282" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Tr0DUWQ0TjmxirUMzOVaeLww3EnkOhDbPviIdmML-7sw0eZ4qTn3iSP_HvnpbxXDLxvNMYOw1FT42cL4oHqwetmYMkPDszjx9FxTsytM3pvZUAPCd3vtBHJ8qiKzZIEFF9tmGvIvHChg/s200/simone.jpg" border="0" /></a> We were thankful to have Simone (shown here with four of his six children) guide us through breaking ocean waves (some as high as 10 feet and looking quite treacherous) when we were kayaking around the island to some beautiful waterfalls and jumping rocks. (Click on the photo of the waterfall to see a larger view of David jumping over the 45-foot precipice).<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY455LqN6_91YgnKAjMziKpKvwzkrVVAEEJk_TJJYS14WT4mEE_lkHRTNM6IRSXgTk2C8BQOsuC1zU3a_6Dx9mtvw4GlisGOiSILfO48ubk7ZJ-cHdzmwTp5q0N79WKTrHHyg9Nm9u-Nua/s1600-h/P1050997.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366572824834140706" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY455LqN6_91YgnKAjMziKpKvwzkrVVAEEJk_TJJYS14WT4mEE_lkHRTNM6IRSXgTk2C8BQOsuC1zU3a_6Dx9mtvw4GlisGOiSILfO48ubk7ZJ-cHdzmwTp5q0N79WKTrHHyg9Nm9u-Nua/s200/P1050997.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcii2TkfPvU-65Qm4IlWhJI1qLvHlNWyk20UNe1kF6earodE_ebQNUlMDHKmZFR3KUYJcxUoFsigOooJcpESoReOmqquWlJu61ZpO7Q8TGnx1kHf4aH81k-t5InIv09s89oq7TOwQXxcY/s1600-h/P1060030.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366573225894881666" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcii2TkfPvU-65Qm4IlWhJI1qLvHlNWyk20UNe1kF6earodE_ebQNUlMDHKmZFR3KUYJcxUoFsigOooJcpESoReOmqquWlJu61ZpO7Q8TGnx1kHf4aH81k-t5InIv09s89oq7TOwQXxcY/s200/P1060030.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We also enjoyed two dives on the world-famous Rainbow Reef. It definitely lived up to its reputation with Technicolor fish and coral plus underwater visibility up to 50 meters. One of the dive sites was called “Fish Factory” and it was easy to see why. You could look in any direction and see at least 25 species of stunningly colorful tropical fish.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTr6j-WL_2YPDEM17TTdYMoClsP4uG3qzVqtUnn5Fs9XB9P_Hlev3rGRaRuNXAe5ETC74x62ZarYBr_JVzUdsyTqCRyJ3heNgX0n8cc6DOCBiwcnKuB_q9H2h9lkHyVscW6kxHQNzq81u6/s1600-h/P1060317.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366574767965275906" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTr6j-WL_2YPDEM17TTdYMoClsP4uG3qzVqtUnn5Fs9XB9P_Hlev3rGRaRuNXAe5ETC74x62ZarYBr_JVzUdsyTqCRyJ3heNgX0n8cc6DOCBiwcnKuB_q9H2h9lkHyVscW6kxHQNzq81u6/s200/P1060317.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinH-ZfMzZxwRt_pZH_232ox1kovVz_NFRmgeWQKoJVzSdfIR0Js7UD94CWIKldx8rsQpJChyphenhyphenf70M98QPiHIRDYh7de6ORZLnPucHNXKuhmmDJvF_8xPaJjWO2VR7qUltZVpkjeyirOke2y/s1600-h/rainbowreef1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366574777930046194" style="WIDTH: 153px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinH-ZfMzZxwRt_pZH_232ox1kovVz_NFRmgeWQKoJVzSdfIR0Js7UD94CWIKldx8rsQpJChyphenhyphenf70M98QPiHIRDYh7de6ORZLnPucHNXKuhmmDJvF_8xPaJjWO2VR7qUltZVpkjeyirOke2y/s200/rainbowreef1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwY6MtFVFywL5iGSugTRxe0p6IbXeK6TgAiWsssjlimh-Bo71_bNA8g2X71E2htF9rJEU0SXk12OKJ7b0x9hDsh6dFhI7vL6Kni_7wo_oiBHPohmO1pzRZJ9CquUWR70UCZtd1eqymDZeD/s1600-h/rainbowreef4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366574782664538450" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwY6MtFVFywL5iGSugTRxe0p6IbXeK6TgAiWsssjlimh-Bo71_bNA8g2X71E2htF9rJEU0SXk12OKJ7b0x9hDsh6dFhI7vL6Kni_7wo_oiBHPohmO1pzRZJ9CquUWR70UCZtd1eqymDZeD/s200/rainbowreef4.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8dj6EiBNUAsF7EGTormIJYHMqLED8vb-IA6Z4-bj7RP9gyoMHMv1TmbWUNWe819qEhKDyvDX_GuSecMc60kcIJK5dO7Y3RaKOPlBYoVjpGyFd4jd3HpUIoKyon68U6pJGl7o7fr8XpTa/s1600-h/rainbowreef5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366575007575964802" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8dj6EiBNUAsF7EGTormIJYHMqLED8vb-IA6Z4-bj7RP9gyoMHMv1TmbWUNWe819qEhKDyvDX_GuSecMc60kcIJK5dO7Y3RaKOPlBYoVjpGyFd4jd3HpUIoKyon68U6pJGl7o7fr8XpTa/s200/rainbowreef5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisMF3LsTLmVOVJKgAvb1olJxvIQZUc9gadlqvE59Nna1hMuxdj2CYKj5vHNrTRU6Pt3oAqDJiuy9sLFWnQXOBwQEk6HMvM87MnC7YK1gPQ1Fh-VwS5wYl5TM8H64dGGHBCozZyu04olgP/s1600-h/P1060219.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366573712819441762" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisMF3LsTLmVOVJKgAvb1olJxvIQZUc9gadlqvE59Nna1hMuxdj2CYKj5vHNrTRU6Pt3oAqDJiuy9sLFWnQXOBwQEk6HMvM87MnC7YK1gPQ1Fh-VwS5wYl5TM8H64dGGHBCozZyu04olgP/s200/P1060219.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixePuWcQGUAnITnkBz6iEXo5yJpnqxEl8VBpUoNBHMK7MMRfMY3HkWmMckR1vkWNE8hKo_NyT4eA8Q_c7FjWNYe-SJXSmkkpFjCQuK-7MXZRxC0IuDPRMrEGno8nCkP6fAlcRB8seZYspR/s1600-h/P1060216.jpg"></a>Taveuni is one of the few places on earth where the International Date Line crosses land. That’s the 180-degree longitude line where one day starts and another day ends, so you can step across the line and be in the next (or previous) day. Thousands of people descended on Taveuni just before January 1, 2000 so they could be among the first people to greet the new millennium.<br /><br />We wished we could stay longer in Fiji. With its friendly people, soothing island breezes, relaxed vibe, and spectacular scenery, we can see why so many people come to visit but then decide to stay. We think we’ll be back.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgUQLHkPT1VtY977We4nK06QpdsWgZjMt6cpjBGng4rp8JVX8mwLO_Yq5IvdMFR-MXsdJPiOKe6-6zBfrdCZkdUv9tDzJaSa-wUk2kapP4z4Nl5EXlxnA-LxWKoi38hrViCJLCshQsW7z/s1600-h/P1060172.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366573693221135314" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgUQLHkPT1VtY977We4nK06QpdsWgZjMt6cpjBGng4rp8JVX8mwLO_Yq5IvdMFR-MXsdJPiOKe6-6zBfrdCZkdUv9tDzJaSa-wUk2kapP4z4Nl5EXlxnA-LxWKoi38hrViCJLCshQsW7z/s200/P1060172.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />~~~~~<br /><br />With the end of our time in Fiji comes the end of our year-long trip around the world. It has been an amazing adventure that has changed us forever. Throughout the year, we have felt God’s protection and blessing. We are so thankful that we didn’t have any serious illnesses or accidents. And we know that’s because so many people were praying for us. Thank you!<br /><br />Along the way, we have met many inspiring people. Some have persevered through tragic circumstances to build new lives for themselves. Some are giving their lives away to help others in need. Some are still in the midst of heart-breaking situations trying to find a way out. But all of them have shown us a resilience, perseverance, hope, and faith that inspire us to try to make a difference wherever we are.<br /><br />And we know that because we are blessed with much, we have an obligation to use what we have to help those in need… not a handout, but a hand up. I was once told that God’s will for our lives is where our talents and passions intersect with the needs of the world. I hope we can all find that place… where we live with meaning and purpose because we know that we are living the life that God made us for.<br /><br />Thank you for your prayers, your support, and your love,<br />Steve and David<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTRJTlTXmGt0-pp8nS__WoHeJBgfT-5mukmNRj98s0auI7SFJNjvXmCAdRAhCz9N5ysvF1oLSLfHEOna-v9moOAJySm3H2de4crGQncqqZgH2oXp15grNybghba0dUXlunT3akKQM1nXA/s1600-h/P1060117.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366573688725326546" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTRJTlTXmGt0-pp8nS__WoHeJBgfT-5mukmNRj98s0auI7SFJNjvXmCAdRAhCz9N5ysvF1oLSLfHEOna-v9moOAJySm3H2de4crGQncqqZgH2oXp15grNybghba0dUXlunT3akKQM1nXA/s200/P1060117.jpg" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055449771397601272.post-55425633073644417632009-07-31T22:41:00.000-07:002009-08-01T18:54:21.715-07:00Australia1 broken clutch, 2 flat tires, 4000 miles and countless kangaroo road kill. We sure will remember the roads of Australia.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIWvoU0tjuWr_x_sp2LcQS_MbfPhPoCurZgZ3aTa1CMQ17qb_Fcd8fB7g0QOowe4YBcWLxXtl79rYZ5kyk24QUfKr6qapCenXR1G9JRIyMtLINmugUOt6OPgt10XKtjHjYWp_Zcjb9TiW/s1600-h/P1050403.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364867007846471714" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibIWvoU0tjuWr_x_sp2LcQS_MbfPhPoCurZgZ3aTa1CMQ17qb_Fcd8fB7g0QOowe4YBcWLxXtl79rYZ5kyk24QUfKr6qapCenXR1G9JRIyMtLINmugUOt6OPgt10XKtjHjYWp_Zcjb9TiW/s200/P1050403.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMn1sb6ClDVqbMKM4lSX59EwHvy6KN3mnoLLaLXM1I2utYAD_8vgncSQaRNRYuhTqTnXk15sTe_7BAxR5RGn7GEJNXKdjIXa_0q8LJcM03br1Kwx6eZmV7mwhY98LjabpJrBH7MeAPSVb/s1600-h/P1050427.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364867628162865490" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMn1sb6ClDVqbMKM4lSX59EwHvy6KN3mnoLLaLXM1I2utYAD_8vgncSQaRNRYuhTqTnXk15sTe_7BAxR5RGn7GEJNXKdjIXa_0q8LJcM03br1Kwx6eZmV7mwhY98LjabpJrBH7MeAPSVb/s200/P1050427.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />As this is my fourth trip to Australia and I have never been to the west coast, Steve and I decided Perth would be the best place to start. Our first stop was Margaret River, one of Australia’s renowned wine regions. I am not a wine connoisseur but at a ritzy and beautiful wine estate when one sample described as “dry and fruity with a hint of meadow grass” tasted as I would imagine my backyard lawn I figured wine wouldn’t be a bad business to get into.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOfK_hrTsOoKZRA0OidjY7XsMNtRSQSNfMwwdnOjnb5_jtm1HOzs6ig_wqixWaa7lWPiNTMfYsRmodlghY7-nFObuOtNqb-h1Sw_Nh86-VdW0P8xHPxbuaakVIRWMMQM59BeyaQPSo8JT/s1600-h/P1050679.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364868817608409730" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOfK_hrTsOoKZRA0OidjY7XsMNtRSQSNfMwwdnOjnb5_jtm1HOzs6ig_wqixWaa7lWPiNTMfYsRmodlghY7-nFObuOtNqb-h1Sw_Nh86-VdW0P8xHPxbuaakVIRWMMQM59BeyaQPSo8JT/s200/P1050679.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>In Perth we found a tour that went up to Ningaloo reef and Exmouth, where we hoped to swim with whale sharks, with a few interesting stops along the way. Our first stop was “The Pinnacles” which are natural geographical formations but were initially mistaken for an ancient Aboriginal city due to their odd shapes.<br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRG5Q3NOfrNK3mEQTxLr7yOhjP0tJ0iBPFOJGd_ARscN0LQ_qkvtuPdQjI8W2IAaDrhslYIL3YVOzdAsXhIeJOXWz9zrFWulLSWRpFLVyyg9H2TqYHfjmFhv5nkmIxr7igGLXeL-vTWsAs/s1600-h/P1050309.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364866993050208370" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRG5Q3NOfrNK3mEQTxLr7yOhjP0tJ0iBPFOJGd_ARscN0LQ_qkvtuPdQjI8W2IAaDrhslYIL3YVOzdAsXhIeJOXWz9zrFWulLSWRpFLVyyg9H2TqYHfjmFhv5nkmIxr7igGLXeL-vTWsAs/s200/P1050309.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ce7RtAB5MvRgnrVZT0u7eHHneFoYeZfEBXqy2uvTbAs0j-eyumTxEDaRtPoKy5C5qfgjxYJO44932vusUT6zKNc-7374NAz_BrI_J6lModWV1AmOTOYN3QOkLbwTRUqfqWBRISrmF_W2/s1600-h/P1050340.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364866996988883970" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ce7RtAB5MvRgnrVZT0u7eHHneFoYeZfEBXqy2uvTbAs0j-eyumTxEDaRtPoKy5C5qfgjxYJO44932vusUT6zKNc-7374NAz_BrI_J6lModWV1AmOTOYN3QOkLbwTRUqfqWBRISrmF_W2/s200/P1050340.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-y3cNKuQ0qXvZW7f4ECDf55reQMqJcSzSF4CEWmFx3yRjdjeaDKNXPvYVWDlCFgdEm0lyovwC5pDTNU0yV3OCTvDl-UHIKMyGj0qFKnVvK3DaWIDQ0UxhB0o3FktFZa4j6CntrTFXwV5L/s1600-h/P1050303.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364866990580943922" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-y3cNKuQ0qXvZW7f4ECDf55reQMqJcSzSF4CEWmFx3yRjdjeaDKNXPvYVWDlCFgdEm0lyovwC5pDTNU0yV3OCTvDl-UHIKMyGj0qFKnVvK3DaWIDQ0UxhB0o3FktFZa4j6CntrTFXwV5L/s200/P1050303.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>I was disappointed when I heard there are no monkeys in Monkey Mia but the dolphins made up for it. Wild dolphins in Monkey Mia have grown lazy or decided that people are better at catching fish than they are, so every morning dolphins swim up to shore for tourists to feed them. From Monkey Mia we drove to Exmouth.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFpY1yxhkDIH6pgsMXkUpMwndaQVXYy-OLwywYIZTLzLHah6n6bPg0ggvMWxrzA6ni2kC9tKkONIwXrAoMhmGMuU5V0YClElXXulSxIi9z5aUQ1hgxwFJ6v0x94wtmlM-exq9GaSY5Wvn/s1600-h/P1050800.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364868828468182034" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFpY1yxhkDIH6pgsMXkUpMwndaQVXYy-OLwywYIZTLzLHah6n6bPg0ggvMWxrzA6ni2kC9tKkONIwXrAoMhmGMuU5V0YClElXXulSxIi9z5aUQ1hgxwFJ6v0x94wtmlM-exq9GaSY5Wvn/s200/P1050800.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JDt3hHV4tV8HEw_hJknrrRevE0LHSGEm8XMlFthpGTeN8aB3peC-SCyoy6abgBvkJkWmzBDLAF9GWC8URXhXhVbgyFadtC0lqvU4H9Z8yICTf_f3LJ9oha2G9bn94ujg4QB71xYSHIH7/s1600-h/P1050398.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364867002468951858" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5JDt3hHV4tV8HEw_hJknrrRevE0LHSGEm8XMlFthpGTeN8aB3peC-SCyoy6abgBvkJkWmzBDLAF9GWC8URXhXhVbgyFadtC0lqvU4H9Z8yICTf_f3LJ9oha2G9bn94ujg4QB71xYSHIH7/s200/P1050398.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>In Exmouth we were able to fulfill one of my life dreams – swim with whale sharks! Swimming within a few feet of the biggest fish in the ocean was quite a thrill! While the whale sharks we saw were about 23 feet, there have been documented sightings of 60 feet and undocumented sightings of over 70 feet.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzPFV0N3vwTyPEhFVFPzEFMzHWYfy76561Xd_MWscg5rrPc1_dmibCHu77Tr4bLelDcwc9JRYmpcm4giR89lM2ZLHa_YbeAmFEhejOdtecEJGG_PmXNRGoDjIqkwhfAkuXOzeC9GPDVA9/s1600-h/P1050457.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364867628675739346" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzPFV0N3vwTyPEhFVFPzEFMzHWYfy76561Xd_MWscg5rrPc1_dmibCHu77Tr4bLelDcwc9JRYmpcm4giR89lM2ZLHa_YbeAmFEhejOdtecEJGG_PmXNRGoDjIqkwhfAkuXOzeC9GPDVA9/s200/P1050457.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5ljJvALM7ye_9-2ZObAF6Y1aNud46YLNDvFnAEksFqO8B9BCR5y1EXef33lGPniqaapKgw4t2o74IoupPBXsNbI6iHyzVA9i4JyjC9lm0C5PAm8SF_FZF4j9dHxtKsMULIRruuwXdBOF/s1600-h/WhaleShark6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365175092542883778" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 111px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5ljJvALM7ye_9-2ZObAF6Y1aNud46YLNDvFnAEksFqO8B9BCR5y1EXef33lGPniqaapKgw4t2o74IoupPBXsNbI6iHyzVA9i4JyjC9lm0C5PAm8SF_FZF4j9dHxtKsMULIRruuwXdBOF/s200/WhaleShark6.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdHXtiSaHg2IlRsbr_PGw6hfGQhwJeijfHT5rXiuPu3_xh8XYC2Tix6AhGMhHFGQ5G1yWDsYmDPlb2zaczkZIv_1YH-ezVeNAJO0RQ8vuXdCczEJTY-vit41L_o6Bqzqt43szozTYnR_I/s1600-h/WhaleShark3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365175096825427618" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 126px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdHXtiSaHg2IlRsbr_PGw6hfGQhwJeijfHT5rXiuPu3_xh8XYC2Tix6AhGMhHFGQ5G1yWDsYmDPlb2zaczkZIv_1YH-ezVeNAJO0RQ8vuXdCczEJTY-vit41L_o6Bqzqt43szozTYnR_I/s200/WhaleShark3.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div>On the boat ride back migrating humpback whales decided to give us a show! These massive yet graceful whales swam within 10 yards of our boat and one breached (jumped out of the water) 8 times! Or so I am told as I was inconveniently sleeping for the breaching part… From Exmouth we drove back to Perth to catch a flight to Cairns on the east coast.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5MebLs3IkZf6WrlNQPjXa2tYnpwEkc1VKFmpO0ASJfHfRQbBU-6hT1tWaGRWtsHji5L58PkbCC2Grb1zuZxcxnlAkmUBGPAlTMeVJtZH2Fw1KCvmwxDlRXZS3-b0VirJCcnzlE2Fhl5K/s1600-h/humpback.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365175091300728610" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5MebLs3IkZf6WrlNQPjXa2tYnpwEkc1VKFmpO0ASJfHfRQbBU-6hT1tWaGRWtsHji5L58PkbCC2Grb1zuZxcxnlAkmUBGPAlTMeVJtZH2Fw1KCvmwxDlRXZS3-b0VirJCcnzlE2Fhl5K/s200/humpback.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtqDJfUv1m41KLcu8z5X2pM6zPOmctTr5khAWJLpaTK7fxGjrb1J3HHf_SIx3WpW1w19Zr1tp3vsgJQpnCbvBs61pkpk6512K5ZPqoOIxJEfMfBQF5BOnYN42b2IPf_b_mWriJ_2kIewq/s1600-h/P1050549.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364867647356986018" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtqDJfUv1m41KLcu8z5X2pM6zPOmctTr5khAWJLpaTK7fxGjrb1J3HHf_SIx3WpW1w19Zr1tp3vsgJQpnCbvBs61pkpk6512K5ZPqoOIxJEfMfBQF5BOnYN42b2IPf_b_mWriJ_2kIewq/s200/P1050549.jpg" border="0" /></a>In Cairns we were able to spend a day with my friend James. I met James nearly three years ago on my first trip to Australia while working on an old Crocodile farm. James is one of the most brilliant and interesting people in the world (and I think I can safely say that after this year). A day with James is always exciting and interesting with his firsthand accounts of near death experiences in the jungles of Papua New Guinea, ocean exploration expeditions, or enlightening you about the marvels of nature. He is one of those guys that you can mention some topic, even something totally obscure, and he knows enough to write a book on the subject. How he can remember it all I don’t know… He also gave us advice and helped us map a route to Sydney so we could see the highlights of Australia within our limited time. Cannot thank you enough James!</div><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4p5EYMaGvakYOOSUxW6PvtgB0wR5a5L-qGEU-o37r5l8vJckuWPN3C4gexReNBTWzgs-ADVkZefGTvBsKqpZsXt4OmgJ8pz7a9IHcRCzrrOXAG-YgA4ttCgin9DnWlK-MiymTE6ssksiJ/s1600-h/P1050614.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364868378337502706" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4p5EYMaGvakYOOSUxW6PvtgB0wR5a5L-qGEU-o37r5l8vJckuWPN3C4gexReNBTWzgs-ADVkZefGTvBsKqpZsXt4OmgJ8pz7a9IHcRCzrrOXAG-YgA4ttCgin9DnWlK-MiymTE6ssksiJ/s200/P1050614.jpg" border="0" /></a> With James’s advice we went to Hartley’s Crocodile Farm to see these reptiles and other animals up close. From Hartley’s we went north to Cape Tribulation. Cape Tribulation, Mount Sorrow, and Shipwreck Bay are not as bleak as Captain Cook (who named them) made them sound. “Cape Trib” is one of the few places in the world where rainforest and reef come within a few meters of each other.<br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EI8Fg5qkhVwKkkGvQlYcZBnTKiafzmyjKaaz4tD2wwVBYr9A3YjOU-ta5-dufJXS0gYrg0WB4zgNJWWNt6Tdl_bdV5xnnpHWw3TYTagkAiV3zMjPBL2tS1XSbf8vNyPutV9x2bcIV-mB/s1600-h/P1050592.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364868374570313250" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EI8Fg5qkhVwKkkGvQlYcZBnTKiafzmyjKaaz4tD2wwVBYr9A3YjOU-ta5-dufJXS0gYrg0WB4zgNJWWNt6Tdl_bdV5xnnpHWw3TYTagkAiV3zMjPBL2tS1XSbf8vNyPutV9x2bcIV-mB/s200/P1050592.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjSFBB2ANRMPXh2ck23rgnu1Z0ca1A6hdo_c88Oco4toUr2MJ8K4mSh3Qk-alz3ymLG8mR49r-mAgjKfX6EmGrHn9X4VPGDYOdYOoToEWRTummBR35rp-6JRp7H_yugr6U_DLX9cS6Ghh/s1600-h/P1050579.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364868365007123890" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjSFBB2ANRMPXh2ck23rgnu1Z0ca1A6hdo_c88Oco4toUr2MJ8K4mSh3Qk-alz3ymLG8mR49r-mAgjKfX6EmGrHn9X4VPGDYOdYOoToEWRTummBR35rp-6JRp7H_yugr6U_DLX9cS6Ghh/s200/P1050579.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wheYbWu05_FfFYbMBOu7sK7O-tLEPWVs5Dy3CrXDR9XXUaa2iTP7JhlO_u05Fatjcsinr-Y1lHjf3dhseq8tKB5LsAxV47xggTaxvklZadkh8j3y6h_5eEuuS_iU7_LjDZuBIsGYOBdz/s1600-h/P1050537.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364867643597930594" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wheYbWu05_FfFYbMBOu7sK7O-tLEPWVs5Dy3CrXDR9XXUaa2iTP7JhlO_u05Fatjcsinr-Y1lHjf3dhseq8tKB5LsAxV47xggTaxvklZadkh8j3y6h_5eEuuS_iU7_LjDZuBIsGYOBdz/s200/P1050537.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MbjwmTmR97zY2LDgtdVs5z2KUWXx13v1ql4gSHxaxWe9UHBP1LgmehmwR7jU7tdNvjHTa1ZIQ5v637QOahuDxE78-b1fosmfPzOKDlo9sy_rGMW5wTqRfLWb_6IBJFiXhhN2zJQsHMUI/s1600-h/P1050600.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364868377783669538" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MbjwmTmR97zY2LDgtdVs5z2KUWXx13v1ql4gSHxaxWe9UHBP1LgmehmwR7jU7tdNvjHTa1ZIQ5v637QOahuDxE78-b1fosmfPzOKDlo9sy_rGMW5wTqRfLWb_6IBJFiXhhN2zJQsHMUI/s200/P1050600.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsq7hSq_HqD_Jvp3NF8NzqRlTViatulxk5S4GNIUPQMZWf_l14SV64jTmFuFSHk2Se3S1ys-N_JxogGV3p-0bUi8LAUP_DHlbFrlFyaWZrA2c_7HsOuKGOKqucfbvNyw6BKwjfW3ItMD0/s1600-h/P1050766.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364868825809238722" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsq7hSq_HqD_Jvp3NF8NzqRlTViatulxk5S4GNIUPQMZWf_l14SV64jTmFuFSHk2Se3S1ys-N_JxogGV3p-0bUi8LAUP_DHlbFrlFyaWZrA2c_7HsOuKGOKqucfbvNyw6BKwjfW3ItMD0/s200/P1050766.jpg" border="0" /></a> We then drove south to Mission Beach where I lived and worked my way up to Dive Instructor two years ago. I was able to visit a few friends and dive on the Great Barrier Reef. This is Steve demonstrating how to put on a life jacket for a safety demonstration. The guy who you may have mistaken for a movie star standing in the foreground is “Pygmy” otherwise known as Andy who I lived and worked with.<br /><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65seZwryUYrYLiU1BWskUTehIjn07hTyqwqvNYJUBa3-67rrKW-8itWvsprKsNadm-9YAlmsAdQXf3IGzpNVDRJwl_Svz3koNT-FoDfU53OcHwJm3bL5NVwQPOkGr_GAqWJUn8Ld_uDZd/s1600-h/P1050642.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364868386804528338" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65seZwryUYrYLiU1BWskUTehIjn07hTyqwqvNYJUBa3-67rrKW-8itWvsprKsNadm-9YAlmsAdQXf3IGzpNVDRJwl_Svz3koNT-FoDfU53OcHwJm3bL5NVwQPOkGr_GAqWJUn8Ld_uDZd/s200/P1050642.jpg" border="0" /></a> After Mission Beach we quickly drove down the coast to Sydney stopping at Airlie Beach, Noosa Heads, and Port Macquarie, all postcard-worthy examples of Australia’s beautiful beaches and coastline.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Xmq_hVOZjHVguzv-DInekCYlBJClCp9OwZSdQMtBgF7RvSmBaLeh0KR7l3fu_KoyOQIOPuCzIOlHK_L8xcTvyjiNPM9pFbui7DyxxBophQK0iJBCzYEMWsVJ2nQPSVI9-MNfqswsgjmM/s1600-h/P1050719.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364868821110836930" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Xmq_hVOZjHVguzv-DInekCYlBJClCp9OwZSdQMtBgF7RvSmBaLeh0KR7l3fu_KoyOQIOPuCzIOlHK_L8xcTvyjiNPM9pFbui7DyxxBophQK0iJBCzYEMWsVJ2nQPSVI9-MNfqswsgjmM/s200/P1050719.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahLdJwgVTx23pdZT5C_rpQgZGhq5sbiGzNcUIrrDUE3uibVauljWYO9wsaO1D0hqVBRtPFknBHcxT_kJWWYgI1FGt55BGwIw0DH8NTZuCNLjqjUqv6pyeB2xfh0Yz6JKzwHqJI3fwcqU4/s1600-h/P1050851.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364868831765279890" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahLdJwgVTx23pdZT5C_rpQgZGhq5sbiGzNcUIrrDUE3uibVauljWYO9wsaO1D0hqVBRtPFknBHcxT_kJWWYgI1FGt55BGwIw0DH8NTZuCNLjqjUqv6pyeB2xfh0Yz6JKzwHqJI3fwcqU4/s200/P1050851.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wHpI-Os_MJuHyuZWSALUY4IJx_QQEW64a-fYTUvZ_yJiAf0xD-X9DiDP_gbtakZe9PPEFsYRNsDBHc8Hkikr9VZmHzaPMbaNxQVgjWlAeJiX2IYubXg83EJc2DcYqyXr_3J4uqR8Crmh/s1600-h/P1050883.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364869333345185634" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wHpI-Os_MJuHyuZWSALUY4IJx_QQEW64a-fYTUvZ_yJiAf0xD-X9DiDP_gbtakZe9PPEFsYRNsDBHc8Hkikr9VZmHzaPMbaNxQVgjWlAeJiX2IYubXg83EJc2DcYqyXr_3J4uqR8Crmh/s200/P1050883.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>We arrived in Sydney just in time to see the main sights and catch our flight to Fiji – our last international stop before returning to the U.S.</div><div>- David</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055449771397601272.post-84861354297229698592009-07-06T01:42:00.000-07:002009-07-14T05:52:48.083-07:00IndonesiaFrom Turkey, David and I flew to Medan, on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. We were excited because we were getting visitors! David's 17 year-old brother Blake and his 15 year-old friend Riley Murray flew in from CA to join us for 3 weeks to help volunteer at some orphanages and children’s homes in Indonesia.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqslMJVlRp4LVyQwYy_zneO9zCRpoUSl1GKOWqIMVlaWJp-RVop7B7_G2VRldp99Y54uXfEcu-TYPaEOvgJfgv6CcnZ6rw2N3E7UvjFFViYk9IOlxSfgEr9nmO42RS6SlR8-xtvf-P2ap/s1600-h/P1030994.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355265459297264450" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqslMJVlRp4LVyQwYy_zneO9zCRpoUSl1GKOWqIMVlaWJp-RVop7B7_G2VRldp99Y54uXfEcu-TYPaEOvgJfgv6CcnZ6rw2N3E7UvjFFViYk9IOlxSfgEr9nmO42RS6SlR8-xtvf-P2ap/s200/P1030994.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left">At the end of 3 weeks, here are some of Riley's memories:<br /><blockquote><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CjxWIwpXvrdw_m2i2x9eN75HX1dpdjhalcmtwqwQnP7Vur7s_vqZ6agOc3yHQhnBOQg85RHNIf5m0q4CNXVXaY3OfyUZ1mmEWqbKYE4QNG1yxy6bZdUGkoXcxjmB6PDbpEM84HVm5RWB/s1600-h/P1030920.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355265127436813410" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CjxWIwpXvrdw_m2i2x9eN75HX1dpdjhalcmtwqwQnP7Vur7s_vqZ6agOc3yHQhnBOQg85RHNIf5m0q4CNXVXaY3OfyUZ1mmEWqbKYE4QNG1yxy6bZdUGkoXcxjmB6PDbpEM84HVm5RWB/s200/P1030920.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="left">"Towering palm trees to black sand beaches, Indonesia is easily the most beautiful place I have ever been. Women working in the rice fields or the children at the orphanages, everyone wants to be your friend. When we arrived at the small island of Nias, I wasn't sure what to expect. The first day, we visited two small children's homes. The first one was filled with younger kids who could play until their arms fell off.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxycANbMYc_67pn8XVOzQ1ffEAkaV-bvtO0but-xFUsNVF8yv0zZmo6T7nAw8KXFAwitNPOSjAVcu33OLu6giuOPxwF6bd_7pixCCImd99vT2I8S4BKKHAKe44yH_JH46YazNQxwwigcN/s1600-h/P1030661.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355265116673404322" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxycANbMYc_67pn8XVOzQ1ffEAkaV-bvtO0but-xFUsNVF8yv0zZmo6T7nAw8KXFAwitNPOSjAVcu33OLu6giuOPxwF6bd_7pixCCImd99vT2I8S4BKKHAKe44yH_JH46YazNQxwwigcN/s200/P1030661.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZGTxAeS7OJQXUpk8Pc61XIslZwPawLrF0eF2Ho9oXHvWq4MOoOKulfPXTIRDV4p9xJf7cqYrOMAxakJbtON42RXvemRo3fXMO-D4kqQOth4DkITSm8HIRMVuMUAZvRl9DjHsBJP7kFGL/s1600-h/P1030975.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355265131945502082" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZGTxAeS7OJQXUpk8Pc61XIslZwPawLrF0eF2Ho9oXHvWq4MOoOKulfPXTIRDV4p9xJf7cqYrOMAxakJbtON42RXvemRo3fXMO-D4kqQOth4DkITSm8HIRMVuMUAZvRl9DjHsBJP7kFGL/s200/P1030975.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="left">The second home had a wider age range of kids and some who even spoke English. After breaking the ice, we were able to have fun teaching them limbo and flying kites.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jB64zIKsue8CEpeAiJH0fdDzllALe4gR5vZM1GZYK2R_cT5TtCZylnKcxBZcroMih4jg6bGw2EwgTVZIwU-E1DL1FXErP88HWjPXEGf-yqxljyMDMT30Hn8MUSfhvUdmEul91iSE_J2C/s1600-h/P1030708.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355265117025197538" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jB64zIKsue8CEpeAiJH0fdDzllALe4gR5vZM1GZYK2R_cT5TtCZylnKcxBZcroMih4jg6bGw2EwgTVZIwU-E1DL1FXErP88HWjPXEGf-yqxljyMDMT30Hn8MUSfhvUdmEul91iSE_J2C/s200/P1030708.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="left">After traveling south to the bottom of the island, we spent a week volunteering at a third children's home. The pastor, his wife, and the kids at this home spoke the least English, but with a translator at our side most of our stay, we were able to connect easier with the children.</div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5XTmH4D2ySC7jyVmgMB7JmdJPQNSD_A9-q1hKJEHJ-tkfVRWXs_R8_rAEU49McHFom2_YQNY09fQAD7Bj0jtx7SiYTSBXl14ufILPK9V6JbvGf69fW8qF8_BCTOIsFVjeqzaYKdgJUcJ/s1600-h/P1040251.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355267034736819490" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5XTmH4D2ySC7jyVmgMB7JmdJPQNSD_A9-q1hKJEHJ-tkfVRWXs_R8_rAEU49McHFom2_YQNY09fQAD7Bj0jtx7SiYTSBXl14ufILPK9V6JbvGf69fW8qF8_BCTOIsFVjeqzaYKdgJUcJ/s200/P1040251.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFB-2Tcu7GPoZPQxh_Z8A1hRJhwRE1CHR_o9ZQJnriyT_SnX0DPRO9oSaiRJ5mXQlG1eQ9wivLOc5vG4sByrv03Ulxv7V9njyvphREXx-1OvcRO4rHlyVW2XQqb53lilcEcZilCDHgOHpI/s1600-h/P1040229.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355266475192519538" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFB-2Tcu7GPoZPQxh_Z8A1hRJhwRE1CHR_o9ZQJnriyT_SnX0DPRO9oSaiRJ5mXQlG1eQ9wivLOc5vG4sByrv03Ulxv7V9njyvphREXx-1OvcRO4rHlyVW2XQqb53lilcEcZilCDHgOHpI/s200/P1040229.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmSLCg_NL0XtNryLf5pjBi43V7WRX6U5CdCfBZTSzWEblsaRIAeX_Z-bL8FcyBwsC0Hr0_AvnIkO__jpSuPuHrHIuQxSmWCyuuTN9t6m-69zMzYbJAvoz0Ctn5P_mqXTKlEB-hC4iBYvp/s1600-h/P1040419.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355267565290799778" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmSLCg_NL0XtNryLf5pjBi43V7WRX6U5CdCfBZTSzWEblsaRIAeX_Z-bL8FcyBwsC0Hr0_AvnIkO__jpSuPuHrHIuQxSmWCyuuTN9t6m-69zMzYbJAvoz0Ctn5P_mqXTKlEB-hC4iBYvp/s200/P1040419.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVPxmq-RHroYAuHys7KT0nVOhcTHPLmXb9i1ZKE8BvqTrsvftBRqVHJRzbHaZKSWtnCuXXs2TznvG6PiJkkIHCI2HhiHJXqnYhcthdwOVc9aU_WKKdEAHqhT1g2ivv-U1IUITiLlHo7zl/s1600-h/P1040545.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355268151492947730" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVPxmq-RHroYAuHys7KT0nVOhcTHPLmXb9i1ZKE8BvqTrsvftBRqVHJRzbHaZKSWtnCuXXs2TznvG6PiJkkIHCI2HhiHJXqnYhcthdwOVc9aU_WKKdEAHqhT1g2ivv-U1IUITiLlHo7zl/s200/P1040545.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Our next stop was the island of Bali to volunteer at another children's home. This was the most developed orphanage and had been operating successfully for many years. With just a mama, and a papa, they have developed a system where each of the 64 children has his or her own jobs and chores to keep the home clean and running smoothly. Since these children spoke the most English, we were able to develop the closest relationships and I feel that we made the biggest impact there. We ended the trip by taking 13 of the children on a trip to go scuba diving, something none of them had ever done before."</div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbQWLx5hkj8EaNKm-DzOgVkMiZAY-Xj8QWoz94KT4qPJhKNRVA8qof_aj5UGkSCmviNTGqBvqA95HXS5mjcfbEgfJRX4jgB4oSYTKUM42ATCcNADV_s7IgDJFQ_lpyBx2mkmgsiYX8pxg/s1600-h/P1050193.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358282078877770466" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbQWLx5hkj8EaNKm-DzOgVkMiZAY-Xj8QWoz94KT4qPJhKNRVA8qof_aj5UGkSCmviNTGqBvqA95HXS5mjcfbEgfJRX4jgB4oSYTKUM42ATCcNADV_s7IgDJFQ_lpyBx2mkmgsiYX8pxg/s200/P1050193.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRu73u-U5EiNN6Lb91Ondld1xbu8cMjjDgaWQ9n1Fq6BV83qTwN4-bYA4lWdkOp4otmrsNeFi1wES040f9oijzlYaljMdgu9Njx6yqIfDytfno9UmTCXw3zqbFy9h9Iw4M1F9mDXQV5jc/s1600-h/P1050192.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358282068990254834" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRu73u-U5EiNN6Lb91Ondld1xbu8cMjjDgaWQ9n1Fq6BV83qTwN4-bYA4lWdkOp4otmrsNeFi1wES040f9oijzlYaljMdgu9Njx6yqIfDytfno9UmTCXw3zqbFy9h9Iw4M1F9mDXQV5jc/s200/P1050192.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />- Riley Murray</div></blockquote></div><div>As Riley described, we visited four children’s homes. Our first stop was in Gunung Sitoli on the island of Nias where we met Senta Leo and his wife Aprium.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6hCHrmb0sj2lCizYmiZDjIw_6wB5Tzd8WDor1EuxSYuKoz2zheCVY7PgOhBmkIdBzKOc3lsBa00jQHFiKDtfsiYFhjNlMvVV3qY7K8kq66Om1U-Vh5q11hZ_3p-hIZUGOLIADkD7G24M/s1600-h/P1040002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355265463217651490" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6hCHrmb0sj2lCizYmiZDjIw_6wB5Tzd8WDor1EuxSYuKoz2zheCVY7PgOhBmkIdBzKOc3lsBa00jQHFiKDtfsiYFhjNlMvVV3qY7K8kq66Om1U-Vh5q11hZ_3p-hIZUGOLIADkD7G24M/s200/P1040002.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rQrxFFj54ECclmOu9FFjw_fOlOmDiCTTuVyaqd2HMltKUvWtrkXRwCKlvxZWYBnMpXdHZSjxtdbPq-gahm-n2oeLbC4GZyK2ykyx_xgfg2xQ_zl17yYBdg-7Sh_L-vkjpR5RWyEPtzFn/s1600-h/P1030978.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355265451501046978" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rQrxFFj54ECclmOu9FFjw_fOlOmDiCTTuVyaqd2HMltKUvWtrkXRwCKlvxZWYBnMpXdHZSjxtdbPq-gahm-n2oeLbC4GZyK2ykyx_xgfg2xQ_zl17yYBdg-7Sh_L-vkjpR5RWyEPtzFn/s200/P1030978.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><div>On the day after Christmas 2004, Aprium and her two daughters, Abbigale and Michelle, were vacationing at a beach on the Indian Ocean. Aprium felt a kind of premonition and called her children in from the beach just before a devastating tsunami swept in from the ocean, killing hundreds of thousands of people in Indonesia. As his eyes teared up, Senta told us he felt that his children were spared but that God wanted him to help other children who were not so fortunate, including those whose parents were killed by the tsunami. Leaving a very successful business in Jakarta, Senta and Aprium moved to Nias to start a children’s home that now has about 24 young children, the one Riley said was filled with “kids who could play until their arms fell off” or until ours did. </div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTJQJJvQpuCF3hooctaUCwChZ2SPZ5azeGkjw65kHMGH1mrQzdzmL43UMQ70U01juIe1NkMkyO5OlOKm5Pum7qnae7WZ084yyledqjeD2YLC781UnXr_8QLdj5sDILRHDu5TKdvOe_eU7/s1600-h/P1030981.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355265451974827698" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTJQJJvQpuCF3hooctaUCwChZ2SPZ5azeGkjw65kHMGH1mrQzdzmL43UMQ70U01juIe1NkMkyO5OlOKm5Pum7qnae7WZ084yyledqjeD2YLC781UnXr_8QLdj5sDILRHDu5TKdvOe_eU7/s200/P1030981.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>We spent most of our time at two other children’s homes – one with about 20 children in Teluk Dalam at the southern tip of the island of Nias, and one with about 60 children in Denpasar on the island of Bali. </div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qWsl0g0EqoAj5-o4ZjDh_gnBm9Mls1wdFDDlJDZsM34e2OP8oYzymbWaWZ3baBeNi_hpnm4_a6B18mMsujkFaubcpaw2_Ask3oXmRhaXd9I_aEY-tuA49HP9uOWaGrWchnMx7Zw66q8n/s1600-h/P1040004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355265466317588050" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qWsl0g0EqoAj5-o4ZjDh_gnBm9Mls1wdFDDlJDZsM34e2OP8oYzymbWaWZ3baBeNi_hpnm4_a6B18mMsujkFaubcpaw2_Ask3oXmRhaXd9I_aEY-tuA49HP9uOWaGrWchnMx7Zw66q8n/s200/P1040004.jpg" border="0" /></a>This is Pastor Lucas and his wife Farida. For the last 3 years, they have been running the “House of Love” children’s home in Teluk Dalam. They don’t have much, but they clearly love the children and treat them like their own (“mama and “papa” to all the kids). </div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nhahJyu1ujO_yIcQ5EdbIlVLuGj7WkmIEcbQQl983DiEKlBwepQZAKcwhOoRhSj2HE9jlXs-sizuy3HM-fKBbiijxoEQjoFVMjdHVIlCk21KsI72SP66oG4MlqOrvF4PDTPbTH5pVY5c/s1600-h/P1040338.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355267046187067650" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nhahJyu1ujO_yIcQ5EdbIlVLuGj7WkmIEcbQQl983DiEKlBwepQZAKcwhOoRhSj2HE9jlXs-sizuy3HM-fKBbiijxoEQjoFVMjdHVIlCk21KsI72SP66oG4MlqOrvF4PDTPbTH5pVY5c/s200/P1040338.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHBeYt62IpqgG6S_UMD6xRyLx-VjQjZ8nWTNwg2zRwPA5UQnU7ZWlX-hnAoiOZvbHmF2QmhFhz_poAjLkohtlGBDN_4IUUGDC3d79LVeNieDjRIw6XlVPA9VT9V_oSr0Q_9yFL7VEQBZ3/s1600-h/P1040434.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355267572240476194" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHBeYt62IpqgG6S_UMD6xRyLx-VjQjZ8nWTNwg2zRwPA5UQnU7ZWlX-hnAoiOZvbHmF2QmhFhz_poAjLkohtlGBDN_4IUUGDC3d79LVeNieDjRIw6XlVPA9VT9V_oSr0Q_9yFL7VEQBZ3/s200/P1040434.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuS8YCSS7uqKbhyU0lBw5ChgQ3PnY9i7gkSr-0sEWptKwz_Q261YmvYpKeMCLlhFc6Iu-DEDh9xpl3Xjo9gKbnrJbpPQ9zQOSn8OAOj3fgOECBQXW1Dp94mJ73xgSb6JCt4APMXMm_uSam/s1600-h/P1040307.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355267043296596770" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuS8YCSS7uqKbhyU0lBw5ChgQ3PnY9i7gkSr-0sEWptKwz_Q261YmvYpKeMCLlhFc6Iu-DEDh9xpl3Xjo9gKbnrJbpPQ9zQOSn8OAOj3fgOECBQXW1Dp94mJ73xgSb6JCt4APMXMm_uSam/s200/P1040307.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div><div>Though you can see holes in the thatched roof and the boys sleep on a wooden platform rather than real beds, the children seem healthy, happy, and full of hope. We spent our time playing soccer and Jenga, drawing and coloring, taking the kids to the beach, and generally trying to let the children know that they are important and loved. Pastor Lucas and Farida are doing an amazing job at giving these children a real home that is truly a “house of love”.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8YF-2s4JKl4h_pa9uBWMfwCMGQGcEnCw9hgfbaEIuGmOMWaILHVk_RH76phzwapnyLepd-pt0R3oT-GsJwrrOUYFZWUuUBgvWcUVkhtEsnkEBHwIYQFtTkt66I8tr9m1fYYjAqsn77xK/s1600-h/P1040235.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355266478965038050" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8YF-2s4JKl4h_pa9uBWMfwCMGQGcEnCw9hgfbaEIuGmOMWaILHVk_RH76phzwapnyLepd-pt0R3oT-GsJwrrOUYFZWUuUBgvWcUVkhtEsnkEBHwIYQFtTkt66I8tr9m1fYYjAqsn77xK/s200/P1040235.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lYkZnV4B3Dm3kAeaCZRd75o95rwM8gyjS8hvE2oJ78Y13kJLSBQfzajfnZFPWJqeIJdCIbohUKq-6VolIX1SxpxxHirEOw-LHewYezQqVQgSI_BYZcNg-RwCKJ3_yYQoWJewgjbyFwCx/s1600-h/P1040140.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355266468974057346" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lYkZnV4B3Dm3kAeaCZRd75o95rwM8gyjS8hvE2oJ78Y13kJLSBQfzajfnZFPWJqeIJdCIbohUKq-6VolIX1SxpxxHirEOw-LHewYezQqVQgSI_BYZcNg-RwCKJ3_yYQoWJewgjbyFwCx/s200/P1040140.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ed7bU4fezOdoZ0FoAKPECaS0sJwTdHzKTTjIVcP1BnH5Yp7aHMkoPu-EPpCftrxleU0XeYVXs_coQ81-7sTzrbG6IwocL61MUYfYEhbPRQQQOlquVQAFzKKTMSLCvofOxJPyfU0dzCk-/s1600-h/P1040329.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355267041183660658" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ed7bU4fezOdoZ0FoAKPECaS0sJwTdHzKTTjIVcP1BnH5Yp7aHMkoPu-EPpCftrxleU0XeYVXs_coQ81-7sTzrbG6IwocL61MUYfYEhbPRQQQOlquVQAFzKKTMSLCvofOxJPyfU0dzCk-/s200/P1040329.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHGpwYB9hM6X0SXKE-XZQvYRWhz2v1ndvzsspRysbjAAr0H3jikSA-kGDBvT1zZJLYuwG_m9dXGdy3hDl0PAmd63I-64j2tpZhx6v6p-fJaq-2-ECmGcQnHflDg2MNG5M0IjcRqHaOkrL/s1600-h/Saniago+(648+x+864).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357553669546015234" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHGpwYB9hM6X0SXKE-XZQvYRWhz2v1ndvzsspRysbjAAr0H3jikSA-kGDBvT1zZJLYuwG_m9dXGdy3hDl0PAmd63I-64j2tpZhx6v6p-fJaq-2-ECmGcQnHflDg2MNG5M0IjcRqHaOkrL/s200/Saniago+(648+x+864).jpg" border="0" /></a>We want to especially thank Saniago Dakhi who spent a week with us in Teluk Dalam as our translator and guide. He is a teacher at a local high school just passed his entrance exam for a Masters program in Education. Saniago was very generous with his time and he helped us in countless ways. Thanks, Saniago. We wish you the best!</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8_PfodKL_nbpYPFtvm9HThpxuuDMC91_QprgwOJXDmsiajSN9kL2-5DDQQ9Rm13xZstRyB36a6If0uROkfiOG9_xHdlbCmePGZ3cYEhiUAt7WUtN05zapurFK2iF8RG-WRABJntHpkWf/s1600-h/P1040268.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355267040362396962" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8_PfodKL_nbpYPFtvm9HThpxuuDMC91_QprgwOJXDmsiajSN9kL2-5DDQQ9Rm13xZstRyB36a6If0uROkfiOG9_xHdlbCmePGZ3cYEhiUAt7WUtN05zapurFK2iF8RG-WRABJntHpkWf/s200/P1040268.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Since the children were in school on some mornings, we had a few hours to try the surfing at Sorake Beach, near Teluk Dalam. Though we didn’t have the skills to tackle the world-famous big waves at Sorake (where they hold international surfing competitions), there was a great beach break for beginners and intermediates just a few hundred meters away.</div><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EOmBkbHRk6tM8cBRRfvyJdAOA7D-viamKnyaBV091hYktjzd5Bg4wuEfTnIPhOPuWadtb_A6CH02SVxM_o1tKvpwfHgkmP8lkp6fHGqHbqy5oHb4gOiDQLdskJFqQdrYbp0qu1tw7BHl/s1600-h/P1040185.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355266469694695378" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EOmBkbHRk6tM8cBRRfvyJdAOA7D-viamKnyaBV091hYktjzd5Bg4wuEfTnIPhOPuWadtb_A6CH02SVxM_o1tKvpwfHgkmP8lkp6fHGqHbqy5oHb4gOiDQLdskJFqQdrYbp0qu1tw7BHl/s200/P1040185.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrW6OaLEAgWtkyI1Pn-XzpX9DPtQEyKUPwA6lM4E1kjSCZJqSoZwiZLIkMHxXDYs7WbuDhUx7wynBQnfsVVgQy2BzhPVBG-cSiYfZTOLcCFUpI6c6AfBp1tQYwpetNqhPxiSYNkLF9yLo/s1600-h/P1040401.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355267563723946658" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrW6OaLEAgWtkyI1Pn-XzpX9DPtQEyKUPwA6lM4E1kjSCZJqSoZwiZLIkMHxXDYs7WbuDhUx7wynBQnfsVVgQy2BzhPVBG-cSiYfZTOLcCFUpI6c6AfBp1tQYwpetNqhPxiSYNkLF9yLo/s200/P1040401.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSqHm35v93swcidxh7V0I0QLm0zmAVfSPZQN28t0dmnOPKqAfUkkro5PHdDW_nT5bkCSIGBQQ5_Kd-ubw67LCbxR_iof_PnYkSYMpwpPSDadwVxGrKvapHWL6DPIn2V3gL7fpX9MPpx88/s1600-h/P1040113-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355266469268822882" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSqHm35v93swcidxh7V0I0QLm0zmAVfSPZQN28t0dmnOPKqAfUkkro5PHdDW_nT5bkCSIGBQQ5_Kd-ubw67LCbxR_iof_PnYkSYMpwpPSDadwVxGrKvapHWL6DPIn2V3gL7fpX9MPpx88/s200/P1040113-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />On our way from Nias to Bali, we decided to take a day to trek through the jungles of Sumatra to see orangutans in the wild. For the first several hours hiking through slippery jungle trails in the mud, we saw nothing even though our guide was using his best orangutan call (“wooooo-utt”). Finally, we were rewarded with several curious and hungry orangutans who would swing down through the vines to collect our offerings of bananas.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaGnGKVEJpukE04lhD4WlCk_0A6qwUhDw3FSHTttk0VyqxemP-enYDRS6w_5TYsUStoa7kdLjtaIg3Ram-f0_RE4SWZyUcNJnKOsLz7Xgs6E0JOgkdlEdvsefUYDVlExNCCMwLlyyjCTp/s1600-h/P1040604.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355268160277828642" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaGnGKVEJpukE04lhD4WlCk_0A6qwUhDw3FSHTttk0VyqxemP-enYDRS6w_5TYsUStoa7kdLjtaIg3Ram-f0_RE4SWZyUcNJnKOsLz7Xgs6E0JOgkdlEdvsefUYDVlExNCCMwLlyyjCTp/s200/P1040604.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQ6y9W0dKIJOs2wUCEuMG8dlH2ZrlCjNwN91JS2Ut4qnB3esjVbTX1M7kXEsnBs2g-lBMYzwsKWix_mu-gActczJ3CfN6iLq0xiMa91xsWBI6z9NojhfaEdqFxyqTY6KuOENRqmMUAUKt/s1600-h/P1040787.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355268867630936674" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQ6y9W0dKIJOs2wUCEuMG8dlH2ZrlCjNwN91JS2Ut4qnB3esjVbTX1M7kXEsnBs2g-lBMYzwsKWix_mu-gActczJ3CfN6iLq0xiMa91xsWBI6z9NojhfaEdqFxyqTY6KuOENRqmMUAUKt/s200/P1040787.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVsESr5mYLl54XWmvHyGWrZOV0Fix3VHgFTk6yqlT2QzzZVuIdHQDqaK4I6UBjf9pc-uVMTyTQFX6dnlisODHopRyBxhTMZzNx7qYRUzISGmGhR4izNl9Wm6qyYidB3CZxPS_3ORNazud/s1600-h/P1040807.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355268870331486130" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVsESr5mYLl54XWmvHyGWrZOV0Fix3VHgFTk6yqlT2QzzZVuIdHQDqaK4I6UBjf9pc-uVMTyTQFX6dnlisODHopRyBxhTMZzNx7qYRUzISGmGhR4izNl9Wm6qyYidB3CZxPS_3ORNazud/s200/P1040807.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxXxiFYS7V2bSxMXX46fUkckgGPo7ceOp5yvEpTXnYCZ0Yo7cadEiXKSywglo-gKbqhkBQUlkM9woe0pjYNSNzVEKgenAnoI-ZJ30Z8lqPtwvhKj3JRPrH-Jda1-bRONd7ZEzG3LrhZvb/s1600-h/P1040782.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355268162929533026" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxXxiFYS7V2bSxMXX46fUkckgGPo7ceOp5yvEpTXnYCZ0Yo7cadEiXKSywglo-gKbqhkBQUlkM9woe0pjYNSNzVEKgenAnoI-ZJ30Z8lqPtwvhKj3JRPrH-Jda1-bRONd7ZEzG3LrhZvb/s200/P1040782.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />When one hesitant orangutan failed to come down, David decided to climb up to give her a banana treat.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNh3J1ZHCj1z0wAZT6oR0HCXdcBUsMix9c9FBsHzSAtXLE0633Aked-f1dbVOTJiSHODtI-TmCPB5w2-KEeFx_b49DCH5Vk8M3jHJIIkGCjuyTCr18O4oE4KYIbyFbbkstyVDlapeRbr86/s1600-h/P1040733.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355268165041138354" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNh3J1ZHCj1z0wAZT6oR0HCXdcBUsMix9c9FBsHzSAtXLE0633Aked-f1dbVOTJiSHODtI-TmCPB5w2-KEeFx_b49DCH5Vk8M3jHJIIkGCjuyTCr18O4oE4KYIbyFbbkstyVDlapeRbr86/s200/P1040733.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSnc3Tbhw0wMSNE0AqyWSIvaCW20MuzMPfzke0usTyWaPluvgKXgkH0Eb-tpV_eHj7DRY43MCIUhDUj3XHZIPcmdARIIG3eJCrK9Q-Ebq0yyZr-N1nnnmTV4GW4xtdIP_uvoM6YWH70A4/s1600-h/P1050097.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355269896948542322" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSnc3Tbhw0wMSNE0AqyWSIvaCW20MuzMPfzke0usTyWaPluvgKXgkH0Eb-tpV_eHj7DRY43MCIUhDUj3XHZIPcmdARIIG3eJCrK9Q-Ebq0yyZr-N1nnnmTV4GW4xtdIP_uvoM6YWH70A4/s200/P1050097.jpg" border="0" /></a>In Bali, we met Sandra and Tommy Elim. Both are native Balinese. Tommy’s father started the first children’s home in Bali in 1963. Now Sandra and Tommy are “mama” and “papa” to over 60 children with no staff beyond their two sons. How does it work? Just as Riley explained, all the children have jobs and chores every day to keep the home running smoothly. We were amazed to see how much responsibility the children have taken, including all the cooking, cleaning, and laundry for the home. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmR0mLFl1SoZvy5nAzXrKwYMHiI5nCQMeY19HlmbYIPkGYMrX85QkxVc9HoKqxpQZljQ0x2TlimQu8FAyUO9CDSfPnnwsov2BYf-PGUaQBrI5YJnV7hSDrMchnY3o6wnWb9TyMbEIllto0/s1600-h/P1050089.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355269898368446450" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmR0mLFl1SoZvy5nAzXrKwYMHiI5nCQMeY19HlmbYIPkGYMrX85QkxVc9HoKqxpQZljQ0x2TlimQu8FAyUO9CDSfPnnwsov2BYf-PGUaQBrI5YJnV7hSDrMchnY3o6wnWb9TyMbEIllto0/s200/P1050089.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHEEZW8WgTESQe_o8xgojxLXGIBkbopLn8xQNjQ94B8xeOq0aEVhugqywOmAsYARECBHIpmVrjROIkzNhEtzJxdiMHlGEoA_Y2gkr-YXdXeoHyVlBOO1aPFKfBBGKwm_7YeogytlSxdiH/s1600-h/P1050166.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355270785851348354" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHEEZW8WgTESQe_o8xgojxLXGIBkbopLn8xQNjQ94B8xeOq0aEVhugqywOmAsYARECBHIpmVrjROIkzNhEtzJxdiMHlGEoA_Y2gkr-YXdXeoHyVlBOO1aPFKfBBGKwm_7YeogytlSxdiH/s200/P1050166.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigDyS85590tgl1GvKw51QOR0iPpAgl7uXg5RKfeyRKV0YktgM7fVdPyWGVgynT6P3UEyEIg0nxcqfsBM8lBruDpVkhNfhtEOkzrS510by8kFrJ26e-dZaElOGa7uHxEf1_bji45RBu0t-/s1600-h/P1040986.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355269889511429650" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigDyS85590tgl1GvKw51QOR0iPpAgl7uXg5RKfeyRKV0YktgM7fVdPyWGVgynT6P3UEyEIg0nxcqfsBM8lBruDpVkhNfhtEOkzrS510by8kFrJ26e-dZaElOGa7uHxEf1_bji45RBu0t-/s200/P1040986.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucLhm3ziDHXOf7QqerFfe0pI11pRXyecLG9Zl1MsiCnwhYyzMiSMac4qqaESZP7t_Sjj6hixHx3cKjs8J0v90qVB7YUjW2gBDwL01KKeevrBlimu7bv3Vj-fPeTRRruaUB0JmMJ9IxmwH/s1600-h/P1050028.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355269893753412434" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucLhm3ziDHXOf7QqerFfe0pI11pRXyecLG9Zl1MsiCnwhYyzMiSMac4qqaESZP7t_Sjj6hixHx3cKjs8J0v90qVB7YUjW2gBDwL01KKeevrBlimu7bv3Vj-fPeTRRruaUB0JmMJ9IxmwH/s200/P1050028.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnge-TamSqngs93uKsJA67uhMrES4tmd-vk7ePJc5OL3ssPNWN8iwopoCXYMRIF9ZepAztz5AIWGTQuHCumGkQ1ScBz_4QElVSuE9WGZ2nCXEQuF6ofg0pCpLwuXNH3OYvIAbHCr72KWyg/s1600-h/P1050135.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355270793370863282" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnge-TamSqngs93uKsJA67uhMrES4tmd-vk7ePJc5OL3ssPNWN8iwopoCXYMRIF9ZepAztz5AIWGTQuHCumGkQ1ScBz_4QElVSuE9WGZ2nCXEQuF6ofg0pCpLwuXNH3OYvIAbHCr72KWyg/s200/P1050135.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcqJcu228Tef2OFsBYMayi5QWMQliHcE6AbW3OUZMhWrBDoAcIp_vy8xVXbchJTXszk-upN7cOKl6y_xFH-p9GjYZ49sjsFNvCsY9UBXQUeoo9_Z8qOoKNF2Jop5hYVIeDbHEVGvNZR8I/s1600-h/P1030891.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355265121479943458" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcqJcu228Tef2OFsBYMayi5QWMQliHcE6AbW3OUZMhWrBDoAcIp_vy8xVXbchJTXszk-upN7cOKl6y_xFH-p9GjYZ49sjsFNvCsY9UBXQUeoo9_Z8qOoKNF2Jop5hYVIeDbHEVGvNZR8I/s200/P1030891.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>Sandra is an amazing woman and an unstoppable force. Decades ago, people began to hear about this humble Balinese woman and her husband (who is also a pastor) who were tirelessly working to improve the lives of children. Sandra, who had never been on an airplane, was invited to speak in foreign countries and at international conferences. Now she has a network of donors from around the world to help sustain the children’s home. And the children we met were amazing. As Riley mentioned, many of the teenagers spoke some English, so we were able to learn some of their stories and encourage them to pursue their dreams. Some want to work in the tourist industry at a hotel or on a cruise ship. Some want to be engineers or work in the government. But all of them seem to have hopes and dreams… dreams that wouldn’t have been possible without the love and support of Sandra and Tommy.</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIpNXrcw5avV3YFer6IDpKMdJteTev8WpxtKlwwRFjJS3TGq6-W6nIkhar64h9hXPc5kVdMhtTapiC5gq4Y0HlOrna1vhXgnnJGzTYrU1BiFyE9DynZ1g5EPwaM6NPNxx7WgulEGfjGQW/s1600-h/P1040917.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355268875523601778" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIpNXrcw5avV3YFer6IDpKMdJteTev8WpxtKlwwRFjJS3TGq6-W6nIkhar64h9hXPc5kVdMhtTapiC5gq4Y0HlOrna1vhXgnnJGzTYrU1BiFyE9DynZ1g5EPwaM6NPNxx7WgulEGfjGQW/s200/P1040917.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>After almost 3 weeks, it was time for Blake and Riley to head home. We loved the time we got to spend with them and were impressed that they had the initiative to join us in Indonesia. They both had great attitudes and were always eager to spend time with the kids. Many children we met in Indonesia will never forget their smiles, enthusiasm, and the love they felt from Blake and Riley. Thanks for coming guys… you made a big difference in the lives of many kids!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmr2sbJAUCfYvEEgW8dQoZYSUcPJVWKH2jQ5ycVtOqZm6I6ZjHolvBTglq6eeN9VfyFZLP63nwR3GZtSRmXr-hSke6vxIm2IB89uLbvmvZXnmbO-KYfgFMIwtYaayh5p0iU_L2l0PqH7dt/s1600-h/P1040926.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355268878882572402" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmr2sbJAUCfYvEEgW8dQoZYSUcPJVWKH2jQ5ycVtOqZm6I6ZjHolvBTglq6eeN9VfyFZLP63nwR3GZtSRmXr-hSke6vxIm2IB89uLbvmvZXnmbO-KYfgFMIwtYaayh5p0iU_L2l0PqH7dt/s200/P1040926.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7BWp_2APc8kiIk1-GFi9JRPDODc3nTJBou0ifgG11i1xnhIG6kKRcqGzQxtq37uccBm1xbmcUxA0b8yBtPo2qt9e3EMLH15T6fum4V1qyZtp1CMuENITGGGXWsSMiDZLT_R6U_oQTqkxg/s1600-h/P1050114.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355270790522364498" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7BWp_2APc8kiIk1-GFi9JRPDODc3nTJBou0ifgG11i1xnhIG6kKRcqGzQxtq37uccBm1xbmcUxA0b8yBtPo2qt9e3EMLH15T6fum4V1qyZtp1CMuENITGGGXWsSMiDZLT_R6U_oQTqkxg/s200/P1050114.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOgubc8PfyOsK5wKdumA2KTy8dYkBK6dNWVH0kWJqQ-T7flHWFRg4QJ7XhH4EuPThXzcD6-F8iq5QNz0d9mZvATxSOHTaG6P-f-ll6BdhmOLqDAbH4GVeyAGlnImPC5ZhvfwMc46VIiFK/s1600-h/P1050098.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355269903962886498" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOgubc8PfyOsK5wKdumA2KTy8dYkBK6dNWVH0kWJqQ-T7flHWFRg4QJ7XhH4EuPThXzcD6-F8iq5QNz0d9mZvATxSOHTaG6P-f-ll6BdhmOLqDAbH4GVeyAGlnImPC5ZhvfwMc46VIiFK/s200/P1050098.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgoIh9wpqeYVaAgMzStBobx1U97W6U0cpj8blGs9poXN9P9O0Um-kvJtnipLDJoexcQsvVqR8iVjUiMkMl5WJj2bNRv3rtwXIP13T3vNnDpCWaEufQqEQBEsexUxDJaI5o9FZsW3TmrnPV/s1600-h/P1040354.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355267556230217234" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgoIh9wpqeYVaAgMzStBobx1U97W6U0cpj8blGs9poXN9P9O0Um-kvJtnipLDJoexcQsvVqR8iVjUiMkMl5WJj2bNRv3rtwXIP13T3vNnDpCWaEufQqEQBEsexUxDJaI5o9FZsW3TmrnPV/s200/P1040354.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />- Steve</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055449771397601272.post-49403592138348887552009-06-09T08:23:00.000-07:002009-06-26T20:04:45.083-07:00Turkey and the Greek Islands<st1:country-region><st1:place><b style="">Turkey</b></st1:place></st1:country-region><b style=""> and </b><st1:place><st1:placename><b style="">Greek</b></st1:placename><b style=""> </b><st1:placetype><b style="">Islands</b></st1:placetype></st1:place><b style=""><o:p></o:p></b> <p class="MsoNormal">After traveling for two months with a fearless 12 year-old, we put David’s brother Jeffrey on a flight back to CA.<span style=""> </span>Then David and I flew from Tel Aviv, Israel to Istanbul, Turkey.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mSBgCq4DMIyq8zoVb6PRzfnyg94SWgCqmroXuRwYDyps627mcSMn_lpjpoYmtVkgZSOou3nRbbAJClb0tw1qUrsCjyKc0uUZFb2nh-izEjabdZmubhODocVpP9FRf90ADPAI1MM-b6rw/s1600-h/P1030069.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mSBgCq4DMIyq8zoVb6PRzfnyg94SWgCqmroXuRwYDyps627mcSMn_lpjpoYmtVkgZSOou3nRbbAJClb0tw1qUrsCjyKc0uUZFb2nh-izEjabdZmubhODocVpP9FRf90ADPAI1MM-b6rw/s200/P1030069.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351830139863726178" border="0" /></a><br />Turkey has long been at the crossroads of Europe and Asia (with the city of Istanbul split across the two continents), so it has a rich culture and diverse people.<span style=""> </span>Illustrating the stark contrasts are two enormous structures facing each other in the oldest part of Istanbul.<span style=""> </span>The Aya Sofya (Church of Divine Wisdom) was completed in 537 by Roman Emperor Justinian to help restore the greatness of the Roman Empire.<span style=""> </span>It reigned as the greatest church in Christendom for almost 900 years.<span style=""> </span>Just across a large plaza stands the mosque that Sultan Ahmet built to rival or surpass the grandeur of the Aya Sofya.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>Better known as the “Blue Mosque”, it was completed in 1616.<span style=""> </span>Seeing a huge Christian church and a huge Islamic mosque stare at each other across a plaza is like witnessing a massive religious face-off.<span style=""> </span>But in Turkey, Islam long ago triumphed in the religious wars, so the Aya Sofya was converted to a mosque in 1453 (though it retains many Christian mosaics and icons) and to a museum in 1935.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIaVL150zumcMHnP8tmciMbtbsGFKKfu9dRA1pE-C57SK6d-oc4vW0BrAT3o8KCnTjuIrBctDlZhsjgGLdMAA6nCQR-zrtH3hdFNjyaLKnlI6Y_4cGern6rosb7o1aqBX7byPLxOgtX8J/s1600-h/AyaSofya.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIaVL150zumcMHnP8tmciMbtbsGFKKfu9dRA1pE-C57SK6d-oc4vW0BrAT3o8KCnTjuIrBctDlZhsjgGLdMAA6nCQR-zrtH3hdFNjyaLKnlI6Y_4cGern6rosb7o1aqBX7byPLxOgtX8J/s200/AyaSofya.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351823253924000386" border="0" /> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyr_iPP05Tj4OBCz16bpujsSLJqJFeo-g5sbF2sS9CDURmi9GcBc79q1NCrZ6R-BIfb8LwBWW0A22r7pJBrD0IOv369kiBBXtW63tp4foK5VTbNY721WMjYM9mRSN1efIhlS1a0OsSaMyK/s1600-h/BlueMosque.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyr_iPP05Tj4OBCz16bpujsSLJqJFeo-g5sbF2sS9CDURmi9GcBc79q1NCrZ6R-BIfb8LwBWW0A22r7pJBrD0IOv369kiBBXtW63tp4foK5VTbNY721WMjYM9mRSN1efIhlS1a0OsSaMyK/s200/BlueMosque.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351823255487106322" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Both David and I were surprised by Istanbul.<span style=""> </span>It was much more enchanting than we expected.<span style=""> </span>With its wonderful Mediterranean climate, countless sidewalk and rooftop cafes, clean cobbled streets, hundreds of interesting shops in the Grand Bazaar, plus a colorful Turkish carpet shop on every corner, Istanbul is a delightful place to spend a few days.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vcrV9VZVtpGAztrUhfJBR-ycNr0G-rUXmEaw9ZnlNaa-rdnD3kkd-zmWi0GuFFxYdevD4S_6uHUNFSKi2KdYOH5OqBE0GTKnJ31Sr_Lr7cpEXnwaYEPXpH1x9qFSDjBfKPF-YeH-hlUA/s1600-h/P1030080.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vcrV9VZVtpGAztrUhfJBR-ycNr0G-rUXmEaw9ZnlNaa-rdnD3kkd-zmWi0GuFFxYdevD4S_6uHUNFSKi2KdYOH5OqBE0GTKnJ31Sr_Lr7cpEXnwaYEPXpH1x9qFSDjBfKPF-YeH-hlUA/s200/P1030080.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351828793478165298" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0xYuoWbqEVqwY7D7p-MvUPheVkz0Ew15QIYkMPZJc5MzovwgEjiuiS3bEsK95qBTLNTldLXGtn74c1rfJvrTYSRSIS9rM4-1cj32ldoyBKz39gTwlIe6aPPQBS9tUbyh0mfL1emYFKS1/s1600-h/P1030131.jpg"> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtdeN5SfXNTpcGDX3_TQytz0-A5ykCIuT9DBk6KR-AjTWlsF0AbK2Z58RNNVYGjVRjqquKriWaMwcxJP1nRf-UhxIzq7s1B86dsDjyrVWJMKGM2u_D3UI2IZ6dlzh3R9PaozXNbiI78Vs/s1600-h/P1030205.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtdeN5SfXNTpcGDX3_TQytz0-A5ykCIuT9DBk6KR-AjTWlsF0AbK2Z58RNNVYGjVRjqquKriWaMwcxJP1nRf-UhxIzq7s1B86dsDjyrVWJMKGM2u_D3UI2IZ6dlzh3R9PaozXNbiI78Vs/s200/P1030205.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351828796510204370" border="0" /> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisH2LzV8YK8Zbq6WMUiRznOKaIeE7_QPv2v8tkUqEM419GD9tkc5c-GRMzqwKccCNNbRNeEWQ0nGUbaGNlf1pThQBiJQQLGPQXsyq3bdjRFmuaj08RHsRVy5Ob339lcMZXnyANczYK3Qv1/s1600-h/P1030093.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisH2LzV8YK8Zbq6WMUiRznOKaIeE7_QPv2v8tkUqEM419GD9tkc5c-GRMzqwKccCNNbRNeEWQ0nGUbaGNlf1pThQBiJQQLGPQXsyq3bdjRFmuaj08RHsRVy5Ob339lcMZXnyANczYK3Qv1/s200/P1030093.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351828796595775202" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">From Istanbul we went to Ephesus to see the ruins of the city made famous in a letter written by Paul in the Bible.<span style=""> </span>The massive outdoor theater where Paul addressed the Ephesians still stands and was used until recently for major concerts (Elton John, anyone?) until they discovered that vibrations from amplified sound systems were causing cracks to form. One of the pictures below shows a stone carving of the goddess Nike that is reputed to have inspired the Nike "swoosh" logo.<br /></p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEEibBhP-zZmeCemYtOYbL6X1XPZqt8D-F8ejQ1ut8rh7REg6wEV-f8dbYmg6V6TCixCH3qzwmajbdSd-s5-qZrhXfudxGEe1-1hvowjB6RGBpQAvYmSF4H4nxwbXLpYXWiMocVdRM9Kw/s1600-h/P1030206.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345362859555516002" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEEibBhP-zZmeCemYtOYbL6X1XPZqt8D-F8ejQ1ut8rh7REg6wEV-f8dbYmg6V6TCixCH3qzwmajbdSd-s5-qZrhXfudxGEe1-1hvowjB6RGBpQAvYmSF4H4nxwbXLpYXWiMocVdRM9Kw/s200/P1030206.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__4_gKy0wopLhJZYxnpIJS_2LNy90unlhR3kflxTrPne3XWpRLVGRFLh8lzZQy8ropFph9Tj_B4GTOSohyphenhyphenU4VE2-zXK8RryRScqQRxp1568ZHl_DNN5didZqj51vAJ8vFUKQ4kinErr3k/s1600-h/P1030207.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345362861218629618" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__4_gKy0wopLhJZYxnpIJS_2LNy90unlhR3kflxTrPne3XWpRLVGRFLh8lzZQy8ropFph9Tj_B4GTOSohyphenhyphenU4VE2-zXK8RryRScqQRxp1568ZHl_DNN5didZqj51vAJ8vFUKQ4kinErr3k/s200/P1030207.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__4_gKy0wopLhJZYxnpIJS_2LNy90unlhR3kflxTrPne3XWpRLVGRFLh8lzZQy8ropFph9Tj_B4GTOSohyphenhyphenU4VE2-zXK8RryRScqQRxp1568ZHl_DNN5didZqj51vAJ8vFUKQ4kinErr3k/s1600-h/P1030207.jpg"> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cgnwOiiKy-eSrr7c-X1PeZ47odkJkejtI2tmx9EUVsuburGxh38oWeBoKBTyZSDIXUc2u9Vesk5orQer1Z0ueVKyFZjehEfFZObwbXmodd4ySvE7RGt2u5jzhZw2SKzWMh8VsXHv98jk/s1600-h/P1030185.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345362864272614434" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cgnwOiiKy-eSrr7c-X1PeZ47odkJkejtI2tmx9EUVsuburGxh38oWeBoKBTyZSDIXUc2u9Vesk5orQer1Z0ueVKyFZjehEfFZObwbXmodd4ySvE7RGt2u5jzhZw2SKzWMh8VsXHv98jk/s200/P1030185.jpg" border="0" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHCRietQ6pgeRnzXUpYSLTIu9z2acl7lbF-cvxhdE9eTR8GyO38bqOTkmIlbYYuflqnfM5xZuMIi0vC9cREGVOMqA8aujRTEnK9kQCU6dbAxNXOJ_IvRvUC5v_iim8lGzuB5O_FnK68yD/s1600-h/P1030153.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345362865631581634" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHCRietQ6pgeRnzXUpYSLTIu9z2acl7lbF-cvxhdE9eTR8GyO38bqOTkmIlbYYuflqnfM5xZuMIi0vC9cREGVOMqA8aujRTEnK9kQCU6dbAxNXOJ_IvRvUC5v_iim8lGzuB5O_FnK68yD/s200/P1030153.jpg" border="0" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"></p>From Ephesus, we went to Kusadasi on the Mediterranean.<span style=""> </span>We happened upon a hotel run by Hasan Degirmenci, better known to everyone as “Mr. Happy”.<span style=""> </span>And he was! <span style=""> </span>He seems like one of the happiest people in the world, and he wants to spread his good cheer, sometimes breaking into song or dance when he can’t contain his enthusiasm.<span style=""> </span>So if you’re ever in Kusadasi, Turkey, make sure you stay in Hotel Liman to enjoy Mr. Happy’s hospitality.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fnmq44iCagHKhuYbMUP82wxVPZkyPDg7ZwoT2qbU4u6Rp5vFXlKUxtmMikup8ks4dUFNG65TCy8uY1TWf2JBdjUGWxixj4qLCr09eAZIsiXOU7ePjLFULp098gwAcnpWfrZaMOp_QMSM/s1600-h/P1030420.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fnmq44iCagHKhuYbMUP82wxVPZkyPDg7ZwoT2qbU4u6Rp5vFXlKUxtmMikup8ks4dUFNG65TCy8uY1TWf2JBdjUGWxixj4qLCr09eAZIsiXOU7ePjLFULp098gwAcnpWfrZaMOp_QMSM/s200/P1030420.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351827343450610658" border="0" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Since we could see some Greek islands off the coast of Turkey, we decided to take a ferry and spend a few days on the islands of Samos and Ikaria.<span style=""> </span>We can confirm that the Greek islands deserve their reputation for beautiful coastlines, picturesque villages, and friendly people.<span style=""> </span>We were lucky enough to stay at a guesthouse where the husband and wife owners made the most delicious home-cooked Greek food – souvlaki, moussaka, pastitsio, and more.<span style=""> </span>Incredible!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCHgX79aLT1dHxl4sRCamDipA9UpjpTxgbOEUngrJi_fv_xhKRUBILsXvVXnCqycI4cW2X7bVx4JOfyj-jsWo7k92JSYx8zIyUTPJ0nxyYBFnK78_uNIfltyWbTrdWFCWTsZnM27skvD2/s1600-h/P1030250.jpg"> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345362438767033202" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCHgX79aLT1dHxl4sRCamDipA9UpjpTxgbOEUngrJi_fv_xhKRUBILsXvVXnCqycI4cW2X7bVx4JOfyj-jsWo7k92JSYx8zIyUTPJ0nxyYBFnK78_uNIfltyWbTrdWFCWTsZnM27skvD2/s200/P1030250.jpg" border="0" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHGV2KTBdHEJiSOBCnEIv0DAPdD4UdVJQyS6Jf3v3VflLVGh3lSEV9k238En2WVOs4Sy-1LKGz_XOaNjNhX1VTSUxUy93htcJRKJDwPkbQuO61WRJf6FKc6WrX3OUSAMV-5ojeBXeuHCj/s1600-h/P1030228.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345362855503543698" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHGV2KTBdHEJiSOBCnEIv0DAPdD4UdVJQyS6Jf3v3VflLVGh3lSEV9k238En2WVOs4Sy-1LKGz_XOaNjNhX1VTSUxUy93htcJRKJDwPkbQuO61WRJf6FKc6WrX3OUSAMV-5ojeBXeuHCj/s200/P1030228.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_a8V6UxBn3esyUcudTqQP2otVu0uUSFlusW8DySe7q_ipI0gVJQY17IeT0084ljWBeKSAX_xgNzNAKsoXpRN90o0hnY-wrzYgFxg9VV3D4QqarT51nawcYd7_nh719yRTJsJOyqWd3bC/s1600-h/P1030310.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_a8V6UxBn3esyUcudTqQP2otVu0uUSFlusW8DySe7q_ipI0gVJQY17IeT0084ljWBeKSAX_xgNzNAKsoXpRN90o0hnY-wrzYgFxg9VV3D4QqarT51nawcYd7_nh719yRTJsJOyqWd3bC/s200/P1030310.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351832895043256370" border="0" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxktDjrTf9I0Wgnp4-xD25SIfliWOOvgBXgJhjZ7_alfkFQdWiiP4rT9uGedGNZB60Zau-NglCUKO0P28PF2lUZYDLyoo0SRPbbdqfS1VBmMrpXibfy07k2v3whjmuVc-8ree0HRmVruk6/s1600-h/P1030280.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345362434576494274" style="width: 150px; height: 200px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxktDjrTf9I0Wgnp4-xD25SIfliWOOvgBXgJhjZ7_alfkFQdWiiP4rT9uGedGNZB60Zau-NglCUKO0P28PF2lUZYDLyoo0SRPbbdqfS1VBmMrpXibfy07k2v3whjmuVc-8ree0HRmVruk6/s200/P1030280.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-pSYyCD3GDQG8C4J9DQQa2MLUzJ21NPCfK588FQOebSyxuexFDCmm6X3sE7EG_i2C3HQZX_KmTXRYHbwT1lw0PtvJuafqfFAVvmnZubZFe0Ynz1bVb4AXqygOO-EMGO548g5sKonllAs/s1600-h/P1030464.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-pSYyCD3GDQG8C4J9DQQa2MLUzJ21NPCfK588FQOebSyxuexFDCmm6X3sE7EG_i2C3HQZX_KmTXRYHbwT1lw0PtvJuafqfFAVvmnZubZFe0Ynz1bVb4AXqygOO-EMGO548g5sKonllAs/s200/P1030464.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351827351209256738" border="0" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBSmNlJWV2xjQUXHAirJzToDOFmXtf3hue4ffW3QhNwpeXDZe9MRShkCypFdXz2MAezKUbqf81BXW78qfA7mGq1pbobMNFsnvQUt9lbhdmXyZ-_0uIwE_F77WoUbecC60UJhLwxsm_pwm/s1600-h/P1030365.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345367185399551362" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBSmNlJWV2xjQUXHAirJzToDOFmXtf3hue4ffW3QhNwpeXDZe9MRShkCypFdXz2MAezKUbqf81BXW78qfA7mGq1pbobMNFsnvQUt9lbhdmXyZ-_0uIwE_F77WoUbecC60UJhLwxsm_pwm/s200/P1030365.JPG" border="0" /> </a><br /></p><div><div>For our last few days in Turkey, we took a 4-day sailboat cruise on the Mediterranean from Fethiye to Olympos along the southern coast of Turkey.<span style=""> </span>With 14 other people on a 70+ foot sailboat, we had four lazy days of sailing, swimming, and snorkeling… with a few stops at small port villages along the way.<span style=""> </span>The dazzling blue-green water of the Mediterranean was a great temperature for swimming and the views along the Turkish coast were spectacular.<span style=""> </span><br /></div></div> <p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDwo2DKweIAp2aZ3XuVbvmDKH0y3uluGUn2VHkxR2KMVJ_4XljASJ52sk60mbfXOfGrzWJ5X1H5VMWP5ubMddCZ6hNrNe3qTZKI0rBFf7bkJHfVldyKxVdq0oLfH-d6QQOOekNpc1FSbh/s1600-h/P1030392.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDwo2DKweIAp2aZ3XuVbvmDKH0y3uluGUn2VHkxR2KMVJ_4XljASJ52sk60mbfXOfGrzWJ5X1H5VMWP5ubMddCZ6hNrNe3qTZKI0rBFf7bkJHfVldyKxVdq0oLfH-d6QQOOekNpc1FSbh/s200/P1030392.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351827360087074386" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vczxVRhvDj6ENBE6JBGv5gpACSzHdBk-i8Fl-9GOewQU1O4KRHmMV_n6Ni_MyayHXFNaK-KncoeGcr5qhvWx1oOgwE_sgpBxsI10oy5NuyqqUeR2PqbffQgazsejHjkDTKWtG7SgpFe_/s1600-h/P1030472.jpg"> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxuhPMmqTOEAghS0siQZcIEhiGxALlmmExkfxCm-BbfkK8x1Q4rbsRBvL29I52K6f4B_ELiW-y4ISOTONGh7vSPjAdb3ovZqHHjiNdx-_FcRZolW6GwRuxlkn-9xRGqn5SmhpIJDidvg1/s1600-h/P1030433.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345362435772437298" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65mR7ri2Eu9nVjnCkH_xJSwoCcs2uXuBx9OvHAxIjzou2unJ7LPLOXch7XaLL9Fzp9q5NQAQL2oDogXRqz0CY-t6VStFTPfKb6-KPTiCBydHbooO1q1Uo_FWgoCf3ykMop1A5CrUvPhFP/s200/P1030412.jpg" border="0" /><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclyIq9RUkigXRc_-gdfDpMm5Pvswdl5lLgSnh3JjaksFYiMHlrpnU9kh52A5E_nYXK3BSu4nvBllfJMwYXDXewdgvpLAttuQ2LytArKpW-gBvEBScPEo3Zb_lvb9oM3ORc1nhj9USezWr/s1600-h/P1030480.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345362425645656578" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclyIq9RUkigXRc_-gdfDpMm5Pvswdl5lLgSnh3JjaksFYiMHlrpnU9kh52A5E_nYXK3BSu4nvBllfJMwYXDXewdgvpLAttuQ2LytArKpW-gBvEBScPEo3Zb_lvb9oM3ORc1nhj9USezWr/s200/P1030480.jpg" border="0" /></a> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNSYD2AJMNiScw2DH2eTw1rUBIeMliflxV8qzUoWPANqXU6JEaXLkx35CRbc8cS4MFSy1Xl8J4KSE0LDn5L8V88yEM7p_AKKDm_d28lpCHfHZPuKanKTBkpz_2HE0D8pYjJ9m0cGe5Qbm/s200/P1030423.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351828517544270994" border="0" /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8e_GgyeMGRXdCDLSYtvTFy1nLouFyL0mPCrRJZ87syk3v8PGdL3HmPEkDbfqEVXtKfhThMPde_UEl-bRhDMebzwKkA2iUD6cvf7u15z24qObyjdAYxsSgWI-VgT_CGKDDY3qysiNi0LZq/s1600-h/P1030515.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8e_GgyeMGRXdCDLSYtvTFy1nLouFyL0mPCrRJZ87syk3v8PGdL3HmPEkDbfqEVXtKfhThMPde_UEl-bRhDMebzwKkA2iUD6cvf7u15z24qObyjdAYxsSgWI-VgT_CGKDDY3qysiNi0LZq/s200/P1030515.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351828521359111698" border="0" /> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOUzqmv06Y-apj-PFDpAOXM5zOaZQubcuYRR3m4dLNpXEvtENU5GAs1-T2531N4VSF9-nOijgPUnvOC7t1lf4N9abSTnPCoN78GSCxVmfRsX8z-6fFBic1M2OoQw2WPe_Uzp3HLTTeGg4/s200/P1030585.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351828512380454146" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">David’s highlight: anticipating diving around the fabled sunken city (ask him about that when he gets back…).<span style=""> </span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Steve’s highlight: succeeding in his first attempt at a back flip off the sailboat into the water (click on the image to see the epic video).<br /></p><div><div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxABJk3MzjTh4d659UfxPITsZ5ZGBb39nKH4PjpbaWOw3N5fg0T7sBZ-pzGGR-mKR1NOvi7K1FAuuJzNRuNyQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><div><div><div><br />We enjoyed Turkey and the Greek Islands much more than we expected and we only scratched the surface, so we’ll have to come back some other time to enjoy more of what these countries have to offer.</div></div></div></div></div><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixcLnSjCwBFVyc_3hASbAHeF10gWytHxBXwsjez-J01AEdkQHl2JG-XnlJdfuh8PlJY_YuLq8ogunqfJto3XjrInTnHwrzVIQrP8ti2keKkzcecJQjU8sGCsQFbCpwCPcHT_0fquBfiWw/s1600-h/P1030617.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345362064735794434" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixcLnSjCwBFVyc_3hASbAHeF10gWytHxBXwsjez-J01AEdkQHl2JG-XnlJdfuh8PlJY_YuLq8ogunqfJto3XjrInTnHwrzVIQrP8ti2keKkzcecJQjU8sGCsQFbCpwCPcHT_0fquBfiWw/s200/P1030617.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_Cdlopr2DV1QLsc3HaLooFrpz43DKOgOcfmLSQVg2yVI0ssJ_caJE2AntzZpUAXWWdtusj7xzR1HO_DLt8qVsZFHNDs4K5ZMs3ip6_dDVI6Xzhyphenhyphen1B5i3mQOz6Ztm-G-GVDIgqRVr6D91/s1600-h/P1030620.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345362065989948082" style="width: 150px; height: 200px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_Cdlopr2DV1QLsc3HaLooFrpz43DKOgOcfmLSQVg2yVI0ssJ_caJE2AntzZpUAXWWdtusj7xzR1HO_DLt8qVsZFHNDs4K5ZMs3ip6_dDVI6Xzhyphenhyphen1B5i3mQOz6Ztm-G-GVDIgqRVr6D91/s200/P1030620.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBZcjTvlv49ZYeeF0GQZWVeMETREfU9-LeNDQWNPsSo7h7YG2pxJqvPEFka52aZIAKtNFQATQChqFN7R5S3iH7QqOE9AksWiULhVdRQ9vwlmNyTc7OiUJ-7FdTMb2XYc7YSE03dGx63sI/s1600-h/P1030597.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345362069263482914" style="width: 150px; height: 200px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBZcjTvlv49ZYeeF0GQZWVeMETREfU9-LeNDQWNPsSo7h7YG2pxJqvPEFka52aZIAKtNFQATQChqFN7R5S3iH7QqOE9AksWiULhVdRQ9vwlmNyTc7OiUJ-7FdTMb2XYc7YSE03dGx63sI/s200/P1030597.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>Next up: We travel to Indonesia where David’s 17 year-old brother Blake and his 15 year-old friend Riley join us for 3 weeks.<span style=""> </span>We’ll be volunteering in two or three orphanages on different islands in Indonesia, but there are rumors that they have some beautiful beaches there too. <span style="font-family:Wingdings;"><span style="">J</span></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="">- Steve </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055449771397601272.post-16577772726272185122009-06-09T06:34:00.000-07:002009-09-29T11:53:11.458-07:00Israel and Palestinian Territory<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRvxInshd-i0rHF5GFYlkLtFbxt-TsIURxC3X3bfoFGdbCRRyE8jz1gbVUGz4YhAXWtJQuQaQUShJPgzOF1BpQ7WmlsIVBopl6aq08mB6NWljRlvVsUVRFfsLhU-Z1Vdi0t8YbojPzxtb/s1600-h/P1020866.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345322162518481410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRvxInshd-i0rHF5GFYlkLtFbxt-TsIURxC3X3bfoFGdbCRRyE8jz1gbVUGz4YhAXWtJQuQaQUShJPgzOF1BpQ7WmlsIVBopl6aq08mB6NWljRlvVsUVRFfsLhU-Z1Vdi0t8YbojPzxtb/s200/P1020866.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a>This is Terry, Melissa, Zach, and Jeremiah Rhodes who we met on a bus crossing from Jordan to Israel. While on the bus we learned that Terry is the principal and his wife Melissa is a teacher at a K-12 school in Bethlehem (which is located in the Palestinian territory of the West Bank). On a short trip touring Israel they saw the need and felt the call to work and teach in the West Bank. If you don’t follow the news it may be helpful to google Palestine or the West Bank to get an idea of the history and current events in the West Bank to understand what the Rhodes saw. After a year of preparation the Rhodes moved to the West Bank and began working in a Christian school for Palestinian children.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RoIHxeMCGlgm0rcpsCvHwBgO23dYVXeUqLPKrTzVxB7XNtxPvwrBQzzpExyMgbFp1PtzErSpDCmvrtsOnPPGBZgzHujholCilVlzcvynh6n-zlLVIo4_9xwjJ-q5A_L5DJUFtzjElX64/s1600-h/P1020868.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345322170491899474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RoIHxeMCGlgm0rcpsCvHwBgO23dYVXeUqLPKrTzVxB7XNtxPvwrBQzzpExyMgbFp1PtzErSpDCmvrtsOnPPGBZgzHujholCilVlzcvynh6n-zlLVIo4_9xwjJ-q5A_L5DJUFtzjElX64/s200/P1020868.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
Although they hardly knew us, the Rhodes invited us to stay in their home and speak to the senior class at their school about our travels and volunteer work.<br />
Since the media paints a dangerous picture of the West Bank and Palestinians, not many tourists stay there. We were lucky to have the opportunity to do so as it gave me a new perspective on the Israel/Palestine situation and a small window into the lives of Palestinians. Entering or exiting the West Bank I felt almost like a caged animal. We had to cross through several large concrete structures with iron bars and cameras everywhere and show our passports to prove we weren’t Palestinian (since they aren’t allowed to cross).<br />
<br />
It’s hard to describe what it felt like to be in the Palestinian territory of the West Bank. By reading books and seeing documentaries on the Berlin Wall and the U.S. before the civil rights movement, the West Bank felt a bit like I would imagine a combination of the two to be.<br />
This is part of the wall surrounding the West Bank that keeps families from seeing each other and isolating Palestinians from the rest of the world. Many Palestinian families have been separated by the wall and haven’t seen each other for years. What also really shocked me is the separate bus system for Palestinians living in Israel.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXtL2Yi5fUuuJb0mJ-ihQgW90mozTKiNmAWhi8ePY1VkrnUD0IhiQHIYZUtW0ShaV7FIUWDClYgTVVKokLPMuhp7U3cEn3IwXs-tw0-WvOR6QDWrDVQZc7nCDX6VP2YZ6itMC6EHKXmwi/s1600-h/P1020689.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345321159361944930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXtL2Yi5fUuuJb0mJ-ihQgW90mozTKiNmAWhi8ePY1VkrnUD0IhiQHIYZUtW0ShaV7FIUWDClYgTVVKokLPMuhp7U3cEn3IwXs-tw0-WvOR6QDWrDVQZc7nCDX6VP2YZ6itMC6EHKXmwi/s200/P1020689.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
But on the other hand, Jews have experienced terror and warfare against them from the beginning of recorded history. And Palestinian extremists have killed many innocent Israeli citizens while neighboring countries threaten total annihilation. If you’ve experienced decades of violence from people that live within your borders, it’s not surprising that some might want to build walls to contain the threat.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAtnQL_6jnqgnUnZB9T0m04tTybAxPCeDAfFTwh6WT-IcvOrBnnN1lbqFpva-Yw04d8q_R00rUCb4kXLzpQjuRSZWzNZPHYo-0ff8SHX5sbXsc1dAqu2vf_E9aIEUzXEwpirgerbCvGr1/s1600-h/P1020873.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345322169520535330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAtnQL_6jnqgnUnZB9T0m04tTybAxPCeDAfFTwh6WT-IcvOrBnnN1lbqFpva-Yw04d8q_R00rUCb4kXLzpQjuRSZWzNZPHYo-0ff8SHX5sbXsc1dAqu2vf_E9aIEUzXEwpirgerbCvGr1/s200/P1020873.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
Two of our guides gave us a sense of the widely differing views among Israelis. We commented to one guide that Israel’s hard-line Prime Minister Netanyahu seemed to be making it harder to achieve peace with the Palestinians. He responded, “That’s why we elected him. There will never be peace. It’s only a question of how many dead bodies. And there will be fewer dead bodies with Netanyahu.” Another guide we talked to was one of the first soldiers to liberate Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War and has lost two nephews fighting in Palestinian territories. Yet he was hopeful that Israel would one day achieve peace with the Palestinians. More than anything else, we learned just how complicated the situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories is, with no easy answers in sight.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrelDIddxCKwNnyQHCb1i0S6L3QJcShRg2vqQ6YqFDUORxAy8W1rrvQOGS-tAFoSSVjVEGhkpzAzJzfvqdebcq6J9GsRKKOA4qF-itM2bN9C4vI9rnSwu8P97YXqayoWNmvcWDRQFg4DGV/s1600-h/P1020712.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345321164688363122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrelDIddxCKwNnyQHCb1i0S6L3QJcShRg2vqQ6YqFDUORxAy8W1rrvQOGS-tAFoSSVjVEGhkpzAzJzfvqdebcq6J9GsRKKOA4qF-itM2bN9C4vI9rnSwu8P97YXqayoWNmvcWDRQFg4DGV/s200/P1020712.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfe7yDBaOn757cHSeEfVGQPvmK_O73eovlfcPT_5lJwIdZirB0WLs57tJEYlzgPQ8MTEb2vEgP18HFaE38P5FyM-vBUVWdAEtlVKrejo1MRCUUL3aPXOeyT9zH2xkVTfI4SI7sGpki7v9/s1600-h/P1020803.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345321799486509794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfe7yDBaOn757cHSeEfVGQPvmK_O73eovlfcPT_5lJwIdZirB0WLs57tJEYlzgPQ8MTEb2vEgP18HFaE38P5FyM-vBUVWdAEtlVKrejo1MRCUUL3aPXOeyT9zH2xkVTfI4SI7sGpki7v9/s200/P1020803.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
For most of our time in Israel, we visited famous places from the Bible. As you can see in the pictures, many of the sites we visited in Jerusalem were nearly empty. Our guide told us it was the fewest people he had seen in a long time. We have to thank the Pope for our nearly private tour. As the Pope was visiting many of the sites the same day, many parts of the city were blocked off for several hours, scaring most tourists away. Luckily we were able to work around the Popes schedule and get a crowd-free tour.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yVdXyDLMXFVFYE8RRuwEySHbeDRSjpow-yMErGyWHW2H_AvjCjHpkQVJ06v9lARsMNGnBl1OTUTg10MIjlZ8pZZMq3rUg70COj6T9mAzh7wOK5LJKENtINK6nqfeyie7rg67V9Zq_Msv/s1600-h/P1020773.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345321793449962482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yVdXyDLMXFVFYE8RRuwEySHbeDRSjpow-yMErGyWHW2H_AvjCjHpkQVJ06v9lARsMNGnBl1OTUTg10MIjlZ8pZZMq3rUg70COj6T9mAzh7wOK5LJKENtINK6nqfeyie7rg67V9Zq_Msv/s200/P1020773.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlsAaftK5TPgVljwndlmdZo1bQe5Io8JopZh7Z6ZsXLKROE2Zi6fkOTck6pv3CwpceWxaiYZnXgu2s7ejP6Ji6kn5pE58YRHlprH2QVntnvajUWL0VCe3fx01IfcolXQgMHq4F0TrHnXT/s1600-h/P1020905.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345322174133553906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlsAaftK5TPgVljwndlmdZo1bQe5Io8JopZh7Z6ZsXLKROE2Zi6fkOTck6pv3CwpceWxaiYZnXgu2s7ejP6Ji6kn5pE58YRHlprH2QVntnvajUWL0VCe3fx01IfcolXQgMHq4F0TrHnXT/s200/P1020905.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfa69HPq1BDRz0ngjCHMgmaDFS5b4JS0tPNVtEVXuIh2rQqF4GvZySqg7xqNLOGa0L9WUPrQYDcOH7DgpRqeYNhF7VZWj-xAyBDrY-s2akWs9l4aeMqq_WHbLVbSyXg10xikCbm8Ul1wW/s1600-h/P1020702.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345321163478909618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfa69HPq1BDRz0ngjCHMgmaDFS5b4JS0tPNVtEVXuIh2rQqF4GvZySqg7xqNLOGa0L9WUPrQYDcOH7DgpRqeYNhF7VZWj-xAyBDrY-s2akWs9l4aeMqq_WHbLVbSyXg10xikCbm8Ul1wW/s200/P1020702.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
<div><div>Though the room was rebuilt several centuries ago, this is supposedly where Jesus had the Last Supper with his disciples. <br />
</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAfXGt8hyoe7kzQ02nCzPdPa8nQJXoSjycDpGnPDoV-6aBFU31zH1UmVcZwrWtPwjmpn5prCxw_TfqxCe267N6MYHXKgnqEwgFW0_8R6H-FhQtxmKPdqbRv4vUZklBUdGSe-B7Ab1u-ILE/s1600-h/P1020753.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345321177027480562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAfXGt8hyoe7kzQ02nCzPdPa8nQJXoSjycDpGnPDoV-6aBFU31zH1UmVcZwrWtPwjmpn5prCxw_TfqxCe267N6MYHXKgnqEwgFW0_8R6H-FhQtxmKPdqbRv4vUZklBUdGSe-B7Ab1u-ILE/s200/P1020753.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvbI_6OqRJfK4amCr1qh_CLHuGbuvYwPmrK14SN1GpHdDWAApwi762a2ZqRy3HeFT8bIyzbHOoQirMabmPJ4Aeh2r3f9tzcFXLKnD57IOm8QbsZU-Ase_I_Ub3ilas_L7YjtUDPX7BujJ/s1600-h/P1020738.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345321172813408754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvbI_6OqRJfK4amCr1qh_CLHuGbuvYwPmrK14SN1GpHdDWAApwi762a2ZqRy3HeFT8bIyzbHOoQirMabmPJ4Aeh2r3f9tzcFXLKnD57IOm8QbsZU-Ase_I_Ub3ilas_L7YjtUDPX7BujJ/s200/P1020738.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
</div><div>Some of the other highlights of our trip were seeing famous places from Jesus life:<br />
</div><div>- where he was born and where the angels announced his birth to the shepherds (in Bethlehem)<br />
</div><div>- where he grew up (in Nazareth)<br />
</div><div>- where he fed 5,000 with two loaves of bread and five fish (in Tabgha)<br />
</div><div>- where he preached the sermon on the Mount (near Capernaum)<br />
</div><div>- where he was crucified, buried, and resurrected (in Jerusalem)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Tnp74lX_jlRU21qBXb__HZmWgf396lFrO7lDkFqiOIG5xc_PUGdpUtE2H4JzYSH5RYg4oVb_J00eCtKuK0YGVHrp3BIjVvorbcdhuYCLNiuRpOlaFwQhclomp1PYCqnWjIM0IMIotgr7/s1600-h/P1020792.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345321797996464802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Tnp74lX_jlRU21qBXb__HZmWgf396lFrO7lDkFqiOIG5xc_PUGdpUtE2H4JzYSH5RYg4oVb_J00eCtKuK0YGVHrp3BIjVvorbcdhuYCLNiuRpOlaFwQhclomp1PYCqnWjIM0IMIotgr7/s200/P1020792.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyoivKWaupKTCryXZWj31mkVQGtzcarJo2VYjzXWIei51_24RLPC1yIATKqViN9GStrBUUp5DwCP7MfJKm3U4XrePb6qSGTVNxqEPWXFeCTUcvHIQl34WaPriGJKlWj-HQKpw45CB9rPqu/s1600-h/P1020785.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345321793216847458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyoivKWaupKTCryXZWj31mkVQGtzcarJo2VYjzXWIei51_24RLPC1yIATKqViN9GStrBUUp5DwCP7MfJKm3U4XrePb6qSGTVNxqEPWXFeCTUcvHIQl34WaPriGJKlWj-HQKpw45CB9rPqu/s200/P1020785.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
</div><div>It was both funny and sad to see what had become of many Biblical sites. Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Armenian, and Coptic denominations claim rights to many of the same sites which proves to be precarious situation. In the past, Churches have fought (both verbally and physically) over some of the sites to hold their rituals, though neither fighting nor rituals seem to have been encouraged by Jesus.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVF6hZ0W8HCTfXTGMtMgaNouxMmDj7dHi56PqbjdDpWb20fpggaxILC-rusxiWp_RZdWxUvLaW3GP1PhBAMKKbEFEvTQgQT5UvAWeoQ_7aXdzBLj5VL72hnryldveQpfyHN5ELPk5_RdF/s1600-h/P1030034.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345322703829725746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVF6hZ0W8HCTfXTGMtMgaNouxMmDj7dHi56PqbjdDpWb20fpggaxILC-rusxiWp_RZdWxUvLaW3GP1PhBAMKKbEFEvTQgQT5UvAWeoQ_7aXdzBLj5VL72hnryldveQpfyHN5ELPk5_RdF/s200/P1030034.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEG35hromMkWphdrc3sZcFsIGz3LD2g7gIQ1GAbHRfqEemFFR1sTCA_fygEbwzkOexPa2n2Exihj6i84DlpT8suWW4YSCBZnYuZUWwzUa5L3r2vlRNYRrB-Yb_OcF2LEYUHpQ55iNJ4iN9/s1600-h/P1030041.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345322701482874818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEG35hromMkWphdrc3sZcFsIGz3LD2g7gIQ1GAbHRfqEemFFR1sTCA_fygEbwzkOexPa2n2Exihj6i84DlpT8suWW4YSCBZnYuZUWwzUa5L3r2vlRNYRrB-Yb_OcF2LEYUHpQ55iNJ4iN9/s200/P1030041.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAimdHZV6Isfs_jR1zqR3DOryOkIvWZoDwMvcqF-OmqVmzo3wkQa1R_LScLUwAZON6YLgJxH131FlgKpRjZ-R-aZ3qM2z-yMBiihBL-lIQBoo1UrMWg-nepTttNlnmSbD887yLi6r9NY_/s1600-h/P1030052.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345322709345502338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAimdHZV6Isfs_jR1zqR3DOryOkIvWZoDwMvcqF-OmqVmzo3wkQa1R_LScLUwAZON6YLgJxH131FlgKpRjZ-R-aZ3qM2z-yMBiihBL-lIQBoo1UrMWg-nepTttNlnmSbD887yLi6r9NY_/s200/P1030052.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
</div><div>These are some ancient Roman ruins at Beit Sha’an where Jeff and I were able to reenact gladiator battles.<br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxXoPR6fywRIpSYq2W2Oc842gqiscJNaI6k7nI_24rE2vJofposX9Lg6BHSQ8YXmCc18k8j9SrSkyH2q9hSEIphyfKko4uxXuGn3Z5HPHDkwEGn-68j-3YV52-s2NYD7unF25ozP9_-FJ/s1600-h/P1030067.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345323030042907346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxXoPR6fywRIpSYq2W2Oc842gqiscJNaI6k7nI_24rE2vJofposX9Lg6BHSQ8YXmCc18k8j9SrSkyH2q9hSEIphyfKko4uxXuGn3Z5HPHDkwEGn-68j-3YV52-s2NYD7unF25ozP9_-FJ/s200/P1030067.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6gi0PKVo-3yih0euy1CofvjYY7Z1Xy-B3gmByy5S8KFS7zHyCQX7dhT4Ran7f-g8HYaElA2yvlNDLvlW7hE5AABFcFOEFmfrv4BCybzq_FAEnZ_ERMvPIhZlylb14wpy3mJosnpwvRIL/s1600-h/P1020933.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345322174493073122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6gi0PKVo-3yih0euy1CofvjYY7Z1Xy-B3gmByy5S8KFS7zHyCQX7dhT4Ran7f-g8HYaElA2yvlNDLvlW7hE5AABFcFOEFmfrv4BCybzq_FAEnZ_ERMvPIhZlylb14wpy3mJosnpwvRIL/s200/P1020933.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
</div></div><div>After our trip around Israel it was time to say goodbye to Jeff. We were very sad to see him go after 2 months of traveling with us and now who is going to tell us "your mom" jokes... <br />
</div><div>Next stop Turkey and a sailboat cruise in the Mediterranean!<br />
</div><div>- David and Steve<br />
</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055449771397601272.post-29502045302260261582009-05-24T11:28:00.001-07:002009-05-28T13:05:44.443-07:00Jordan - PetraOn the way to Israel, we decided to take a side trip to Jordan to see the stone-carved temples and tombs of Petra. But as we crossed the border into Jordan, we were encouraged by another traveler to take a detour to spend a night at a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum, a beautiful desert valley. A night in a Bedouin tent in the Jordanian desert? Why not? (David and Jeffrey would find out why not later.)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOeNkD_SOK5WaAR7ywzy9kkZbryiBxrmCMLkGkOA7KdXVKceMDCweTSuNJc6l9fiI_sSgYybOhiugyG0wZL0a38OYvVpYhkdQ4JRP1QNbOyPl9DhuJtMb9O4BYfYnUknrxH7US1hLr1NU/s1600-h/P1020238.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339459430588907042" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOeNkD_SOK5WaAR7ywzy9kkZbryiBxrmCMLkGkOA7KdXVKceMDCweTSuNJc6l9fiI_sSgYybOhiugyG0wZL0a38OYvVpYhkdQ4JRP1QNbOyPl9DhuJtMb9O4BYfYnUknrxH7US1hLr1NU/s200/P1020238.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Several hours later, we were bouncing around in the back of a pickup truck as we crossed the sandy route to a remote Bedouin camp (see photo above). When we arrived in the dark, the desert air was cool, the stars were unusually bright, and the desert was eerily quiet, with dim silhouettes of jagged rock formations breaking up the flat desert landscape. We were ushered into Bedouin tent, probably 20’ x 40’, with every inch of ground covered by Persian carpets. Guided to seats by a fire, we were given a cup of Jordanian tea (very sweet, with a spearmint flavor) as we met the 3 Jordanian brothers who would be our hosts. After they dug up our dinner (meat cooked in a pot surrounded by hot coals in the ground) we feasted on chicken, rice, salad, hummus, and pita bread. After a long day of traveling, we went to our beds on the ground made with several layers of blankets and pillows piled about 8 inches high. It was one of the most comfortable beds I’ve slept on in my travels.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqc1_vAsmzmHjFK8czJNkWFr2b3cbUVKijb4w3uh7RNgU5OzvwGmPNrKcCKMszHP4o6ZnLGR1bLgDi8rS_0Ru9YPsCLUevH_3a3H0D7VYXIzZeha0YlCQ7ggikpFiy-85DEOwyfqCAdV3X/s1600-h/P1020297.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339459432597219282" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqc1_vAsmzmHjFK8czJNkWFr2b3cbUVKijb4w3uh7RNgU5OzvwGmPNrKcCKMszHP4o6ZnLGR1bLgDi8rS_0Ru9YPsCLUevH_3a3H0D7VYXIzZeha0YlCQ7ggikpFiy-85DEOwyfqCAdV3X/s200/P1020297.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TVfBwMl04oy5VdnaU8d1JQaOF08tyQuJJZABVHwl7URcOlPU9ew1E6y8zAurTkghfS9GNZ_HXc48_ygFGlkZIsqkA8xckYhq9TWt2eae9ARxnw7KQCigWvxbJYayVW-0NHo5nLPl8ER_/s1600-h/P1020245.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339459426706103970" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TVfBwMl04oy5VdnaU8d1JQaOF08tyQuJJZABVHwl7URcOlPU9ew1E6y8zAurTkghfS9GNZ_HXc48_ygFGlkZIsqkA8xckYhq9TWt2eae9ARxnw7KQCigWvxbJYayVW-0NHo5nLPl8ER_/s200/P1020245.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><br />In the morning, I rose before sunrise to see a faint orange glow behind the towering rock formations. The desert was peacefully quiet with the sand and mountains stretching to the horizon without a trace of civilization in sight. We were truly off the grid. I climbed one of the rock formations and enjoyed the serenity of the desert until sunrise.</div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOTBQr4hRDCWNXXKaE1vcopQHgeiWIAjX82fm4l8SYrgjQteu7w66woQ984scPYMntZ9hNxIFJTBxznuvaF4IpdkUMxZfYk8y5nNDWsZ1yIIx4C7LUmxzEBpIIqjDjLeqxqpW3PLNlo0X/s1600-h/P1020343.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339459438156956898" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOTBQr4hRDCWNXXKaE1vcopQHgeiWIAjX82fm4l8SYrgjQteu7w66woQ984scPYMntZ9hNxIFJTBxznuvaF4IpdkUMxZfYk8y5nNDWsZ1yIIx4C7LUmxzEBpIIqjDjLeqxqpW3PLNlo0X/s200/P1020343.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58KI87VvVU7IuHDr_67wUkeWqPs3W84DJ61bAOqltX2DOcvmlnk8EafODjnsD_WiRcc-MFiejKlORtfLfZb4el8356PmoQ-jZRw8CVyoeJs5XuDJqmYVif9A0taotFlC24RLG5SrrTWRr/s1600-h/P1020352.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339459705784077442" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58KI87VvVU7IuHDr_67wUkeWqPs3W84DJ61bAOqltX2DOcvmlnk8EafODjnsD_WiRcc-MFiejKlORtfLfZb4el8356PmoQ-jZRw8CVyoeJs5XuDJqmYVif9A0taotFlC24RLG5SrrTWRr/s200/P1020352.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRfeW6PzJyfsUteju9PE6g4VLzKepbRaLORHKdlyHkhNMMrB5bTT8NpsOwDzTQb5y1zdvUoYvVS-yfnich3qWOggD7S-V6wmbMOLlioTouEjElHz7yw1qAcj-uHdlBFufI86qYb0FUsoi/s1600-h/P1020360.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339459713672851970" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRfeW6PzJyfsUteju9PE6g4VLzKepbRaLORHKdlyHkhNMMrB5bTT8NpsOwDzTQb5y1zdvUoYvVS-yfnich3qWOggD7S-V6wmbMOLlioTouEjElHz7yw1qAcj-uHdlBFufI86qYb0FUsoi/s200/P1020360.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_76es3Pg1uoPolHkFO4lrUL553YUasuwMlkmION-IH9Aq3BSwBB2pZTCjVvA7mGWV0pxWuSqiCTnpt5TF0zgfck92h3SvReO0Dp67QWwHrx276iwD0MgNJEGB6OQPtACp_tQeTMpsy6Gf/s1600-h/P1020374.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339459712646257586" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_76es3Pg1uoPolHkFO4lrUL553YUasuwMlkmION-IH9Aq3BSwBB2pZTCjVvA7mGWV0pxWuSqiCTnpt5TF0zgfck92h3SvReO0Dp67QWwHrx276iwD0MgNJEGB6OQPtACp_tQeTMpsy6Gf/s200/P1020374.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>After hiking back to camp, we had breakfast, spent a few minutes being harassed by a camel, and then went on our way to Petra. It was an unexpected and memorable side trip in our travels… and perhaps the source of some trouble.</div></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGTSS42xdCh38cM_JRUlq_M-shEbhvfujz8dUA3PInjPAZ2Hwk4Q83hRTJL4Pk843i3zvr4jTPlseVf-CLSQ4OGTsIuM9pK2JregBeIMHTw2XV4GQb8P2qZ7mfz4VG0GjyhPqtYZJShad/s1600-h/P1020382.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339459715952349234" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGTSS42xdCh38cM_JRUlq_M-shEbhvfujz8dUA3PInjPAZ2Hwk4Q83hRTJL4Pk843i3zvr4jTPlseVf-CLSQ4OGTsIuM9pK2JregBeIMHTw2XV4GQb8P2qZ7mfz4VG0GjyhPqtYZJShad/s200/P1020382.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRl7w53z02KnE69JIGml2TqDviBP8bsFRxufIaFYJQ5r9YP90eby4HeJZmJQJ90LDussiBMrpjnXPJ0Q5_MS3pwytDz9Fh-bCMNF9-9ux-QrOPf6b25cMmdJUxUcr7xkBuAXjImU_bdLF5/s1600-h/P1020378.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339459717668243666" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRl7w53z02KnE69JIGml2TqDviBP8bsFRxufIaFYJQ5r9YP90eby4HeJZmJQJ90LDussiBMrpjnXPJ0Q5_MS3pwytDz9Fh-bCMNF9-9ux-QrOPf6b25cMmdJUxUcr7xkBuAXjImU_bdLF5/s200/P1020378.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div><br />Within an hour of leaving the Bedouin camp, Jeffrey began to feel sick. Either from brotherly sympathy or from Bedouin chicken roulette, David quickly followed suit. For the next 2 days, the Conway boys enjoyed the inside of a Petra hotel room as they battled an intestinal bug. I’m not sure how I dodged the bullet, but they soon recovered and we were ready to see Petra.</div><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_IqLjUGe2Pl7ya9W9J3svnoCVy0BA4GoHMC4kw1bg4usVNY7y8RywhJdxYIXAa3cJSfYgRIwozHJ3SWG_lyXSraO1aal_4ahFz1ga0dhJ74GMzAwfCF22wiJ3f_5zN6PNsny9eBbKIUt/s1600-h/P1020444.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339459984616990098" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_IqLjUGe2Pl7ya9W9J3svnoCVy0BA4GoHMC4kw1bg4usVNY7y8RywhJdxYIXAa3cJSfYgRIwozHJ3SWG_lyXSraO1aal_4ahFz1ga0dhJ74GMzAwfCF22wiJ3f_5zN6PNsny9eBbKIUt/s200/P1020444.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmKtb3YPXK5Xv0AIPNIjGTXAO6hK3ww16ARUfvx1cb0pZcpEkqzJWr_PDf7LeZjA5T0SmGcUG94R6HQIYs_QDbR21T7nwwuYXqPrKnZ7VJijd3aG8OUbmNZFh6DNu7V0fLxtC6RTrM30R/s1600-h/P1020623.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339460299376968386" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmKtb3YPXK5Xv0AIPNIjGTXAO6hK3ww16ARUfvx1cb0pZcpEkqzJWr_PDf7LeZjA5T0SmGcUG94R6HQIYs_QDbR21T7nwwuYXqPrKnZ7VJijd3aG8OUbmNZFh6DNu7V0fLxtC6RTrM30R/s200/P1020623.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div>A big part of the mystique of Petra begins long before you see the work of human hands. To get to the ancient city, you walk 1.2 kilometers through a narrow gorge that in places is only 3-4 meters wide. Beside you, rose-colored sandstone walls tower up to 80 meters (260 feet) above you. It is one of the most beautiful rock formations I’ve ever seen. To walk between the towering rock walls is an awe-inspiring experience. As you round a corner at the end of the narrow gorge, you see Petra's most elaborate structure, Al Khazneh (popularly known as "the Treasury"), carved into a sandstone cliff. It is absolutely stunning.</div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLXfzmSxVZZ4xnShtzpfJhhXtSvvDY1xPSuJjXsIB1h9WZDZz-5_1WpHLneMgNA_r90hY3-NNt5377eo-8aYB6mvpWzw1N02OgXNGWWtFiTyBm7zhMMtfCiMxgq6cPuzg25qCqUOXJvJ_/s1600-h/P1020477.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339459980504493586" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLXfzmSxVZZ4xnShtzpfJhhXtSvvDY1xPSuJjXsIB1h9WZDZz-5_1WpHLneMgNA_r90hY3-NNt5377eo-8aYB6mvpWzw1N02OgXNGWWtFiTyBm7zhMMtfCiMxgq6cPuzg25qCqUOXJvJ_/s200/P1020477.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQeSilcbKLn0C1v6mwtC4xlUTrjpilq7GBpIC6dilYihxwupnRL95H33xSgzT6MkXOf9RqBp-dJ32bZU8vO9N1EqZmNYRYj1Jk3AtpyoOG04oft16ia_wjgoaPyd5ilapIdqvi2UzA4xs/s1600-h/P1020506.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339459983835554194" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQeSilcbKLn0C1v6mwtC4xlUTrjpilq7GBpIC6dilYihxwupnRL95H33xSgzT6MkXOf9RqBp-dJ32bZU8vO9N1EqZmNYRYj1Jk3AtpyoOG04oft16ia_wjgoaPyd5ilapIdqvi2UzA4xs/s200/P1020506.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPgcPyrJdRELgyiHvodZTADJv6oTJHsFZ6JcHOQBgy9GVaHoMrHpXHITX3uqZgSKgun8ZuwlQCVaFIjPWlkk7s4mrvHzSDwebHRKfO3DdXks-toD1GJNSMk79lR3yqzktNj41-ZaeqJUd/s1600-h/P1020638.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339460305593013698" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPgcPyrJdRELgyiHvodZTADJv6oTJHsFZ6JcHOQBgy9GVaHoMrHpXHITX3uqZgSKgun8ZuwlQCVaFIjPWlkk7s4mrvHzSDwebHRKfO3DdXks-toD1GJNSMk79lR3yqzktNj41-ZaeqJUd/s200/P1020638.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgR_lCfJHWTK830rYIWrZXxIPeFcdcImv0cggv5NxVrs3FquQ9nfV78y3a0ckKUZ3aPKtPXxJ5OUpmpdEzjiEqgsHdAZaDjBe2nW63OBdsI-FJcpt1K1TI2qTEDY8X__ycjKzKiKp2ZoIO/s1600-h/P1020660.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339460307741746130" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgR_lCfJHWTK830rYIWrZXxIPeFcdcImv0cggv5NxVrs3FquQ9nfV78y3a0ckKUZ3aPKtPXxJ5OUpmpdEzjiEqgsHdAZaDjBe2nW63OBdsI-FJcpt1K1TI2qTEDY8X__ycjKzKiKp2ZoIO/s200/P1020660.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />You may have seen this impressive façade when it was featured in the film “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”. Al Khazneh is the best-preserved and most famous of dozens of temples and tombs built by the Nabateans in their capital city around 100 BC. Since they controlled trade routes that linked China, India, and Arabia with Egypt, Greece, and Rome, the Nabateans became very wealthy collecting tolls from traveling merchants. They built a large city which is surrounded by hundreds of stone-carved tombs in the sides of mountains. Petra was probably abandoned around 551 AD when an earthquake destroyed many buildings and crippled the water aqueducts. Petra was unknown to the Western world until 1812, when it was introduced to the West by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, who paid a Bedouin shepherd to guide him to a rumored lost city<br />.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-j8DEW730oIYmNrRrApcyYWVqyJmNGnOEcZHLPm7hQoO2fb-3bRJbTAXkPa0klVH5RbOlZ04NhzMHU8O9M3t_XyYeLb8XxtvqPGykco2a7FOkaExEJa7VPPgMouBnXmpOB585jtIhv73/s1600-h/P1020613.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339459991693284994" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-j8DEW730oIYmNrRrApcyYWVqyJmNGnOEcZHLPm7hQoO2fb-3bRJbTAXkPa0klVH5RbOlZ04NhzMHU8O9M3t_XyYeLb8XxtvqPGykco2a7FOkaExEJa7VPPgMouBnXmpOB585jtIhv73/s200/P1020613.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSQ4Boe7IFZCqcsXqcgsFigCiovjjheX0zJae_oCKiBvNaGfVcRVMXI5n4TO9quwVfqyAiarc585pvG59JL4AF46YB4biSEYBwWGj5O_FEueZh2y3NGk6Hi9LdgJ4naKfRw9TWuJYoQky/s1600-h/P1020675.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339460509983503410" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSQ4Boe7IFZCqcsXqcgsFigCiovjjheX0zJae_oCKiBvNaGfVcRVMXI5n4TO9quwVfqyAiarc585pvG59JL4AF46YB4biSEYBwWGj5O_FEueZh2y3NGk6Hi9LdgJ4naKfRw9TWuJYoQky/s200/P1020675.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1eaJarf-5v3u14xFzMll7lho6xoG0yCg21VbWBJEm8pR4waR3ud6gdIHoLZVGUgeb2NzRucy9q2R7MX1jjogw4Uxfro8bcpSu1quvi1gcUylfnHIlaGFqfaXsjO4UGlflZD67XsYo5dD/s1600-h/P1020683.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339460515263315154" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1eaJarf-5v3u14xFzMll7lho6xoG0yCg21VbWBJEm8pR4waR3ud6gdIHoLZVGUgeb2NzRucy9q2R7MX1jjogw4Uxfro8bcpSu1quvi1gcUylfnHIlaGFqfaXsjO4UGlflZD67XsYo5dD/s200/P1020683.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVSuDbXqpu1uk0qMJEZaMk86ygqXsZqE4cntnwPxPW22EUz72MBR0tkweBEeVnSvQxOrnhjXw-DrVpezQk1sS7EjWo31Tv3EUoomckJCDR-it1sQiy09S64nt7C5VOOb3LO0PkId9u4Gt/s1600-h/P1020663.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339460310352802866" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVSuDbXqpu1uk0qMJEZaMk86ygqXsZqE4cntnwPxPW22EUz72MBR0tkweBEeVnSvQxOrnhjXw-DrVpezQk1sS7EjWo31Tv3EUoomckJCDR-it1sQiy09S64nt7C5VOOb3LO0PkId9u4Gt/s200/P1020663.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnoSecWYLNZSdYFMe7wvbhRadPgDojVW2SyVUjvo36PcsbkK-d2wxrTSuJiTH7kevk5hMhkM9iNLCaui3y-ESzGWGXh6AwoF-BKHqBHDrIj06x_q709ksWtPLBLLJOaEckc4ISe1xhDka_/s1600-h/P1020659.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339460305075636802" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnoSecWYLNZSdYFMe7wvbhRadPgDojVW2SyVUjvo36PcsbkK-d2wxrTSuJiTH7kevk5hMhkM9iNLCaui3y-ESzGWGXh6AwoF-BKHqBHDrIj06x_q709ksWtPLBLLJOaEckc4ISe1xhDka_/s200/P1020659.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />If you visit Israel or Jordan, it’s definitely worth a side trip to see Petra. Often cited as one of the wonders of the world, the natural gorge and stone-carved structures are unforgettable.<br /><br />We'll leave you with our favorite advertisement for local entertainment...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3i6B35rKooRmGYK7qUsjusmJ_3hi1acGL_yudgX7Xbhu7i1XCwcBmlsZ8QawlvlSYbsl9HHe4tWJ04J9dF1_EmD0MICI61nthWL5aVSmMLHlvrs7T9D2vayzMOPb4z-epRL5GTYYgDMGe/s1600-h/P1020225.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339459424614888482" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3i6B35rKooRmGYK7qUsjusmJ_3hi1acGL_yudgX7Xbhu7i1XCwcBmlsZ8QawlvlSYbsl9HHe4tWJ04J9dF1_EmD0MICI61nthWL5aVSmMLHlvrs7T9D2vayzMOPb4z-epRL5GTYYgDMGe/s200/P1020225.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />- SteveUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055449771397601272.post-57526089388999500532009-05-24T09:07:00.000-07:002009-09-29T11:51:06.865-07:00Egypt - Mount Sinai and Red SeaWe flew from Israel the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. We’d heard that Dahab, on the Red Sea, has some of the best scuba diving in the world, with underwater visibility up to 100 feet or more, making it easy to see hundreds of species of tropical fish and beautiful coral formations… plus the infamous “Blue Hole”.<br />
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But first we wanted to climb Mount Sinai where, according to the Bible, Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. We opted for a midnight hike that would avoid the brutal desert heat and put us at the top in time to see the sunrise over the rugged mountains of the Sinai desert. We made it to the top at about 4:30 am, about an hour before sunrise. Biggest surprise: The top of Mount Sinai is incredibly cold and windy at night. Good thing for the local Bedouins; they make a killing renting blankets to the freezing tourists. We huddled under our blanket for an hour and were finally rewarded with a sunrise that painted the desolate mountains around us in ever-changing shades of yellow, orange, and purple.<br />
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<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYM1A0GNwnchcTFLO9aEW6trc49UF3HyW2ICkOcWoWZ9By6VCEllcPTss9NJaHgdi9VburPO6mq_tdlsW155KTkYU6DQiTHCaJNspngDZYiGub_F0Cfa_zo_ZRWG8-S9aQWG-b8zIr0ka/s1600-h/P1020061.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339423515517463314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYM1A0GNwnchcTFLO9aEW6trc49UF3HyW2ICkOcWoWZ9By6VCEllcPTss9NJaHgdi9VburPO6mq_tdlsW155KTkYU6DQiTHCaJNspngDZYiGub_F0Cfa_zo_ZRWG8-S9aQWG-b8zIr0ka/s200/P1020061.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuYxQTsWVj2EC7o5skIHq1y8V2yWcAt6MBh_n5Ik7AbLieTswZzHrAyGV_VE6UnhdyjpGKElRgi8YtmcI0omllFU1Lz3-7t1SXCRl3FxYyuDVKrZS4Z80eGjefRCXfNcrfa0DwPx2mAJx/s1600-h/P1020053.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339423509331813810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuYxQTsWVj2EC7o5skIHq1y8V2yWcAt6MBh_n5Ik7AbLieTswZzHrAyGV_VE6UnhdyjpGKElRgi8YtmcI0omllFU1Lz3-7t1SXCRl3FxYyuDVKrZS4Z80eGjefRCXfNcrfa0DwPx2mAJx/s200/P1020053.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgFnGeonQ5Ji9gVpTCVrO9utmJtdLr6M1UzcIcP7kQVEOqCY_JWGJ0AQfK7SDPNJ5Y1XEl593MscZU0gWcKa33SPxu_Q0kVu3FKSUqgnyvaa1LEpv_MmkilaYrBgU6SosohCcra3t1BxT/s1600-h/P1020097.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339423883761664482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgFnGeonQ5Ji9gVpTCVrO9utmJtdLr6M1UzcIcP7kQVEOqCY_JWGJ0AQfK7SDPNJ5Y1XEl593MscZU0gWcKa33SPxu_Q0kVu3FKSUqgnyvaa1LEpv_MmkilaYrBgU6SosohCcra3t1BxT/s200/P1020097.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWbZ5_gMpzaQ2vlzcevWhZj-lyYNCux-FlGnvDx64oiI22UgfWfPRPqJdEFBpfsTXylh0AqdQt_E4QhkG9-DV2x9sSeXPsSIbdI2X_CU5estfKBtPzt9OGfIbtCTbg9Y1R8J1O1PKlhPs/s1600-h/P1020085.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339423877595866674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWbZ5_gMpzaQ2vlzcevWhZj-lyYNCux-FlGnvDx64oiI22UgfWfPRPqJdEFBpfsTXylh0AqdQt_E4QhkG9-DV2x9sSeXPsSIbdI2X_CU5estfKBtPzt9OGfIbtCTbg9Y1R8J1O1PKlhPs/s200/P1020085.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <br />
</div><div><br />
After sunrise we hiked down to Saint Catherine’s monastery, the oldest working Christian monastery in the world, at the site where it is believed that God spoke to Moses at a burning bush. After touching what is supposed to be the same bush (still alive within the center of the monastery) we headed back to Dahab to recover the sleep we missed overnight.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypdFvvf6VGLnjspZG43VW9LjbIbv72F3HXNDjCkEWxCaV0sFD43EwKNYL1UlaPuOyOe-aIe0W0xKxN8PtwSH4kgq_Tl8Vc5i0fvuTIn6xF7k6TrURj8XgpS62zPqpPhz4lhEKrclU1siu/s1600-h/P1020109.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339423887006900834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypdFvvf6VGLnjspZG43VW9LjbIbv72F3HXNDjCkEWxCaV0sFD43EwKNYL1UlaPuOyOe-aIe0W0xKxN8PtwSH4kgq_Tl8Vc5i0fvuTIn6xF7k6TrURj8XgpS62zPqpPhz4lhEKrclU1siu/s200/P1020109.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VtoM2tZuvDca1zNMLxoAYhacVnNH6fo6fHZO3zp9HR2maj2yqwsJ4J7rc9jWmUvibmM43K978n1DW0whpMKyRVlJCMrnOBv9P1UjvaTJt15T-Ps8oJcUpNiwAnZ2rVY0nFM8aLxIeql_/s1600-h/P1020157.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339424360567230146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8VtoM2tZuvDca1zNMLxoAYhacVnNH6fo6fHZO3zp9HR2maj2yqwsJ4J7rc9jWmUvibmM43K978n1DW0whpMKyRVlJCMrnOBv9P1UjvaTJt15T-Ps8oJcUpNiwAnZ2rVY0nFM8aLxIeql_/s200/P1020157.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339424367924162290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6lHiq6VJEN-KZtb04jH31C3TeZbe1Hu0ESNWz4PFuyVPwT0ThgIjFvndtMCZ44yy0k0q3gjF54jrBffdguH0H4jfpEiLEjHlyKwXyWNiuix249aiMKwZ-5Xh1QgJCx1WwF4ZBKLtJqqH/s200/Saint_Catherine.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /><br />
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For the next few days, we went snorkeling or scuba diving at several sites in the Red Sea around Dahab. The big highlight was Jeffrey’s first time scuba diving, especially since he got to go with his expert diver brother, David. Even though David is a dive instructor, Egyptian laws required us to use a local instructor. We were fortunate to find Danny Williams (from Western Australia) at a local dive shop. He was a great instructor and one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. Danny was impressed at how quickly Jeffrey picked up scuba diving… “he’s like a fish in the water!” Jeffrey made two dives of almost an hour each.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hbtUfIHXo0thqKV0dFXwJtbAqZeCc4Y8cbfcRpbxJXWNohfpOZ5lIEy7Iyhwf80ErRarylxFjjawRml1deb3orPoSHF55LV5Sre5NYvggXwsm__cOGOuU5S-lmjmrER_r07INbXQT8te/s1600-h/P1020171.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339424365760707026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hbtUfIHXo0thqKV0dFXwJtbAqZeCc4Y8cbfcRpbxJXWNohfpOZ5lIEy7Iyhwf80ErRarylxFjjawRml1deb3orPoSHF55LV5Sre5NYvggXwsm__cOGOuU5S-lmjmrER_r07INbXQT8te/s200/P1020171.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2jAToa2uaf_N9SIU3MTBzYFSiug7gYUb-yJQIkw4noyPkrXq6EYkMwPWy1i_lwAyogt8gyUOwP-GC6kA-ruzMoyhQmJEd7v4uNlcWs8uEDiS-mAU0-97aUYVuTgCooQuNnJ7JE_n8s3Z/s1600-h/P1020180.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339424362809864642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2jAToa2uaf_N9SIU3MTBzYFSiug7gYUb-yJQIkw4noyPkrXq6EYkMwPWy1i_lwAyogt8gyUOwP-GC6kA-ruzMoyhQmJEd7v4uNlcWs8uEDiS-mAU0-97aUYVuTgCooQuNnJ7JE_n8s3Z/s200/P1020180.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizahlPnh5oDvbPPOONT-Am-2_Ncl92RQT3haUPAWrBhctVGhwt0OI7x6fKkJr-tnkiTjVPinp59u-WzY7avKfsPlTMpOMvPv8HwcLlNAPI7YIPO1Ro7DDex6TdmTd_NXT0X-AHxQARlQMq/s1600-h/IMG_0097.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339423503430986706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizahlPnh5oDvbPPOONT-Am-2_Ncl92RQT3haUPAWrBhctVGhwt0OI7x6fKkJr-tnkiTjVPinp59u-WzY7avKfsPlTMpOMvPv8HwcLlNAPI7YIPO1Ro7DDex6TdmTd_NXT0X-AHxQARlQMq/s200/IMG_0097.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86Hf27A3yUZ1PHtRMaqUvGNVuq6bwMIuK0Dl_bLQ7mm8prVVvzyJL_GDnI8DWKfpSshCKGpLJhlUfROtvs9hj8PxIIFCNZsuUasojJKCGJx8XKWqtBf5t5uWWzK5SYgauGXQH3GTNjKms/s1600-h/IMG_0066.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339423237904376850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86Hf27A3yUZ1PHtRMaqUvGNVuq6bwMIuK0Dl_bLQ7mm8prVVvzyJL_GDnI8DWKfpSshCKGpLJhlUfROtvs9hj8PxIIFCNZsuUasojJKCGJx8XKWqtBf5t5uWWzK5SYgauGXQH3GTNjKms/s200/IMG_0066.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
</div><div></div><div></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><div>Steve was able to complete 5 required dives to complete his Advanced Open Water Diver certification, so he can dive to 30 meters now instead of just 18.<br />
</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3khx9baEXncCKSi7p5sRNvkqeS8Wjyu18_tJOaGKp4LywunYKD_J-miRVTowDNBe8cBgdsjJaezEHMm5NRBYK8L27_Aud12ZxqQYnyzoY7M_HGwmSNgr5z23VHqpPl9dGl9RRZuiY-YKi/s1600-h/IMG_0075.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339423245407589266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3khx9baEXncCKSi7p5sRNvkqeS8Wjyu18_tJOaGKp4LywunYKD_J-miRVTowDNBe8cBgdsjJaezEHMm5NRBYK8L27_Aud12ZxqQYnyzoY7M_HGwmSNgr5z23VHqpPl9dGl9RRZuiY-YKi/s200/IMG_0075.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCI1SntVW3cU5u-FdCnlnzyyabQK6u9_OJtvAYAgvNkUX-_OW1mfbBLqBMU93Dkf32KSQl1_xaGEEpBciwepZRdKkMwY0e_SmMfn8XkR1ASK2SHjk6O1j3TpJZIrIOmaP9eqrpAyuW4fX/s1600-h/IMG_0061.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339423235523900418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCI1SntVW3cU5u-FdCnlnzyyabQK6u9_OJtvAYAgvNkUX-_OW1mfbBLqBMU93Dkf32KSQl1_xaGEEpBciwepZRdKkMwY0e_SmMfn8XkR1ASK2SHjk6O1j3TpJZIrIOmaP9eqrpAyuW4fX/s200/IMG_0061.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <br />
</div><div><br />
On the final day of diving, we went to the infamous “Blue Hole”, an ocean “pothole” that is about 130 meters (430 feet) deep. There are two ways to enter and exit the vertical hole – a shallow opening at a depth of about 6 meters, and a deep opening at about 52 meters. The Blue Hole and surrounding water has an abundance of coral and reef fish, but it is most notorious for the number of diving deaths that have occurred there, earning it the nickname "Diver's Cemetery".<br />
</div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8AmStPEnhg7QpzlITB0FTXsh0owtq8XtrjHBvg5t2Aye-C5DCzQ0zHYbA-GHYViG62sN-0-qnnCUb3Vatqbzi3qrKl3hMJc14fguJjNQ4s3CB1EfDC54O0rMz8EXqWjYf6pLI8_aBju-/s1600-h/Blue+Hole+beach.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339423225149287058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8AmStPEnhg7QpzlITB0FTXsh0owtq8XtrjHBvg5t2Aye-C5DCzQ0zHYbA-GHYViG62sN-0-qnnCUb3Vatqbzi3qrKl3hMJc14fguJjNQ4s3CB1EfDC54O0rMz8EXqWjYf6pLI8_aBju-/s200/Blue+Hole+beach.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3hzSdama4jzRE8_xPqBMeXCrwNecd_v2RZIAlSQXlLfqsYCUWyqiGqPhH7VkH0iScfeAZql2clvwBM7BTZMBDP2LmFYYeuDmuA_KRqVXGzvLrgYkAnJYRFqOJNNmH2ov4Z726_l1M5Yx/s1600-h/Blue+Hole.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339423232233489346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3hzSdama4jzRE8_xPqBMeXCrwNecd_v2RZIAlSQXlLfqsYCUWyqiGqPhH7VkH0iScfeAZql2clvwBM7BTZMBDP2LmFYYeuDmuA_KRqVXGzvLrgYkAnJYRFqOJNNmH2ov4Z726_l1M5Yx/s200/Blue+Hole.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 138px; width: 200px;" /></a> <br />
</div><div><br />
For divers who stick to standard recreational diving rules (no more than 40 meters depth), the Blue Hole is no more dangerous than any other Red Sea dive site. However, the deep opening to the sea has proved irresistible for many. Accidents are often caused when divers attempt to find the tunnel through the reef (known as "The Arch") connecting the Blue Hole and open water at about 52m depth. This is beyond the PADI recreational diving limit (40 meters) and nitrogen narcosis begins to have an influence. Divers who miss the tunnel sometimes continue descending hoping to find the tunnel farther down and become increasingly disoriented. Egyptian authorities claim that 40 divers have died at this site since records began; however, many local dive guides believe that at least twice as many have died here.<br />
</div><div></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd38p4ALPQC4yQoUjMtJZymxK83nJYWjhkdL74Yvq35N9XOEI6_iTN1U9hBYnTVE6oANyEhD1c0btosRAAZ4UTwScyNuSe6mDhMI5ii_47bJ-ACekCRot9zrm9rLszaPHtexBFOSWzv3wl/s1600-h/IMG_0089.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339423503685900770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd38p4ALPQC4yQoUjMtJZymxK83nJYWjhkdL74Yvq35N9XOEI6_iTN1U9hBYnTVE6oANyEhD1c0btosRAAZ4UTwScyNuSe6mDhMI5ii_47bJ-ACekCRot9zrm9rLszaPHtexBFOSWzv3wl/s200/IMG_0089.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
</div><div>Rest assured, we stayed above 35 meters to enjoy our dive and continue life above water.<br />
- Steve <br />
</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055449771397601272.post-78229996448242253762009-05-07T05:59:00.000-07:002009-09-29T11:48:37.120-07:00Himalaya Trek in Sikkim, IndiaAfter spending so much time in big cities – Delhi, Calcutta, and Varanasi – we had mountain fever. We decided that we wanted to see the tallest mountain range in the world, the Himalayas!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-FrY2db1-Y9XSES6HwBQ_P8utBSL-4ynGRmsrKXIN4MBcgreZlH1e4XL_Cs56GJ3BTNKc3DXSChVmRnanuMpFZlLxfn-R0hhd6ybz75GtJcrzivUTv_7ZjuoT4KStEl86rZuMmRhFoka/s1600-h/P1010636.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333067113913272818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-FrY2db1-Y9XSES6HwBQ_P8utBSL-4ynGRmsrKXIN4MBcgreZlH1e4XL_Cs56GJ3BTNKc3DXSChVmRnanuMpFZlLxfn-R0hhd6ybz75GtJcrzivUTv_7ZjuoT4KStEl86rZuMmRhFoka/s200/P1010636.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcs5qxY31Dsc-KhwOKJ4xUxtTUtjVfmcnc_RtiTu2nUm91OxKhrPFHR9IUPY59JKZqO70aMmHnrn4uolPBOwe8vj_LXUldjghqujDsAd4kXJ7q6VZiVK6d9jfEQEn5QiIzur93M2UFWC3/s1600-h/P1010947.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333068078455959394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcs5qxY31Dsc-KhwOKJ4xUxtTUtjVfmcnc_RtiTu2nUm91OxKhrPFHR9IUPY59JKZqO70aMmHnrn4uolPBOwe8vj_LXUldjghqujDsAd4kXJ7q6VZiVK6d9jfEQEn5QiIzur93M2UFWC3/s200/P1010947.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZz1LjWOmPAbr4agV82SXr7DFBduC3cJddvs19O0Nl5rY1Pv136o7dEFMHZHsQVKIIrCb2f7nVHKzg7z8VpiZPfr2BUri4_MXyQax6TYqzpEXA200KzvSOe41imCoaSyXTkfPXBDgDShUq/s1600-h/P1010889.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333067676352627298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZz1LjWOmPAbr4agV82SXr7DFBduC3cJddvs19O0Nl5rY1Pv136o7dEFMHZHsQVKIIrCb2f7nVHKzg7z8VpiZPfr2BUri4_MXyQax6TYqzpEXA200KzvSOe41imCoaSyXTkfPXBDgDShUq/s200/P1010889.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
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David’s 12 year-old brother Jeffrey is still with us, so the three of us checked a map to choose our next destination. We were planning to go to Nepal, but then heard about Sikkim, a little-known region of Northern India on the border of Nepal and Tibet nestled in the Himalayas. After checking around, we heard that Sikkim is similar to Nepal – lofty Himalayan mountains, beautiful scenery, enchanting Buddhist monasteries, and great trekking – but that it’s a lot cleaner, with friendlier people, and a lot fewer tourists.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMpYYP0d4dPT5T6ttjM_9KUNHS99NhhD4g_rswjeZ_j7LLqYDTwCbxNLTahBRY7rloEaGZ1FxDu9qVsbPQGZ8hWM2pTq10fkFvhx-2ERpsZdX7V6GUYgQehEpNIS2oalLxP3yR0bqEk0D/s1600-h/P1010689.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333067113379240898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMpYYP0d4dPT5T6ttjM_9KUNHS99NhhD4g_rswjeZ_j7LLqYDTwCbxNLTahBRY7rloEaGZ1FxDu9qVsbPQGZ8hWM2pTq10fkFvhx-2ERpsZdX7V6GUYgQehEpNIS2oalLxP3yR0bqEk0D/s200/P1010689.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDzT6VpIPBRHJuJqfZo8-GKV19JNSjpbUeKhq7G5c0u0mwCKvJBdhN0lX2NuvD5fv_egsbyLztXIcntbBD_uzWy-6okMWDx3tgFuqDYRiDMM_hP-NeBZJiCd8TGEcbxmbIt7KkP5T7i37/s1600-h/P1010695.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333067116173895570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDzT6VpIPBRHJuJqfZo8-GKV19JNSjpbUeKhq7G5c0u0mwCKvJBdhN0lX2NuvD5fv_egsbyLztXIcntbBD_uzWy-6okMWDx3tgFuqDYRiDMM_hP-NeBZJiCd8TGEcbxmbIt7KkP5T7i37/s200/P1010695.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Ge_zveL_DJmnQJzg7zsH8uZuczD9ESQFXEt8hU7YPCQPBQCEovNZTwNIAQ9-oJJvpxno15vQpGY8-AGofvj_U3qC-bCWogsbxa3UEF7c4gtzubH0VRTnYgDoUoquVMFJYl5g6iOjEQx6/s1600-h/P1010703.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333067122337319538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Ge_zveL_DJmnQJzg7zsH8uZuczD9ESQFXEt8hU7YPCQPBQCEovNZTwNIAQ9-oJJvpxno15vQpGY8-AGofvj_U3qC-bCWogsbxa3UEF7c4gtzubH0VRTnYgDoUoquVMFJYl5g6iOjEQx6/s200/P1010703.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
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Eager to leave the tourists behind to visit what is reputedly the last “Shangri-La”, we decided to head to the mystical kingdom of Sikkim. That’s right, Sikkim was an independent kingdom until 1975 (when its people voted to become a state of India). Even today, you need a special permit just to visit (to get your permit stamped at the border, just walk past the stern-looking soldier with the machine gun pointed at you from behind the sand bags).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-z8C-JznUnSjLH4qZGJGA8Hvq17rW-IfodRA-_pjG2sQX4dTwuC7KB3sztBd4GJLMP-vqx5u4A-Ps0daB7Yf0vFlfP9qSD3MRHsKhEJyLbbo1V_Vhdlr4qrUSeNeaf74xLpNNCkxZXfBn/s1600-h/P1010875.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333067670258695490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-z8C-JznUnSjLH4qZGJGA8Hvq17rW-IfodRA-_pjG2sQX4dTwuC7KB3sztBd4GJLMP-vqx5u4A-Ps0daB7Yf0vFlfP9qSD3MRHsKhEJyLbbo1V_Vhdlr4qrUSeNeaf74xLpNNCkxZXfBn/s200/P1010875.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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After taking a series of “shared Jeeps” (SUVs designed to cram 10 passengers where only 6 should fit) up winding mountain roads, we arrived in Yuksom, at the foot of the Himalayas. Jeffrey has two big memories of that trip:<br />
- He started the day with an upset stomach, so those winding roads did him in and he left his breakfast on the side of the road (and fortunately not in the car) somewhere on the way to Yuksom.<br />
- There’s nothing like seeing an oncoming car in your lane when your driver is on the wrong side of the road passing another car with just inches separating you from a drop-off of several hundred feet down a ravine. Fortunately, these mountain drivers know what they’re doing… I think.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrrPrtVlCOLaunqwbXZb9B9Wz3yFYCrlJ6EZRVxPa_G4NeDSKytH1LkO74GSjUkxUjRQr0U4CgCZrKhXjqkrLNnhi2blMx97o8Cydh95_z3rwVgLOQcy2F9ucxYSTBz_AqWldnnNP4yZQ/s1600-h/P1010821.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333067121921554386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrrPrtVlCOLaunqwbXZb9B9Wz3yFYCrlJ6EZRVxPa_G4NeDSKytH1LkO74GSjUkxUjRQr0U4CgCZrKhXjqkrLNnhi2blMx97o8Cydh95_z3rwVgLOQcy2F9ucxYSTBz_AqWldnnNP4yZQ/s200/P1010821.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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We found a trekking company to guide us on a 4-day, 40 kilometer trek to 4,000 meters (about 13,000 feet) to get a close-up view of Mount Kangchenjunga. At 28,169 feet, Kangchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world (after Mount Everest and K2). If I were writing this in 1851 (when the Internet was a lot slower), I’d be saying that we saw the highest mountain in the world. Until 1852, Kangchenjunga was thought to be the highest until calculations by the British Great Trigonometric Survey concluded that Everest and K2 were higher.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KJ0CO_e2-KO2CjyLORFn3UiIIzMHZqFRMkyi7TEy07yVQ4RVirytFy0Bh1GPWW6rtvgczqDdQk-CB3I4Xfr9SDxaUnd33Cwfh43joF2q0WJa0SeUdsCTLMrmmX8olZ8eSDmdXk3ovi-6/s1600-h/P1020017.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333068089614429714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KJ0CO_e2-KO2CjyLORFn3UiIIzMHZqFRMkyi7TEy07yVQ4RVirytFy0Bh1GPWW6rtvgczqDdQk-CB3I4Xfr9SDxaUnd33Cwfh43joF2q0WJa0SeUdsCTLMrmmX8olZ8eSDmdXk3ovi-6/s200/P1020017.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosJ_M059U6aKUuLMWjWH7haxnqWp4DbP5zuGjMlzFW76RFoVyMlUdKeb_VSuNYOtM8YRNTNzBytYeQ00H60NRRSxDHtj7WTuNPePzecvOw5IKvK5TclR0Np74JFLab5hdS2BGCJV74S-j/s1600-h/P1010846.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333067667176017602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosJ_M059U6aKUuLMWjWH7haxnqWp4DbP5zuGjMlzFW76RFoVyMlUdKeb_VSuNYOtM8YRNTNzBytYeQ00H60NRRSxDHtj7WTuNPePzecvOw5IKvK5TclR0Np74JFLab5hdS2BGCJV74S-j/s200/P1010846.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
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<strong>Question</strong>: How many Sikkimese does it take to accompany 3 American tourists on a 4-day, 40 km trek to 4,000 meters?<br />
<strong>Answer</strong>: Eight (if you count the animals). One guide, one cook, two porters, one yak herder, and three yaks. The porters and yaks carried all the food, cooking gear, sleeping bags, pads, blankets, and anything else we would need for our trek. I still don’t know how the cook did it, but our meals were fantastic: French toast, chow mein, pancakes, onion soup, curried potatoes, ginger chicken, combination fried rice. We were spoiled. Though they only make a few dollars a day, the trekking crews in Sikkim make it easy for tourists to hike in the Himalayas. All we had to carry was a light backpack with water, snacks, a raincoat, and jacket. (It was a tad bit easier than when Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were the first to climb Mount Everest).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWvRT26iHokSep6gtsAw3jV5WCzBL5IgagSDedw07dQoIiwBJIY3xD2fgV4PPOsUhN2UC3ok8H4hT1Bo3MbcUBh34mO9hYuq5pKjwyWc7AVLFnEWmX60qXCWtbOXo8R8gCBRb3nXUCjaQ/s1600-h/P1010932.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333067673241804274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWvRT26iHokSep6gtsAw3jV5WCzBL5IgagSDedw07dQoIiwBJIY3xD2fgV4PPOsUhN2UC3ok8H4hT1Bo3MbcUBh34mO9hYuq5pKjwyWc7AVLFnEWmX60qXCWtbOXo8R8gCBRb3nXUCjaQ/s200/P1010932.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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For two days, we hiked up mountain passes on our way to Kangchenjunga. As we went from 2,000 to 4,000 meters, our breathing got harder and our steps got shorter. But it always seemed that Jeffrey had energy to spare. He would often run up the trail, jumping from rock to rock (just like he does on ski jumps at Tahoe). He never seemed to tire.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEeHoFlC4spiyIfo8yFBN43nNHCmBNZ1_JDIhjNKnuM6Yk_wNKIulY0YQnkb9M9jDMOJKvmoHCbDeGajuy9VnSqzoBdIOs6b5G5qbZ38qjYrF4Xz1yvzNdm-rCbF3IshmBoSn4__mFTjH/s1600-h/P1020015.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333068089615654818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEeHoFlC4spiyIfo8yFBN43nNHCmBNZ1_JDIhjNKnuM6Yk_wNKIulY0YQnkb9M9jDMOJKvmoHCbDeGajuy9VnSqzoBdIOs6b5G5qbZ38qjYrF4Xz1yvzNdm-rCbF3IshmBoSn4__mFTjH/s200/P1020015.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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Near the end of the second day, a light rain became light hail and then finally turned to snow as we got to higher elevations. As we finished the second day, we were at 4,000 meters with a light dusting of snow around our camp. With clouds all around us, we couldn’t see anything above us.<br />
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With the temperature below freezing, we got in our sleeping bags and got the best surprise of the trip when our guide brought each of us an old-fashioned rubber hot water bladder. Let me tell you, there’s no better feeling than a hot water bladder warming your feet in a sleeping bag when you’re in freezing temperatures in the Himalayas. In Jeffrey’s words, “This is Heaven”.<br />
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At 4:30 am on the third day we rose for hot tea and our last ascent to get our best view of Kangchenjunga at sunrise. The sky was crystal clear and, at 5:15, we arrived at Zhongri, the vista where we got our best view of Kangchenjunga and the surrounding peaks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK0AO9MbU55IAqbDFfwK-uTTvnW9w4-olp_XxBwoKO-RQrR4Y52vAuTodfy_dhDy7MlVSoAMnK5flWUJFi-vBZbgLYjg0Nj0-khB3RWfuQgHeoZE7oVI45BP0Gng3aLkcs0y6g5urGVUxN/s1600-h/P1010958.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333068082401886818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK0AO9MbU55IAqbDFfwK-uTTvnW9w4-olp_XxBwoKO-RQrR4Y52vAuTodfy_dhDy7MlVSoAMnK5flWUJFi-vBZbgLYjg0Nj0-khB3RWfuQgHeoZE7oVI45BP0Gng3aLkcs0y6g5urGVUxN/s200/P1010958.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EU0poy1YOjdFmVa8fmg-Hf50x-Q_vm3cpVNkjZTMpzYep75J-wmcQtx3epaJt_NZWe4en9gzkZLjFs2J8aqFvYaYW8KyMmovx-z0CMrhgKLLa9sM9oak5GorJpozZNtK0ld9oixOdEy4/s1600-h/P1010944.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333067682383583266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EU0poy1YOjdFmVa8fmg-Hf50x-Q_vm3cpVNkjZTMpzYep75J-wmcQtx3epaJt_NZWe4en9gzkZLjFs2J8aqFvYaYW8KyMmovx-z0CMrhgKLLa9sM9oak5GorJpozZNtK0ld9oixOdEy4/s200/P1010944.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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We certainly hadn’t climbed Everest, but there is still something mystical about having a 360-degree view of snow-covered Himalayan peaks with colorful Buddhist prayer flags flapping beside you in the wind. The panorama was spectacular and we felt a real sense of accomplishment. The two days of strenuous hiking had been worth it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMo4jNtB-auHHDaaQqAbE76QIjsFZrHzg5_VJQLXq9eynS_PE2CpJuk0bmA4r-sxGXFw1Jn6GWo79GKglLOp_GWcxUXbBWRFSz7R3yfOMiiMjoneesKfq6qV_Axn3KAhEqO5olYn9euoR/s1600-h/P1010976.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333068081974115874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMo4jNtB-auHHDaaQqAbE76QIjsFZrHzg5_VJQLXq9eynS_PE2CpJuk0bmA4r-sxGXFw1Jn6GWo79GKglLOp_GWcxUXbBWRFSz7R3yfOMiiMjoneesKfq6qV_Axn3KAhEqO5olYn9euoR/s200/P1010976.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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After spending time at the top of the world (or at least as close as we would get), we started back. Though the return trek is normally a two-day hike, we decided to hike back in one day. Ten laborious hours later, after going up and down at least four mountain passes, we arrived in Yuksom with very tired legs. (Little did we know how much they would ache for the next two days.) We were exhausted but we had a peaceful feeling of contentment knowing that we had earned a view that most people will only see in photos.<br />
- SteveUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055449771397601272.post-67014386016486216362009-05-07T05:44:00.001-07:002009-09-29T10:12:18.805-07:00VaranasiWe found Varanasi a little unlike the United States. Here are a few things we found different: on the road cows always have the right of way, if given a time estimate at least double what you are told, you can find a McDonalds but they don’t serve hamburgers, you can wash in some of the most polluted water in the world and consider yourself clean, and who needs a bathroom when you can relieve yourself or bathe on the street.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSKcBJ9C8VhPgUkcpardVw1LfuDWc8Grp2mD-H52YWEl7S6HzFw3uOS-MWMP4zxpSHzN2-2hzDf2vlxSh60e1yT17LXcihWVb4jmivozQVmuq8W67zJkWiaGhdTkIojw4CIZrVFVSQlnr/s1600-h/P1010416.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333063787932805970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSKcBJ9C8VhPgUkcpardVw1LfuDWc8Grp2mD-H52YWEl7S6HzFw3uOS-MWMP4zxpSHzN2-2hzDf2vlxSh60e1yT17LXcihWVb4jmivozQVmuq8W67zJkWiaGhdTkIojw4CIZrVFVSQlnr/s200/P1010416.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxZgjAE1OhkKU4d-VBFmbAznStoFkATG8D5Ex4g0ZanmaLnjLrg9Cu5CtNXlgnv-E0epKTGYuydzeOjk2isim5_iM3WpNl5087j1fc7q_ixOfCI7e6Hg2maYIQRpfhZTjy7tJ3ki9u_Id/s1600-h/P1010456.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333064243935650274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxZgjAE1OhkKU4d-VBFmbAznStoFkATG8D5Ex4g0ZanmaLnjLrg9Cu5CtNXlgnv-E0epKTGYuydzeOjk2isim5_iM3WpNl5087j1fc7q_ixOfCI7e6Hg2maYIQRpfhZTjy7tJ3ki9u_Id/s200/P1010456.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCT3cxb0xf-6snRVaRgGuiKB1ddmVER6Hm12CmXTTLwlHoz5aI5fJB6dO4KWDeRFRwZWsuQzkL4k64YsvrEM6Tksje5CMlYZ92ZiaWgiV0pPsWBOujY4ttj5Ak5hl6M1mA7bSzVpCl35mr/s1600-h/P1010164.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333063271851925154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCT3cxb0xf-6snRVaRgGuiKB1ddmVER6Hm12CmXTTLwlHoz5aI5fJB6dO4KWDeRFRwZWsuQzkL4k64YsvrEM6Tksje5CMlYZ92ZiaWgiV0pPsWBOujY4ttj5Ak5hl6M1mA7bSzVpCl35mr/s200/P1010164.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pO3GPPY4YqEnr2AniOpK1ZqJvRQcb-nLCYkTZ3SreqGnJNnamGH1mf2zeAkju664P-7z-RRu2lP61Ses03rR79q6DVIshHAsULH_awLtSAG0n-g4DfP5vyeF02Aq97NFdkO_Hf1qibdj/s1600-h/P1010124.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333087190780055762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pO3GPPY4YqEnr2AniOpK1ZqJvRQcb-nLCYkTZ3SreqGnJNnamGH1mf2zeAkju664P-7z-RRu2lP61Ses03rR79q6DVIshHAsULH_awLtSAG0n-g4DfP5vyeF02Aq97NFdkO_Hf1qibdj/s200/P1010124.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 150px;" /></a>Varanasi is a holy city for Hindus much like Mecca is to Muslims. For a few Americans a short, simple everyday rickshaw ride through the city was enough to exhaust the senses. The sights, sounds and smells were pretty shocking at first. Going from our hotel to get a quick meal not more than a half mile away we would see countless beggars (many of whom didn’t have all four limbs), some just a few years old pleading for anything, or a family “bathing” in the gutter. The smell of trash that lines the streets and human and animal waste causes one to savor a breath of relatively fresh air. The rickshaw driver must constantly weave around people, some passed out and hopefully still alive, and some of the thousands of cows in the city that sit in the middle of the road as they seem to understand they are considered holy and would not move for a bus. <br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qTAP5YHJ9MY8gKJ_V0bTdbhbhMijNUqvRYQJhqynejklSzDRM_cAO5BcJ9Gc0igHVGr5WQooS_2mZdMCznADwKR3F4Jax7tPLOxPM6xqWSVuCJ6V3F7mVS8RS5wOigIsofi8pb_xCCh7/s1600-h/P1010366.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333087187323083634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qTAP5YHJ9MY8gKJ_V0bTdbhbhMijNUqvRYQJhqynejklSzDRM_cAO5BcJ9Gc0igHVGr5WQooS_2mZdMCznADwKR3F4Jax7tPLOxPM6xqWSVuCJ6V3F7mVS8RS5wOigIsofi8pb_xCCh7/s200/P1010366.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>It seems that life in Varanasi revolves around the Ganges River. Although the Ganges is considered holy and can cleanse the soul, it is filled with industrial waste and raw sewage making it one of the most polluted rivers in the world. On a morning boat ride we watched people lining the banks of the Ganges washing their bodies, clothes, or soul and cremating their dead. The fire that you see in the second picture is actually a cremation fire. <br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYDr2PLqhREKk7iUtrSca2oE2QKFEy_4FKFQd4XWdb3armlus8wUfYsPjLJpRXb9F2uPefM-RnlPQrjs1fHLkcrB3h6Vk-LITjbabOc9QGa-IIOtxiceA58Xz2z09qj0a5X503QSg-9Dn/s1600-h/P1010425.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333064242617178642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYDr2PLqhREKk7iUtrSca2oE2QKFEy_4FKFQd4XWdb3armlus8wUfYsPjLJpRXb9F2uPefM-RnlPQrjs1fHLkcrB3h6Vk-LITjbabOc9QGa-IIOtxiceA58Xz2z09qj0a5X503QSg-9Dn/s200/P1010425.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOhmj6Nzh_YOgfyLmfR4_fx7FZKsJi406_CvoO0Nj2LzXbQ1sKPZQHab5aTMwgdqqWixOocHfpggN2iT8qbnrlM-wx0MKNM8UIxkhvrYTHGO7Q8wrk0BCF0w57hfB3eKmG0RB5ZaMA4XW/s1600-h/P1010380.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333063783635134098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOhmj6Nzh_YOgfyLmfR4_fx7FZKsJi406_CvoO0Nj2LzXbQ1sKPZQHab5aTMwgdqqWixOocHfpggN2iT8qbnrlM-wx0MKNM8UIxkhvrYTHGO7Q8wrk0BCF0w57hfB3eKmG0RB5ZaMA4XW/s200/P1010380.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9Rb6wUHqYvWy_LB03airTzvTp2e7A_b8rCwZWqOq1s93x5KZzFrsVuAK7Ue4I6AUlPqrf6U9RPPqozULPNi3jM_hqaIpPOYFWN_wkhoXr6nJoo9Oa4fdptqu_XS6aokj4i6ojoInSW8E/s1600-h/P1010417.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333063791871462610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9Rb6wUHqYvWy_LB03airTzvTp2e7A_b8rCwZWqOq1s93x5KZzFrsVuAK7Ue4I6AUlPqrf6U9RPPqozULPNi3jM_hqaIpPOYFWN_wkhoXr6nJoo9Oa4fdptqu_XS6aokj4i6ojoInSW8E/s200/P1010417.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGzY5qc7h-d2n9UfLOpEo48hlhvUfKXERvXFnpEu8zzEir2dpGRVZjRjkRntUSX0qi41Rar70yaerXNjZ4gtKKxKdP-34MipnVONDmGkqp-ByFBtKoX2nUZgHtTLVVNLTpywjE9ceuWjW/s1600-h/P1010509.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333064659596623298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGzY5qc7h-d2n9UfLOpEo48hlhvUfKXERvXFnpEu8zzEir2dpGRVZjRjkRntUSX0qi41Rar70yaerXNjZ4gtKKxKdP-34MipnVONDmGkqp-ByFBtKoX2nUZgHtTLVVNLTpywjE9ceuWjW/s200/P1010509.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCaNAoGixGMMszc9f0BnCrMzoOmEdm2gZNFB0KawA6atZ7cu_zbViYN-Kt5dJgf-2hN8U1jneP3rlDGsrTYvOh31Yfg2DEXI_A6LIf_acyJy-pJBhgFRpe46htlM4nA4dpF28gzhI5st3/s1600-h/P1010588.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333087177899391186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCaNAoGixGMMszc9f0BnCrMzoOmEdm2gZNFB0KawA6atZ7cu_zbViYN-Kt5dJgf-2hN8U1jneP3rlDGsrTYvOh31Yfg2DEXI_A6LIf_acyJy-pJBhgFRpe46htlM4nA4dpF28gzhI5st3/s200/P1010588.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>This is Philip and Gabriela Gibson and Ravinder. The Gibsons and Ravinder have started programs for kids living at the train station and other underprivileged children from the community. These programs include after school tutoring, Bible teaching, food, games and sports, and simply giving the kids a safe environment to escape life on the street and be a kid.<br />
</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjIvbPP2EdwXYw4XdBX8D76IjXXaRbhLP2X9a5UsUo0vb7RvDtF9DWQ7lScL-yLrNw4bUCQc0UsZnfV2znU8jJNhXWZjZATxSm0uS0aH0e27wzkGRD-rWK_UVz-e8Hc058HbN4XnJSVtd/s1600-h/P1010221.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333063278281491314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjIvbPP2EdwXYw4XdBX8D76IjXXaRbhLP2X9a5UsUo0vb7RvDtF9DWQ7lScL-yLrNw4bUCQc0UsZnfV2znU8jJNhXWZjZATxSm0uS0aH0e27wzkGRD-rWK_UVz-e8Hc058HbN4XnJSVtd/s200/P1010221.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfU-jfkJqKMCiuda8N8yDGORfQUdprTXcnwugI9HM5GJJMhGdIjLN6lHYmp8YseHAec_sgqyrJOwWgDxSfDo8iUW5w9gQVukQ_UxUDN_7swXSuvDBYeuYyo67hO38Sx0ozTtf12oAqyqn/s1600-h/P1010142.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333063268221722802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfU-jfkJqKMCiuda8N8yDGORfQUdprTXcnwugI9HM5GJJMhGdIjLN6lHYmp8YseHAec_sgqyrJOwWgDxSfDo8iUW5w9gQVukQ_UxUDN_7swXSuvDBYeuYyo67hO38Sx0ozTtf12oAqyqn/s200/P1010142.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_0xdGpVSgHg1_8SZUZHcOPJmEjCOSsknR1fk3-TVLBPFS9s-i_ahY4vgoyWl5pCGbbCeP16IdkTazSsZj84JNf7fLnik0wqytcP23qPld2fkKjNqQ9W6EnOXFvy0dWSq2Zb1FWoY3ePo/s1600-h/P1010298.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333063281255161074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_0xdGpVSgHg1_8SZUZHcOPJmEjCOSsknR1fk3-TVLBPFS9s-i_ahY4vgoyWl5pCGbbCeP16IdkTazSsZj84JNf7fLnik0wqytcP23qPld2fkKjNqQ9W6EnOXFvy0dWSq2Zb1FWoY3ePo/s200/P1010298.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIwz6AVs1pFZdxgeY5LhCpuuhkAAuUpcbo6NTRxT0GXwx_pRLsO9QsP3ZIwv9zqXq7bc10rxWjtp8jNYAPUG7IYCh5JKBKxMwGCyrAy3qWcriVr7h20Uj0HpTtesIfHJC3JoYQtauiDN-/s1600-h/P1010328.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333063780828102610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIwz6AVs1pFZdxgeY5LhCpuuhkAAuUpcbo6NTRxT0GXwx_pRLsO9QsP3ZIwv9zqXq7bc10rxWjtp8jNYAPUG7IYCh5JKBKxMwGCyrAy3qWcriVr7h20Uj0HpTtesIfHJC3JoYQtauiDN-/s200/P1010328.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQ_-Bov5kmkvlpe4m4SPyAVLiKjOoQkunFFOXzqG0yLE4Wr3Ral-aXvKnQPzm4_oebEL4EU_JFhu4t_GozpdGRPGF87OZILYbKD0toRHafySgOg3yUk7L2drjsTMta5_jkAL9Vm1W_FVl/s1600-h/P1010166.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333087192258336674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQ_-Bov5kmkvlpe4m4SPyAVLiKjOoQkunFFOXzqG0yLE4Wr3Ral-aXvKnQPzm4_oebEL4EU_JFhu4t_GozpdGRPGF87OZILYbKD0toRHafySgOg3yUk7L2drjsTMta5_jkAL9Vm1W_FVl/s200/P1010166.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>A visit to the train station with Ravinder was quite an eye opener to how harsh life can be – especially for young kids. Many orphans and runaways end up living at train stations selling pencils or newspapers, sweeping the train cars, and collecting bottles and cans from the trains or on the tracks. With the few pennies they earn, many kids buy glue to dull the hopelessness of their young lives. When the kids get high on glue they pass out, sometimes on the train tracks. As it is not worth stopping the train for a street kid, many children have lost limbs or lives. The trains are not equipped with tanks for human waste so the tracks at the stations are literally covered in feces and trash. It made my stomach turn watching children walk along the feces covered tracks to collect bottles and cans. <br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzxIETNUVx5qOMfaR5IHZkE1Poetn_9GSvRtQ5-55J6-P5imetj1dV3YaOp9xS69Rc3yJO2rQq8n1tjUCXrLfSPNsgrsdmtyj5YeMpnty0ULaxtFU9h9CVyWB_gL1N3amYykqsxVP_U9x/s1600-h/P1010593.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333064663789769042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzxIETNUVx5qOMfaR5IHZkE1Poetn_9GSvRtQ5-55J6-P5imetj1dV3YaOp9xS69Rc3yJO2rQq8n1tjUCXrLfSPNsgrsdmtyj5YeMpnty0ULaxtFU9h9CVyWB_gL1N3amYykqsxVP_U9x/s200/P1010593.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7MlZ_uQAtbGNKl7aUlf83lHTPn-g5lbaN1vO7WVQ-5lsfXrgjbsPli4DWCjdTe6-uOlvjWvyYBKxt-CG-RZ4rchjzhv4SKbYcy1YbFnl0QwXgibF94unTsfYMDTrfIJ_DKGK2AFa6HwT/s1600-h/P1010580.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333064662227063506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7MlZ_uQAtbGNKl7aUlf83lHTPn-g5lbaN1vO7WVQ-5lsfXrgjbsPli4DWCjdTe6-uOlvjWvyYBKxt-CG-RZ4rchjzhv4SKbYcy1YbFnl0QwXgibF94unTsfYMDTrfIJ_DKGK2AFa6HwT/s200/P1010580.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9R360sHNAsaOzGpZ0CQD5M7LCv0YahPMuA2BOnsfJk9bo6lpu3ADHYRFBtv9CN3f4Nu4B03tV3FWP5FPFIBUlgbcf0mdB3fuBcN_qg_G7VYHrE7k_3ZH4sq-nCtX5pH9lTKQkgvJF0yTA/s1600-h/P1010585.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333064661253700098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9R360sHNAsaOzGpZ0CQD5M7LCv0YahPMuA2BOnsfJk9bo6lpu3ADHYRFBtv9CN3f4Nu4B03tV3FWP5FPFIBUlgbcf0mdB3fuBcN_qg_G7VYHrE7k_3ZH4sq-nCtX5pH9lTKQkgvJF0yTA/s200/P1010585.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
We were able to spend a couple days with Ravinder and the train station boys. It’s heartbreaking to see these kids robbed of their childhood as they try to live by begging from train passengers. But it is inspiring to see how the Gibsons and Ravinder are giving these boys hope and a chance for a healthy future. With help from the Gibsons and Ravinder, some of the older train station boys have found jobs and a room to rent giving hope to and showing the younger boys that there is a way out.<br />
<br />
</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>We also had the chance to spend a day at Mother Teresa’s Varanasi orphanage. It was an honor to be able to meet and spend time with the nuns who have dedicated their lives to God through serving the poor, sick, and orphaned. <br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZa9FCujf6vIeIusEJVcrlYa2MhKGOmWf6tIH9BhNLFhIMtA7qO4mAeTeWPu0C1j8BnkJmlxPUb0PCaon3wDXSxHmVnlJBgu8wvw5rcCr6B4Ewxt7m9N68_-wIPO64qht64KU1f3gV0bSD/s1600-h/P1010482.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333064246608222306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZa9FCujf6vIeIusEJVcrlYa2MhKGOmWf6tIH9BhNLFhIMtA7qO4mAeTeWPu0C1j8BnkJmlxPUb0PCaon3wDXSxHmVnlJBgu8wvw5rcCr6B4Ewxt7m9N68_-wIPO64qht64KU1f3gV0bSD/s200/P1010482.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHnTaDkELKWo0ig7sTaLuOEkEOF4-LOxzcQ2xiokDMCmjQS01Eu7gocnkBlVw_JgAsxauyD9GcqN6H7WwqbGiLcDpOA1702fJRVr2F51_mmsNmk0x59SU232zYWUgGYzJoxIqG_sFtJZJ/s1600-h/P1010506.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333064252798853138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHnTaDkELKWo0ig7sTaLuOEkEOF4-LOxzcQ2xiokDMCmjQS01Eu7gocnkBlVw_JgAsxauyD9GcqN6H7WwqbGiLcDpOA1702fJRVr2F51_mmsNmk0x59SU232zYWUgGYzJoxIqG_sFtJZJ/s200/P1010506.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrrhSFRwFHbjCkF6KbeUofl78fheDTzFCNd-I9O3z1n0QwzRc-wVHMf342M62Oo_fTJ0kjgJQY2ve5mR1966x2juohJ7-OosrGQkKEUp7Qrmx725qNKEXM4BOu4qlerS-9pVdNxN_vUgL/s1600-h/P1010493.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333064245964159570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrrhSFRwFHbjCkF6KbeUofl78fheDTzFCNd-I9O3z1n0QwzRc-wVHMf342M62Oo_fTJ0kjgJQY2ve5mR1966x2juohJ7-OosrGQkKEUp7Qrmx725qNKEXM4BOu4qlerS-9pVdNxN_vUgL/s200/P1010493.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 200px; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
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<div></div>Here’s what Jeffrey has to say about his experience in Varanasi:<br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjblBmYrHBPfzbOXFeNRLh0V_JIf3zn01yI5c0lzI2bbw0IShgEWxwVNUD_5qYOfTCcc9QiOZlJnQ5LrxzHoYuxiIUI5au4KqiH6AxlVP-HLKgTETSV-JRCettP33v1ed81yJVopEVwJp/s1600-h/P1010296.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333087178978779474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjblBmYrHBPfzbOXFeNRLh0V_JIf3zn01yI5c0lzI2bbw0IShgEWxwVNUD_5qYOfTCcc9QiOZlJnQ5LrxzHoYuxiIUI5au4KqiH6AxlVP-HLKgTETSV-JRCettP33v1ed81yJVopEVwJp/s200/P1010296.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>The poorest children in America would be considered rich in Varanasi, India. Having clean clothes, food served at mealtimes, and parents who care for them are foreign to the kids who live at the train stations and on the streets. Things that are considered necessities in the United States are things that the street kids have only dreamt of having. We went to visit the train station, where some of the street kids live, running from cops, sniffing White-Out and chewing glue. I felt strange when one of the kids started staring at my shoes, his bare feet had scabs, cuts, and were very dirty, and it made me feel very sorry for him, that he, only my age or younger was by luck left on the street. It makes me feel grateful in a way that makes me not want to have pride, but to try and help, because it could have been me who was born there and not him. I have always been told that I am very blessed to have parents who love me and take care of me. I also have seen pictures and heard stories of starving kids in poverty in other countries, but I felt like they were not any part of my life, and I somehow never really cared. Now, coming and seeing it firsthand has changed me, seeing both sides of the world, the mansions in America and the cardboard shacks in India.<br />
<br />
</div><div></div><div>-David and Jeff<br />
</div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055449771397601272.post-60667696381624389842009-04-24T21:06:00.000-07:002009-04-24T22:30:49.578-07:00Calcutta and Taj Mahal, India<span style="font-family:times new roman;">From Cairo, Egypt, we flew to Delhi, India to rendezvous with our first visitor! </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Jeffrey Conway, David's 12 year-old brother, flew by himself from San Francisco to India to join us for about 3 weeks (I guess we should let his parents know).</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMMr7X_MxCky3BZgE7l_hWjM7oGUSdrnI9peUy1Xmwy6q7WIWRemFJEibHQQqPNlvmaNEdYueXMpwVRe4en0jfOVzHstRZ4ChJ5Hfu6c9HOxEFDxglOIT9F1eb_vwas3eSoQ-nf7yruWY/s1600-h/P1110922.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328477645111465154" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMMr7X_MxCky3BZgE7l_hWjM7oGUSdrnI9peUy1Xmwy6q7WIWRemFJEibHQQqPNlvmaNEdYueXMpwVRe4en0jfOVzHstRZ4ChJ5Hfu6c9HOxEFDxglOIT9F1eb_vwas3eSoQ-nf7yruWY/s200/P1110922.JPG" border="0" /></a> </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">A day later, we flew to Calcutta to meet two of Steve's good friends, Charley Scandlyn and his 15 year-old son Jordan, who would be joining us for 8 days. We were excited to see friends and family and looked forward to sharing our Calcutta experience together.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2PgJx-34pqMFTGezc6xO2L0aUQRok8tzF7DRuTA33bgAu9hw3idJvL0uGwnxEanRsqnqrbjMq2zDfO32Nof-9rHlxSr51b6xRM0w0UE4l4K0fxE_zqOvjfsRHZz8n8BumgC1L_maXFHe/s1600-h/P1010046.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328477397714201506" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2PgJx-34pqMFTGezc6xO2L0aUQRok8tzF7DRuTA33bgAu9hw3idJvL0uGwnxEanRsqnqrbjMq2zDfO32Nof-9rHlxSr51b6xRM0w0UE4l4K0fxE_zqOvjfsRHZz8n8BumgC1L_maXFHe/s200/P1010046.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />Calcutta, with 20 million people, immediately assaults you with sights, sounds, and smells. Impossibly crowded streets careen with cars, rickshaws, carts, people, and animals (cattle, oxen, goats, dogs, you name it). Lanes and normal traffic rules are meaningless, but the chaotic traffic moves with its own rules and somehow works (with an apparent requirement that drivers honk at least every 10 seconds). As you walk the streets, you might catch the sweet smell of fresh chapatti (fried dough like a sweet tortilla), or the pungent aroma of bright red, yellow, and orange curry powder piled high at a spice stand, or the stench that catches you by surprise as it rises from filth in the gutters.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDTlJh3m6MUali9RneGtD3fjac1PReauAQ_NZnKX1jm4_x05yEAt9hI4J7uPYMm-J-wIpqbn213GTYsQYOscf-DnIwGCh-GTUqUtFRQIF4CeLqQR024oaADb1TYeQAxPv10tVtoYjKyDI/s1600-h/P1110957.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328477654297044434" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDTlJh3m6MUali9RneGtD3fjac1PReauAQ_NZnKX1jm4_x05yEAt9hI4J7uPYMm-J-wIpqbn213GTYsQYOscf-DnIwGCh-GTUqUtFRQIF4CeLqQR024oaADb1TYeQAxPv10tVtoYjKyDI/s200/P1110957.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:times new roman;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQDtgg6NW60lsLiggcBHYK7l-3t_er6RJGlZSJ-Y6vODif9rRxapePw3WZrOF2bzniAgxOEbp-eD_NbS6sZmvVq8G5pHdZM9q0fUwFLkq23wPJbZqhmWssEPtjUsLEeF3l1_5JXAJby33/s1600-h/P1000979.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328477394872628738" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQDtgg6NW60lsLiggcBHYK7l-3t_er6RJGlZSJ-Y6vODif9rRxapePw3WZrOF2bzniAgxOEbp-eD_NbS6sZmvVq8G5pHdZM9q0fUwFLkq23wPJbZqhmWssEPtjUsLEeF3l1_5JXAJby33/s200/P1000979.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUV2WDmuMr2JHeMwxObDaUyohjpEgvQIuO3bk_QR5J_UT5jUTo9wJawM5REFUoqLiYRaXijUu6AWHb5_v1Uyk_YAcSusRWhlrRzSYDa8zGLvzpH05OhlNDVh8TL091frb-ls7w8BUbVrO/s1600-h/P1120060.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328477932017328114" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUV2WDmuMr2JHeMwxObDaUyohjpEgvQIuO3bk_QR5J_UT5jUTo9wJawM5REFUoqLiYRaXijUu6AWHb5_v1Uyk_YAcSusRWhlrRzSYDa8zGLvzpH05OhlNDVh8TL091frb-ls7w8BUbVrO/s200/P1120060.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFZxMdq3vyhtv2BZw2lrePy3jWomqm0bFjZEgW5DrNoWW80qbR6aVATc5ugxmsW3myxsImXT2SSUnI3ESeDjAZ2YpJCaOVrrq-OD0sLv7NnH5xjeajK_kOmU9tvrHJnVDTuxHrBgQggYl/s1600-h/P1000951.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328477135716694802" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFZxMdq3vyhtv2BZw2lrePy3jWomqm0bFjZEgW5DrNoWW80qbR6aVATc5ugxmsW3myxsImXT2SSUnI3ESeDjAZ2YpJCaOVrrq-OD0sLv7NnH5xjeajK_kOmU9tvrHJnVDTuxHrBgQggYl/s200/P1000951.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The sidewalks are crowded with merchants, street-vendors, and a constant stream of beggars. The most heartbreaking are child beggars dressed in rags who tug at your shirt and then bring their fingers to their mouth in an unmistakable request for money or food. Most people told us not to give them money because it would probably go to some "handler" who has kids on the street as part of a ring. But it felt inhuman to ignore them and to act as if they didn’t exist, so we decided to buy some food to give away.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguegpLIlPERi3OyPclp6ABnvL8NLqh3spsF3etMiboONZGhHnviY5Nyc-FhlEreec8QuZvHPsTDhZyjuD6zsykiDnY3g8dbKBDzjGAQyNJ1hUUyI0GX8LfpvEP7GS63FD6ln5fIS3Rf8gx/s1600-h/P1000945.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328477134032581410" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguegpLIlPERi3OyPclp6ABnvL8NLqh3spsF3etMiboONZGhHnviY5Nyc-FhlEreec8QuZvHPsTDhZyjuD6zsykiDnY3g8dbKBDzjGAQyNJ1hUUyI0GX8LfpvEP7GS63FD6ln5fIS3Rf8gx/s200/P1000945.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfIvR0syLIkeifLT_jttB-LxhR4G3eC3BfMkn9xTViUzhflB3VnukHSFAcuyfs2LrEYJ7V8-vKFoFEh6nVZMES9gSsnHdxNXQtl2mCIKqsx_ImeWE7z2zfSxnUA4WLjEJ6S6-w2R1gSFB/s1600-h/P1000942.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328477126787290370" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfIvR0syLIkeifLT_jttB-LxhR4G3eC3BfMkn9xTViUzhflB3VnukHSFAcuyfs2LrEYJ7V8-vKFoFEh6nVZMES9gSsnHdxNXQtl2mCIKqsx_ImeWE7z2zfSxnUA4WLjEJ6S6-w2R1gSFB/s200/P1000942.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5MDJX7GRhvhivsg0QsO2tLvibYLmyVFv5GADt_N8MaTJc7CXxgohqh3sHLFOP2ddj5LIEBFWEIN5vZcU2zqoumhaDy6voN2h09kSCX_ihkw9TcCr6khCWGtnXxsDg6q5bvfbJAjZm4XC/s1600-h/P1000972.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328477141088403458" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5MDJX7GRhvhivsg0QsO2tLvibYLmyVFv5GADt_N8MaTJc7CXxgohqh3sHLFOP2ddj5LIEBFWEIN5vZcU2zqoumhaDy6voN2h09kSCX_ihkw9TcCr6khCWGtnXxsDg6q5bvfbJAjZm4XC/s200/P1000972.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5cc9FaJl9McwUJO24z2WSm_8rMUVm925mV1gg3wAfhZmZxMi4SMpq5TYXYPHT0L6l1wOwOtENdwBm9Vp1szyudnrbNwoaH2ZrzlqhMzEGlsYJDLMWl3PqpWyTGPku_xv5xNhx2vyvELW/s1600-h/P1110947.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328477650233493826" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5cc9FaJl9McwUJO24z2WSm_8rMUVm925mV1gg3wAfhZmZxMi4SMpq5TYXYPHT0L6l1wOwOtENdwBm9Vp1szyudnrbNwoaH2ZrzlqhMzEGlsYJDLMWl3PqpWyTGPku_xv5xNhx2vyvELW/s200/P1110947.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It was never easy deciding who to give food to. If you gave to one, several others would immediately surround you. I'm still trying to work out what it means to follow Jesus' teaching to "give to everyone who asks of you" (Luke 6:30). Figuring out what to “give” is the hard part. Jesus had a way of giving what was truly needed, not always what was asked for. Mother Teresa often gave a smile, a caring touch, a listening ear, words of encouragement, or a prayer. But when someone truly needed food, clothes, or medical care, she gave that. I think you must live among the poor, as she did, to know what someone truly needs.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQv3nlAtE03imHT-NK1kU3h0UNOYZnlyiysUlu9kg3AY9gLcJBaaJjs0FdAVTdOzWxwE0-A-_GYvrzHbwCDPdFu1DKyNusCIVJ_5qkaBSDA7bz62FWjuGlhyiNOigsmRsvMgFH0gj3r8nM/s1600-h/P1120008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328477928139938050" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQv3nlAtE03imHT-NK1kU3h0UNOYZnlyiysUlu9kg3AY9gLcJBaaJjs0FdAVTdOzWxwE0-A-_GYvrzHbwCDPdFu1DKyNusCIVJ_5qkaBSDA7bz62FWjuGlhyiNOigsmRsvMgFH0gj3r8nM/s200/P1120008.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVB8WZ1iZ3WuW93-IOJrTiFfCWfSiFIYyRdBO8iekqus3FQvfev0hKzoxE0hkulIrIVXKxhfb0biq5_-0BASQwXyCLDgS1NRuSrO3Pcmtc4dlQMgwR05DzsgnrRIsPhtvZdWX1ubFKfccv/s1600-h/P1000940.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328477109740090914" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVB8WZ1iZ3WuW93-IOJrTiFfCWfSiFIYyRdBO8iekqus3FQvfev0hKzoxE0hkulIrIVXKxhfb0biq5_-0BASQwXyCLDgS1NRuSrO3Pcmtc4dlQMgwR05DzsgnrRIsPhtvZdWX1ubFKfccv/s200/P1000940.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixym-_w5AxxIAm_ZpicP6aBqBIoTSN-mcLfEJxTUTBhrhZcXCQJuGixWyZ3u8vZ22MQJQPhCtYyDvAjaOVVoSBbFe8yU7iiJvPo2x-uxIFG53SH4pN2SiiFqFvsFdumJzLDMWszXI0SA3K/s1600-h/P1000980.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328477392913118786" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixym-_w5AxxIAm_ZpicP6aBqBIoTSN-mcLfEJxTUTBhrhZcXCQJuGixWyZ3u8vZ22MQJQPhCtYyDvAjaOVVoSBbFe8yU7iiJvPo2x-uxIFG53SH4pN2SiiFqFvsFdumJzLDMWszXI0SA3K/s200/P1000980.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />In 1946 as a nun in Calcutta, Mother Teresa felt a call to "serve God in the distressing disguise of the poorest of the poor". For over 50 years, she lived a life of poverty while serving the poor through her Missionaries of Charity order that she founded. Today, her order has thousands of sisters continuing her work around the world. She often said, "I cannot do great things, only small things with great love."</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6t3PNufLzkMF3G5GSsCpS9QFEEiGNNj0rWiY4RDTbsFWbay261_x9NTIwXGpJCZIEvrK0x_63-B9f7_QY9fxd9BjvHOiy3mWvB0y4MfUoMQ30KyzyWUYq33PfZWZhzz5VzQkfrP8t6-c-/s1600-h/P1120046.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328477928857734210" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6t3PNufLzkMF3G5GSsCpS9QFEEiGNNj0rWiY4RDTbsFWbay261_x9NTIwXGpJCZIEvrK0x_63-B9f7_QY9fxd9BjvHOiy3mWvB0y4MfUoMQ30KyzyWUYq33PfZWZhzz5VzQkfrP8t6-c-/s200/P1120046.jpg" border="0" /></a> We were able to visit "Mother's Home", where she lived for over 40 years with other sisters, and where you can visit her tomb (pictured here). Her spartan room was about 8x10 feet with a bed, a small wooden desk, a small dresser, a lamp, and a few items on the wall. Most prominent is a crown of thorns that Mother Teresa made that surrounds a picture of Jesus. She didn't even allow herself a fan for the sweltering India summers.<br /><br />We were also able to visit one of Mother Teresa's hospices and one of her orphanages in Calcutta. It's hard to convey what it feels like to walk through Mother Teresa’s “Home for the Destitute and Dying". I felt a wave of different emotions... sadness at seeing emaciated people, many with blank eyes, lying on rows of cots, one next to another... a guilty feeling of thankfulness that I was not among them... awe and profound respect for the selfless sisters who serve there... and recognition that this place was a holy sanctuary for those who would otherwise die unknown and unloved in the filth of the streets. In an ironic contrast, Mother Teresa's hospice is next to a famous Hindu temple to Khali, the goddess of destruction. So while the sisters are serving the dying with dignity, next door are Hindu worshippers making animal sacrifices and asking Khali to bring down curses on their enemies.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BIMuUgXWA4aG8IxnU_uCgyFiCI-VOkSCIQg24lDvh0Kqwd3pBdg7WK9La6oajcLJzFLujJXlirxrh2kftlGtqSutsJJceLD4cfekouzuQkamS08EdJU5yKitxzkbKmqSY5v7FpvdIZg2/s1600-h/P1110933.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328477646670357746" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BIMuUgXWA4aG8IxnU_uCgyFiCI-VOkSCIQg24lDvh0Kqwd3pBdg7WK9La6oajcLJzFLujJXlirxrh2kftlGtqSutsJJceLD4cfekouzuQkamS08EdJU5yKitxzkbKmqSY5v7FpvdIZg2/s200/P1110933.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is Ivan and Sheila Satyavrata and their two sons Rahul and Rohan. They were our hosts in Calcutta and we are extremely grateful for all the ways they helped us. A few years ago, Ivan took over as head pastor of the largest Assembly of God Church in Calcutta. India's majority religion is Hindu, but this Christian church has been in Calcutta for over 50 years and has a huge ministry: over 3000 church members with services in 8 languages, youth and singles groups, a modern hospital, a high school, a new primary school for children who live at the dump, a daily feeding program for the poor, a boys' home for orphans, and many more. In total, Ivan oversees a staff of 800+ people who are serving the people of Calcutta. What an amazing church! And we would have been lost without Sheila. She arranged our lodging, transportation, and schedule for our week in Calcutta… and cooked us the most delicious meal we had in India. Thanks, Sheila!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJLhySXMy61A4KN-8y-Ewz7_lTO6TTYiVFh2KW5TOiIV0GDENM3E3dp2AbAdaApw8zrRgPBVPZFn-tMrKbmFv-HqaonYGLSJ54r2F4lhozCzF9rBYNEOQLSJ_RA1aVcFVtyWBPh-3VFun/s1600-h/P1120079.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328477941892567794" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJLhySXMy61A4KN-8y-Ewz7_lTO6TTYiVFh2KW5TOiIV0GDENM3E3dp2AbAdaApw8zrRgPBVPZFn-tMrKbmFv-HqaonYGLSJ54r2F4lhozCzF9rBYNEOQLSJ_RA1aVcFVtyWBPh-3VFun/s200/P1120079.jpg" border="0" /></a> With Ivan’s and Sheila’s help, were able to spend several days at the boys’ home where Steven (pictured here with his son Ezekiel) and his wife Ruth act as parents to 33 orphan boys. We hoped to support the Steven and Ruth, love the kids, and encourage them to pursue their dreams. We spent most of our time organizing after-school games and activities. The boys were very sweet and welcomed us with big smiles and lots of energy. We were dominated in soccer but able hold our own in Frisbee and board games. The Indian boys especially enjoyed spending time with Jordan and Jeffrey, who always had smiles on their faces and endless enthusiasm. It was quite a novelty for them to spend time with the two American teenagers.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3pCK7ecr82zzs-L98xNhT8Y9PCP5n5azaB7JK90be283mWM7drZBgXEZ9e4Dl0V4aKJa1oAJv8adi3tqf54o7yTYg07GIsTnoL61s5FXDM5JoF1zGbMZooO0pph6F6akYo_bQr7puP7xx/s1600-h/P1120287.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328478630661290210" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3pCK7ecr82zzs-L98xNhT8Y9PCP5n5azaB7JK90be283mWM7drZBgXEZ9e4Dl0V4aKJa1oAJv8adi3tqf54o7yTYg07GIsTnoL61s5FXDM5JoF1zGbMZooO0pph6F6akYo_bQr7puP7xx/s200/P1120287.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9egoRtxfA8xGxafL8qntS4HGjLV8JG8XQIBGXR9YHpAAbxf_OWhj5f94X-PHy7NwqosrQROIixD3blvTMeZJhhFYhlUgtJ4s_L9cVTu7GeV0aoy2pCYwX5cuP1UftbiF8-8z-8hYw-jdH/s1600-h/P1120387.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328478918212354322" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9egoRtxfA8xGxafL8qntS4HGjLV8JG8XQIBGXR9YHpAAbxf_OWhj5f94X-PHy7NwqosrQROIixD3blvTMeZJhhFYhlUgtJ4s_L9cVTu7GeV0aoy2pCYwX5cuP1UftbiF8-8z-8hYw-jdH/s200/P1120387.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFG7jbj9ofOf18P5X5bGpJLLV41EQnEw8J8w0jhTTLJfqCGRZAmxVjKkm92IpJiZLspgxphhCPteObT1zT3ekTdlqB5ny_VXFJx5hQa46gQbl92C6QzjRXZZY9_KyQoGmPCiymDgbcZ7d/s1600-h/P1120184.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328478255348917330" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFG7jbj9ofOf18P5X5bGpJLLV41EQnEw8J8w0jhTTLJfqCGRZAmxVjKkm92IpJiZLspgxphhCPteObT1zT3ekTdlqB5ny_VXFJx5hQa46gQbl92C6QzjRXZZY9_KyQoGmPCiymDgbcZ7d/s200/P1120184.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRXMtk-0GUf-N6KffvRxCM_aVYu5UoLnAkJr4wOIPI7touuqWJKx9W8v5_sV0o22TbZTEKZIKwuTtYiuXMv1QzlWV1YdA9GQSBO9oo4copzAMQTNg0yM-3XQJMRlidgp7w13mds0iELMB/s1600-h/P1000987.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328477400172429218" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRXMtk-0GUf-N6KffvRxCM_aVYu5UoLnAkJr4wOIPI7touuqWJKx9W8v5_sV0o22TbZTEKZIKwuTtYiuXMv1QzlWV1YdA9GQSBO9oo4copzAMQTNg0yM-3XQJMRlidgp7w13mds0iELMB/s200/P1000987.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />In the words of Jeffrey:<br />“I will always remember going to visit the boys’ home. When we were spending time with them playing soccer, board games, and eating meals, it was amazing to know that they were from the streets of Calcutta, abandoned and unloved, but are now getting educated, cared for, and loved because of one man’s calling from God. The boys were all very nice, helpful, and fun to be around. It is amazing that one man’s decision to serve the world can save so many children’s lives. It was surprising to see how touched the children were to receive a board game, something I would be as excited about as getting an apple on Halloween. I will never forget their passion for God, the fun times we had together, and eating with my hands and it being considered proper table manners.”<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVrCtUbfKSR2bZIyAFKy2ShnSaj_zI2sWbMaQ3i-N8nslC8ucGTd_MslP9xswxtiZH3KUISQbNXdA878DOeBIr-hNvcwqG6g5c6n-Bbn9MdPPWkMXDUEV2ofaKKnBCGGowF5JwRl-WUhb/s1600-h/P1120257.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328478259681867410" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVrCtUbfKSR2bZIyAFKy2ShnSaj_zI2sWbMaQ3i-N8nslC8ucGTd_MslP9xswxtiZH3KUISQbNXdA878DOeBIr-hNvcwqG6g5c6n-Bbn9MdPPWkMXDUEV2ofaKKnBCGGowF5JwRl-WUhb/s200/P1120257.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHNNGN1L1gWMTwlGPohhZlR39c-_ls6B2AyCgA8LH1naMuoOMhy5kalCTV3vnAZUj8tZnXCJeIADoQMS8JtyzGlizaQyKcOK3UxaUHAtFW3rUtJoChhJ7jOMPwxlEdZdAClpKzflZDbVn/s1600-h/P1120333.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328478634289970386" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHNNGN1L1gWMTwlGPohhZlR39c-_ls6B2AyCgA8LH1naMuoOMhy5kalCTV3vnAZUj8tZnXCJeIADoQMS8JtyzGlizaQyKcOK3UxaUHAtFW3rUtJoChhJ7jOMPwxlEdZdAClpKzflZDbVn/s200/P1120333.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTPHtFeLxi9z_AzgD9l_srEvWZoHyE6oL6TvToUJJ19VRjQPg6D5z68vqa_Dy33yVo966XoF2TwXpOSjm0Nkso6XFtip2W8RJ1xesG72G9wvoPpBqvxpmoZfL-32q7wubtkFq1v58iV_d/s1600-h/P1120307.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328478635753948114" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTPHtFeLxi9z_AzgD9l_srEvWZoHyE6oL6TvToUJJ19VRjQPg6D5z68vqa_Dy33yVo966XoF2TwXpOSjm0Nkso6XFtip2W8RJ1xesG72G9wvoPpBqvxpmoZfL-32q7wubtkFq1v58iV_d/s200/P1120307.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXtMfqhGhKG27G1OY8p2AkugkwAZIf22ocosSnlV8SNmDoxtOdNxoFxr7phbNRea2iCZeo7LLqkdBDNm54L38Vd3mBkKIPYuJLBYuhn7uQbNJxSyGwj25e4t19RZMSomSlHbWDFGYugMe/s1600-h/P1120077.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328477935094381250" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXtMfqhGhKG27G1OY8p2AkugkwAZIf22ocosSnlV8SNmDoxtOdNxoFxr7phbNRea2iCZeo7LLqkdBDNm54L38Vd3mBkKIPYuJLBYuhn7uQbNJxSyGwj25e4t19RZMSomSlHbWDFGYugMe/s200/P1120077.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lZJWo_UUnkzsDEYDjStYWEqegg1dSPFp9Eiqv8Zx5_RwnPmE7phPNAHwgKXGvwoADqudQq6StDz3SxUkq3s6VqVC5BrsZn65KmyrNNJjLMiijS2IzO1CHnOx8iHAF5wNhcw77qHwQr4f/s1600-h/P1120242.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328478257837981154" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lZJWo_UUnkzsDEYDjStYWEqegg1dSPFp9Eiqv8Zx5_RwnPmE7phPNAHwgKXGvwoADqudQq6StDz3SxUkq3s6VqVC5BrsZn65KmyrNNJjLMiijS2IzO1CHnOx8iHAF5wNhcw77qHwQr4f/s200/P1120242.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />On the last night, several boys told us how much our visit meant to them. They said that they often get visitors who check out the orphanage, but that we were the first visitors to come back. When we returned for three days just to spend time with them they felt valued. What a great reminder that you can sometimes make a big difference just by coming back.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyVc26WBjzSjTVhGWwIG2j5U56Kvtsy5WFL6UycK_YGprPnyfOdbpf67tZPswBcj8jZ_wGo5Y4Ik2bHRSTyINFhrMDknzIoz-pA2_Zy-OQ3h1Kj_bldk4qpMkJAREroQsVYleYO0JnljH/s1600-h/P1120204.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328478253148640882" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyVc26WBjzSjTVhGWwIG2j5U56Kvtsy5WFL6UycK_YGprPnyfOdbpf67tZPswBcj8jZ_wGo5Y4Ik2bHRSTyINFhrMDknzIoz-pA2_Zy-OQ3h1Kj_bldk4qpMkJAREroQsVYleYO0JnljH/s200/P1120204.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxj3WRO_znbi5bZnGQ95XdVeQ_coZ4f1ROAgns7PYQcjCNCzbwT2AFckKGpKRyseJlC7L97FRYEzAlPCF_o_-2ALQwHj4b40KkzvClr3NzoEcFQtsJs-vjz2Dxb3s5P6qsgf7JEYQQv8Mg/s1600-h/P1120376.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328478644944730418" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxj3WRO_znbi5bZnGQ95XdVeQ_coZ4f1ROAgns7PYQcjCNCzbwT2AFckKGpKRyseJlC7L97FRYEzAlPCF_o_-2ALQwHj4b40KkzvClr3NzoEcFQtsJs-vjz2Dxb3s5P6qsgf7JEYQQv8Mg/s200/P1120376.jpg" border="0" /></a> </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PFX5t6HU97KxawiGkiEdIsu_aPjhreSkWR_stybeGwEuvgpVuKxCahzaF-rglOt4iy909B1tFRowJZIfXUknyuBPDHWtFjLPM0NgXYr-x1lgjFc-6daVA9d3FG0PWpL9KdPoEIKItVyR/s1600-h/P1120266.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328478261045232770" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PFX5t6HU97KxawiGkiEdIsu_aPjhreSkWR_stybeGwEuvgpVuKxCahzaF-rglOt4iy909B1tFRowJZIfXUknyuBPDHWtFjLPM0NgXYr-x1lgjFc-6daVA9d3FG0PWpL9KdPoEIKItVyR/s200/P1120266.jpg" border="0" /></a> Pastor Ivan took great advantage of Charley's preaching and teaching skills. In just five days, Charley preached or taught seminars seven times! As usual, he did a great job and many people thanked him for his teaching, especially his seminar on "leadership in a post-modern world". Charley especially enjoyed talking at an assembly of 900 students at the high school run by Ivan’s church. At one point, Charley explained that when girls look in a mirror, all they see are perceived flaws, but when boys look in a mirror, they flex and think they look tough, convinced that they can take any guy and get any girl. The students burst into laughter and applause, proving that Charley can still wow any crowd.<br /><br />For our last two days with Charley and Jordan, we went to Agra, home of India’s crown jewel, the Taj Mahal. In 1631, Shah Jahan was grief-stricken when his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, died during the birth of their 14th child. In her dying breath, Mumtaz urged Jahan to build a mausoleum for her like nothing the world had ever seen. Built between 1632 and 1653 by about 20,000 artisans and craftsmen, it is made of white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones and is perfectly symmetrical. It is truly awe-inspiring, even more impressive than in pictures.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyKxHhI8XkYane6CwQe_BetMqs2iO4e_pv-_p-Rh01S4IK9YnSMcfR30DE3kxMQKfv0A92KVU_uEUtpPdOQE-lgClP9ZF7-8aK644aZbjtPOsJ9c_5P87XJkyJMKOIBraAjl3oxZy184d/s1600-h/P1010073.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328477643291843346" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlyKxHhI8XkYane6CwQe_BetMqs2iO4e_pv-_p-Rh01S4IK9YnSMcfR30DE3kxMQKfv0A92KVU_uEUtpPdOQE-lgClP9ZF7-8aK644aZbjtPOsJ9c_5P87XJkyJMKOIBraAjl3oxZy184d/s200/P1010073.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Stories circulate that Shah Jahan intended to build his own mausoleum as an identical version in black marble across the river, joined by a silver bridge. Unfortunately, his son thought such plans too extravagant, overthrew his father and put him in jail where he could only see the Taj Mahal from the window of the cell where he died.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqF-Oti3W5SuAvXQo5_-edN3d51IbEYehhc6iTyUU-RjT_C4KjzEbbjkjx1925JZuSlI_ka4CawQK8YcwChIipCGFz8P-Dw3cWxoqhjTTlfXIfRUYtDVj1N4F1RocQMq0iniFfI4Ykikyo/s1600-h/P1010051.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328477401131866130" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqF-Oti3W5SuAvXQo5_-edN3d51IbEYehhc6iTyUU-RjT_C4KjzEbbjkjx1925JZuSlI_ka4CawQK8YcwChIipCGFz8P-Dw3cWxoqhjTTlfXIfRUYtDVj1N4F1RocQMq0iniFfI4Ykikyo/s200/P1010051.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />With the Taj Mahal, our whirlwind week with Charley and Jordan was over and we were sad to see them head back to the U.S. But we know they left with lifelong memories that will probably draw them back to this amazing, thought-provoking, heartbreaking, and intriguing country. Jordan is already wondering if he can come back as an intern at the boys’ school.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />We have to give Charley, Jordan, and Jeffrey kudos for being great travel partners. They always had smiles on their faces, always had great attitudes, were always ready for the next adventure, and never complained. Even more important, they have huge hearts and gave their time to serve others with compassion. You’re awesome!<br /><br />- Steve</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055449771397601272.post-9472620748793771262009-03-31T02:07:00.001-07:002009-03-31T09:06:55.167-07:00Egypt<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEo53Tw_PmYd3tINAAG48sUJKIN8YNfQZGITjcFiJ7Y51SUqYbeub6c8GvEd0-E9vQo5fL5fgmS6_VXVexUkdUWfAiBmxlUUTjNq7y2pU9vCKt9ERvawdiFhekHbiJaeIi9Gm56pW28LK/s1600-h/P1110528.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319382641270930562" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEo53Tw_PmYd3tINAAG48sUJKIN8YNfQZGITjcFiJ7Y51SUqYbeub6c8GvEd0-E9vQo5fL5fgmS6_VXVexUkdUWfAiBmxlUUTjNq7y2pU9vCKt9ERvawdiFhekHbiJaeIi9Gm56pW28LK/s200/P1110528.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>With about 10 days before we needed to be in India, we headed to Egypt to check out its ancient civilization. No volunteer work… just a whirlwind tour of pyramids, temples, and tombs.We spent our first couple days in Cairo. First stop: the famous Egyptian Museum where the contents of King Tutankhamun’s tomb are displayed. The museum is daunting due to the sheer number of statues, tomb artifacts, and mummies on display. But the treasure of King Tut’s tomb lived up to its fame. The glittering gold, intricate metal carving, and shimmering gem stones are stunning. Around every corner I was tempted to break the “no photos” rule to capture the beauty and mystique of ancient Egypt.</div><div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGFBusEP2snfqqqNTe-5_w5EYRhkxBPzTPpA3Sezb1loaFXovB3ckYRduEtkn8OWYYL4tCYl4xEE2DC0Mzfvr4e9I_PbLqLSrVtRAXH2InwaUJtKk4tvzGIYXJDUxjdS3ofSH2GagihWZs/s1600-h/P1110589.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319276803844022978" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGFBusEP2snfqqqNTe-5_w5EYRhkxBPzTPpA3Sezb1loaFXovB3ckYRduEtkn8OWYYL4tCYl4xEE2DC0Mzfvr4e9I_PbLqLSrVtRAXH2InwaUJtKk4tvzGIYXJDUxjdS3ofSH2GagihWZs/s200/P1110589.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMY4yAEk7LbmUsmSheTBvVu4ecLz6A1qCEmAgorVCZSQ76aDp0DSXEZH7BafqNqyavHLTkFKdfXW1Pro-MhtePnfPPd_k6yNt5p0qVcQ9S-wMDdzuVIAmOs0qZqwM4w9WS43cZ5WMlVwgE/s1600-h/P1110545.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319276793329509746" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMY4yAEk7LbmUsmSheTBvVu4ecLz6A1qCEmAgorVCZSQ76aDp0DSXEZH7BafqNqyavHLTkFKdfXW1Pro-MhtePnfPPd_k6yNt5p0qVcQ9S-wMDdzuVIAmOs0qZqwM4w9WS43cZ5WMlVwgE/s200/P1110545.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-Q2BufT17KwgbyYO961aFXISublBCSpgmcLEfoYSFD8IkFhxlO38uWS0g2EoVzH1YH3C-YbIFJ4re1Nm8UimGlizDAIMgOCW3SEOXlFo_RJOyu6xuq_ouxDITS7KlHsU__CaZILnUmbf/s1600-h/P1110556.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319276801591022898" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-Q2BufT17KwgbyYO961aFXISublBCSpgmcLEfoYSFD8IkFhxlO38uWS0g2EoVzH1YH3C-YbIFJ4re1Nm8UimGlizDAIMgOCW3SEOXlFo_RJOyu6xuq_ouxDITS7KlHsU__CaZILnUmbf/s200/P1110556.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Second stop: the Great Pyramids of Giza, one of the seven ancient wonders of the world, and the only one still in existence. Seeing the pyramids and camel drivers in the foreground with the city of Cairo in the background is a jarring contrast. And despite seeing countless photos over the years, the pyramids are still astonishing to see in person. It’s incredible to imagine how the workers got the multi-ton stones to the site at all, much less to the top of an enormous pyramid. I guess it was the Pharaoh’s economic stimulus package that kept the workers employed for 20 years. </div></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hjpVIRvOrwSldTUKRVOkH-mz1oG_GmAcBE8wq3ftIZl_fdvNAJVDfAEPG02BN2iHHcxuJhS4Rhz8fSQo5sdmWihdvclH1MW0Dy6sG67IZQgpeYiug3Y74qc68pHBM0-0mzeD8zgKV1sw/s1600-h/P1110552.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319276800820373634" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hjpVIRvOrwSldTUKRVOkH-mz1oG_GmAcBE8wq3ftIZl_fdvNAJVDfAEPG02BN2iHHcxuJhS4Rhz8fSQo5sdmWihdvclH1MW0Dy6sG67IZQgpeYiug3Y74qc68pHBM0-0mzeD8zgKV1sw/s200/P1110552.jpg" border="0" /></a>Since some of the stones have fallen down, David did his part to help rebuild these colossal wonders.</div><br /><div></div><div>Third stop: We spent a couple days on a Nile River cruise from Aswan to Luxor to see several of the most famous temples along the Nile. We got a crash course in Egyptian history and religious beliefs. Just ask us if you want to learn about Isis, Osiris, or the after-death journey to the underworld where a pharaoh’s heart is weighed against a feather to judge if he was good or evil. Or if you’re into mummification techniques, ask us how they got the brain out.</div><div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRBf_dH_LMLxmh25t3dh6URUR6xSC5B7c_yKOAAopGzft5pv_DVdswbyDAdXCF4JXO53QuSVy_Fq2tkuJxCPxUKaZJzLhQs-O_3KKl530EF42H47t2nG38_c7XHAnXN90LfmJfX-LDZUu/s1600-h/P1110745.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319277821425107906" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRBf_dH_LMLxmh25t3dh6URUR6xSC5B7c_yKOAAopGzft5pv_DVdswbyDAdXCF4JXO53QuSVy_Fq2tkuJxCPxUKaZJzLhQs-O_3KKl530EF42H47t2nG38_c7XHAnXN90LfmJfX-LDZUu/s200/P1110745.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryQJ1kOFZ-1ZxMs67fA08uEO6Er9__18Oh_d9P5YZTPnVEvYBkttk1qdTGRkK9bOMOz0pJoUATOrxYb_7y3XCGcVdnaZ8Qchqd3KXUEP7bQ4g0T0-arxMdKNPlscUTYlNZz-1pTGnhGB1/s1600-h/P1110725.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319277804885482114" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryQJ1kOFZ-1ZxMs67fA08uEO6Er9__18Oh_d9P5YZTPnVEvYBkttk1qdTGRkK9bOMOz0pJoUATOrxYb_7y3XCGcVdnaZ8Qchqd3KXUEP7bQ4g0T0-arxMdKNPlscUTYlNZz-1pTGnhGB1/s200/P1110725.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewNv_vcgbRpASGtNTTNC_q2AIWVdiE0uT-aDL624ZaFP6e5hqJfuU6H0Ek2G-zoyUO8s2YhDx4lmP_ENSjVPWBtfHIFzgrVM5Xnk89HPBt3hDRVAoi7X7r54frqVYgIr8wKpGn9QjmsUj/s1600-h/P1110737.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319277809357011714" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewNv_vcgbRpASGtNTTNC_q2AIWVdiE0uT-aDL624ZaFP6e5hqJfuU6H0Ek2G-zoyUO8s2YhDx4lmP_ENSjVPWBtfHIFzgrVM5Xnk89HPBt3hDRVAoi7X7r54frqVYgIr8wKpGn9QjmsUj/s200/P1110737.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div><br /><div>Once the pharaohs decided that pyramids made it too easy for grave robbers to find their treasure, they started digging tombs with secret tunnels deep into a mountain outside Luxor in a place known as the Valley of the Kings. Sixty-two tombs have been discovered so far with many archaeologists still digging. Most tombs were robbed of their treasure long ago despite efforts to keep them secret. King Tut’s tomb remained hidden because a later pharaoh dug his tomb above Tut’s on the mountain and the resulting rock debris kept the boy-king’s tomb hidden until Howard Carter discovered it in 1922.</div><div></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZ8grXznV4cQigG2E9TGfc5MZpVyJ8mAeUPirpavGPzO5gGe0_BWrbulKnH-gEUh3iZr3CrU9S3ZE12_PJZDIp3gDmViZ4-6U7mZWggtr6DDZeL1BnIne7xIu396WeiuvQkRjMXaMKYvK/s1600-h/P1110797.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319278826024647410" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZ8grXznV4cQigG2E9TGfc5MZpVyJ8mAeUPirpavGPzO5gGe0_BWrbulKnH-gEUh3iZr3CrU9S3ZE12_PJZDIp3gDmViZ4-6U7mZWggtr6DDZeL1BnIne7xIu396WeiuvQkRjMXaMKYvK/s200/P1110797.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWW5NI-w64achWWdQ1E2cBzTzze3pgfdO8dvQYxBPKjFfcgK3-Zt7odDhJpnFfvXYaiL5LPP5knDcL-vhIMoNSf3DC8u37uyMIWxtbFqf2cfoBjzFAC6jU9UdL_KDCh1aPTO66NyN1bSn/s1600-h/P1110822.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319278824758726370" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWW5NI-w64achWWdQ1E2cBzTzze3pgfdO8dvQYxBPKjFfcgK3-Zt7odDhJpnFfvXYaiL5LPP5knDcL-vhIMoNSf3DC8u37uyMIWxtbFqf2cfoBjzFAC6jU9UdL_KDCh1aPTO66NyN1bSn/s200/P1110822.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUQm2u7ZukHMJCq3My52dK58RR3Znvuzvx9cJNO3_IluWUaJsucYtjIdOEC7-f07mWe6EaS8zykPC7USsS-WmbQCvvxiDIZ9Kwr9U_soP7iOxGEoBtbyhfovy8SLwXiycIRk5Xq2BOS8b/s1600-h/P1110699.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319277805679191026" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUQm2u7ZukHMJCq3My52dK58RR3Znvuzvx9cJNO3_IluWUaJsucYtjIdOEC7-f07mWe6EaS8zykPC7USsS-WmbQCvvxiDIZ9Kwr9U_soP7iOxGEoBtbyhfovy8SLwXiycIRk5Xq2BOS8b/s200/P1110699.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>We were dazzled by the scale of the pyramids, temples and monuments and impressed by the detailed work of the ancient artisans. We found modern-day Egyptians to be very friendly but also the most persistent in pursuing us as we walked the streets or in the markets. A couple of our favorite lines:</div><div>- “Let me help you find ways to spend your money.”<br />- “I don’t know what you’re looking for, but I have it.”</div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3jrgGzYJcfhRsw7t8i6PI6UvI6xjClTIpRLbju2wGxl9dX5l_fi_YAxl8yygWi5LPQ4FZ851nFRmujZ1quxNoIchgLNvlEPUqtmxwJqJa73sb3avRAh41e8MosXHemXzUHSpwjvFtQz4/s1600-h/P1110788.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319277823210914706" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3jrgGzYJcfhRsw7t8i6PI6UvI6xjClTIpRLbju2wGxl9dX5l_fi_YAxl8yygWi5LPQ4FZ851nFRmujZ1quxNoIchgLNvlEPUqtmxwJqJa73sb3avRAh41e8MosXHemXzUHSpwjvFtQz4/s200/P1110788.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVdCYokC9r98Oq2fMHNvx2o1Ymk9iaLs7u-ZbQBDVjxnlzJgwEwyJHXKlwc31mzyL7M-X2bNY4zZ_8oT8yRgNKNGfqZOpJegj90jlEy5V9wYS8kEFvS5M8OPm2nvGAnOJBX6xohAZq6On/s1600-h/P1110809.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319278822817702610" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVdCYokC9r98Oq2fMHNvx2o1Ymk9iaLs7u-ZbQBDVjxnlzJgwEwyJHXKlwc31mzyL7M-X2bNY4zZ_8oT8yRgNKNGfqZOpJegj90jlEy5V9wYS8kEFvS5M8OPm2nvGAnOJBX6xohAZq6On/s200/P1110809.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><div>Now we head to India where three of our favorite people will join us for volunteer work in Calcutta: David’s 12 year-old brother Jeffrey, Charley Scandlyn, and his 15 year-old son Jordan. We look forward to seeing friends and family half-way around the world. They are the first brave souls to meet us on our travels. We hope more will follow!</div><div></div><br /><div>- Steve</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055449771397601272.post-78925464889717428042009-03-31T01:40:00.000-07:002009-03-31T09:07:58.332-07:00Kenya<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgjDGQKHcZdXT1ixAJM3wtEE1ENyCDW_PwVZ5TtV0kzNF59QSBHrlWJCML-mF0naQg0E8msb8DanRHQsqzK89o6JpB3zxd4Hm52E6iQwKHQbVJLynatzCZk471zr9hem5SHd4w318EwWm/s1600-h/P1000820.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319270430462633874" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgjDGQKHcZdXT1ixAJM3wtEE1ENyCDW_PwVZ5TtV0kzNF59QSBHrlWJCML-mF0naQg0E8msb8DanRHQsqzK89o6JpB3zxd4Hm52E6iQwKHQbVJLynatzCZk471zr9hem5SHd4w318EwWm/s200/P1000820.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKoR1qejmKkJlf8_YNWoJb_9Ralvs7bY50vNh9QOefNvjMfw6ArdK_gpFX-TpI9rh4SuUlNvpBAf0tEcfLR9rY47IznPZZpQUJX0k-vR89NvfooOIIQi1irMvemHTtfj5yc0UAr7IpP5d7/s1600-h/P1110135.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319270446148972690" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKoR1qejmKkJlf8_YNWoJb_9Ralvs7bY50vNh9QOefNvjMfw6ArdK_gpFX-TpI9rh4SuUlNvpBAf0tEcfLR9rY47IznPZZpQUJX0k-vR89NvfooOIIQi1irMvemHTtfj5yc0UAr7IpP5d7/s200/P1110135.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />If you’ve ever wondered what the most dangerous situation we’ve faced while traveling, the answer is easy – anything to do with roads. Driving on or simply walking across a road is quite often a life-threatening situation. Our five-hour drive from Arusha, Tanzania to Nairobi, Kenya was no exception. Passing on the wrong side of the road on a blind corner near the top of a hill at 60 miles an hour does not seem to worry drivers in Kenya or most African countries for that matter. When we miraculously arrived in Nairobi in one piece we met Gershon and Gladys Mwiti. Both Gershon and Gladys hold PhDs from Fuller Seminary. Gershon has a PhD in leadership and Gladys has a PhD in psychology. Gladys started Oasis Africa in Nairobi which has many programs, including counselor training (especially for post-traumatic stress due to violence and death) and low-cost or free schools for children who otherwise couldn’t afford it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcO_xSZeaHBZ7kAHQjRH1bu-kmpOh3eLBfV6EIBkJT2qdDyIHmxMTHdH5twOUwKBjK_LhZ3mVvalGxjBnULZd2Ox02Ksc9QlvY1oCLj5Di3XOBCxZk5ubVDI6FT8EFs8DjRW4utOs17Vwb/s1600-h/P1110333.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319273295124741954" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcO_xSZeaHBZ7kAHQjRH1bu-kmpOh3eLBfV6EIBkJT2qdDyIHmxMTHdH5twOUwKBjK_LhZ3mVvalGxjBnULZd2Ox02Ksc9QlvY1oCLj5Di3XOBCxZk5ubVDI6FT8EFs8DjRW4utOs17Vwb/s200/P1110333.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrboC4NPHvRBS82m5Y9P_SJ2o-I3xll8nPSZTq3GnNds3LbrIG-uxDgEJIUW2XGyPWffIvjki_2zHHvyZG3fr9VJ5hew2HZK5gPvjxjFvtDvEBExtRveRzNOJJRg5XsZa0DbuObpF3tvXg/s1600-h/P1110254.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319271947731964930" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrboC4NPHvRBS82m5Y9P_SJ2o-I3xll8nPSZTq3GnNds3LbrIG-uxDgEJIUW2XGyPWffIvjki_2zHHvyZG3fr9VJ5hew2HZK5gPvjxjFvtDvEBExtRveRzNOJJRg5XsZa0DbuObpF3tvXg/s200/P1110254.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We were able to partner with Oasis for a week at a small school near Meru. At first glance Meru appears as a beautiful and peaceful farming community near the foot of Mount Kenya. But this region faces many serious issues. Like most countries in Africa, AIDs is a big problem. There are many AIDs orphans and people very sick with AIDs. Many women get pregnant who are unable to care for a baby so they may leave the baby to die in a dump or ask a stranger on a bus to hold their baby for a second and then disappear.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXI8VxZ0c_Ni182nxNSbYjG90p6eCOnegwBptAFPuVeJs_a0ybVHFOrftV2C3WpAjVQniixBcvmt9j7Xh80uJxMA8OqOTS5mm8rPrLfoPoIBCIt5PvRT4GJknNNvoze4m9pVu9Q3IN9c7/s1600-h/P1110227.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319271943896205666" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXI8VxZ0c_Ni182nxNSbYjG90p6eCOnegwBptAFPuVeJs_a0ybVHFOrftV2C3WpAjVQniixBcvmt9j7Xh80uJxMA8OqOTS5mm8rPrLfoPoIBCIt5PvRT4GJknNNvoze4m9pVu9Q3IN9c7/s200/P1110227.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is the Nteere family who hosted us during our stay. Gerald, Rose, Emily, Hilda and Dennis were so warm and welcoming that we immediately felt at home. We feel like we have an African mama and a second family now. We joined Monica Munger, from Oakland, CA who arrived for a 3-month stay several weeks before us. (Monica is the daughter of former MPPC pastor Bob Munger.) We were so blessed to spend a week with the Nteere family and Monica, though we are still trying to lose the five pounds we gained from Mama Rose and Emily’s cooking. Mama Rose is a big believer in drinking at least six cups of tea a day and serving each person enough food to feed three people at every meal. Like most women in Africa, Mama Rose has several jobs. She is a teacher at a primary school, women’s leader at church, on the board of several committees, and homemaker (with no washing machines, dishwashers, or refrigerators… food has to be bought daily and prepared from scratch). Monica gave Rose the nickname "woman who never sits down" which describes her perfectly.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyE6s3ubZoVSn6WDZk4WWyWx-ojtkZNWvD61qY-ucGkaR2SUD1gV0ckl3p2lhYGyGnMlcuunjZz2kOYGtocxo3HaaVlaaKl8ZBSDPFxVPt8H0OZcQ3VfsAcN6JHx8_UnOnV6UhUMy8kor/s1600-h/P1110456.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319275385835293954" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyE6s3ubZoVSn6WDZk4WWyWx-ojtkZNWvD61qY-ucGkaR2SUD1gV0ckl3p2lhYGyGnMlcuunjZz2kOYGtocxo3HaaVlaaKl8ZBSDPFxVPt8H0OZcQ3VfsAcN6JHx8_UnOnV6UhUMy8kor/s200/P1110456.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9cRYgKzwGMTKf7f-Gp-2rQDMZYiwjdixeJrZiyEGCaooGY5ybCT2DhoIBWvfyTyP1aafo52S97icUL93T_jNRw4XmHqqzKaya__R9WkI9YyfCqjwj9U9seI2vvflXz22Ydf66NvcTD-9/s1600-h/P1110275.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319271954245404674" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9cRYgKzwGMTKf7f-Gp-2rQDMZYiwjdixeJrZiyEGCaooGY5ybCT2DhoIBWvfyTyP1aafo52S97icUL93T_jNRw4XmHqqzKaya__R9WkI9YyfCqjwj9U9seI2vvflXz22Ydf66NvcTD-9/s200/P1110275.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndCxOlCXRjPRPbAuwqlBvAuvmOYzQLz1QAtGPeg5EuL03pg9IubCbzb3OZz97mawUWuqXpUNEtq-ZqSw5Fu14Bi2Muuf8F4p57awrt4tSW5vT-jZO4gzMAPN-0s58O6D6qUattlovjzjq/s1600-h/P1110404.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319274529465897970" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndCxOlCXRjPRPbAuwqlBvAuvmOYzQLz1QAtGPeg5EuL03pg9IubCbzb3OZz97mawUWuqXpUNEtq-ZqSw5Fu14Bi2Muuf8F4p57awrt4tSW5vT-jZO4gzMAPN-0s58O6D6qUattlovjzjq/s200/P1110404.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is the five faculty and 106 students at the school where we volunteered. The four teachers and cook were incredibly dedicated women. They love the children and hope that education will give them a chance for a better life. We helped with English classes, substituted for the teachers when they needed a break, and spent time playing with the children during recess and meals (porridge in the morning, beans and cabbage for lunch… every day).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiV-7xNMJUlGYpCoI89eIuFtJTwvDPU4LjFRrN6FggbEp0aJCzw4achHa6onm7DfvS76f8JTuIfcnFWL2fwx9WVsDKkMnswTkKK4TpsBUtp4dpoqtZgN_Ad0ef3DmwZAPRWiK2iG1bLZSx/s1600-h/P1110403.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319274523357655330" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiV-7xNMJUlGYpCoI89eIuFtJTwvDPU4LjFRrN6FggbEp0aJCzw4achHa6onm7DfvS76f8JTuIfcnFWL2fwx9WVsDKkMnswTkKK4TpsBUtp4dpoqtZgN_Ad0ef3DmwZAPRWiK2iG1bLZSx/s200/P1110403.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QczeKzfdKztDjqriSVSPkx8QHJ6R5zVYHIPkQL02YKVcCJscda0eUKYIU4S-P_O7kUOp-NAvIUtBJu-dI6nz0PlpOutO_vWZKzAo6jgTyleC8-D5NXHFhaYCbpkB_EkOWraFlW0K4M1p/s1600-h/P1110213.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319271942962627650" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QczeKzfdKztDjqriSVSPkx8QHJ6R5zVYHIPkQL02YKVcCJscda0eUKYIU4S-P_O7kUOp-NAvIUtBJu-dI6nz0PlpOutO_vWZKzAo6jgTyleC8-D5NXHFhaYCbpkB_EkOWraFlW0K4M1p/s200/P1110213.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15A5Vvz0Js4vQ06JTBtLJQpGmCOfKBwZhAaTcU-bKEezN03CygT0DuDZhdLwFFHOrtmw7v3OLaO7m5mFBL-VvN4Uur2XJ9B_c5Sd__AcFwSU6-AxPUj8N67wyd7aicLn7KZACB69CLUSt/s1600-h/P1110306.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319273285903827650" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15A5Vvz0Js4vQ06JTBtLJQpGmCOfKBwZhAaTcU-bKEezN03CygT0DuDZhdLwFFHOrtmw7v3OLaO7m5mFBL-VvN4Uur2XJ9B_c5Sd__AcFwSU6-AxPUj8N67wyd7aicLn7KZACB69CLUSt/s200/P1110306.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Monica Munger (pictured here with four students) had been at the school for several weeks, making a big difference. Before she arrived, most students didn’t have pencils let alone books. Instead of a playground and games, all these kids had to play with were a couple of old car tires. With the support of her friends and church (First Presbyterian in Berkeley), Monica was able to buy basic supplies for the school. Now there is at least one book to two students, better teaching supplies, plus volleyball and soccer balls for recess. It was inspiring to meet such a compassionate and resourceful woman as Monica, who decided to come to Kenya on her own after not traveling out of the U.S. for over 30 years.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6T1pZtlUjSHAVqOjN5Ab3xWlPF0xbJ1nAYkoG_CCud_U5BUJDLi68mjqHZOAQbD7OZowlAoNr5iSKxGJ2sX0Fo30CjMw9RWpNjhfiieBWBJBEwdD4ebMoh-rMNsX22uLiSOpNU-fg9g4/s1600-h/P1000885.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319270442157292050" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6T1pZtlUjSHAVqOjN5Ab3xWlPF0xbJ1nAYkoG_CCud_U5BUJDLi68mjqHZOAQbD7OZowlAoNr5iSKxGJ2sX0Fo30CjMw9RWpNjhfiieBWBJBEwdD4ebMoh-rMNsX22uLiSOpNU-fg9g4/s200/P1000885.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllV4i6gae8GpuRfeuT3oIOZj3G7haNRrKDVkzzPbEz5bQ8NrP3ZOaFVtyQGtsFryYxRXVKmYdRoLGHKGi-rms3YBaGL28-TpdccnMZ2PoAwOReFMqceBwk5T3qYKU-oZqZZUac4Jdxb2p/s1600-h/P1110421.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319274536149901218" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllV4i6gae8GpuRfeuT3oIOZj3G7haNRrKDVkzzPbEz5bQ8NrP3ZOaFVtyQGtsFryYxRXVKmYdRoLGHKGi-rms3YBaGL28-TpdccnMZ2PoAwOReFMqceBwk5T3qYKU-oZqZZUac4Jdxb2p/s200/P1110421.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2nTGkjHIR7LIo5XJUZOK8xI7cM2-Pu3Ek15w2b24cDt7mbXtvt1fGUO4TAQ1DeFr5eCaeybxMmWTZ5W31B34S8wg-NNtOkGiqf4dGWle2SkmnsdGObmj0hlcGhIke1aT-oO3jjq-KWxLf/s1600-h/P1110394.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319274525682586546" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2nTGkjHIR7LIo5XJUZOK8xI7cM2-Pu3Ek15w2b24cDt7mbXtvt1fGUO4TAQ1DeFr5eCaeybxMmWTZ5W31B34S8wg-NNtOkGiqf4dGWle2SkmnsdGObmj0hlcGhIke1aT-oO3jjq-KWxLf/s200/P1110394.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />While we were at the school a 6 year-old student died from AIDs. We never met him because he was too sick to go to school that semester. It was both touching and heartbreaking to hear the children practice a song for his funeral. As everyone knows, AIDs is devastating but this made it very personal as many students at the school are HIV positive and are not getting antiretroviral treatment.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIGtaHvUrguejgGwrNl4w2R3zG3oYSxDcnKjaWRkMEXYS1dfrDyBaASzH1mcMWoc4YEAa8uEe5hkbxS8CXtuc73sW4KgL8wW1XAlM8ZdLpWuTp7E3P677kHm8vii91A6mMhQm5ULQuxXD/s1600-h/P1110292.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319271951054007986" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIGtaHvUrguejgGwrNl4w2R3zG3oYSxDcnKjaWRkMEXYS1dfrDyBaASzH1mcMWoc4YEAa8uEe5hkbxS8CXtuc73sW4KgL8wW1XAlM8ZdLpWuTp7E3P677kHm8vii91A6mMhQm5ULQuxXD/s200/P1110292.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DnBZwAPC9KbYyZf1CmC0-pSY2dW9MysAxYzDgVBUx5hBsQDlN1LVwMtnr-UltHI06T9VgnZD6JXFIRiabDG9PfRwejwd4yRRaLva8PxFcKMmKsUMy4_GEw5gPenxu9vtFxSYxc7OE3pa/s1600-h/P1110434.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319275378590340706" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DnBZwAPC9KbYyZf1CmC0-pSY2dW9MysAxYzDgVBUx5hBsQDlN1LVwMtnr-UltHI06T9VgnZD6JXFIRiabDG9PfRwejwd4yRRaLva8PxFcKMmKsUMy4_GEw5gPenxu9vtFxSYxc7OE3pa/s200/P1110434.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4naI7eyZ2ToGKHjbFw4AH3vZeZ8cEJP8oMMacrLTxEG1S5VvM03CuOY5otT1FxmqOZ6FKmhSg_nrCKpbpBy3qHRzILOr__HMvhA4D25DusaZ3Gn0I3wkUgpszoyRe7Qdr-zCbM2n6T0J/s1600-h/P1110163.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319270443997808882" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4naI7eyZ2ToGKHjbFw4AH3vZeZ8cEJP8oMMacrLTxEG1S5VvM03CuOY5otT1FxmqOZ6FKmhSg_nrCKpbpBy3qHRzILOr__HMvhA4D25DusaZ3Gn0I3wkUgpszoyRe7Qdr-zCbM2n6T0J/s200/P1110163.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One day when Rose and Monica had some things to buy in Meru, I went along to see if I could find Internet access to buy our airline tickets to Cairo. Walking to the cyber café with my mission to buy tickets and send a few quick emails to family and friends it was easy to put my head down and ignore the young kids on the street asking for money or food. Without much more than a slight smile and wave, I passed by these dirty kids dressed in rags. As is often the case in Africa, the Internet was so slow I wasn’t able to open the webpage. After a few minutes hoping for a miracle I gave up and walked out frustrated at wasting half an hour at the café and trying to figure out what I was supposed to do with myself for the next hour or more when I was to meet Rose and Monica again.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjabNbi8PBoC1_IDHQqezrvJk4MGVN9go6L-ag_ylbprAbtOMu9Q2w8vPKox1DWlBWuB63A_IYJJKLO0mn0_aeFtBKkG9tvnc1n5sPR8If4WPnehL3w8ZOj3LoXs0jYwhDvUG94zhLAvv/s1600-h/P1110455.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319275383499808562" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjabNbi8PBoC1_IDHQqezrvJk4MGVN9go6L-ag_ylbprAbtOMu9Q2w8vPKox1DWlBWuB63A_IYJJKLO0mn0_aeFtBKkG9tvnc1n5sPR8If4WPnehL3w8ZOj3LoXs0jYwhDvUG94zhLAvv/s200/P1110455.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpFkS0ngtlMcX7WjAHXTsX_o4i-xd245fP-SYoS-8Xe9OlC8caHFapiV30CSqcspjTcOgWMrpvcKKzMPwTBNn7FqZB57Af1M20BFdObMB4O_PftmJukIab2HMcKCWJpe9JTRdbJMnB83r/s1600-h/P1110379.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319273301611203810" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpFkS0ngtlMcX7WjAHXTsX_o4i-xd245fP-SYoS-8Xe9OlC8caHFapiV30CSqcspjTcOgWMrpvcKKzMPwTBNn7FqZB57Af1M20BFdObMB4O_PftmJukIab2HMcKCWJpe9JTRdbJMnB83r/s200/P1110379.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictkZr_3jEFzrLag8lNmFFJ998cMIWvjnaxgAb11LanSCgGnh5efGx9WbdeXelWWD3vpsWtxeXT1gfRvL1YnOFMNDHCsaxPvVYFwad6aLE9xVESUXJpzidSJMFNPVCqv0Xgda3XbdqUcBv/s1600-h/P1110362.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319273298219037122" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictkZr_3jEFzrLag8lNmFFJ998cMIWvjnaxgAb11LanSCgGnh5efGx9WbdeXelWWD3vpsWtxeXT1gfRvL1YnOFMNDHCsaxPvVYFwad6aLE9xVESUXJpzidSJMFNPVCqv0Xgda3XbdqUcBv/s200/P1110362.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I decided to pick up a few groceries, candy mostly, at the supermarket. While I was wondering around the aisles I found myself thinking about the young ragged figures outside. I went back outside to three kids I had noticed with a bag of rolls and a jar of peanut butter. The three kids quickly turned into more than ten who were having their first and most likely only meal of the day. Nearly all the kids, some not even ten years old, were so high on shoe glue they could not stand up straight. It seemed the only time they took the bottle of shoe glue off their lips was when they were putting bread in. It was sadly humbling how they all shared and worked together. One boy did not have a bottle of glue so another sat beside him sharing his only possession – a bottle of glue to dull the reality of life on the street. Every one of those kids has a heartbreaking story but only one was able to communicate it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNlut-zQAsFKu74vq3uwkFsbkp8o4yJM5jItsZVo-97MgHxwJYZmemBgIY1FJemVgCU3Tu5jc-n8rEpFtkdg20h2Ba_-VXlTSAqVRCkgtYjnMQgqhn6fH_SD27l-i4xJCs7JLwZedXvhp/s1600-h/P1110390.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319274520718629794" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNlut-zQAsFKu74vq3uwkFsbkp8o4yJM5jItsZVo-97MgHxwJYZmemBgIY1FJemVgCU3Tu5jc-n8rEpFtkdg20h2Ba_-VXlTSAqVRCkgtYjnMQgqhn6fH_SD27l-i4xJCs7JLwZedXvhp/s200/P1110390.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYz9wi-Dnc3cM1XRfawjsG7s8vkFV_5gA_F2Za04qlcwd_Fo44wzkiX22gGLSBXAiehfgrKqzTL7pdMlxgcXNqtZ27OShw_Ehtx0ZuhpTXglEJlEmyErw3FGnh_a5vwKxSl9ETHP2ACjn/s1600-h/P1110329.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319273288132552530" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYz9wi-Dnc3cM1XRfawjsG7s8vkFV_5gA_F2Za04qlcwd_Fo44wzkiX22gGLSBXAiehfgrKqzTL7pdMlxgcXNqtZ27OShw_Ehtx0ZuhpTXglEJlEmyErw3FGnh_a5vwKxSl9ETHP2ACjn/s200/P1110329.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Dylan is sixteen years old and speaks pretty good English, which he learned in the few years he went to primary school and has been practicing ever since. He briefly told me his story as we sat together on the street. His mom either died or abandoned him and he grew up with his drunken father. His dad beat him so badly that he couldn’t live with him anymore and he didn’t take care of him anyway so he has been on the street since he was ten. He believes school is the only way out of the mess he is in but does not have the money to go. He was the only boy in the group who was not out of his mind on glue. Dylan explained that many of the other kids are AIDs orphans and how they all work together to survive. I am not sure what I am supposed to have learned from this experience but I do know that if the Internet worked I would not have spent time with those boys. It makes me wonder how often I put blinders up and simply ignore what is going on around me to finish some task that really is not important. I think I learned that life is full of tradeoffs but people should always come before things.<br /><br />- David with a little help from SteveUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055449771397601272.post-23148474462035094632009-03-28T04:48:00.000-07:002009-03-28T10:51:43.781-07:00Ngorongoro Crater SafariOn the way to Nairobi, Kenya, we decided to spend a couple days in Arusha, Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro. Arusha is the gateway to Ngorongoro Crater, renowned as one of the best places in the world to see wild game. After making the rounds of local safari companies in Arusha (with many a street hawker persistently trying to guide the two white guys to their safari tour), we found a two day tour to Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater. We’d be joining four other people… we hoped they’d be cool since we’d be spending two days in a Land Rover with them.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqsM0Jbxs8VI55oBH-kfhB2e_xapyQTPVcjbjm_-Lm0MfzKZhD1eQt8M7akecwv7HKpk5jYlfwYDXbzxKLAdEEvv5_Sqbk3kunEdb2L8l1CuSl4xeLAOj-YP_CLaDdT3FV5bcY4kJQR-V/s1600-h/P1110124.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318212979875795874" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqsM0Jbxs8VI55oBH-kfhB2e_xapyQTPVcjbjm_-Lm0MfzKZhD1eQt8M7akecwv7HKpk5jYlfwYDXbzxKLAdEEvv5_Sqbk3kunEdb2L8l1CuSl4xeLAOj-YP_CLaDdT3FV5bcY4kJQR-V/s200/P1110124.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The next morning, we met our traveling companions – a Frenchman named David, and three guys who grew up together in Utah – Mark Perkins plus brothers Troy and Read Flake (left to right in picture above). The Frenchman was aloof and didn’t say much. (Perhaps that’s because he’s been living alone in remote African bush villages working for the U.N. and other agencies for the last ten years.) But fortunately, Mark, Troy, and Read were interesting, fun, and loved to laugh, so we had a blast with them. Troy just finished taking the bar exam after months of grueling study, so he had invited Mark to join him on a multi-week recovery trip. His older brother Read, who works for United, took advantage of free standby tickets to join them for a week in Kenya and Tanzania.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOrOgBX1fR36RnsQxhGyfWvd6R8co9OobDPdizKWPS7ks_VErNlbyjI2TJpQiegnQwOxt2qSlFOIr-edafMXJL800mGfiL7_EDQxm2m1O_olM7uJuRPiODX2VoRiiH947Zl0-AuotbM5d/s1600-h/P1100825.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318219358443025090" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOrOgBX1fR36RnsQxhGyfWvd6R8co9OobDPdizKWPS7ks_VErNlbyjI2TJpQiegnQwOxt2qSlFOIr-edafMXJL800mGfiL7_EDQxm2m1O_olM7uJuRPiODX2VoRiiH947Zl0-AuotbM5d/s200/P1100825.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We had our first bonding moment at a rest stop when a 3-foot baboon jumped through the window of our Land Rover, grabbed one of our lunches and some sun screen and jumped out of the window. Fortunately, we were not in the Land Rover at the time but just outside it. The “Jackie Chan Fast Action” award goes to Read Flake. Seeing the animal grab his sunscreen, Read gave the baboon a swift kick as it jumped down from the window, prompting the thief to drop the sunscreen to give priority to the lunch box as he scampered off (a good compromise for both sides). Not only did Read get his sunscreen back, he managed to get a video of the baboon in the act of thievery. Check out the video at: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=korqy8DoofY" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=korqy8DoofY</a><br /><br />We had a lot of fun with Read, Troy, and Mark (who now live in Illinois, California, and Arizona). Our conversations ranged from debates on wrongful injury lawsuits (with a spirited defense from Troy, the attorn<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofxxipaQPze4kqrkOLd9p5UAdb5ktP60iU0SbilvbyOucqAz1eV0eiEIwNeQ4Ermo6kkz1iiMf3xUnUg8VeBc_xxs3lCCr7AvomeCkE2kfVnW3zKot3ozkCf-7OOa_kT_HEtxnzAFO27p/s1600-h/P1110122.jpg"></a>ey in waiting) to alleged sites of lost Inca treasures.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofxxipaQPze4kqrkOLd9p5UAdb5ktP60iU0SbilvbyOucqAz1eV0eiEIwNeQ4Ermo6kkz1iiMf3xUnUg8VeBc_xxs3lCCr7AvomeCkE2kfVnW3zKot3ozkCf-7OOa_kT_HEtxnzAFO27p/s1600-h/P1110122.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318217827082225106" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofxxipaQPze4kqrkOLd9p5UAdb5ktP60iU0SbilvbyOucqAz1eV0eiEIwNeQ4Ermo6kkz1iiMf3xUnUg8VeBc_xxs3lCCr7AvomeCkE2kfVnW3zKot3ozkCf-7OOa_kT_HEtxnzAFO27p/s200/P1110122.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We even had to hitchhike back to Arusha after our Land Rover broke down on the side of the road (unfortunately, there’s no AAA in remote Africa). Fortunately, a sympathetic tourist who had a Land Rover to herself for a private safari (I wonder how much that cost?), stopped to pick us up. We had such a good time with Read, Troy, and Mark that we hope we get to travel with them again sometime.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWzFGAwYKxS850-X2kZXleVPg-nihfrV-lMPUAyRm37QJNqp5luLUjTbUXKkhvhfUxi19W2rcupI88DwVovwZnGcH9Rv3UdIONqbME_24KoyvkLadZjj4eoySKi-Ye-O7jjs3R5NsZyRP/s1600-h/P1110071.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318211991867349842" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWzFGAwYKxS850-X2kZXleVPg-nihfrV-lMPUAyRm37QJNqp5luLUjTbUXKkhvhfUxi19W2rcupI88DwVovwZnGcH9Rv3UdIONqbME_24KoyvkLadZjj4eoySKi-Ye-O7jjs3R5NsZyRP/s200/P1110071.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJy7P0eFWmmhfGfrz7ByjhrbTSyELPcXcwMLWlW-Z1rC_5IUqxXitym0SeYuGJSp2tJqI4wNJHShxF8QZI_5dYP-GvN1zj-M03NYaA8cSmAanoZJbOnjhZQrccJ1E6HCvcpAlhLWbR4S4/s1600-h/P1110112.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318212974927435202" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJy7P0eFWmmhfGfrz7ByjhrbTSyELPcXcwMLWlW-Z1rC_5IUqxXitym0SeYuGJSp2tJqI4wNJHShxF8QZI_5dYP-GvN1zj-M03NYaA8cSmAanoZJbOnjhZQrccJ1E6HCvcpAlhLWbR4S4/s200/P1110112.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ciF5HAy_M828RcNjlSQzraZybI1LkN5gIs3gMxSCgcXJlW90ANQ9q9qlz2CJhs1uT0sAAxDEcZyYWsxy-4vEeF_vxDO2coqRm6NqhjqAv2f5Dkup6HUtdI2t2p_C3mvoc9qqjscQiLBm/s1600-h/P1110014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318208616814184818" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ciF5HAy_M828RcNjlSQzraZybI1LkN5gIs3gMxSCgcXJlW90ANQ9q9qlz2CJhs1uT0sAAxDEcZyYWsxy-4vEeF_vxDO2coqRm6NqhjqAv2f5Dkup6HUtdI2t2p_C3mvoc9qqjscQiLBm/s200/P1110014.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p>As for the safari, Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most fantastic places we’ve ever seen. Millions of years ago, a volcano blew its top, leaving a massive crater about 12 miles across. Animals that go down to the crater floor (now lush grassland) have a hard time getting out, so Ngorongoro has wild game literally everywhere you look. In just a few hours, we saw lions, giraffes, elephants, hippos, rhinos, herds of zebras and wildebeest, cheetahs, jackals, baboons, monkeys, impalas, antelope, ostriches, flamingos, and many more. If you can only go to one place for a safari, go to Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. We’ll let the pictures convince you…</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6XndqyZJhErjJxuzM4Lo3Ij7Rofs_GoPKKaJu2C4EjDq-ywiN0ENNAn6DLDDntweJbUJeMOBBO3KeiAp_Cl3ig4xkskhdOiVPS0q_Lv8yGVkNPhagne_0CDWi3mgroT4ymdbuOkiSqWs/s1600-h/P1100733.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318206987105507970" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6XndqyZJhErjJxuzM4Lo3Ij7Rofs_GoPKKaJu2C4EjDq-ywiN0ENNAn6DLDDntweJbUJeMOBBO3KeiAp_Cl3ig4xkskhdOiVPS0q_Lv8yGVkNPhagne_0CDWi3mgroT4ymdbuOkiSqWs/s200/P1100733.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilgkRKY7Zi1vFNqyA3qvrnuEMrr4GFOSuBZ6xMsEnGH8EssPcfgmZtOF2bCF96-rNWhRPW-9BXFeQlLIMqcg-6mRPtpv6NELAsTG6IV2LAePbMevKnEZBNQsIMP8LpSmaMR8kg9zRxEwV/s1600-h/P1110104.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318212978786928866" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilgkRKY7Zi1vFNqyA3qvrnuEMrr4GFOSuBZ6xMsEnGH8EssPcfgmZtOF2bCF96-rNWhRPW-9BXFeQlLIMqcg-6mRPtpv6NELAsTG6IV2LAePbMevKnEZBNQsIMP8LpSmaMR8kg9zRxEwV/s200/P1110104.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLPfU9GqHew4BiwbHUR4JadSSGZX_ZquwdUaDJUnySRJU8zQRBoU5yv21ml4p9aQab7lFhAfqjPj1K4mkaHFGGp6aujstrS_OJmNBHUNYkCf49h_uXHpiFCqBhkqCYs5s_mifmtL_TEDi/s1600-h/P1110037.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318211978817175138" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLPfU9GqHew4BiwbHUR4JadSSGZX_ZquwdUaDJUnySRJU8zQRBoU5yv21ml4p9aQab7lFhAfqjPj1K4mkaHFGGp6aujstrS_OJmNBHUNYkCf49h_uXHpiFCqBhkqCYs5s_mifmtL_TEDi/s200/P1110037.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikskC76Zhh3Byg24c1LhLUmZwtukpmeLyOVSwCGtJrsr0X6kQ7sc1QnNOvq-a2sktW0A4NLWf_2Tv7saFK6EHT3b403e2nO7vJQZCo4fIUcRdHj3piXmMC44voTE7n__BgDEVfxc-qfo3l/s1600-h/P1110089.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318211995701781618" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikskC76Zhh3Byg24c1LhLUmZwtukpmeLyOVSwCGtJrsr0X6kQ7sc1QnNOvq-a2sktW0A4NLWf_2Tv7saFK6EHT3b403e2nO7vJQZCo4fIUcRdHj3piXmMC44voTE7n__BgDEVfxc-qfo3l/s200/P1110089.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9I-aAD8BIL5cT85_Pebpl1BwMvfKITt_N8d2SGjCr2oCpmKHCmJxu1YvTrEDYJIxD7h4YtqpBtTh3I20N6DksRm3qtL1zfY59Wd8m_r157wlU_3qOibNibTMGVNAwM5ygcPDFXxvQy1_/s1600-h/P1110063.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318211988630579058" style="WIDTH: 200px; 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CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-SQ0Vxh6PGVymxzEW5oCnUyVKaHNS4eApMVkZtZXn4RENPmiZ3MSH-NhJ9K8V5tLIas-43QJFi553qVeHJSK7ENQ28EXaHX-uAm4WVO5CVw1tfnhiHV7anZ0XN087FdL3Mg0rysP5TyY/s200/P1100753.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhcGcdkxTo2EKZBO7lrJr-fIuFNM1b2YsN4mF8XfnKzcy4dC9ljIj2S3ERH65P8J-CDFp8V0u1IMQgYPp9TYnyDLCkzMYUyk5DPgIev9YaepLHgJu1aS5mSMmNGgtGyhrOUxjb1ABQTjD/s1600-h/P1100655.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318206972796579458" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhcGcdkxTo2EKZBO7lrJr-fIuFNM1b2YsN4mF8XfnKzcy4dC9ljIj2S3ERH65P8J-CDFp8V0u1IMQgYPp9TYnyDLCkzMYUyk5DPgIev9YaepLHgJu1aS5mSMmNGgtGyhrOUxjb1ABQTjD/s200/P1100655.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVcEmywBEoxMhd0dpoIuyzPagaoRe0pBv_n9S_bjFvgt0o_syao0BjQY3_Xf9bu0xdQrfW14BkDP5h2KwB_tsnfBthY8tiyPEqGJkkifLfakl0knDk2J_IpT19Lty2MQ0g0gOBDJ0lJ-q/s1600-h/P1100966.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318208606280955618" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVcEmywBEoxMhd0dpoIuyzPagaoRe0pBv_n9S_bjFvgt0o_syao0BjQY3_Xf9bu0xdQrfW14BkDP5h2KwB_tsnfBthY8tiyPEqGJkkifLfakl0knDk2J_IpT19Lty2MQ0g0gOBDJ0lJ-q/s200/P1100966.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxMDRio79lcHUAnuzZ5zQUmq4asb15svSO1Pj7H5FjPEKW4Lz59na-DuDLJZnhBZA1S220_Zo_Cvtmj4X3Gj717yeAoVSpIAtguMFV41_6KuNjWB6jTfbogBuFnneQ1ra39ZrCeJWI7r9/s1600-h/P1110100.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318212970678075586" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxMDRio79lcHUAnuzZ5zQUmq4asb15svSO1Pj7H5FjPEKW4Lz59na-DuDLJZnhBZA1S220_Zo_Cvtmj4X3Gj717yeAoVSpIAtguMFV41_6KuNjWB6jTfbogBuFnneQ1ra39ZrCeJWI7r9/s200/P1110100.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>After saying goodbye to Read, Troy, and Mark, we boarded a bus to Nairobi, Kenya for our next adventure.</div><br /><div></div><div>- Steve </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055449771397601272.post-62247106715013837262009-03-14T01:58:00.000-07:002009-03-21T06:22:44.356-07:00Kigoma, Tanzania<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxWS0aWDMkIvZdTyztlfkXZ1ZIJOU94EaawIAQ16AhE26_jhAehaZf_p-DxrH4mIY3950uYV7TBDidRpYCM5RXPhmyLwnf3Hbnvwjzn0un27G3w0sl_2XLQxHAh5H38hEwnWWyGBMq_L7/s1600-h/P1100638.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312974033997654290" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxWS0aWDMkIvZdTyztlfkXZ1ZIJOU94EaawIAQ16AhE26_jhAehaZf_p-DxrH4mIY3950uYV7TBDidRpYCM5RXPhmyLwnf3Hbnvwjzn0un27G3w0sl_2XLQxHAh5H38hEwnWWyGBMq_L7/s200/P1100638.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This is Harold and Coni Knepper (center). After many years as a pastor in Southern California (and raising 3 children!), they decided to pursue their dream of being overseas missionaries. Content to go where God led them, they ended up in Kigoma, Tanzania. Also in the picture are Casey (left, from Iowa) and Josh (right, from CA) who are working as interns for a year. It was so fun getting to spend time with them; they are an inspiration to us as they invest a year of their lives to help the poor in Tanzania.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuQ4zMShF9daqZYEsLgrLjtoU2hMa0e6NqPJc3qSKNQKSHsfTExfTzt-MEqZeVS4poU0ahiNR_GmDrP6U4gcxeDqWVWs59xbAeyr-6qKQAkDcruoZsfYVlKnMud9lUZg9HJ1kcW3hkITV/s1600-h/LakeTanganyika.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312974034165849490" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuQ4zMShF9daqZYEsLgrLjtoU2hMa0e6NqPJc3qSKNQKSHsfTExfTzt-MEqZeVS4poU0ahiNR_GmDrP6U4gcxeDqWVWs59xbAeyr-6qKQAkDcruoZsfYVlKnMud9lUZg9HJ1kcW3hkITV/s200/LakeTanganyika.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Kigoma is in the jungle of Western Tanzania on the shore of beautiful Lake Tanganyika. At about 400 miles long, it’s the longest lake in the world and the third largest freshwater lake by volume, almost a mile deep.<br /><br />Though Tanzania has largely enjoyed peace since independence in 1961, most of its neighbors have had years of bloody wars. From the shores of Kigoma, you can see across the lake to Congo, where an estimated 5.5 million people have died since 1994 from brutal rebel fighting that still continues. Over 5 million people died without my knowing anything about it… I realize again what a comfortable shell I live in, oblivious to most of the pain in the world.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNB2z7oDG1txXCGk2sYkpHRirdGGtGinUYSnl7ZxjPi2uuHDwkeAtAhxJhpfVrk4Kj5IUF4fgExi5OJavWwWp2sHP8qhUAi4us3qZUcpQvn2RHbfGHVkTZT4dRLu-h2vpLKMoekjqkMkh4/s1600-h/P1100605.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312972457087394610" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNB2z7oDG1txXCGk2sYkpHRirdGGtGinUYSnl7ZxjPi2uuHDwkeAtAhxJhpfVrk4Kj5IUF4fgExi5OJavWwWp2sHP8qhUAi4us3qZUcpQvn2RHbfGHVkTZT4dRLu-h2vpLKMoekjqkMkh4/s200/P1100605.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNB2z7oDG1txXCGk2sYkpHRirdGGtGinUYSnl7ZxjPi2uuHDwkeAtAhxJhpfVrk4Kj5IUF4fgExi5OJavWwWp2sHP8qhUAi4us3qZUcpQvn2RHbfGHVkTZT4dRLu-h2vpLKMoekjqkMkh4/s1600-h/P1100605.jpg"></a>Harold and Coni, along with Gabriel, a native Tanzanian (who unfortunately wasn’t around when we took photos), founded Hope of the Nations to help people learn about Jesus, empower them, and meet their practical needs. Their programs include a Bible College, a training center with a tailoring school, English classes, a pre-school, many “Kid’s Club” programs for orphans and street kids (whose parents usually died of AIDS or malaria), a helicopter and doctor for medical missions, and a 40-foot boat that can make long trips along the shore of Lake Tanganyika to reach people who would otherwise never get any help.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqzjVPk0OjmEagjecS8dTl9IoENwoQZXK6QkgjTVGptdw2hMIQqmS3NCEpD1KP5ThyphenhyphenQjHHTlwDgWJSesAP4Rwu-MMVfxggcDNlCzSFfpusePy9649ZOW32z7fxWOP9po7HqmuvQLteQOw/s1600-h/P1100390.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312967838940200162" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPqzjVPk0OjmEagjecS8dTl9IoENwoQZXK6QkgjTVGptdw2hMIQqmS3NCEpD1KP5ThyphenhyphenQjHHTlwDgWJSesAP4Rwu-MMVfxggcDNlCzSFfpusePy9649ZOW32z7fxWOP9po7HqmuvQLteQOw/s200/P1100390.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline"></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUd8C6T5tXbAjd4DEsiCRmetAreUlJrSv6XvyIy7dSyjza2M_3ojddQSZiePBIH7jbHeJlQuGUnvcvdlbmREcxqM-_ebJF0cLHjtFA_rIpiGHQwAiF0jmhP-g5nHB0L2VyD7VKA5BW_p8/s1600-h/P1100606.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUd8C6T5tXbAjd4DEsiCRmetAreUlJrSv6XvyIy7dSyjza2M_3ojddQSZiePBIH7jbHeJlQuGUnvcvdlbmREcxqM-_ebJF0cLHjtFA_rIpiGHQwAiF0jmhP-g5nHB0L2VyD7VKA5BW_p8/s1600-h/P1100606.jpg"> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0tbY2VxVlKdLT6btkK4QmYmiAqYfAdDiT795EqizT3KyAX6W4jTt26bI4oLqlPkLZWwar5EnV2jSGnG1x1l_XNmLI3Xa9mkB2RSuEKk6jExORdblY6KBJklhszzIUSplaPxX6JLRrY0_/s1600-h/P1100291.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312966414135273042" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0tbY2VxVlKdLT6btkK4QmYmiAqYfAdDiT795EqizT3KyAX6W4jTt26bI4oLqlPkLZWwar5EnV2jSGnG1x1l_XNmLI3Xa9mkB2RSuEKk6jExORdblY6KBJklhszzIUSplaPxX6JLRrY0_/s200/P1100291.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The people of Kigoma are incredibly friendly and joyful despite tough living conditions. The average family lives in a mud hut with a thatched roof on about $1.50 a day, which means they usually eat beans or rice, if they have food at all. Most are Muslim but Kigoma is also known for its witch doctors and the “curses” they cast on others. A teenager told us about one of his experiences: Looking up at a cloudless sky, the witch doctor told the boy he could make it rain. Within a few minutes, a single small cloud appeared over their heads and it started to rain. Spooky!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUd8C6T5tXbAjd4DEsiCRmetAreUlJrSv6XvyIy7dSyjza2M_3ojddQSZiePBIH7jbHeJlQuGUnvcvdlbmREcxqM-_ebJF0cLHjtFA_rIpiGHQwAiF0jmhP-g5nHB0L2VyD7VKA5BW_p8/s1600-h/P1100606.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312972453335107458" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUd8C6T5tXbAjd4DEsiCRmetAreUlJrSv6XvyIy7dSyjza2M_3ojddQSZiePBIH7jbHeJlQuGUnvcvdlbmREcxqM-_ebJF0cLHjtFA_rIpiGHQwAiF0jmhP-g5nHB0L2VyD7VKA5BW_p8/s200/P1100606.jpg" border="0" /> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_j3ykXbOymrLDXgFVMvU5IwgoSEBoAZQWFKOfiNyTT76pFXFlMwMFgThr01_BDuQhXJ07gYX98RWUrRTvOEX1q60QnKnc54Txbkihw8Un8-OaM6AyDl0hZYY-ZaE5wZgBhVz3hNAMGq9/s1600-h/P1100276.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312966408328835522" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_j3ykXbOymrLDXgFVMvU5IwgoSEBoAZQWFKOfiNyTT76pFXFlMwMFgThr01_BDuQhXJ07gYX98RWUrRTvOEX1q60QnKnc54Txbkihw8Un8-OaM6AyDl0hZYY-ZaE5wZgBhVz3hNAMGq9/s200/P1100276.jpg" border="0" /> </a><br /><br />In the midst of this, Hope of the Nations is making a big difference in many people’s lives. We were able to visit the Bible College and see where they are training future pastors. We also helped at several Kid’s Club meetings where we always fell in love with the kids. Even though these children come from tough circumstances, their faces radiate joy when you show them you care by playing a game with them, giving them a hug, or remembering their name. And they scream with delight when you show them the back of a digital camera with their photo. Hope of the Nations has started Kid’s Clubs in many villages along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, all run by dedicated volunteer leaders (18-25 years old) who are making a positive impact on the children of their villages. Though trained by Harold, Coni, or Gabriel, they are now empowered to run the Kid’s Clubs on their own.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5bHs_3amBfoedkiauK10X3EZnqbnFUCmQAUU4pcQZAVU0D66idSKVT2phoshMvRXjH-fn0Ee9rfBK85aE0F7NAxc8FfjGvM2SN0AlNejh1xRYUa4h89Sy9tllg6wGd2sRHgZfyFBYAev/s1600-h/P1100319.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312966413031536482" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5bHs_3amBfoedkiauK10X3EZnqbnFUCmQAUU4pcQZAVU0D66idSKVT2phoshMvRXjH-fn0Ee9rfBK85aE0F7NAxc8FfjGvM2SN0AlNejh1xRYUa4h89Sy9tllg6wGd2sRHgZfyFBYAev/s200/P1100319.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbxODmy2MPlcgXlsD_Y5av1Whj-PO9GwrGXc9FK4icgWDMs1sB43Ry9tpyQ-zUGizb-toEukDZdOW3PoeZEhyphenhyphen8-ok7JjUZbLR0vreNQYwIpgKK1QS0BcmdJQd2nDSBq39S8_w66Ij3Iz5/s1600-h/P1100283.jpg"> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixi-7UX98W4KgagYV7wlnUgypf82EZaXH3ACXm5XtEgUdo5YY3N6FAJGYWWIhN3DQajvQeoH8vDCIFTBFmwoUx-tkkiXgtMAbJ9sKgUby0URW3AyyVHr6F54bsoLg5P5sLKVUaUDypOOPD/s1600-h/P1100361.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312967830916598418" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixi-7UX98W4KgagYV7wlnUgypf82EZaXH3ACXm5XtEgUdo5YY3N6FAJGYWWIhN3DQajvQeoH8vDCIFTBFmwoUx-tkkiXgtMAbJ9sKgUby0URW3AyyVHr6F54bsoLg5P5sLKVUaUDypOOPD/s200/P1100361.jpg" border="0" /> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96jI7eLdQiALdUbmQ0VtuKjVjwr4FQraMBUA2V_uprCQ-lvci04ky7p3x_S0N9VkbI94GlEwe4Vlc3eknSPFrSC7-7oEJlst_nadv2YpupchDIpk-ndz5qqwUPvVbr0SNKjHPyiGBO0da/s1600-h/P1100257.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312965812464089954" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96jI7eLdQiALdUbmQ0VtuKjVjwr4FQraMBUA2V_uprCQ-lvci04ky7p3x_S0N9VkbI94GlEwe4Vlc3eknSPFrSC7-7oEJlst_nadv2YpupchDIpk-ndz5qqwUPvVbr0SNKjHPyiGBO0da/s200/P1100257.jpg" border="0" /> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEaffDO15MWZPKfTspIrKWFSxrTBGPZRWS6c0XyknBILSy2F3i2AYA5agryN-NqZHgR0w5I8iffPLc5yRH0kLGN4S_tsM8HxYi0ZFNq63edz5CDivxS4_9uxZcANFLxxIRQpyoV3bmYMV/s1600-h/P1100466.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312967838592817458" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEaffDO15MWZPKfTspIrKWFSxrTBGPZRWS6c0XyknBILSy2F3i2AYA5agryN-NqZHgR0w5I8iffPLc5yRH0kLGN4S_tsM8HxYi0ZFNq63edz5CDivxS4_9uxZcANFLxxIRQpyoV3bmYMV/s200/P1100466.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEaffDO15MWZPKfTspIrKWFSxrTBGPZRWS6c0XyknBILSy2F3i2AYA5agryN-NqZHgR0w5I8iffPLc5yRH0kLGN4S_tsM8HxYi0ZFNq63edz5CDivxS4_9uxZcANFLxxIRQpyoV3bmYMV/s1600-h/P1100466.jpg"> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJdCNUiPGK5gqIDx2yH7CEzDIq9sfjmHdXdPvj97fkzXwNcbCEG_n_SuV8jGiH4yjb2cfU4P6jX0EVnoZOWu2KJyv9RBspLPfDMBVth_AO-G1uOFONMe0QPlkIRvmRYd3Hvrmt-zvuKK2/s1600-h/P1100368.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312967827638869042" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJdCNUiPGK5gqIDx2yH7CEzDIq9sfjmHdXdPvj97fkzXwNcbCEG_n_SuV8jGiH4yjb2cfU4P6jX0EVnoZOWu2KJyv9RBspLPfDMBVth_AO-G1uOFONMe0QPlkIRvmRYd3Hvrmt-zvuKK2/s200/P1100368.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96jI7eLdQiALdUbmQ0VtuKjVjwr4FQraMBUA2V_uprCQ-lvci04ky7p3x_S0N9VkbI94GlEwe4Vlc3eknSPFrSC7-7oEJlst_nadv2YpupchDIpk-ndz5qqwUPvVbr0SNKjHPyiGBO0da/s1600-h/P1100257.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEaffDO15MWZPKfTspIrKWFSxrTBGPZRWS6c0XyknBILSy2F3i2AYA5agryN-NqZHgR0w5I8iffPLc5yRH0kLGN4S_tsM8HxYi0ZFNq63edz5CDivxS4_9uxZcANFLxxIRQpyoV3bmYMV/s1600-h/P1100466.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIffoThzhsXMeFceq6JYdtcR8kzkSWns8KZLLe22x0ERwUm5MWa-NpMbpN2n8UqBpgzEevDNsAwk1vm5RdCNKB9xz_cjK_Z_0ZUZEnwGgWRzXvWPj86ja7JCtDBjlXXnBIVBVdIMGrRIbc/s1600-h/P1100543.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312970367074830418" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIffoThzhsXMeFceq6JYdtcR8kzkSWns8KZLLe22x0ERwUm5MWa-NpMbpN2n8UqBpgzEevDNsAwk1vm5RdCNKB9xz_cjK_Z_0ZUZEnwGgWRzXvWPj86ja7JCtDBjlXXnBIVBVdIMGrRIbc/s200/P1100543.jpg" border="0" /> </a><span style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline"></span>Two of the Kid's Club leaders are Justin and Juma. We met them when they volunteered to take us to Mtanga, the village where they grew up, about 1.5 hours from Kigoma by boat. Mtanga is a fishing village next to Gombe National Park where Jane Goodall did her pioneering chimpanzee research. Justin and Juma left Mtanga for Kigoma (where they became Kid’s Club leaders) because there is no high school in Mtanga. They want to become teachers at a low-cost high school that Hope of the Nations wants to start so more children can stay in school. Justin and Juma have completed Grade 10 and are trying to find a way to pay for Grades 11 and 12 which cost about $600 per year (remember that most workers only earn about $1.50 a day). A safari tour promoter who was about 18 years old reminded us how much we take school for granted. As we tried to ignore his relentless pitch while he pursued us down the street, he finally said “Why won’t you listen to me? I can’t even afford school. You get that for free.”<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbxODmy2MPlcgXlsD_Y5av1Whj-PO9GwrGXc9FK4icgWDMs1sB43Ry9tpyQ-zUGizb-toEukDZdOW3PoeZEhyphenhyphen8-ok7JjUZbLR0vreNQYwIpgKK1QS0BcmdJQd2nDSBq39S8_w66Ij3Iz5/s1600-h/P1100283.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJdCNUiPGK5gqIDx2yH7CEzDIq9sfjmHdXdPvj97fkzXwNcbCEG_n_SuV8jGiH4yjb2cfU4P6jX0EVnoZOWu2KJyv9RBspLPfDMBVth_AO-G1uOFONMe0QPlkIRvmRYd3Hvrmt-zvuKK2/s1600-h/P1100368.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDEaffDO15MWZPKfTspIrKWFSxrTBGPZRWS6c0XyknBILSy2F3i2AYA5agryN-NqZHgR0w5I8iffPLc5yRH0kLGN4S_tsM8HxYi0ZFNq63edz5CDivxS4_9uxZcANFLxxIRQpyoV3bmYMV/s1600-h/P1100466.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIffoThzhsXMeFceq6JYdtcR8kzkSWns8KZLLe22x0ERwUm5MWa-NpMbpN2n8UqBpgzEevDNsAwk1vm5RdCNKB9xz_cjK_Z_0ZUZEnwGgWRzXvWPj86ja7JCtDBjlXXnBIVBVdIMGrRIbc/s1600-h/P1100543.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIP27wDKAUEW6cxLwJ0xzhEPZQW0_ruEBqgf8YdmF2UPaFo61vXg3rf_svAR6c42PCpEFW7NbhCoXpl9ZvYxAmNMu0FBj-8CYgp3YrDr_IwkYToPGRiJ3ne89NxvcGIY9HS-FdD1z1uDSO/s1600-h/P1100625.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312972456195761778" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIP27wDKAUEW6cxLwJ0xzhEPZQW0_ruEBqgf8YdmF2UPaFo61vXg3rf_svAR6c42PCpEFW7NbhCoXpl9ZvYxAmNMu0FBj-8CYgp3YrDr_IwkYToPGRiJ3ne89NxvcGIY9HS-FdD1z1uDSO/s200/P1100625.jpg" border="0" /> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJdGmePsb-biUMsY11atUlgU7QWh1sav0oPADtyu39Y2GN7WxA6Y56RVP8dfkGZIuc5Gv7yUDN2wahC9EBWino7gMTS_E4pbRSX5VH4sWW4nICN2lZjx_QHLhQ6x0Cl-w1Km2jGKe_N9I/s1600-h/P1100542.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312969196133175698" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJdGmePsb-biUMsY11atUlgU7QWh1sav0oPADtyu39Y2GN7WxA6Y56RVP8dfkGZIuc5Gv7yUDN2wahC9EBWino7gMTS_E4pbRSX5VH4sWW4nICN2lZjx_QHLhQ6x0Cl-w1Km2jGKe_N9I/s200/P1100542.jpg" border="0" /> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kMbJKy_XWCUP71S85Cj0cQLbrKJnLeHwzXtxto6eVAkCcndyCFVKQgxKn-DoohNYqahDkUvvDO80xg5Qi8bPs2SacwqE-mSgV0cCMbP_sBnRkmsS0SC4RBQE__QdVCY5DBAtbV20FV9P/s1600-h/P1100487.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312969207133168434" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kMbJKy_XWCUP71S85Cj0cQLbrKJnLeHwzXtxto6eVAkCcndyCFVKQgxKn-DoohNYqahDkUvvDO80xg5Qi8bPs2SacwqE-mSgV0cCMbP_sBnRkmsS0SC4RBQE__QdVCY5DBAtbV20FV9P/s200/P1100487.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We arrived in Mtanga and instantly created a sensation. First, word spread that Justin and Juma were back so their siblings came running. But word also spread that “wazungu” (white people) had arrived, so the beach filled with curious children. They kept their distance at first but then a few brave ones came up to touch our skin. After a few minutes, dozens of kids were crowded around us trying to shake our hands. From that moment, we felt like Pied Pipers. It seemed like we were the most fascinating thing they had ever seen. Tying our shoes or putting on sunscreen would attract 10-20 kids who would watch in fascination. We had an entourage wherever we went.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV002qBiTijfQ0QSD4T4L9CSjmiARrBiOp_OD69OssPSn1c3Y4Muxqt_ofQnLLxU_GdbCkRHd_1VkEXVDRw5joRlyB3h490I9R8CuhHmyIrPTwUZtxnjpRCIybn5X9rXyPrSZODMj-EU5c/s1600-h/P1100498.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312969205465937714" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV002qBiTijfQ0QSD4T4L9CSjmiARrBiOp_OD69OssPSn1c3Y4Muxqt_ofQnLLxU_GdbCkRHd_1VkEXVDRw5joRlyB3h490I9R8CuhHmyIrPTwUZtxnjpRCIybn5X9rXyPrSZODMj-EU5c/s200/P1100498.jpg" border="0" /> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3gwGBmQvpJmw7AQtyCH17V4Wd87XP7roII7Wrs9xZa-MMdAP23vNBcjb0JVpSX_wh0fZkx1Ff67nr-P2CXzInVFD6SWo1ZbUcQAnV8jykTk45rDSH-hk8xRsF3Sowf4O_Evuxfhp5NsZ/s1600-h/P1100549.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoYrel2iExPdoTOIsvPt6vUMxMfBrLcvngt7gvfIapjhqvgy0YDYuu7BMVqOqjwyZ3LLxMoOFzv9wzVz1VXyCihMy02ANAQahcyluENWyhg7WCiWOYW1pt8rwh_xsyj-MxA4Y8LfC2kfn/s1600-h/P1100504.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312969195015965506" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoYrel2iExPdoTOIsvPt6vUMxMfBrLcvngt7gvfIapjhqvgy0YDYuu7BMVqOqjwyZ3LLxMoOFzv9wzVz1VXyCihMy02ANAQahcyluENWyhg7WCiWOYW1pt8rwh_xsyj-MxA4Y8LfC2kfn/s200/P1100504.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kMbJKy_XWCUP71S85Cj0cQLbrKJnLeHwzXtxto6eVAkCcndyCFVKQgxKn-DoohNYqahDkUvvDO80xg5Qi8bPs2SacwqE-mSgV0cCMbP_sBnRkmsS0SC4RBQE__QdVCY5DBAtbV20FV9P/s1600-h/P1100487.jpg"> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0s8A3SXXM5mcrJvXgU5Mud3xSqJb6G1VeB6qkqRe_NUqrb1xgu5CTO8M3ZrbV1oEXueSlEFFuv6sehnUikKk6TzHFiq-s-1vVjm944DzHjAnueO9ZcyEZMfQM-eIhAH8ifa0cVcNRiY4/s1600-h/P1100493.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312969207621051426" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0s8A3SXXM5mcrJvXgU5Mud3xSqJb6G1VeB6qkqRe_NUqrb1xgu5CTO8M3ZrbV1oEXueSlEFFuv6sehnUikKk6TzHFiq-s-1vVjm944DzHjAnueO9ZcyEZMfQM-eIhAH8ifa0cVcNRiY4/s200/P1100493.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJdGmePsb-biUMsY11atUlgU7QWh1sav0oPADtyu39Y2GN7WxA6Y56RVP8dfkGZIuc5Gv7yUDN2wahC9EBWino7gMTS_E4pbRSX5VH4sWW4nICN2lZjx_QHLhQ6x0Cl-w1Km2jGKe_N9I/s1600-h/P1100542.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIP27wDKAUEW6cxLwJ0xzhEPZQW0_ruEBqgf8YdmF2UPaFo61vXg3rf_svAR6c42PCpEFW7NbhCoXpl9ZvYxAmNMu0FBj-8CYgp3YrDr_IwkYToPGRiJ3ne89NxvcGIY9HS-FdD1z1uDSO/s1600-h/P1100625.jpg"></a>We enjoyed seeing village life up close and eating delicious food cooked by Juma’s aunt and Justin’s mom. But we are most thankful for Justin and Juma’s friendship. They have huge hearts and we are inspired by their dreams of becoming teachers so that they can help children have a better future. We will always remember their big smiles and the hospitality they showed us in Mtanga.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3gwGBmQvpJmw7AQtyCH17V4Wd87XP7roII7Wrs9xZa-MMdAP23vNBcjb0JVpSX_wh0fZkx1Ff67nr-P2CXzInVFD6SWo1ZbUcQAnV8jykTk45rDSH-hk8xRsF3Sowf4O_Evuxfhp5NsZ/s1600-h/P1100549.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312970370186519266" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3gwGBmQvpJmw7AQtyCH17V4Wd87XP7roII7Wrs9xZa-MMdAP23vNBcjb0JVpSX_wh0fZkx1Ff67nr-P2CXzInVFD6SWo1ZbUcQAnV8jykTk45rDSH-hk8xRsF3Sowf4O_Evuxfhp5NsZ/s200/P1100549.jpg" border="0" /> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV002qBiTijfQ0QSD4T4L9CSjmiARrBiOp_OD69OssPSn1c3Y4Muxqt_ofQnLLxU_GdbCkRHd_1VkEXVDRw5joRlyB3h490I9R8CuhHmyIrPTwUZtxnjpRCIybn5X9rXyPrSZODMj-EU5c/s1600-h/P1100498.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNeusjqKZhlluXU40de7_PaG8_qQKOKoHGvKhDxfU4du8gGNWQi8dl5X-9S8MRJ3wpCJ7oHKV9ELLvBn6tvyqda5g-tqQveDGpZA2f_11gwJjD6ljUJy_SJpJcBZmmGmRIxn29Gp0J-OW/s1600-h/P1100604.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312972452285414338" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNeusjqKZhlluXU40de7_PaG8_qQKOKoHGvKhDxfU4du8gGNWQi8dl5X-9S8MRJ3wpCJ7oHKV9ELLvBn6tvyqda5g-tqQveDGpZA2f_11gwJjD6ljUJy_SJpJcBZmmGmRIxn29Gp0J-OW/s200/P1100604.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyU6ip8kyh-hwS1ZurWgab11-V6BcaAZn9qxSkHBDerJ3feiL3Qx8AkwgP45oHdyhlHoVC1omGDZ92ittoer4UI7Xvugb3DPIcs0JwMo70i1_ExqulsuvyKgxQqIAVegGL5x8Qtp0oebVp/s1600-h/P1100600.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312970390323684066" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyU6ip8kyh-hwS1ZurWgab11-V6BcaAZn9qxSkHBDerJ3feiL3Qx8AkwgP45oHdyhlHoVC1omGDZ92ittoer4UI7Xvugb3DPIcs0JwMo70i1_ExqulsuvyKgxQqIAVegGL5x8Qtp0oebVp/s200/P1100600.jpg" border="0" /> </a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24DmuFR2cInlXzuKLl5fOjCTEB4chREldvBvw3brRGcuDS74F_kCeCuOhDnMv5e_QpxWKQy5m7t1Pyd8WUgIyNnilxS46JxCRvfmBvOmN1lXxLa6-klg61uE5LPrTkTTd8B45sgAptwMa/s1600-h/P1100574.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312970380393280978" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24DmuFR2cInlXzuKLl5fOjCTEB4chREldvBvw3brRGcuDS74F_kCeCuOhDnMv5e_QpxWKQy5m7t1Pyd8WUgIyNnilxS46JxCRvfmBvOmN1lXxLa6-klg61uE5LPrTkTTd8B45sgAptwMa/s200/P1100574.jpg" border="0" /> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicE_UBKh5e-TTE3CaGNXCXADeKahgzSNne9L93npxo-KwV4urxlkTRlY8JWQEM1x_YdkR-qo-6gIJ_ZnFjMXP9zRaoe5zgQOlpdUtT7bBoJZ06dE_xV7yv-Udl71HtvWUTOI0sFN3WVhk1/s1600-h/P1100569.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312970380721315810" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicE_UBKh5e-TTE3CaGNXCXADeKahgzSNne9L93npxo-KwV4urxlkTRlY8JWQEM1x_YdkR-qo-6gIJ_ZnFjMXP9zRaoe5zgQOlpdUtT7bBoJZ06dE_xV7yv-Udl71HtvWUTOI0sFN3WVhk1/s200/P1100569.jpg" border="0" /> </a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicE_UBKh5e-TTE3CaGNXCXADeKahgzSNne9L93npxo-KwV4urxlkTRlY8JWQEM1x_YdkR-qo-6gIJ_ZnFjMXP9zRaoe5zgQOlpdUtT7bBoJZ06dE_xV7yv-Udl71HtvWUTOI0sFN3WVhk1/s1600-h/P1100569.jpg"></a><br />If you want to sponsor the education of future leaders in Kigoma or support the work of Hope of the Nations, you can send tax-deductible donations to:<br /><br />Hope of the Nations<br />c/o Julie Hansen, Treasurer<br />PO Box 78<br />Gilroy, CA 95021<br /><br />If you have any questions, you can call Julie at 408-847-4248 or email at juliehopeusa@gmail.com.<br /><br />- SteveUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055449771397601272.post-13405346087504686592009-03-09T10:18:00.000-07:002009-03-09T11:31:29.165-07:00Zanzibar<div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KWAyzpIA4oiFNG5fdyNWA0WqK3N0qqdLs6l4dBryf6Q3pAjFunUO4qaGAAHq4C1yz7LSQh0DjKPN4y4cS_cXtlY8Tf7xqikkEEWNsZnSZw4wrBc9VgEguUL9ci8FQ1dmTQdShEc3PoJ1/s1600-h/P1100220.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311244406215765538" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3KWAyzpIA4oiFNG5fdyNWA0WqK3N0qqdLs6l4dBryf6Q3pAjFunUO4qaGAAHq4C1yz7LSQh0DjKPN4y4cS_cXtlY8Tf7xqikkEEWNsZnSZw4wrBc9VgEguUL9ci8FQ1dmTQdShEc3PoJ1/s200/P1100220.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvxvcY9-S57NzNbOAaWcmpNlHtwMJyAn2ez0Q8MTGJK_QurzqO4u9ymeMcsAPdwZTOToAQFVh97VN1CxFW1VwwQmraPo-IuxIJlakjakLdLdhQjEIalbfIPSWgLQq8HlrVe20eWukNc_J/s1600-h/P1100217.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311244569459431538" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvxvcY9-S57NzNbOAaWcmpNlHtwMJyAn2ez0Q8MTGJK_QurzqO4u9ymeMcsAPdwZTOToAQFVh97VN1CxFW1VwwQmraPo-IuxIJlakjakLdLdhQjEIalbfIPSWgLQq8HlrVe20eWukNc_J/s200/P1100217.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHh590aWGlak2bqiN3imdWjRx4UfSOmOm48YEr7gwlhsebgXcBIaWrDj-6Z9MSyaUG1Ct493rpLLbImFCh7hXLPTDsJAWJsLUE0wYa2lLBBq2XkDvRTU2NqNXCLO5cklNlaKnW4lOQJXo/s1600-h/P1100135.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311241052536187746" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHh590aWGlak2bqiN3imdWjRx4UfSOmOm48YEr7gwlhsebgXcBIaWrDj-6Z9MSyaUG1Ct493rpLLbImFCh7hXLPTDsJAWJsLUE0wYa2lLBBq2XkDvRTU2NqNXCLO5cklNlaKnW4lOQJXo/s200/P1100135.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><div><div> </div>With a break before we needed to be in Kigoma, we decided to spend a few days on the fabled island of Zanzibar. With its beautiful white sand beaches and tall palm trees set beside turquoise blue waters, Zanzibar has a well-deserved reputation as a tropical paradise. But it has a dark history. Colonized by Persian and Arab explorers, it was once the home of the Sultan of Oman. It was the center of many East African trade routes, especially for spices and slaves. In the early 1800's, over 50,000 slaves a year were transported through Zanzibar, with 80,000 more dying in transit before they ever arrived. <div><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgpy5Iaj19moqdZe57zT7vp6Urm1Swsu86dOpsvrTapea83gKm1Mvlg0qiFHw8c_ocUC-uTS2mq4ADbg1bOROrNDuQtU6awq3c_3WWibhCAWzFNKweWXVP2dLmpyKaUpDveDP0I9Qiiqk/s1600-h/P1100224.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311244127261182130" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgpy5Iaj19moqdZe57zT7vp6Urm1Swsu86dOpsvrTapea83gKm1Mvlg0qiFHw8c_ocUC-uTS2mq4ADbg1bOROrNDuQtU6awq3c_3WWibhCAWzFNKweWXVP2dLmpyKaUpDveDP0I9Qiiqk/s200/P1100224.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZQsHnuy0b7j4fkKBIxiyYchRVdNf_VkLPmYVizAaF0rM836cOMi07YRtHg4zMT1BteouJqp5sArr8TZ4fkw31BKDUiWJbHoMjHyLQRdPFcjAIKdznWRGJr3Z5rx26Z4IlQ0yxzdsfxMy/s1600-h/P1100183.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311242803215268322" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZQsHnuy0b7j4fkKBIxiyYchRVdNf_VkLPmYVizAaF0rM836cOMi07YRtHg4zMT1BteouJqp5sArr8TZ4fkw31BKDUiWJbHoMjHyLQRdPFcjAIKdznWRGJr3Z5rx26Z4IlQ0yxzdsfxMy/s200/P1100183.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>We arrived in Stone Town - the old quarter of Zanzibar Town - named for its abundance of ancient stone buildings constructed along a bewildering labryth of winding alleys and cobbled pathways. No city planning or zoning laws when this town was started. After spending a night in Stone Town, we traveled an hour to the East side of the island to spend 3 days in Entemwe, a remote fishing village known to have clear blue water with beautiful coral reefs that are great for snorkeling or scuba diving.<br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgls3Ruvsi2EHkEGgVu4cHQNuZdraBFmTSVc2guW0FFjwMnWhxhu1T1qAxITztRd4dyF8vWFhyphenhyphenNW88xQbLS83BBS-F-D39WQdwuTdWqZOXHm9VaOwxLeSG_Qz2X8vddq9VHo2760yB2cPRP/s1600-h/P1100172.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311242375350394466" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgls3Ruvsi2EHkEGgVu4cHQNuZdraBFmTSVc2guW0FFjwMnWhxhu1T1qAxITztRd4dyF8vWFhyphenhyphenNW88xQbLS83BBS-F-D39WQdwuTdWqZOXHm9VaOwxLeSG_Qz2X8vddq9VHo2760yB2cPRP/s200/P1100172.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5ENkEfMa7nRvfDZO5HrtrKH6_9o-9MqI_NhVAsZBUIL3q4RSMOIDL0bi-tApn5NJOU5BF74CVm_4iYbTFGxyN06ELq7YODV8tl5KSirsjybpZtQAFVzNUEnwwPhPjhyphenhyphenDW1oAVEer1Z2e/s1600-h/P1100178.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311242596508965794" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5ENkEfMa7nRvfDZO5HrtrKH6_9o-9MqI_NhVAsZBUIL3q4RSMOIDL0bi-tApn5NJOU5BF74CVm_4iYbTFGxyN06ELq7YODV8tl5KSirsjybpZtQAFVzNUEnwwPhPjhyphenhyphenDW1oAVEer1Z2e/s200/P1100178.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br />We weren't disappointed. The beaches were gorgeous and the Indian Ocean was warm and inviting. You couldn't walk more than 5 feet on the beach without seeing a beautiful sea shell that looked like it belonged in a souvenir shop. Since it was a fishing village, we negotiated with a local boat owner to take us to Mnemba Island to snorkel around its famous coral reefs. With its clear water, we could easily see at least 40 feet to enjoy many kinds of coral formations and dozens of species of tropical fish.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJllWlY13haYu2GegFTB7abpXxSp46XJ9j9qNXdnEZ1zwuNN62q8brLglRL2eNAwjOfewntEfcRYkhRu8wC79q7aual_TpeS48qoQqK-0u9l8THmfdtIUI026tM8Uc-Xt4_AcSL011VVg/s1600-h/P1100206.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311243013775483618" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJllWlY13haYu2GegFTB7abpXxSp46XJ9j9qNXdnEZ1zwuNN62q8brLglRL2eNAwjOfewntEfcRYkhRu8wC79q7aual_TpeS48qoQqK-0u9l8THmfdtIUI026tM8Uc-Xt4_AcSL011VVg/s200/P1100206.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNyUgO9O3Knt5f6lLkOSyvucZgLQeeIvxT6J2jLFvbOyVL0Kt6IUIWx0A95b4J5KroSfb3FMTeZYLDxmx9_wpyrOemPmPdBw-ovSsp10oSPqTIf910OsaJddd9S5Dv2IXABxYhTDfjoFc/s1600-h/P1100210.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311244720260228946" style="width: 150px; height: 200px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNyUgO9O3Knt5f6lLkOSyvucZgLQeeIvxT6J2jLFvbOyVL0Kt6IUIWx0A95b4J5KroSfb3FMTeZYLDxmx9_wpyrOemPmPdBw-ovSsp10oSPqTIf910OsaJddd9S5Dv2IXABxYhTDfjoFc/s200/P1100210.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>After snorkeling for a couple hours at two different reefs, we told the boat owner we were ready to head back. He informed us that it was now low tide and that we would have to wait 3 hours until the tide was high enough to return. What are we going to do on a small fishing boat for 3 hours?... wait, are those dolphins jumping in the distance. Sure enough, we were lucky enough to find a pod of dolphins and swim with them for about 10 minutes. The most playful one was a baby, probably only about 3 feet long. It was an amazing experience to swim side-by-side with four dolphins and to see them so clearly underwater, sometimes only about a foot or two away as they swam around us. So it turned out that our "bad luck" on the tides turned into an incredible experience that we'll never forget.<br /></div><br /><div>- Steve</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055449771397601272.post-48033358675006784412009-02-18T22:32:00.000-08:002009-02-20T06:28:41.288-08:00Uganda“God, thank you for ending the war. We pray for those who died and thank you that we survived…”<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><div><br /><div>My eyes started watering and nearly came to tears as I listened to a boy, about 16, pray this simple prayer. This was our last night in Gulu, Northern Uganda – a city still raw and set apart by its bloody history. The Lord’s Resistance Army or LRA is a rebel army formed in 1987 and has been led by Joseph Kony for most of its existence. The LRA claims its goal is to create a state based on the Ten Commandments but with a record of countless human rights violations including torture, enslavement (sexual and physical), and use of child soldiers, this goal is doubtful.<br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The locals say that for about two years there has been “relative peace” in Northern Uganda since a peace treaty was written but not yet signed by Kony and the LRA. Many fear that war will again erupt in Uganda as Kony is still free and fighting in the Sudan and Democratic Republic of the Congo. In the aftermath of this devastating war and uncertainty of a peaceful future there are many who are hopeful and some who have dedicated their lives to combating powerlessness, hopelessness, and constant fear instilled by Kony and restoring the lives of Ugandans. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhz3OSlcnJAeXQ4PDlgaW4laf4BoBA1h8eW1Wswgk4sUHA9SZEA4myfQMTQ6zWg1_QjIePGzFFpckhkdghyh_HaQg89-hbWN6r-xeseE8fo3_rYLc7dBX2i2xTEB9uuGVdoDqdc2m7x2ZU/s1600-h/P1100119.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304397190638307314" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhz3OSlcnJAeXQ4PDlgaW4laf4BoBA1h8eW1Wswgk4sUHA9SZEA4myfQMTQ6zWg1_QjIePGzFFpckhkdghyh_HaQg89-hbWN6r-xeseE8fo3_rYLc7dBX2i2xTEB9uuGVdoDqdc2m7x2ZU/s200/P1100119.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>This is us with Bishop Onono (center), leader of the Anglican Church in Northern Uganda, and Reverend Patrick (left) who hosted us while we were in Gulu. Bishop Onono played a big part in bringing peace to Uganda by meeting with Kony two years ago to discuss the peace treaty.<br />The Anglican Church in Northern Uganda practices what it preaches by sharing the love that Jesus taught by meeting people’s practical needs. We visited the Women’s Development Center (WDC) run by the Anglican Church for women impacted by the war. Some were abducted in their early teens and used as sex slaves by the LRA. After the war they had nothing: no education, job skills, or possessions… nothing but painful memories and several kids. The WDC teaches these young women to become tailors. Many of these young mothers were tending to one or more children in the classroom while taking their tests. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONp0geIxWVoBOGfOoFdc0Pgnh0B2n2DJYw2r5muEBd69bi9VWPJjCxXfxmICQEOdT2wB2DskAAQz28DOjZTY4YuVKBWUueP-zLhmv_LRkchSkyb2ONDGZ8n0EyaUFm_xfKc1sV3Euz2pM/s1600-h/P1090780.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304393915811804546" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONp0geIxWVoBOGfOoFdc0Pgnh0B2n2DJYw2r5muEBd69bi9VWPJjCxXfxmICQEOdT2wB2DskAAQz28DOjZTY4YuVKBWUueP-zLhmv_LRkchSkyb2ONDGZ8n0EyaUFm_xfKc1sV3Euz2pM/s200/P1090780.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNW3zIWYx35mUpht_rgpQDAB__I8LQ_MOR0UADJCccdVZdxQxO2xhLCkOfLjrF_bMhGm6AUZoT45s8JoZDb2WEhIGVcaPXHqTSkUYnHfXpYsBjh5MvzGCHA3Toj4Ol4HMuJ_AEmgwkeTpr/s1600-h/P1090794.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304393919460968242" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNW3zIWYx35mUpht_rgpQDAB__I8LQ_MOR0UADJCccdVZdxQxO2xhLCkOfLjrF_bMhGm6AUZoT45s8JoZDb2WEhIGVcaPXHqTSkUYnHfXpYsBjh5MvzGCHA3Toj4Ol4HMuJ_AEmgwkeTpr/s200/P1090794.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8IRXia1ON2AjGJGCzh3g11PL4MXtP1Gk8JHUx_jxRfpwEuRxUU68r6UgIgXC7NbDRhreHyjLjztVlVX1noZv_iJblHP-fx48cIp_twTQGpgKrXCSXFoYHGqKHBFZmXIk2PTH6TtOh7Sd/s1600-h/P1100100.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304758817029488898" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8IRXia1ON2AjGJGCzh3g11PL4MXtP1Gk8JHUx_jxRfpwEuRxUU68r6UgIgXC7NbDRhreHyjLjztVlVX1noZv_iJblHP-fx48cIp_twTQGpgKrXCSXFoYHGqKHBFZmXIk2PTH6TtOh7Sd/s200/P1100100.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>The church also runs a program to help those wounded in the war. We met a woman who stepped on a land mine and lost a leg and her unborn baby. As I watched her hobble away with her one homemade crutch I found myself wondering “How many painful miles is she going to drag herself through to the shack she calls home, the family she is unable to provide for, while trying to pick up the pieces of a life shattered by war?” The motto of this ministry emblazoned across the shirt of one of the staff members is “get up and walk!” Quite a tall order for those missing limbs but the message is that you can overcome your past and present disability. And the Church gives them the means and support to do so.<br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>We spent most of our time at Gulu Community Vocational School, a school that teaches trades to those who were abducted, orphaned, or otherwise impacted by the war. Many of the students had their education interrupted for many years – some for 10 or more – until peace returned about two years ago. In addition to mandatory agriculture classes (Uganda’s backbone), students of either sex can choose to learn auto mechanics, carpentry, construction, tailoring, or masonry. </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxFdKz8EA1CxoddMrcCDwtpqa3vE4uKuLj21r3PL7IHDi7dD2V8r-clPdNrDdl0iC4NU7OvzaefdTKAX8wAnL23YfMv_NMFYgaKWvaJyifeI6vZgwpscmeNUifyIQcGQoo-ES0vYTYRgF/s1600-h/P1100006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304396618585777234" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxFdKz8EA1CxoddMrcCDwtpqa3vE4uKuLj21r3PL7IHDi7dD2V8r-clPdNrDdl0iC4NU7OvzaefdTKAX8wAnL23YfMv_NMFYgaKWvaJyifeI6vZgwpscmeNUifyIQcGQoo-ES0vYTYRgF/s200/P1100006.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7L8DUgcKNYoSQHspgkMSIVYwclovjhQ5n2_2PvkTa9vKbwxTv-IXL9AyC06HDvr6PCdxOXeyc4iDVm2tR-u8dNDDE_p8GmGHFQwXeJQ85lRS7Ir1oPToCOBzsIjXlmaQvX6br0W_smg-/s1600-h/P1090897.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304394561383780402" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7L8DUgcKNYoSQHspgkMSIVYwclovjhQ5n2_2PvkTa9vKbwxTv-IXL9AyC06HDvr6PCdxOXeyc4iDVm2tR-u8dNDDE_p8GmGHFQwXeJQ85lRS7Ir1oPToCOBzsIjXlmaQvX6br0W_smg-/s200/P1090897.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lHZEuEduLknA3Mmh6vA0O8xyftcgEu853rJ8S-DVyx3DAe0zd4UCyLdGS173fOIp29Kz4O2pfONMs3cuWet8cxsxnrlYsA_EnM5Gw0r1PieA7322rNGtnR_Dxp9rhL-nqMnPgCcPK5UN/s1600-h/P1090905.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304758812050938562" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lHZEuEduLknA3Mmh6vA0O8xyftcgEu853rJ8S-DVyx3DAe0zd4UCyLdGS173fOIp29Kz4O2pfONMs3cuWet8cxsxnrlYsA_EnM5Gw0r1PieA7322rNGtnR_Dxp9rhL-nqMnPgCcPK5UN/s200/P1090905.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kN4jNCb_7-d66wRElFhbrzrpONpZBe6cdF7PK_FwM5wyfzW23bGMobl7GYkG51pGjhIdtlvLPjLQVwShPWxUh3LIADyaezeozy9pmtmPDf7wWSe4tj-PFPO7c4CkM8nWKmRlRKEbeA6w/s1600-h/P1090889.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304394556471051474" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kN4jNCb_7-d66wRElFhbrzrpONpZBe6cdF7PK_FwM5wyfzW23bGMobl7GYkG51pGjhIdtlvLPjLQVwShPWxUh3LIADyaezeozy9pmtmPDf7wWSe4tj-PFPO7c4CkM8nWKmRlRKEbeA6w/s200/P1090889.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>Everyone at the school was severely affected by the war. One student told us that he lost his two older brothers and one younger brother to the LRA. He told us the rebels would always attack at night. “At night we were running, running, always running.”<br /></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>One student told us about a horrific experience: “When I was 8, the LRA came to our school. They forced us to watch as they killed five teachers in front of us.". What he described next is too horrible to print here. This same student was walking to Gulu with his father one day when the LRA ambushed them and killed his father in front of him.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqaNeuOlTYcuqmtfVHl_gi5Aa6_1lL_v-d3QVPH_hT8D1mUQRzjm29zxzyqY8AW3UHRHOJNle1tlT5SIW1AZAL2HjAmvPWPKugBEtUtCxX_qJRSiUOq-I-7fpQNTpQY9DzgefRCqBhwSx/s1600-h/P1100061.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304396622482731250" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqaNeuOlTYcuqmtfVHl_gi5Aa6_1lL_v-d3QVPH_hT8D1mUQRzjm29zxzyqY8AW3UHRHOJNle1tlT5SIW1AZAL2HjAmvPWPKugBEtUtCxX_qJRSiUOq-I-7fpQNTpQY9DzgefRCqBhwSx/s200/P1100061.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EktK43XJNKmd5w-lqnnIBpLgTidQT0ogv9BbNQkFZLeov29c3SPxwpUTDwSwWCznKDkDg0-JR4_3FC7WK16x-UFNCMZhc8BUtmSOwbsuVbN0xa6yqqs6bxJFoNa0djC9ctnXDA8iUMcV/s1600-h/P1100054.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304396615930175970" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EktK43XJNKmd5w-lqnnIBpLgTidQT0ogv9BbNQkFZLeov29c3SPxwpUTDwSwWCznKDkDg0-JR4_3FC7WK16x-UFNCMZhc8BUtmSOwbsuVbN0xa6yqqs6bxJFoNa0djC9ctnXDA8iUMcV/s200/P1100054.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrm76QfT3wIlsaY3A4X1kJaz2PfwYp3Ft8xruyRxhR38XatlTu-RutNRm2NNMiW_xn5n2tXjjQ9mbmjPrDBYpi4w7GZUD9NnH87epbzuJcAr51WMw1AGvaObNJ41268FYnrwCbJqsx8cW/s1600-h/P1090948.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304396617449644370" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrm76QfT3wIlsaY3A4X1kJaz2PfwYp3Ft8xruyRxhR38XatlTu-RutNRm2NNMiW_xn5n2tXjjQ9mbmjPrDBYpi4w7GZUD9NnH87epbzuJcAr51WMw1AGvaObNJ41268FYnrwCbJqsx8cW/s200/P1090948.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>Another student was abducted in his early teens and forced to fight and kill for the LRA. “They told us we had better pray that we find people to kill because ‘if you don’t kill someone every day or two, you are a government sympathizer and we will kill you.’” These stories of child soldiers are far too common in Uganda and many other places in Africa.<br /></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>These are just a few examples of the terrible experiences these students have had to overcome. For more background google LRA and child soldiers. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRt77KfZ00bJKXsMWkQ8-QKeWyQ4CK16QGh7AAQ1-y3JwP6xhyphenhyphenCJv_-qu9n7xYCkAGlcjrNq5NJdYEcYXz9N3O36IFVLovM6g1Q6ae1uKWZ1USEqDWDAZncDEJpmfaCuTnG3nQbGVOoJ5/s1600-h/P1090943.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304396618169674306" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRt77KfZ00bJKXsMWkQ8-QKeWyQ4CK16QGh7AAQ1-y3JwP6xhyphenhyphenCJv_-qu9n7xYCkAGlcjrNq5NJdYEcYXz9N3O36IFVLovM6g1Q6ae1uKWZ1USEqDWDAZncDEJpmfaCuTnG3nQbGVOoJ5/s200/P1090943.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYmLFqnnjkv6R0k1z7HQwhCBUECQSlnuITkQT0vc87qucPT47kdfizDVxP8xGetIAv0_BPVxT4irUYN4Ps3MIW2apoDsWJ76IkhfeQYwDwFkFe6NruFqH6Y4uxn26lXedPC_01S8sxpXn/s1600-h/P1090836.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304758812720635714" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYmLFqnnjkv6R0k1z7HQwhCBUECQSlnuITkQT0vc87qucPT47kdfizDVxP8xGetIAv0_BPVxT4irUYN4Ps3MIW2apoDsWJ76IkhfeQYwDwFkFe6NruFqH6Y4uxn26lXedPC_01S8sxpXn/s200/P1090836.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknfptC8AuSHAzUuAR1UnmmYIE8aRPWfewUdv35w3JJwz5gnPsFrjPZIorIQBxiwiM5gfRxdyxZ_Ep1cH0G4W8AQ1trbez8tEeLkUSAas6OneGndSuRbe4DQMZLW4Jur1cBodXNWYzvXQY/s1600-h/P1090834.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304393920481365362" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknfptC8AuSHAzUuAR1UnmmYIE8aRPWfewUdv35w3JJwz5gnPsFrjPZIorIQBxiwiM5gfRxdyxZ_Ep1cH0G4W8AQ1trbez8tEeLkUSAas6OneGndSuRbe4DQMZLW4Jur1cBodXNWYzvXQY/s200/P1090834.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3fZV_xptmnjxCMrOwuUR3Pbd3LtzHVS9N2I_wTOWBUPbrCHBNg51WJRt4stIkGUQcAkzRAVFSibv95UNmb-eMqoGTJOJg5qCY1n-zDAjGaijj2Oj9CYP0ufSimsMDlhWw4lZdV3CQFP-/s1600-h/P1100121.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304397367205111586" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3fZV_xptmnjxCMrOwuUR3Pbd3LtzHVS9N2I_wTOWBUPbrCHBNg51WJRt4stIkGUQcAkzRAVFSibv95UNmb-eMqoGTJOJg5qCY1n-zDAjGaijj2Oj9CYP0ufSimsMDlhWw4lZdV3CQFP-/s200/P1100121.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Since these students had so much of their childhood stolen from them, we wanted to give them a fun, carefree experience. Over two days, we were able to take 54 of them to a pool at a local hotel in Gulu. It was the first time any of them had been to a pool and, for many, the first time swimming… at least trying to. Nelson, head of the tailoring department, counselor, and sports coordinator, was so grateful as he explained that experiences like this help the students forget their past so they can begin to move on, build relationships with each other, and get to escape the confines of school for a day.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUp-ehh1957aQqYuE5dGaLL8oOC2RGoOtlKPv7gBPNjQNkDGVxd_68cQFPLipqGeaYGlT-Tu4koz-finl5JLtOFJe4WzZ4AxCGb_QqNZQprZqHlE-3v2DlMjNulqcqy9_moul7um7RteT/s1600-h/P1100118.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304758813959056418" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUp-ehh1957aQqYuE5dGaLL8oOC2RGoOtlKPv7gBPNjQNkDGVxd_68cQFPLipqGeaYGlT-Tu4koz-finl5JLtOFJe4WzZ4AxCGb_QqNZQprZqHlE-3v2DlMjNulqcqy9_moul7um7RteT/s200/P1100118.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>Another noteworthy experience was going to Amuru, a settlement camp for people displaced by the war. The drive there was interesting. At the taxi park, we learned that the minibus that normally drives the route was not going that day but “luckily” there was a truck that was. Cars or busses here don’t leave at a specific time but only when they are “full”. In this case, after waiting 2 hours, “full” meant 5 goats, 2 chickens, a couple tires, many boxes, 19 people and everyone’s bags. With my legs crunched to my chest and feet buried far beneath me and losing circulation, I thought “this is going to be the longest 45 minutes (the ETA given by the driver) of my life.” 45 minutes turned into 2 hours as we slowed for the roughest parts of a very bumpy road, or stopped to tie the goats back on that had fallen and been dragged for 30 odd feet. If it were not for all the people suffering around me I think I would have felt more compassion for the goats getting thrown off the truck and dragged along by their necks. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-d2jxjMLQ4iHt5Hj_9LimtEtNrCWwlV1yW4QqS_3FMNG0mpVzxTxsRpiUMgNSAR9omuX0uy4FlaJiE9jdsIRXeOu2tgbp5O-NLpVcoOOC4PpqcIhZDsb7eB05hspY9Ci1BaB-sDzaKS0/s1600-h/P1100073.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304397187843647490" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-d2jxjMLQ4iHt5Hj_9LimtEtNrCWwlV1yW4QqS_3FMNG0mpVzxTxsRpiUMgNSAR9omuX0uy4FlaJiE9jdsIRXeOu2tgbp5O-NLpVcoOOC4PpqcIhZDsb7eB05hspY9Ci1BaB-sDzaKS0/s200/P1100073.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5P-8N7WKhhRENVyly3SuTyOBU2Q624XzgvGn5mloUA-WvUjZ4yR4tuyzEY72gGf_2dZ4mmQbN_0VGzonuPXv6e_UeX3q9LAFu5Jjk82-Q_ccDCl6Lzd433Ky-cBF2QPDViTWbmoewTRtJ/s1600-h/P1100070.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304397187981896978" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5P-8N7WKhhRENVyly3SuTyOBU2Q624XzgvGn5mloUA-WvUjZ4yR4tuyzEY72gGf_2dZ4mmQbN_0VGzonuPXv6e_UeX3q9LAFu5Jjk82-Q_ccDCl6Lzd433Ky-cBF2QPDViTWbmoewTRtJ/s200/P1100070.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div>At its peak 50,000 people lived in Amuru. The number is now less than half that because people are returning to their home villages. When we arrived a bell was rung telling the people to come to the big tree to meet the visitors. It was funny to watch the excitement of some children and the absolute terror of others as we are the first or some of the first “muzungas”, or white people, these children have ever seen. Some of the youngest ones burst into tears but most just wanted to touch our hands and stare at us as if we were from another planet (and sadly, being from the U.S. it almost felt like we were). </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-csNxJerBjLlDat-WqEPjCbWfhuWXkAkBqpnyXH7lTem4OWNe7ww9U4pXj9wn5LDl7zrAqQNJCtigl7wuWHSMk-yL6eKUkT0objKK1puVGBv_miBijR_FdoJ0YlIbs-_tDc_xGlBr1cf/s1600-h/P1090827.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304393916433675410" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-csNxJerBjLlDat-WqEPjCbWfhuWXkAkBqpnyXH7lTem4OWNe7ww9U4pXj9wn5LDl7zrAqQNJCtigl7wuWHSMk-yL6eKUkT0objKK1puVGBv_miBijR_FdoJ0YlIbs-_tDc_xGlBr1cf/s200/P1090827.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWKcDRpXUVGPNKCm98ruVwxEg_x07zkk3Z75_fu1eFm5ovBFMjuRInD6rXaEfJjgVrE0mLXhUw3TAU61S65_sxqjB_8uy9u2f7wmPQr5ig75YHBqy3t3oPMBgyICLsPaaBqXpeAFm3zbR/s1600-h/P1090830.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304393917553466626" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWKcDRpXUVGPNKCm98ruVwxEg_x07zkk3Z75_fu1eFm5ovBFMjuRInD6rXaEfJjgVrE0mLXhUw3TAU61S65_sxqjB_8uy9u2f7wmPQr5ig75YHBqy3t3oPMBgyICLsPaaBqXpeAFm3zbR/s200/P1090830.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>A group of about 30 adults told us some of main problems they face and the pastor and the leaders of the camp gave us a list for us to pray for: continued peace, orphans from the war, child mothers, people living with HIV or AIDS, school fees for children, health facilities and medical care, land mine survivors, and “child-headed families” (a telling phrase in the aftermath of war).<br />It was eye opening and inspiring to meet the students at the Women’s Development Center and Gulu Vocational School, the people at Amuru who have overcome so much, plus the teachers, staff, and Anglican clergy who dedicate their lives to building a better Uganda. The things I used to see as huge barriers in my life now seem small in comparison with the things these people have gone through. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>- David</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055449771397601272.post-52105217110702009562009-02-13T00:09:00.001-08:002009-02-13T00:39:26.340-08:00Kruger National Park (South Africa)<div>On the way back from Mozambique to Johannesburg to return our rental car, we decided to head to Kruger National Park, South Africa's biggest and best game preserve.<br /></div><br /><div>After driving for 10 hours from Tofo, Mozambique (where we went surfing and scuba diving in the Indian Ocean), we crossed the South Africa border around 10 pm. Unfortunately, our directions to the lodge were missing one critical detail, so we found ourselves driving down a dark, dirt road that was getting more overgrown and muddy every moment. By the time we realized we needed to turn around, our car was stuck in the mud. We just get out and push, right? Wait, all those predators next door in Kruger Park... there's a fence, right? Fortunately our car was so small that we could almost lift it, so after several minutes pushing in ankle deep mud, we were able to get the car moving again, turn around, and find the signs to our lodge.</div><div> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaVNsGk2lmnoZk3cQEP11YHBNIz72kpNFXp_SnN15on0wnUQmSDD8gdNhAIjGjIs7vrTVEMUlGdee_YLjG1JkhbLREfmffFi44aMjh0Jax2hnuOMsvECiglWHBpLUCgNkueJcOWADUKOX/s1600-h/P1090714.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302194051267489234" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaVNsGk2lmnoZk3cQEP11YHBNIz72kpNFXp_SnN15on0wnUQmSDD8gdNhAIjGjIs7vrTVEMUlGdee_YLjG1JkhbLREfmffFi44aMjh0Jax2hnuOMsvECiglWHBpLUCgNkueJcOWADUKOX/s200/P1090714.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We stayed at the thatched-roof Buhala Game Lodge (highly recommended) on the border of the park where we could see hippos and impalas across the Crocodile River while eating our very civilized English breakfast on linen tablecloths ("May I have more tea and crumpets, please?")</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFTkLrmAptFUpAI4NbKfB4JgOiTlXbIqibYofVcslmq6NbmQZR2ui1UrcFi-6ujvkQC50SXZOpmgTdy6MWLPRxNSXXp5seWpn4P2DbE959s3GltYsK8aUckYH_oEl9rh-fdKwFx_HxtQa/s1600-h/P1090619.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302197010576171746" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFTkLrmAptFUpAI4NbKfB4JgOiTlXbIqibYofVcslmq6NbmQZR2ui1UrcFi-6ujvkQC50SXZOpmgTdy6MWLPRxNSXXp5seWpn4P2DbE959s3GltYsK8aUckYH_oEl9rh-fdKwFx_HxtQa/s200/P1090619.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We joined a couple 3-hour safaris guided by park rangers (including a night safari where a startled elephant started charging from about 40 feet away, motivating our ranger to step on the gas to get us out of there quickly). We were fortunate and got to see a lot of game. A partial tally: elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, water buffalo, gnus, giant snails, tortoises, and many more. We saw more impala than anything else. The park ranger said that the impala are so plentiful and that so many animals eat them that they are jokingly called the "bush burger". We also saw a black mamba, a snake so poisonous that the venom in one bite can kill 20 people.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUF8E8aVSC1shc1WQhe8FnsGUpgq8EKMS1J4KFryf_g-vJ9xnz9leOlfLNQMloSUpUfV4CgT1WDT2wFVydkTWb1ETEkxbRPtavjC_PLVlE6_-9-GPXh5AY6eu1vDF9voJNZlMeke1GfQK/s1600-h/P1090586.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302192845023455778" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUF8E8aVSC1shc1WQhe8FnsGUpgq8EKMS1J4KFryf_g-vJ9xnz9leOlfLNQMloSUpUfV4CgT1WDT2wFVydkTWb1ETEkxbRPtavjC_PLVlE6_-9-GPXh5AY6eu1vDF9voJNZlMeke1GfQK/s200/P1090586.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKu5R2lG_0-c2SXtfdQsUyIueAK2XbmFAbxl59kej6_wBON9bjo74tS4wdh3U2Ja8PqJsJfuG4yc-EydbKHILIEkJFhCtE2Q0aA2r5EHTvrbfDVSzLERPn9LbUNMgpLkeydNCSZApwUf7/s1600-h/P1090597.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302192845381718098" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKu5R2lG_0-c2SXtfdQsUyIueAK2XbmFAbxl59kej6_wBON9bjo74tS4wdh3U2Ja8PqJsJfuG4yc-EydbKHILIEkJFhCtE2Q0aA2r5EHTvrbfDVSzLERPn9LbUNMgpLkeydNCSZApwUf7/s200/P1090597.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcZ37C7x5ZxBR4UMQxq7Fangn45pkfMaC_k_iFEng0eVoGJnGE74WpYW0IdKZVzZgKaQ3Tch3H2fazb0ZJYC9AgqAO5C21ZBU5GBOF8Z31oZW0hOFmYNTS1qFKV4S6npYz2M1EOWkWASD/s1600-h/P1090562.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302191869465890882" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcZ37C7x5ZxBR4UMQxq7Fangn45pkfMaC_k_iFEng0eVoGJnGE74WpYW0IdKZVzZgKaQ3Tch3H2fazb0ZJYC9AgqAO5C21ZBU5GBOF8Z31oZW0hOFmYNTS1qFKV4S6npYz2M1EOWkWASD/s200/P1090562.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The highlight of the safaris was seeing several lions. Rounding a corner, we came upon a fully grown male lying lazily in the middle of the road, unfazed by any approaching vehicle. He looked completely content. Perhaps he was digesting a recent impala snack. We were within 20 feet of him for about 15 minutes until he heard another male lion roar, prompting him to get up to defend his territory, including an awesome warning roar to the other lion. Later on the night drive, we came upon an adult female lion and her 3 cubs, also conveniently by the side of the road. We were able to get about 10 feet away to see these magnificent creatures up close.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRfpCJAwY0vL2OogNHGaKgRpTe0OAbzcqxQRf9hxKW7qfEuM3PZ5cn8f1GYIIHysybcZqSAaBpBNLyMzlUaHIWBP6V6EMFxj7SUZ1mzyPc5AUimF4Th4LY966lY_mbU3fhxSKR1KtigAc/s1600-h/P1090516.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302191863078377154" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRfpCJAwY0vL2OogNHGaKgRpTe0OAbzcqxQRf9hxKW7qfEuM3PZ5cn8f1GYIIHysybcZqSAaBpBNLyMzlUaHIWBP6V6EMFxj7SUZ1mzyPc5AUimF4Th4LY966lY_mbU3fhxSKR1KtigAc/s200/P1090516.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBP78a2RB8nQQpzAggOQ75jOMzYtopyMsyF4oZchP_4Z7WeOkUVV83uug2eU9ZTVBGlv15-vozWLuQdBrg998bWJAnYpvcdwCa0VSOR-EcM_eS-Osdrl-51wEDs_k8eM7eWaLyosMj-3t/s1600-h/P1090527-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302191864618018194" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBP78a2RB8nQQpzAggOQ75jOMzYtopyMsyF4oZchP_4Z7WeOkUVV83uug2eU9ZTVBGlv15-vozWLuQdBrg998bWJAnYpvcdwCa0VSOR-EcM_eS-Osdrl-51wEDs_k8eM7eWaLyosMj-3t/s200/P1090527-1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDcttmQVRORrQ9i8DK33DGzvSwy5rh51Wtt30mW5O5KwxY1E8gPaS177ciMszW_ziNeFuLlwiHU0i90bq6DhjhQPLZtemizuohbUSyXXJTw4THRy3iUbWjAzS4xbShOiZvy52uYe0RGyQ/s1600-h/P1090541-2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302191865642535586" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 151px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDcttmQVRORrQ9i8DK33DGzvSwy5rh51Wtt30mW5O5KwxY1E8gPaS177ciMszW_ziNeFuLlwiHU0i90bq6DhjhQPLZtemizuohbUSyXXJTw4THRy3iUbWjAzS4xbShOiZvy52uYe0RGyQ/s200/P1090541-2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here are some more photos to give you a taste of our safari in South Africa:</div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXbAUkbHSa3LMb9ZCx0X2UjrtshkOwTnulSFcut73ShLzEXZ_r6zMtU_l-2yOgWp_IG2kAY6itXkUn7An9CJvzuIsondUJVhvJ4HUXA275I3P5p5LmDrJU4WuRDxW6v9wREWzyux1S_3r/s1600-h/P1090736.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302194905612046306" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXbAUkbHSa3LMb9ZCx0X2UjrtshkOwTnulSFcut73ShLzEXZ_r6zMtU_l-2yOgWp_IG2kAY6itXkUn7An9CJvzuIsondUJVhvJ4HUXA275I3P5p5LmDrJU4WuRDxW6v9wREWzyux1S_3r/s200/P1090736.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN77EPIHnmfBGvb9u8dl07w-_XdkrdIFvG_JePScA-WQtCfDuYcvfq737_UFmgBoi9UOxefUCH93UWAWFDFI4mrHilnVa6maJ85bUB89MyylOKCljF6U6UM9dAWViaIMdEPeCpj93xr5D4/s1600-h/P1090703.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302194902825582690" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN77EPIHnmfBGvb9u8dl07w-_XdkrdIFvG_JePScA-WQtCfDuYcvfq737_UFmgBoi9UOxefUCH93UWAWFDFI4mrHilnVa6maJ85bUB89MyylOKCljF6U6UM9dAWViaIMdEPeCpj93xr5D4/s200/P1090703.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqt-W-dm8Fpn6acfEzlkEbwtsHBQV0YJb-BtGmgNBz9FnYNJ6TT9LuqHkLfEVY3PD8Jf8Rc_-id5hCGf6YZ-RXOSYQdRhlMB96JhHwYmcIcS0IOxw97wHnhleskqxLurAseiv8EO3e0oPJ/s1600-h/P1090721.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302194051385943874" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqt-W-dm8Fpn6acfEzlkEbwtsHBQV0YJb-BtGmgNBz9FnYNJ6TT9LuqHkLfEVY3PD8Jf8Rc_-id5hCGf6YZ-RXOSYQdRhlMB96JhHwYmcIcS0IOxw97wHnhleskqxLurAseiv8EO3e0oPJ/s200/P1090721.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCaZv79Dqok-P793R4Mb8au__x738PdkixYa4PwFatiUXJr9jPko-ShK1RGi380xRXhzsz638M5kYoiyXhtn1o5Bm85VCNEyKHJcjd959hxmGdyyom4CwfA8pxJkoo3vMiJkZIyFbTBOK/s1600-h/P1090692.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302194050169061938" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCaZv79Dqok-P793R4Mb8au__x738PdkixYa4PwFatiUXJr9jPko-ShK1RGi380xRXhzsz638M5kYoiyXhtn1o5Bm85VCNEyKHJcjd959hxmGdyyom4CwfA8pxJkoo3vMiJkZIyFbTBOK/s200/P1090692.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFEbw6KhXrGWMcvMedrUc91i4LHufqOXMl_i6sn-MrWwxYcNq2TMGG9Osiym0LFmqm_gwUZawbW13VdNPflczeKS05QvMPyqlZwK0NQaBJW82HKJAKoToEav0LW7Ttx0MHczq9t5wFsEd/s1600-h/P1090681.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302194047716060530" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFEbw6KhXrGWMcvMedrUc91i4LHufqOXMl_i6sn-MrWwxYcNq2TMGG9Osiym0LFmqm_gwUZawbW13VdNPflczeKS05QvMPyqlZwK0NQaBJW82HKJAKoToEav0LW7Ttx0MHczq9t5wFsEd/s200/P1090681.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3e5wCOHEXY9FmtwNdLqozJZRCdC8sJn-S2JWWyOYAGP5wxHQYTqTY3rli9sKsEQxSsQOvX_26hquiTBs-x3JGrXFK9LY7cdFDiEJOqDa1FKa5hN3xg6F02G_UNPmPVtgO9ymWZDk7AjBw/s1600-h/P1090675.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302192846679034658" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3e5wCOHEXY9FmtwNdLqozJZRCdC8sJn-S2JWWyOYAGP5wxHQYTqTY3rli9sKsEQxSsQOvX_26hquiTBs-x3JGrXFK9LY7cdFDiEJOqDa1FKa5hN3xg6F02G_UNPmPVtgO9ymWZDk7AjBw/s200/P1090675.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6mR9dUYzVo1qSB9SOVcpnrLnTSCnDnLlgDfhY-4jlb0Hm5iIzCSJaH8rGsYiZhoHwAgU-6NBcliekOu98eRvsBSbxumZhK2SrQkA1iEo2udIUyoPL9wAotvmyB3ZjRkDMXr_EaHylbOt/s1600-h/P1090620.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302192843630860274" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6mR9dUYzVo1qSB9SOVcpnrLnTSCnDnLlgDfhY-4jlb0Hm5iIzCSJaH8rGsYiZhoHwAgU-6NBcliekOu98eRvsBSbxumZhK2SrQkA1iEo2udIUyoPL9wAotvmyB3ZjRkDMXr_EaHylbOt/s200/P1090620.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDWsFH0D9ooFJ2DIJ9OwOmP2v_El-ABi9JQf-cs8ezKFtVVA8nkn1RULBv3cEPATGsPrgoPklJA44-ZIYuQXF5mhVHHY4qUjeXFTmEKbSr7VQQxKa6mgHSpWeCAvIf7adBvAIbHeRLPce/s1600-h/P1090579.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302191869420639458" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDWsFH0D9ooFJ2DIJ9OwOmP2v_El-ABi9JQf-cs8ezKFtVVA8nkn1RULBv3cEPATGsPrgoPklJA44-ZIYuQXF5mhVHHY4qUjeXFTmEKbSr7VQQxKa6mgHSpWeCAvIf7adBvAIbHeRLPce/s200/P1090579.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /></div><div>After returning our car in Johannesburg, we flew to Kampala, Uganda for our next adventure.<br /></div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><div><div><div>- Steve</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055449771397601272.post-9109629228973018612009-02-06T01:50:00.000-08:002009-02-12T23:44:01.275-08:00MozambiqueAfter saying goodbye to Jeremy, Ben and Alicia, the kids at 6th Avenue, and our new shark friends, we flew to Johannesburg. We decided the best way to get to Mozambique was to brave the roads (driving is not for the faint of heart as one must constantly dodge people, cars, and potholes... while driving on the left side of the road!). On the breathtaking 8-hour drive from Johannesburg, South Africa to Maputo, Mozambique we passed through Kruger National Park which is world renowned for its natural beauty and wildlife (watch for our next blog update about our safari in Kruger).<br /><br />Leaving South Africa for any other country in Sub-Saharan Africa means entering a completely different world. Approximately 41% of people live on less than $1 a day, average life expectancy is 47 years, 1 in 5 children die before the age of five, and 25.8 million people are living with HIV. These are sobering statistics, so we weren’t sure what to expect when we got to Mozambique.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-BlYEdfUywu7Q3uOnDc1c5Q9dY5JfctgBgW08PZ5WTg_9L8YIYD-tdlkdi16HpNitpbc2DUU13md_RZYf-1lW_pTfKUPIa1-8MDgB1SEFeiTUpzGEdSz8QQiq7H3RbFJfYWrE-IFHzGA/s1600-h/P1090389.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299649119383480898" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-BlYEdfUywu7Q3uOnDc1c5Q9dY5JfctgBgW08PZ5WTg_9L8YIYD-tdlkdi16HpNitpbc2DUU13md_RZYf-1lW_pTfKUPIa1-8MDgB1SEFeiTUpzGEdSz8QQiq7H3RbFJfYWrE-IFHzGA/s200/P1090389.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNJo4ndJtIpasHQAia5IYjfQsT97V8Eos_fypGYJFbWS1rdKAwZ1oVds0BogV0BTFwlWaPvBbgm2Katb3DUW2Eei2wogI4EvEqa06wLwu5F6eBTT7p2sQogiZGTF_JGPM9DYPb3IzXsrW/s1600-h/P1090251.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299646028544376322" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNJo4ndJtIpasHQAia5IYjfQsT97V8Eos_fypGYJFbWS1rdKAwZ1oVds0BogV0BTFwlWaPvBbgm2Katb3DUW2Eei2wogI4EvEqa06wLwu5F6eBTT7p2sQogiZGTF_JGPM9DYPb3IzXsrW/s200/P1090251.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDaa151oyZRuxNjGpk0vGjeb45GRFVljobKvphmOc7XK_mpuyiUIPEm4eWTBygKTh9zSJGRtet9-99VxqLYRcLJfO6GPoYqZeLzN4LhIeY0lF0ZyBnXeQ5O1LPyL22Tf71p_P9OstvY1X/s1600-h/P1090365.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299648694763176050" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDaa151oyZRuxNjGpk0vGjeb45GRFVljobKvphmOc7XK_mpuyiUIPEm4eWTBygKTh9zSJGRtet9-99VxqLYRcLJfO6GPoYqZeLzN4LhIeY0lF0ZyBnXeQ5O1LPyL22Tf71p_P9OstvY1X/s200/P1090365.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Fortunately, God connected us with Iris Ministries in Maputo. Iris runs a children’s home for over 300 orphans and street children. It also has extensive programs to help the poor throughout Mozambique. In just the one week we were at Iris, we had opportunities to volunteer with programs for street children, prisons, hospitals, other children’s centers, youth groups, and the people who live at the “Bocaria” (city dump).<br /><br />Iris Ministries was started in 1995 by Heidi and Roland Baker. Though we didn’t get to meet them (they are both in northern Mozambique opening new orphanages and expanding their ministry) their faith and hands-on philosophy of “love your neighbor” and “there is always enough” was evident despite their absence. And having faith that there is always enough is no small action in Mozambique as it was the poorest country in the world when Heidi and Roland were starting their ministry.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBixdsR1C9wCvp0HVDMtHekR_raNPO83EtHVNNTfB64TQyZ4pk0eoGqNbu8rgDUJ9H_y2BW73AqobXCS85YqVFDIiQLj4c9Tup5pDR9w7z1slqHp9h2znSiIsiMCI-tgBEufys95_nLnjk/s1600-h/P1090104.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299644763657357170" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBixdsR1C9wCvp0HVDMtHekR_raNPO83EtHVNNTfB64TQyZ4pk0eoGqNbu8rgDUJ9H_y2BW73AqobXCS85YqVFDIiQLj4c9Tup5pDR9w7z1slqHp9h2znSiIsiMCI-tgBEufys95_nLnjk/s200/P1090104.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This is Ernest. Though he didn’t tell me his whole story - much of it was probably too hard for him to speak about - this is what I could gather: When he was six years old his parents “divorced". Whatever divorced meant in this case his parents stopped taking care of him or he was kicked out and he found himself living in a local dump. At this time Mozambique was one of the poorest countries in the world and unlike the United States, what people throw away here really is trash. We visited the dump with Ernest though he stayed just outside as it was too difficult for him to be there. At the dump we witnessed the dirtiest, most vile living conditions we have ever seen. At the age of six Ernest was alone, struggling to stay alive by surviving on trash. Heidi rescued Ernest along with many other kids from this dump. Through Iris Ministries Ernest now speaks five languages, has traveled internationally, and wants to help break the cycle of poverty by becoming a teacher.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299655951435264242" style="WIDTH: 190px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 143px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzdFeHkY_9AKib7ZpxmqTFwZMhPJN7Hw_Sq55HJqLgGTDh5V8zyZ2r5N9LTzeaohD6swhIdVdiGGMkXrf-NlH6wrAFIe9PMWdYME8jaQrSZ8aObZ5ipWAukVCVeQqDhyphenhyphenoCAl4Bx83zWrG/s200/tnmzg1-0903.jpg" border="0" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8I4bXsVPEqoAInh4QMdTAE2m_gJcC3MbGcpY9RIP2iACCckM__s3BDsnTxncpz83ER3LGvjl7_PbRbgNmNZ1sPb5XZ2ynGXhnYIdJtz5R-bEwSiIxA_MpokLmeVpOcSmWNn12vtGiu6sg/s1600-h/Maputo_Bocaria.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299655952433538098" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8I4bXsVPEqoAInh4QMdTAE2m_gJcC3MbGcpY9RIP2iACCckM__s3BDsnTxncpz83ER3LGvjl7_PbRbgNmNZ1sPb5XZ2ynGXhnYIdJtz5R-bEwSiIxA_MpokLmeVpOcSmWNn12vtGiu6sg/s200/Maputo_Bocaria.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We met many amazing children like Ernest at Iris. Here are some photos of an unforgettable week where we met many new friends we will never forget.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xTCr9feZlgL-0IUvLkNwuNe4j0168Hr53YrwG2C0I1f_og1bPembmi7LeW4hJBf1gLEyM719-diPs20QCnsP5i2AiTbyaONmWjq2spfDHYdWoWSZDkv7uXHfQ1fRqIFxAVZI7CM5cFus/s1600-h/P1090067.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299644759323752530" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xTCr9feZlgL-0IUvLkNwuNe4j0168Hr53YrwG2C0I1f_og1bPembmi7LeW4hJBf1gLEyM719-diPs20QCnsP5i2AiTbyaONmWjq2spfDHYdWoWSZDkv7uXHfQ1fRqIFxAVZI7CM5cFus/s200/P1090067.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHySTmAHCNm6vE3_MYsGEHs6N_U3OmwNzXt1soglfNKOofQpfRYBv4_BI3XZTxOujPMsjeonS-G5yLbLJnsqXtiCPKirJ3VHqGtPNYIz8rR_mfgBAvaJEhhFE7Fpf-zHbfPMgYuarZzqqt/s1600-h/P1090340.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299648691695505650" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHySTmAHCNm6vE3_MYsGEHs6N_U3OmwNzXt1soglfNKOofQpfRYBv4_BI3XZTxOujPMsjeonS-G5yLbLJnsqXtiCPKirJ3VHqGtPNYIz8rR_mfgBAvaJEhhFE7Fpf-zHbfPMgYuarZzqqt/s200/P1090340.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtm_qnWP0hZ650n1-V_-51mhRREJQSE8dAAtM-YS-3h5hiP72aw2rFv6CxLvMbGVLDNRcVJFFm_PhlgzW3pEh2750sR1N1JlGVhxf9sAWjPUTziDXBngYgGgmC7x6EVNLgrMIPlWXjMfb/s1600-h/P1090328.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299648695769302754" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtm_qnWP0hZ650n1-V_-51mhRREJQSE8dAAtM-YS-3h5hiP72aw2rFv6CxLvMbGVLDNRcVJFFm_PhlgzW3pEh2750sR1N1JlGVhxf9sAWjPUTziDXBngYgGgmC7x6EVNLgrMIPlWXjMfb/s200/P1090328.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTpI2cMl3n4ywqizJvmUvMHWvM7WcOIj7-kefduHTdDMtux02lBp3v0kz-DWDEcKD5T738cxLt5CSKzjmCPZAw6pg1XlV59R1mPCcmi4_MH_kor2hklRF1Kd69_TxluIq5qVFpk7FaZ5t/s1600-h/P1090198.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302183475340876226" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTpI2cMl3n4ywqizJvmUvMHWvM7WcOIj7-kefduHTdDMtux02lBp3v0kz-DWDEcKD5T738cxLt5CSKzjmCPZAw6pg1XlV59R1mPCcmi4_MH_kor2hklRF1Kd69_TxluIq5qVFpk7FaZ5t/s200/P1090198.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GDYV8QSD15eH1Gvs0pM5LzjeXNGMXudyTRCOBTyTMT4XgQyDNzY6HE_k7hFsbyNKV1IkoAQ2jO4Y7d35tlJBfESReNqIkZV4qbZGA3BSF4cJd78FRMhPG_V4phlqd1xeZFwQsjV7_yCB/s1600-h/P1090300.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299648688865059106" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GDYV8QSD15eH1Gvs0pM5LzjeXNGMXudyTRCOBTyTMT4XgQyDNzY6HE_k7hFsbyNKV1IkoAQ2jO4Y7d35tlJBfESReNqIkZV4qbZGA3BSF4cJd78FRMhPG_V4phlqd1xeZFwQsjV7_yCB/s200/P1090300.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zHfJ9LjPWUEMbX6Mch78MVKNhmNbPwwwhFUn-HYrdt9eQ74SsiOSWlrLjtvPutspbGZCQ6PY9mnWioTTTXlaYEICwTlgY0ayWPcgTKsoCLeSxfgSh_z7k8VOEoDyQ2fwYSr-YL5is4sO/s1600-h/P1090294.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299648691223301218" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zHfJ9LjPWUEMbX6Mch78MVKNhmNbPwwwhFUn-HYrdt9eQ74SsiOSWlrLjtvPutspbGZCQ6PY9mnWioTTTXlaYEICwTlgY0ayWPcgTKsoCLeSxfgSh_z7k8VOEoDyQ2fwYSr-YL5is4sO/s200/P1090294.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWq2cZiP-bO-GWu2t6EIY_y85HRgZqLwZbclY-lBzJ3cbHivL5Hnhu6mQmr62Km2CRGqcCnpQBSKKUInPVQy_-qTlA8kh2V60f3V3JaBO86f7lFCLNKNBMgPekkNdF_f-i2UWcI42yZqP/s1600-h/P1090259.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299646026651685314" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWq2cZiP-bO-GWu2t6EIY_y85HRgZqLwZbclY-lBzJ3cbHivL5Hnhu6mQmr62Km2CRGqcCnpQBSKKUInPVQy_-qTlA8kh2V60f3V3JaBO86f7lFCLNKNBMgPekkNdF_f-i2UWcI42yZqP/s200/P1090259.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13NsqONHzT0Vx4a2Os_fNDTRhw1dgIH33LBFZwO9p6QxIOl80X2uZxthTowRy2jl70DjNBk3ggZ2KCE9p-RRiq1yE3Br83TK53NOGuqIbyS_4dnyoX2yqzjxQxc_hfvh-CVXd6UvdIPKl/s1600-h/P1090142.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302183469881011106" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13NsqONHzT0Vx4a2Os_fNDTRhw1dgIH33LBFZwO9p6QxIOl80X2uZxthTowRy2jl70DjNBk3ggZ2KCE9p-RRiq1yE3Br83TK53NOGuqIbyS_4dnyoX2yqzjxQxc_hfvh-CVXd6UvdIPKl/s200/P1090142.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Bxw64gqMlkEvrmd860WrAXd-eJSL3_H160dDQy4y05NoaE93mK-tZoad2-POCl8nF2v_Pje1h3LMnpkA3J-NKyKwC-8SlR2jc2Nh6O7B8MTNGqmGdZfVYLZ0LsCm-TIlmXdwGMbjzmxe/s1600-h/P1090283.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299646027397196066" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Bxw64gqMlkEvrmd860WrAXd-eJSL3_H160dDQy4y05NoaE93mK-tZoad2-POCl8nF2v_Pje1h3LMnpkA3J-NKyKwC-8SlR2jc2Nh6O7B8MTNGqmGdZfVYLZ0LsCm-TIlmXdwGMbjzmxe/s200/P1090283.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJjlzQT1blyX7z-fi1cczwSvbmwPlxll62xBW_UTID-_HUwv23IPgJMoBFpovi9iS70hSNWeDhi4Jls3hTPtU-KpeEP9cfJtd5go3Gz-h6u5AtTtgIXnX6zG98wicDrUyLH3FBprYtlSM/s1600-h/P1090188.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299646023603868418" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJjlzQT1blyX7z-fi1cczwSvbmwPlxll62xBW_UTID-_HUwv23IPgJMoBFpovi9iS70hSNWeDhi4Jls3hTPtU-KpeEP9cfJtd5go3Gz-h6u5AtTtgIXnX6zG98wicDrUyLH3FBprYtlSM/s200/P1090188.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeguRMMRiM_uqu0iMU9Sp7RbLkBV3wEH5-Y9tLYP4jmdL3jLFcMLSABj5beHzvLWrpIuvMdgpfbDDX4tqkQ93ePD0LSYTSYAFcVMeg0D6m964Bq1oqfD21c4W64Iwl2cH4gzisZf8iu60/s1600-h/P1090160.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299646021158583250" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeguRMMRiM_uqu0iMU9Sp7RbLkBV3wEH5-Y9tLYP4jmdL3jLFcMLSABj5beHzvLWrpIuvMdgpfbDDX4tqkQ93ePD0LSYTSYAFcVMeg0D6m964Bq1oqfD21c4W64Iwl2cH4gzisZf8iu60/s200/P1090160.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBvw7lyjFcCNLwiCfvMggUkJxPHOqqQQnnc4s8sqX1RFXWddJq1L0wfwQR7ipMI6-dM2ydT2YQIC1yPMU3iwUyulPQ3kROs8yGeJhk9WnWuhGduUnD_KOa6n4KB4hh3PaM0E2YoFLKu-v/s1600-h/P1090106.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302183473545487906" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBvw7lyjFcCNLwiCfvMggUkJxPHOqqQQnnc4s8sqX1RFXWddJq1L0wfwQR7ipMI6-dM2ydT2YQIC1yPMU3iwUyulPQ3kROs8yGeJhk9WnWuhGduUnD_KOa6n4KB4hh3PaM0E2YoFLKu-v/s200/P1090106.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-zsvX7Y5_bYLHqFa9oETQ-aw4AyLVlthSuCdXgoROMg8ZHXEVoUKrlTK3AdZ5Bw0zozJJG5Bblf12IafX7tyzMlty27Gkl9dJiqahD8Vasq7z-ADUHkno6rxo69IoKg1MnywwmQYbrTX/s1600-h/P1090129.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299644768169357442" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-zsvX7Y5_bYLHqFa9oETQ-aw4AyLVlthSuCdXgoROMg8ZHXEVoUKrlTK3AdZ5Bw0zozJJG5Bblf12IafX7tyzMlty27Gkl9dJiqahD8Vasq7z-ADUHkno6rxo69IoKg1MnywwmQYbrTX/s200/P1090129.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw08kuiIWw8EZQ8jueEjaE-pPP5KwMj9Mw-ik7fdU5G4WM_PoZJco8YRRL_7DxoBUvcbx2_xSj_V9DULodcOKzVehTxsu_0-_Ap5KpQHYd-qgXaR2euiHZ1glNfRvRPtmtGGtMly1FW-0A/s1600-h/P1090148.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299644761992555042" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw08kuiIWw8EZQ8jueEjaE-pPP5KwMj9Mw-ik7fdU5G4WM_PoZJco8YRRL_7DxoBUvcbx2_xSj_V9DULodcOKzVehTxsu_0-_Ap5KpQHYd-qgXaR2euiHZ1glNfRvRPtmtGGtMly1FW-0A/s200/P1090148.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZGNWjlwvb4aT65rYZRv0sCj23Ubr5ZnKFdAoFDdLITYG2Fn4Zz8VACP2UKaqOm1T0pHutmJbZThQvh_3bknb23NkJpUYHyEQiqGOa0tCUzDtxprAiJ2mP4JT8d4rsgDD-TVuhHxYlhON/s1600-h/P1090101.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299644764527904178" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZGNWjlwvb4aT65rYZRv0sCj23Ubr5ZnKFdAoFDdLITYG2Fn4Zz8VACP2UKaqOm1T0pHutmJbZThQvh_3bknb23NkJpUYHyEQiqGOa0tCUzDtxprAiJ2mP4JT8d4rsgDD-TVuhHxYlhON/s200/P1090101.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>If you would like to learn more about Iris, visit their website at <a href="http://www.irismin.org/p/home.php">http://www.irismin.org/p/home.php</a> </div><br /><div>- David</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055449771397601272.post-40113564220889352822009-01-28T05:26:00.000-08:002009-01-28T23:15:34.051-08:00South Africa<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1Xxm0ehLo80iAbTvI2HIkaFbsVOHDE6Gcuk4YYiUzsDKrTIlNAZZGDrpgGIEdF82Zx65rX2-nrUZqjVxddqA2cAY2RjU9HOc8r8jnuJHxLD39vAApYsgYyc_4IDfuICI6VVz10JfWhEA/s1600-h/P1000450.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296367051306861986" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1Xxm0ehLo80iAbTvI2HIkaFbsVOHDE6Gcuk4YYiUzsDKrTIlNAZZGDrpgGIEdF82Zx65rX2-nrUZqjVxddqA2cAY2RjU9HOc8r8jnuJHxLD39vAApYsgYyc_4IDfuICI6VVz10JfWhEA/s200/P1000450.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdVmEkt01sig_HsvH2fl0KOaPILlLUH5ut2q_odxZpiItBw_IdNy-D7cph5ZGcnMqdEXlK1UhcnQ79IB7SojeZ6OvAv43vh2Pp7e5GpzCEE9X6Eukt2F22LytwEv2jUgXQ9ZUds4qXzu_/s1600-h/P1000131.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296365372065558338" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdVmEkt01sig_HsvH2fl0KOaPILlLUH5ut2q_odxZpiItBw_IdNy-D7cph5ZGcnMqdEXlK1UhcnQ79IB7SojeZ6OvAv43vh2Pp7e5GpzCEE9X6Eukt2F22LytwEv2jUgXQ9ZUds4qXzu_/s200/P1000131.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div>After 3 weeks of welcome time with family over Christmas, David and I left on the second half of our year-long journey. First stop: Capetown, South Africa... a country of spectacular beauty and incredibly friendly people.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzcZquvhGchhgJ6cd9mmjN52p0gkYxd-a0744gJQ5AzuXkDQzGjLVl49z4CiJDECSjPA-qmUDhwZl8N1E8GLmdtRATqYUsXe26Xz7BL-xGgjG5JvjSfXiMIqCADMeSwzq4eMoQeWM8vWC/s1600-h/P1000801.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296362321220867314" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzcZquvhGchhgJ6cd9mmjN52p0gkYxd-a0744gJQ5AzuXkDQzGjLVl49z4CiJDECSjPA-qmUDhwZl8N1E8GLmdtRATqYUsXe26Xz7BL-xGgjG5JvjSfXiMIqCADMeSwzq4eMoQeWM8vWC/s200/P1000801.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>This is Jeremy Wyngaard with his two sons (left) and nephew. As a child Jeremy’s family, along with thousands of others, was evicted from their home when a new apartheid law suddenly created a "white group area" in "District 6" of Capetown. Forced to move to "colored group areas", the neighborhood was demolished and everyone had to relocate to poor settlements on the outskirts of Capetown.<br /><br />From that beginning, Jeremy graduated from high school and became a professional soccer player... though he was never allowed to play on the national team because of his color. Along the way, Jeremy developed a heart for the poor. And after 3 years as a pro soccer player, he decided to give it up to help kids break the cycle of poverty. Jeremy created LifeZone (http://www.lifezoneafrica.org.za), an organization that runs soccer leagues to teach life skills to children 9 and under at several schools in Kensington. As we drove around, it’s clear that Jeremy is a hero in Kensington, with people waving and honking. And when we spoke to local principals and teachers, they talk about the positive impact that LifeZone is making on children. While running LifeZone, Jeremy is also finishing his PhD in Community Development.<br /></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoxBbJlxhQ0_VpgsFDccOFVeUd6FFo469MtaBpv9MAEcpy3cJ0rudYJbspMEsBi-Ke_7Vmanc-FaVjuN-uOyo5rPkrHCMU9isN-R2Q0jXDu2QcDPPJy8M1hIlrvH-6m5cKkdeNpdYx_C0/s1600-h/settlement.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296362624697291618" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 135px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoxBbJlxhQ0_VpgsFDccOFVeUd6FFo469MtaBpv9MAEcpy3cJ0rudYJbspMEsBi-Ke_7Vmanc-FaVjuN-uOyo5rPkrHCMU9isN-R2Q0jXDu2QcDPPJy8M1hIlrvH-6m5cKkdeNpdYx_C0/s200/settlement.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />David and I told Jeremy that we wanted to work with children in one of the poor squatter camps (or “informal settlements” as they are officially called) where people build shacks out of scrap wood and sheet metal on unoccupied property… sometimes thousands of them.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQFK2FpRsJ6J9MRCIiy03VESZ6NoIJw2eZH9QNqfTYY2kJX9ySXA27zn0OM2SmLCIWsreSIDPrEYpQMLFfVnx0bu8qUehFsu4puuMLi6waeB5b9izCBpFq4QMIue-VhgmJBk9RRPsEMr3/s1600-h/P1000619.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296372269489647426" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQFK2FpRsJ6J9MRCIiy03VESZ6NoIJw2eZH9QNqfTYY2kJX9ySXA27zn0OM2SmLCIWsreSIDPrEYpQMLFfVnx0bu8qUehFsu4puuMLi6waeB5b9izCBpFq4QMIue-VhgmJBk9RRPsEMr3/s200/P1000619.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div>Jeremy connected us with Ben and Alicia Eakins who come from Colorado. About 3 years ago, after watching the movie “Hotel Rwanda”, Ben said, “We should do something to help.” Alicia replied, “Maybe we should move there.” Several months later they left for Africa. After investigating several opportunities, they felt they could make the biggest difference at the 6th Avenue settlement in Kensington, running community and child development programs with LifeZone. They now live a block away and invest their lives in a squatter camp to help adults and children build better lives. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfypNi5UKzVVs97ytl_RkRAWWf6zkrHTP1mz7EsTDY_b8Y6_zQ4eUBntl5kj5rO9NIGjhUlgHjWhsVjUvYeTPEvOvewVNo4AIBDkb51RGkh_bcp08D9X-syq7uTWQwbzyKD0jcMWAAAdIM/s1600-h/P1000662.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296373037492455666" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfypNi5UKzVVs97ytl_RkRAWWf6zkrHTP1mz7EsTDY_b8Y6_zQ4eUBntl5kj5rO9NIGjhUlgHjWhsVjUvYeTPEvOvewVNo4AIBDkb51RGkh_bcp08D9X-syq7uTWQwbzyKD0jcMWAAAdIM/s200/P1000662.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We were fortunate enough to get to work side-by-side with this amazing couple who everyone calls Brother Ben and Sister Alicia. On our first visit to the settlement with them, one of the children asked excitedly, “Brother Ben, Brother Ben, when does Awesome Time start?” It turns out that “Awesome Time” is the shrewdly named literacy program that helps the children with reading every week. “Awesome Time” was indeed awesome as we saw firsthand how Ben and Alicia make reading fun and help the kids to improve their reading skills. </div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38YVzrXE92bP7cDUaUzB4qfeHI8_vttF-67KrwdjzfN1Q7AcyNdC7Ltp2n3VFt1Q9Eo_pC8EWyRBNrb64atEEsLaJFpUBuqy5c1QO1aR_0z0d2h6K1Sr43Pf7Xh149rkMKgUWJkW8hMxh/s1600-h/P1000541.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296370640492863906" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38YVzrXE92bP7cDUaUzB4qfeHI8_vttF-67KrwdjzfN1Q7AcyNdC7Ltp2n3VFt1Q9Eo_pC8EWyRBNrb64atEEsLaJFpUBuqy5c1QO1aR_0z0d2h6K1Sr43Pf7Xh149rkMKgUWJkW8hMxh/s200/P1000541.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuqocaywLHgKKtytyY4yxVu8UwINzRbKMk0Rf3t2aOZtovVKae42g-SgFkF8CY5go9MCeoL5EN30BVDaHL73tWk5eCVh8GYNr4y4c-hKyoKqtNP6zcI-g0G9_775oJGOlNcoBxzRZQI7R/s1600-h/P1000531.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296370635810744018" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuqocaywLHgKKtytyY4yxVu8UwINzRbKMk0Rf3t2aOZtovVKae42g-SgFkF8CY5go9MCeoL5EN30BVDaHL73tWk5eCVh8GYNr4y4c-hKyoKqtNP6zcI-g0G9_775oJGOlNcoBxzRZQI7R/s200/P1000531.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqGYSapXrkl56KAusWpSkE4RjIAVitV40UBqbY_0yPEE3m67cgG7-epEm4eBH9rUZAKI9P2K16HW6RokPEuoZ2XVpKnzKelEjEPS7klcEKjrXxHJOzdX0_igZh_twETN90oAeXM02LZA6/s1600-h/P1000522.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296370634988225506" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqGYSapXrkl56KAusWpSkE4RjIAVitV40UBqbY_0yPEE3m67cgG7-epEm4eBH9rUZAKI9P2K16HW6RokPEuoZ2XVpKnzKelEjEPS7klcEKjrXxHJOzdX0_igZh_twETN90oAeXM02LZA6/s200/P1000522.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ihYBtI09nkHqF308brqCYuJNTvKALa5_fXuQnh8oWcOkF7nBnZFHfnbYVGAwwy7VAVk5DrAs9RJHOoG8r9fzbFC_WW0VCW42t9P87fGCTDiryyMrcmcyEaUWUT6G5UZVIYlwQloS9fg5/s1600-h/P1000519.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296370627222464962" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ihYBtI09nkHqF308brqCYuJNTvKALa5_fXuQnh8oWcOkF7nBnZFHfnbYVGAwwy7VAVk5DrAs9RJHOoG8r9fzbFC_WW0VCW42t9P87fGCTDiryyMrcmcyEaUWUT6G5UZVIYlwQloS9fg5/s200/P1000519.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br />We got to meet people like “Sister Rebecca” who live in the 6th Avenue settlement. Though it’s already difficult to support her own children, she’s taken in other children who have been abandoned. All the strong leaders at the settlement are women. It’s sad to see, but the men are drunk or high all day (meth is common) and only the women are holding things together or improving things. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7zEcfhauh4aOBZNxMgjzSdcEPEs8yHKWQbuzZFAHJ3zNQPxtwFCZ3oZdfizEoBX7z4q3egzBuPg-gPrM26Rw-0E87MhHtfIxQeqHjYeGXpE8Ion4Wz_M_zwcFdEPQJbAMD5mvUoa1jSk/s1600-h/P1000638.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296373035792912802" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7zEcfhauh4aOBZNxMgjzSdcEPEs8yHKWQbuzZFAHJ3zNQPxtwFCZ3oZdfizEoBX7z4q3egzBuPg-gPrM26Rw-0E87MhHtfIxQeqHjYeGXpE8Ion4Wz_M_zwcFdEPQJbAMD5mvUoa1jSk/s200/P1000638.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHY3iaUu6rDF_tnDJL70rUegrg-fqs1t60We4MNv3DL0ZBAI1GceDQKI1FPEDdSap0BFXQDOPu2KVSoZrCR0CmsPJj9etVao1II1GkZuvC9nSrochbqod8Mxoa5JF66wJaeQYpe5p9Dim/s1600-h/P1000627.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296372274040411234" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHY3iaUu6rDF_tnDJL70rUegrg-fqs1t60We4MNv3DL0ZBAI1GceDQKI1FPEDdSap0BFXQDOPu2KVSoZrCR0CmsPJj9etVao1II1GkZuvC9nSrochbqod8Mxoa5JF66wJaeQYpe5p9Dim/s200/P1000627.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div>Another thing that is sad is that the kids have no aspirations. When we asked what kind of job they want, they said, “Any job… car wash, any job is fine.” Ben and Alicia are trying to inspire them to strive for more.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Nlhew3g86JCihUnarTJU05ETWDbYa5wQdLhwPjEQEkCTDMGMqu32fEQY49YkThkadYS8GQPU0aDzxx1oLxVPZHxEHoLuLDotDGxZrEuQ-3YGWnRxNYrhyphenhyphenq_vpQBDjPHepc8-tpSLoRv8/s1600-h/P1000735.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296373816336671890" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Nlhew3g86JCihUnarTJU05ETWDbYa5wQdLhwPjEQEkCTDMGMqu32fEQY49YkThkadYS8GQPU0aDzxx1oLxVPZHxEHoLuLDotDGxZrEuQ-3YGWnRxNYrhyphenhyphenq_vpQBDjPHepc8-tpSLoRv8/s200/P1000735.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKzPut5X3HHv-yw2qAUD431p216043WMW_CslWjGPnSoTQ1InzL23-YSGtKmoDXeQrn0axBmz6YQ5G56gA-_OwZZulVGNnwIucta0snppBiVh1rTDungr1cjyu4wQG8hVupkposBK_h5b/s1600-h/P1000661.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296373033563112098" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKzPut5X3HHv-yw2qAUD431p216043WMW_CslWjGPnSoTQ1InzL23-YSGtKmoDXeQrn0axBmz6YQ5G56gA-_OwZZulVGNnwIucta0snppBiVh1rTDungr1cjyu4wQG8hVupkposBK_h5b/s200/P1000661.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCOOdrQrosc2QFD0PxdRrrVlj9t2lVii8Z644axYKYZ1u332cBmkrQ1hZGRA4_b8clH6gsVkx9ATfkWSeOdu6_sv3XbRhkeUoqFNf1M_7AqC3ZFsUzLvi3zItpQan3U8Csbs2-xrsBgiF/s1600-h/P1000579.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296372265411440706" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCOOdrQrosc2QFD0PxdRrrVlj9t2lVii8Z644axYKYZ1u332cBmkrQ1hZGRA4_b8clH6gsVkx9ATfkWSeOdu6_sv3XbRhkeUoqFNf1M_7AqC3ZFsUzLvi3zItpQan3U8Csbs2-xrsBgiF/s200/P1000579.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />During the week, we played a lot of soccer on a rock and glass-strewn patch of ground (and yes, most of the 10 year-olds can school us in soccer). Mostly, we got to spend a lot of time with kids to let them know they are valued and that we believe in them.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkg58bBCIGBvnsQK_v-5AYjPeqcw1AiEqPOTP3wGByslnf0Tiszq2yYCfgDkeInQPiNY8wnyRPUmpo8tq4pn0E21Ca4B5vr1oAVYVQlvX9PoD9XSlCvOfGR57Qx5QHnzU7h3JiOXESCj-/s1600-h/P1000559.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296379179861047602" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkg58bBCIGBvnsQK_v-5AYjPeqcw1AiEqPOTP3wGByslnf0Tiszq2yYCfgDkeInQPiNY8wnyRPUmpo8tq4pn0E21Ca4B5vr1oAVYVQlvX9PoD9XSlCvOfGR57Qx5QHnzU7h3JiOXESCj-/s200/P1000559.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUxiwlOio2AEY1bi_gCaDOlMaZZ_hP5mojsi6G_rjdvpxnJJKo6-2GOCThDFZY_U3YJ-roRX1IYCq52eDLHi3mHtDyUU86K9h7QHOnc38taLMsLzIe_OK08-_Lq7pu9JqPhqcZhYggpZ2/s1600-h/P1000572.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296379190577536018" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUxiwlOio2AEY1bi_gCaDOlMaZZ_hP5mojsi6G_rjdvpxnJJKo6-2GOCThDFZY_U3YJ-roRX1IYCq52eDLHi3mHtDyUU86K9h7QHOnc38taLMsLzIe_OK08-_Lq7pu9JqPhqcZhYggpZ2/s200/P1000572.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6yygs7XHQAgt34qFl-SU6JHPFdMdvJJJPd1kunmpujAfyI4xMRQcrJiD7SO8AVTRD0LNOsLY9Yc0euPNe3SRAMwnx4XfUKybZ0q6inu5zX3sLF1TRUzqK0nDGF0IOKbo-mfaQ7iTsRLD/s1600-h/P1000577.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296379214180439746" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6yygs7XHQAgt34qFl-SU6JHPFdMdvJJJPd1kunmpujAfyI4xMRQcrJiD7SO8AVTRD0LNOsLY9Yc0euPNe3SRAMwnx4XfUKybZ0q6inu5zX3sLF1TRUzqK0nDGF0IOKbo-mfaQ7iTsRLD/s200/P1000577.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We took one group of children to the beach... </div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-KqNqkQz_v0M9veTckbgw5LxPRRTbzS73D_pazwZcT_EFZ0EAlI3qYpqn0hvB6ezg8IUr7aJdNxnIJiXi6XB-1UO41GhehjqJpaUMhUD1hxhthDUshDnCNXNY724WjD0J4rVFw4FRRiW/s1600-h/P1000437.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296366198327128514" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-KqNqkQz_v0M9veTckbgw5LxPRRTbzS73D_pazwZcT_EFZ0EAlI3qYpqn0hvB6ezg8IUr7aJdNxnIJiXi6XB-1UO41GhehjqJpaUMhUD1hxhthDUshDnCNXNY724WjD0J4rVFw4FRRiW/s200/P1000437.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IqgzzY2qVY2I_2rYBXCxbmPj2gA566KyRdjXfl7Tldthug2spnv20Bs2PqYUKg1qH3MQ2RsMFEm-NJ1O1t4vAtcGiaOfYZ7ts6u4ExgIIk5JcR_iqSI3ips9GGv14ws67TR9ooZcVA5P/s1600-h/P1000443.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296367044991030322" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IqgzzY2qVY2I_2rYBXCxbmPj2gA566KyRdjXfl7Tldthug2spnv20Bs2PqYUKg1qH3MQ2RsMFEm-NJ1O1t4vAtcGiaOfYZ7ts6u4ExgIIk5JcR_iqSI3ips9GGv14ws67TR9ooZcVA5P/s200/P1000443.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcWd6AVIezKpMUomkos4BfdP-P8aK5I5WtREmJ0eLC7gjPSXJB-ffxjtlRxV4lwyhBpGRUNy6eeR4ZPJdLE5k0kLXaCVqffOLzET6lxKRgQkp-AqHOO1scIXQv3FoHbXOWYF2nXa4KqCm/s1600-h/P1000403.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296366196456993250" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcWd6AVIezKpMUomkos4BfdP-P8aK5I5WtREmJ0eLC7gjPSXJB-ffxjtlRxV4lwyhBpGRUNy6eeR4ZPJdLE5k0kLXaCVqffOLzET6lxKRgQkp-AqHOO1scIXQv3FoHbXOWYF2nXa4KqCm/s200/P1000403.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We took a group of young teen boys (only one of which is still in school) on a hike to the top of “Lion’s Head”, a landmark that rises above Capetown. Though only about 10 miles from Kensington, none of the boys had ever been to the top. Some didn’t think they could make it, but Ben uses events like this to teach the boys that there’s more to life than a few square blocks in Kensington… and they can do more than they think.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeDFpMxsLNCBpTwegZyObLp0ltf2dvThPVJTkqlX7eccEasifz-Dd05QRFC_ocAz-HALf1oumzY357dUmhpyOENwBGW_lGYcC1HahAOsCYrJSPcE7piq-mgIuAIoVmwV8_SgkqhRS-TnK/s1600-h/P1000461.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296367053632487026" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeDFpMxsLNCBpTwegZyObLp0ltf2dvThPVJTkqlX7eccEasifz-Dd05QRFC_ocAz-HALf1oumzY357dUmhpyOENwBGW_lGYcC1HahAOsCYrJSPcE7piq-mgIuAIoVmwV8_SgkqhRS-TnK/s200/P1000461.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We also got to spend a day at a clinic for babies with HIV. It used to be a hospice but now, with antiretroviral treatment and training for caregivers, these babies can go home and may never get AIDS. The long-term outcome is still unknown, but it was encouraging to know that children with HIV no longer have a certain death sentence.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pkRp2zYeseYrmYlf6DQMnfmgCD2DestuzsOzCMi3u63O5Nw85JTuQ0nsr3iILhw-T32wJkhbt0V0s5m7iFxMpNbeIyxZcI_Gjd7RPWoDAQLB_2MAa1GVj9BsA9zyUpnQzQ3RTJPbiz3a/s1600-h/P1000502.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296367064209078354" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pkRp2zYeseYrmYlf6DQMnfmgCD2DestuzsOzCMi3u63O5Nw85JTuQ0nsr3iILhw-T32wJkhbt0V0s5m7iFxMpNbeIyxZcI_Gjd7RPWoDAQLB_2MAa1GVj9BsA9zyUpnQzQ3RTJPbiz3a/s200/P1000502.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqNUF-Qi0EkXUGzcBsty82pRu7jIZETCej65VE99CK5rEYeBqV-4LPwYnnILWoMLC6vwwZO-wZO1DdG-wEyCjvsr9ia4Gvqq0r4WAhQ7BduVxbczcG38xu1LYhV7FfKJfKZdZtVI6MPw6/s1600-h/P1000488.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296367059824894514" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqNUF-Qi0EkXUGzcBsty82pRu7jIZETCej65VE99CK5rEYeBqV-4LPwYnnILWoMLC6vwwZO-wZO1DdG-wEyCjvsr9ia4Gvqq0r4WAhQ7BduVxbczcG38xu1LYhV7FfKJfKZdZtVI6MPw6/s200/P1000488.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div><br />We learned a lot of important lessons from Ben and Alicia about community development, like how important it is not to make decisions for those they serve. Over and over, we heard them say, “That’s your decision… you get to decide.”, to teach people that they can choose their futures. We’ll miss our new friends in Capetown and leave with great respect for the work that Jeremy, Ben, and Alicia are doing there. If you would like to support their work, you can send a tax-deductible donation to:</div><div><br />LifeZone Ministries<br />c/o Nexus Vivus International<br />5948 E. Caley Avenue<br />Centennial CO, 80111<br /><br />For the rest of our time in South Africa, David and I explored the beautiful coastline, from the Cape of Good Hope, to Tsitsikama National Park to body-boarding in Plettenberg Bay. We managed to fit in two great adventures. Off the coast of Gans Bay we went into underwater shark cages to get up close and personal with some great white sharks. When a 15-foot great white is a foot from your face under water, it’s good to know that you’ve got some strong steel bars between it and you. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOh9aabteT20MMX5IttKn5acKJHc8jwtxENb_PFZ7AaDVAnWzJoqE3tQt7eR9bWPJUhNw-W3TepCx3bFVwU7fXv16Re9moGdVmjZS20qgCYBJJ2T8mfo4G0Q-RqV_cgMJeXwmsry6rtqXj/s1600-h/P1000079.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296365362006610258" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOh9aabteT20MMX5IttKn5acKJHc8jwtxENb_PFZ7AaDVAnWzJoqE3tQt7eR9bWPJUhNw-W3TepCx3bFVwU7fXv16Re9moGdVmjZS20qgCYBJJ2T8mfo4G0Q-RqV_cgMJeXwmsry6rtqXj/s200/P1000079.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kKrGVXneNOU_wzYqJQgnwCQgR9O2uyrSnlI6bzSGqcQMBMwQu_WV2Up6odCErulYcjKoGa46Yk3t2vzlMHspDrsXHLRbKafG_HJ8gO9t7nJdi8wkS3P9MiqFhmeyKszRZU06j4ULf49C/s1600-h/P1000093.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296365367658474674" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kKrGVXneNOU_wzYqJQgnwCQgR9O2uyrSnlI6bzSGqcQMBMwQu_WV2Up6odCErulYcjKoGa46Yk3t2vzlMHspDrsXHLRbKafG_HJ8gO9t7nJdi8wkS3P9MiqFhmeyKszRZU06j4ULf49C/s200/P1000093.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Pt1qeLa5LowNeOWg2XffEANPdPAO_hyphenhyphenJvzIPNHnTC-jbGxuhQP-rXZth8IwPPB_-YQp77aBzLv6sIW4wQhvurNAeenzXELpC9T8r3YmHXodU0QYbIijyklerOi7zrWNxWyz4eb5rFXJr/s1600-h/P1000334.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296366191337399506" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Pt1qeLa5LowNeOWg2XffEANPdPAO_hyphenhyphenJvzIPNHnTC-jbGxuhQP-rXZth8IwPPB_-YQp77aBzLv6sIW4wQhvurNAeenzXELpC9T8r3YmHXodU0QYbIijyklerOi7zrWNxWyz4eb5rFXJr/s200/P1000334.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4G4IPb1E901hSWwvxz_e3plD5B3KNrgKCq0yPDucuMBs0j5E8yH3TuPs4il1HO0gtPLJPoaVjMtATkvPxsBKLjB-xnd5HELmrEH8YOy_qNdNvI-0lQM4pJha907BlGIrsdft5jwxlvSWR/s1600-h/P1000140.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296365369486349938" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4G4IPb1E901hSWwvxz_e3plD5B3KNrgKCq0yPDucuMBs0j5E8yH3TuPs4il1HO0gtPLJPoaVjMtATkvPxsBKLjB-xnd5HELmrEH8YOy_qNdNvI-0lQM4pJha907BlGIrsdft5jwxlvSWR/s200/P1000140.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOm5kM-B5PcaXpjzWUOeZwsu-49Dd-PgxXVah3kWRUDNYdCx7eo2wWYTaiLXZkMAtanIJuXZB2a9OTd-7QwZf7Doz0w1NP_a1DptR7jL-p39prMIGtrGujS5WS9xkIyZOTvTBMcGXZgVr/s1600-h/P1000355.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296366193355635314" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOm5kM-B5PcaXpjzWUOeZwsu-49Dd-PgxXVah3kWRUDNYdCx7eo2wWYTaiLXZkMAtanIJuXZB2a9OTd-7QwZf7Doz0w1NP_a1DptR7jL-p39prMIGtrGujS5WS9xkIyZOTvTBMcGXZgVr/s200/P1000355.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQsDSr9QG4vSfIJ0yPFpX5E52x7Ut1HO98pgqYdntc-ObxY8upT-2wMCBcQoD8fNLuDSjyE0hrog7Ab6bTTYlWuEmj7ehldycqKd-cFSMIwIwZmzhH2ZRHtq8zOX6GVoITTLEuw12wO_1/s1600-h/P1000762.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296373816466755330" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQsDSr9QG4vSfIJ0yPFpX5E52x7Ut1HO98pgqYdntc-ObxY8upT-2wMCBcQoD8fNLuDSjyE0hrog7Ab6bTTYlWuEmj7ehldycqKd-cFSMIwIwZmzhH2ZRHtq8zOX6GVoITTLEuw12wO_1/s200/P1000762.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But the grand prize for true adventure goes to David. At the Blaukrans Gorge Bridge, David jumped off the highest bungey jump in the world. At 216 meters (over 700 feet high), the rebound rise and second fall after the bungey hits bottom is higher than even the second highest jump in the world. I tried to muster the courage to take the leap, but couldn’t do it. Take a look at these photos and decide whether you could…<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKgUUXXjX_bBfs-RUI3L33DMGA1VLpOyi7qkfgpXQTuc0piB78GvdWHLDZn5J7UuumjEqNY_n-gE7x-f9iNB-sjcdAW2j8AViWjXsBm8tka9jT9-zvgghELP7GPBpZSQwkAwMemlPaN7Z/s1600-h/P1000232.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296366185723977570" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKgUUXXjX_bBfs-RUI3L33DMGA1VLpOyi7qkfgpXQTuc0piB78GvdWHLDZn5J7UuumjEqNY_n-gE7x-f9iNB-sjcdAW2j8AViWjXsBm8tka9jT9-zvgghELP7GPBpZSQwkAwMemlPaN7Z/s200/P1000232.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsq3VeU5QZW3bPaD-Za7NpQeGdHBZvj8ID2S5KHSw39sKDVATHWXoPGNJ8UOISJhwznA85um8oHJ_F6586IAW1V_FYBJtySNuuTdU9b_L53yof8OzYd-6Rs_znfmB3UfK-k3H9kj3wOgQF/s1600-h/IMG_4706.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296363895917421410" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsq3VeU5QZW3bPaD-Za7NpQeGdHBZvj8ID2S5KHSw39sKDVATHWXoPGNJ8UOISJhwznA85um8oHJ_F6586IAW1V_FYBJtySNuuTdU9b_L53yof8OzYd-6Rs_znfmB3UfK-k3H9kj3wOgQF/s200/IMG_4706.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bYGFaoYXZDDNu9nHOGukZAvaD523ROWgsfzrZJ4ZWoqnPhn1XSFF3XTEC1SYy-p-3N0gUVlOor6fl5kK_2ox65-uvY1brsuHt2R_2OP0LIw2oBL0XDECnJt39nw7vi0JQW9ii6H-iWZj/s1600-h/IMG_4709.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296363904480128082" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bYGFaoYXZDDNu9nHOGukZAvaD523ROWgsfzrZJ4ZWoqnPhn1XSFF3XTEC1SYy-p-3N0gUVlOor6fl5kK_2ox65-uvY1brsuHt2R_2OP0LIw2oBL0XDECnJt39nw7vi0JQW9ii6H-iWZj/s200/IMG_4709.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1u-IK01jK1kdMZB7J6rznaR6XUuJ3S2fP3-Gu-Th-jBLTplN-SRkeB7OxbnpmLdoCRe-2uCZH2C2Dp_wyMooRrt9cASHuMLVOWbgvd8OcwIH66WELLqGLfX2kHkPZCL_8uVHazrNVcKf/s1600-h/IMG_4711.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296363911264425042" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1u-IK01jK1kdMZB7J6rznaR6XUuJ3S2fP3-Gu-Th-jBLTplN-SRkeB7OxbnpmLdoCRe-2uCZH2C2Dp_wyMooRrt9cASHuMLVOWbgvd8OcwIH66WELLqGLfX2kHkPZCL_8uVHazrNVcKf/s200/IMG_4711.jpg" border="0" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUi9XIB87BcUwvg4zbXPTuGHIIffrzRtcgK86zOsmMU6cmsolAk3I3LhCw33hsFogSZwSUnOgCBchskYRCDO2I8CYKe8RMdTO8aJynEe1eA2z3qTOY50yp3Ko3iqndLKNKrYAP4zSvvJL/s1600-h/IMG_4714.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296363915816021106" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUi9XIB87BcUwvg4zbXPTuGHIIffrzRtcgK86zOsmMU6cmsolAk3I3LhCw33hsFogSZwSUnOgCBchskYRCDO2I8CYKe8RMdTO8aJynEe1eA2z3qTOY50yp3Ko3iqndLKNKrYAP4zSvvJL/s200/IMG_4714.jpg" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296365358508745698" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmlJV3sUbx32t34wYhPHDS8T03WAeGya_OW-vcpVxdMHQK_12duJbNFPNRR5mMOhO8MGOvh25VkvB4lXs9Fs6-PN5h6ut7shb1prLd8lS5pVJmS-GRVDsoGy0I6R5KEjrZbUy7qsnqMS8/s200/IMG_4715.jpg" border="0" /><br />When he gets back, ask him to see the video!</div><div>- Steve</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055449771397601272.post-17421834602631547622008-12-14T20:40:00.001-08:002008-12-18T23:48:28.996-08:00New ZealandFlying out of Bangkok less than 24 hours before government opposition forces shut down the airport, we were glad to arrive in New Zealand for the last leg of our trip before Christmas.<br /><div><br /><div>New Zealand has two major islands, appropriately named the North Island and the South Island. Though about equal size, the North Island has 3 million inhabitants and the South Island only 1 million. And of course, the two regions have a friendly rivalry. (When we were about to take the ferry from the South Island to the North Island, one of the Southerners said "So you're leaving New Zealand, eh?")<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh975QFjJ9rSnCPcC0LYqGwxQgMo4OO5YH2MJeAIyRmWjMtIfgzMvdYfNFUrOwcm-BLkNFyG6jY2H1cTiN_WvMUUx4OQwZGsboBaZcc40nOiN4v0ddtdred0pQWNFLR87oL06Hm80h5uX81/s1600-h/P1080560.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280504256982914386" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh975QFjJ9rSnCPcC0LYqGwxQgMo4OO5YH2MJeAIyRmWjMtIfgzMvdYfNFUrOwcm-BLkNFyG6jY2H1cTiN_WvMUUx4OQwZGsboBaZcc40nOiN4v0ddtdred0pQWNFLR87oL06Hm80h5uX81/s200/P1080560.jpg" border="0" /></a>After four months of planes, trains, and taxis, we decided to try something different... 3 weeks in a camper van. Turns out that camper vans are something of a tradition in New Zealand as both Kiwis and tourists rent them in all shapes and sizes to see the spectacular outdoors of this beautiful country. On the South Island, we'd guess that at least 60% of the vehicles we saw (outside towns) were camper vans. We found a company that needed to get a 4-berth camper van (complete with stove, refrigerator, toilet, and shower) from Christchurch to Auckland so they gave us 50% off the going rate and threw in 3 mountain bikes. </p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2uxNYwaf7eyScgxo5jxiDzt9WJpPvuieyDcrJ1fDHXqits9xU_dyFYOnQf772iaPvE-YQ52qsW-TQr26UlffGmOs-j8_hkRSwxYp52w0jBa7-PBUeTR46K3RuZrSH6z6Tmz7klE_ZxuI/s1600-h/P1080569.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280506332584198066" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2uxNYwaf7eyScgxo5jxiDzt9WJpPvuieyDcrJ1fDHXqits9xU_dyFYOnQf772iaPvE-YQ52qsW-TQr26UlffGmOs-j8_hkRSwxYp52w0jBa7-PBUeTR46K3RuZrSH6z6Tmz7klE_ZxuI/s200/P1080569.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqkqoCBlu4u3SuMD-2cGRnlDZdSWuDM1WY5-i1DdRo-VXgkoot0HacFf64GcKSTdBg8n3s1yUMfgitJqS-Zwp0s9O23Nt-GaOVwt3oi_tzI3tdD6IiKcbA6AW98QgrWY8Iv28cKWvrdrP/s1600-h/P1080195.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280506328994377314" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqkqoCBlu4u3SuMD-2cGRnlDZdSWuDM1WY5-i1DdRo-VXgkoot0HacFf64GcKSTdBg8n3s1yUMfgitJqS-Zwp0s9O23Nt-GaOVwt3oi_tzI3tdD6IiKcbA6AW98QgrWY8Iv28cKWvrdrP/s200/P1080195.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xGqXkFctvD66jeeVvxnt-eTENTmkA58XCSxonQStJ8hGBaw-tD6kTLwvtG7fRzaPr_k4h6fKj1Gfjl8orSwxzbUlwc2SJ5PdFv7rDZQnK0snW9Vw2K6cqxPP_UtjoyVOukOViKNK9YnQ/s1600-h/P1080155.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280506327183138082" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xGqXkFctvD66jeeVvxnt-eTENTmkA58XCSxonQStJ8hGBaw-tD6kTLwvtG7fRzaPr_k4h6fKj1Gfjl8orSwxzbUlwc2SJ5PdFv7rDZQnK0snW9Vw2K6cqxPP_UtjoyVOukOViKNK9YnQ/s200/P1080155.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UbeLKUMJMUPL2n7B0rbi__cjecR1LYOC3qNjLxj8KrZvHqTG76mpdtyGwo62KmutUfye54fo5qFOyD-fthKkaNEd1x8EGj1mpGVJWIjQau7H4ArlA7HVu2s5mrykJrD1nj5QHZ1l25aG/s1600-h/P1080047.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280504271534668834" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UbeLKUMJMUPL2n7B0rbi__cjecR1LYOC3qNjLxj8KrZvHqTG76mpdtyGwo62KmutUfye54fo5qFOyD-fthKkaNEd1x8EGj1mpGVJWIjQau7H4ArlA7HVu2s5mrykJrD1nj5QHZ1l25aG/s200/P1080047.jpg" border="0" /></a>Starting in Christchurch, we traveled south around the coast to see the amazing views... lush green hills with sheep dotting the hilsides - 40 million of them - to keep the grass looking freshly mowed, deep blue skies, fluffy white clouds, and pristine coastlines made for postcard views around every corner.</p><p><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfjtF_P3pCT6WPH8XPXPyby0If8wtT_j9xIqcwNC6z7f6Ao3XRci08RefA21LaL6y9ofOmjYu2WhG9e3wlXMWw-pwTNV3zeFVOMxaeildhVzUTC0FQAf5vaG32moLvJq1S1jehnOwcdCx/s1600-h/P1080168.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280506325828430482" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfjtF_P3pCT6WPH8XPXPyby0If8wtT_j9xIqcwNC6z7f6Ao3XRci08RefA21LaL6y9ofOmjYu2WhG9e3wlXMWw-pwTNV3zeFVOMxaeildhVzUTC0FQAf5vaG32moLvJq1S1jehnOwcdCx/s200/P1080168.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SzQzsXfgQo45siTMCSgAAlPhy4ppdUnHNiEYTEy0hVvk2AzPAXfS7Jl7QAw9d_-guOwPG30DwCUatZ2G-y9qVYRI5MlvkiBLYfKmUy_qtkcCLo7IM0_ZqZd4AFJEHCNJE3QO2JLBRvbn/s1600-h/P1080887.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280508682752599810" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SzQzsXfgQo45siTMCSgAAlPhy4ppdUnHNiEYTEy0hVvk2AzPAXfS7Jl7QAw9d_-guOwPG30DwCUatZ2G-y9qVYRI5MlvkiBLYfKmUy_qtkcCLo7IM0_ZqZd4AFJEHCNJE3QO2JLBRvbn/s200/P1080887.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />At the bottom of the South Island, we stopped at a nature preserve to see some yellow-throated penguins...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSdd4tUwQHXL0E15fxYXGRXOntCY-Dk7BfbUM99HvsHiNkwbq_T5uxYvmffLqOhq633BsU1q1wCMrM2MjOflGqzfEsiuXzU0YVP6AAG9ZN8pIqzUZg5EfiucJeXl-Ev69lk6X7xA5WPuU/s1600-h/P1080189.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280505419819219346" style="width: 150px; height: 200px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSdd4tUwQHXL0E15fxYXGRXOntCY-Dk7BfbUM99HvsHiNkwbq_T5uxYvmffLqOhq633BsU1q1wCMrM2MjOflGqzfEsiuXzU0YVP6AAG9ZN8pIqzUZg5EfiucJeXl-Ev69lk6X7xA5WPuU/s200/P1080189.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><p>... and then stopped in Invercargill in honor of Burt Munro to see the motorcycle he used to set the under-1000cc world record, 183.6 mph, at Bonneville in 1967, a record that still stands today. Burt Munro was 68 and was riding a 47-year old machine when he set his last record. If you don't know Burt's story, watch "The World's Fastest Indian" with Anthony Hopkins.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wClYlCtETd-k9Sol9FPCy9te813MIZKlN99OkiTf5Yc0wIu0qkp_gqM1cFMCQR_d_7LbqFLAzuJ5DtCvt69WDKMmeUMks2IePYLdJltHI8VXnYZu2lb_Ilx9-jTxmeeJF4MhNtSojy0S/s1600-h/P1080333.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280505423001686306" style="width: 150px; height: 200px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wClYlCtETd-k9Sol9FPCy9te813MIZKlN99OkiTf5Yc0wIu0qkp_gqM1cFMCQR_d_7LbqFLAzuJ5DtCvt69WDKMmeUMks2IePYLdJltHI8VXnYZu2lb_Ilx9-jTxmeeJF4MhNtSojy0S/s200/P1080333.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p> </p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqobfXlMVeFZxwNp2t7d_ntcrkLql2CXMEuncjUrvqRgSGkTEzb0puRxg6q3ViczVKh-5Pjp9wzz7IJJhWDUImZGGctDpVoBdXWby1Y0hDJHhyphenhyphen2bclVbP2l20xkmx3JsXcY_-3O1SNwzD/s1600-h/P1080474.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280504263642986290" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqobfXlMVeFZxwNp2t7d_ntcrkLql2CXMEuncjUrvqRgSGkTEzb0puRxg6q3ViczVKh-5Pjp9wzz7IJJhWDUImZGGctDpVoBdXWby1Y0hDJHhyphenhyphen2bclVbP2l20xkmx3JsXcY_-3O1SNwzD/s200/P1080474.jpg" border="0" /></a>As we wound our way up the west coast, we spent a day at Milford Sound, a stunning fjord carved by glaciers, followed by a trip to Franz Josef Glacier.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_w1TOMwt9KOPrvkKbK3rQoHuWeQMMm9F-hYZn8rNfMLIYbnw5RLtIxUT-shxVkHx804a5XA8T_PL_pH22py-HdC_v60tofZLX1e3SUdYQGYDKpzRGlq2wy37MVkdT8E0OUQUwelfltLWX/s1600-h/P1080405.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280507676071095410" style="width: 150px; height: 200px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_w1TOMwt9KOPrvkKbK3rQoHuWeQMMm9F-hYZn8rNfMLIYbnw5RLtIxUT-shxVkHx804a5XA8T_PL_pH22py-HdC_v60tofZLX1e3SUdYQGYDKpzRGlq2wy37MVkdT8E0OUQUwelfltLWX/s200/P1080405.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqK1Y77BwGV2xpV-LyUnEoJKi6mCyDKQ7MqIxsyCQnq_h0gV5guQrW1mG7qHjON_kfd93dYPWuxo_RKcpADZiV6QRUu6A22LXaNLzuyFpKqKKLucxPjp7z-Sh-yfRyHP1QblnNs0xZVnm/s1600-h/P1080378.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280507666201424882" style="width: 150px; height: 200px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqK1Y77BwGV2xpV-LyUnEoJKi6mCyDKQ7MqIxsyCQnq_h0gV5guQrW1mG7qHjON_kfd93dYPWuxo_RKcpADZiV6QRUu6A22LXaNLzuyFpKqKKLucxPjp7z-Sh-yfRyHP1QblnNs0xZVnm/s200/P1080378.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWwWEBDNCr7UzXxTPKOMPXTEh9MTkf9xUNFwbdkpoMWaLZ-cCNof1anXc_HM3MyYJqfwLuma_Adl4QDLXHK6_iAZ1h7k99NbpT3GRHic-3qzYHetrUNbEPQMIAIE30ZOFffmYrqDX0Mbi/s1600-h/P1080366.jpg"> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280507653247311410" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWwWEBDNCr7UzXxTPKOMPXTEh9MTkf9xUNFwbdkpoMWaLZ-cCNof1anXc_HM3MyYJqfwLuma_Adl4QDLXHK6_iAZ1h7k99NbpT3GRHic-3qzYHetrUNbEPQMIAIE30ZOFffmYrqDX0Mbi/s200/P1080366.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><br />In Queenstown, we saw where bungy jumping was invented. At 134 meters (440 feet), they have the second highest bungy jump in the world (exceeded only by a 216 meter jump in Africa). Q: Of the three of us, guess who jumped? A: Lots of talk, no action. Only because it cost $120; it had nothing to do with free-falling 440 feet!<br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpN6L0KwJrlkutk63j7zmhnM0FnXNGldt3Wt0x26JZZ1yYkJ_DqihsuAbGMgnxcxrkxW9iqpSs8ogDjfGCeHte1iXq34Kdq7BlDvkng8Aeo5r7UtDulBdmSFYJKHG8SCfkWa5gEAMPxmTq/s1600-h/P1080649.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280505832761958546" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpN6L0KwJrlkutk63j7zmhnM0FnXNGldt3Wt0x26JZZ1yYkJ_DqihsuAbGMgnxcxrkxW9iqpSs8ogDjfGCeHte1iXq34Kdq7BlDvkng8Aeo5r7UtDulBdmSFYJKHG8SCfkWa5gEAMPxmTq/s200/P1080649.jpg" border="0" /></a>In the middle of the South Island, we stopped at Castle Hills, the place where the final battle scene for the first Narnia movie was filmed. The rocks rise like castle parapets from green meadows under azure blue skies. They have intriguing shapes and smooth rounded surfaces that make them inviting to climb. It's an -size rock playground.<br /></p><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXC7RdnaZBWIRZ4AFThbOXH5MXbpPzXSX79fy5clR9uhzBiury_RmS7ZTtqCZ6SF2Vg_nvkjBnKKD-5vDhvqAGV9154TvOnUJSY2vD_TUbssIievr39UkmhTO2jjhMtlMmpscsj076FFTW/s1600-h/P1080687.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280507687780424338" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXC7RdnaZBWIRZ4AFThbOXH5MXbpPzXSX79fy5clR9uhzBiury_RmS7ZTtqCZ6SF2Vg_nvkjBnKKD-5vDhvqAGV9154TvOnUJSY2vD_TUbssIievr39UkmhTO2jjhMtlMmpscsj076FFTW/s200/P1080687.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvNFPR1isnVUVcu-t7dG3ycrfz3z7BZ_KRxHG983sGbjnMqmPcrnXWWS6ndYjLXCJfPEDjqvLd8UtZ-zwYo0DWLrVARx9IquURGPrr6uqrYg7HW3aNCudJlG7QjA9ska3ufy1unLca7pJ/s1600-h/P1080766.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280506333942892050" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvNFPR1isnVUVcu-t7dG3ycrfz3z7BZ_KRxHG983sGbjnMqmPcrnXWWS6ndYjLXCJfPEDjqvLd8UtZ-zwYo0DWLrVARx9IquURGPrr6uqrYg7HW3aNCudJlG7QjA9ska3ufy1unLca7pJ/s200/P1080766.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSAFlQIx9bboplIm7-jxTt015Sm9gE_Px7Oao4cvdCGjW1zoXGf_FN1QRaEiPvwN4IATBKArwOtuXcvQQPHgwITkHbH8Ok0H971LBwFlEPqmcg6qU6NHSOoZo-FbBivyXX76zC9JREuqD/s1600-h/P1080743.jpg"> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280507691291779490" style="width: 150px; height: 200px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSAFlQIx9bboplIm7-jxTt015Sm9gE_Px7Oao4cvdCGjW1zoXGf_FN1QRaEiPvwN4IATBKArwOtuXcvQQPHgwITkHbH8Ok0H971LBwFlEPqmcg6qU6NHSOoZo-FbBivyXX76zC9JREuqD/s200/P1080743.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy856wRKPbykPRnJ_lFtObqSHb47mcFCa0UuX3gdhMJ4xvUIOLo1CrGf_hJ9mL15NY8NQ1IXhg-wywFjibEEgvCMMI75Q1Ii9Bkvufbc27vgHYjKgE60GHpwQOSEm5exClsFXVxibYQgOc/s1600-h/50459933.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280510757220937058" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 200px; height: 134px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy856wRKPbykPRnJ_lFtObqSHb47mcFCa0UuX3gdhMJ4xvUIOLo1CrGf_hJ9mL15NY8NQ1IXhg-wywFjibEEgvCMMI75Q1Ii9Bkvufbc27vgHYjKgE60GHpwQOSEm5exClsFXVxibYQgOc/s200/50459933.jpg" border="0" /></a>While heading up the East Coast, we stopped in Kaikoura to snorkel with seals. We spent an hour swimming side-by-side with New Zealand fur seals, often less than a foot away. With their whiskers and eyes that look like huge black marbles under water, they are very cute and inquisitive.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4IgUUlCF4-kW2f-z7bIzunSJ9WoaeUhntZVazbqC-_OGOVAlXVTOBBAhuzmbX93c6WhqpdR-KYg-DzEv77FtY7h4UQ7kmz5XQ9LhOd19Ru89cJR_91pWnFQ8KoVJMGHtry-hGE_yYVXT/s1600-h/P1080827.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280504280380174850" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4IgUUlCF4-kW2f-z7bIzunSJ9WoaeUhntZVazbqC-_OGOVAlXVTOBBAhuzmbX93c6WhqpdR-KYg-DzEv77FtY7h4UQ7kmz5XQ9LhOd19Ru89cJR_91pWnFQ8KoVJMGHtry-hGE_yYVXT/s200/P1080827.jpg" border="0" /></a>On our way up the East Coast, we spent a day touring wineries - on mountain bikes - in New Zealand's famous Marlborough District. Six wineries and wine-tasting sessions with a 1 to 3 mile bike ride between each one made for a scenic and fun day pedaling through the vineyards. If you ever go, save room for a gourmet meal at the Allan Scott winery.</p><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7pjVbgprMcsbadzzGoRsNjbZWp4BHVUwokurhF1Jd6LisRVYsoWfoYY3_5_0gKOURsqBOyOEEpm_Yea7JU-5H03ygj_BM1j_iA_FWuZMmKrel9BvUe3XNwUyJYYOrOzzztI71I6RH8Tb/s1600-h/P1080833.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280508669782049650" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7pjVbgprMcsbadzzGoRsNjbZWp4BHVUwokurhF1Jd6LisRVYsoWfoYY3_5_0gKOURsqBOyOEEpm_Yea7JU-5H03ygj_BM1j_iA_FWuZMmKrel9BvUe3XNwUyJYYOrOzzztI71I6RH8Tb/s200/P1080833.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFjB1dQZOOuCH4ePZ1wbRsiJD7DDN7VO0fRvXzNbvi1GRPzdgyvju5pTpf2HIGpSwYofvq4rtZephY2JcbdSZeApVTHyaHQmA-yIAtPSyOdXFMIdaypeY696s3l4Gbk4lMjvtnYtXoDfI/s1600-h/P1080848.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280508676189351186" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFjB1dQZOOuCH4ePZ1wbRsiJD7DDN7VO0fRvXzNbvi1GRPzdgyvju5pTpf2HIGpSwYofvq4rtZephY2JcbdSZeApVTHyaHQmA-yIAtPSyOdXFMIdaypeY696s3l4Gbk4lMjvtnYtXoDfI/s200/P1080848.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsJh8b3_G7nZ9ABpoRXtqkllnMe3yxkhGuujdgMiwKdZUvc-z2XyudTI1CzaQAEn26ovtRUqhY11EnqedCEUneILqNy7gtxt0GkillRSint8BS-J4Yhdq2RyqxZIlyZufi3IhBME1OEUc/s1600-h/P1080850.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280508679360103298" style="width: 150px; height: 200px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsJh8b3_G7nZ9ABpoRXtqkllnMe3yxkhGuujdgMiwKdZUvc-z2XyudTI1CzaQAEn26ovtRUqhY11EnqedCEUneILqNy7gtxt0GkillRSint8BS-J4Yhdq2RyqxZIlyZufi3IhBME1OEUc/s200/P1080850.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqZ4G0eki4_xxGoThmklPvdDVHXALEz4LiJO05j8Cnel4gZsRg4taH_yJvqsETcgBoNRffSq_VOMvIJArZfNLNsiG3687dhusZaqi8m8nRgN2vREvy_sNypPMkfX5hKfYF4bnmheO366B/s1600-h/P1080867.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280504267359350754" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 150px; height: 200px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqZ4G0eki4_xxGoThmklPvdDVHXALEz4LiJO05j8Cnel4gZsRg4taH_yJvqsETcgBoNRffSq_VOMvIJArZfNLNsiG3687dhusZaqi8m8nRgN2vREvy_sNypPMkfX5hKfYF4bnmheO366B/s200/P1080867.jpg" border="0" /></a>Just before we hit the top of the South Island, our camper van broke down. We limped into Nelson on a Saturday with no service stations open until Monday. We were fortunate to find Brent Pahl, an independent mechanic and beer connoisseur. For normal fees, plus a 12-pack of his favorite beer, Brent worked Saturday and Sunday to replace our wheel bearings so that the fingernails-on-blackboard screeching sound stopped.<br />Thanks for getting us on our way, Brent!<br /><br /><br /><br />After a 3-hour ferry ride, we arrived on the North Island. We passed through Wellington on the way to Wairoa to meet Captain Hayden Ricketts of the New Zealand Army. David met Hayden when they took the Scuba Diving Instructor course together in Australia, Hayden cooked us a fantastic meal, including fresh scallops he picked up on a dive the previous day. After a couple hours of diving stories and reminiscing about Australia, David said g'bye to his mate and we headed north to the Bay of Islands (stopping to ride some mountain biking trails and relax in one of New Zealand's many natural hot springs).<br /><br />With all the talk about diving, plus Steve's memories of his intro dive in Thailand, Steve decided to get his Open Water Scuba Diving certification. We stayed in Kerikeri for the 4 days while Steve took the course. Between classes, we had lots of other stuff to do. In one 24-hour period, we surfed, dived, and golfed. Result: exhaustion, but great memories. For Steve's final open water certification dive, the Dive Instructor let David (who is also a certified Dive Instructor) serve as Dive Master alongside him. Having David in the water for Steve's last few tests on "graduation day" made it ever more fun and meaningful. Hopefully we'll get to dive together several more times on the second half of our trip.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMpImm85rLYkPVeiDwRI0u52ZGoWnDhWWEvyN5Gn3dOg-AU6E83IwKSDZSzSAt3IQsgxDTV0egfJvg3OrzmgP9bwECgIbYsGxsHYzbPnxs9IO1ELrrO8tDyCwO1_IR3xSHEgVK3wyUrhM/s1600-h/P1080937.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMpImm85rLYkPVeiDwRI0u52ZGoWnDhWWEvyN5Gn3dOg-AU6E83IwKSDZSzSAt3IQsgxDTV0egfJvg3OrzmgP9bwECgIbYsGxsHYzbPnxs9IO1ELrrO8tDyCwO1_IR3xSHEgVK3wyUrhM/s200/P1080937.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281400010267574162" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPIa12GLgsviJHM4ewWgjlvf_2Blfv_1rxpdxAhsKVBDbWzg8g_EynvivTCG7JTMurVw9-0w6HsJu87Mv2jMKT8t4EottPp0gtMTy2Dz4mGIUdhNtFxuTTbvDsfyHWQrCTcUchyoo10C4/s1600-h/P1080995.jpg"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPIa12GLgsviJHM4ewWgjlvf_2Blfv_1rxpdxAhsKVBDbWzg8g_EynvivTCG7JTMurVw9-0w6HsJu87Mv2jMKT8t4EottPp0gtMTy2Dz4mGIUdhNtFxuTTbvDsfyHWQrCTcUchyoo10C4/s200/P1080995.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281400009092587474" border="0" /> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAhsOqJXBKtrYJyd7L6_-oe_d0HU8X2xR_79_FAnqfjh4bFx2IbRu17o-GtrFzd1FogKAEqEKzGD5McuZLyLR5VsfJTNxXe323TW4NEosPIuAoGbx-QvmABDXf1vE0XdMZdkz0yOvauN3/s1600-h/P1090018.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAhsOqJXBKtrYJyd7L6_-oe_d0HU8X2xR_79_FAnqfjh4bFx2IbRu17o-GtrFzd1FogKAEqEKzGD5McuZLyLR5VsfJTNxXe323TW4NEosPIuAoGbx-QvmABDXf1vE0XdMZdkz0yOvauN3/s200/P1090018.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281400014847811186" border="0" /></a><br /><br />~~~~~<br /><p>As we prepare to head back to the U.S. for Christmas, we're grateful for all the ways God blessed and protected us in the last 5 months. We're thankful for our families and friends and look forward to celebrating Jesus' birth over Christmas. We have countless memories of the people we've met, the places we've seen, and the experiences we've shared together. As we reflect on our trip, we're inspired once again by the stories of the people we met... those who have little but who are striving with all they have to make a better life... and those who are giving their lives to help others who are poor, orphaned, or oppressed. We pray for God's blessing on all of them and ask for His help to show us what our role is in helping to meet the needs of others in this world that now seems smaller, more personal, and more connected than ever before.</p>We hope that you and your familes have a wonderful Christmas and that you treasure all the blessings that God has given you.<br /><br />Best wishes,<br />Steve, Joe, and David</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055449771397601272.post-75850940245347241292008-12-03T18:53:00.000-08:002008-12-05T15:32:13.422-08:00Chiang Kham, Thailand<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglT9D5YQ2Y5bNHp_Hde3xQoG7zWPUCkzpyRmyWRxLcPkbRYewt6L24zoXLullkZX_vNwVSNj4nROXE0fzObhf0mBl_2wMpiCzwED7qu2AWpOJQmR5IxSlyOprXitl0S1RNPJfPOyeRpv6s/s1600-h/P1070432.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275772137382756946" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglT9D5YQ2Y5bNHp_Hde3xQoG7zWPUCkzpyRmyWRxLcPkbRYewt6L24zoXLullkZX_vNwVSNj4nROXE0fzObhf0mBl_2wMpiCzwED7qu2AWpOJQmR5IxSlyOprXitl0S1RNPJfPOyeRpv6s/s200/P1070432.jpg" border="0" /></a>This is Sayan and Siriporn Kusavadee. They moved to Chiang Kham, Thailand in 1989 because they felt that God had told them that He had work for them to do there (even in several dreams), but they didn't know what it was. Sayan took a pastor position at a small church paying $48 a month. Opposite their house and church, Siriporn would notice men walking down the street with younger girls, often returning without them. When Siriporn asked around, she was stunned to learn that their street was where people would go to find prositutes. She and Sayan also learned that girls were being sold into prostitution. Many were"prepared" in Chiang Kham and then sent to other parts of Thailand or other countries to be prostitutes. The girls were often taken against their will through coercion. Or poverty-stricken families would sell teenage daughters into the sex industry out of desperation so that they could afford to support their other children. Sayan and Siriporn's hearts broke as they learned the tragic details.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9gTVq0Wlo0RHOmoS9F5UReDi8Jes9VnZZpC7fV0J8ZtOOTq3ltZhp8tezNrHyBe3s3bHpi_AaT42udQxRHpk0TnCgTcEjmxg4GnhwToY4_hy4qNlyByvwyFLLsmsXIHoei_koTxD4co/s1600-h/P1070279.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275765697162302690" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9gTVq0Wlo0RHOmoS9F5UReDi8Jes9VnZZpC7fV0J8ZtOOTq3ltZhp8tezNrHyBe3s3bHpi_AaT42udQxRHpk0TnCgTcEjmxg4GnhwToY4_hy4qNlyByvwyFLLsmsXIHoei_koTxD4co/s200/P1070279.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Wanting to do something, they decided to take a few girls into their home who they knew were at risk of ending up on the streets. They started by taking 5 girls into their family from local hill tribes whose families could not support them. They took them into their home and cared for them. Today, their "Home of Blessing" Ministry cares for 120 girls, ages 8-18, and has cared for over 500 girls in the last 19 years.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaflcnk39Sic6jWbkrvgoSh8dIX_H0KGTky4hJoUB_gt8N-bm3bBBI5UPU2wLoOl-_ptHSarUCePiwsdGrtxgz_Ea5yQ62GgrczCvljX3XziK8FKNiJoIHMr6gQtuSoog0SKnw1jH3gPaf/s1600-h/P1060912.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275766475340947714" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaflcnk39Sic6jWbkrvgoSh8dIX_H0KGTky4hJoUB_gt8N-bm3bBBI5UPU2wLoOl-_ptHSarUCePiwsdGrtxgz_Ea5yQ62GgrczCvljX3XziK8FKNiJoIHMr6gQtuSoog0SKnw1jH3gPaf/s200/P1060912.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The girls usually come to Home of Blessing just after they complete 6th grade, because that's when free government schooling ends for girls in Thailand. That's when they are most at risk of being sold into prosititution. Sayan and Siriporn work with the chiefs of local hill tribes to find out which girls are most at risk so they can take them in before it's too late.<br /><br />All the girls we met were amazing. They radiate joy and the feeling of a tight-knit family that is inspiring. They rise at 5:00 am to pray and worship each weekday before school. We would wake up to their singing and it was like hearing a chorus of angels at the beginning of each day. And when they pray together, they really pray together... with every girl parying their own prayers out loud at the same time. They prayed for each other, for their families and villages, for food and a plentiful rice harvest, and for us!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMnFBnvPjkpuXh35ulX1iJHlXXxEe4j9qakfFY0yY80gaR3J9_IJ0uMBO3SQm1GVKk53PZWAqfHKSP57aGfaKWe58dghzRoLbil7aWknqHmwhf0zaYqQy25LtZn09f8oL9dnWDxpm2Oo/s1600-h/P1070434.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275765475603370658" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMnFBnvPjkpuXh35ulX1iJHlXXxEe4j9qakfFY0yY80gaR3J9_IJ0uMBO3SQm1GVKk53PZWAqfHKSP57aGfaKWe58dghzRoLbil7aWknqHmwhf0zaYqQy25LtZn09f8oL9dnWDxpm2Oo/s200/P1070434.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3aO3-BqiEAGKwx9sanEhIrSusDSD-J53Nw68T84ZE3Qcke2c9xVlVfVf40vTCfcReD1DrDFz6xkAlkqfwWo-8L-W-GDP6tIG2YyEgFlfladTqXEA1tfCJ01rZNaMGl-W7NOMoJM-crI/s1600-h/P1070369.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275765688621750818" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3aO3-BqiEAGKwx9sanEhIrSusDSD-J53Nw68T84ZE3Qcke2c9xVlVfVf40vTCfcReD1DrDFz6xkAlkqfwWo-8L-W-GDP6tIG2YyEgFlfladTqXEA1tfCJ01rZNaMGl-W7NOMoJM-crI/s200/P1070369.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMit3ly-VTypQwtwuQoAHieLVK3eS9EYsyDopYYs39dIlQWOCGSa_2BJ2gy2-GQiaynwmNsPUZgQWhyphenhyphenUXCgeXHLKKLskO_XNcGGRyBrwxN-QaX8EcHSphA_6AZ08IYrbVBTpObiTdHls/s1600-h/P1070402.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275765686460566962" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMit3ly-VTypQwtwuQoAHieLVK3eS9EYsyDopYYs39dIlQWOCGSa_2BJ2gy2-GQiaynwmNsPUZgQWhyphenhyphenUXCgeXHLKKLskO_XNcGGRyBrwxN-QaX8EcHSphA_6AZ08IYrbVBTpObiTdHls/s200/P1070402.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />When they all pray out loud together, you can sense their faith that God will answer their prayers. Our prayers seemed feeble in comparison. And they tell story after story of how God has provided for them. Like the time a German who had visited 3 years earlier contacted them to tell them that Home of Blessing had been on his heart and that he raised enough money so they could build a new dormitory for the girls.<br /><br />In the week we were there, we got to know several of the girls, especially since many of them spoke some English. We taught English, played sports with them (they are fearsome soccer, volleyball, and ping pong competitors!), and tried to show them that we cared about them. All the girls we met had a deep faith in God and were constantly trying to put their beliefs into action. Like one of the discussion groups we saw... after reading about forgiveness, they were asked to forgive those who had wronged them. We saw many of the girls sobbing and, at first, thought we were just seeing an emotional group of girls. Then we remembered just how much they were being asked to forgive, especially if their parents were considering selling them into prostitution.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrnJESYoGA2zVtUCrEg2JHxGbTGUd6crc98sxAt8B5TMsfZ0jhI7ruKGOYtMgxT2iAvIZ-reIA1avQr1Rcxa_in6Vwe1GnVZULNrjeF5A3LfIES7L6Gqz71y3xF4_jb76Pnn0mJQdKW7L/s1600-h/P1060916.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275766395159481618" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrnJESYoGA2zVtUCrEg2JHxGbTGUd6crc98sxAt8B5TMsfZ0jhI7ruKGOYtMgxT2iAvIZ-reIA1avQr1Rcxa_in6Vwe1GnVZULNrjeF5A3LfIES7L6Gqz71y3xF4_jb76Pnn0mJQdKW7L/s200/P1060916.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxOrIefmeK2j-aziwd5RX-7zl1meqAoY_p6lAur57z_WliNIK5JPnsTLSTkbzorFyun8jEn6Qd2Qoi_UH8fVxN0xNKomLXes7HxUdcchov82efjmS16Op-edbDRCjLAzV5EPccLrS0YM/s1600-h/P1070266.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275765987306036834" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxOrIefmeK2j-aziwd5RX-7zl1meqAoY_p6lAur57z_WliNIK5JPnsTLSTkbzorFyun8jEn6Qd2Qoi_UH8fVxN0xNKomLXes7HxUdcchov82efjmS16Op-edbDRCjLAzV5EPccLrS0YM/s200/P1070266.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83HblHNbj-4JAfjipb58rrzXBofxCutImrzjbIJn7cAT9wXXTkk-6Cn7uIBperdkomklLxdxHKpSqO5GxfwhoARsMiUZUCbxYfPR4QFbLjf95vsTYhRaqc4u2LeYSVPeNhzciHWIROF4/s1600-h/P1070450.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275765467090680498" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83HblHNbj-4JAfjipb58rrzXBofxCutImrzjbIJn7cAT9wXXTkk-6Cn7uIBperdkomklLxdxHKpSqO5GxfwhoARsMiUZUCbxYfPR4QFbLjf95vsTYhRaqc4u2LeYSVPeNhzciHWIROF4/s200/P1070450.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMK33FhR1Vww5e0fqvLFeCurhNPEqYUYZHK8ehnm6566Saq_uCQfD_-QW1F6hOmE0VlFIXCF_TzkwT9UoX-7ju44ic0tA5y41KEdIq6pLlHZGinO2sut-x3AoTEZawicUe9GZ9hrlQKmRX/s1600-h/P1070462.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275772136175443490" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; float: left; width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMK33FhR1Vww5e0fqvLFeCurhNPEqYUYZHK8ehnm6566Saq_uCQfD_-QW1F6hOmE0VlFIXCF_TzkwT9UoX-7ju44ic0tA5y41KEdIq6pLlHZGinO2sut-x3AoTEZawicUe9GZ9hrlQKmRX/s200/P1070462.jpg" border="0" /></a>We also got to meet Jeff and Eleanor, a newly married couple from the U.S. who decided to spend the first two years of their marriage doing mission work. They are investing their lives to teach English and love the girls at Home of Blessing. Like Sayan and Siriporn, they were completely welcoming to us and even let us help them teach their English classes. Their dedication to serve the girls for at least 2 years was inspiring to us.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtUmt38hNYc-d6EjEfQ6T9V_vtxoOKmm7uZUsmKDP0sPBWO-Q-klLJvTgkrkLRO-UiejVPVX4xeIQTTIQb4RX0ErPrsZQ1XJdrYwQYuxYapvS2Kn4rtH2sk_Cg_Cc31re3LWZbl8foiTP/s1600-h/P1070125.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275766376652488498" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtUmt38hNYc-d6EjEfQ6T9V_vtxoOKmm7uZUsmKDP0sPBWO-Q-klLJvTgkrkLRO-UiejVPVX4xeIQTTIQb4RX0ErPrsZQ1XJdrYwQYuxYapvS2Kn4rtH2sk_Cg_Cc31re3LWZbl8foiTP/s200/P1070125.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-V6gJ7vNQy3gtc_2bSIbo65ezaEtzVPuO16KYmDjqN6nVrFzoOt5dd9NlC2g_aXHNICKDDqEgUM6h91pLemIQlFQECDgkcxkDLJtMi35fizV7b1SPJsD6Z9SM-98rPykGgGxoet8ov4O/s1600-h/P1060931.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275766395570093282" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-V6gJ7vNQy3gtc_2bSIbo65ezaEtzVPuO16KYmDjqN6nVrFzoOt5dd9NlC2g_aXHNICKDDqEgUM6h91pLemIQlFQECDgkcxkDLJtMi35fizV7b1SPJsD6Z9SM-98rPykGgGxoet8ov4O/s200/P1060931.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKpCNbrbvbUEJoIt1AiKpNow8nhOKLK8lUcv68O0SiClU687oZ-hCxEeN7Sv32I9DyTAhxalpOKuhXz-OniM_J6-OjcihXEqGRt_IB0PULYPKIHH72T7kLe0JZ3VFg8r5MAGkvuORkPUT/s1600-h/P1070107.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275766384353299874" style="width: 150px; height: 200px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKpCNbrbvbUEJoIt1AiKpNow8nhOKLK8lUcv68O0SiClU687oZ-hCxEeN7Sv32I9DyTAhxalpOKuhXz-OniM_J6-OjcihXEqGRt_IB0PULYPKIHH72T7kLe0JZ3VFg8r5MAGkvuORkPUT/s200/P1070107.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />One of the highlights was getting to help harvest the rice. We were there for the one time of the year when they cut, bundle, gather, and thresh rice from their own fields (which provides 6 months supply for the girls). Everyone was very patient with us as we learned how to bundle, tie, and gather rice sheaves. And while it was fun for us to harvest for a couple days (at about half their efficiency), it would be back-breaking work to grow and harvest rice year-round.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSofupbwenZNZjfixI71-Niv_Foir2X6fNzK23_SnBxYYKGQv7P1AQOHm0bSwozQ0gZNfRlxunuIE3-tiZQTSpnTHT4q_1BdcbGrZfy5MkstVuRShoJ9JoXNBXTJtRJRtW519V7KSm5lh/s1600-h/P1070159.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275766007622814322" style="width: 150px; height: 200px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSofupbwenZNZjfixI71-Niv_Foir2X6fNzK23_SnBxYYKGQv7P1AQOHm0bSwozQ0gZNfRlxunuIE3-tiZQTSpnTHT4q_1BdcbGrZfy5MkstVuRShoJ9JoXNBXTJtRJRtW519V7KSm5lh/s200/P1070159.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCUUGw0tUsiCR5_8uLv-p2UK_syvSVoTTB-dP6-EtLM4umAmXuYSEZQfOuepi1y0kaG-9fxfQzJGu1UbfCyUiCt4lTTAsOL6si_MfmwgYODBcIAe0Hez3a_8r5FjUDAFKMgGK9gEHN7A/s1600-h/P1070206.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275765999380698002" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCUUGw0tUsiCR5_8uLv-p2UK_syvSVoTTB-dP6-EtLM4umAmXuYSEZQfOuepi1y0kaG-9fxfQzJGu1UbfCyUiCt4lTTAsOL6si_MfmwgYODBcIAe0Hez3a_8r5FjUDAFKMgGK9gEHN7A/s200/P1070206.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyEP0L8yFIOyFwQDrZ-8sC5CoZ5haIhvZ2IxNOcxouS_CNiVtLb8KGglCMDjXF04bt6H86LPDBNN_pIsa_IoQiR_6560eKXXF7ij0i8216lVlVybYZKexxuE8eYXPf_eJg89aTecvFX646/s1600-h/P1070254.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275765998021154834" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyEP0L8yFIOyFwQDrZ-8sC5CoZ5haIhvZ2IxNOcxouS_CNiVtLb8KGglCMDjXF04bt6H86LPDBNN_pIsa_IoQiR_6560eKXXF7ij0i8216lVlVybYZKexxuE8eYXPf_eJg89aTecvFX646/s200/P1070254.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />At the end of the week, we were sad to leave our new friends. Sayan, Siriporn, Jeff, Eleanor, and all the girls had been such gracious hosts (including the most delicious Thai food we've ever had from Siriporn's kitchen!). When they all prayed for us on Sunday before we left, it was like being surrounded by angelic voices who were aksing God to take care of us. We will never forget it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEaDaYaVMZwVjzFM2mI1SNDR9EiUeSYmMK0EfNqFPig7exDjKKzpbIsOm3iuUDO7KyFusBfQphjLZInZpu0C0hdr0G-OaWto7ZkAbCOj_evWGkcyPEE8AESxEqWrtWK3I3y3Q6Th0ps8/s1600-h/P1070295.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275765699438414210" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEaDaYaVMZwVjzFM2mI1SNDR9EiUeSYmMK0EfNqFPig7exDjKKzpbIsOm3iuUDO7KyFusBfQphjLZInZpu0C0hdr0G-OaWto7ZkAbCOj_evWGkcyPEE8AESxEqWrtWK3I3y3Q6Th0ps8/s200/P1070295.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />If you would like to support Home of Blessing, you can send tax-deductible donations to:<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><div>International Prayer Ministries, Inc.<br />615 Knollwood Circle SE<br />Conyers, GA 30094-4422<br />For: Home of Blessing in Chiang Kham, Thailand (Sayan Kusavadee)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3aQu8OpJNkqEKYvwz0VPU5k2QkRsHNI8lVGNoPYduUDaqE4IbMTJrERNjOLvhgnbr1c7u5JkJE4F7DOQ2TTNsqZcwHRMNi8Qt9G8F7I_1uiTjuX_O_rel0LfbCoElvK4Gx96XVCuMF2r5/s1600-h/P1070256.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275765997175000034" style="width: 150px; height: 200px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3aQu8OpJNkqEKYvwz0VPU5k2QkRsHNI8lVGNoPYduUDaqE4IbMTJrERNjOLvhgnbr1c7u5JkJE4F7DOQ2TTNsqZcwHRMNi8Qt9G8F7I_1uiTjuX_O_rel0LfbCoElvK4Gx96XVCuMF2r5/s200/P1070256.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfdaGocBsfU-5_xEB1PKURo5se33f4Hf8t_pyDgB3LkhZ_uwE0UB1hk-Skl5bs7j0okX6KrT81WEgrqC2qcgxb5WMtyjXvhjL6JmNWc3ypC6qy6sZ152YfJTHEBThyphenhyphenPRGp8eY8vhiG7Y/s1600-h/P1070277.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275765705080371426" style="width: 150px; height: 200px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfdaGocBsfU-5_xEB1PKURo5se33f4Hf8t_pyDgB3LkhZ_uwE0UB1hk-Skl5bs7j0okX6KrT81WEgrqC2qcgxb5WMtyjXvhjL6JmNWc3ypC6qy6sZ152YfJTHEBThyphenhyphenPRGp8eY8vhiG7Y/s200/P1070277.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTWPvS1ovsIHLHiTb1OEQ_qiiWkL_WSE6D6DYDONRkhatGW4ZctXGp7-R1Lukg3m3qocN5J6PYacPZlkl3qTSMmZjpwT_kgmvUmTj9pH81Swjd__GMGWSsv2_HmCoqSWB9lt0wnJ8z9I/s1600-h/P1070443.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275765465702819746" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTWPvS1ovsIHLHiTb1OEQ_qiiWkL_WSE6D6DYDONRkhatGW4ZctXGp7-R1Lukg3m3qocN5J6PYacPZlkl3qTSMmZjpwT_kgmvUmTj9pH81Swjd__GMGWSsv2_HmCoqSWB9lt0wnJ8z9I/s200/P1070443.jpg" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><div><strong>One additional note to our Thailand story:</strong></div><div>We flew from Bangkok to New Zealand on November 24. One day later, on November 25th, government opposition forces took over the Bangkok International Airport and shut it down, stranding over 100,000 travelers. As of December 4, the airport is still shut down and Thailand is in a state of political turmoil. The Constitutional Court has dissolved the government due to electoral fraud and banished the prime minister from politics for 5 years. Wow! We think the girls at Home of Blessing have a special place in God's heart because we know firsthand that their prayers of protection for us worked!</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>- Steve</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055449771397601272.post-75930001464760068182008-12-03T18:31:00.000-08:002008-12-05T15:56:26.784-08:00Bangkok and Phuket, ThailandAft taking a taxi for 3.5 hours from Siem Reap, Cambodia to the Thailand border (that's right, a taxi... $35 for the whole trip), we took a van to Bangkok. Then we had to take David to the hospital.<br /><br />Don't worry, there's nothing seriously wrong with David (well... some would dispute that). He's been having problems sleeping for most of the trip. I suggested that he get an overnight sleep study at Stanford Hospital since they have a sleep disorders clinic that helped me sleep a lot better.<br /><br />Then I remembered an article I read about Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok. Bumrungrad, one of the best hospitals in the world, attracts people from across the globe to its excellent physicians and facilities plus extremely low costs - up to 90% off U.S. hospital rates. Some of the largest corporations and insurers in the U.S. are now putting Bumrungrad on their list of approved hospitals because the quality of care is so high and the costs so low. Many people cover the airfare costs many times over by flying to Bangkok for major surgery. (If you want to learn more about Bumrungrad, read the excellent article from Fast Company magazine at <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/125/medical-leave.html">http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/125/medical-leave.html</a>.)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_B2Vot7czqLpd9RRzVcz3Epv-D8T0GXfJ8dEvuGn02EF1d2Jyj2hCwBtL6o_oK-JajcxeKHeqyrV1fh1QPo5tmAu07lGghFNWygKHDY8a-T4HdAwdpUJaRs4Ne0tbnyq3tAhqNc6peQ/s1600-h/P1060142.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275761822045990226" style="width: 150px; height: 200px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_B2Vot7czqLpd9RRzVcz3Epv-D8T0GXfJ8dEvuGn02EF1d2Jyj2hCwBtL6o_oK-JajcxeKHeqyrV1fh1QPo5tmAu07lGghFNWygKHDY8a-T4HdAwdpUJaRs4Ne0tbnyq3tAhqNc6peQ/s200/P1060142.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0T8ZFIwnbUiEyG5eFRI3BTb2kGdyXs3U9L81xcMuk_nHOIHJuDQesckF8vAnrqTxjs384INydwCvu2QFjw7tBVHSYr5TKZvm7ps_G-Bs601XoEr8xAJBTfL2XjLc3eZSsPjsLWRkLy0/s1600-h/P1060131.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275761812378472114" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0T8ZFIwnbUiEyG5eFRI3BTb2kGdyXs3U9L81xcMuk_nHOIHJuDQesckF8vAnrqTxjs384INydwCvu2QFjw7tBVHSYr5TKZvm7ps_G-Bs601XoEr8xAJBTfL2XjLc3eZSsPjsLWRkLy0/s200/P1060131.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-A2VpFgsQ0JORd2lv70Yja9UgCn70FuUfqv98LHBVldst-yOu0lWMpZfg0DiqPmdFjxZolC1fgcOOKlkv8QjW7zSy4bxh1o2PTKuZXvb9iSlKFiE8myAGea7Ljt4Rb9lombGLQpwToKs/s1600-h/P1060888.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275761114823253410" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-A2VpFgsQ0JORd2lv70Yja9UgCn70FuUfqv98LHBVldst-yOu0lWMpZfg0DiqPmdFjxZolC1fgcOOKlkv8QjW7zSy4bxh1o2PTKuZXvb9iSlKFiE8myAGea7Ljt4Rb9lombGLQpwToKs/s200/P1060888.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />When we arrived at the main lobby of Bumrungrad International Hospital, we were stunned. It's more like a 5-star hotel than a hospital, complete with full Starbucks on multiple floors. With some patients who were clearly Western, some who wore the flowing robes and veils of the Middle East, and some who were obviously Asian, it's clear that Bumrungrad attracts a global clientele.<br /><br />After a couple weeks, it seems that David's sleep is improving with help from a prescribed nasal spray to help him breather easier, so we're hopeful that this problem will soon be solved.<br /><br />~~~~~<br /><br />While we were in Thailand, we knew we had to visit some of the world-famous beaches near Phuket. We went island-hopping on a long-tail boat:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJX60lBdMcTsJXDbcT9EkhVN1hZJbOq75HqNGgb9mC5n9WLxzejBqseSw_IoFtE9TzfKtMIjIuy6g8efgSzg7jtwexDwoR3vGBUWRVjHjXfqqWxGT_FW8XsCk_CHpmWJs5MUu0UywjkLg/s1600-h/P1060428.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275761385166744306" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJX60lBdMcTsJXDbcT9EkhVN1hZJbOq75HqNGgb9mC5n9WLxzejBqseSw_IoFtE9TzfKtMIjIuy6g8efgSzg7jtwexDwoR3vGBUWRVjHjXfqqWxGT_FW8XsCk_CHpmWJs5MUu0UywjkLg/s200/P1060428.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXukrNLPcYztnYkgvkZvBtV2gaBzIDvrG0AgHZWKzdbbKqmTSQWVzbwnNWkq64quMR1Ej5-ZajLsBLCcaJYZ6Ep32qIei6N1gyQUxXA4GQKAy46b9qKMaEIi_BOIGL1rWs4X0xyfwSaOCq/s1600-h/P1060842.jpg"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXukrNLPcYztnYkgvkZvBtV2gaBzIDvrG0AgHZWKzdbbKqmTSQWVzbwnNWkq64quMR1Ej5-ZajLsBLCcaJYZ6Ep32qIei6N1gyQUxXA4GQKAy46b9qKMaEIi_BOIGL1rWs4X0xyfwSaOCq/s200/P1060842.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276445584078933874" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLSpEWkZ5XtfU0BoaznfL5x4rchyphenhyphen7ML4ppobCcVefdjMeRvKvt8NICJyum913HaqYQV0sDIJyLVW-MP6tUBjQAxEd9gPdtnstKRhsESqx9mhvYa859KrVkvFRtrVxXsaha85kFUTUySus/s1600-h/P1060447.jpg"> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1Dd2uJntmdUPo58bWkh8nvn6Upg6Bi6vQ83IP8hMm4G4peJNLnaKHM3I7oMQehURsjoUFcisOm3mvw_tzftuJkY-Vy7cbpo8ls24X180laELZe5dZ9WbgwRVZ1V6zUgllsw7ZRxOf88S/s1600-h/P1060409.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1Dd2uJntmdUPo58bWkh8nvn6Upg6Bi6vQ83IP8hMm4G4peJNLnaKHM3I7oMQehURsjoUFcisOm3mvw_tzftuJkY-Vy7cbpo8ls24X180laELZe5dZ9WbgwRVZ1V6zUgllsw7ZRxOf88S/s200/P1060409.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276445378571672114" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfdTrWIwRWVQWuiDK9t31jJjtQF2DvNNLyKMmKTsb50KDBcYgG6vsWfKQ-nHWtgCjdLnkHRWJZ3Y8aDMXkOaq-wfSZ5Bo3EYIoyxGk6i1NKuS7PL_EkCNZSuBL11WEWLzkBbVV-fkJSU/s1600-h/P1060164.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275761826698824370" style="width: 150px; height: 200px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfdTrWIwRWVQWuiDK9t31jJjtQF2DvNNLyKMmKTsb50KDBcYgG6vsWfKQ-nHWtgCjdLnkHRWJZ3Y8aDMXkOaq-wfSZ5Bo3EYIoyxGk6i1NKuS7PL_EkCNZSuBL11WEWLzkBbVV-fkJSU/s200/P1060164.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1Dd2uJntmdUPo58bWkh8nvn6Upg6Bi6vQ83IP8hMm4G4peJNLnaKHM3I7oMQehURsjoUFcisOm3mvw_tzftuJkY-Vy7cbpo8ls24X180laELZe5dZ9WbgwRVZ1V6zUgllsw7ZRxOf88S/s1600-h/P1060409.jpg"> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYpkzvwc4C99Gql0bKlmy5l2DiY3ol1hBsLGksDCa_xVc5K4kkvqX1a3GxZV08jAEzS_JDtERYVZ7SXVJsQhyphenhyphenXOmp0cg9vKMSKgwYo4DeYOjBMS6yB9P38MuwA1MeM9siiRx8MrR_9QWq/s1600-h/P1060531.jpg"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYpkzvwc4C99Gql0bKlmy5l2DiY3ol1hBsLGksDCa_xVc5K4kkvqX1a3GxZV08jAEzS_JDtERYVZ7SXVJsQhyphenhyphenXOmp0cg9vKMSKgwYo4DeYOjBMS6yB9P38MuwA1MeM9siiRx8MrR_9QWq/s200/P1060531.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276445578733147410" border="0" /></a><br /><br />While snorkeling and scuba diving (Steve's first time!) in the beautiful blue-green waters, we saw over 50 varieties of exotic fish, beautiful coral formations, and two kinds of sharks. It was awesome.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aH36CqZ8xyhTMD8OftKR4DAIMd8FwVkHTxTI4M3n9bjULjj6qqUMbcE811j0Q5Axt31zQA20LmNjRxdhzo-QsZ3a1zQ9ZY9_OMJ9rGPCDnnjFbFNW8OZvR0TqrcbnbFwpeRpIgM3CMg/s1600-h/P1060410.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275761379258486834" style="width: 150px; height: 200px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aH36CqZ8xyhTMD8OftKR4DAIMd8FwVkHTxTI4M3n9bjULjj6qqUMbcE811j0Q5Axt31zQA20LmNjRxdhzo-QsZ3a1zQ9ZY9_OMJ9rGPCDnnjFbFNW8OZvR0TqrcbnbFwpeRpIgM3CMg/s200/P1060410.jpg" border="0" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4Nl87M7XOtirSIpEh-_sLUiZ9kV4zYU-S13XyT8XiXuhUmRrMa6HvwZ1_a47oynbAcoisGGoYNnDIyG7TuFIIZx7nxe11aLJVKzVVblR0NJ7qSIB9Nh5xRMMjWkz91QJxLaCylhN__c/s1600-h/P1060422.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275761382134123762" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4Nl87M7XOtirSIpEh-_sLUiZ9kV4zYU-S13XyT8XiXuhUmRrMa6HvwZ1_a47oynbAcoisGGoYNnDIyG7TuFIIZx7nxe11aLJVKzVVblR0NJ7qSIB9Nh5xRMMjWkz91QJxLaCylhN__c/s200/P1060422.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYpkzvwc4C99Gql0bKlmy5l2DiY3ol1hBsLGksDCa_xVc5K4kkvqX1a3GxZV08jAEzS_JDtERYVZ7SXVJsQhyphenhyphenXOmp0cg9vKMSKgwYo4DeYOjBMS6yB9P38MuwA1MeM9siiRx8MrR_9QWq/s1600-h/P1060531.jpg"> </a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOG-nXGW4fjeJqFQVxtO9U-o9XIt7xyCZkltlfuKqtsysdntPtZi45L4e5F2mgoheoWR1vIRFOXsiuRO4Gyeci05gqaRuSOWeuZwWHXJX9_kiFkLTZZ8fJxSjFJCylHuLcW7YPxUqYBc/s1600-h/P1060312.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275761827907767362" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOG-nXGW4fjeJqFQVxtO9U-o9XIt7xyCZkltlfuKqtsysdntPtZi45L4e5F2mgoheoWR1vIRFOXsiuRO4Gyeci05gqaRuSOWeuZwWHXJX9_kiFkLTZZ8fJxSjFJCylHuLcW7YPxUqYBc/s200/P1060312.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4Nl87M7XOtirSIpEh-_sLUiZ9kV4zYU-S13XyT8XiXuhUmRrMa6HvwZ1_a47oynbAcoisGGoYNnDIyG7TuFIIZx7nxe11aLJVKzVVblR0NJ7qSIB9Nh5xRMMjWkz91QJxLaCylhN__c/s1600-h/P1060422.jpg"> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFg63fQ5UZ7Ci-OY2L0_f7oWG2OmyF-57Pts4HC8p2zB0pnXQGIIUzR_h55TgdkB4WCW2vBeK-etQcEVYPO5oTtlIrZPTMN1jhckGRzmhpl1ox4v7_DpiDoo2laxDdZS8uZ-ftFqH3Vz6C/s1600-h/P1060181.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFg63fQ5UZ7Ci-OY2L0_f7oWG2OmyF-57Pts4HC8p2zB0pnXQGIIUzR_h55TgdkB4WCW2vBeK-etQcEVYPO5oTtlIrZPTMN1jhckGRzmhpl1ox4v7_DpiDoo2laxDdZS8uZ-ftFqH3Vz6C/s200/P1060181.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276445371245848018" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUYI9C02VPIAUwXN3RHypMEx80D2N7NQGC8G4u_3z59GDgae8JwCMFif_UAeMYAp4qEVk2pBt0GDr74eTbEU300n0TN_mOevQfh91IYJeHLwOmtmkq4IJ8h7emShmoH6JWn3jMWRJavk/s1600-h/P1060345.jpg"> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275761377025308834" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUYI9C02VPIAUwXN3RHypMEx80D2N7NQGC8G4u_3z59GDgae8JwCMFif_UAeMYAp4qEVk2pBt0GDr74eTbEU300n0TN_mOevQfh91IYJeHLwOmtmkq4IJ8h7emShmoH6JWn3jMWRJavk/s200/P1060345.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9K7eoe6WAFFodZkvFMcBp30VOvGjdSZMJxFTvFLmT3QVCwc7DWs_2R_Y0_Qm-GQO2sWyC1w07otE_BUBRlZ-uGxtnGCNdRNBMV3SKiBf-x4NytVlKLQN1N-P3QwpAdeOzGgGFMd1Z-Eeo/s1600-h/P1060353.jpg"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9K7eoe6WAFFodZkvFMcBp30VOvGjdSZMJxFTvFLmT3QVCwc7DWs_2R_Y0_Qm-GQO2sWyC1w07otE_BUBRlZ-uGxtnGCNdRNBMV3SKiBf-x4NytVlKLQN1N-P3QwpAdeOzGgGFMd1Z-Eeo/s200/P1060353.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276445374239466018" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDra2g4hyA9vXbc18qyGZf7-3fch3wCv8I57W8ukJFbHw0sxwMCzFXrBY5M4vwkA33ZkDlxSJ4vYArj5hyphenhyphendg5E5KBkw-FvNAYE8W5at9gnL8E_RrCv5KgIU7F9zBPMQMdt3Thp5Pcp2k/s1600-h/P1060322.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275761373846002130" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDra2g4hyA9vXbc18qyGZf7-3fch3wCv8I57W8ukJFbHw0sxwMCzFXrBY5M4vwkA33ZkDlxSJ4vYArj5hyphenhyphendg5E5KBkw-FvNAYE8W5at9gnL8E_RrCv5KgIU7F9zBPMQMdt3Thp5Pcp2k/s200/P1060322.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1e1wp5FFuuzw7uDQOtP4IetiNtICyX1G_qAE_3jkpaSLuWsAJp3KNwW1SrIHqKR3k7QQHybQTRwbu1NCVf3KIJwWBUzCznQz0i3uxZqd3g5i3pedfsP3WxtPBFL7V0txJG3beLdDrCo/s1600-h/P1060285.jpg"> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275761825720412482" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1e1wp5FFuuzw7uDQOtP4IetiNtICyX1G_qAE_3jkpaSLuWsAJp3KNwW1SrIHqKR3k7QQHybQTRwbu1NCVf3KIJwWBUzCznQz0i3uxZqd3g5i3pedfsP3WxtPBFL7V0txJG3beLdDrCo/s200/P1060285.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYpkzvwc4C99Gql0bKlmy5l2DiY3ol1hBsLGksDCa_xVc5K4kkvqX1a3GxZV08jAEzS_JDtERYVZ7SXVJsQhyphenhyphenXOmp0cg9vKMSKgwYo4DeYOjBMS6yB9P38MuwA1MeM9siiRx8MrR_9QWq/s1600-h/P1060531.jpg"> </a><br />Here are some of the amazing beaches of southern Thailand..<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBjrqErVsYYiQpNrdqcKXBxFQMOlJX5WI0tOwDO9r-KME91Vs71t00YQjy1eRWMjm1pDK0QgLvSGPj068xpbiRb1yCZghsBVMp8PIWIV0BuUPQlLrOYD3BVHi6WsdnRLd4EcVR_1TZyQ/s1600-h/P1060654.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275761113095047154" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBjrqErVsYYiQpNrdqcKXBxFQMOlJX5WI0tOwDO9r-KME91Vs71t00YQjy1eRWMjm1pDK0QgLvSGPj068xpbiRb1yCZghsBVMp8PIWIV0BuUPQlLrOYD3BVHi6WsdnRLd4EcVR_1TZyQ/s200/P1060654.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv18kG6xLI62PWPhMA-yxRkXJcohKXK7XSO2q8WBvTbZdzGRJRj9E74cXYXsYdhX9Zj3g60EuxgZxH2b0fOW6XjFHv8bvIt71tHSDI602rzT5EUThDQvHrOfXw8XW_BA_3qaGKQjH9bIUh/s1600-h/P1060580.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275768875075595538" style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv18kG6xLI62PWPhMA-yxRkXJcohKXK7XSO2q8WBvTbZdzGRJRj9E74cXYXsYdhX9Zj3g60EuxgZxH2b0fOW6XjFHv8bvIt71tHSDI602rzT5EUThDQvHrOfXw8XW_BA_3qaGKQjH9bIUh/s200/P1060580.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYpkzvwc4C99Gql0bKlmy5l2DiY3ol1hBsLGksDCa_xVc5K4kkvqX1a3GxZV08jAEzS_JDtERYVZ7SXVJsQhyphenhyphenXOmp0cg9vKMSKgwYo4DeYOjBMS6yB9P38MuwA1MeM9siiRx8MrR_9QWq/s1600-h/P1060531.jpg"> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnZaR2RlPMQ4b48OLsQhNgdItpsdj15GWAisIhkJUwYP-m3OtzoQ1nKUZAm9AOQDU4RgR7UGogf9OikjbQvGU-XA7vMSpRaIXunHRVuCuf6nqrI_SoLi60SdVKcPebPHaODDlUqm1aLqD/s1600-h/P1060525.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnZaR2RlPMQ4b48OLsQhNgdItpsdj15GWAisIhkJUwYP-m3OtzoQ1nKUZAm9AOQDU4RgR7UGogf9OikjbQvGU-XA7vMSpRaIXunHRVuCuf6nqrI_SoLi60SdVKcPebPHaODDlUqm1aLqD/s200/P1060525.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276445574352944786" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYpkzvwc4C99Gql0bKlmy5l2DiY3ol1hBsLGksDCa_xVc5K4kkvqX1a3GxZV08jAEzS_JDtERYVZ7SXVJsQhyphenhyphenXOmp0cg9vKMSKgwYo4DeYOjBMS6yB9P38MuwA1MeM9siiRx8MrR_9QWq/s1600-h/P1060531.jpg"> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaDFtd86YPUqRGLJ7_CB2IO9c_2BxLzFLXvBK28COryFOf6gFFkZr-svQ72mU-_sAL5cCtKawbOiO7Tne68toPEe855x4OpI47CWIlgdMfMxUAaJgGJ7OPcN2Zr5VWYoQX1xj8N5hWnCp/s1600-h/P1060504.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaDFtd86YPUqRGLJ7_CB2IO9c_2BxLzFLXvBK28COryFOf6gFFkZr-svQ72mU-_sAL5cCtKawbOiO7Tne68toPEe855x4OpI47CWIlgdMfMxUAaJgGJ7OPcN2Zr5VWYoQX1xj8N5hWnCp/s200/P1060504.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276445380282155522" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But in the midst of paradise, there were also sad stories. The places we visited were among the hardest hit during the tsunami 4 years ago. Most of the beach towns we visited were wiped out and had to be completely rebuilt. We met many shopkeepers who lost everything and had to start over. One woman who now runs a travel agency had opened a beachfront hotel just 3 months before the tsunami hit and she lost it all. Now she works 16-hour days, 7 days a week as she tries to start over.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYpkzvwc4C99Gql0bKlmy5l2DiY3ol1hBsLGksDCa_xVc5K4kkvqX1a3GxZV08jAEzS_JDtERYVZ7SXVJsQhyphenhyphenXOmp0cg9vKMSKgwYo4DeYOjBMS6yB9P38MuwA1MeM9siiRx8MrR_9QWq/s1600-h/P1060531.jpg"> </a><br />We heard many such stories of hardship and resilience... like the staff at a beach hotel on the island of Ko Racha. Many were refugees who fled Burma to find a better life. But since they are illegal immigrants, they can't step foot on the mainland of Thailand or they risk steep fines or deportation. Like the shopowner, they work 16-hour days almost every day to try to make a life for themselves. Over and over, we met Thai people who were incredibly friendly, hard-working, and resilient. We know that the people we met will persevere to rebuild their lives in spite of the tragic losses they've experienced.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYpkzvwc4C99Gql0bKlmy5l2DiY3ol1hBsLGksDCa_xVc5K4kkvqX1a3GxZV08jAEzS_JDtERYVZ7SXVJsQhyphenhyphenXOmp0cg9vKMSKgwYo4DeYOjBMS6yB9P38MuwA1MeM9siiRx8MrR_9QWq/s1600-h/P1060531.jpg"> </a><br />- Steve<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055449771397601272.post-24293344604255492422008-11-11T06:58:00.000-08:002008-11-30T22:10:51.069-08:00CambodiaTo be honest, I was a little skeptical of visiting yet another set of temples. After seeing so many in China, I thought what more is there to possibly see? But soon after our arrival in Siem Reap, Cambodia, it was obvious that the cranky, yet hilarious Aussies we met on the bus in Vietnam were right - seeing the temples of Angkor Wat is a can't miss!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLeuPHOtzLVC-fCFlNqqhgHEUW0BcUF8WzDLOY_Xkbrk5Qgtb9pBobuwbmbKxhJYE1jZwYQdUUze5urlJC-ADxg1TH3cvC1E2kcyGrya9BBdnoVPEQphdba_Ttj7piQXF722TY990epc/s1600-h/P1050842.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMiggq8df2AFFcMA4EcHSlLdlQKPL1fFrxFQoHd4ReU4gC_GClSChO5_EAahS2pKO8gRdemf6d4MrEMrc2vmU8T9Jp7xlC7dau_Asv_imlcH04zEpltlrqFKYL3tNFokxwv3C7qrbaY8/s1600-h/P1050857.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269949375116639730" style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMiggq8df2AFFcMA4EcHSlLdlQKPL1fFrxFQoHd4ReU4gC_GClSChO5_EAahS2pKO8gRdemf6d4MrEMrc2vmU8T9Jp7xlC7dau_Asv_imlcH04zEpltlrqFKYL3tNFokxwv3C7qrbaY8/s200/P1050857.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Understanding Angkor's complex history is beyond my pay grade. Throughout the ages, the temples of Siem Reap have been used for religious and political purposes to develop and cultivate community desired by the King of the moment. Thus, some temples are Hindu, while others are strictly Buddhist, yet still others combine the two religions. Their detail is immaculate and hundreds of thousands of workers must have been used to build vast moats and carve intricate detail. That's about all that stuck with me from our Cambodian turned Australian (outback hat, authentic "hehe" laugh, swagger and all mate) tour guide.<br /><br />My favorite temple was the Hindu temple Angkor Thom which was used in Angelina Jolie's movie, "Tomb Raider". Mighty trees engulf the temple ruins and stones appear to be nothing more than hard soil in which to dig their roots. It offers a pretty spectacular sight that is certainly a one of a kind. (I now realize that these photos are on David's camera. I'll upload these pictures soon.)<br /><br />The most meaningful part of my short Cambodian experience was interacting with the children. Outside each temple we would be swarmed by kids who wanted to sell us anything and everything for virtually nothing. Their faces were adorable and when they're asking you to buy 10 bracelets for $1 it's a bit hard to say no. And these kids were probably the best bargainers we've come across! Example: Do you have a girlfriend? If yes: Well, then you need to buy one for her! She'll really like you then! If no: Well that's because you don't have a bracelet! Here, you can buy one of mine, only $1. If that wasn't enough to make their sale it was on to their math and geography recitals as they counted from 1-10 in about 10 different languages, recited state capitals and populations (some of which I didn't even know... I know, I'm ashamed...). Bottom line, they were good. Anyone want a bracelet when I get home?<br /><br />Our time with the kids brought this hard to swallow combination of joy and sorrow. The joy was from the kids themselves. I only wished I had a kickball! It would have been awesome to take the large swarm of kids away from their daily routine and allow them to just be kids. The sorrow came from double edged sword of tourism. Tourism is critical to such an impoverished country such as Cambodia, but in some sense it also restricts kids such as these to working only in tourism. Selling souvenirs or working for tourists will most likely make up a large part of their lives. Hopefully that won't always be the case.<br /><br />Now it's off to Thailand for babes and beaches. My mom typically says that they aren't always a good combo. But I've got different hopes for a group home in Chiang Mai with 120 girls who get up at 5:30 each day to worship. We'll be sure to let you know how it all works out.<br />~Joe<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHUtzJr3rAEHxf8LlKEMRBVQ_UE3YcnkBZa6hNsZUMOPufxbu_5XrLMSjDriqnGOZBq67sTx116I4bzJfWFNU-5qjgwqsXoZMuZxDFfh5m33CauQjOFLQQWt-S_ihUNIuj5u8XUD1dAc/s1600-h/P1060029.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269948437658618514" style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHUtzJr3rAEHxf8LlKEMRBVQ_UE3YcnkBZa6hNsZUMOPufxbu_5XrLMSjDriqnGOZBq67sTx116I4bzJfWFNU-5qjgwqsXoZMuZxDFfh5m33CauQjOFLQQWt-S_ihUNIuj5u8XUD1dAc/s200/P1060029.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRaYmiaDc8Ac4IO90PbSHIk7qpcQ7IkNu3beGHFN8jk5MOCet_JHZz6s4tDRJQ4_q2HpeLMIKGUCmcKZ53jQEC5o5iuXqENmXYLmKoPE7cERCuZCVUsnpSO-18FzHpFfKiXlgF9FpExWs/s1600-h/P1060011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269948843849331522" style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRaYmiaDc8Ac4IO90PbSHIk7qpcQ7IkNu3beGHFN8jk5MOCet_JHZz6s4tDRJQ4_q2HpeLMIKGUCmcKZ53jQEC5o5iuXqENmXYLmKoPE7cERCuZCVUsnpSO-18FzHpFfKiXlgF9FpExWs/s200/P1060011.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHUtzJr3rAEHxf8LlKEMRBVQ_UE3YcnkBZa6hNsZUMOPufxbu_5XrLMSjDriqnGOZBq67sTx116I4bzJfWFNU-5qjgwqsXoZMuZxDFfh5m33CauQjOFLQQWt-S_ihUNIuj5u8XUD1dAc/s1600-h/P1060029.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269948437658618514" style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHUtzJr3rAEHxf8LlKEMRBVQ_UE3YcnkBZa6hNsZUMOPufxbu_5XrLMSjDriqnGOZBq67sTx116I4bzJfWFNU-5qjgwqsXoZMuZxDFfh5m33CauQjOFLQQWt-S_ihUNIuj5u8XUD1dAc/s200/P1060029.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9gMIBqHjO060KYv3eyULnd8ZoUUACgKYOVABImkHcYeLw2eg_dGXdvkK_F1ijvaMKtGx0oNASZBtJ7WddNyzuq8GRapmXaqaOfnwHYpgCUI1sv5yCggqx8hvSz9dCl5lmpmeq9RlwsM/s1600-h/P1060038.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269948427407128722" style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9gMIBqHjO060KYv3eyULnd8ZoUUACgKYOVABImkHcYeLw2eg_dGXdvkK_F1ijvaMKtGx0oNASZBtJ7WddNyzuq8GRapmXaqaOfnwHYpgCUI1sv5yCggqx8hvSz9dCl5lmpmeq9RlwsM/s200/P1060038.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLeuPHOtzLVC-fCFlNqqhgHEUW0BcUF8WzDLOY_Xkbrk5Qgtb9pBobuwbmbKxhJYE1jZwYQdUUze5urlJC-ADxg1TH3cvC1E2kcyGrya9BBdnoVPEQphdba_Ttj7piQXF722TY990epc/s1600-h/P1050842.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269949380072121234" style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLeuPHOtzLVC-fCFlNqqhgHEUW0BcUF8WzDLOY_Xkbrk5Qgtb9pBobuwbmbKxhJYE1jZwYQdUUze5urlJC-ADxg1TH3cvC1E2kcyGrya9BBdnoVPEQphdba_Ttj7piQXF722TY990epc/s200/P1050842.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENiHWlan8qFGSAiRyjwT4uuC5Bvo44TEC7bUbOsFu9Efha9IHDYJGIr9zPxwU8Ar7K876sKvVyFEpVDyPwjMyG0SOFxnUKPHcpHtqjB6JmQxgibpA5ZBP5nrRSYOO7Xo1wKGcrmkkRFU/s1600-h/P1050738.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269949915631710210" style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENiHWlan8qFGSAiRyjwT4uuC5Bvo44TEC7bUbOsFu9Efha9IHDYJGIr9zPxwU8Ar7K876sKvVyFEpVDyPwjMyG0SOFxnUKPHcpHtqjB6JmQxgibpA5ZBP5nrRSYOO7Xo1wKGcrmkkRFU/s200/P1050738.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sR13lhoHAcp_hPy9-eWDBNyYMblwfZnkNHj6G_6XpRrO_K5PlWKlfwUqSv0uL0y3qoXJTkuZjzRpTIdRwy5T6p3yXuc1ASMXCCttNE3gopOSGOjh92fN2zZKaPwMBexmbrom4sWvbEI/s1600-h/P1050755.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269949797381131618" style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sR13lhoHAcp_hPy9-eWDBNyYMblwfZnkNHj6G_6XpRrO_K5PlWKlfwUqSv0uL0y3qoXJTkuZjzRpTIdRwy5T6p3yXuc1ASMXCCttNE3gopOSGOjh92fN2zZKaPwMBexmbrom4sWvbEI/s200/P1050755.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRaYmiaDc8Ac4IO90PbSHIk7qpcQ7IkNu3beGHFN8jk5MOCet_JHZz6s4tDRJQ4_q2HpeLMIKGUCmcKZ53jQEC5o5iuXqENmXYLmKoPE7cERCuZCVUsnpSO-18FzHpFfKiXlgF9FpExWs/s1600-h/P1060011.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqoq6IMyIaL_lGfqaUU4_d-0EwHphN_7McolHSJWhBkyd3jwQ8wHkqqHLYD18ei4s6CM1oA0CucZMBcJ3lXGwSnIwUiTB0LSFeYhZ8xepPah7IkZF9AAzS0EgejvzNBZeBNgXARc31HU/s1600-h/P1050769.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269949798952628322" style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqoq6IMyIaL_lGfqaUU4_d-0EwHphN_7McolHSJWhBkyd3jwQ8wHkqqHLYD18ei4s6CM1oA0CucZMBcJ3lXGwSnIwUiTB0LSFeYhZ8xepPah7IkZF9AAzS0EgejvzNBZeBNgXARc31HU/s200/P1050769.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwiT_B0liP1bCKbIrXcEEN9ryfVyt-0B1hp5zMPVclfH3HOpc48DdNUjXyvJT3EykqtElKCOk2g4OlienW1PFiLudU2Gd0OlCo3ec7yN9l6EMP5GJFDMTIkk15XmRd8vUl7WODpqPJnd8/s1600-h/P1050776.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269949787925318898" style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwiT_B0liP1bCKbIrXcEEN9ryfVyt-0B1hp5zMPVclfH3HOpc48DdNUjXyvJT3EykqtElKCOk2g4OlienW1PFiLudU2Gd0OlCo3ec7yN9l6EMP5GJFDMTIkk15XmRd8vUl7WODpqPJnd8/s200/P1050776.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxHBj7ZvWFzb0-Qv78yyiju2zuWlc_3l_0RFRJm-q3xFYGhk59X-kgNZu8RMkip_rnk_-oQLfLv7KgV91JOxpXk1kBvB6tczJz_d-EnR4FYStPJ7QfBO3tr1piKK7Gf_LIu6KuGHn3Aw/s1600-h/P1050779.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269949788540836210" style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxHBj7ZvWFzb0-Qv78yyiju2zuWlc_3l_0RFRJm-q3xFYGhk59X-kgNZu8RMkip_rnk_-oQLfLv7KgV91JOxpXk1kBvB6tczJz_d-EnR4FYStPJ7QfBO3tr1piKK7Gf_LIu6KuGHn3Aw/s200/P1050779.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQ8-IJj9QEyNCoNgFKGzD63fWb8jMhOzIkf1FhTko4NvCeHUDHQhHwYxFgpz14NVB5nVaqE9z3Vdaa1FGJOtIedWEqeFLM3EGAKrZrb2dGrIIrByrPj7DhdXLFi9tbiMcoIHkwHLzMW4/s1600-h/P1050882.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269949375800784898" style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQ8-IJj9QEyNCoNgFKGzD63fWb8jMhOzIkf1FhTko4NvCeHUDHQhHwYxFgpz14NVB5nVaqE9z3Vdaa1FGJOtIedWEqeFLM3EGAKrZrb2dGrIIrByrPj7DhdXLFi9tbiMcoIHkwHLzMW4/s200/P1050882.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNv8KhWXJfI9HnPZKTxZMl9PmGnq8vd16LYOsawSseBQAXoBUMKyrSABfHhKIsetK_IrHRB_lkI8PzqxYBLlbodJgTkywC1m3bBeXOpxUABiZzmWAdio0jhYPBLLfwW1cCIyChffoR3s/s1600-h/P1050895.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269949368995640482" style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNv8KhWXJfI9HnPZKTxZMl9PmGnq8vd16LYOsawSseBQAXoBUMKyrSABfHhKIsetK_IrHRB_lkI8PzqxYBLlbodJgTkywC1m3bBeXOpxUABiZzmWAdio0jhYPBLLfwW1cCIyChffoR3s/s200/P1050895.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjha7_-U9yj0Id1bNR1P3yPYSpeHzZ1Bq0N-NTr7zOASPCLPtqXs_VNwrjnvlPJE9YX6W2nZacUu4U15H2Ej4fNP8u-YHmGfSp-OpiJnE1X148Xf1uVoNkojiYe0DNuh3tG5E5gtGDKlJc/s1600-h/P1050931.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269948851397507858" style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjha7_-U9yj0Id1bNR1P3yPYSpeHzZ1Bq0N-NTr7zOASPCLPtqXs_VNwrjnvlPJE9YX6W2nZacUu4U15H2Ej4fNP8u-YHmGfSp-OpiJnE1X148Xf1uVoNkojiYe0DNuh3tG5E5gtGDKlJc/s200/P1050931.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNROHGsFybMtUbO7LkuBdL4rqwS1KE9dS6iv12V-szF9ozS06RFSc5QRaXwU5wWfW3Azxolnv5J9C6lgkwuiItSEREnJs2eE_oo6CLSfv-Di71xkkM9aYjx0eh_UnzivAGlGicjPRmIc8/s1600-h/P1050930.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269948866862365282" style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNROHGsFybMtUbO7LkuBdL4rqwS1KE9dS6iv12V-szF9ozS06RFSc5QRaXwU5wWfW3Azxolnv5J9C6lgkwuiItSEREnJs2eE_oo6CLSfv-Di71xkkM9aYjx0eh_UnzivAGlGicjPRmIc8/s200/P1050930.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurmbnBUCkkhzAuvVqO-Ee5BVgGNDSdREBn1h2-fDQ4v6Y8WV2brCeVr-H84MSoo4E4MLl5iU1Jxn2aHfBTY_9ZU1UDb5AYe6AhXX_NXp3R1abMGf1r-x7NhvKG1hWBEQGP_8GFV4gaxs/s1600-h/P1050960.jpg"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrf2LvjfVP8wSo0Okfr1zlV1UMBTI_TaeMgMbJpJA4CADljch5zyJ19N5rMUaNi5Wr-3iy4Q3b1Nj7kpddQnWOSsi5CF5lZ7PKPjrcTlo6PXRk9sv8GGA1ZB7bekzoMZoyRcLx2qooSE/s1600-h/P1060072.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269948426145798962" style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrf2LvjfVP8wSo0Okfr1zlV1UMBTI_TaeMgMbJpJA4CADljch5zyJ19N5rMUaNi5Wr-3iy4Q3b1Nj7kpddQnWOSsi5CF5lZ7PKPjrcTlo6PXRk9sv8GGA1ZB7bekzoMZoyRcLx2qooSE/s200/P1060072.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUk7fvJQ8iptmhZbj1HROJDDhSnnsx7u8RX4wRdJI3EHZYmdu0GDzBR58ZNAY0a8YupA1JxgihhMwxpQnJCieZ4vSNg1TFyvR8v1hBVLLe0cAHsYBRmyu3g2XFjkhgl9CCm20eJK4Ffs/s1600-h/P1060046.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269948427821852610" style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUk7fvJQ8iptmhZbj1HROJDDhSnnsx7u8RX4wRdJI3EHZYmdu0GDzBR58ZNAY0a8YupA1JxgihhMwxpQnJCieZ4vSNg1TFyvR8v1hBVLLe0cAHsYBRmyu3g2XFjkhgl9CCm20eJK4Ffs/s200/P1060046.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSxAOD2z4KJh8DXU87bFzpIND9kC92rRZLBXw-c2TBukQMvLUu6zqikcpIMsz_2inF99u2qRGa_6TmcxVr5Kpe3sd2l2YQbJuLksGqMLGblqrZJ1fBVLpDxEZOZki9svwGC1og2eTSj0/s1600-h/P1060086.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269948425184360626" style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSxAOD2z4KJh8DXU87bFzpIND9kC92rRZLBXw-c2TBukQMvLUu6zqikcpIMsz_2inF99u2qRGa_6TmcxVr5Kpe3sd2l2YQbJuLksGqMLGblqrZJ1fBVLpDxEZOZki9svwGC1og2eTSj0/s200/P1060086.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3055449771397601272.post-23612860868508242732008-11-10T08:06:00.000-08:002008-11-12T08:00:08.891-08:00VietnamThough we hadn't planned to go to Vietnam, we were so close to the border that we decided to skip Hong Kong and head south to Hanoi.<br /><br />Since it was raining when we arrived, we decided to visit the Hoa Loa Prision, better known as the "Hanoi Hilton", where many U.S. POWs were imprisoned during the Vietnam war. John McCain was imprisoned there for 6 years. It was sobering to see his flight suit and parachute on display (local North Vietnamese dragged him out of a lake and turned him over to the authorities when he was shot down). It was surreal to stand where he had been imprisoned, just as he was about to find out if he would become the next president or not.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhag29wknlqySEIIy22kMFYHAY2ifSfBSgCowgveR1bBvfdN5zYUu1kN1gf6FEeZDHU9pBEAznP3Eh066rsstiruJkXfZcQdjAdql8Fa1srXAdImMIuARNpBiX1zcRW0xRUg_X_yX3AiPA/s1600-h/hanoi+floods.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267404141642678562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 190px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 190px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhag29wknlqySEIIy22kMFYHAY2ifSfBSgCowgveR1bBvfdN5zYUu1kN1gf6FEeZDHU9pBEAznP3Eh066rsstiruJkXfZcQdjAdql8Fa1srXAdImMIuARNpBiX1zcRW0xRUg_X_yX3AiPA/s200/hanoi+floods.jpg" border="0" /></a>It turned out that we arrived in Hanoi just in time for its worst floods in 35 years. In 4 days, more than 30 inches of rain fell, causing 49 deaths. After two days of the most torrential downpour we'd ever seen, we decided to head south to one of the beach towns. We reserved a sleeper bus, but since everyone else was fleeing Hanoi, we ended up in regular bus seats for a 12-hour trip to Hoi An.<br /><br /><br /><br />Hoi An is a former fishing village that is now a tourist destination.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IzQ9NvptZAP7Vhr9YoavmQ3Fib0TzLcCalZsum3gwLFG7fSFjoNBfYJYZ_hwsFsWH6izi7FNn80lu5WV1Xx6F4uNCvEl0AFtAugdWQYas2dP2uBWYHTuZC1m-8B9GbR1lBE1QQ8B33g/s1600-h/Vietnam+025.jpg"></a><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_V7XFC_tgTCqpKjuFWP1qD_8mrv7o-vsFyS6fyV-5GSnUKBe18Tz4MqGzRwEy3cx0vGivKLZAILwg5qc_qJ4B3PdbhgyK-sbwZwP0p6QXF4eyZoh0AC4V4afTvJW9YNa5Y2Ty2sVUdu0/s1600-h/Vietnam+020.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267061599073579906" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_V7XFC_tgTCqpKjuFWP1qD_8mrv7o-vsFyS6fyV-5GSnUKBe18Tz4MqGzRwEy3cx0vGivKLZAILwg5qc_qJ4B3PdbhgyK-sbwZwP0p6QXF4eyZoh0AC4V4afTvJW9YNa5Y2Ty2sVUdu0/s200/Vietnam+020.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4g-plkKwwr0DDe_qL0_b5YN3B9_yAcCoY21M62qIJpoZcXDz0iYPuweknbs1Wuey5R2TPvV51vXK-P2Ca60CQBlppCS57_NMQ2HnbgTVwbwgX87UH2A6iI4brq7voCJJzRmn-I69vvvk/s1600-h/Vietnam+067.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267061613856117762" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4g-plkKwwr0DDe_qL0_b5YN3B9_yAcCoY21M62qIJpoZcXDz0iYPuweknbs1Wuey5R2TPvV51vXK-P2Ca60CQBlppCS57_NMQ2HnbgTVwbwgX87UH2A6iI4brq7voCJJzRmn-I69vvvk/s200/Vietnam+067.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeoJUvOYSjEQGth7w5kkd7UI6TkdTiL_Z9PPitnNgSlSXf4Nwg1Xa0cCP4-M_QUbHgrzFtVS39i4uvV_RtnkE4rsliJSB9HSdQy5Hv8_Fnk22H37_2g4qLhLVNSRrlqjlIgUKw94t2i8/s1600-h/Vietnam+053.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267061605951842258" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeoJUvOYSjEQGth7w5kkd7UI6TkdTiL_Z9PPitnNgSlSXf4Nwg1Xa0cCP4-M_QUbHgrzFtVS39i4uvV_RtnkE4rsliJSB9HSdQy5Hv8_Fnk22H37_2g4qLhLVNSRrlqjlIgUKw94t2i8/s200/Vietnam+053.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Like most Vietnamese towns, motor scooters and bicyles rule the streets, so you have to be careful before stepping off the curb.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MrSDDsP7AVcSYYhzoliSZzefGwZM4kHnOprJD_hLDT2OvSo83XgxuNa7Os-sG3Jh5fl9W5zsOzfAf1u6MYUxrlrX4c9YM4D5FuDTqTJ576SfZIrylwYfYmk5UG3hqxcIyX6tb19MpYI/s1600-h/Vietnam+063.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267061614420189906" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MrSDDsP7AVcSYYhzoliSZzefGwZM4kHnOprJD_hLDT2OvSo83XgxuNa7Os-sG3Jh5fl9W5zsOzfAf1u6MYUxrlrX4c9YM4D5FuDTqTJ576SfZIrylwYfYmk5UG3hqxcIyX6tb19MpYI/s200/Vietnam+063.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Y7hW3pPKLJdfzZdlBySnhG1fwEiRIvdfWP5GuI_hQd9oQ36AU2aRcN6gmaZBbh15AUqe2G8DGzpP0etufKKIJqjVU28BCY-2hUuGYqTvFfrbe_DSmmCgwylnJpt-bEWcYmbqgdPM_ig/s1600-h/Vietnam+026.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267061616507569954" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Y7hW3pPKLJdfzZdlBySnhG1fwEiRIvdfWP5GuI_hQd9oQ36AU2aRcN6gmaZBbh15AUqe2G8DGzpP0etufKKIJqjVU28BCY-2hUuGYqTvFfrbe_DSmmCgwylnJpt-bEWcYmbqgdPM_ig/s200/Vietnam+026.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We decided to join in the fun and rented scooters for a day to ride along "China Beach", the stretch of sand between Danang and Hoi An where U.S. servicemen spent their leaves during the Vietnam war. It was gorgeous... and we didn't have to go back to a platoon after 3 days.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvArI82z4zVmqLv4ti9h5TSeA5WCQMd5tv1C28hgam-l9qSy_ZbqiPJZVu45Mc-PjXBaXEeVlT0PggwuD42oUaZNz1UQ_a9GI1HIyTitYRElqiqvOmNWpJHrIzj8xX3u0fd0Z433IzSaE/s1600-h/P1050378.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267411915051666418" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvArI82z4zVmqLv4ti9h5TSeA5WCQMd5tv1C28hgam-l9qSy_ZbqiPJZVu45Mc-PjXBaXEeVlT0PggwuD42oUaZNz1UQ_a9GI1HIyTitYRElqiqvOmNWpJHrIzj8xX3u0fd0Z433IzSaE/s200/P1050378.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_tST_ybFjnW869UvbSim3ZDtzvb_2H4R9Em7j-V6nZxoNKkG1QSntPQ0erZPE8HW_vXNUSZai-RT3-0Sl66fAoxQ6c5j-mOCAcm5XjCc3hd1GtKWkahkYk5dmShGGNG7M5jRH5WPWuY/s1600-h/Vietnam+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267062228317678114" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_tST_ybFjnW869UvbSim3ZDtzvb_2H4R9Em7j-V6nZxoNKkG1QSntPQ0erZPE8HW_vXNUSZai-RT3-0Sl66fAoxQ6c5j-mOCAcm5XjCc3hd1GtKWkahkYk5dmShGGNG7M5jRH5WPWuY/s200/Vietnam+006.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWViWV6-by3lwGclONLsoFSuo0l8NKYacAJUfKjlhOdHjnaMPNtcr3i_T9u5ktkqMxTVVfQSmAFH1QikljIQuewPt8mrWTovkDuifCsR04GA38WRhSBI4k19vniRExQ6B_-g9_DCvg2Y/s1600-h/Vietnam+050.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267062240870250082" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWViWV6-by3lwGclONLsoFSuo0l8NKYacAJUfKjlhOdHjnaMPNtcr3i_T9u5ktkqMxTVVfQSmAFH1QikljIQuewPt8mrWTovkDuifCsR04GA38WRhSBI4k19vniRExQ6B_-g9_DCvg2Y/s200/Vietnam+050.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We were in Hoi An on November 4th so we were determined to find a way to watch the election results. Since we were 12 hours ahead of Eastern Time, we convinced a local restaurant to let us watch their TV from 8 am to 1 pm on Wednesday, November 5th. We even found another American from Massachusetts to join us. It was exciting to watch the results live in Vietnam. As Obama was delivering his victory speech, a large group of Europeans came in for lunch. When they saw the results, they cheered and took pictures of the TV.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NZv2Y6RZXiQ8TUrwDXOn76QCMWOID5w74g_HOKHwIJ8_e6mXf3ldfP7v8ko0R2F_agK9kVzh_PI0I8NBvnoiF3sq6h8dI0g0I1USNJRiXIAJY6H1RO8OIICSHuB03hLj6FrsOuuwgzI/s1600-h/Vietnam+018.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267062256561567570" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NZv2Y6RZXiQ8TUrwDXOn76QCMWOID5w74g_HOKHwIJ8_e6mXf3ldfP7v8ko0R2F_agK9kVzh_PI0I8NBvnoiF3sq6h8dI0g0I1USNJRiXIAJY6H1RO8OIICSHuB03hLj6FrsOuuwgzI/s200/Vietnam+018.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRluqfVriGwAgxettTOtOfCZqPn3cZO2SVn_iwqbcYUwrrqZWGv1_erX_9u6dTI6YGG3e6SbS08n3plvu978z6VpTAqxFqWPglpWoUJcV5mVanTfnY11wpityLBuI3Q-0-owInVkWtAfE/s1600-h/Vietnam+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267062243726234562" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRluqfVriGwAgxettTOtOfCZqPn3cZO2SVn_iwqbcYUwrrqZWGv1_erX_9u6dTI6YGG3e6SbS08n3plvu978z6VpTAqxFqWPglpWoUJcV5mVanTfnY11wpityLBuI3Q-0-owInVkWtAfE/s200/Vietnam+013.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgmRKsyktbmfOl8kL3S1slBpcFDXMA9Ohi9fwBcwWluid9a3JxbqFt11H5G-RzKTUyHaQKOVZzsV7DNYXhCwx3L_4HzrJH5Cbwgqa8HDwMuB7PvhRR-ZVO_sAvs7G_CHBPmn-TXEVh4E/s1600-h/Vietnam+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267062250017835618" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgmRKsyktbmfOl8kL3S1slBpcFDXMA9Ohi9fwBcwWluid9a3JxbqFt11H5G-RzKTUyHaQKOVZzsV7DNYXhCwx3L_4HzrJH5Cbwgqa8HDwMuB7PvhRR-ZVO_sAvs7G_CHBPmn-TXEVh4E/s200/Vietnam+015.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />On our last few days in Hoi An, we volunteered for a few hours a day at an orphanage. Of the 70 children, about 30 of them were disabled. We spent time with a some of the disabled kids, which is always a humbling experience. The girl in the second photo with me is 16 years old, though she looks about 8 and can't speak; she can only grunt. But she loved to walk, so we walked together for about an hour.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXjEgwuHTCMhyphenhyphenT4qcpoWIoNXclkdKj6fu48ImJU3dcoWZjzNICg2UU9Rbe3GiPETO-AEkis76sr5yfNb5ZA8fPKP3x_JER19RR7THf3l0brXEOsKese3SpRCrqEgZJBxVc_XFPzS2ptk/s1600-h/Vietnam+034.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267062702486909650" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXjEgwuHTCMhyphenhyphenT4qcpoWIoNXclkdKj6fu48ImJU3dcoWZjzNICg2UU9Rbe3GiPETO-AEkis76sr5yfNb5ZA8fPKP3x_JER19RR7THf3l0brXEOsKese3SpRCrqEgZJBxVc_XFPzS2ptk/s200/Vietnam+034.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXt0fbzzeD5qyNo9VfD_2LllImWRvVvXvsNLqt6iN3gFkYxPejaBe8iRqholuZszMt0MycqoJM0-CdHhGXkbBEAzGFawFMQqByzEVYmyK-5RFfqVYdy4spiUzlTYZ798Q84_AJ1tcsKAk/s1600-h/Vietnam+058.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267062702484893602" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXt0fbzzeD5qyNo9VfD_2LllImWRvVvXvsNLqt6iN3gFkYxPejaBe8iRqholuZszMt0MycqoJM0-CdHhGXkbBEAzGFawFMQqByzEVYmyK-5RFfqVYdy4spiUzlTYZ798Q84_AJ1tcsKAk/s200/Vietnam+058.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The boy in the second and third photos with Joe was born without eyes. The birth defect is believed to be due to Agent Orange, as the genetic effects continue to be passed through generations.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrGj3Uq9cZW8K8ccjZvdnaSDJx9mfWL5T9qyt547x89_pJNhkwH3p5tzZIyMbz2wxLkILewAIwYJoQcro0dssWKuImtEQmadW9k59XONlCde-b0rxoTzugGce0l-VTEtDaRBtJjWjTD8/s1600-h/Vietnam+028.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267062679329562482" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrGj3Uq9cZW8K8ccjZvdnaSDJx9mfWL5T9qyt547x89_pJNhkwH3p5tzZIyMbz2wxLkILewAIwYJoQcro0dssWKuImtEQmadW9k59XONlCde-b0rxoTzugGce0l-VTEtDaRBtJjWjTD8/s200/Vietnam+028.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QFC8UsdWjbSqUEXK2TS62V0LyzSwJTFrVuvWtGhdUqZnauICi57pwsvwX8_MfxgFmDWM0fAYw3vCQY8LAnr00Uizz4BPXw9Y-BpbNw-iDJ2MjE78_tEZ-AB45aCRIkEfOzh-7kiuTjw/s1600-h/Vietnam+044.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267062688727673010" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QFC8UsdWjbSqUEXK2TS62V0LyzSwJTFrVuvWtGhdUqZnauICi57pwsvwX8_MfxgFmDWM0fAYw3vCQY8LAnr00Uizz4BPXw9Y-BpbNw-iDJ2MjE78_tEZ-AB45aCRIkEfOzh-7kiuTjw/s200/Vietnam+044.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6r2m25bEpt3E1pQ3q0f8DWq0jTRKwPVhdcgHfANtNm6hxCnb5fjtXxyy4KdFVPRMi1bwbRv38h8NnLCSQjsrL6C3G2O-28qQJ3IUS3B61QLWAzC5JMD5RMRtNurDmpMgMIZzeYzcHYA/s1600-h/Vietnam+047.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267062695058742674" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6r2m25bEpt3E1pQ3q0f8DWq0jTRKwPVhdcgHfANtNm6hxCnb5fjtXxyy4KdFVPRMi1bwbRv38h8NnLCSQjsrL6C3G2O-28qQJ3IUS3B61QLWAzC5JMD5RMRtNurDmpMgMIZzeYzcHYA/s200/Vietnam+047.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p><p>Working with severely disabled children is always an eye-opening experience. What a great reminder to keep our blessings in perspective and to learn from them how to find joy and contentment no matter what the circumstances are.</p><div>- Steve</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com