Happy Birthday to Me

Today I turn 59. WOW!! It used to be that every one I knew that was that age was really old. Now it just seems middle aged. Don't you think that 118 is a reasonable goal.

My grandfather (Ivan Butler, my mom's dad) was blind for the last 10 years of his life. During that time, on birthdays, he would call and recite a poem as his gift to us. Once he died, Mom would call and recite the same poem. She is now in heaven with her dad. I can hear them saying to me today,

Many happy returns
On the day of your birth,
May the good Father,
Prepare you on earth,
For a beautiful birthday in heaven.

Liberia

Having been to Africa three times already, going to Liberia should not be a big deal. But it is a big deal. Liberia is very different from what I've known in Kenya. Actually, all I know about Liberia is from the stories of those who have already gone. And people do tend to exagerate their tales. So, I will make my estimation of Yekepa and African Bible College and Liberia once I've experienced it for myself.

There is no doubt in my mind that this is a trip that has been ordained by God. I don't think we would have pursued this trip if not for that certainty. Doug is still new at his job and it will be hard to be gone for two weeks. If I could choose anywhere to go right now it would be Washington to visit David and Rachel. However, God has other plans for us and it should be exciting.

Working on the completion of the Lois Lindley Memorial Library will be rewarding. To be able to be part of this is a blessing. I look forward to seeing Del and Becky and the work at the college. Education is key to helping Liberia rebuild. Providing a solid Christian education helps Liberia but more importantly, it helps build the kingdom of God. It is exciting to be a part of this effort. I'm sure that when I return, I will have my own stories to tell of adventures in the jungles of Liberia.

Pictured above is our team:

James Domingo, Caleb Weston, Brad Fielder

Judi Hammer, Verl Lindley, Doug Hammer

The Flu

Okay, I'm not very good at posting to my blog but I do have good intentions. Now, here I am talking about having the flu. It's the pits. This is the first time in years that I can remember actually being sick. Sick enough to not leave the couch for three days, not really eat anything, not even shower until today. All who know me well and would be called on to care for me if I was ever truly sick for a long time, should pray that never happens. I make a lousy sick person. I tend to be whiny and grumpy. Please, just take it all away for me. Doug has been wonderful. Although he is the one who gave me this in the first place. He was sick first but seems to be mostly recovered. I am assuming I'm just a couple of days behind him and will continue to get better till I'm fully recovered by the end of the week. In the meantime, I lay on the couch, watch TV, sip tea and wait for this all to pass. (P.S. There will be no pictures to go with this because they would not be pretty!)

A New Year

New Year's Day is one of my most favorite days. It is the quint-essential new beginning. All the things that I did not do well last year, I have the opportunity to do better in the coming year. Nothing is yet written for this year. Only God knows what is to come and I can depend on Him to help me navigate the paths before me. This year I can be better than I was last year. There is much to be learned from what went on before, but there is also opportunity to take those things learned and improve on them. I love fresh beginnings.

Saying that I have been looking forward to a new year would be simplifying my thoughts and feelings. Last year was filled with more emotion and turmoil than I want in any given year. Although last year would have been a great year to have kept a blog, I am starting one for this year and praying that the entries will be mundane and normal, except for the birth of our second grandchild. That's the kind of excitement I look forward to in the coming year.