Friday, September 28, 2012

Moving Day

Today is moving day. We rented a uhaul on wednesday and daughter and I have been off loading the 5th wheel and packing up as much as we can. Closing on the house has been cancelled for the 5th time so we are just going to move to an rv park closer to it. Currently we are about 2 hours away from the new house and 1 3/4 hours away from husband and his work.

I got over being mad about the new delay and decided to just find an rv park by the lake and settle in for a while. Only icky part is renting a storage unit and unloading the uhaul and then loading and moving it all if/when we ever close. I am thinking winter is a good time to camp by the lake here in south Texas.

Our pastor and family are driving in to help us move the uhaul and storage trailer. Hubs is looking for an rv park so off we go. I am a bit nervious about moving the trailers.


Thursday, September 27, 2012

Criss Cross coasters

I found this tutorial for criss cross coasters which is almost like the tutorial for hot pads I posted
 here: http://www.doingmybestforhim.blogspot.com/2012/01/make-pot-holder-in-minutes.html


http://allsorts.typepad.com/allsorts/2006/11/crisscross_coas.html

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

We rented a u haul

This morning Hannah and I  went to town and picked up the u haul we had reserved.  When we got home we began loading it.  We decided that we are going to pack and move by the end of the month.  We just don't know if we will be going to our new house or renting a  storage unit and a new RV space closer to where Jeff works.
We are praying that we close tomorrow or Friday so we can just move into the house.  We are doing this on faith.  I really don't know what we will do if there is yet another delay.  I dread unloading the u haul and then loading it up again in a few days.
Please pray that we can move into our new home this weekend and that it will all go smoothly and safely.
Thanks

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Double thick hot pad

I wanted to learn the stitch for the double thick pot holder/hot pad located here:  http://web.archive.org/web/20000302093753/http://www.spotfans.com/unplugged/spotfans/archives/980113/Cheryl/potholder.html
This is the hot pad I ended up making.  Its pretty large so it will work real nice to put on the table to place a hot dish on.

Blueberry chocolate clusters

I love peanut clusters and usually make them once a year.  When I saw this recipe for blueberry clusters I was quite excited and started thinking that dehydrated or freeze dried fruit would be delicious.
I usually just melt some almond bark and mix in the nuts, but next time I think I will try using fruits instead or maybe fruits and nuts.  Oh the possibilities.
Recipe source:  http://udisglutenfree.com/2012/05/25/healthy-gluten-free-desserts-for-summer-bbqs/

Monday, September 24, 2012

Missionary update

From: "Brenda Lange"


Subject: Blog, Sept. 24, 2012

Date: September 24, 2012 7:52:55 AM CDT





MORE GOATS!

Two more Mommy goats had babies this weekend and we finally got a GIRL!

The 2nd baby was a boy. To keep a breeding herd going, we need more girls.

I’m glad we sold Appaloosa, cause it seems he only makes boys.



LEONA DOWN WITH MALARIA OVER THE WEEKEND

Thanks to Eric and Samanatha, we had 2 healthy cooks for over the weekend.

Eric and Sam made roast chicken with mashed potatoes for the 2 of us sickies.

Important to keep to a bland diet when tummies aren’t too keen on fried or spicy foods.



I’m finally back to my “normal bunny hop” and Leona is much stronger today, as it is her 3rd day of treatment.

Tomorrow is a holiday, so we expect to be back to full strength at the corn barns on Wed.

Keep them “mealies” rolling is our cry!

Gotta get them sacked and stacked as we have more food distributions coming.



Capena, my office manager, just got in from Namuno District where he began organizing the next food distributions.

He spoke to both Pastors to see how the last 2 Sundays went.

Pastor Annefe (Ah-nah-fee) in Shimweely has 39 people attend last Sunday at his first meeting.

Pastor Ali has 28 people attend at his home in Namuno town and will start working with the 3 villages this week.

So all is moving forward as these men “break new ground” for Jesus!



ZITO is walking with his crutches for short distances. I made the challenge, so now have to come up with a toy by this Sunday for his reward in distance crutch walking!



All is well this side.

Blessings,

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Royal Berkey Water Filter

Jeff and I have decided to buy a Royal Berkey water filter from this place. 
http://www.morethanalive.com/Royal-Berkey?s=berkey
The house we are buying has a whole house water filter system but with this Berkey we will be sure to have clean clear water.  I am happy we are getting this.  I have heard lots of good things about them.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Missonary update

From: brenda@orphansunlimited.org


Date: September 16, 2012 4:19:25 AM CDT









FACE BOOK FOR ORPHANS UNLIMITED



For all you Face Book lovers out there, we have opened a page where I can

jot the everyday "up close and personal" stuff you'd like to know about

our team of "Jesus Freaks" here in the bush of Africa.



So if you want to get in on the "inside story", join us at

www.facebook.com/orphansunlimited



NOTE: My personal FaceBook page that many of you keep writing too is no

longer in use. Please ask to be our friend on our new Orphans Unlimited

Face Book page.





BUTLER FUMC'S FIRST BABY GOAT IS BORN

Little App, a male, black and white spotted in color, was born a bit

wobbly legged on Sept. 13th. No doubt that his Daddy was the Appalossa

male we sold off recently. At one hour of age, Little App was a bit

confused about where to find the milk, so Mama Brenda had to show him the

faucet. Once he got the hang of it, he was eating with gusto! On

Saturday, I found him sound a sleep, curled up next to his mother in his

birthing stall at our FUMC barn. On Monday, he'll be carried out to where

the goats feed, so his Mama can rejoin the herd.

There are several other females about to "bingo" which were purchased by

the FUMC Sunday school kids.

So FUMC Kids--get ready, cause your herd is about to double!



VERONICA VISITS NAMARA CHURCH



Veronica is the woman who burned her foot in her cookfire (losing more

than half the skin off the bottom of her left foot). After 3 weeks of

intense treatment, it is 70% healed. This in itself is a miracle and even

the Balama Dr. says so, as he's personally doing the daily dressing

changes and treatments for her. Prayer and life saving "Silvadene"

ointment brought over from the USA has helped accelerate her healing.



Today I put a rope bed in the back of my pick-up and off we went to Namara

church after a 6:30 a.m. hospital treatment time for her foot.

The church members and her family were glad to see her and it greatly

boosted her moral.

Thanks for all your prayers for her. She should be walking by the end of

the month.



ZITO'S ABCESSES HEALED!

Thanks to prayer and MELALUCA (tea tree) oil, Zito's numerous abcesses

are all healed! He's struggling to walk with the crutches because his

good leg needs more exercise. So he and I did a set of exercises

together after church, and I set a 50 yard/meter goal for him to

accomplish by the end of the month. I promised him if he did it that

I'd reward him with a nice toy. THAT brought a smile to his face! He's

a determined little boy who just needs someone to be his "trainer" and

encourager.



TODAY THERE WERE NO SICK KIDS IN CHURCH

This is a first, as the kids have grabbed onto God's Word and are

totally healthy. The Sunday School is growing as over 100 kids flowed

in to hear DAVID AND GOLIATH's story today. I showed them how to be a

"DAVID" in their everyday walk with Jesus.



The adults were taught how to use God's spiritual "weapons of warfare" to

keep their families safe from sickness and other problems.

WORD OF GOD

NAME OF JESUS

BLOOD OF JESUS

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

When they left, all of them knew their authority in Christ and were

challenged to bring their friends next week.



Remember us in prayer this week as we start the corn buying with the gifts

you've sent for the Namuno children. Will be a busy 2 weeks for sure!



Love and Hugs,

Bush Bunny Brenda in Balama





Saturday, September 15, 2012

Missionary update

From: brenda@orphansunlimited.org


Subject: Blog, Sept. 15, 2012







JESUS FEEDS THE MULTITUDES

And the Balama Team now knows how tired the 12 disciples were afterwards!



NEW RECORD SET FOR TONS OF FOOD DISTRIBUTED IN 4 DAYS (6 locations)



(Afterwards it was drop and flop time for the entire team!)

It took both trucks (6 ton and 7 ton), 2 Land Cruisers, and the tractor to

accomplish all this as on Thursday and Friday we were in 2 distant

locations both days.



The Balama to Namuno "dirt bush track" (they call it a road) is rough

going for large trucks.

Reduced weight loads were required to prevent damage to the trucks, as the

32 mile trek took over 2 hours each way. Only 1 village could be served

each day due to the distance involved.

Remember, all our loading and unloading is done by a team of 16 very

strong men.

No fork lifts needed!



NAMUNO DISTRICT (county): (Tues., Wed., Thurs.)

18 TONS OF CORN (300 sacks at 120 lbs. (60kg) each)

4 TONS OF BEANS (57 sacks at 140 lbs. (70kg) each)



TOTAL SERVED:

979 kids in 300 families at 3 large villages destroyed by the tornados.



On Monday (Sept. 17), the Namuno county distribution will conclude with 2

smaller villages.

192 children and 50 parents will be blessed with 3 TONS of corn and 1 TON

of beans.



BALAMA COUNTY: (Thurs. and Friday)

10.6 TONS OF CORN

2.5 TONS OF BEANS



Thursday: 300+ orphans and widows were served at our base in Balama.

FRIDAY: 658 orphans and widows served in 2 locations in the Kwe Kwe area

of Balama.
MY FRIENDS, YOUR LOVE GIFTS ARE HARD AT WORK!
EVANGELISM AND CHURCH PLANTING TO BEGIN IN ALL 5 NAMUNO VILLAGES
The Lord has blessed us with 2 Pastors in Namuno who were each given

bicycles and back packs with soccer balls and pumps, Bibles, and tracts on

Thursday this week. Both are graduates of Bible School.
Pastor Annife (Ah-nah-fee) who lives in the remote Shamweely village, will

work in 2 villages. He's already been working 3 weeks and has a small

group of beleivers attending his shade tree Bible studies.
Pastor Ali, young man with lots of energy, will "break ground" in the 3

larger villages by playing games and having short soccer practices for the

children as they regain their strength. These 3 villages have no idea who

Jesus is. True pioneering work that will take some time and much energy.
Pray for these men as they both have much work ahead to reveal Jesus to

these people.


ERIC ON 5 DAY DRIVE FROM SOUTH AFRICA

(About 1,000 miles (3,000km) on dirt and tar roads with more than a few

holes!)

Scheduled to arrive on Monday, Sept. 17, Eric and his Pastor Francois, are

pulling a large trailer filled with 8 suitcases of donations to the

children, plus many supplies impossible to buy in Mozambique.

A busy week ahead as we continue to distribute food and unload, sort, and

organize all that Eric brings us.
PREVENTING MORE ORPHANS IS OUR GOAL

We greatly appreciate ALL the love gifts that have come in so far to help

us to rescue the 1,447 children and the parent caring for them.

Plans are in progress to buy the corn this coming week.

Food drops are being organized for Oct. and Nov. (giving seed) so these

350 families can plant their fields and once again be independent farmers.

Our rainy season (planting time) begins in late November.


THANK YOU for your generous Jesus hearts!

Todate, we've received love gifts sufficient to buy and distribute another

1000 sacks of corn to these kids. Pray for our strength and safety as we

"hit the bush" to weigh, load, and haul it in this week. We have an

accident free record and we want to keep it that way!
LOVE AND HUGS,

Bush Bunny Brenda and the Balama Team

Monday, September 10, 2012

7 Up Biscuits

7 Up Biscuits:


4 cups Bisquick

1 cup sour cream

...1 cup 7-up

1/2 cup melted butter

Mix bisquick, sour cream and 7 up. Melt butter in pan, and put shaped biscuits in, then Bake at 425 until golden

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Out of rooting hormone?

Out of rooting hormone? Open your kitchen cabinet and grab some cinnamon. Plant stems dipped in it will kill fungus and bacteria to help keep those new cuttings free of disease while rooting.

Did you know this about fruit seeds?

Obituary

Obituary printed in the London Times.....Absolutely Brilliant!




Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense ,

who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure

how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in

...bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated

such valuable lessons as:



- Knowing when to come in out of the rain;

- Why the early bird gets the worm;

- Life isn't always fair;

- And maybe it was my fault.



Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more

than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).



His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing

regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual

harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using

mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student,

only worsened his condition.



Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job

that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.



It declined even further when schools were required to get parental

consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform

parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion..



Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and

criminals received better treatment than their victims.



Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar

in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.



Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that

a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly

awarded a huge settlement.



Common Sense was preceded in death,

-by his parents, Truth and Trust,

-by his wife, Discretion,

-by his daughter, Responsibility,

-and by his son, Reason.



He is survived by his 5 stepbrothers;

- I Know My Rights

- I Want It Now

- Someone Else Is To Blame

- I'm A Victim

- Pay me for Doing Nothing



Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.



If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority

and do nothing.

Benefits of tumeric

Fun food tips

Missionary update




Bush Beat Blog





From: brenda@orphansunlimited.org

Subject: Blog, Sept. 9, 2012

Date: September 9, 2012 5:24:17 AM CDT
OPERATION RESCUE DELIVERS FOOD TO 1500 STARTING TUESDAY
The organizational part of the rescue will be completed tomorrow, as our team will coordinate the last 2 villages needing food.
On Tuesday, the largest village with 545 badly malnourished children and widows will be given corn, beans, soap, and salt. We plan to serve the 3 largest villages by Thursday, as we have a food handout to our orphans in Kwe Kwe on Friday.

The 2 smaller villages will be given food next Monday. It will be a busy week, no doubt.

So pray for both our food teams as we will load BOTH TRUCKS to make the food handouts this week. With 100 bags (7 tons) of corn and 3 tons of beans going to each village, we can only serve one location each day.


I'll be getting photos and sending those along as soon as Eric gets back from South Africa on Sept. 18th.
MY SUNDAY MORNING was spent getting Veronica, the woman who burned her foot, treated at the hospital. Her appointment with the Doc in the ER was 8a.m., but when we arrived, they were out of sterile bandages. I was asked to return at 10a.m. with her for treatment.
Veronica's foot is healing well, with only the toes and a small part of

her foot still in need of healing. Thanks to Samanatha Barnhardt, who arrived yesterday from Butler, PA, we received the MUCH NEEDED Silvadene Ointment that has helped her burns heal

so quickly (my supply was almost gone). My secretary, and all around "girl Friday", Linda Ferguson, is the behind the scenes person who makes all these purchases, and gets them to whoever is traveling our way. I give my heart felt THANKS to both Sam and Linda and to YOU, who's Love Gifts make all this possible.


Veronica's sister is back to help care for her for a few days, so we used the time to move them into one of our widow's houses since Veronica will stay permanently with us. Her sister is married and has a family so she cannot give her the support she needs in Namara. Veronica's only little helper is her 5 year old daughter, as her husband passed away several years ago.
I look forward to hearing from many of you soon, as I know that several churches are presenting our corn need to their members.

THANK YOU for your "Jesus Love" shown through your generous giving towards

His Children.
Love and Blessings,

Bush Bunny Brenda in Mozambique

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Aunt Ida’s Custard Sandwiches

Aunt Ida’s Custard Sandwiches


( A fancy baked grilled cheese)



Using sliced French bread, butter slices of bread and make sandwiches using American, sharp and smoked cheese. Lay sandwiches in a casserole dish after you slice them in half diagonally. Lightly salt the sandwiches.



For each sandwich mix up ½ cup milk and one egg. Pour over sandwiches making more milk and egg mix as needed until the casserole dish is full. Let set one hour.



Bake at 400 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until set.

I have also used this recipe from Dee for years.  Its really good and you can use what ever kind of cheese you want.

Palos Verde Tuna Chowder

I have used this tuna chowder recipe for years.  In my last move I misplaced it.  I recently was able to get it again from the person I got it from originally and I am so happy about that.  Thanks Dee.

Palos Verde Tuna Chowder


1 can tuna drained

1 large onion chopped (1 cup)

2 large potatoes pared and thinly sliced (3 cups)

3 cups water

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

¼ teaspoon oregano

1 can condensed tomato soup

1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1. If using tuna in oil use the drained oil to saute the onion until translucent. If using tuna in water you will have to use 2 tablespoons of olive oil or other oil or your choice.

2. Stir in potatoes, water, salt, pepper, and oregano. Cover; cook 15 minutes, or just until potatoes are tender.

3. Stir in tomato soup; flake tuna and add; simmer 5 minutes to blend flavors. Sprinkle parsley and ladle into heated soup bowls or soup plates.

Serves 4

Recipe by Helen Haun

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Missionary update




Bush Beat Blog





From: brenda@orphansunlimited.org

Subject: BUSH BUNNY BRENDA BLOG, SEPT. 4, 2012

Date: September 4, 2012 8:49:31 AM



OPERATION RESCUE NEEDS HELP TO SAVE 1,500 KIDS



Late yesterday afternoon, we FINALLY got government permission to OPEN A CHURCH and do EMERGENCY FOOD DROPS to SEVERELY MALNOURISHED CHILDREN in 3 villages in Namuno County, just 90 minutes South of us.



The culprit was a set of tornados that hit the area in Feb. wiping out

their corn and bean harvest. Over 1,500 children in 3 villages have been on a diet of casava root and leaves which causes severe malnutrtion if eaten for 3 months with no other protein sources.



Our food donors contributed 350 sacks of corn and 150 sacks of beans to distribute to these kids. That will feed 1,400 kids for a month.



After surveying the area, we realized that this is a "drop in the bucket",compared to what is needed.



With 1,500 ADDITIONAL SACKS of corn, we can provide 1,500 children with 4 months of food. That will see them through Feb.

Our corn and bean harvests come in during March.



$20 WILL BUY 1 SACK OF CORN FEEDING 1 CHILD FOR 4 MONTHS.



Our goal is to show Jesus' love via our actions and give these kids a

chance to KNOW JESUS who rescues people from death.



These kids won't make it to the next harvest without a helping hand.



The 150 sacks of beans will provide the needed protein for several months.



The corn funds are needed immediately, as the August corn harvest is small and will be gone by the end of Sept.
OPERATION RESCUE FUNDS are needed by Sept. 20th.
All gifts should be sent to:

Orphans Unlimited

11152 Westheimer Road, PMB #391

Houston, TX 77042
THANK YOU for your help and prayers in this time of need.
Bush Bunny Brenda and the Balama team

Showing Jesus' Love in our Actions.

Missonary update


From: brenda@orphansunlimited.org

Subject: Blog, Sept. 6, 2012

Date: September 6, 2012 8:03:02 AM CDT


UPDATE ON THE 1,500 KIDS NEEDING HELP



Our team has been out all day with the Namuno Health Dept. officials

working to choose the 350 families that are most malnourished, as they

will each get a sack of corn next week along with a portion of dried

beans.

Not a decision I'd want to have to make.



We are organizing a Pastor to "Circuit Ride" via Bicycle to these villages

to teach the children about Jesus. $120 will get him a Bicycle.



As of today, donors have given an additional 335 sacks of corn for our

early November give out to these children. Our goal is to give EACH CHILD

a sack so they can survive till the new harvest comes in early March. ONE

SACK of Corn equals 4 months of food for 1 child.
Not bad for a $20 investment. (hard to believe it can be done for so

little, but bulk corn is not very expensive).

Next week's gift will be only ONE SACK/FAMILY, but that will help them

through the middle of October.

Looking forward to hearing from more of you before Sept. 20th!

ONLY 1,165 sacks to go!

GOING TO PEMBA TOMORROW

Samantha Barnhart from Butler, PA is coming for a 90 day stay with us, so

I'm off to fetch her at the airport and do other business while in town.

Sam is an experienced missionary who has a real heart for kids.

I'll be back on line by Sunday.

Veronica, the burn victim, is healing nicely. I'm now taking her to the

hosptial for daily dressing changes, as I ran out of supplies.

She should be walking within a month if all goes as planned.


THANKS FOR BEING WORLD CHANGERS BY PARTNERING WITH US!

Blessings,

Bush Bunny Brenda, Leona, and the Balama Staff.