Thursday, August 30, 2012

Baby gift

I made up these headbands and barrettes for a baby gift for my husbands niece.  She had a baby girl about 2 or 3 months ago and I thought I'd send a little gift.  I hope she likes them.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Sweet 16

Happy sweet 16th birthday to my daughter Hannah. 

 My prayer for you is that you will love God with all your heart all of your days and that you would want to be close to him always.  That you have the life you always dreamed you would and that you are happy.
I know that you already know that life is not like a dream and that it isn't always happy all the time but you have a good attitude about things and I admire you for that.  You make the best of situations and rarely complain.  May you stay sweet and funny and my God bless you all of your life.
I am so thankful that the Lord let me be your mother.  You are a special blessing to all of us.
Happy Birthday
I love you,
mom

Monday, August 27, 2012

Homemade Nutella~ yes please

Chocolate Almond Butter


adapted from Silvia's Cucina


1/3 heaping cup of slivered almonds

3 tablespoons oil, I used vegetable

1/2 cup cocoa-I used Hershey's both regular and special dark

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon instant coffee granules (optional but really good in it)

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk



In a food processor or grinder, I have a handy dandy chopper, ground almond slivers to a fine grain. You want it to almost be like a powder. The first batch I made, I didn't grind my almonds fine enough and you could feel the almond granules on your tongue, still tasted good but not smooth.

source:  http://www.chocolatechocolateandmore.com/2012/08/chocolate-almond-butter-or-homemade.html

Hannah begins homeschool sewing

This is the pillow case Hannah made today using this tutorial.   http://doingmybestforhim.blogspot.com/2012/01/pillowcase-tutorial.html

When we get moved Hannah wants to decorate her room with Zebra print and other bright colors to make the black and white pop.  She decided to make this cute pillowcase to go along with that theme. We have several sewing, embroidery and other fun projects lined up for this school year.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Headbands and accessories for sale

These headbands with flowers or butterflies can be made any size and most any color. They sell for $8.00 each plus $2.00 shipping. Order more than one and save on shipping. I take paypal. Measure the head where you want to headband to rest, tell me what color and off we go. The butterfly and/or flower can be contrasting color or the same color as the stretchy headband. I just made one of each for demonstration.


I also make the headbands which can be purchased separately for $ 2.50 each.

Or if you prefer you can order the flowers or butterflies with a barrette on them and purchase them separately for $ 6.50 each.

Missionary update

From: brenda@orphansunlimited.org


Subject: Blog, August 26, 2012

Date: August 26, 2012 6:03:38 AM CDT





ORPHANS UNLIMITED HAS A NEW COLORFUL WEBSITE!

LOTS OF PHOTOS

CHECK IT OUT!

www.orphansunlimited.org
REALITY IN MINISTRY, NOT ALWAYS A SUCCESS STORY

Today, we located Dollar's Mom with her burned arm. She had returned to

her mud hut after running away from the hospital where she refused the

operation that would have saved her burnt arm and hand. She has now

developed Gangrene in her right hand, and the future is very limited for

her. Her husband has abandoned her completely, so we found her and her

2 year old son without food or hope when we arrived. Our Pequaria

Pastor convinced her to go with us for treatment, but when we got her to

the hospital, she once again refused to allow them to operate. There is

no hope for her survival without the operation, and there is nothing we

can do but make her comfortable for the time she has left. So we gave

her food and took her back to her mud hut. Tomas,our Pequaria Pastor,

will make sure that food is delivered to her, so they won't go hungry.

Our main concern is to help the 2 year old to survive.

Dollar will remain with us, and his 2 year old brother will probably

join us once he is orphaned.

It is very sad when people contribute to their own death through a lack

of knowledge and superstition. But it is especially sad when the

children are the only ones left to suffer the trauma of being abandoned

and finally orphaned.

Keep this family in prayer this week, I'm surprised the mother could

still function in the condition she is in. Our pastor is doing his best

to show her the way to eternal salvation.
CHURCH IN NAMARA GROWING EACH WEEK
With 30+ adults and 100+ kids today, we had a GREAT church meeting!

New Converts included 19 children/teenagers, and 7 adults.

The men started building their new mud brick church, and a tin roof has

been donated for when the building is complete.
One of today's new salvations was a mother with a naked baby, and 1 small

toddler boy. She came wearing only the ragged remains of a t-shirt and an

old worn out piece of cloth for a skirt. I could see every rib bone, as

she is very malnourished (as are the children). Pastor Ramadan told me

she has no food in her home and that she is truly one of the poorest of

all the poor in Namara. After church, the Pastor himself donated food to

her, and will buy her and the baby some cloths with today's church

offering of $2.
One thing I can say for sure about this church. The members have true

"Jesus hearts", and share what they have with those in need.

We taught them from the begiining that we must do "what Jesus would do".

They grabbed that reality immediately and have walked in it daily.
Next week, we will go to Namara bearing gifts of food and other items

needed by this family, and several other widows in the church who lack

food.

This is YOUR LOVE GIFTS in action, and it is a pleasure to be the one able

to deliver what you freely give.
BUSH BUNNY TIDBITS:

1. Fatima's house is finished and our tractor will head deep into the bush

on Monday to fetch 100 4X4 building beams for the new tin roof. Around

here if you want to build something, you have to contract cutters to go

cut the trees, and then cut those trees into 4X4's with 2 man saw.
2. ZITO is walking better with his crutches, and his 4 leg and arm ulcers

are healing nicely.
3. Little Calca, the goat who broke his leg, is now walking on all 4's.

YEAH! Lots of our Mamma goats are literally waddling, as they near their

time to POP OUT new babies in the next few weeks.
3. Baby Dixon, who is featured on our new prayer card, is chubby and cute

and sitting up on his own. His neck muscles are a bit weak but he's

getting stronger by the day. My secreatry, Linda Ferguson, is in the

process of sending these magnetized prayer cards to all our supporters

from 2011 and 2012.

If you are a new prayer partner, please notify Linda if you do not get

one in the next few weeks. (Reply to the address on this blog).
4. Elephant Village received it's 2nd food handout last Friday. The kids

are all looking healthy and happy, but that wouldn't be the case without

your help. The elephants once again took most of their harvest even

though they tried to defend it with fire. Standing next to a tame

elephant is nerve racking enough (as I've even ridden them), BUT facing a

small hungry herd with nothing but a flamming torch TAKES GUTS! (some

would say insanity). They are very distructive and deadly when hungry.
That's all for this week.

Keep in touch, as I love hearing from you and PLEASE check out our new

website! You'll love the "slide show" on the front page.

Blessings, BBB and Leona

Eric is still wading through our shopping list in South Africa, but will

return to us in mid Sept.
P S

The new website is still being perfected. It will continue to change and grow during the coming days. We think you'll like it. Come pay us a visit.

You can check us out on Facebook too.



Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Make your own spray starch

Make your own spray starch, and enjoy crisp collars and pleats on the cheap. Here's how:
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:

•1 heaping tablespoon corn starch

•1 pint cold water

•1-2 drops essential oil (optional)

Preparation:

1. Combine the cornstarch and water in a bowl, and stir until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. (The mixture will be milky in color)
2. Add in a couple drops of essential oil for fragrance, if desired.
3. Then, transfer to a spray bottle, and use.
Tips:
1. For best results, shake before each use.
2. A little goes a long way, so use sparingly.
Did You Know?

•Commerically-produced spray starch usually contains formaldehyde – yuck!

•Starching clothes actually makes them last longer because dirt and perspiration sticks to the starch and not to the fabric

Butterfly bookmark

I made this butterfly bookmark this morning.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Beets

Butterflies

I like crocheting things that use up the odds and ends of yarn I end up with after a larger project.  Some of the things I crochet are headbands, flowers, and butterflies.  Here is a picture of several butterflies and one flower.
The next time I get to Hobby Lobby I will buy some barrette back things and hot glue the flowers and butterflies onto them.  What do you crochet to use up your odd bits of yarn?
This is the pattern I used for the butterflies.   http://www.freecraftunlimited.com/crochet-butterfly.html
The pattern tells you to chain 12 and fix it for the antennae, I chain 28 and tie it around the body to sort of define it.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Missionary update

From: "Brenda Lange"


Subject: Blog, August 19, 2012



ZITO WALKING WITH CRUTCHES

May not sound like much, but this is a BIG accomplishment for this frail little boy who had no strength or blood for that matter, when I first met him in June.

Eric Dry donated his light weight, aluminum crutches that attach to his forearms. But we had to first build Zito’s physical strength in his arms and his good leg so that he could hold his weight and balance. On the lowest notch, they were “just right” for his height!

He walked out today very confidently and gave us a big SMILE!

Yes, I got a photo, but I’m not computer savvy enough to send it to you until Eric returns in Sept.

Sorry!
Zito now has a bit of color in his eye lids, which means his anemia is correcting itself.

However, I found out today that he is suffering from boils that form abscesses.

He has one under his right arm and 3 on his left hip. After church, I cleaned and doctored all these places, and gave his mother medicine and instructions on how to continue the treatment. With the Lord’s help, we’ll have him healed up in no time.


The church service was great, and the Sunday school numbers are growing. (went over 100 today) with a MIXED AGE crowd.

Many new teenage faces today.

With the Moz. population being 75% UNDER the age of 15 in our area, it is not hard to figure out that the biggest crowd is the children.

All the kids received a cookie today and learned that Jesus is the “Bread of Life” for all of us.

We expect to be over-run with kids next Sunday since this is the first time we gave them a treat.

I’ll be taking a CASE of cookies just to be safe!


Blessings to all of you for making it possible for us to minister God’s love to a lost world!

Bush Bunny Brenda

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Missionary update

From: "Brenda Lange"




Subject: Blog, August 18, 2012
FATIMA RIDES HOME ON A MOTOR BIKE 16 HOURS AFTER MASSIVE STROKE
Blood pressure back to normal and a BIG smile on her face, Fatima was released from the hospital only 16 hours after suffering a massive stroke.
The following day, our Pastors and Fatima’s family began the clean-up of the burnt out house. They managed to salvage most of her year’s harvest of corn that was stacked (still in its shucks) in the storeroom next to the house that burned. This storeroom lost only its roof in the fire, so the walls are still standing.
Her son and a few friends had mud bricks available, so the re- construction of her NEW house has already started, thanks to 2 USA donors who sent in funds this week to help out. Fatima told us she has dreamed a long time of putting a tin roof on her house, and the funds donated are enough for the reconstruction AND a tin roof.
This will provide her a healthier living environment and less fear of fire ever destroying her home again.
Rats love to live in grass roofs and the snakes like to get into the grass and wait for dinner to “walk by”.
Grass roofs are a fire hazard waiting to happen, especially since everyone here cooks on an open fire.
That is the main reason all our orphan homes now have tin roofs.
THANK YOU to all of you for your prayers and rapid response to help with the reconstruction of her home.


NAMUNO PASTOR STARTS EVANGELIZING THIS WEEK
PASTOR ANNAFE (a-nah-fee) trained for 2 years in the Interdenominational Bible School of Balama. Many of our present Pastors attended this school in previous years also, so we know that he received great preparation for sharing Jesus with others.

With a tattered Bible in hand upon his arrival at our office on Thursday, Annafe happily left with a new Bible, tracts, and a Pastors manual, all in Portuguese.
The next step is to meet with the County Administrator, which is scheduled for this coming week.
Once we get clearance to start a church, and organize food distributions, the spiritual and physical rescue of many orphans and the malnourished will begin.
I am amazed at how each door is opening one behind the other, in the right order for all this to occur so quickly.
It is not normal for this to happen at such a fast pace in Africa, which tells my staff that Jesus is opening the doors and we must not hesitate to step through them.
DOLLAR ASKS TO LIVE WITH US
Dollar is a 6 year old boy, abandoned by his parents after his mother was burned by her cook fire.
After 2 days in one of our homes, Dollar politely asked Nilza, our program director if he could please stay. She said it brought tears to her eyes to hear such a polite request from such a young little boy.
I spoke to Social Services this week and they agree that the boy can stay since it is obvious from many testimonies of nurses at the hospital, that he was badly mistreated by his alcoholic and pot smoking father. We stopped at his home village last Sunday, but no one has heard or seen his parents since we picked her up to take he to the hospital 2 weeks ago.
He has been happily learning Portuguese in our pre-school this week in preparation for 1st grade that starts in January.
Dollar has felt true happiness because he knows we love him and so does Jesus.
If anyone would like to sponsor him for $30/week, we will gladly send you his photo and information once Eric returns in Sept.
Blessings,
Bush Bunny Brenda in Balama

Friday, August 17, 2012

Headband craze

Now that I found that super easy headband pattern I have made several.  Here are a few I have made.  Some are already at their new homes.

The large white one is adult size, the rest should fit my 8 month old granddaughter.  Its a great thing to do with a little bit of yarn.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Great headband

I found a pattern for a great headband today.  Its from Ravelry.  http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/headband-pattern-the-genius-headband
You can make it any size, use any yarn and any hook.

Two little dresses

Today I made two little dresses like this. One is for the little girl I have been watching and the other is for my granddaughter.  Now I better get my granddaughters sent before it gets too cold where she lives for her to wear it.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Old quilting photos

Grandmother from Oklahoma with grandson, working on quilt. California, Kern County, 1936
Ladies of the Helping Hand society working on quilt. Gage County, Nebraska, 1938

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Missionary update

From: "Brenda Lange"


Subject: Blog August 14, 2012

Date: August 14, 2012 4:01:59 AM CDT





PRAYER REVERSES MASSIVE STROKE



Yesterday, Fatima, our cook, left work to find her home ablaze at 2:30pm. She got so upset she had a MASSIVE STROKE in the street and dropped as if she’d been shot. Our woman’s pastor, Dominica, raced to my house to ask me to take her to hospital. When I arrived, there was no doubt it was a stroke, as she was unconscious with her mouth sagging, and she’d lost control of body fluids. Five women picked her up and put her in my truck. When we left her at the emergency room it looked very bleak, as she was barely breathing and unresponsive even to painful stimuli.



Our staff began to pray, both here in Moz. and in the USA, asking Jesus to restore her completely.

At 7a.m. today, Pastor Fred visited Fatima to find her SITTING UP IN BED and TALKING!!!!

She immediately told him she was hungry and to please get her some food!

He raced back to me to tell me the news which had all of us in tears and jumping for joy!

GOD GAVE US THE MIRACLE WE ASKED FOR!


Folks, I worked ICU for 11 years before coming to Moz. and NEVER saw anyone recover from a massive stroke in 16 hours and certainly with NO paralysis for slurred speech!

HER STORY AS TOLD TO US THIS MORNING
Fatima says in the middle of the night, a man in white came to her with his hand outstretched.

He told her to take his hand. She said, but I don’t know you.

I am Abraham and Jesus has sent me to “lift you up”.

Those sitting with her says she regained consciousness at 2a.m. this morning.



This is truly a Jesus miracle with many witnesses to back it up.

Fatima’s blood pressure is close to normal, and her only symptom is some slight swelling in her left leg.
PRAISE JESUS! My exact words in my prayer yesterday were: Jesus please “lift her up” so that her testimony can be more powerful than it already is.

Fatima is featured in our main ministry DVD as was the first Witch Doctor to come to Jesus, and burn her witch hut in front of the whole village.

Over 300 people witnessed her collapse yesterday, as many had gathered to gawk at her burning mud hut.

I can hardly wait to see how many lives are touched by Fatima’s testimony.
THE POWER OF FAITH FUELED PRAYER TO OUR LORD HAS NO LIMITS.

Blessings, BBB

Monday, August 13, 2012

Watermelon


Millworker's children eating watermelon on porch of rented house. Six miles north of Roxboro, Person County, North Carolina, July 1939

My lame attenpt at instructions

‎9 x 9 inch childs purse, basic instructions.


Chain 25,

Row 1~2 hdc (half double crochet) in second chain from hook. Continue down the chain, 2 hdc in last chain, hdc on around the chain and back up the other side. You will be working on both sides of the chain. Continue to make hdc's around and around using both loops of the previous row as usual and adding stitches at the ends to make it lay flat. I ususally make two rounds after the intial chain round. Then begin working in the back loops only with hdc for one round, once you complete the round begin working both loops again as usual.

Then just go round and round changing colors when you want to. I usually decrease at each end on about the 4th, 7th and 10 row up. Where you decrease is not super important but it looks better towa...rds the base of the purse. When the purse is as tall as I want it to be I lay it flat and measure about 1/3 in from each end, this is usually about 7 stitches. I put a stitch marker there and at that point I chain the amount between the stitch markers in the middle plus one. (This is the hardest part for me to explain) I am making the handle.

 When I have chained the amount of stitches plus one I then continue to hdc into the purse itself. Continue hdc around the purse twice crocheting hdc's across the chain to make the handle for two rows. I then single crochet once around and then end and weave in my ends. I then make a bow and sew it securely to the purse using yarn and making sure the bow is sewn on well.

I hope this makes sense to you as I am far from a professional and even further from being able to describe things.    

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Little purple purse

This is a little purple purse I made today.  I now have all of my part of the trade done.  Tomorrow before I mail the package I will take a picture of all the stuff I am sending.

Little pink purse

This is a little pink purse I just finished for a friend.  I am crocheting a few things for her and she is sewing a few things for me.

Missionary update

From: "Brenda Lange"


Subject: Blog, Sunday, August 12, 2012





ANGELIC MESSENGER SAVES PASTOR JOSE’S FAMILY

Last night, Pastor Jose, his wife and new baby were sound asleep in their double bed inside their mud hut.

Jose was suddenly awakened without reason, and heard a message in his head that said: “Get up and tell your wife to take the baby and get out of bed.”

He had no idea WHY they were to get up, but he obediently did what the “ unseen messenger” said.

Jose turned on his flashlight and a 2 foot (50cm) black mamba was curled up on their blanket at the foot of the bed!

It was totally AMAZING that the snake didn’t strike when they got out of the bed. He said he immediately grabbed his machete and chopped it into 3 pieces!

ANGELS watching over him and his family is the ONLY logical assumption.

I’ve been in a similar situation when an angel actually grabbed my shoulder and SHOOK ME awake, so that I would discover a 2 ft. black mamba sitting on my shoes, not 1 foot away (30cm). You’ll find this story in my faith building book, AFRICAN ADVENTURES which you can order from my office (linda@orphansunlimtied.org)

The lesson to remember is this: When the Holy Spirit or an Angel sends you a clear message, DON’T ARGUE, OBEY!!!!

Around here, hesitation or disputing a clear order from the Lord can get you killed.



DOLLAR’S PARENTS REJECT HELP

On Friday, I told you about Dollar, the 6 year old boy whose mother was in the hospital with 2nd and 3rd degree burns, and whose father abandoned him on Friday when the mother was transferred for more extensive care at the Regional Hospital 36 miles (60 km) away. Yesterday, the mother and father surprised all of us by showing up on my doorstep just before dark! They had run away from the Regional Hospital when told she would be transferred to the burn unit in Pemba. The woman is very weak, and the husband had been drinking and couldn’t be reasoned with. The father didn’t even ask about Dollar.

I took them back to the Balama hospital, and was told they ran away from their last night. No one has seen them sense, and the hospital staff stated that they might be going to seek out a witch doctor. It appears that Dollar may become a permanent resident here. He went to church today, and seems totally happy and content in his new home. There is no doubt that he appreciates 3 meals a day and a stable, loving, family atmosphere. Leona told me that he was smiling and playing well with the other children at Sunday School.

PTL that children are flexible and resilient!

It’s doubtful that the mother will live long without proper treatment.

What will happen to the 2 year old brother? Only time will tell, as he is with the parents.

I’ll keep you informed.



NAMUNO CHURCH AND FEEDING PROGRAM TO OPEN SOON

On my last USA tour, I spoke of the Lord’s next assignment for us.

To open a NEW ORPHAN RESCUE PROGRAM by planting a CHURCH in NAMUNO COUNTY, 20 miles south of Balama.

Yesterday, Pastor Alberto met with an experienced Pastor with store management experience, who LIVES in the exact village where the program is most needed!

That is NO coincidence! Our GOD is at work, big time! The Pastor who manages this project MUST be trustworthy and be able to organize the food distributions as well as lead the church.

An extensive interview will take place this Thursday, but this man comes highly recommended by 3 government officials working in that area.



SHAMWHEELY (Sham-Wheely) is the name of the village.

It’s a huge village with many malnourished and orphaned children due to a tornado levelling the village last October.

The local village officials are ECSTATIC that we want to come help them.



The next step is to get government permission to start a church and feeding program there, which shouldn’t be difficult since the County Administrator knows me. He was the Administrator in Balama when I came here 13 years ago.

Our pioneer work is just beginning, as this county has 180,000+ residents and less than a 500 have ever heard the story of Jesus.



This Thursday and Friday, we will be involved in a major food distribution to the 9 remote villages in the Kwe Kwe area. We will move forward in Namuno county as quickly as is possible.

The new truck driver will be a BIG help with this as we will need BOTH TRUCKS and 2 Land Cruisers to move 14 TONS of food this week.



Blessings,

Bush Bunny Brenda

And Leona Phillips of South Africa

P.S. Leona has given a year of her life to help us, and will go to Pemba tomorrow with Capena, our office Administrator, to file for her residency permit.

Keep us all in prayer as this week will be a busy one for sure!


"Bush Bunny" Brenda Lange

LOVE GIFTS TO:

ORPHANS UNLIMITED, INC.

11152 WESTHEIMER RD., PMB 391

HOUSTON, TX 77042

LOVE GIFT TO: ORPHANS UNLIMITED in RSA

Standard Bank-Hatfield

(branch code) 011-54515

Name: Orphans Unlimited

Acct. # 017743036

PERSONAL NOTES TO BRENDA

brenda@orphansunlimited.org

ALL OTHER INQUIRIES:

LINDA FERGUSON

linda@orphansunlimited.







Friday, August 10, 2012

Missionary update

From: "Brenda Lange"


Subject: Blog, August 10, 2012

Date: August 10, 2012 8:40:52 AM CDT





I PASSED THE WRITTEN DRIVER’S TEST IN PORTUGUESE!!!!

Got the word late yesterday afternoon that I’ll soon be called to do the driving test.

Thanks for your prayers on my behalf.



BURN VICTIM FROM LAST SUNDAY GIVEN EMERGENCY TRANSFER TO MAJOR HOSPITAL TODAY

As I was writing this, Leona Phillips and her interpreter, Rafique, came in from our Balama hospital where they have been praying for the sick.

They found little 6 year old DOLLAR, abandoned for the 2nd time this week. (Tuesday he was left by his father the whole day without food and was given a meal and a place to sleep by Dominica, our woman’s pastor.) The father returned late that evening, and was counselled the next day by our staff to not do that again.

Today, when Dollar’s mother turned critical, he was once again left behind by his father.

Rafique brought him to us, and we placed him in our “little boys’ dorm” at Assaias house. He seemed right at home and was thrilled to get another set of clothes and a REAL BED to sleep in. I don’t think he’s ever slept in a bed before, much less had new clothes to wear.

On top of it all, he’s got a harsh cough and an upper respiratory infection, which we immediately treated him for.

Pray for his mother to heal quickly, because these 2 little boys need their Mom’s love for sure.



GOD GAVE US A MOZAMBICAN CHRISTIAN FOR A TRUCK DRIVER TODAY

I am super excited, as I asked the Lord specifically for a Christian truck driver who would be long term.
Yesterday, both my Office manager, Capena, and my truck driver, Manuel heard that a good truck driver, who lives in Balama, was looking for a job.

His story is confirmed by my staff that he left his job because the truck owner wouldn’t pay him after 60 days of driving. This is very common in Mozambique. I know construction crews who have waited 3-4 months before being paid.



Janito Venacio, 28, showed us his commercial driver’s license and started driving today. (Hard to get this license, and costs over $600 here in Moz.)

Driving our 6 ton truck with Manuel sitting beside him, he delivered a load of construction supplies and picked up a load of firewood in the bush.

He needs some practice with the tractor, but it looks very probable that he will become a permanent member of our “family” here in Balama.

He is very grateful for a job with us because he knows we always pay on time. He has a 2 week old baby as well as a 3 and 5 year old at home with his wife.

He’s a member of the Assembly of God church, and he found Jesus only 9 months ago. He didn’t have a Bible, so he left today with a day’s wages as well as a Bible and a hand full of teaching tracts.



ROOFS GOING UP ON FIRST 2 ORPHAN HOUSES!

The roofers will complete the 36 foot (11 meter) long roof on the girl’s dorm tomorrow.

The foster parent’s roof will be completed by next Friday.

All is coming along really fast, as we only started these 2 houses last week of June!

Lots of finishing work to do, but with a 19 man brick layer crew, it should go quickly.

The “20 year” latrine pit was also dug and bricked in this week.

God is really helping us to accelerate this project and the children are excited about their new house that should be finished in early September.



BIG BAD BULLY BILLY GOAT has been sold.

Calsa, the baby whose leg he broke, is mending very nicely. I removed the splint today and the fracture is already stable.

He’s already comfortable with his foot resting on the ground when he is standing still and it’s only been a week.

All “kids” heal quickly (both the 2 legged and the 4 legged kind).



Blessings,

Bush Bunny Brenda and Leona Phillips

Linda flew home yesterday and should be in North Carolina by now.



Thursday, August 9, 2012

Another small bag

I really like these smaller tote bags and will be adding them to the medium and large ones I already make.

Laundry mat

I have started having to wash our clothes at the laundry mat because the rust in the water here is so bad that it makes all our clothes look dirty and dingy.  I did make my own laundry soap and fabric softener so that will help a little bit.
When I go to the laundry mat I use the large washers that hold 3 loads of wash and only put 2 loads in them.  I save 75 cents doing that and that pays for the drying which costs about 50 cents each double load to dry.  The prices are fair at least at this local laundry mat although I am not impressed with the cleanliness.
I usually bring some kind of hand work to do while I sit and wait such as embroidery or crochet.  I also like to people watch.

 Last time there was a gal there with the words w h i t e  p o w e r down the side of her leg.  She was with another white gal who was with a black man.  Didn't make sense to me but ok.  The other gal (I hesitate to call either of them ladies) lifted her blouse so the guy could see what size bra she wore.  I don't know if she was going to search through the washers to find new bras or what.  It seemed to me it could of waited until they got home or at least to the car, after all, there was no bra shopping to be had in the laundry mat.

Our new house has its own well and a water treatment system so hopefully we wont have rust in the water there.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

We are adopting

Since we are buying a house we decided we need a dog.  The yard is fenced already and there is a room that is all tile with a baby gate.  Also there are wild animals who might come into the yard and he can chase them away.
Now we just need a name for him.  Isnt he adorable?

Smaller tote bag

One of my customers wanted a smaller tote than I usually make.  It turned out really cute.  Its about a foot wide and high without the straps.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Home Canned Chocolate Syrup

Home Canned Chocolate Syrup


3c. water 2 c. corn syrup ( or make your own- 1 part water 2 parts sugar, honey, etc) 2 c. sugar 1 c. cocoa 1 tsp. salt 2 Tblsp vanilla Bring to boil-cook 3 minutes then add vanilla. Makes about 6-1/2 pints, waterbath 15 min.

Missionary update


From: "Brenda Lange"

Subject: Blog, Sunday August 5, 2012

Date: August 5, 2012 6:49:50 AM CDT





OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!

Our Namara church was a lively one with much praise and dancing today as 80 + people attended. SIX attendees were youth from the Jesus Film showing.

But obedience brought forth the “ wonderful happening” that you are about to read about.


At 6a.m. this morning, my guards and I were picking up a sacks of corn and beans for ZITO, the little boy with the cripple leg in Namara, when I felt the Lord impressed on me to take an extra bag of corn and some beans plus plates, pans, and cups for a widow I would meet at the church. I had no idea who it was, and said nothing to Pastor Alberto who went with me today. At the salvation invitation, a woman came forward to accept Christ and was accompanied by 4 little girls. I was told they had just arrived from Beira, a city 500 miles away. Both parents of these 4 girl, ages 2 to 10, had died and this woman, their aunt, was the only living relative. She was staying with the chief of the village, who told her about us and our church. It was not hard to tell that the “aunt” was totally overwhelmed with this new responsibility. This precious family of orphaned girls were given the food and all our gifts and the aunt was totally taken by surprise. It was a great testimony when I told the church how important it is to be “obedient” when God speaks to you about something. God knew this family was in need and heard their prayers long before I even knew they existed. The relief on the aunt’s face was the only thanks needed.
ZITO GETTING STRONGER!

In fact, he is crawling on all fours, exercising, and gaining weight, thanks to the high protein diet he now eats. He is determined to walk, and truly believes that Jesus will heal him as he does what he can to get stronger. He says he is ready to try the small, light-weight crutches that Eric donated to him.

So next week, we will take them and teach him how to use them.
ON TO THE PEQUARIA CHURCH

After the Namara church, we dropped in on the end of the service for the Pequaria church, just 4 miles away.

Pastor Tomas introduced me to a new believer, who had just moved from Namara with his family. But the wife was very ill as fell into their cook fire on Friday during an epileptic attack. This family with 2 little boys has nothing but a few rags on their backs. I grabbed my backpack and we walked immediately to their hut to visit and pray for her.

One look at her 2nd and 3rd degree burns covering her right arm and hand, told me nothing I had in my bag of medicine would help. The husband agreed to let us take all of them to the Balama hospital, so we loaded her up and off we went, as her wound is badly infected. We left her at the emergency room getting the proper treatment, and then turned our attention to the father and children. By this time, the 2 year old was crying with hunger. Food, blankets, and a mat to sleep on were provided and now this father and his children will stay under the “waiting tree” where all those who have family in the hospital sit and visit. We will visit them daily for prayer and emotional support until she is healed.
More next week, so stay tuned as this Jesus saga never ends.

Blessings from Bush Bunny Brenda and Linda Stanley
P.S. Linda needs prayer coverage for her travels from Balama back to the USA. She leaves Tuesday and will be in the USA by Thursday.
Leona will also be traveling back to Balama with me on that Wednesday.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Hand sewing and laundry

I enjoy looking at these old pictures.  Not only do they tell a story of a time gone by but they remind me of how blessed I am.  When I think I have it hard or my home isn't what I want it to be these pictures remind me that I have it very well off indeed.
I still hang my wash to dry.  Jeff doesnt like his clothes dried in a dryer either.

Friday, August 3, 2012

Missionary update

From: "Brenda Lange"


Subject: Blog, August 3, 2012

Date: August 3, 2012 8:15:50 AM CDT



BULLY BILLY BLUDGEONS BALAMA BABY



BABY GOAT CRUNCHED BY BIG BAD BULLY GOAT

Little “Calca” (“CAL-SA”means pants in Portuguese) is now 4 months old. He loves people and has been a friendly “nibbler” on anyone’s pants who enters our corral.

Thus His name: Calca. Yesterday, I was called to attend to his FRACTURED left back leg. The little guy was drinking milk from his Mom when our HUGE 90 lb. (45kg) Billy Goat decided HE wanted to mate with the Mom who was in heat. The Billy rammed the baby with his horns, knocking him down, as the mother ran, and then crunched his little leg with his huge horns, breaking it clean through on the lower leg. He laid quietly while I splinted it. I even offered him by skirt to “nibble on” but he wasn’t interested. He’ll be fine, as he hops well on 3 legs, and will be carried out daily by one of our 3 goat herders, so he can be with the herd while they graze. I’m sure the simple break will mend since he is so young. BIG BAD BILLY GOAT will be sold ASAP. He’s getting very aggressive as a 3 year old, and it’s time he finds a home with someone in the bush.



MANGO TREE CHURCH IN MAVALA HOSTS 1st 2012 FOOD DISTRUTION

FOUR HUNDRED AND FORTY FOUR Orphans and Widows from infants to grandmothers, converged on the Mango Tree Church today to receive life-saving corn and beans as well as soap and Iodized salt to assist them in living healthier lives. It was reunion time with many that I haven’t seen since last December. All looked healthy except the 75 newcomers just added to the group. The gospel was preached and the physical needs met.

THIS is “love in action”.

That is what Jesus is all about!



FIVE NEW BABIES RECEIVED THIS WEEK

2 sets of twins and 1 single birth baby were all admitted to our baby rescue program on Tuesday afternoon.

Thanks to your love gifts, these babies will not perish from lack of baby formula.

Capena, my office manager, spent Wednesday searching the town of Montepuez for baby formula. His hard work reaped 122 cans of formula.

Presently we have 10 babies under 3 months of age and 13 ages 3-6 months who are dependent on formula.

THANK YOU for helping us save the lives of these innocent ones.



Eric is now in RSA enjoying his grandkids.

I’ll be doing the Airport shuffle on Wed. this week, as:

Linda Stanley flies out to the USA.

Leona Phillips from RSA will return to us the same day to submit her documents for residency.

Leona and I will “hold down the fort” till middle of Sept. when Eric returns.



Blessings,

Bush Bunny Brenda and Linda in Balama



Go Courtney

Last evening Courtney went to town with Mollie.  Pretty soon I got a phone call asking the length of each piece of fabric for the pillowcases.  She came home with enough fabric to make two more pillowcases.  Here is the end result.  I think this girl has talent.  She finished both of these up in just a few hours.  Now she wants to learn the X stitch in embroidery.  Today is the last day at mema camp and this girl is getting her moneys worth.  What a girl.  Go Courtney.
She has done an amazing job and completed several projects in the week she has been here, I am so proud of her.
This is the tea towel Courtney embroidered and hemmed.

Knitting, gardening and relocation

Homewoven dress and rug, Westmoreland Homesteads, Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Westmoreland homesteader wearing dress of cloth woven herself on homestead looms and working on rug woven by her homestead loom... c. 1936
"Homegrown food is homegrown wealth. The foresighted farmer makes a garden plan showing what to plant, when to plant, and when to make second plantings. The plan shows how to cultivate and keep the garden free of weeds, and what poison spray to use to kill the insects that might eat up the vegetables. A garden is meant to feed the family, not the bugs and worms" ~~1936
Example of self-resettlement in California. Oklahoma farm family on highway between Blythe and Indio. Forced by the drought of 1936 to abandon their farm, they set out with their children to drive to California. Picking cotton in Arizona for a day or two at a time gave them enough for food and gas to continue. On this day, they were within a day's travel of their destination, Bakersfield, California. Their car had broken down en route and was abandoned
I am thankful I have a better jar lifter than this lady had.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

This is the way we wash our clothes

Washing clothes

Sewing a pillowcase

Courtney learned how to sew a pillowcase today.  She learned to sew a french seam too.  In the pillowcase all seams are finished, there are no raw edges.  This is Courtney's first sewing project.
Sewing a french seam.

The finished pillow case.

Oh so soft.  My first sewing project. 

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Canning meat

     Debbie S. left a comment on my last post that she had never heard of canning meats.  I thought I would write a little post about my experience of canning meat.  Its fabulous.  So much better than store bought canned meat.  Its also a way to spread your eggs out, in other words don't have all your eggs in one basket.  I have some meat frozen and some meat canned.  That way I should have it covered if something happens to the electric or so on.

     I personally have canned pork, chicken, beef, bacon, taco meat, meat loaf, meat balls, chili with meat and sloppy joes.  Just last night I opened a can of cubed pork I had canned and poured off the juice and added salsa and warmed it up.  We ate it on taco shells, its such an easy tasty and quick meal.

     I cold pack my meats and do not add liquid generally, the sloppy joes and meatballs I did add tomato sauce with some brown sugar in it.  All meat has to be pressure canned.  If you are canning meat and dont quite have a pressure canner load full, can some beans for more quick meals.  I also do not cook the beans first.  If you look under canning you should be able to find the bean canning method.  I forgot about that the other day when I canned the taco meat and sloppy joes, I could of canned a pint or two of beans, shoot.

     If you have never canned meat and you find a good deal on some and have a pressure canner, give it a go, you will be glad you did.

Edited to add:  I do cook my ground meat before I can it.  I have been told that if you dont do that it will form a huge lump in the jar that is almost impossible to get out.  When I made the meatballs we put them in a 9x13 pan and cooked them almost done on the grill, then I canned them.  The sloppy joe meat, chili meat and taco meat I cooked in a pan with the desired spices.