Thursday, February 28, 2013

Farmers Love Letter

Do you CARROT all for me? For my heart BEETS for you and my love is as soft as a SQUASH but as strong as an ONION for you are a PEACH with your RADISH hair and TURNIP nose. You are the APPLE of my eye, so if we CANTALOUPE, then LETTUCE marry, for I know we would make a happy PEAR.

Pickled Beets

A lady at church makes the best pickled beets.  I asked her for her recipe and she brought the booklet.  Its in an old Kerr booklet.
Here is her recipe.

Pickled Beets
Cook small fresh beets until tender.  Dip into cold water to stop the cooking process.
Make syrup
4 c. sugar
2 c. water
2 c. strong white vinegar
1 t. cloves
1 t. allspice
1 T. cinnamon (use the stick cinnamon and grind to powder)
Pour syrup over beets and boil 10 minutes.  Pack into clean sterilized jars and seal at once.  She said the jars just seal when she adds the hot liquid but I think I will process them in my steam canner for 10 minutes just to be safe.

Jeff told me as he was eating her beets that this was the way he wants our beets to be made.  I sure am glad she shared the recipe with me.  Thank you.

Missionary update

From: "Brenda Lange"


Subject: Blog, Feb. 26, 2013

Date: February 26, 2013 10:13:13 AM CST

FLOODING WIPES OUT BRIDGE ON ROAD LEADING OUT OF THE BUSH
Eric wrote this morning that our pick-up which was headed to our Meluco Orphan site had to turn back yesterday.

A major bridge that crosses a deep ravine was washed away on Sunday night.

This “bridge” was on a temporary bypass as the main bridge never completed this year.

Made out of 2 large shipping containers that were welded together, the water pressure became too much and lifted it out of its moorings and shifted it downriver.

There is one other route out of our area, and Eric will investigate it on Wed. to see if it is open.

High water tends to close that road each year, but with the road repairs they made last year it may be passable with 4 wheel drive.

On Sunday, Pastor Alberto went to one of the 3 Mango Tree Churches to do a Baptism.

The river was in such a flood state, that the church members on the far side of the river couldn’t even cross over.

Alberto said that the church groups on each side of the river could do nothing but look at each other across the swiftly moving water.

So it will be rescheduled in March when the water levels begin to go down.


We had 2 more goats born this week. Set of twins with 1 boy, 1 girl. Mommy goat and both babies are doing well.

We are now up to 98 goats!


I’ll keep you posted as Eric sends in more news.

Blessings,

BBB

"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.org

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

End of Feburary greenhouse report

 The beets look good, I will need to thin them soon.
 Looks like the green beans are coming on.
 The onions and garlic are going to town too.  There are two pans one of onions only and one with onions and garlic.
 The strawberries look like they need something.  I will have to search online to see what they need.
 I started a sweet potato in the window for slips.  Its organic so it should be good.  Should be showing signs of roots and slips soon.
The peppers and tomatoes look good too.  I will be planting the tomatoes elsewhere soon.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Happy Birthday Shelby

♫ ღ ♪ Happy Birthday To YOU! ♫ ღ ♪


Happy Birthday To YOU! ♫ ღ ♪ ♫ ღ ♪

Happy Birthday Dear Shelby!

♫ ღ ♪ ♫ ღ ♪ Happy Birthday To YOU! ♫ ღ ♪

Today is my second oldest granddaughters 9th birthday.
They live far away so I dont get to see her but I can still wish her a happy birthday.

This is Shelby with my dad a couple of years ago.  I dont have any more recent pictures of her so this will have to do.
Happy Birthday Shelby, we love you.




Sunday, February 24, 2013

Grinding my own burger

Several months ago we purchased a meat grinder.  So far we had not had the need to use it.  I got to figuring and it was cheaper to grind my own burger than to buy it already ground and it would be fresher.  The other day I bought boneless beef ribs on sale and froze them.  When they were partially thawed Mollie cut them up to fit the grinder and we ground our own burger.  We then made hamburgers and then today after church we had meat loaf.  It really is better than the stuff from the butcher.
I like the meat from the butcher better than the supermarket and this is better than from the butcher.  It just gets better and better.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Kaitlyn learns to sew

Kaitlyn and Sammy came to Meemas for a visit.  Its Kaitlyns turn to learn to sew.
 Kaitlyn's first sewing project was these fun hot pads.  There is a tutorial for them under sewing.
 After she sewed, trimmed and checked them she turned them right side out and poked out the corners.
She made two hot pads to give to her mom.  Shhhh, dont tell.
Sammy's just been playing and having fun.  First order of business was to get a hair cut, doesnt he look handsome now?

Sammy and Kaitlyn made pigs in a blanket for lunch one day.

Monday, February 18, 2013

Missionary update

TWO BOYS KIDNAPPED LAST WEEK ARE DOING FINE
They were in church today and seemed perfectly happy.

Eric told me that their rescue took place in a thunderstorm, so everyone was wet!
It has rained for over 31 hours now, only stopping for 15 minute intervals every now and then.
The Montepuez River which crosses the road to the 3 Mango Tree churches in the Mavala area, was 300 meters out of its banks.
The water is 4 feet OVER THE TOP of the bridge.

Pastor Alberto had to turn back this morning, as he was supposed to preach in the Mpaca church today.
Our prayer is that these heavy rains will not damage the corn and bean crops, as the men and women who grow the food that benefits our orphans live in this area.
These people's lives depend on their crops. Not only to sell to meet their needs, but to EAT, as there is no agency in our area who gives food to those who's crops fail for whatever reason.
IN THE NAME OF JESUS, we command the rains to fall in moderation and not drown the crops!
Let the SUNSHINE bless the earth and the SON of GOD SHINE and bless those crops!
Blessingss,
Brenda

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Rescued

From: "Brenda Lange"


Subject: Blog: Prayers answered on boys

Date: February 15, 2013 11:58:50 AM CST


THE 2 KIDNAPPED BOYS HAVE BEEN RESCUED!

Our staff of Manel (Pastor and driver), plus Nilza (our children’s program leader), as well as the sister who abandoned them, and the police were the rescue team who located them at 11a.m. our time today. (late afternoon in Africa)

The boys were unharmed physically and hopefully will recover quickly from the 24 hours they were with this man.

The man fled from the police as soon as he realized our truck was in the village.

Our police don’t have a vehicle, so our ministry provided a truck and driver to take them to the village.



The Sister was the key factor in locating them, and was the first stop for the police since our staff knew where she lived.

The Sister figured out who the man had to be, and she took them to his mud hut in the village of Nacacca.

The parents of these 2 boys are truly deceased (he lied saying he was their father).

He is their father’s older brother (the kid’s uncle whom they didn’t even know).

The boys are safely back in our care as their “uncle” is on the run from the police, who are now trying to find him.


I doubt he will be back now that he is wanted for kidnapping, but we will watch over them by putting a guard at the house to protect them.

THANK YOU for those of you who saw the prayer alert and let us know you were praying.

PRAYER MADE THE DIFFERENCE AND KEPT THE KIDS SAFE.
We are super happy that they are safe and were not sold, as we had feared!

Human trafficking is a problem in the larger cities of Mozambique, but so far, we have had no incidents in our area.

Until they catch this man, we will not know why he took the boys.


Blessings,

Bush Bunny Brenda

I am late posting these stories but I thought you all might be interested in them.

This was an urgent prayer request.

ORPHANS KIDNAPPED LATE YESTERDAY
Your prayers needed urgently to help us find them.

DENISE, AGE 7

MOMADI, AGE 4





Eric notified me this morning that a man claiming to be the father of Momadi (age 4) and Denise (age 7) came to their foster home (Atija’s house) late yesterday and took the boys.



These boys were signed over by their older sister 4 months ago as wards of Social Services and placed in our care, when their 19 year old sister abandoned them.

Their uncle and this sister told us the parent’s of these 2 boys are dead.

So we are concerned about “human trafficking” being behind this as no one had ever seen this man.



We do have a lead as to what village they were taken too, but it contains a population of 5,000 people and NO ONE knows this man’s name.

So it will take HOLY SPIRIT POWER to lead them to find these boys.

Your prayers are appreciated and we will keep you informed as news is received.

THANK YOU for helping us call in the heavenly help needed to rescue these 2 young boys.



I’m in Louisiana for presentations in 2 churches in 2 different cities from today till next Thursday.

I appreciate and say THANKS to all of you who are praying for me during this tour.

It is going well and God is moving to make sure that our kids have the food and care they need this year.
Blessings,
Bush Bunny Brenda

Baked beans to can

The past few days the girls and I canned 42 quarts of beans. We canned ham and beans, ranch beans, pork and beans, chili beans and baked beans. Here are the recipes I used.


Baked beans to can.

For each quart jar add 1 level cup of navy beans.  We used a mixture of navy, pinto and black beans.  Be sure to wash and sort the beans but do not cook or soak.

1 T. pork, ham, bacon or bacon bits
1 T. molasses
1 T. apple cider vinegar
1 t. salt
1/4 t. dry mustard
1 T. onion

Fill each jar to within one inch of the top with a mix of tomato juice and water.  Process at ten pounds pressure for 1 1/2 hours.

Pork and Beans to can

The past few days the girls and I canned 42 quarts of beans. We canned ham and beans, ranch beans, pork and beans, chili beans and baked beans. Here are the recipes I used.




Pork and beans to can For each quart jar add one level cup of navy beans.  (Sort and wash your beans but dont cook or soak them) 1T. bacon bits or ham pieces or salt pork 1/2 t. dry mustard 1 T. brown sugar 1 T. molasses 1 t. salt 1/2 garlic powder   Fill each jar to one inch of top with a half and half mix of tomato juice and water. Process at ten pound pressure for 1 1/2 hours.

Chili beans to can

The past few days the girls and I canned 42 quarts of beans. We canned ham and beans, ranch beans, pork and beans, chili beans and baked beans. Here are the recipes I used.




Chili beans to can. For each quart jar add one level cup of beans ( we used a mixture of pinto, navy and black)  (be sure to pick through and wash your beans but dont soak or cook them)   Add to each jar: 1 T. onion 1 t. garlic salt 1 T. pinto bean seasoning 1 T. chili powder   Fill the jars with beef broth or water to within one inch of top and process at ten pounds pressure for 1 1/2 hours.

Ranch Beans to can

The past few days the girls and I canned 42 quarts of beans.  We canned ham and beans, ranch beans, pork and beans, chili beans and baked beans.  Here are the recipes I used.

Ranch Beans to can
For each quart jar I put 1 cup of pinto beans dry (wash and pick through the beans but don't soak or cook them) into the jar.  Then we added these spices.
1 T. chili powder
1 clove garlic minced
1 T. onion minced
1 t. brown sugar
1 t. apple cider vinegar
1 t. paprika
1 t. cumin
1/2 t. oregano
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
I filled the jars with a mixture of tomato juice and water half and half to within one inch of the top.  We processed these for 1 1/2 hours at 10 pounds pressure.

We opened a jar at lunch today and they are spot on.  The spices are just right.  I am quite pleased with this recipe.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Super yummy peanut butter breakfast bars

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ƸӜƷ✫˜˜”*°•.ƸӜƷ✫˜...

    
 Jeff likes to grab a granola/breakfast/type bar in the morning on his way out the door.  The girls and I like to have one now and then as a snack.  They are not cheap so it adds up.  I thought to myself that I should be able to make some that taste ever bit as good as the ones we buy and be much cheaper.  So I set out to find a recipe that you didn't have to cook and that sounded like it would taste good.
     Well guess what.  I think Ive found it.
I made this recipe and left out the flax seeds it called for as well as the slivered almonds because I just didn't have any.  I put them in the fridge to harden up and then packaged them.  They are so very good.
Here is the recipe I used.

1 1/2 c. peanut butter
3 T. honey
3 t. vanilla
I seldom measure anything but these are what the recipe calls for.  Put that in a bowl and melt it for about 40 seconds in the microwave.
Then stir it up.  Next add about 2 cups of oatmeal.  If you think it needs more then go ahead and add some more.  I also added about 1/3 cup raisins and about 1/2 cup freeze dried blueberries.
When I thought it was about right.  I wet my hands and pressed it into an 8 X10 pan.  I then put the bars.  I wanted them to be much bigger than the store bought ones so I cut them about twice that size.
Then I placed them in the fridge.  After a couple of hours I took them out, cut them again and placed them in individual baggies.  The snack size would work great but I ran out of them so I used sandwich size.  I'm going to keep mine in the fridge because they tasted real good cold.  There is nothing in them that would be bothered by keeping them in the cabinet but its hot here most of the time and I thought they would fare better in the fridge.
You can any kind of dried fruit you like.  Just chop it up if its not little bites.
If you want an easy to make and easy on your budget oatmeal bar give these a try.


Missionary update

HELLO TO ALL OF BRENDA'S BLOG READERS
While Bush Bunny Brenda is traveling in the USA she wants to share the latest news from Balama, as Linda Stanley writes.
Linda is our favorite Grandmother Missionary. Her love and care for our children and the foster moms and grandmoms ,who care for them, is contagous.

We hope you enjoy hearing from Linda.

To all my brothers and sisters in Christ

Greetings from Mozambique


I have been here almost four weeks and it has rained almost every day. The storms beat on the tin roofs so that you can’t hear anything and the roads are a mess. This is a land of extremes with a rainy season and a dry season. God has sent the rain and life is coming back into the land now. Without the blessing of much rain the people would die of hunger, so we praise Him for the rain. Everything is green and beautiful with wild flowers blooming and our gardens are beginning to grow.

It was wonderful to see my children again and be back to work with them. My schedule is slower now because of the rain but it is still busy.

Between Eric and I, we are keeping up with all the things that need to be done. Bible studies and food distributions continues, rain or sunshine, along with many other things. Brenda will be gone until April and we miss her.

The goat herd is increasing and is up to 96 goats. Several new babies have been born this month. With all the green grass they are fat and healthy.

Rainy season always brings it share of sickness, especially malaria. Our people know God as their healer because of seeing Him constantly touching lives. Yes they take medicine but they know that only God can heal and they depend on Him for healing.

All is well with my soul – I pray the same for all of you .

Your sister in Christ

Linda Stanley

Please send your love gifts to:

Orphans Unlimited

11152 Westheimer Rd

PMB391

Houston TX. 77042

Please do not put Linda’s name on the check

Make a separate note stating this gift is for Linda’s support.,
"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.
Brenda’s Blog is Posted at:

www.orphansunlimited.org/blog

or SUBSCRIBE to receive the blog by e-mail.



















Monday, February 11, 2013

Foundation garmets

I am so tired of buying undergarments that are not made well and don't last as long as I think they should.  I looked at several videos on you tube last night about making my own panties.  Today I took an old worn out pair and made a pattern.  I widened the crotch and added 1/2 inch from crotch to waist.  I used material I already had so they are not fancy.  I wanted to see if I could make a pair that fit before I buy any thing fancy.  I used a shirt that was in the donation bag and foe (fold over elastic) I had from when I thought my daughter was going to use cloth diapers and was going to make some for her.
I was quite excited because both the pattern making and the actual sewing of the panties was quite easy.
The next pair I make I will use t-shirt material.  I found a couple of them in the donation bag as well. 
 Over all I am very pleased with how they turned out.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Praying for J'Thya

My great niece J'Thya is having her umpteenth surgery on wednesday.  We covet your prayers.  She was born with acute bilateral hip displasia that was not diagnosed until after she was walking.  It should of been caught as a baby.
Anyway she has gone thru several surgeries and was in a big cast for several months.  Now she is going through it again.
Isnt she a beauty?

 All straped up and ready to board the plane soon.
 Lets go momma.
This is gonna be fun.

Please keep J'Thya and her family in your prayers. 

Friday, February 8, 2013

Making liquid soap

This morning I boiled a pot of water. I put my soap slivers in the blender along with some lemon juice and some of my thieves oil. When the water came to a boil I carefully added some to the blender and blended. When you blend hot stuff be sure to keep the top little cap loose and open it now and then to let the hot steam escape or it will explode. When it was blended nice I began to let it cool. When it gets cool enough I will decant it into these soap dispensers I have on hand from my old business. The recipe calls for glycerin too but I cant find mine so I will do it without.



Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Be your own vet

This is good to know in case of an emergency.

This n that

I haven't posted a this n that post for a while so here goes.
  • I had a strange dream last night.  I dreamed I woke up and my face was very hairy and I had to start shaving it because I was growing quite the beard.
  • We had a real nice rain this morning but its warmed up now and kind of hot.
  • The church starts a study on Revelation tonight so we are going to start going.
  • The greenhouse is looking pretty good.  I am worried about how to keep it watered if we go to Arizona in May.  I am looking at a new method of growing my tomatoes.  Its where you use a kiddie pool and grow bags.  You plant in the grow bags and place them in the kiddie pool.  You can then water from the bottom up.  I am also considering trying it in one or two trays in the green house.
  • I want to get some goldfish to go in the ponds out back.
  • I joined the local Extension club yesterday and now I have several new friends.  I was so excited because I have never met such happy friendly ladies.  I think many of them are not from the area like me and understand not being able to find friends.  Next month for the meeting we are going to the next town over to see the museum and then have lunch.  It sounds like my kind of club already.
  • Here in south Texas the county Fair is held in January.  That's quite a change for me.  I am used to it being held in August.  I bet its because of the heat here.  That's OK though, it will give me lots of time to get things made up to enter.  Its fun to win ribbons.  I have even won $5.00 coupons from Ball jars.
  • I have made about 25 of the star hot pads.  Now I am trying to make them smaller to use for coasters.  The smallest I seem to be able to get them is about 5 inches.  I think that will work.
  • I recovered Hannah's bike seat the other day.  Her seat cover was worn out so I used the leg from an old pair of jeans.  I guess its working, she hasn't complained.
  • I need to get my granddaughters birthday gift done and sent.  Her birthday will be here before I know it.
  • Mollie cleaned the kitchen today real good.  It looks and smells nice.
  • Hannah takes good care of the dog.  She keeps him bathed and feeds him and plays with him.
  • Well that's about all I can think of right now.  Have a great day.

star coasters

I am attempting to reduce the size of my star hot pads small enough that they can be used as coasters.  I want them to be about three to four inches across.  Here is my first attempt at reducing the size.  I put a measuring stick and a regular sized hot pad next to it for comparison purposes.  You can see that it looks good but I still need to reduce it a little more.
Right now its about 6 inches across.

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Missionary update

From: "Brenda Lange"


Subject: Blog, Feb. 4, 2013

Date: February 4, 2013 6:00:14 AM CST



TREMENDOUS RAINS HAS BALAMA SOAKED


Eric has been in contact with me during this last week as 10 days of rains has caused some destruction among our widows homes.

One widow and her child had to be moved to a spare home on higher ground because so much water passed around her house that the walls cracked and were threatening to fall in.

The flooding was so intense in that area, that Eric had our workers knock down the walls before someone was hurt by falling mud bricks.
The Triplet’s home was also damaged by rivers of water flowing around it, as the ditching to prevent problems was not adequate to control such a large amount of water.

They also were moved to an alternate home so our brick layers could begin repairs today. Only 1 corner of this home was affected and can be repaired since the tin roof stands independent of the mud brick walls.

Keep them in your prayers, as too much rain not only damages homes, putting people in jeopardy, but it DESTROYS THE FIELDS OF CORN AND BEANS which all of us depend on for our yearly food.

6 NEW GOATS BORN LAST WEEK
Two sets of twins and 2 single births were recorded last week with all mama and baby goats doing fine. This brings our total to 96!
ORPHANS UNLIMITED BOARD MEETING
Our 5 member board met on Saturday to hear my report of last year’s accomplishments, and to discuss and approve the 2013 program.
Our biggest challenge is finding more help as Leona Phillips decided to return to her family.
We praise the Lord that Linda Stanley has returned to be with Eric so he is not alone during the rainy season.
Please keep missionary helpers as well as love gifts for our children in your prayers. The economic decline has caused a decrease in our monthly donations.
Our prayers are for FULL BARNS so we can feed the children, and finances to support our children’s program with includes the 14 Pastors preaching the Gospel in our 19 bush churches.

We serve a BIG GOD and with your prayers of agreement, we eagerly await God’s powerful solution to this challenge.

BUSH BUNNY BRENDA ON THE MOVE

NOTE: The new DVD update of our 2012 work is now available for viewing from our website as well as on U-TUBE. Go to orphansunlimited.org, and click on the U TUBE button and watch the video. I’ll be showing this DVD where ever I speak, but we wanted all who can’t make it to the meetings to share in our joy at what God helped us to accomplish in 2012.

This week is the San Antonio, TX area tour.

I will speak in 5 cities this week. ( San Antonio, Sequin, San Marcos, Austin, and New Braunfels).

Check out my speaking schedule on our website: www.orphansunlimited.org or contact my office for details if you’d like to come to one of these programs.

I look forward to visiting with many of my friends at one of these locations.

Blessings,

Bush Bunny Brenda on tour