Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Bone broth

I am making bone broth for the first time.  My daughter picked up bones from the butcher for .25 a pound.  So for ten pounds it was $2.50.  They wont all fit in my crock pot and its not enough for my roaster so I will make some now and freeze the rest of the bones.  I had a little bit of onion and three carrots to add to the batch.  The bones are roasting in the oven right now and then I will put them in the crock pot on low with some water and a couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and let them cook for a couple of days.

My mouth is already watering for some good food made with beef bone broth.  I will also now get in the habit of saving my vegetable peelings to add to the next batch.

How many of you make bone broth?

Sunday, September 27, 2015

BUSH BUNNY BRENDA

FROM "BUSH BUNNY BRENDA"
DATE: SEPTEMBER 26, 2015
 
 
 
LICENSING CEREMONY FOR OUR ORPHAN PROGRAM SET FOR SEPT. 28TH
 
 
  Been a busy week as we will be hosting a “goat and rice” feast for 90 people at our Children’s Center this coming Monday.
 
Having a “ceremony” with many government officials (state and local), means hauling every table and chair we have on site (including those the in the children’s homes) to the “all-purpose room” at the “Center”. 
 
On Monday we will “fetch the 2 goats” (guests of honor), and prepare them for the 2pm luncheon.
 
  The FRAMED LICENSE will be presented to us that morning, and then the delegation would like to visit some of the orphan’s homes in other villages while awaiting the feast.
 
  So Monday will be a day of many challenges.   Please keep us covered in prayer.
 
SANDRA, SIX MONTH OLD ORPHAN, NEWEST MEMBER OF OUR FAMILY
 
Sandra has been in the Baby Formula Program for several months,..
 
and each time she was brought to our center for her “weigh in”, she was with a different family member.  Her Aunt told us a few weeks ago that the baby stayed with the grandmother, who was too old to make the 9 km (5.5 mile) walk to fetch the milk.  That is why a different person brought her each week to receive her formula.
 
  Last Thursday, I was appalled to find Sandra so anemic that she had NO COLOR in her eye lids and her skin was pale.  The grandmother herself had carried her to us, but it was easy to see she just barely made the long walk.
We immediately took baby and grandmother to the hospital.  Sandra was admitted for an emergency transfusion, for without it, she was not long for this world.   She steadily improved after 8 days in the hospital, and the grandmother greatly benefitted from a balanced diet.
Upon Sandra’s release, the grandmother refused to take the baby home, stating she could no longer bring the baby to get formula each week.
 
  Social Services had already done a thorough home study on this family, and totally agreed that since orphaned Sandra was rejected by the younger family members in her village, she needed to live with us.
 
So home she came, and we placed her with loving foster mother, ATIJA, (Ah-T-SHA), who assisted us in successfully raising 4 very malnourished orphaned boys over the last 4 years.  Sandra is in good hands, as her health is still considered “fragile” since it will take some time to recover from her anemic state.
 
Sandra is now permanently in our hands, and needs a sponsor at $30/month.
 
NEW MISSIONARY TRAINEE FLYING IN NEXT WEEK!
 
LAYLA SILVA, of TEXAS, will make her “debut” in Moz. this coming Thursday.
 
 
Layla, age 20, is giving a year of her life (or maybe more, she says) to come help me out with orphan management and the children’s programs. 
 
This young lady says “God spoke to her about coming to help a full THREE MONTHS before we asked for help”.  Her parent’s and church are totally behind her on this, and agreed to sponsor her.
 
Her arrival has been delayed, as she had to get her passport and visa which took several months.  I’ve known Layla for over 5 years, as she “interviewed” with me at age 15, when I visited her church in the Waco, TX area.  She’s a “country girl” with a great heart for people, so I look forward to “showing her the ropes”.
 
This Busy Bunny needs to get back to work, so keep those prayers coming.
 
Blessings,
Bush Bunny Brenda Lange
 
PHOTO POST SCRIPT
 
BABY BOOM WEEK AS WE RECEIVED 2 SETS OF TWINS AND A SINGLE BIRTH, AA AT ONCE ON WEDNESDAY OF THIS WEEK. ANNA, OUR CHILDRENS DIRECTOR I SHOWN HERE TEACHING THESE WOMEN HOW TO MIX FORMULA AND PROPERLY CARE FOR A BABY ON A BOTTLE.
 
 
This little guy weighed in at 4kg at four months of age.
 
HAPPY BABY WITH FULL TUMMY- PRAISE THE LORD!
"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
phone: 979-234-3422979-234-3422 or 713-854-9197713-854-9197
Brenda’s Blog is Posted at:
www.orphansunlimited.org/blog
or SUBSCRIBE to receive the blog by e-mail.
ONR MORE SATISFIED BABY- THE CARE GIVER MAY HAVE SOME MISGIVINGS, AS THE BOTTLE IS A NEW IDEA TO HER.
 

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

BUSH BUNNY BRENDA

FROM "BUSH BUNNY BRENDA"
DATE: SEPTEMBER 19, 2015
 
DE BUNNY, A HORSE, AND LOTS OF “DEVINE APPOINTMENTS” WITH GOD’S CREATION!
 
 
Riding a horse through a game park is the perfect way to see the animals “up close and personal”. 
 
No motor sounds to alert the animals, just the clip clomp of the horses hooves (which all hoofed animals make, so they pay no attention to it).  This allowed me to walk my horse up to within 40 to 60 yards/meters of most of the animal herds before they knew I was there.
 
My funniest moment:  I rode up to within 40 yards/meters of 2 large RED HARTEBEAST bucks in an intense fight (males are the size of a small horse).  No sound was being made except the clicking of their horns as they wrestled head to head with lots of grunting as they shoved each other for position.
After 3 minutes of watching them battle it out, my horse snorted, freezing them in their tracks.  If only I had a photo of their faces when they unhooked their horns, giving us that shocked look that clearly stated “YIKES, A HUMAN!!!!”.
 
My horse was dancing a jig as they took off at full speed.   All I saw was 2 tails disappearing in the bushes as I calmed my horse who wanted to run in the opposite direction!
 
  Why no camera?  Well, my lovely mount, SASSY, didn’t even like the bleep of a cell phone, (she danced a lot at strange sounds), so taking a photo from horseback was not possible, for I don’t like getting dumped and having to walk home.
 
Sunday morning, dawned with deep fog and poor visibility of about 150 yards/meters.  But that meant the animals couldn’t see me so easily, so Sassy and I were able to get very close before herds of Wildebeast scattered with their cute baby calves.  
 
I then rode off onto a game trail, up into the hills, and was well rewarded for picking my way through the rocky terrain in the fog. 
 
Some early risers drop by for breakfast.
 
THREE MAGESTIC KUDOS (2 males after 1 female) startled me and my horse at the local watering hole.  They ran up the ridge, but when I tried to cross the shallow stream to follow them, Sassy refused.  Just a few feet away on my left, lay a Blue Wildebeast carcass, dead about 2 months.  My horse wanted nothing to do with it, so to prevent getting thrown, we changed directions and went in search of other game.
 
  When I returned to home base,  I told the owner, Elsabe, and she took all of us in her jeep, including her ranch manager, to fetch it.  That meant back tracking on foot into the hills, but I located it and Judas, the ranch manager, drug it out, since it was just hide and bone (but it still stunk).  This was one that hunters in July had wounded, but was unable to track down, for it was far from where they shot it.
 
NOTE:  My ability to not get lost in the bush, and how to travel by landmarks, truly amazed my hostess and Judas, the ranch manager.  (Just basic survival in Moz. where NO ROAD SIGNS exist.)  They told me the norm for them was to have to go find all their lost guests who “thought” they could find their way home.  I can’t take all the credit, for any good ranch horse always knows her way home. Tee Hee.  Say “HOME” to my dear Sassy, and you better be well seated and have a firm grip on the reins, or she will bolt for the barn!
 
NO FEAR, my dears, for Bush Bunny is a very experienced rider and Sassy was a refreshing challenge.  I love a horse with some spunk!
 
HIGHLIGHT OF THE TRIP was spotting the “elusive” GIRAFFES!  Five in total were located. Two young ones, approximately 1 and 2 year old youngsters still with their mother, and they were a delight to watch.  The Giraffe is my favorite African Animal, as no other has that beautiful rocking horse gate. Their beauty in the wild is a wonder to see.
 
 
Eadenwilde Guesthouse
 
 
 
Eadenwild Staff with a very happy Bunny!
 
Needless to say, EDENWILD, is a magnificent game farm where I was allowed to wander on foot and horseback to my heart’s content.  A 1000 hectars (2,500 acres), right across from the famous HANGLIP MOUNTAIN (1,700+meters high/5000+feet) in the Waterberg Mountain Range.  The Hanglip Mountain boasts a PAR 1 GOLFING CHALLENGE.  Hit the ball from the T-off on top of the mountain into the 19th hole on the golf course below, and win a Million Dollars!
Those who try it pay for a helicopter ride to the top of the mountain, for that is the only way to get up there.  The winds were so strong at the foot of the mountain, that I can see why no one has ever won that prize.  It must have been hurricane force up on top!
 
JESUS GAVE DE BUSH BUNNY A SUPER HOLIDAY, A GREAT REFRESHING, MANY NEW FRIENDS AND UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES.
 
Riding alone in the silent bush for over 5 hours in 3 days, as well as several long hikes, gave me the best “Quiet Times” I’ve ever had with our Lord.  Nothing like being surrounded by God’s beautiful creation to “enter in and feel His presence”.
 
MY HEARTFELT THANKS TO “TEAM ELZABE” FOR A NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN HOLIDAY!
 
Animals spotted: Giraffe, zebras, Nyala bucks, Wildebeast, Blue Wildebeasts, Blesbuck, KUDO, Warthogs, Iland Bucks, FISH EAGLE BIRD, Impala, Warthogs with babies, 1 meter (3 ft.) long Iguana Lizards
 
LOAD’EM UP AND MOVE EM OUT! KEEP THOSE TRUCKS A ROLL’IN!
 
WEDNESDAY found us “loaded to the max” with corn and beans as our big trucks and 2 pickups moved out at dawn (5:30a.m.) with 2 teams of 12 men each.  My team was off to Kwe Kwe, 30km or 18 miles into the bush.   Capena’s team traveled to Tuane (Ti-wan-ee), just 9 miles out of town.  YOUR FOOD GIFTS BLESSED 200 widows and the 604 orphans from the 9 villages who live in those 2 areas.
 
 
 Granny shows up all the young folks by walking 9km (5.4 miles) to get food for her and her orphaned grandchildren.
I take my hat off to these super tough women, who outlast the younger folks.
 
THURSDAY, we distributed to over 150 widows and 300+ orphans in the Balama area.
 
 
 
"HAY, yiou have my bucket."
 
Our men then reloaded the trucks with maximum loads for Friday’s give out.
 
FRIDAY, the 7 villages in the Mavala (Mango Tree Church) area received corn and beans.  159 widows host 434 orphans in those 7 villages.
Most of the children come to the give outs, which happen once a month in the dry season.  Carlitos Jorge did a great job of delivering the AWANA based drama/devotion at each give out.   This week’s title was “How God cares for His children”.  The people loved it!
 
PLANTING ONLY FOOD INTO THE HANDS OF THE HUNGRY IS MEANINGLESS UNLESS YOU FEED THEIR SPIRIT TOO.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EMPOWERING THE CHILDREN TO BECOME INDEPENDENT
ORPHANS IN NEED OF NEW FIELD HOES AND MACHETTES (PANGAS).
 
FOUR YEARS AGO we were blessed with a gift to buy tools so the older orphans could plant their own fields.
These hard working children now provide their own food for 6 months of the year.  (We provide the balance).
 
  Their tools are now worn out and many of the orphans who have joined us since then have little to work with.
We have been BLESSED with a generous gift from RSA to buy these tools for 75 orphan families, leaving 625 families without tools.
 
$10 (R120) buys a large size Farming Hoe AND a Machette or Panga, as it is called in South Africa.
 
TEACH A MAN TO FISH AND HE WILL FEED HIMSELF.  GIVE THEM FARMING TOOLS AND THEY WILL RAISE THEIR OWN FOOD.
 
Thanks for your ever faithful love gifts so we can be a blessing to these hard working children.
 
Blessings,
 
Bush Bunny Brenda Lange​
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

"BUSH BUNNY BRENDA"

FROM "BUSH BUNNY BRENDA"
DATE: SEPTEMBER 16, 2015
 
 
OUR GOVERNMENT APPROVED LICENSE WAS GRATED TODAY AFTER 4.5 YEARS OF HARD WORK!
 
Our resident children are now “safe” as our program has met all government requirements for an official foster care facility.
We are so, so excited, as we got the news by phone while out distributing food today in a remote area.  Cell phones are wonderful!
 
Our whole team DANCED and PRAISED THE LORD when we got the news.
 
I’ve been floating on a cloud ever since.
 
Now we wait for the “official certificate” to be sent from Maputo, the National Capital of Mozambique.
 
Once that happens, then we will be given the date of the “official presentation ceremony”.
It will be a goat and rice feast for all, as we will host a big party after the presentation with officials from state and district offices.
 
Just wanted to share our great news for ALL OF YOU played a big part in making this happen!
It took prayer, many, many love gifts for the housing construction, house furnishings, and food requirements that had to be met.  THANK YOU for helping us to give these children a safe place to live and mature into great Christians as well as an opportunity to be better citizens who can help their own country.
 
TOGETHER WE ARE TRULY MAKING A BIG DIFFERENCE IN MANY LIVES.
 
Blessings, Bush Bunny Brenda
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Monday, September 14, 2015

2 Chronicles 7:14King James Version (KJV)

2 Chronicles 7:14King James Version (KJV)
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

There is still hope for America if we do this.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

22 wick kerosene stove

https://youtu.be/IvD7AT0eqfE
This is the 22 wick kerosene stove I bought to use for canning.  I have a smooth top cook top and worry about using my heavy canner on it.  I have used my presto canner on my stove with no problems but now I have an All American canner and its a lot heavier.  Now I wont have to worry about cracking my stove top.

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Sunday, September 6, 2015

"BUSH BUNNY BRENDA Sept. 4, 2015

FROM "BUSH BUNNY BRENDA"
DATE: SEPTEMBER 4, 2015
 
Hello Friends,
 
I just wanted to remind you that Bush Bunny Brenda is taking a few days away in South Africa.
She was able to see the Dental Specialist who was suggested by the SOS Dr. in Pemba.
 
Once again, The Lord provided the right help at the right time. I’m sure Brenda will fill in the 
details for us just as soon as she is able.
 
 
 
 
The Bush Bunny standing still long enough to catch this picture of new Mozzy netting.
 
Thanks to all of you who have been so faithful with your support during these long days of summer.
Your prayers and financial support are the bedrock that is the foundation of Orphans Unlimited. Your 
gifts and offerings have provided all the needs for our children to attend school. Uniforms, shoes, and 
school supplies  are a must for each child.  Without them no child can go to school.
 
Because of your faithfulness our kids are blessed to be in school.
 
So thanks again, and watch for The Blog.
 
Blessings,
 
Linda Ferguson
 
 

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Simple French Dressing

Simple French Dressing
 
Prep time
Total time
 
Simple French Dressing has a perfect balance between the sweet and tangy. It makes any green salad pop with flavor.
Author:
Recipe type: Salad Dressing
Serves: 15
Ingredients
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ½ cup white vinegar
  • 1 cup oil
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. pepper
  • ½ tsp. dry mustard
  • ½ tsp. garlic salt
  • 1 scant cup sugar
Instructions
  1. Add all ingredients except sugar to a blender and blend until combined.
  2. Gradually add sugar, and continue to blend.
  3. Store leftovers in refrigerator.
 
Recipe by Little Dairy On the Prairie at http://www.littledairyontheprairie.com/simple-french-dressing/
 

Homemade Thousand Island Dressing

Homemade Thousand Island Dressing

Five minutes and a little chilling time in the fridge, and you've got a tangy, zesty, "secret" sauce that's equally at home on a piled-high burger as it is atop a nice, simple bed of greens. It's far less expensive than store-bought and it tastes, well, a thousand times better.
Yield: 3/4 cup
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 2 teaspoons finely diced onion (I use red onion but yellow or white would work just fine)
  • 1/4 teaspoon finely minced garlic (about half of a small clove)
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 2-3 dashes Tabasco sauce (optional)

Directions:

  1. Add all ingredients to a small bowl and mix well. Taste and add additional salt if desired. Refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve.
  2. Keeps refrigerated for 3 - 4 days (probably longer, but for us it's long gone by then).
 

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Crocheting for charity

I belong to a mission group of ladies who do several service projects.  We make hats for homeless, soldiers and shoe boxes.  This month I was able to make 15 hats.  There are special criteria for making the hats for the soldiers, color, size etc. so they are pretty plain.  We want them to be plain because they wear them under their helmets.  I would never want them to wear something that would catch the enemies eye.  But the other hats I made can be as fancy or plain as I want to make them.  I always try to make them as nice as I possibly can.  I make pom pom's for them or flowers with blingy button centers.  I pray that they brighten someone's day.  The picture above is my idea of a candy corn hat.  Its whimsical.  I love it.