Orphans Unlimited Report

From: "Brenda Lange"
Date: July 9, 2011 3:08:23 AM CDT
Subject: Blog July 9, 2011WATER WELL DRILLING STARTS TODAY

The geology team from our water well company has located good water sources in 3 of the villages where water wells are desperately needed.But all of us are frustrated as no adequate underground water can be found in the area nearest our Meluco mission station.

The geology team will return in 14 days to try again in an area further out that could still be within range of our “water fetcher” on his bicycle.For 4 years, our Meluco mission has been on water rationing.

Each day our “water pumping man” has to pump water at 3a.m., which is the only time the ONE well in the area lacks a big crowd. This well serves over 5,000 people. A hand pump well if pumped 12 hours a day can serve about 1000 people.This is water rationing in its truest sense.

IN THE BUSH, THE LITTLEST OF THINGS CAN TAKE YOU DOWN
Don Hitsman and our team of corn sprayers were scheduled to go to Meluco on Thursday this week to spray 10 tons or corn purchased in the only part of Meluco county that survived the January drought. On Wed. afternoon, Don mentioned he had a bit of diarrhea, so he was given a strong dysentery treatment (we lovingly call the “BOMB”) which took care of the issue as he was fine on Thursday morning.

When Don left, he had with him our normal bush survival kit containing all he’d need to handle malaria, dysentery, and small wounds, as he would be in the bush for 3 days.Twelve hours later, Don calls me (Meluco now has a cell tower) saying his situation was worse and he was vomiting and had diarrhea again. (Living in a bush latrine is not nice since it’s just a hole in the ground without a seat.) I instructed him to eat some bread and take another “Bomb” treatment.

Our truck driver then drove him in our 6 ton truck to the Meluco hospital 2 miles away for a malaria test. Bouncing down a rough road when you are sick is NOT a nice experience, but when it’s the only vehicle in town, you deal with it. Don’s malaria test was negative, but the hospital staff started him on malaria treatment all the same. Better safe than sorry, since these finger stick malaria tests are not always correct.

So all bases were covered.On our side, I alerted Eric, who threw a few things in his car, plus 4 rolls of toilet paper, and within 40 minutes was on the road to rescue Don in case he grew worse. Arriving 5 hours later (9:30p.m.), Eric arrived at our base to find Don resting in his tent, weak and tired from “living in the outhouse” J, but otherwise doing OK.

After 2 days on malaria treatment, it is evident he had only amoebic dysentery and not malaria. With electrolyte replacement and a day’s rest, he and his trusty hammer were back at work around our Balama station. Don is a strong, healthy guy, but an infestation of amoebas, probably from something as simple as eating with his hands after touching a fruit peel, showed the whole team how fast amoebic dysentery can take down an adult.

FYI: Fruit peels place 2nd ONLY to dirty drinking water in causing amoebic dysentery. AMOEBIC DYSENTERY is the #1 killer in northern Mozambique, as it can kill a baby in 12 hours, a small child in a day, and adults in 3 days due to electrolyte imbalance and dehydration.

Water wells are a clean source of water, and the reason Orphans Unlimited will continue to put in more water wells as the Lord provides the funds.Clean water means fewer orphans.

PRAISE THE LORD for the dedication and faithfulness of BLESSINGS INTERNATIONAL IN TULSA, OK who provide missionaries around the world with the life-saving medication that stops this deadly killer.

FYI: The “Bomb” is called Tinidazole in 500mg tablets.

Highly recommended you take some with you if traveling where clean water isn’t readily available.It’s a true life saver.

BLESSINGS TO ALL FROM THE BALAMA STAFF!

Bush Bunny Brenda

What I have been doing.....

I have been sewing, trying to get ready for a craft fair. A friend gave me a darling little shrug thing I want to make. She bought it years ago at a craft fair. I think it will go over good.

I am also sewing up a bunch of the neck coolers. Yesterday was spent experimenting with how much of the crystals to put in. Its amazing how little you need.

I also started a coupon group on face book where I post all my deals/finds/coupons to share with others.

Sunday we drive back to Alvin and leave both girls there. Hannah for just a few days but Mollie will be gone the rest of the month. Hopefully Hannah will be interested in helping me with my projects for the craft fair.

The girls and I are also working on a baby shower for my second oldest. We are all going to be in Dodge at the same time so we thought we'd have a shower. Much of our family didn't get to go to her wedding shower because it was so far away in Branson, so we thought we'd have a shower where a lot of family is.

Today will be spent sewing, watching for coupon deals and just the regular stuff.

Oh I almost forgot to tell you that I was chosen to review and help edit a book written by a friend. How exciting is that? I always wanted to do something like that. Now I am. Yeah.

Picnic-Perfect Tuna-and-Macaroni Salad

Picnic-Perfect Tuna-and-Macaroni Salad
Photo by: Photo: Mark Thomas; Styling: Stephana Bottom
YIELD: Serves 8
COOK TIME:7 MINUTES
PREP TIME:15 MINUTES
COST PER SERVING:$.80
COURSE: Main Dishes, Salads
Ingredients
Salt and pepper
1 pound elbow macaroni
3 ribs celery, finely chopped
1/2 cup finely diced red onion
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1 carrot, grated
1 12-oz. can tuna in water, drained
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. reduced-fat mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1 tablespoon plus 1 tsp. cider vinegar
Preparation
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water and drain again.
2. While pasta is cooking, combine celery, onion, parsley, carrot and tuna in a large bowl. Add cooled macaroni and toss to combine. In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, yogurt and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper and whisk. Pour over pasta and toss until well coated. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutritional Information
Amount per serving
Calories: 312
Fat: 4g
Saturated fat: 0.0g
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrate: 48g
Fiber: 3g
Cholesterol: 19mg
Sodium: 520mg
All You MAY 2010

Peanut Butter Oat Bites

Peanut Butter Oat Bites

YIELD: 24 Servings
COST PER SERVING:$.20
COURSE: Desserts, Snacks
Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2/3 cup creamy natural peanut butter
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 cup quick oats
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
1/4 cup finely chopped lightly salted dry-roasted peanuts
Preparation
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Remove pan from heat and stir in peanut butter, confectioners' sugar, honey and vanilla. Stir in Rice Krispies and oats and allow mixture to cool.
Stir in raisins and chocolate chips. Form mixture into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in chopped peanuts, pressing to coat. Store in refrigerator.
Nutritional Information
Amount per serving
Calories: 125
Fat: 7g
Saturated fat: 2g
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrate: 14g
Fiber: 2g
Cholesterol: 3mg
Sodium: 38mg
All You FEBRUARY 2008

Whoopie Pies

Whoopie Pies
Satisfy the biggest sweet tooth with these delightful little snacks.

YIELD: 3 dozen
COST PER SERVING:$.12
COURSE: Desserts
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 cup milk
Preparation
Preheat oven to 425°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Make cakes: Sift flour, unsweetened cocoa, baking soda and salt together into a bowl. Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl of an electric mixer at high speed until fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add egg and beat at medium speed until fully incorporated. Change mixer speed to low and add dry ingredients, alternating with milk, mixing until just blended.
Drop batter 1/2 Tbsp. at a time and about 2 inches apart onto each sheet to make 18 cakes per baking sheet. Bake for 7 minutes, until mini cakes are springy to touch. Let cool on pan for 5 minutes, and then transfer to racks to cool completely. Change parchment paper and repeat to make 72 cakes.
Match cakes in pairs so tops and bottoms are similar in shape. Spread bottoms with cream filling and cover with top.
For Cream Filling, combine 1 stick of unsalted butter and 1 2/3 cups confectioners' sugar in a bowl and beat at low speed until blended. Then beat at high speed until mixture is fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract and 2 cups marshmallow cream; mix at low speed until blended well. (Makes 2 1/3 cups)
Nutritional Information
Amount per serving
Calories: 136
Fat: 6g
Saturated fat: 3g
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrate: 21g
Fiber: 0g
Cholesterol: 21mg
Sodium: 93mg
All You SEPTEMBER 2005

Potato-Mushroom Gratin

True new potatoes are freshly dug and may be as small as marbles or as large as full-size potatoes. Since the sugars in new potatoes haven't converted to starch, they have a crispy texture and thin skin, which means they cook quickly. Keep an eye out for them in your produce section or at your local farmer's market from late spring through early summer.

YIELD: 6 Servings
COST PER SERVING:$.87
COURSE: Casseroles, Side Dishes/Vegetables
Ingredients
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
8 ounces small mushrooms, preferably cremini, quartered
2 large eggs
3/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound cooked small white new potatoes, peeled and quartered
4 ounces Swiss cheese, grated
Preparation
Preheat oven to 375°. Butter a shallow 1 1/2-quart casserole. Melt 1 Tbsp. butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook for about 6 minutes. Remove from heat. Beat eggs, milk, salt and pepper in a bowl. Stir in mushrooms, potatoes and cheese. Place in casserole and bake for 35 to 45 minutes.
Nutritional Information
Amount per serving
Calories: 205
Fat: 10g
Saturated fat: 6g
Protein: 11g
Carbohydrate: 19g
Fiber: 2g
Cholesterol: 98mg
Sodium: 426mg
All You APRIL 2005

Roasted Tomatoes with Garlic and Herbs

Photo by: Photo: Charles Schiller; Styling: Lynn Miller
YIELD: Serves 8
COOK TIME:20 MINUTES
PREP TIME:40 MINUTES
COST PER SERVING:$.79
COURSE: Side Dishes/Vegetables
Ingredients
3 red tomatoes, halved
3 yellow tomatoes, halved
Salt and pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons chopped shallot
2 tablespoons minced garlic
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Preparation
1. Sprinkle tomatoes with salt and place, cut side down, on a paper towel–lined plate. Let stand 30 minutes to drain.
2. Preheat oven to 425ºF. Mist a baking dish with cooking spray, then arrange tomato halves, cut side up, in a single layer in dish.
3. In a small bowl, combine herbs, shallot and garlic. Add pepper, to taste. Spread herb mixture evenly over tomatoes. Drizzle with oil.
4. Bake in oven until cooked through, about 20 minutes. Remove dish from oven, top with fresh basil and serve.
Nutritional Information
Amount per serving
Calories: 86
Fat: 7g
Saturated fat: 1g
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrate: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Cholesterol: 0.0mg
Sodium: 167mg
All You SEPTEMBER 2009

Crunchy Broccoli Slaw

YIELD: 8 Servings
COST PER SERVING:$.82
COURSE: Salads, Side Dishes/Vegetables
Ingredients
8 slices bacon
1 large head broccoli
1 small red onion, minced (1/2 cup)
1/3 cup golden raisins
1/3 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
Salt and pepper
Preparation
Cook bacon in a large skillet or on a griddle over medium heat until browned and crisp. Drain on paper towels. Crumble into 1/2-inch pieces; set aside.
Cut florets from broccoli stems and chop into small pieces. Transfer to a salad bowl and toss with minced onion and raisins.
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and vinegar until smooth. Add honey, salt and pepper, whisking to combine. Pour dressing over broccoli mixture and toss to coat evenly. Crumble bacon pieces over broccoli slaw and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
Amount per serving
Calories: 158
Fat: 10g
Saturated fat: 2g
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrate: 13g
Fiber: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 224mg
All You APRIL 2007

Should I really get on facebook?

A good laugh for people in the over 50 group !!!
Also for those who know people like us.

When I bought my Blackberry I thought about the 30-year business I ran with 1800 employees, all without a cell phone that plays music, takes videos, pictures and communicates with Facebookand Twitter.
I signed up under duress for Twitter and Facebook, so my seven kids, their spouses, 13 grandkids and 2 great grand kids could communicate with me in the modern way.

I figured I could handle something as simple as Twitter with only 140 characters of space.That was before one of my grandkids hooked me up for Tweeter, Tweetree, Twhirl, Twitterfon, Tweetie and Twittererific Tweetdeck, Twitpix and something that sends every message to my cell phone and every other program within the texting world.

My phone was beeping every three minutes with the details of everything except the bowel movements of the entire next generation.

I am not ready to live like this. I keep my cell phone in the garage in my golf bag.

The kids bought me a GPS for my last birthday because they say I get lost every now and then going over to the grocery store or library. I keep that in a box under my tool bench with the Blue tooth [it's red] phone I am supposed to use when I drive.

I wore it once and was standing in line at Barnes and Noble talking to my wife and everyone in the nearest 50 yards was glaring at me. I had to take my hearing aid out to use it, and I got a little loud.

I mean the GPS looked pretty smart on my dash board, but the lady inside that gadget was the most annoying, rudest person I had run into in a long time. Every 10 minutes, she would sarcastically say, "Re-calc-u-lating." You would think that she could be nicer. It was like she could barely tolerate me. She would let go with a deep sigh and then tell me to make a U-turn at the next light. Then if I made a right turn instead. Well, it was not a good relationship.

When I get really lost now, I call my wife and tell her the name of the cross streets and while she is starting to develop the same tone as Gypsy, the GPS lady, at least she loves me.

To be perfectly frank, I am still trying to learn how to use the cordless phones in our house. We have had them for 4 years, but I still haven't figured out how I can lose three phones all at once and have run around digging under chair cushions and checking bathrooms and the dirty laundry baskets when the phone rings.

The world is just getting too complex for me. They even mess me up every time I go to the grocery store. You would think they could settle on something themselves but this sudden "Paper or Plastic?" every time I check out just knocks me for a loop. I bought some of those cloth reusable bags to avoid looking confused, but I never remember to take them in with me.
Now I toss it back to them. When they ask me, "Paper or Plastic?" I just say, "Doesn't matter to me. I am bi-sacksual." Then it's their turn to stare at me with a blank look.

I was recently asked if I tweet. I answered, No, but I do toot a lot." P.S. I know some of you are not over 50. I sent it to you to allow you to forward it to those who are.

Us senior citizens don't need anymore gadgets. The tv remote and the garage door remote are about all we can handle.

Polar bear attack

This is actual footage of a polar bear attack. They said the victim has made a full recovery but the photographer was so scared because he could do nothing to help. lol

4th of July holiday

~We had a grand time this weekend with our dear friends. We drove to their home on saturday evening so we could be there the next day for church, yeah, we got to stay for evening service as well.

~Monday, the 4th of July we hung out at their house because we figured the beach would be crowded and we really didn't want to see all the ick and drinking we knew would be going on. So we decided to stay home and have fun there. Christina invited several people over for supper and we ate steaks, corn on the cob, jalapeno poppers, ribs and later had smores and ice cream. We played games and stayed up until 1:30 am to finish a domino's game.
~One mother/daughter that was there said it was the most fun they had had in a long time.

~Tuesday we decided to go to the beach and had a good day there. We got home late last night and were all very tired and happy.

~Today I am washing clothes, I picked the garden and a few okra got over grown but I still was able to get two trays of sliced okra into the dehydrator. The girls like dried okra, they say it tastes like friend okra without the calories and fat.
I also found two nice cucumbers which I promptly sliced into the sugar/vinegar in the fridge.
There were also several tomatoes that were ripe and ready to pick.

Grape Salad

2 to 3 lbs. green/red grapes (use a mixture of these or all of one kind), rinse and pat dry.
Mix 8 oz. cream cheese (room tempature)
1/2 c. sour cream
1//2 c. brown sugar
1/2 t. vanilla
Pour over grapes and fold in.
Top with 1/3 c. brown sugar mixed with 1/2 c. chopped nuts
Chill for a couple of hours

This recipe was given to me by Kathy Marek

Armadillo eggs

Armadillo eggs
1 # sausage
2 c. grated cheese
1 t. garlic powder
2 T. grated onion
Mix well, form a walnut sized ball. Take cleaned canned whole jalapenos that have been seeded and patted dry. Place cubed mozzarella cheese in the jalapeno and wrap the sausage around the jalapeno/cheese. Roll in pork flavored shake and bake.
Place on a rack and on a cookie sheet, bake at 350 degrees 15-17 min. until done.

This recipe was given to me by Kathy Marek

Baby bib from a bar towel

This is a little bib I made for Elijah. Quiet, don't tell his mommy, its a surprise. I like these bibs because they fit from 8 months or so on up to and past two years old. You can toss them into the wash easily with other wash cloths and towels and they really cover up the whole front of the child. This is just one of my projects I made today. I will take pictures of the other things I made when I get done with the embellishments.

I'm saving up for one of these machines