On Belay Ministries/The Von Family

The Hiding Place

noreply@blogger.com (The Vons) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:31:00 +0000

Cathi and Micah, standing in the Hiding Place

Micah, at the entrance to the Hiding Place

Dear Family and Friends,

After 30 hours of travel, with every flight delayed and one case of motion sickness (thank goodness for barf bags!), we are home safely.

The highlights of our time in Amsterdam were many. The Anne Frank House was so sad, yet inspiring. We repeated our bike trip to the cheese factory/shoe factory. The day was beautiful and the group was fun.

The most meaningful experience was our visit to the Corrie ten Boom Museum in Haarlem. We took the train to this charming little town. The guide told Corrie ten Boom’s story so beautifully in English and Dutch. The ten Booms were a Christian family living in the Netherlands during WWII. They offered refuge for those escaping from the Nazis. They were leaders of an underground organization that provided "safe houses" for Jews and others on their way to locations outside of Haarlem. A small secret room (the Hiding Place) had been added to Corrie's bedroom to hide people in case their house was raided.

We sat in Tante (Aunt) Jan’s room (this is a sitting room directly above the family watch shop) along with about 25 others from all over the world, including an elderly Jewish couple from Israel. We all went upstairs to see the actual hiding place. The guide asked 6 of us to step inside. Micah and I quickly volunteered along with 3 women. We climbed through a hole in the brick wall. The 6th person to join us was the Jewish man. The space was claustrophobic even with the hole in the wall. The people who actually hid in the Hiding Place entered through a 3’ x 2’ opening in the bottom of the linen closet. (Micah is sitting in front of the opening in the photo above.) It had a weighted door that slid down to cover the opening. At the time of the arrest of the ten Booms, there were 6 people who quickly dashed to the Hiding Place. They were in the Hiding Place for 2½ days. I shudder just to think of it. They had no water and just a few biscuits. All six survived their time in hiding. The ten Booms were taken to prison and then to a concentration camp.

“There is no pit so deep that he is not deeper still.” This was Corrie’s message to the world. I just finished reading “The Hiding Place.” Such suffering, but so inspiring. Many times, Corrie described her love for Jesus, and His power to do things that she just could not. As an international speaker, who talked about forgiveness, she met up with one of her former SS guards who asked for her forgiveness. She just could not bring herself to forgive, however she prayed, “Jesus I cannot forgive him. Give me your forgiveness.” As she prayed these words, she felt Jesus’ love for this man that almost overwhelmed her. She wrote, “And so I discovered that it is not on our forgiveness any more than on our goodness that the world’s healing hinges, but on His. When he tells us to love our enemies, He gives, along with the command, the love itself."

There are many "Corrie ten Booms" at Hope Children's Home. They have experienced pits so deep that we cannot even comprehend and yet they know the presence of God in such real ways. Their love and joy come from knowing Jesus and his love.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. Your comments and emails have meant so much.

Grace and Peace,
Cathi

Friends, Finances and Fly fishing

noreply@blogger.com (The Vons) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:43:00 +0000

Richard

Kenny

Douglas

Dear Friends,

I have been a fly fisherman for over sixteen years. Both of my sons are fly fishermen, too. I’d like to say that the roots run deep, with fathers and grandfathers and great grand fathers, but that isn’t true. In fact, my dad is a bait fisherman. So much for pure bloodlines.

Fly fishing is an elegant, aesthetic and solitary sport. It can become one’s passion very quickly… or one’s obsession. There is an instant camaraderie between fly fisherman, a commonality, and brotherhood.

Interestingly enough, I have not found fly fishing to be popular in Uganda. In fact, most of the indigenous people fish by netting, no rod, reel or fly. My friends in Kampala, had no idea why we would fish for sport, and could not grasp the “catch and release” concept. I explained to them, poorly at best, that this was a conservation effort as well as an eco-friendly endeavor. They could not understand why one would release a fish that was caught! I tried to speak metaphorically, using clever analogies, but in the end they thought that I was crazy! I remember reading once that we in the West treat our relationships similar to a catch and release fly fisherman. Catching when in need and releasing when difficulties arise.

Which brings me to the topic at hand, On Belay Ministries Inc., our non-profit corporation that is helping solve the poverty problem in Uganda one person at a time. To date, we have micro-financed a taxi for Richard, financed one year of college education for Kenny (and one more year to go! Yeah Kenny!), and are assisting Douglas in a micro-business/cottage industry by training him to help train others. We have a commitment to these young men- not a catch and release mentality. We are in this for the long-haul, our commitment isn’t just to these young men but also to their families. Another part of our mission to help the poor involves aiding widows and orphans. On Belay Ministries has partnered with Show Mercy International working at Hope Children’s Home, loving, supporting, and caring for the orphan children. Our future goal is to provide financial aid to those who “graduate” from the home and assist in school fees and living expenses. As our Board of Directors meets to finalize our goals, please visit our website (www.onbelayministries.org) to keep updated and to prayerfully consider your commitment to the work of On Belay Ministries.

Jerry

Micah's Blog!

noreply@blogger.com (The Vons) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:58:00 +0000

Hello! In the picture above you see my two great friends (left to right) Solomon and Bonny. I am going to write about Bonny. He is 13 years old and speaks English really well for his age. Since birth his right hand and his left foot have had limited movement. He has trouble going up and down stairs and walking long distances. He has never been able to run and jump and play with the other kids. He has been living in the home since approximately 2002 but I am not sure.

One day I was sitting on the steps with him and I asked him his story. He only got as far as telling me his parents had died in a car accident before he started crying. I was not expecting that response and was shocked and saddened. I told him he has a family here and that he has people at the home and in America who love him and care about him. I told him that he is God's special son and that God has a big plans for his life. I said I would pray for him.

In spite of his background, he is a happy boy who loves Jesus with all his heart, and is a great friend to all who meet him.

by, Micah

Blog by Jess

noreply@blogger.com (The Vons) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:31:00 +0000

One of the days while I was at the home I was talking to a boy named Hebrew. While I was talking to him the subject of food came up in our conversation. I asked him if he had eaten today. He said "No." So I gave him my Power Bar. Instead of eating the whole thing by himself, he shared it with everyone around him. I thought this was pretty amazing.

Jess

Gerrold

noreply@blogger.com (The Vons) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 20:40:00 +0000

Let me introduce you to Gerrold. He was my special helper when we worked at Hope last fall. He was my "tell me their name" friend. With the many children at Hope, everyone should have a helper like Gerrold. I would quietly point to a child who I knew but could not remember their name. Gerrold would discreetly whisper their name to me, again and again.

He is a quiet and gentle boy. I got to know him better during this trip. He has an older sister, Gladys, who also lives at Hope. There is much pain in their eyes and I don't know their whole story. He would like to be a Religious Studies teacher because he loves Jesus so much. Almost daily, Gerrold would slip a piece of paper in my hand with a carefully written note, telling me of his love and prayers.

On the day we left, Gerrold was helping with the photos of the students. Note on the photo above the little white bracelet on his wrist. These children have very few of their own possessions. I don't know where Gerrold got the bracelet, which is really a hair band. As we finished the final photos, Gerrold called me to him and said that he would like to give me his bracelet. I was so moved and humbled by the love of this little boy. He has next to nothing and gave me what little he had. I am wearing it now and will remember to pray for Gerrold and be inspired by his selfless love.

I want to love others the way that Gerrold loves.

Cathi

Mama Regina

noreply@blogger.com (The Vons) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 17:16:00 +0000

Hello from Amsterdam!

We were not able to add many blogs from Uganda, so I will be adding them while we are here! I want to tell you about a very special person at Hope Children's Home. The wonderful lady in the photo above is Mama Regina. She is the cook at Hope Children's Home. Not only does she cook, but she loves Jesus and all the children. She has a true servant's heart. She cooks three meals a day for the one hundred children who live at Hope as well as lunch for the school children who do not live at Hope. This is well over 200 kids! All prepared over an open wood fire. She is one of my heroes.

The day that we left, I brought a couple of jars of peanut butter to her. The Santiam Team had given us their leftover peanut butter and I consolidated then into two jars. You would have thought I gave her the world! She did a little "Thank you, Jesus! dance" and gave me a big hug. Her joy was contagious! All for two small jars of peanut butter.

Here is Mama Regina serving the children lunch.

We love these children and take care of them for the short time we are with them. Mama Regina and the other mamas love them and care for them everyday throughout the years. They are the hands of Jesus.

With love, Cathi

Photos of Students

noreply@blogger.com (The Vons) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 05:05:00 +0000

Dear Family and Friends,

We spent the morning at Hope Children's Home. Thank goodness that Douglas had come with us! Our goal was to take photos of the children who attend Alpha Omega School (which is a part of Hope Children's Home and is located on the home's property), but do not live at the home. (see above photo of dear Fatuma) Show Mercy would like to have sponsors for these children as well. The sponsorship would cover a uniform, shoes, school fees and one meal a day. This may be the only meal some of these children will eat. Here is Show Mercy’s website if you are interested in child sponsorship. http://www.showmercy.org/

We had no idea there were so many. We had purchased a white board this morning. The teachers brought first the “Baby Class” which is pre-school. There were over 50 kids, this is in addition to the pre-schoolers who live at Hope! Douglas wrote down their Lugandan name and their “Christian” name as well as their age. (I will crop out the white board out later and just show the child's face.) Douglas was incredible, knowing the spelling and getting all the names right. Jerry realized that things would be more fun if we gave each child a sweetie (piece of candy), so Jess and a 15 year old boy named Vincent zipped off to one of the many little village “stores” to buy candy.

We worked up until the time the students break for lunch, around 1:00. By this time, we had taken over 100 photos, and this is just the Baby Class through P-1 Class. We then stayed for another 45 minutes so that we could visit with the older kids. It was so hard to leave after just a short time with them. However, we had a big job for the afternoon.

Another amazing experience of today was a trip to the Owino Market (see one of the many entrances in the photo above.) Before we got out of the car, Douglas said, “Now Jerry, you leave your wallet here in the car with Richard, and Cathi, you leave your camera/purse.” There are so many people in the market and pick pockets are a real issue. Owino is like a huge flea market with a million people, not a single muzungu to be seen. Each little store had its own area, manned by one or two people. The floors are dirt, or wooden planks. It is really a series of connected shacks with 10-12 foot ceilings of sheet metal, with an occasion flicker of sunlight. There are areas of specialty: jeans, t-shirts, dresses, children's clothing, almost all are used. Douglas did all the negotiating for us. We had quite a list from the home, including 20 bras for the older girls, 10 uniform shirts, 4 pairs of shoes and play clothes for various kids, backpacks...We spent about $70 for all. Douglas did much better when folks did not know we were with him! One time, he had negotiated a price for some boy’s jeans (5,000 Ugandan shillings, which is about $3) and when the sales person saw that we were with Douglas, he doubled the price! Douglas would have nothing to do with that. Everyone was actually very nice, talking to us and of course wanting us to buy stuff. I was even complimented on my braids! Micah was using his Lugandan slang, which greatly amused all the shop keepers. Before our first trip, I would have been so scared, now it was actually quite fun. However, I wouldn’t attempt it without a Ugandan guide!

Richard returned us to the hotel, with all our bags of treasures. Jess wanted to take a boda boda (motorcycle taxi) by himself to Garden City (a shopping center about a half a mile from our hotel), much to my concern. He took the phone and called when he had safely arrived. Whew! We decided to meet him there at 8pm for dinner. It was an adventurous walk, in the dark, with pot holes and lots of traffic. The crazy boda boda drivers were driving up on the sidewalk because of the traffic jam! We ate at Spur, a South African restaurant chain, loudly serenaded by the beat of African drums on the courtyard below. (Did I mention they were LOUD?)

Love, Cathi

Richard da Man

noreply@blogger.com (The Vons) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 05:30:00 +0000

Dear Family and Friends,

The photo above is of Richard, our taxi driver. We met Richard last fall and have been involved in a micro-finance project with him. He is actually standing in front of it! On Belay Ministries, our nonprofit, made him a loan for the car in January. Before this time, he rented his taxi, then made payments monthly. What he paid in rent payments could easily have covered a car loan. However in Uganda, car loans are not available, or the interest is so high that it is not practical. So Richard was basically giving a good bit of his monthly income to make his rent payments. He paid for all maintenance, gas and insurance.

He has been paying back our loan, depositing payments in a bank in Kampala. He will pay off the loan in about 10 months. At that point, he will pick a fellow taxi driver and make him a loan to buy his own car; this loan will be repaid to Richard with a small amount of interest. When it is paid off, Richard will find another driver and repeat the process. His life has been changed by this project! His monthly income has increased and he can now afford to send his girls to a better school (and afford to feed his family!)

The highlight of today was going to Richard’s home and having the privilege of meeting his darling daughters and lovely wife. They live in a village just outside of Kampala. The roads were incredibly bad! We bounced along, until we came to a truck blocking the way. We were close, so Richard parked the car and we walked the rest of the way, over bricks and rough stairs. The walk in itself was an experience; we were "muzungu’d" all along the way, of course! Jerry had brought outfits and books for the girls and a new Bible for Justine, Richard’s wife as well as a new Harmonica/book for Richard. They were so thankful and excited.

Their house has 5 rooms including a kitchen, two bedrooms, living room, and an as yet unfinished bathroom. The floor is concrete. They do not have electricity or running water. There is a spigot and outhouse outside. Lights are run on a battery and kerosene. Richard built the house himself. No permits are required. Basically in Uganda, you build what you want.

We had such a nice visit. The girls are absolutely darling and warmed right up to us. Daisy is the oldest at 6, Oprah is 4 and Divine Mercy is 18 months. They are all bilingual. Daisy was reading to me in English. Divine Mercy was somewhat subdued as she is recovering from malaria, which kills so many children as well as adults here.

Justine had sent their friend Livia to a local shop to get cold drinks for us. Livia is a friend (relative) who did not have a place to live, so she moved in with Richard’s family and helps with the girls and housework. We walked around Richard’s property. He has about 1/3 of an acre. Then the girls and Justine walked with us back to the car. Justine told me how her parents had both died when she was 9 years old, just one month apart. She was raised for part of the time by her older siblings, and then at a children’s home. There were 5 children in her immediate family, but her father had 14 total with various step mothers. Justine also told about how she would like to return to university and become a dermatologist. She also wants to have 3 more children, all boys! Below is a photo of this beautiful family.

After leaving Justine and the girls, we made a quick stop to see Douglas’ home. He lives in a one room apartment without running water, a kitchen or bathroom. The outhouse/bathing area are outside as well as a spigot for water. He does not understand why we would want to have hot water. His place was so neat and tidy. He has a bed and a dresser, a TV and DVD player. His apartment is in the yard of his landlord and all are surrounded by a tall solid locked fence. He feels very safe there. Here we are below, as Douglas opens the door to his home.

We had dinner at the hotel, which was expensive, but no one got sick! A long night followed as it is hard to sleep on these braids! I would love to take them out, but don’t want to hurt Gorett's or Miriam’s feelings (my hairdressers)!

Much love to you all,
Cathi

New Hairdo!

noreply@blogger.com (The Vons) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:05:00 +0000

Dear Friends and Family,

Here is my journal entry for Saturday.

Saturday, 14 June
I keep using the word, "privileged." We are so privileged to be able to work with Hope Children's Home, and I am humbled. I keep coming back to how we are so blessed to know these children, these Mamas and teachers. I want to love them and pour into them. They love us back in such amazing and humbling ways. Today, I sat with Esther, Victoria and Fatima. Victoria and Esther read to me from the Bible that we gave them last fall. Victoria read about Adam and Eve and Esther read the story about the Dry Bones coming back to life. (an interesting and thought-provoking choice.)

Even before the day began, I had a wonderful time with Victoria. She came to the hotel with us last night, spending the night in our room. ("A chance of a lifetime." according to Pastor Pross, the person who runs the home.) I was up around 7am and was reading my Bible online. Victoria got up around 7:30. I wondered, what am I going to do with her until 9:30, when the team meeting starts. Conversation making can be challenging. I prayed about it and just let it happen. First Victoria offered to read the Bible for me. She read Psalm 31, which talks about God’s presence in difficult times. Then we read some of the Bible in Lugandan, thanks to the Uganda Bible website. It is such a pretty, happy language.

I asked Victoria if she wanted to watch some TV, which is a great treat. So we sat on the bed together and watched TV and talked. She told me about her abusive aunt and the nice lady who stepped in to defend her. She told me that her aunt used to take her into the woods and tie up her hands and beat her. When she was 8, Victoria became a Christian through a crusade at the church. She also said that through Susan Stubb’s sermon, she learned to forgive her aunt. Again, what a privilege to be a part of these children’s lives.

Later, at the home, as I finished up mending Margaret’s sadly torn dress (2 side seams, both shoulder seams and one sleeve almost gone…), I settled in for a chat with Victoria on the back steps. She asked if she could “twist” my hair. I said sure! Little did I know what I was in for! Gorret, one of the wonderful house mama’s who I have had a chance to get to know a little bit, came up and wanted to know what Victoria was doing…it was all over them. Gorret took over, along with another mama, Miriam. They lovingly braided my hair for over 3 hours! As they braided, Esther (the girl we sponsor) stood and helped by holding my hair back out of my face and smoothing my bangs so gently. They did half of it before lunch, then took a break for lunch. Everyone, especially the Mamas and other staff got a huge kick out of it!

After lunch, most of the team and lots of the kids went to the field to play soccer, so the house was strangely quiet. As the women braided, an accapella group came and practiced in the next room. They sang in Lugandan as well as English. I just sat there silently praising God with the choir and was loved on by these gentle women. Without being asked and without expecting to be paid, they gave up their day to serve me. We came to bless and serve; we are the ones getting the blessing and being served!

Much love to all,
Cathi

Together again!

noreply@blogger.com (The Vons) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 05:24:00 +0000

Dear Family and Friends,

Jerry arrived safely yesterday. We picked him up at the airport with our taxi driver and dear friend, Richard. Our friend Douglas also came with, so Jerry was given a grand welcome!

We said goodbye to the Santiam Team late afternoon. A number of the kids were struggling with stomach issues. Many were very jealous that Jess gets to stay another few days. We will miss them all.

The photo above includes a sweet girl named Fatuma. She is on the right side of the photo. When we met her last fall, she was so shy and sad. She was a student at the school, but did not live at the home. Her home situation was not good, in fact it was very abusive. We were so concerned about her and whether or not she would still be at the school. We were so happy and thankful to find her well and happy. She is now living with her grandmother and has hope for the future.

I will write more soon. We are heading out to 1,000 Cups, our favorite coffee place here. Well, it is the only one we know about!

Much love,
Cathi

There is Hope

noreply@blogger.com (The Vons) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 04:19:00 +0000

Dear Loved Ones,

We spent our first day out at the children's home yesterday. It was a day of very special reunions and joy. Impossible to even begin to describe holding our precious children again. Our Ugandan "daughter," Esther, is healthy and beautiful. (We sponsor Esther, and therefore have a strong connection with her. Wish we could take her home!) Fatima, who is a student at the school, but does not live at the home, is happy and not nearly as shy as she was last fall. OK, so we want to take sweet Fatima home as well.

I can see the evidence of hope in their lives. They do have a future and that makes all the difference. These children are so open about their love for Jesus and their love for us. I was amazed and humbled by their outpouring of affection. Little brown hands holding, hugging, stroking. At any time, we all have at least a half a dozen children attached to us. I occasionally thought, there is just not enough of me. Then I remembered, I am just a vessel. They need the love of Jesus and I am just trying to be his servant here. I prayed for his filling and his spirit. (and his memory! trying to remember all the names of each special one.) We cannot save all the children in Africa or even in the little village of Gganda, however God has graciously given us these precious ones and that is all that he asks of us now.

We also had wonderful reunions with the Santiam Team! What an amazing group and a privilege to join them. Jess was full of stories and enthusiasm. What a joy to see him with the children.

Thank you so much for your prayers and for joining us on this journey.

Love, Cathi

Uganda!

noreply@blogger.com (The Vons) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:09:00 +0000

Dear Family and Friends,

After 5 delightful days in London, we left last night for Uganda. A slight hiccup at the airport...I had gotten the departure time wrong! It was written in 24 hour clock and read 20:00. Mentally, I thought we were leaving at 10pm, and it was really 8pm. We got to the airport at 7:15pm! Good thing we didn't have bags to check! I had visions of OJ Simpson running through the airport, leaping over suitcases. We really did sprint to our gate. It was Kenya Airways; security was not too difficult. Micah was awesome, no panic, just saw it as another adventure! Just the day before, I had been pridefully commenting to Micah on how good we have been at getting to the airport/train station with plenty of time...

After a layover in Nairobi, we were met at the Entebbe airport by our dear friend and taxi driver, Richard. He safely transported us to our hotel and will be picking up Jerry on Sunday. That afternoon we are planning a get together with Richard, his wife and 3 little girls.

Jess and the team are still out for the day, working with two different childrens' homes. We can't wait to see them all.

Thanks for your prayers!

Much love, Cathi

Friends

noreply@blogger.com (The Vons) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:24:00 +0000

Dear Family and Friends,

Due to the wonders of Facebook, which I joined a couple of months ago, we were able to connect with Crystal, our Chinese "daughter" in London. Crystal stayed with us as an exchange student two summers ago. She is studying in the UK at a university an hour from the city. On Sunday, she and her lovely friend, Vicki, took the train in for the day. We walked around Buckingham Palace and had lunch at Hard Rock Cafe. Crystal is such a beautiful and gentle person. Micah and I cherished the time spent with her.

Before meeting up with Crystal and Vicki, Micah and I went to the Hillsong Church, which meets in a large theater in London. It was great fun to worship with such a dynamic group. The worship band had 16 members!

On Monday, we met up with our friend Rich, whom Jerry and I know from a summer missionary program that we all were a part of, in Quito, Ecuador in 1982! Yikes, we are getting really old! Rich met us at the Tate Modern, which was fabulous! Here are Rich and Micah at the Tate. Rich is a film critic in London, so Micah could ask all his film/movie star questions!

We are doing well, loving the quiet evenings with my aunt and uncle, but missing Jerry and Jess!

Grace and Peace,
Cathi

Lunch in the garden

noreply@blogger.com (The Vons) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 21:37:00 +0000

Dear Family and Friends,

We are so enjoying our time with my Aunt and Uncle. Our first meal in London was a delightful lunch in their lovely garden. (I believe they are Master Gardeners!) It has felt like we have come to our second home, always a haven and respite.

Yesterday, Micah and I took the train to Ely to visit with our friend, Steven. He took us on a tour of the beautiful cathedral there. Breathtaking. Then we were served a delicious and traditional English lunch of Shepherd's Pie at Steven's home. We were so warmly welcomed by his parents and brother. So fun to hear about how this family of believers is serving God. Here is a photo of us.

We have been getting regular updates on Jess! It doesn't feel like we are so far away. If you would like to read about Jess' team, here is Show Mercy's blog and Steve Bittner's (Team leader) updates:

Show Mercy

Steve Bittner

Much love to you all!
Cathi

Mind the Gap!

noreply@blogger.com (The Vons) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 21:32:00 +0000

Dear Family and Friends,

Micah and I are safely in London. We have been reveling in the familiar: the Tube and "Mind the Gap", our favorite bookstore, the lovely and cozy apartment at my Aunt Tiz and Uncle Jack's home, being with Tiz and Jack. What fun to be here! However, we are missing Jerry and Jess. It is so strange to have our family spread out on three different continents. Tomorrow, we head out on the train to Ely to meet up with Steven, whom we met in South Africa while working with YWAM. Can't wait to catch up on his life and to hear about other dear YWAM friends.

We have heard from Steve, the leader of Jess' mission team in Uganda. All is well there. The team is loving our kids and we are so looking forward to joyful reunions very soon.

We miss you all!

Love, Cathi

Africa Again!

noreply@blogger.com (The Vons) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 03:07:00 +0000

First let me thank you for reading our blog. We are overwhelmed and humbled to have you join with us in our adventures. Well, here is the latest. Jess left on the June 2nd for Uganda, Africa. Cathi and Micah will join him after a 5 day layover in London, and leave tomorrow June 4th. Then I will join them, leaving on the June 13th.

We are going back to the same orphanage we worked at last fall. We are madly viewing photos of all the kids at the home to remember their names. What a task! 104 in total! Our job this time is to love on all the kids. We also plan to meet up with a few of those we blogged about... Richard, Kenny and Douglas. We can't wait to see them!

Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers for my mom, she is doing VERY well! In fact the physician stated that the cancer is in remission!

I look forward to keeping you updated. Peace. Jerry

Final Blog

noreply@blogger.com (The Vons) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 22:58:00 +0000

We have been back in the US for 3 weeks, and have been so warmly and joyfully welcomed home. We are settling in to a nice duplex just north of Corvallis; it is walking distance from the boys’ school.

The last few weeks of our trip went by in a blur. I will sum up: after leaving Italy, we took a train to Lucerne, Switzerland. After the busy time in Italy, it was wonderful to have no schedule and just wander the streets of this lovely town.

Then we headed to Paris: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, Notre Dame and finally, Disneyland Paris.

We ended our trip with a lovely time in London with my Aunt Tiz and Uncle Jack. They live in the north end of London, close to an underground station. We became “tube” experts. We love the public transportation system of London and could get almost anywhere. My aunt had set up a wonderful schedule of traditional British activities for us to enjoy. We ice skated at the Somerset House, saw the city from the London Eye Ferris wheel, enjoyed the Dick Whittington Pantomime, were enchanted by the Terra Cotta Warriors exhibit at the incredible British Museum. We also headed out to the O2, the millennium dome, to see the King Tut exhibit. Most of all we enjoyed the time with Jack and Tiz and celebrating Christmas with my cousins and their families. We were renewed and strengthened by these relationships with family who have also become dear friends.

How to sum up a trip like this? Impossible. We are still processing and wondering what it all means. How to return to huge grocery stores and Starbucks (well, that might be OK) after such an experience? We don’t feel “called” overseas, yet are impelled to return. We wonder where and to what we are called.

Thank you all for traveling with us. Your prayers protected and encouraged us. We have been so touched by the outpouring of love for us and for Jerry’s mom. We know that we are right where we should be and that we serve a gracious and loving God.

An update on Jerry’s mom. Mary recovered well from her surgery and is starting chemotherapy treatments today, in fact, while I write. Jerry is with her now. Your continued prayers would be so appreciated. Mary has been so blessed by your prayers. Thank you.

Grace and Peace,
Cathi for all

Ciao, Italy!

noreply@blogger.com (The Vons) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 21:11:00 +0000

Yesterday, we left Italy with a new appreciation for its culture, cuisine, and people. Catholicism is the dominant religion, and it permeates many facets of Italian life. The countryside and cities are dominated by Catholic churches, shrines, and sculptures of an era gone by. However, new statues and shrines of current Popes and Saints are numerous as well.

The people of Italy are warm, hospitable and love to cook! We have gained back all the weight we lost in Africa, and then some! We have learned new cooking techniques and an appreciation for pasta. Friendships are created around the dinner table. Italians love to party. Dinner usually starts around 8:30 P.M. and goes till midnight. From noon until 3:30 P.M. all shops are closed, now I know why, they all need a nap! We have made many new friends and we will miss them!

Jerry

Beautiful Trieste!

noreply@blogger.com (The Vons) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 07:13:00 +0000

Hello Friends!

We have arrived safely in beautiful Trieste. This ancient Austrian city, now a part of Italy, in situated on the Adriatic Sea. The coastline is magnificent! We will be here a little more than a week, working in various capacities. It looks like we will be working distributing literature, and playing music.

Our hosts, David and Rachel Tucker, are wonderful! David and I share so many of the same passions: flyfishing, woodworking, hunting, music, sports and list I am sure would and could go on and on! Their two children, Laura and Gabriel, have graciously given up their bedrooms for us and are teaching us the finer points of Italian living!

As we finish our work here in Italy, I am reminded how very fortunate I and my family have been for taking such a life changing trip. I am humbled by the opportunity to serve people in this world, and am very grateful for the blessings that have been given to me. I am truly thankful.

Jerry

Change!

noreply@blogger.com (The Vons) — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 12:45:00 +0000

I can’t even begin to describe how much I have changed. I have witnessed first hand the generational poverty in Africa, and have had overwhelming feelings of relief and guilt coming to first world Europe. My core has been shaken. My compassion (or lack there of) is showing. By that I mean, in Africa, it is so easy to be compassionate to those who have nothing. While in England, Holland, Germany, and Italy, it is quite easy to walk by a beggar and not be moved with compassion. My heart screams out WHY? Why is there a lack of caring among those who we think have so much? Or is it that we all have been “shammed” so many times. Like the other day in the marketplace, an elderly woman stood visibly shaking, cup and cane in hand, hunched over looking pathetic. We later found out this woman was healthy and fine, a “gypsy.” She is known in town as “the shaker lady,” a sham she has been pulling for years.

I pray for a discerning, yet tender heart, longing to know how to treat others.

I have been changed in other ways as well. I have seen what I thought was abject poverty, only to see more extreme poverty. I have seen hate in the eyes of those who have been oppressed, and love in the eyes of others who are simply happy in spite of having nothing, and not knowing anything different. I have witnessed the art of the Masters: Van Gogh, Monet, and Seurat. And I have seen the art of the orphaned children. The architecture of Europe was inspirational, as were the children’s sand castles in Cinque Terre. My heart came alive dancing with the rhythms of South Africa, as well as the moments of pride, listening to the music of my own children.

Yes. I changed. I continue to change. You see, my mom has been diagnosed with cancer. You can’t describe this change unless it has happened to you. Worry has never been one of my “gifts”, but it seems that I now have received a crash course. The news came suddenly, and dramatically as well. We were unable to retrieve email for days, as it was a train ride away to link to the internet. I was shocked and worried. My dear mother said she wanted us to continue on with our trip, and she would be fine. My sister (a nurse) gave me all the details. We decided as a family that it is best to end our trip early, and return home after Christmas. I am changed.

Jerry

Italy, contined R & R

noreply@blogger.com (The Vons) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 15:15:00 +0000

Here we are in beautiful Cinque Terre! We rented an apartment from Daniella (thank you!) through a “Rick Steves” comment blog, who recommended Paula’s boat service, which in turn hooked us up with Daniella... whew! We are up on a hilltop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Spectacular sunsets in the evenings, and sunrises greet us in the morning with hot coffee on the deck sipping on teak patio furniture.

The temperature here is in the low 70’s, the sun has been shining, and best of all… all the tourists have gone back home! Well…except for a few! Our stairway down to the town is one hundred and sixty steps (thank you Micah for counting, again and again!), weaving through a tapestry of Italian terraced gardens and architecture. The town is divided into two sections; the new, and old town. We are situated in the new section, but it is a simple downhill ten minute walk and we are in the heart of old town.

Boutiques and focaccia shops abound. Little alley ways can lead you to a magnificent square or a medieval church, or even a dead end! Cobble streets are the norm, and at almost any vantage point, you can catch a glimpse of the sea, the beautiful teal colored water, and majestic stone outcroppings.

We are in the birth place of pesto… so we are having pesto and pasta for dinner, with a salad, fresh made focaccia bread, virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Yummy! : )

We are making great family memories here, photos and more stories to come…

Jerry

We took a scooter ride. Much to the boys delight and Cathi's worry!

London, Amsterdam, Hamburg

noreply@blogger.com (The Vons) — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:01:00 +0000

We arrived in London, the morning after a long overnight trip from Kenya, with a layover in Qatar. We will miss our brothers and sisters in Africa.

London is a bustling city, full of life and very first world. I never thought I would be so happy to see the first world. Long, hot showers, cold drinks and clean machine washed/dried clothes were welcome niceties after three months in Africa.

Cathi’s aunt and uncle hosted us in London for a day and we also met up with friends, some from America and one from Ecuador. It was a refreshing time of Starbucks and well, more Starbucks!

Here we are with our dear friends, the Koets and the Brandelieses.

After a three nights in London, we jumped on an overnight ferry ride to Amsterdam. This ferry was equivalent to a “cruise ship” for the English Channel. We had a lovely berth, on board meals, and even entertainment. When we arrived in Amsterdam, we were refreshed and ready to tackle the day. Cathi’s dad and wife happened to be taking a real cruise and were docked in Amsterdam for two nights, so we were able to meet for dinner and a nice visit.

We were able to connect with my family on two occasions over… well, yes, coffee! Our housing was great; we rented a small apartment (thanks, Craigslist!) The public transportation is excellent! The family enjoyed some “sight doing” (Jess hates sight seeing so we have to do sight doing!) a bike tour of the Dutch countryside and Amsterdam. Of course, we took in the Van Gogh Museum, and a canal boat tour as well.

Today, we are on a train to Hamburg. We will spend the night in there, then catch a train for Ahrensburg in the morning to visit the “Von Schimmelmann” Castle. Yes, we have a castle… doesn’t everyone? We are enjoying a little rest and relaxation, soon we will be back to work in Italy.

Jerry

Mobasa to London

noreply@blogger.com (The Vons) — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 10:00:00 +0000

Hello Friends!

We were sad to leave our good friends in Mombasa. It seemed like such a quick visit, however, we made lasting friendships and gained several pounds! The hospitality of the local people and our dear friend Carol made us feel so welcome. The Indian, Arab, and Kenyan food was so tasty, as well as healthy!

I conducted seminars and clinics for guitar, spoke to young college kids about friendship and accountability, but most importantly we developed relationships with people who are living out their lives there. Though it's coastline is beautiful, Mombasa has it's difficulties for westerners, water issues (lack of water), heat/humidity, wild life (monkeys throwing mangos at our head and insects!). The culture is predominantly Muslim/Hindu, and their "swahili/arabic coffee" is too sweet and spicy! We enjoyed our time with the Fellowship Baptist Church, joining them on an all day safari at Tsavo National Park. We got a close up look at a huge lioness!

We traveled to Nairobi for a night, and stayed at the wonderful Mennonite Guest House with its beautiful grounds. We were able to walk to a nearby coffee shop (Java House), and had the best vanilla latte in Africa! Soon we boarded our flight to London. Upon arrival, we quickly found the Starbucks in the airport. There was much rejoicing! (See photo above!) Then, we braved the train and the tube and met up with Cathi's aunt and uncle. Now we are at our hotel (Holiday Inn Express) in a modest room for only $160/night. Ouch! We will be setting up our revised itinerary, since our Nairobi plans fell through.

We will keep you updated!

Jerry

A Day in Mombasa

noreply@blogger.com (The Vons) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 04:14:00 +0000

Dear Family and Friends,

We wake up with fingers crossed this morning…will the water come? Since we arrived, the city has neglected to deliver water to our apartment complex. In fact, it has not delivered for a total of three weeks now. Normally, the water lines are opened for two hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, to fill the water tank. Fortunately, there is a cistern that stores water for times such as these and we have had limited water. We are learning the fine art of water conservation! This morning, we listen as the neighbor’s gutters bubble with water that flows onto the street. They have a bore hole (a type of well), which gives them too much water and is dumped into the street when their cistern is full. We longingly listen and hope. By 9am, we know that water won’t happen today. I take a quick sponge bath and dip my hair in a bucket. Jerry opts to go without!

The boys are set up with homeschooling so Jerry and I headed out with Carol to do some “quick” errands. Quick is just not in the vocabulary in Africa. We started with the Water Department. Carol needed to pay her water bill. You may ask, why pay your bill when you don’t get any water? I guess that could be considered a rhetorical question here. In any case, we park downtown and search for the parking ticket man who may or may not be found, depending on the time of day. If you park downtown without a ticket, you risk having a lock put on your wheel or being towed! However, it is not unusual to find the parking man missing. We are in luck, he is decked out in a yellow jacket and is just a block away. We buy our ticket and head for the water department. Water bills and other utility bills must be paid in cash. After standing in line with the rest of Mombasa to pay a water bill for water that has not come in three weeks, we advance to the office to speak with the supervisor about the situation. His office is a block away on a pot-holed road in a building that would have been worthy of condemning in the U.S. Carol asks around for him, he is not in his office, but in a meeting. We are promised that water will come on Wednesday. We’ll see…

After the errands, we rush back home and are picked up by our friends, Venu and Raji who take us in two cars to visit Venu’s factory and the rural school that his company sponsors. The factory is incredible, with state-of-the-art equipment and technology. It is run almost completely by Kenyans. We are fed lunch at the factory, which includes half a dozen delicious Indian entrees and chapatti. We arrive home for a short time, then off for gelatos and an evening visit with Carol’s friends. They welcome us like dear friends and serve us ice cold juice. Like all the friends we have met here in Mombasa, they really want to feed us! We decline as we have just filled ourselves with gelatos (much to their disappointment!) We visit for an hour or so; Jerry is amazing in his ability to generate conversation with anyone! We arrive home after 10pm.

Back at home, I sat down in the comfortable big blue chair in the bedroom and type in my thoughts about today. I put my feet up and lean my head back. Ah, a moment of relaxation. Jerry comes in to get ready for bed, takes one look at me and says those dreaded African words, “Don’t move!” He instructs me to slowly move my head to the left and to get off the chair. I cautiously obey, and discover an 8 inch millipede who had settled in about an inch from where my head was so recently resting! Here is a photo of the fellow.

Life in Africa has its share of challenges, but the people are so warm and friendly. We have already made wonderful friends and again will be faced with goodbyes too soon.

Love to you all,
Cathi

Guitar Man!

noreply@blogger.com (The Vons) — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 20:07:00 +0000

Friends,

Mombasa is a cornucopia of different cultures; Kenyans, Indians, Pakistanees, Arabs, and Whites inhabit this beautiful coastal island. Most religions are represented here. While it seems that the majority of the population is Muslim (because of the loud calls to prayer), Hindu and Christian churches abound as well.

I was asked to lead a guitar clinic at a local Baptist church. My classroom was in the rear of the building, with good attendance. The students who were there had a wide spectrum of experience levels from beginner to advanced. The ages ranged from 11 years to seasoned adult. Three students had never even touched a guitar before!

I taught the basics of chord structure and guitar anatomy. It was challenging for both the inexperienced as well as the experienced. I increased the difficulty to those advanced players by having them find chords we were discovering, utilizing all the chord positions. I touched on rhythm and palm muting, and recognizing that the guitar can be a rhythm instrument.

After 3 hours, it was time to dismiss. I can’t wait until next week. I teach a song in three parts! Beginners will play the basic chords, intermediates will play the same chords but in a different position, and the advanced players will attempt a harmony lead part.

Ahh…music to my ears!

Jerry

While Jerry worked with the fledgling guitarists, the boys and I had a ministry of our own. We made some new friends! We sang, laughed and danced together. What friendly, open and loving young people. We felt welcomed! Karibuni! (Swahili for Welcome to you all!)

Cathi