HUMANA TEACHERS DAY

KINABATANGAN DISTRICT TEACHERS

    We just returned from the Humana teachers day where we had an opportunity to teach the teachers how to use chlorine to purify the water supplies that we are providing for them.  We had a very enjoyable time being with over 300 teachers who work with over 9000 students in their system of over a hundred schools. We have had a chance to get to know them since we visit there so much. They participated in a field day like event with sports, dancing, singing, marching, games, singing and awards. It started early morning and went past midnight,

                                                                                      

SANDAKAN TEACHERS TAKE THE FIELD

I just wanted to tell you how impressed we are with these wonderful people. They are making great sacrifices to live so far away from any form of civilization, sometimes 3 hours or more one way. And the city that they are 3 hours away from is pretty basic. They are so very kind and happy. They had a wonderful time being together. There was not alot of money spent. There was alot of energy and human resources spent. They were just all smiles all the time. They of course are paid so very little and sacrifice so much. They love these kids they teach.

SINGING HUMANA THEME SONG WITH FEELING

They have a theme song they sing. I will try to include a portion of it. The kids learn it and sing it with all of their heart and we now know why, because their teachers sing it with all of their hearts.

STILL SINGING WITH GUSTO

I guess it is just so hard to describe the feelings we have for these great people. They continue to impress us with their true happiness with life and what they do and have so little. Could it be that they are so fully engaged in helping others that they have forgotten about themselves? I think only one is a member of our faith but nonetheless they are some of  the best examples of Christlike people we have known.

SO MANY OF THE TEACHERS

WANTED TO HAVE THEIR PHOTOS 

WITH US.

They have indeed blessed our lives more than we have blessed theirs.

WE WERE THE VIPS ALONG WITH THE DIPLOMAT FROM THE FINNISH EMBASSY 

THERE WAS ABOUT ONE HOUR OF PHOTO-TAKING

ALL SORTS OF TRADITIONAL DANCING BY THE TEACHERS

TEACHING THE STAFF ABOUT PURIFYING THEIR WATER

MR & MISS HUMANA

On the way back at the airport we went through the screening of our 'carry ons' likes normal. The checker this time removed Ellen's hairspray. Said it could cause a fire. She has always carried a can of spray and never a problem. Oh well no big loss, but it is hard to find here. As we sat waiting for the plane (which we found out latter was canceled and we waited for 4 hours) I decided it was way too cold in the waiting area and went up and asked this same security screener if he could turn the aircon down. He didn't understand me, although he talked like he did, and asked me what I wanted and he said he would do it. Then he asked me again what I wanted and said he would do it. But he never would go near the aircon control or leave my side.He then took me to the side and finally asked me if I wanted the can of spray back. Well, this wasn't going to fix the cold waiting room but I said 'sure'. He gave me the hairspray can back and we waited in the cold room thinking we better be happy with what we got.

We are working now on putting together all the research on the different water projects and determining the best fit for all of them, about 7 different locations at present. It will require alot of communications with alot of different people and NGO's. We are probably done with  the greater portion of traveling and are starting to get things narrowed down for the next couple which we should hear about soon.

We have one wheelchair project approved now for delivery about when we leave. We have another one to formalized. And the vision project is about to be completed this next month with a handover and some jungle visits to see the docs in action with the people and the new equipment.

We will be very busy with the branch in the evenings this next week. We will be getting one of the three new missionaries out the door Tuesday heading for the New Zealand MTC and then the Australia for 2 years. The other two we will continue to meet with each week to get them ready.

We will meet with the Branch presidency and help them understand return and report better. And we will make some branch visits to member's homes. There is a very generous benefactor in the states that served here with his wife a few years ago and he his helping a young couple in our branch get to BYU Hawaii. We are involved in managing their purchases and all the details of getting them over there.This will change their lives and will bless the branch when they return.

Grocery carts are not usually available in the markets. Most carry baskets. We need a cart. There is usually one or two and they are broken. I am so looking forward to going to Safeway with Ellen and just getting any cart I want and just pushing it around empty and to see how well it works let alone put anything in it.

Special thanks to Eric for getting me all those cashews. I use them sparingly. That was very thoughtful, but that is just like who you are. Thanks so much.

Thanks to all for your notes and support. Enjoy the all the simple things.