We've all had fun reading your responses this morning!
A few disclaimers I must point out:
Melissa Herr....Holly would like you to add her to your list while you pray for Leah...I believe her exact response was, "WHAT?!?! Out of HER comfort zone?!??!?"
Maria...Leah is taking her meds, and wants you to tell Buddy she misses him, too.....the Brokkops dog, Titus is playing second fiddle.
Sue...Halle and Jared are faithfully journalling to you AND taking their meds!
Vivien...Harry's good....waiting for his mom to log on and see that he's still alive and well!
Rob...I was just conversing with Holly about a recent question you posed to her. I believe the question was, "Would you consider going to the mission field w/me?" I want you to know a few hours ago she told me that if she HAD to, she would LOVE to do what Meredith is doing this week....being an AWESOME hostess to everyone who enters her home. Just thought you should know now might be a good time to make your plans. Just saying.
Mom...I bought you something REAL special at the market this morning! I was advised you should not actually USE it, for hygiene purposes, BUT...I was thinking of you!
Dawn...Nate's in good hands and all the extra paraphenalia that you packed him is working!!!
Now, for the morning at the market. I, for one, REALLY enjoyed it, it was a true taste of the African culture. Tim explained before we left that it is like the African Walmart! It truly
was! You could pick up anything from your WARM raw meat, a new shirt, a pair of shoes, fabric, fresh fruit and nuts, tp, or any number of items! The amount of people roaming the streets was a little discomforting to some of the students...I didn't realize until we got back that some of the kids actually felt anxious about the amount of people that stopped and stared at us as we were the ONLY white people in the vicinity! We truly do make a scene everywhere we go, but the people are so welcoming and friendly to us.
Some blogging thoughts were going through my head as we walked through the market...one of them being that, Parents, remember all the years you've put into teaching your kids manners and respect for those around them...putting others first???? Not one of them was allowed to follow that advice this morning...if they had, they would have been left stranded apart from the group! Chivalry is totally dead at the market, as are manners, and selflessness!!!! Pushing, shoving, and stepping in front of people is the name of the game. Fend for yourself, or be sorry!
We just finished the BEST American lunch (pizza!) made by Meredith...
(and, YES, they are ALL eating their veggies)
and are getting ready to leave for the Hope House for the afternoon. We're looking forward to playing and loving on the 20 orphans that live there. I'll try to get back here again tonight when we get back, as it will be the last time for a while. Suprise, there's no electric and WiFi in the jungle! After talking w/some of the interns who went to the village last week, we are feeling more at ease to know that there is a make-shift toilet, and a creek of CLEAN running water just about a minute's walk away. We will be sleeping under the stars (and a mosquito net), but if it rains, there are houses nearby that we will be paired up in. We will attend church in this village and are prepared for a sermon MUCH longer than Pastor Carl offers us each Sunday!
Thanks for your continued care. Hope all is well on that side of the ocean...everyone is healthy and good on this side.
24 comments:
Wow -- you all have been very busssyy - know that we are praying for you all and especially for the upcoming stay in the Bush -- Terri you are amazing keeping us informed of all -- I have a friend of my son's who stated that Africa is a dream of hers and she has looked at the blog site and wants more -- thanks and have a great rest.
Terri and team!! I'm soo excited that you're in Gabon right now. I feel like a part of me is with you guys. I love you all and I will be praying for you daily and thinking about you. If only I could blog like Terri...she's amazing!!! Ana will have a hard month without you around! Tell the interns I said hi! Sydney, I think of you and CQ a lot while I'm here. And I love the rest of you lots!! Keep seeking after God during the trip and remember that He has great plans for you!!
Loving the updates and pics Terri! Hey, I want to know if it's really as hot and humid as you thought?!Our computer says you have been in the upper 70's so far. I know for some of you (mostly the ladies) there is some apprehension about heading into the bush. Just remember its only for a few days and you are getting to experience life and Sunday worship with a real African village.WOW! Like they said before, use all your senses to remember this experience and journal about it or you will forget. FOR THE TEAM- as you get hot,dirty,very tired and sweaty out in the bush, continually remember why you are clearing the land. Your attitudes and willingness to come across the world to do this for this village will speak volumes to them and of your willingness to be used by God. I'm sure you will leave feeling like YOU were the ones blessed by them.
Amber- dad got a part for your car and someone to work on it. Nate- make sure and drink,drink,drink while your working in the bush:)Love and miss you both, Mom
PS. Aaron says goodnight!XXOO
Hi to Drew from Aunt Deb and Uncle Phil. Our prayers are with you. Keep up the good work!
Terri - many thanks for keeping us up-to-date here. The pics and stories are great!
I missed posting a comment yesterday - it's all those home projects Holly left for me :)
I feel I must provide some clarification on my question to Holly regarding missions. As I come to the realization that Holly and I are only a few short years from becoming empty-nesters and that Sydney is pursuing a call to international missions and that if we ever want to see our only child more than once every few years we will probably have to follow her and...well, you get the point...
I will be praying much for all of you as you go "bush-wacking" for the next 4 days. A special prayer to all of you non-campers (you know who you are!). Make sure to apply plenty of "Harry's Homemade Snake Repellent" frequently! I'm counting on you men to protect the women - even if they means you have to wrestle with an angry baboon!
While you're on your excursion, I'll be celebrating July 4th in DC as part of a Landis-Tanner family tradition (hey, someone had to represent the Tanner's!) and will be enjoying some of the best fireworks that government money can buy!
Can't wait to hear of the adventures!
Sydney - your dad couldn't be any prouder of you than I am right now!
Hi Everybody & Everyone + BETHANY - it took all of you going to Africa to get Mom (Judy) to even look at the Computer - enough about us - it is fantastic to be able to see and read just what you are doing - a makeshift toilet and clean running water - What a blessing it is to serve the LORD. You are deep in our thoughts and prayers. PSALM 147:10-11 - Dad (Fred)
Hey Guys!
Glad you are doing well, its good to hear from you! Love the pictures :) Terri give all my favorites hugs for me, including yourself! Miss you guys, and praying for you! love ya!
So...Rob, let's look at this empty nest thing as an opportunity to change careers and take your wife on a very long vacay overseas...extended stay, of course. She is obviously in the frame of mind to accept your offer. Go ahead, follow Syd overseas, I think she'd say yes!!!
Terri, could you please post a picture of Meredith and Bethany together - she will explain to you why I am saying this ... and Terri - thank you so very much for your faithful blogging! See you all on the airwaves! as ever - in HIM and HIM alone, Fred
Hey all - I know you are all preparing to head out into the bush soon if not already, I will be praying for you, just remember a little dirt and sweat never hurt anybody!! (says the farmers daughter! :p) Everytime i see my braclet you are all in my thoughts! I look forward to upcoming pictures and updates! May God use each of you to shine for him!! --Janae
Nathan,
Lookin' good!
As someone else said earlier, I feel that a part of me is there with you. Enjoy the orphanage and
have a good time with the orphans.
love you,
Grandma
I am enjoying following your adventures! Sounds like it is all going well - God is good!! Praying for your time in the bush - savor the experience!
Okay Terri - not sure "vacation" is the word I would use but we'll let it go at that, for now...
First, we gotta' get Syd (and me) through college - then we'll see what God wants to do with us from there :)
Nate, Are you sure you are using enough sunscreen on your face--OK, I'll stop. Denise Goss is VERY closely following the blog along with others at school--Maya, Karren Kurtz...I forgot to tell you that the goldfish are fine too. Enjoy God's view and sounds in the Bush...thanks again Harry, for encouraging Nate to do missions trips. Randy, I'm sure you'll get use of that video camera in the Bush! (: Enjoy the sermon on Sunday, although we know no one can dance, sing, and preach as well as Pastor Carl. You will all remain in our thoughts and prayers each and every day--but especially at Intercessors tonight.
Good morning Ali & Alex!! Hope you see this before you head out to the bush. Look on this as a once in a lifetime experience and enjoy. We will be praying for the team. Can't wait to hear about the adventure.
Ali your hair doesn't look too big in the pic of you. haha Alex - how are you bud? I miss seeing your face! Getting ready to head out to the yg park nite. Heading to Bellefonte with the whole family for the July 4th weekend. Love you.
Kim B...Ali's hair is AWESOME this week- go figure!!! While Syd's grows bigger by the minute hers has maintained a lovely curl w/out frizz! Knew you'd appreciate that! Alex is having a great time and looking forward to the "adventure" in the a.m. as much as the rest of the kids! He's had his bid in for playing Pictionary all week, but has no takers yet...we'll take it to the jungle--how cool would THAT be for him!?!
Holly - I have complete faith that your comfort zone is getting bigger every day! I just wish I could be there to see you sleep in a tent in the jungle - try to be a brave soul - haha - I am praying for all of you and it is precious to see God using a handful of kids from PA in a remote corner of Africa. Love to you All - Melissa Herr
Halle and Jared --
Bradley says: Roses are red; violets are blue; we miss you; I hope you miss us, too.
Ryan asks: Do you have enough fresh underwear?
We're all excited to follow your time on the blog!
So excited for all of you! Leah, SOOO good to see your beautiful face in those pictures. I know journaling is not your thing but please try to remember to write down your thoughts and feelings about each day so you will always remember them. It's where your heart is at that moment and you willbe glad you did!
We have been praying for your 4 days in the bush. We can understand any apprehension because it's really taking you out of your comfort zone. Your lives are being used by Jesus in a way most will never have the opportunity to serve. Be the hands and feet of Jesus and heart of Christ to these people. We are so very proud of each of you! Don't forget your bug spray :)
Terri, thank you so very much for this blog and the pictures. What a blessing. Please give Leah a huge hug for us. Miss you, too Holly and all you girls! (guys, too!)
We are praying an extra measure of God's leading and presence in your lives these next 4 days. Love, Mom and Dad
hii................................
my day day started waking up at 6:30, it felt like school was back...to go to maryland with hayley,lilly,grandma,and grandpa.......it ended up that we did not find what we were looking for..:P so waking up at 6:30 was not worth it!!!!grandma is telling me to sayy it was a BLAST!!!but i have to say it was oh kay...the ride went from being a 3 hour trip to like a 10 hour trip....:]
p.sss what are their dogs names??
=emma=
Hi Terri and Nick...It's mom here missing you! I cannot tell you how proud I am of you both! I was so excited to finally see pictures of each of you with those wonderful African faces! I know they can feel your hearts and love for them. Ter, you do such a great job with the blog and I know it is an effort of love and devotion for these teens and their families...as well as for us! You must be exhausted by the time you get to it each night so I really appreciate it. (God knew what He was doing when He made you a NIGHT PERSON!!!!). As you all go off into the bush in just a few hours from this writing, I pray you will be safe and even find some things to "enjoy" while you work hard and try to sleep under the stars! Bless Tim for whatever he told you that made you a bit less anxious about it!
And about Em...our day with the girls was fun even if it was not particularly productive! It is so much fun having her with us...never a dull moment. Alex, Kelly and she went with us to Park City last night to pick out his computer. He came and picked Em up tonight and they went out to the park with the youth groups for a picnic. Never heard anything from Kathy so just ignored that...in Em's words,"I don't know them and they don't know me". I think she will have to take spoiled Bailey home with her when you get back!!
Our constant prayer over the next 4 days...God bless this time in a very special way for all of you!
Love you...Mom
hola mi hermano. have fun in the jngle and take a lot of pictures. if i can't be there i want to be able to imagine it! I named my puppy henry... and i love him. he's waiting for his monkey friend!
don't get eaten by an anaconda... or bit by a gihugic spider. give a jungle kid a hug for me!
Jared and Halle are eating vegetables???
Wow! Everyone looks so "au naturale". Praying for you all! Leah, Mom (and me) both said to each other today that we were starting to miss you. I KNOW that you are missing us. Buddy is a bit confused why you & Andrew aren't here...he just isn't himself. Have fun in the bush!
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