Here is a little blurb Janice sent about some of their interaction with their neighbors....
I'm learning arabic a little at a time. Today GG and I sat out on the mats with the woman and they gave us some Chadian Tea....It takes just like Sweet Georgia Tea...Really sugary(is sugary a word?) Anyway, Grace and I were very hesitant to drink it but whatayado?? They took the peanuts I brought over and put them in the tea so we could drink and eat at the same time. I had three cups full and Gracey had two and a half. Non filtered water and nice and orange. We actually had a really fun time with the ladies and the kids showed up twice between Koranic school. Gracey brought out all the beads and plastic kords she had to make necklaces, bracelets and anklets and the kids went crazy. Even the boys. We sat there for an hour putting them all together and tieing them on the kids. Lots of fun and great to see the smiles. One girl danced as she stood up. She was so happy to have some pretties on. The moms kept saying "shukarun"which means Thank you in Arabic. We will probably get diarrhea too but it was worth it!!!
Just a post script - they didn't get diarrhea!!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Slow Motion
There have been a couple questions about the Flude's internet access, Skype, email, and why is Ray posting stuff to this blog.
Do you remember when you first hooked up your computer to the internet? For most of us it was via a 56K modem using your phone line. Some of us couldn't be on the phone and intenet at the same time. Do you remember that emails, and especially the pictures, didn't just pop up quickly as they do today, but they appeared slowly, often line by painful line.
Yea, I tried to forget about those days also.
However, the Flude's have reminded me.
Not every country is as wired as we are! The Flude's don't have DSL or a cable modem. I don't know exactly what they have - I assume it is an old fashion phone modem.
Whatever it is, it is slow and expensive. They can't be on the web for very long at all. For example, they get online and download all their emails. Then they log off the net.
Then they can read their emails offline. Then they can type out responses, or type new emails. THEN they can log back online and load their emails onto the web and send them. Then quickly back off the web!
They pay for this based on the size of the emails. So, although they love to receive emails from you, they do ask that you don't use special or fancy fonts, colors etc. Probably not a great idea to be sending a lot of pictures either (MORE ON THIS LATER, don't stop reading here). Type as much plain text as you want - they do want to hear from you!
They can't spend unlimited time on the net checking out all the cool websites.
Skype? NO.
Their limited time on the web is why Lisa & I are adding content - mostly their own words - to their blog. They do have access and will probably still make some entries.
I don't know yet if they read the comments you place on the blog, but they probably do...???
If you have a question for them based on a blog entry, I would suggest sending them an email directly.
So, I type this above as I understand it - I might not have it all right.
We plan on getting on a calling plan - reportedly about 22 cents a minute (thanks Bill F).
30 minutes would only come to about $7.00. It is very expensive for them to call the USA.
PICTURES: Lisa & I plan on taking all our pictures from 2008 and putting them on a CD or DVD and sending them to Chad. You could do this also. Or just email some of your favorites to us and we will include them on the CD we send off in January. Don't worry, we won't try to take credit for you incredibly talented & adorable kids! Shipping to Chad is apparently not very reliable, but I hope we can get a CD to them safely.
If you have questions about any of this, post a comment and I'd be glad to make up an answer for you!
roc
Do you remember when you first hooked up your computer to the internet? For most of us it was via a 56K modem using your phone line. Some of us couldn't be on the phone and intenet at the same time. Do you remember that emails, and especially the pictures, didn't just pop up quickly as they do today, but they appeared slowly, often line by painful line.
Yea, I tried to forget about those days also.
However, the Flude's have reminded me.
Not every country is as wired as we are! The Flude's don't have DSL or a cable modem. I don't know exactly what they have - I assume it is an old fashion phone modem.
Whatever it is, it is slow and expensive. They can't be on the web for very long at all. For example, they get online and download all their emails. Then they log off the net.
Then they can read their emails offline. Then they can type out responses, or type new emails. THEN they can log back online and load their emails onto the web and send them. Then quickly back off the web!
They pay for this based on the size of the emails. So, although they love to receive emails from you, they do ask that you don't use special or fancy fonts, colors etc. Probably not a great idea to be sending a lot of pictures either (MORE ON THIS LATER, don't stop reading here). Type as much plain text as you want - they do want to hear from you!
They can't spend unlimited time on the net checking out all the cool websites.
Skype? NO.
Their limited time on the web is why Lisa & I are adding content - mostly their own words - to their blog. They do have access and will probably still make some entries.
I don't know yet if they read the comments you place on the blog, but they probably do...???
If you have a question for them based on a blog entry, I would suggest sending them an email directly.
So, I type this above as I understand it - I might not have it all right.
We plan on getting on a calling plan - reportedly about 22 cents a minute (thanks Bill F).
30 minutes would only come to about $7.00. It is very expensive for them to call the USA.
PICTURES: Lisa & I plan on taking all our pictures from 2008 and putting them on a CD or DVD and sending them to Chad. You could do this also. Or just email some of your favorites to us and we will include them on the CD we send off in January. Don't worry, we won't try to take credit for you incredibly talented & adorable kids! Shipping to Chad is apparently not very reliable, but I hope we can get a CD to them safely.
If you have questions about any of this, post a comment and I'd be glad to make up an answer for you!
roc
Monday, October 13, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEXANDRIA JUDITH FLUDE!
Happy happy birthday, from all of us to you!
(Insert tune from Red Robin)
Big 17th birthday.
We love you,
From all your family and friends
(Insert tune from Red Robin)
Big 17th birthday.
We love you,
From all your family and friends
Friday, October 10, 2008
October 10, 2008
Tonight here we are having a family fun night. Ladies made tacos. Yum yum.
Kirsten H. paid a women 4000 Francs (about 10 bucks) to make 75 tortillas. Not a bad deal. Janice brought a bunch of taco seasoning (from Costco) with us to Chad that had been sent to us in France. And, we even had some cheese.
Biggest problem for us has been drinking water. We currently have 4 catadyn filters running at the same time. They can produce about 10 gallons of water per day and we drink every bit of it.
We filter it, put it in 1.5 liter bottles, and then we put those in a gas refrigerator we keep on our porch (back porch... no white trash for us, I'll tell you). Then, we freeze water in our chest freezer (which we bought from the Hellands). We add the ice and cold water to our cooler whenever we need to. The cooler we purchased in the States before we left Fergus. It claims to be able to keep 5 gallons of water at 32 degrees or so for 5 days in 95 degree weather. I can tell you this - it does a great job on the water. Ice stays in there all day long.
Today, Janice hired a local girl to help clean 2 days per week. We originally planned on not have a helper but household chores are so different and time consuming here that it became apparent Janice (and the kids) could use some help.
Marcos and Dan have been terrific. They've made our transition smooth.
They aren't afraid of work either. Both are good guys who love the Lord and have a great passion for the Chadian people. They are amazing when we go to the market. (That's a story for another day.)
(STF)
roc
Kirsten H. paid a women 4000 Francs (about 10 bucks) to make 75 tortillas. Not a bad deal. Janice brought a bunch of taco seasoning (from Costco) with us to Chad that had been sent to us in France. And, we even had some cheese.
Biggest problem for us has been drinking water. We currently have 4 catadyn filters running at the same time. They can produce about 10 gallons of water per day and we drink every bit of it.
We filter it, put it in 1.5 liter bottles, and then we put those in a gas refrigerator we keep on our porch (back porch... no white trash for us, I'll tell you). Then, we freeze water in our chest freezer (which we bought from the Hellands). We add the ice and cold water to our cooler whenever we need to. The cooler we purchased in the States before we left Fergus. It claims to be able to keep 5 gallons of water at 32 degrees or so for 5 days in 95 degree weather. I can tell you this - it does a great job on the water. Ice stays in there all day long.
Today, Janice hired a local girl to help clean 2 days per week. We originally planned on not have a helper but household chores are so different and time consuming here that it became apparent Janice (and the kids) could use some help.
Marcos and Dan have been terrific. They've made our transition smooth.
They aren't afraid of work either. Both are good guys who love the Lord and have a great passion for the Chadian people. They are amazing when we go to the market. (That's a story for another day.)
(STF)
roc
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Ministry
When we walk just outside our gates there are families that live right across our dirt path/road and so they all sit outside...all day... and so whenever we go out they (the children)come running saying Ca va, Ca va (which means how are you--are you doing ok)and they put out they very dirty hands to shake our hands and smile so big you think their lips might split right open.
They are so so very beautilful and so dirty at the same time. I ache for them and want to hold each one of them in my arms and never let go. I want to bathe them and feed them good clean food and give them cold clean water. And I especially want to tell them about a better place and a God who created them and loves them even more than I do. It's almost over whelming to think about but God has it all figured out and I'm just here for the sweaty ride.
I took pictures of them today and plan on taking the picture of the oldest woman in their village. They call her Momma and I asked her if I could take her picture and she said she wanted to bathe and dress up so I will take her pic tomorrow. The kids love to have their picture taken and then to see their faces since they never or hardly ever see themselves. We plan on getting copies made making a photo album for them to keep.
Oh, man, what a privledge to work for God(we all do in our own sphere of where we are planted!!!) There is no end to what we can do here because there is so much that needs to be done.... clean water, medical, cleaner housing, cleaner/newer clothes, clean food, more food...the list goes on and on. For now, we try to meet our new neighbors and get to know them and try to work our way into their lives so we can make a difference. Do you know what I mean, I don't mean to sound braggy, I hope I didn't. It's not about that. Just to do what God has brought us here for. Make a difference.ok, enough for now, I'm going on and on. :)
(JLF)
roc
They are so so very beautilful and so dirty at the same time. I ache for them and want to hold each one of them in my arms and never let go. I want to bathe them and feed them good clean food and give them cold clean water. And I especially want to tell them about a better place and a God who created them and loves them even more than I do. It's almost over whelming to think about but God has it all figured out and I'm just here for the sweaty ride.
I took pictures of them today and plan on taking the picture of the oldest woman in their village. They call her Momma and I asked her if I could take her picture and she said she wanted to bathe and dress up so I will take her pic tomorrow. The kids love to have their picture taken and then to see their faces since they never or hardly ever see themselves. We plan on getting copies made making a photo album for them to keep.
Oh, man, what a privledge to work for God(we all do in our own sphere of where we are planted!!!) There is no end to what we can do here because there is so much that needs to be done.... clean water, medical, cleaner housing, cleaner/newer clothes, clean food, more food...the list goes on and on. For now, we try to meet our new neighbors and get to know them and try to work our way into their lives so we can make a difference. Do you know what I mean, I don't mean to sound braggy, I hope I didn't. It's not about that. Just to do what God has brought us here for. Make a difference.ok, enough for now, I'm going on and on. :)
(JLF)
roc
Monday, October 6, 2008
$6 for a can of Pringles???
Things are going well here. Tawnee got bit by some bug that has very acidic something which gave her a blister (and which, we are told, if you pop it and the fluid touches other parts of your skin it will cause that skin to blister as well). And, Esther has a pretty good case of heat rash on her head so Janice cut her hair today so short it looks like she’s a boy.
Bugs are out in force. Janice and I have both been very busy. Shopping is a HUGE ordeal and we are still trying to get a handle on what we are going to do. We talked about it tonight and will probably opt for “hiring” a “shopper boy” who will do our shopping once a week. Without our Mission’s 2 other families here helping us (making us lunches, taking us to town, holding our hands, etc., etc.) we would be really struggling. As it is, it is quite an adjustment but not a bad adjustment.
Kids seem to be handling the heat well for the most part. Alex actually complains of waking up cold at night and Janice is experiencing some swelling in her legs and feet.
We have spent a fair amount of time trying to come up with a good system for keeping enough cold, filtered water around the house. It hasn’t been an easy task.
Electrical system has been giving us some problems too.
To give you an idea of what things cost around here check this out….
1 can of Pringles - $6
1 whole chicken - $8 (not bad until you see how skinny it was)
1.5 L bottle of soda - $4.50 (about what they cost in France)
I think we’ll eat a lot of hamburger, rice and beans.
Tomorrow we will be going to the Chadian LB Church in town. French language only! I am told I will need to introduce our family. I am going to say, “Bonjour. Nous sommes huereux d’etre ici. Merci!” Which means, “Hi, we are glad to be here. Thank you.” Then, I’ll sit down.
Life is good. Thanks for all your prayers and support.
Until the next time.
(STF)
We went to church today at the French speaking Chadian church. It was fun and hot as we were packed in there wall to wall.
We have been unpacking lots and hope to get our crates by the end of this week.
Be praying for us as we adjust ( I know you have been!!).
(JLF)
roc
Bugs are out in force. Janice and I have both been very busy. Shopping is a HUGE ordeal and we are still trying to get a handle on what we are going to do. We talked about it tonight and will probably opt for “hiring” a “shopper boy” who will do our shopping once a week. Without our Mission’s 2 other families here helping us (making us lunches, taking us to town, holding our hands, etc., etc.) we would be really struggling. As it is, it is quite an adjustment but not a bad adjustment.
Kids seem to be handling the heat well for the most part. Alex actually complains of waking up cold at night and Janice is experiencing some swelling in her legs and feet.
We have spent a fair amount of time trying to come up with a good system for keeping enough cold, filtered water around the house. It hasn’t been an easy task.
Electrical system has been giving us some problems too.
To give you an idea of what things cost around here check this out….
1 can of Pringles - $6
1 whole chicken - $8 (not bad until you see how skinny it was)
1.5 L bottle of soda - $4.50 (about what they cost in France)
I think we’ll eat a lot of hamburger, rice and beans.
Tomorrow we will be going to the Chadian LB Church in town. French language only! I am told I will need to introduce our family. I am going to say, “Bonjour. Nous sommes huereux d’etre ici. Merci!” Which means, “Hi, we are glad to be here. Thank you.” Then, I’ll sit down.
Life is good. Thanks for all your prayers and support.
Until the next time.
(STF)
We went to church today at the French speaking Chadian church. It was fun and hot as we were packed in there wall to wall.
We have been unpacking lots and hope to get our crates by the end of this week.
Be praying for us as we adjust ( I know you have been!!).
(JLF)
roc
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIDDY JOYFUL!!!
Happy Birthday dear Liddy. Nine years old today Oct. the 5th. We love you so much, from all your family and friends.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Hello From.....
Chad! Yes, that's right, we're able to blog while we're here. (Well, at least when the connection - which runs at the speed of a glacier - is working. First, let me say "thanks, Ray" for the excellent couple of blog entries the last few days. We appreciate it. Then, let me extend to all of you who read our blog a Big and Warm (and when I say warm I really mean it) "HELLO and WE MISS YOU" from all of us.
The trip went pretty well. Esther was very good. The only real problem we had was that both Liddy and Tawnee got sick. I think they were both battling dehydration. Both are doing well now. However, just as soon as Tawnee's foot touched ground in Africa she tossed her cookies. Poor thing looked terrible.
We have spent the first week putting our belongings away and are now awaiting our crates that we shipped from Fergus Falls over 1 year ago. The kids are referring to this as "Our First Christmas in Chad".
Our two other families - the Holzners and the Venbergs - have been a huge help. We feel blessed because without them here our transition would be very rough.
Weather has been hot and dry. Today it reached over 103 degrees and it was over 95 degrees by 8:00 AM.
The kids were very excited to finally get to their home and all have settled into their rooms. They have learned that leaving anything on the ground for too long is not a wise thing to do as it will collect all sorts of nice creepy-crawling things in no time. And, yes, there have been a few screams around here at the discovery of something unwelcome in a shirt or a bed.
Thanks for all the prayers and support.
There will be more entries later... either by us if we can get connected, or by Ray whenever he feels like it.
One house keeping note: if you send us emails, please just text only. Download speeds are slow and our internet service charges us by the KB not by time connected. So, the smaller the files the longer our pre-paid minutes will last. TYVM.
Until next time.... sf
The trip went pretty well. Esther was very good. The only real problem we had was that both Liddy and Tawnee got sick. I think they were both battling dehydration. Both are doing well now. However, just as soon as Tawnee's foot touched ground in Africa she tossed her cookies. Poor thing looked terrible.
We have spent the first week putting our belongings away and are now awaiting our crates that we shipped from Fergus Falls over 1 year ago. The kids are referring to this as "Our First Christmas in Chad".
Our two other families - the Holzners and the Venbergs - have been a huge help. We feel blessed because without them here our transition would be very rough.
Weather has been hot and dry. Today it reached over 103 degrees and it was over 95 degrees by 8:00 AM.
The kids were very excited to finally get to their home and all have settled into their rooms. They have learned that leaving anything on the ground for too long is not a wise thing to do as it will collect all sorts of nice creepy-crawling things in no time. And, yes, there have been a few screams around here at the discovery of something unwelcome in a shirt or a bed.
Thanks for all the prayers and support.
There will be more entries later... either by us if we can get connected, or by Ray whenever he feels like it.
One house keeping note: if you send us emails, please just text only. Download speeds are slow and our internet service charges us by the KB not by time connected. So, the smaller the files the longer our pre-paid minutes will last. TYVM.
Until next time.... sf
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Trip to Chad
I can only give a third party account of the Fludes trip to Chad, but here it is. They arrived in Chad at 2am, and had a decent flight(s). Everyone did pretty well, Tawnee had a little N & V after landing (nausea & vomiting!), but they apparently ran into English speakers, and kind people all along the way - and their luggage got there too!!!!!
Everyone was very excited when they got to their house, which is said to be bigger than they were expecting! I guess there was lots of running around, claiming of rooms.
We will keep the blog updated as we recieve information.
Their address is:
B.P. 1248
N'Djamena, Tchad
Africa
It is apparently important to have the "Africa" part on the envelopes, because our girls sent letters to them to be there shortly after they arrived, and it was sent back by the postman stating "returned for better address". We didn't put the Africa on the address the first time, so just a word of caution.
Lisa
Everyone was very excited when they got to their house, which is said to be bigger than they were expecting! I guess there was lots of running around, claiming of rooms.
We will keep the blog updated as we recieve information.
Their address is:
B.P. 1248
N'Djamena, Tchad
Africa
It is apparently important to have the "Africa" part on the envelopes, because our girls sent letters to them to be there shortly after they arrived, and it was sent back by the postman stating "returned for better address". We didn't put the Africa on the address the first time, so just a word of caution.
Lisa
Chad at last, Chad at last, Thank God, Chad at last!
I remember very clearly the night a few years ago that Steve informed Andy Toles & I that he felt God was calling him to leave his job with Skagit County. It was late on a Sunday night and the three of us were sitting together discussing our lives, our challenges and our prayers in Pastor Keith Luna's office at their Church in Mt. Vernon.
WOW! I was shocked. But Steve wasn't done.
He was very confident that God wanted him not only to move away from Mt. Vernon, but to move out of the country - out of the good ol' USA.
Unbeliveable! Actually, Unimaginable.
I didn't cry at that time, but I have a few times since then (like right now).
Like Abraham, they answered God's call, stepped out on faith, and started moving in this direction before they actually knew exactly where God wanted them to end up.
First it looked like India. Everything seemed like it was going to work. However, that was the wrong door and God closed it for them.
Then it was China. Mandarin language CD's and 9 crazy & wonderful months at the Corwin house. That door was also closed.
Then came the Chad opportunity. Chad, Africa - WOW!
A year in Minnesota.
A year in France.
And now they have finally landed in Chad!
The only description I have so far is one word: HOT.
Please pray for them. I know you are already, but please continue to pray for them. Everyday.
roc
WOW! I was shocked. But Steve wasn't done.
He was very confident that God wanted him not only to move away from Mt. Vernon, but to move out of the country - out of the good ol' USA.
Unbeliveable! Actually, Unimaginable.
I didn't cry at that time, but I have a few times since then (like right now).
Like Abraham, they answered God's call, stepped out on faith, and started moving in this direction before they actually knew exactly where God wanted them to end up.
First it looked like India. Everything seemed like it was going to work. However, that was the wrong door and God closed it for them.
Then it was China. Mandarin language CD's and 9 crazy & wonderful months at the Corwin house. That door was also closed.
Then came the Chad opportunity. Chad, Africa - WOW!
A year in Minnesota.
A year in France.
And now they have finally landed in Chad!
The only description I have so far is one word: HOT.
Please pray for them. I know you are already, but please continue to pray for them. Everyday.
roc
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