<<Bummer

Freddie's Recovery

As you know, if you have kept up with my travels, I was in South Africa.

I was put down on the ground to have my picture taken and a couple of lion cubs got a hold of me and my stuffing flew through the air.

But I am on my way to recovery and soon I will travel again.

Today the news of my dearest friend has gone on to be with Jesus.  I know she is happy.  She loved Jesus so much.  She was the one who gave me my motto, Fully Rely On God!  We love you and will miss you, Sharon.  But we have comfort in knowing that you are with Jesus and now really enjoying life happily ever after.

Freddie will be okay!

In our last entry, you knew that Freddie was on his way to South Africa. 

Freddie was in the Lion's Den - To bad his name wasn't Daniel - it might have been better for him.  He decided to have his picture taken with 3 lion cubs about 6 months old - they are about the size of a great dane only 100 pounds more.  Lions do what come naturely and apparently saw Freddie as food or as a play toy.  There was a cute pose, a pounce and poof - Freddie was a play toy for awhile.  We thought this might be the end of him.  But he has survived.  God is good.

He is getting extreme care and will be traveling soon, we hope.

You won't believe where I am now!

Things have been so busy that I have not had time to write about my journies.  Since Norway, I have been to Hawaii with Mike and Marsha Green.  I went to many of the Islands and even got a Hawaiian Shirt and a t-shirt that says "Hang Loose"  

I took a trip to Mexico with Girl Guard, Crystal Carbajal.  I was introduced to her family.  We even went to the girls first communion.  Me and all the girls in white.  I looked charming! (wink,wink!) 

Then the Marinelli family, Morgan and Stephanie took me Italy and I was able to visit the Vatican when Pope John Paul gave his last sermon on Easter.  It was amazing.  We saw the collosiums, I even went to Hard Rock Cafe.

But I think that this years trip is going to be the best.  I am on my way to South Africa with new friends.  Dave and Marianne started coming to our church about a year ago and got to know us and said that I could go on Safari with them.  They were married there and go back every year.  I could not believe when they told me to back my bags.  The bonus is that I will get to go deep sea fishing.  You know, I really love water and can't wait.  Hopefully, I will have pictures to share when I get back.

Have a hoppin good LaborDay weekend.

2004 Norway

     We decided to attend the Jamboree in Risoya, Norway.  There was a total of 35 people who went with us.  We all met at O'Hare Airport and soon we were on our way.  The plane ride was long and tiring.  But we each had our own TV.  We could play games, watch movies or listen to music.  We landed in Sweden to transfer, I caught site of a reindeer and had my picture taken on it.  We also picked up some chocolate.  It was very good.

We did not make the flight because we arrived late.  When we did get into Norway, luggage was missing and we ended up sitting until that was straightened up.  When we got outside to find the bus driver, we discovered he was mad.  He did not like being held up.  He was grouchy all the way.  He was not happy to find out we needed to stop at a grocery store.  He did let us stop and eat lunch and he did stop at a store for us to get supplies.

We arrived at the island and there was a long bridge.  He wouldn't go over it.  We had to unload our luggage and carry it all over to the island.  Inga told the group she would go up the hill and find out where we go.  She walked up to one lady and asked if she knew Geir.  She smiled and said "are you Inga?"  It was Heidi.  Geir couldn't believe the bus driver wouldn't come over, so they pulled everyone with cars together and went down the hill to get everyone.  People in Norway are sooooooooo Nice!

The Jamboree was incredible.  The music, the skits, the devotions.  Everyone was really into all the meetings.  The played games.  We learned how to play kubb.  A viking yard game.  They had a wonderful time at the market place.  We got a lot of neat stuff.  We also did a neckerchief exchange and Inga got a lot.  We also met up with friends from the last Jamboree in Norway.  Our friends from Sweden.  It was great to meet up with them again.  And we met some great new friends, from Finland. 

Unfortunately, we lost one of our friends this year.  Martha, went on to be with the Lord just after Christmas this past year.  She was a loving mother and a good friend.  We will miss her.  It is amazing how close you can get with people who live so far away and only after 10 days together.

I thank God everyday for the wonderful people we have met and stayed in contact with.

That's all for this time.  Next time, I will tell you about my trips to Hawaii, Italy and Mexico.