Causerie called “Cotacachi” – Part 1

I live in a small town called “Cotacachi” in Ecuador, with two huge inactive volcanoes in full view – the one is called “Imbabura” and the other “Cotacachi”. On a clear day the views of these volcanoes are stunning. Before I drag you off to see the volcanoes, I invite you to accompany me as I take you through a “tour of the town”, and then we will take a look at the stunning scenery surrounding this little town, famous for its leather goods and music. Put on your running shoes – there is a lot to see.

Friends From Afar – Part 1

 

 

 

I have a FRIEND who comes from a far off Land. In fact, He called me His friend. Listen to what He said, “I have called you My friends. . . .you are My friends if you do whatsoever I command you . . . Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down His life for His friends” (John 15:15;14;13). And that is exactly what Jesus did! He stretched out His arms on the cross and died for the sins of the world, so that we could become His friends.

Friends From Afar – Part 2

Alec Fisher

The first time that I met Alec was in 1994. He called on at the Cancer Center to tell me that his wife of 37 years was terminally ill with Cancer. He asked if I could take care of her. He pulled my call card out of his pocket, and said, “I see that you are a Christian organization, but I just want you to know that Angie is a very private person, and I do not want any Bible punching!” I smiled at him from the bottom of my heart, because I knew that Jesus was gentle, and that if Angie was to come to the center for terminal care, she would accept Jesus as her Savior.

Friends From Afar – Part 3

Jose and Lena – a brother and sister that I have claimed as my own children

Jose and Lena, my two precious children. No one will be able to understand the love that exists between us. The relationship that developed between us during one of the saddest times in your lives, will remain with me forever. How I praise God for the years that we had together. I love you even more, and miss you so very much. I long to share your heartaches and your joys. Distance may part us, but never the love that I have for you. I have always said, “If only your parents could see you. How proud they would be!”

Friends From Afar – Part 4

Nicki

 

 

 

Nicki – dearest girl, when I first met you, there was no smile on your face as is seen in your photograph. I saw this exhausted, heartbroken and shattered young woman. You were studying (distance learning) at UNISA, but what a tragedy you were enduring. Your Mother, your beloved Mother, aged 45 years, was dying of Cancer.

Family Fortunes – Part 1

Is my family perfect? No! For the simple reason that I am not perfect!

I, today, have placed each of the “gems” that God has given me, in the palm of my hand. I am holding each one up to the sun, and each one of them sparkles in my eyes. Today, I am honoring my precious family, and as I do so, it is with a mixture of emotions – gratitude, pride, longing, sadness, and splashed with dew drops of an intense love for each one.

Family Fortunes – Part 2

 

Son: Shane (Canada)
Born: 7 January, 1962 as a premature infant

Love him? Adore him! Proud of him? I praise God for a son of his caliber! I am experiencing mixed emotions as I write about you, Shane. We have had to endure really tough times together and many heartaches. Then you were conscripted to the Police Force for your military training. How well I remember the day before your 18th birthday, when you were on your way to the Police training camp. I stretched out my hand, and clung onto yours, as the train slowly moved away. I wished that it was a long piece of elastic and that I would never have to let you go.

Family Fortunes – Part 3

Enter daughters ……………. “grand” and “great grand”……….!