New Friends in Fairbanks: Bill and Penny

One of the many blessings returned for acts of service is new friends. We left Arctic Village sooner than planned because folks took home-ownership of their gardens. Heidi Rader ( Tanana Chiefs Conference ) was glad to hear of the success in Arctic Village and asked us to attend a meeting in her office that week, saying it was so fortunate that you were in Fairbanks. The meeting was with a grant writer from Washington state. The meeting lasted two hours, each avenue traveled had Penny and I sharing on our experience in that line of service. It was like we were meant to be there, which is so true. Gi Gi wants a copy of our upcoming DVD and a power point to present for grant funding. We left the meeting with Gi Gi planning to return the following day for a workshop Heidi and Cara were presenting. The three of us went to the Farmer's Market and enjoyed learning more about crop production and each other. We dropped Gi Gi off at the Ag. Dept. on the campus of Univ. of Alaska at Fairbanks. We made plans to meet and spend more time together later, then meet the Dean of Ag. the following day. We never would have met Gi Gi had we stayed on schedule. This trip is not about us.

Fairbanks Habitat for Humanity: Bill and Penny

Meeting our friends from home made this service week as unique as any. Seeing the site made me realize why we were called, Penny and I would be working on the same home we helped frame. It was so important for each one of us to be there, both at the job-site and everywhere we traveled. Once you're called to a specific act of love you must answer, because the service would be incomplete without you. The work Penny and I performed was necessary for the success the following week for those who traveled so far.

Gardening Project: Arctic Village Bill and Penny

The 2008 project was full of challenges and changes from Day One as the community concept changed to home gardens. The village was on edge as more "Outsiders" entered and disrupted the flow of their home. This began each morning at 7AM six days a week as the new school is being constructed. I would spend, as planned, the first three weeks camped at the runway. I positioned camp so each plane would pass directly over me as it landed. WOW!!! This was my first spring-time visit. Seeing snow-covered mountains surround this place is enchanting. Throughout the summer and fall these same mountains are the last few that completely melt off as you enter the Brooks Range. As you cross the Junjik River at the north end of Arctic Village you enter the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Highlights will began being posted as we share how we were used as a tool to change a 10,000-year culture, and as we put together a very interesting DVD of this effort and so much more. Next year's project is already in the works and will be expanded not only to home gardens, but a large community garden surrounding a much larger greenhouse.

Peru, Penny

I have had the opportunity to visit Peru, South America twice. Tom Hough, a high school teacher/coach of mine quit teaching to continue the mission work of his father in Pucullpa and along the Ucayali River. They now have a Bible institute in Pucullpa where folks come to be able to teach and witness in their own villages and communities. During my first trip in 1996 our group worked at the institute painting, hanging ceilings, and other odd jobs to improve the school building. It was an eye-opening experience to see life and the culture of this South American town. An overnight stay at a village along the flooded river had an even bigger impact on me. To see people living with so little and being happy made me realize how "easy" life has been for me. My desire to have "stuff" dwindled in exchange for simply being happy for what I do have. One exciting part of the trip was going out alligator hunting at night.

The second trip in March of 2001 had the group working out at SAM Air a little drive out of the city. This part of the mission has the planes, land and water, for easier access to the villages. Part of our group rebuilt a dock for the float plane. My part of the group helped to dig trenches, cut and tie rebar for a fueling pad, and painted the aviation service building. We once again visited a river village, but returned in the boats that night. The smell of the jungle at night is an awesome fragrance of the blossoms opening up after the heat of the day. It amazes me of how blessed I am when I serve others.

Nicaragua, Penny

In August 2001 I traveled with a group from Cross UCC, Berne, IN to a small mountain community in the middle of Nicaragua. It was the end of the work for hurricane recovery. We participated in a few educational seminars, but for the most part we worked with the people to help build homes, care for their community farm system, and shared in faith activities with them. The children were happy to receive one crayon and one paper to color which occurred every afternoon. Personally, I helped tie rebar together and gather rocks for foundations and I worked out on the farm making supports for tomato plants. The women slept indoors and the men outdoors. The host family made our meals for us. This trip once again showed me that we have so much, but could probably be happy with less.

Arctic Village

The gardening in Arctic Village has started well. The planned community gardening project turned into individual gardens at 15 locations throughout the village. Thankfully, we had a greenhouse to begin the plants in as the ground was finally warming up in mid June. Bill faced daily snowfall his first week there, May 22, and some hesitation of being welcomed due to many outsiders working in the village. Had we been first-time visitors to the village, we more than likely would not have been accepted with friendships made. We were eventually accepted with appreciation shown by being invited into many homes to break bread and fellowship. Expanded sharing will happen when we arrive back in Indiana. Look for the DVD!

BBQ Fundraiser for Greenhouse

Help from FAMILY and FRIENDS made this event a success and fun-filled. The proceeds were over $1100 and thanks to Judy, Christie, and Deb, no deserts were purchased. Thanks to all of you who attended; the money will be spent wisely. Many photos were taken and will be posted soon. One of the ripple effects took place at Penny's mom's office. An unnamed woman entered saying she had 100 dollars to give away. She heard of Penny's plans for the summer and wanted $50 to go to Penny. There is no greater pleasure for me than to be used as a tool to inspire others to help our fellow man.