And We're Off!

5:30a.m. Tuesday morning our farewell party (Leah, Mom and Dad Herring, and Mom and Dad Derscheid) and us arrived at Grand Rapids airport. We arrived just ahead of the crowd and were able to get checked through after only a slight obstacle, that being that they had no record of Katie's tickets but we had all the paperwork and numbers so they got it fixed right up for us. Then came the final hugs and tears, that is always the hardest part. With a final wave we headed up the ramp to the security check in and boarding. The kids did a good job lugging their heavy backpacks and carry-ons. We told them they wouldn’t be so heavy if they wanted to leave their toys behind, but they opted to keep them. The first flight to Chicago was short and uneventful. Kent was quick to study the flight safety and escape plans on each flight and got after me if I wasn't paying enough attention to the instructors speech.

The second flight to Washington was bumpy but the kids slept right through that one. Washington was a 6 hour layover where we all ended up sacking out on some empty seats. As we boarded to fly to Brussels the flight attendant told us the flight had no room left for carry-ons so we would need to check our bags. I begged to keep the one bag containing our hygiene and change of clothes for the trip but to no avail. In Brussels and met up with the Chamberlins and orphans. Kent and Bless had a big reunion; they are going to be good buddies. Katie wore a big smile and gave and received hugs all around. The final flight went smoothly and we all got some rest (thank goodness for inflatable neck pillows, they were wonderful!)

As we touched down in Douala, we grabbed our bags and headed for the door to meet the biggest challenge of our journey, the Douala airport!

Santa's Sleigh or Container shipment

A huge thank you to all who donated items both to us and to the orphanage and school. We cannot express how much of a help it was. It took several days to get it all sorted out, boxed up, and loaded. There again, thank you to Mom, Betsy, Ben, Mary, & Sheryl who helped pack or clean up behind me while I packed as well as all those who offered their services as well. I could not have made it without you although I was trying hard. The job seemed to quickly grow into a monster :). We made it though and then it was Ben and Drew's turn to load it into a 15 passenger van and trailer and head down to Summerfield, FL were it was to be loaded into a 20 foot container along with items the Chamberlins were bringing to the mission. It was a beautiful snowy day when they left MI but that quickly changed as they neared FL. There was a glitch with the container and it was not waiting for them so they loaded it in a storage garage while the details got settled for that. It was a nice time for friends to be together one last time for awhile any ways. They were able to see Drew's Grandpa and other family members and friends along the route. Thank God for good friends, good family, and the blessing of a full load to take to Cameroon.

Vaccination Day

It's December 2nd = vaccination day for Katie and Kent. Leading up to this day I was happy to tell them that when this nurse gave me my shots (5), before my trip to Cameroon, they were almost completely painless (they do a very good job at the Midland County Health Department). This seemed to be a great encouragement to them. :)

They were in high spirits when we first arrived, Katie read a book and Kent enjoyed posing sorrowfully for the camera. Then reality started to hit and even though they knew they were getting off easy with just one shot, it was still a SHOT!

As we entered the room Kent skillfully maneuvered so Katie would get the privilege of going first. She did a good job and was rewarded with a sparkly band aid.

It was a mistake to have Kent go last, his courage had crumbled a bit after peeking past me and seeing his sister receive her shot. He climbed up on my lap and held on with a few tears rolling down his cheeks and let me know he was scared but soon the deed was done and he also received a cool band aid and sticker.

It didn't take long for his good spirits to return and soon they were both showing off their muscles, stickers, and (if I would have let them)blood. The final comment came from Kent, of coarse, who said, "Wow, I am glad we don't have to get those "visas"(meaning vaccinations) every year. She was slow (this was said with actions). I wish she would have just popped me one quick and been done. Whew, I am glad those visas are over!"

Ah, the things we do for Jesus!

(For more pictures see my facebook-dana derscheid herring)

Good Friends, Good Fellowship, Great God

Mid September we were able to share the experience of crossing the boarder into Canada with our children. It was their first time leaving America and even though it wasn't that far out of the country it was a big deal for them. Kent said, "we get to use our passports for the first time!" and we practiced asking questions of him that the boarder patrol might be asking. He took the job very seriously but when it came time to cross over they never even asked him anything.
It was an exciting trip for them and they kept asking, "is this what it will be like in Cameroon?" :)
For Drew and I it turned out to be a wonderful blessing. The Dawn Valley Church Family were wonderful and such an encouragement. It was great to be able to spend some time with them. Seth and Heidi Wetherald put us up for the night and after a delicious Sunday dinner we sat around talking and enjoying the company. It is one of those times were you just thank God for the blessing of good friends that we are able to connect with.
I believe God cares very much about our relationships. He knows the power and strength that is found in true friendship and he blesses our lives with them to keep us encouraged and reminded that God's people everywhere.

God's Birthday Gift to Katie

September has been a great month. It has been filled with a variety of things. We were able to celebrate 3 birthdays, Drew's, Katie's & mine. I was praying that God would help me to make Katie's last birthday in the states very special and full of good memories with her friends to carry with her as we head off to Cameroon and He helped it to all work out. I was reminded of how we don't need to beg and plead for God to be good to us. God is a gracious and generous Heavenly Father who delights to give His children good gifts. Now we might not always get what we want and when we want it but that is also because He is a good Father. He knows what is best and He knows our hearts needs and that day He saw the desires of a little girl getting ready for a big change in her life and knew her need. I believe He was just as delighted as I was to see the smiles and laughter of a little 12 year old girl and her friends that day. He gave her the gift of good friendship and a day of great memories. I am so thankful for His goodness. He cares for everyone of us and is always present. What a joy to serve such a God as ours!