Carrie & Denver Off To Africa

Carrie Connett Christensen and son Denver McClelland (20 years old) are off again for Africa.  They will be gone for three weeks this time.  They have collected bibles, bible video's for the blind, flip flops, tooth brushes/paste, some lap top computers, jump ropes, clothing, and other items to give out when they arrive.  They will be helping with the "crops" (corn and yams) and teaching from the Bible.  (Yes they took their boots and gloves)...

They can each have two suitcases weighing 50 lbs a piece.  It is rather hard to pack all the "above items" plus their clothing and food that they take.  But, they do manage.  This time, one of the village ladies asked Carrie to show them how to make a cake from scratch, so she is prepared with some cake pans and items.  Of course the flour and all ingredients are a little different there, so Good Luck Carrie on your cake baking...  Gucci (Carrie's dog) sitting on the lower left of the picture, knows when mamma is leaving, so she is sitting by the suitcases wondering when this is going to happen.  She will sit by the door every day awaiting for their return.

August 2, 2017 off for Africa...

Denver is great with the young children, and they love him so much.  Before Carrie and Denver arrive, the children will go by the "house" where Carrie and Denver stay, and they keep asking when is Carrie and Denver going to get there.  This will be Carrie's eighth trip there to spread the word of GOD, Denver has only missed a few.  Below are a few pictures of the family they get in touch with every year and some of the residents in the village(s).

This is Pastor Francis and his family, who Carrie keeps in contact, and works with when there.

Pastor Francis' wife...

 Carrie will have a "dress" made like the village women wear on Sunday's.  This way she "fits" in more...

Please pray for Carrie and Denver a safe journey.  

Michael LaFrenz

Michael LaFrenz, son of Melissa and Jim, was featured in the DeWitt, Iowa newspaper as a student who succeeds.  Michael has done so much and is only 19 years old.  He has accomplished becoming an Eagle Scout, has worked with the fire department and has climbed the ladder at McDonalds where he works.  He has now graduated from high school and is off to his first year of college this fall.  We're proud of Michael and wish him the best in his desire to become a "Law" man.  Good Luck Michael....

Time spent in Iowa

Dick and I spent a few days back in Iowa again.  We were there for Willie's funeral which was on Friday.  Between 350 and 400 there to view his body and listen to all of the "memories" that had been gathered throughout his 86 years of life.  It was a sad day, but again a happy day to get to see all of the families. 

The remaining "sisters" were each given a red hanky (wearing around our necks) to remember our brother Willie, as he always carried a red hanky (or blue) in his pocket.  Below, another sister who I finally found in the crowd. 

Now there are just six of us siblings left from the twelve. 

Trudy Hauserman, Carolyn Richeson, Phyllis Connett, Don De Joode, Bev Pearson and Barb McGrean.

This day was also a special day for Dick and Phyllis, which was a 55 Anniversary.  Our daughter baked a cake....

Willie is now resting in peace

Our oldest brother Willie De Joode passed away this morning at 2:12 AM.  He had just turned 86 on Sunday.  He hasn't been well for awhile and has given up.

Willie was a farmer all his life and he was the happiest when he was on his tractor working around the farm.  He was the second born out of us twelve children.  He will be greatly missed by the family as the many, many friends he had.  RIP brother, we love you.

SUMMER FUN

Milton High School - Milton, Wisconsin Summer Band begins.  Means Nick is going to be a busy young man this summer.  Good luck Nick on all the new music....

Nick is the circled picture with his instrument.  Nick is the son of Lynsley and Chris Hipsky.  Grandson of Dick and Phyllis Connett.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Today is Carrie and Dirk Christensen's 12th Anniversary.  You're both looking great.

Congratulations!

Making Jump Ropes

In my spare time (ha, ha, ha), I've started making jump ropes for Carrie and Denver to take to Africa.  This will be Carrie's 7th trip to Africa to be with the children which she has gotten to know quite well.  Denver has been there several times also, and they will both be leaving in August.  This year they will be helping to teach planting a garden and caring for it.  The children didn't know what a jump rope was until Carrie took some one year and taught them to jump rope.  These I am making from plastic bags, cut into strips and braided together.  WHAT FUN...

Looks like a snake, but only a 6 foot plastic jump rope...

Actually it goes pretty fast.  Have three done and only worked about an hour.  Gotta keep braiding...

ANYONE WANT TO MAKE SOME???

2014 Carrie introduced the jump rope...