I worry that in years from now I will forget the little things that Grandma did, said, or told us. I don’t ever want to forget: The way she smelled all throughout my growing up. The scent of her lotion or perfume (never did figure it out). The softness of her hands. The way she…
Time to Remember: Memories of Grandmother Monroe
I truly love all of my biological Grandparents and knew each of them at different times of my life: Grandpa Blair as a toddler, Grandpa Monroe as a tween, Grandma Blair as a teenager, and Grandmother Monroe into "mid" adulthood. I am blessed and honored to carry on a bit of each of them. I…
Time for Friends: Gramma Bette Owen
It’s funny, occasionally the most meaningful relationships are the ones that come in the most unexpected of ways. Sometimes relationships come on the first day of school and there are expectations of friends and companions. Sometimes relationships come because of new jobs or first days of camp. Others, can come from a simple introduction by…
Time for an Update: House Build
Dad arrived in the States on Saturday for fundraising and family reasons. He’s going to be back for a bit before he returns to his "on site" duties at the hospital (meaning his duties do not stop even when he's in the States). When he arrived to our house, Tim and I were anxious for…
Time for Introspection: Thoughts of Water
Some people asked when we returned, “Do you feel changed?” In fact, I myself actually expected to be a different person when I returned from our trip. Much more wise. Much more “hard” around the edges as I would have seen things I hadn’t seen before. I’m not sure I feel like I’ve changed. I…
Montavilla UMC in Portland, Oregon funded the building of another house for a family. This family was not home when we visited but consists of a Grandmother and three children. The house builds that are done by the Maua Methodist Hospital are simply astonishing. Wonderful work done in a short amount of time. The new…
Time for Healing: Maua Methodist Hospital Tour (Part 3 of 3)
Our tour of the hospital continued on that Sunday afternoon we visited. We saw the various projects teams were helping with- including improving the nurse and staff housing. There are always many projects needing to be done at Maua Methodist Hospital and it's amazing to see how the gifts of visitors or locals are put…
Time to Deworm: Good Sheperd and Devoted Academies
Each school that we dewormed on Tuesday and Friday brought more beautiful children and wonderful moments. Instead of describing them in words, I thought I'd use the pictures. These are pictures of Good Sheperd and Devoted Academy Schools. We dewormed them on Tuesday morning after deworming Uraa (previous post). Good Sheperd Academy - Private School.…
Time to Honor: Elizabeth Lived
Since Sue and Dad visited Maua in 2007, there is a story they tell. An important story. And upon our visit, when Sue told it again when we were on the hospital grounds- it was more clear and more poignant than ever before. Dad went in with a group to various hospital wards to pray…
Time for Access: Tour of Maua Methodist Hospital (Part 2 of 3)
After posting "Part 1 of the Series" I realized I omitted something important: the check-in process at the hospital! Maua Methodist Hospital (MMH) does not deny entrance to anyone who comes through those gates. Patients enter,are greeted at reception, and then directed appropriately. There is a large sign detailing hours and costs for services. Each…
9a Clock 