Preparing for our return to Kyrgyzstan

I am looking forward to going out for lunch today with a good friend / old boss.  I worked for him when Emma was born so about 35 years ago.  He loved Monty Python and could recite many of their skits. One that was his favorites was 4 guys trying to out do each other about how poor they were when they were kids .. one of the guys was so poor that they lived in a paper bag in a septic tank.   I used to thing that this was funny until I got to Kyrgyzstan and found someone living in a septic tank. 

Here is the clip from Monty Python.  

I realized that no mater how difficult things get, there is always someone who has it worse,  but knowing that we all have it in us to make things better, can be a driving factor in our lives.  

Last week we had the privilege of sharing twice in Florida, at a men's breakfast in Cincinnati,  then shared at two more services on Sunday before heading home.  We were so blessed to spend time with so many friends and sponsors, bring encouragement and be encouraged.  

We got to spend a bit of time on the beach, although it was a little chilly .. there were only about 10 people as far as you could see either direction .. other Canadians no doubt.   But cold as it was there, it was -35 at our home in Canada, and in Kyrgyzstan winter continues. someone always has it worse !  

a small mountain village snowed in. 

The guys had gotten a little carried away and gave away all our coal except for one bag .  Fortunately we were able to get another couple of loads in.  The boys have bagged it and tomorrow they will be back out on deliveries. 

Young Sergey has been baking breads with the other boys and has been sending me some pictures .. I have ordered some fresh bread for April 8th when we arrive. 

Next week we will be back in Newfoundland with Amelia before we go, well with Bekah and Azamat as too.   one time Julie said to  Amelia "We are coming for a visit, what would you like for a present?" her response was priceless. "OH Grandma You are my present, that's all I want." 

When we return from Newfoundland,  we will be sharing at a seniors club in Norwood, then heading for Virginia to connect with more friends , with a stop in NY on our way home for a International dinner with friends there.    then on to Kyrgyzstan a week later.