We spent the month of November living luxuriously in a real house, with a real bed where "road tripping" meant going to the store, church, to see friends or to the mall to gather more gear for our big departure. It was nice to unpack and catch up with family, friends and partners in the Houston area. Suprisingly there were times we missed our little vagabond lifestyle of daily adventure. Not for long though....once again we are on the road. Currently we are making the drive to Colorado for a three week course on cross-cultural adapatation. We look forward to what this course has to offer as we are amist one the biggest transitions of our lives...and to playing in the snow and mountains.




Our time in Texas was full in all the best ways. Here are a few snapshots of memorable moments...more to come later.

What's time in Texas without tractors and corn?

The cutest little monkey and lady bug in Katy. Oliver was really in to knocking on doors and taking candy from people.

Oliver was so excited to get his haircut (while driving a car and watching an Elmo video), he threw a tantrum when we had to leave.
Oliver hanging out with his friend Ian.

Sweet Reese and hanging out with the Slay family.

After nearly 50 days of road tripping we have put the car in park for a little while and are unpacking our bags. We are in Texas for the month of November working, playing and visiting until we hit the road again after Thanksgiving. All in all it was a trip of a lifetime. We are thankful for all the hospitality we received while on the road. Good food, great company, warm showers and new, exciting toys are what kept us going. We are pretty sure we have mapped out most major playgrounds from WA to TX, along with the most indredible beaches in the US. Most importantly we have bonded as a family in new ways, learning to live very closely and work together in everything. This is probably the most valuable preparation we can have as we face many new people and places over the next couple years.

We are officially registered to begin French classes on January 4. We will be attending a small language school in Massy, a suburb outside of Paris. Life on the road is preparing us for the tiny apartment in the big city that will be our next home. If you didn’t receive our newsletter (send us your address) you may be wondering, what about Madagascar? Madagascar is still our final destination and our plans for ministry are the same, however the route has changed. Learning French is an invaluable resource in the practice of medicine in Madagascar and will broaden the scope in which we can live and practice. We are in the process of acquiring visas and passports for this move. Let us know if you're stopping through Paris this next year.

After spending a great week in Portland connecting with family, friends and a partnering church we headed back to Highway 1. We are following the breathtaking highway that runs along the west coast through WA, OR and CA. The coastline and state parks are unbelieavable, although the going is slow on this windy road. The beauty and weather have been picture perfect (minus one night when torrential rains broke the canopy on our van). We are just wrapping up three days in San Francisco and then southward with our next major stop being Santa Barbara and Orange County. It has been good to reconnect with friends and family in SF, however tragedy has struck our poor little van again. Our rear window is being replaced after the parking garage attendent broke it by backing in to a pole. In between mishaps and challenges we are finding a surplus of traveling mercies and have a lot to be thankful for.

After the craziness of packing for the biggest move of our life we were more than ready to spend some quality time in nature. We marveled at the beauty of beach after beach as we coasted down the Washington's west coast on our way to Oregon. Although camping with a toddler is not always restful, the hours we spent skipping rocks and being chased by waves was just what we needed.

Our first week of road tripping has been a little rough around the edges as we have experienced home sickness, the chaos of transition and the hard work of establishing some sense of routine amidst constant change. There have been tears all around and frequent temper tantrums (mostly from Oliver). "What were we thinking?" has been the standing question over the past week as life has felt unraveled.

Oliver napped in the van while Jonathan and I sat on a bench overlooking the Puget Sound. Tears filled my eyes as I grappled with the unsettledness of our life currently and prospectively for the next 2 years. Feeling sad and lonely I put my head down and took notice of a plaque beneath the bench. A family's dedication to their late husband and father and a verse, "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." I laughed and cried a little more; perfect words at the perfect time.

Entering our second week of travels it feels as if we are turning a corner. We are spending this week on the Olympic Peninsula camping, resting, playing and processing this new phase of life we have entered. We are thankful for time together as a family and for all the love and support we have from many of you along the way.

On Septermber 7 we boarded a plane with a one-way ticket. Weeks of packing, memorable goodbyes and 6 suitcases later we landed in Seattle to say hello to our new home...the EuroVan. For the next 2 months we will travel south along the west coast and through to Texas. We are saying hello and goodbye to friends, family and partnering churches. We are learning to live small in our cozy camper van. Everything we need for life is strategically packed into about 65 sq. ft. I am sure we will have many stories to tell from this time as our little family of three makes home on the move.

The clock is ticking as we are closing in on two weeks until our departure from Alaska. We are savoring everything we know we will miss...trips to the zoo, runs through the mountains, great times with friends and the comforting routines in life that we know and love.
Our wonderful friends and church family are sending us away in style and have put together two very exciting events for us this week. If you are in the area we hope to see you at one or, better yet, both events this coming weekend. Here are the details:

Commissioning Service
Date: Sunday, August 30, 2009
Place: First Covenant Church
1145 C Street
Time: 10:00 am service

A portion of the morning service will be dedicated to sending us off to Madagascar. All are welcome to join this special gathering.

Frisbee Golf Tournament Fundraiser
Date:  Sunday, August 30, 2009
Place:  Kincaid Park Frisbee Golf Course
Time:  3:00 p.m. Registration at the Kincaid Pavilion next to the Chalet
            3:30 p.m. Tee off with shotgun start
            Family picnic and awards following Tournament
Prizes: First, Second and the Highest Scoring Team.

Registration Fee:  $50.00 a Team (2 players) or $25.00 for a single
Please make checks payable to WorldVenture. www.worldventure.com

To Register:
1. RSVP by e-mail to shelbwilson@yahoo.com
2. Send the names of your team and your Team Name.  Singles will be made into teams.
3. Include each team member’s mailing address, phone number and e-mail.    
Please bring your registration fee or donation for Hole Sponsorship to registration the day of the tournament

If you are not interested in playing in the Tournament here are some other ways to be involved:

Hole Sponsorship:  Become a Hole sponsor with a donation of $25.00 or more.  Please see the attachment to this e-mail.  This can be a personal sponsor or a business sponsor.  Each sponsorship will be listed on the tournament score card (example: Hole 18 is Sponsored by Joe Frisbee).

Event Donations: Make a donation to help fund this event.  This can be a food or monetary donation.  The money will be used toward the rental fees at Kincaid Park, and food and drinks for the family picnic.  Reply to shelbwilson@yahoo.com.  

Volunteers:  We need volunteers to help with registration, scoring, food preparation and service, and clean-up.  Reply to shelbwilson@yahoo.com.

Everyone is welcome so please share this information with a friend.
Tournament will proceed rain or shine

Packing boxes, yard sale, visa applications, plane tickets, good byes, sleepless nights, using up the food from the back of the pantry... These are many of the things we are dealing with as we prepare to leave our home in Alaska in less than 4 weeks. This time is filled with many emotions as we approach the changes in our world as we know it. We are excited to go, we are stressed with the logistics, we are sad to leave our friends and home, we are apprehensive of the unsettled months ahead, and we have hope for the future.

We are so thankful for the support and prayers we have from our friends and partners. We are learning more than ever what it means to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths." (Prov 3:5)

We have hit the ground running in to a beautiful Alaska summer. With the count down to departure in full swing we are seizing the day and enjoying everyting under the sun, which is a lot of sun this time of year. Here is a snapshot of the past few weeks:
Jonathan rocked the Mayors half marathon, placing 21st while pushing a baby jogger. Oliver sure was proud.

After the run we raced down to Homer to show off our favorite Alaska town to my aunt Stacie and cousin Jamie. They seemed to catch the few wet days we've had this summer, but were still great sports with some soggy camping.

Over July 4th weekend we celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. Thanks to Mia (Grandma Stuart) we were able to go BIG. She spent five fun-filled days with Oliver while we kayaked and camped in Ailak Bay. This is a glacier bay in Kenai Fjords National Park. It was an unbelievable trip, full of hot sun, cold water, rocky beaches, and tons of wildlfie. We are glad we lived to tell about it after two close enounters with black bears (the one part of the trip I could of done without).


To thank Mia we make a quick turn around and headed north to catch stunning views of the tallest peak in North America, Mt. McKinley. We spent the weekend in Denali State Park and took a glacier landing flight around the mountain. It was stunning and so exciting for us to share this experience together.

In the entertainment industry, grainy, two-dimentional, black and white videos don't get much attention these days, but in medicine they can be the difference between life and death. Ultrasound imaging can look like a blur to the untrained eye, yet to the skilled professional this technology opens up an important view of the body. With our mobile clinics to the remote villages of Madagascar, this technology could be invaluble in treating patients.

With this in mind, I have spent the last few months learning to use this tool. Scott Pickett ( a professional ultrasonographer) and his collegues at Advanced Sonograms of Alaska have generously offered their time to teach me some of the basics of this trade. In addition, Scott surprised me last month with his plan to raise funds for a portable ultrasound machine that I can take to the remote villages in Madagascar! We have selected the Sonosite 180 plus as the best option for its portability, durability, and price.
To give, click on our "Partnership" page.

This weekend we embraced car camping at its finest. We bought an embarrassingly huge tent which housed the three of us, a pack 'n play, and an air mattress and took over the Hope campground with the Robinson family. Camping has never been so comfortable. We had a great time on the trails, at the beach, and enjoying campfires and smores. Here are a few pics from the tamed adventure:

Check out some of the creative ways that you can support our ministry and promote health and healing in Madagascar.


Renee Fredette and Robert Kurtz have created an online medium called Art4Causes to support both artists and causes.  As a featured "cause" we benefit when art is purchased through this venue.  Here is how they describe themselves:  "We support causes and the artists who believe in them. We are in the business of turning canvas, clay, and color into food, medicine, and bridges. Our art is compassion driven, not money motivated. . . Our art is for making a real and lasting impact in this world." Check out their website at www.art4causes.com.


Real Estate for Real Impact
Reuben Schug is a Portland, OR based real estate agent that has committed to giving us 50% of his commission if a customer referal comes through us.  For more details click here.


Amazon
Thanks to the Amazon Affiliates Program when you buy something from Amazon.com via this link on our website we receive a 4% referral fee. Its that easy, shop amazon and impact Madgascar.

 
Miles for Mad
Have more miles than you know what to do with?  We can use them.  Unfortunately, most airlines do not permit direct donations to our mileage accounts but here is how this can work.  You let us know how many miles you can donate on which airline.  When we are ready to purchase a ticket, we will contact you to complete the transaction.  Miles donated must be enough to cover one leg of a trip (ie: at least 12,500 miles).

A friend of mine writes a blog called ParentPoints for our local newspaper. She has invited me to write bi-monthly entries on the topic of traveling with kids. Since we are quickly becoming very experienced on this topic, content is not hard to come by. You can find me online every other Thursday. Here is my latest entry on Coping with Chaos: Surviving the Turbulent Ride.

What state is the same size as Madagascar, has a similar climate, has about the same population, and is also known for its cattle ranching....  you're right... Texas!  There is a lot in common between Texas and Madagascar but there are also many differences.  Madagascar is one of the poorest nations in the world with many people suffering from malnutrition, poverty, no healthcare, limited educational opportunities, and the suppressive forces of animism.  These issues have been augmented by an unstable political situation over the last few months. 
 
Last week found us in Mandy's  stompin' grounds of Houston, Texas.  We spent time reconnecting with some of our partners and meeting with others who showed interest in our vision for health and healing in Madagascar.  It was a full and filling time. We visited our supporting church, Faithbridge UMC, where we were introduced to the congregation and got to meet quite a few people.  We are so appreciative for the kindness and generosity of people throughout our travels in Texas and we are excited to see these partnerships grow and develop.

We have welcomed summer with open arms...long sunny days, backyard play, and travel of course. We just returned from a quick trip to Texas where we reunited with family, relaxed at the beach, and spent time sharing with a few churches and individuals about Madagascar. Oliver (15 months) had so much fun with his cousin Gracy (2.5 years) who he hadn't seen in a year. He barely recognized her. He soaked up the grandparent love and went crazy over his 2 uncles.

Back on the home front we are putting away our suitcases and settling in for the summer. Jonathan hopes to not pack our bags again until we are packing for Madagascar next Autumn. We look forward to welcoming visitors this summer and hope you'll let us know if you're headed this way. Here are a final few pictures from our action-packed weekend. We competed in a family 5K race (Jonathan took 3rd place), I completed my 4th annual Gold Nugget Triathlon (along with 1200 other women), and we planted our garden. Hopefully it will be fruitful summer.

The Malagasy people are facing a difficult and growing humanitarian crisis that is creating hardship across the island.  The three main elements playing into this situation are a long standing drought in the south, an unstable political situation, and the three plus hurricanes or tropical storms that have hit the island over the last few months.  The malnutrition rate in some places is over 14% and greater than 10% of kids won't make it to their 5th birthday.  10,000 people have been displaced by the storms and the political "storm" is now in its 4th month as the Malagasy learn to deal with a broken governmental infrastructure and a collapsed tourist industry.
 
The need in Madagascar is now greater than ever.  We feel a growing urgency to be on the ground in Madagascar.  Remember the Malagasy people in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.  Partner with us so that we can reach our goal of departing for the island this autumn.

My head was tucked behind the projector as I realized the room was filling. I looked up and there were 40 5-6th graders talking excitedly and milling around... I guess it was time to start. I had been asked to speak about our ministry in Madagascar to this AWANAs group but had not expected so many kids. Well, we had a great time. The kids were curious and enthusiastic. They also seemed drawn in to the images of kids in this other culture and the need that was so evident.

As I ended the talk, some of the kids crowded around me to ask questions and before I had a chance to respond, one small boy ran up to me, placed a one dollar bill in my hand, and ran off. I don't know who that boy was, but it was touching to see him and the other kids respond as they did. I think this boy has it right... we can make a difference one dollar at a time... one person at a time.

Blue skies, 80 degrees, green grass and warm rock....these are a few of my favorite things. We recently took a family vacation to Palm Springs, CA and Joshua Tree National Park. It was nothing short of ridiculously awesome. We spent a few day with Jonathan's mum and Ron at a house in Palm Springs and then Jonathan and I took off to camp and climb for a few days in Joshua Tree. We topped off the week with a visit from some of our best friends who live in the area. We were quickly reminded what big fans we are of vacation, particularly vacations involving grandparents to love on our chicklet. More then ever we appreciate a few days of pure recreation. Here is an album with some more pics.

The mayor of New York City, has declared himself President of the United States!  He has set up a transitional government and called for the current President to step down.  Some of the generals from the armed forces have endorsed him and threaten to use whatever means possible to to make this happen.
 
Fortunately this event has not happened in the US, but this is the scene that has been taking place over the last few weeks in Madagascar according to multiple news sources.  The 34 year old mayor, Rajoelina, of the capital city has been attempting to oust the democratically elected president, Ravalomanana.  There have been daily demostrations and riots creating a standstill in commerce throughout many cities across the country.  Just today, the president ceded his position.  So far, the people of Madagascar have avoided civil war and there has been limited bloodshed.  Although foreigners have not been a target, the US embassy has requested that all nonessential Americans leave as a precautionary measure.  Please keep Madagascar in your thoughts and prayers through these uneasy times.  Whatever the political outcome, we hope for freedom, peace and prosperity for the Malagasy people.
 

Jamie and Alissa Shattenberg are a big part of our decision to move to Madagascar.  My introduction to the island was almost 15 years ago when I traveled with Jamie back to his home in Madagascar. Mandy and I have turned towards Madagascar and partnership with the Shattenbergs because of our similar vision for service in this underserved region and mutual friendship that will be a vital support for us as we enter a foreign culture.
 
Jamie was born and raised in Madagascar as a missionary kid.  He has an integral knowledge and experience of the local culture and language.  Over the last decade he has continued to pour his heart into local communities.  He has partnered with one remote community where they have started a church and planted over 1 million trees as part of a reforestation program.  This work has started a transformation in the community that is healing the scars of animism, poverty, and deforestation.  Alissa has spent several years in Madagascar using her skills in health care to aid in healing in this remote region.  She plans to use her training and experience as a nurse practicioner to further the health of the region through health care and education.  Their two girls, Isabella and Eliana, are bundles of joy who will be great friends for our little Oliver.
 
To learn more about their work and ministry, check out their website at www.redislandrestoration.com.

It was bound to happen...our first BIG accident. Most likely the first of many to come with our rambunctious little boy. We just pray he will always be as fortunate as he was with this one. Last week Oliver's head went through a window in our kitchen. He had pulled himself up behind a chair when suddenly the chair toppled on him as he fell backwards, head crashing through the window. I was standing a few feet from him, on my way to pick him up moments before the fall. We swooped him up (dad calm, mom panicked, baby confused) and immediately rinsed him off. Within 10 minutes he was laughing and playing in the bath with only a few minor cuts on his fingers to show; not even a bump on his head. Mama's heart on the other hand is still recovering and our window too.

This picture is unrelated to the fall. Just wanted to show off Oliver's pearly whites and cool shades, which he was not enjoying as much as we were.

The significance and burden of "going" has begun to weigh more heavily on us as we draw closer to our departure for Madagascar.  We have become more acutely aware of the logistical, educational, cultural, emotional, and spiritual burden that is wrapped around this two letter command... Go!  We have realized that we cannot be self-reliant in this endeavor.  We need partners who back us up through prayer, emotional support, and finances.  In essence, we need to be Sent. (Rom 10:13-17)
 
We are fortunate to have a growing group of individual and church partners who are meeting us in this need.  Our home church, First Covenant Church, has taken us in like family and committed to Sending us.  They are constantly encouraging us and supporting us in this endeavor in a myriad of ways.  A new church partner is Faithbridge UMC in Houston, Texas.  This church has eagerly jumped into partnership with us to promote health and healing in Madagascar.  We look forward to a growing relationship with this church as they Send and we Go.

Picture is of our family at First Covenant Church, Anchorage, Alaska

Oliver's big girl cousin, Gracy (2 yo) riding her bike at the park. We wish Virginia was closer so we could see her more!

Oliver waiting patiently in a bowl while mommy and daddy talked away at a friend's house.

Hanging on for dear life with his giraffe friend.

The end of January found us in Littleton, Colorado for a WorldVenture conference.  We arrived in balmy 70 degree weather and met Mandy's mother at the airport.  It was great to see her and she was an incredible help since she hung out with Oliver while Mandy and I were in meetings.  During this conference we covered issues related to our fundraising and the myriad of details involving transition to life and work in Madagascar.  It was encouraging to gather with couples from around the country who are at the same stage in preparations to move internationally.
 
A highlight for us was spending some time with Jamie and Alissa Shattenberg and their two daughters Isabella and Eliana.  The Shattenbergs are our friends and partners in ministry who will be traveling back to Madagascar with us.  Jamie is the Madagascar director of a reforestation program called Eden Projects and has done some extensive work with the local church.  Alissa is a nurse practitioner who plans to be involved in health care education.  This picture shows us at the Denver aquarium during one of the fleeting moments that we could get all seven of us in one picture frame.

to Oliver! We can hardly believe our little baby tuned a BIG one-year-old on February 7th. What a year! He got his two front teeth for his birthday, along with lots of trains and other fun toys. We had a blast celebrating with sledding, balls, and balloons and 30-40 of his nearest and dearest friends (ok, the party was more for his mama then anything else). Oliver is an adventurous and people loving little boy. He is doing lots of talking, pointing, climbing, and of course eating. He has traveled the country his first year of life and is gearing up to travel the world this next year. Thankfully he has actually begun to enjoy plan rides...I can't say the same for his parents, but we sure do enjoy him!

fun at the Denver Aquarium

FAT wrist

Jamie and the babes

daddy's boy




PaRtY Time

Madagascar has been hit by both physical and political cyclones over the last few weeks.  First came the news that two cyclones were bombarding the island from two different directions.  This event is heralding the beginning of the storm season for Madagascar.  Over the years this country has been devastated by multiple storms.  Fortunately, the immediate impact of the recent cyclones have been minimal with only around 20,000 people made homeless.  The long-term repercussions have the potential to be devastating.  The palm leaf and mud brick homes can often be rebuilt quickly but the decimation of crops can spell out starvation later in the year.
 
The political storm that has hit Madagascar over the last week seems to be a battle between Ravalomanana, the president of Madagascar, and Rajoelina, the mayor of the capital city, according to various reports from BBC and CNN news.  Demonstrations became violent causing the deaths of over 100 people across the nation and the destruction of many shops.  These are tense times for the Malagasy people as they grapple with the turbulent politics of a young democracy.

*Cyclone- The Indian Ocean equivalent of hurricane.