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)

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.