Goma, DRC Africa

Green Lake, a volcanic lake near Goma, Congo. Eastern Congo is located in a branch of the Great African Rift valley. Because of this, Goma is surrounded by five active volcanoes. With one of the churches we visited in the foreground, Mt. Nyiragongo lets off steam. African stories and faces The walls of African churches are simple. The worship taking …

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A Lifetime Love Affair with Longleaf Pines

A Love Affair with Longleaf Pines… and a life lesson from them.   (Above) A “Landmark” Longleaf Pine. Longville Gravel Pit Road. When the Longleaf Pines of western Louisiana were cut early in the 20th Century, some trees were left as “landmark trees” or “testimony trees.” This is my favorite about five miles southwest of Dry Creek. “The best time …

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African Eyes

African Eyes This photo was taken while we taught Congolese pastors. I later placed my hand through one of the cracks, and soon a small black hand grasped mine and began stroking the hair on my arm. It was a special moment in our trip and I hope this photo captures the beauty of the young eyes and hearts of …

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In the Congo

  Photos from Africa Bill Calloway of Glenmora teaches at a “Bible School” in Goma. This is where pastors and church leaders come for training. Our fine translators, John and Plamedia. These two young Christians were a key in our teaching and visiting throughout the Congo. Notice that Plamedia is holding a copy of Wind in the Pines. One of …

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A Word to Live By: Relationships

I’m sharing this week about my six favorite words. So far, I’ve written about compassion/passion/integrity/gratitude, and resolve. Today, the word is relationships Relationships “Everything rises and falls on relationships.” I’ll be adding to this blog as the day goes on. In the end, it’s all about relationships. When it’s all said and done, the people around us are all that …

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In the Congo

Pictures from Africa Pictured in Rusty Pugh, a wonderful Southern Baptist missionary in the Congo. When Rusty put his cowboy hat on, I had him pull it down over his eyes and sing, “The devil went down to Georgia, looking for a soul to steal.” He does resemble Charlie Daniels (especially when he puts the hat on.) Rusty, a Lower …

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Researching History: A Spent Bullet

Research Question A rose by any other name is still a . . . I’m starting a new manuscript tentatively titled, A Spent Bullet. It takes place in SW Louisiana during the large La. Army Maneuvers of August 1941, and involves the evolving relationship between a young La. schoolteacher and a soldier from Wisconsin. I’d appreciate reader input about what …

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DRC: Congo Africa

The children of Goma Faces from Africa I’ll be adding photos in the coming days. (Above) Pastor Habimana Athanase and his granddaughter, Lovely. Pastor Habimana is the leader of a strong fellowship of over 80 Baptist churches in the city of Goma, Congo. My favorite picture of the trip. This “singer in sneakers” was part of the children’s choir in …

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Chapter 1 Commentary: “A Good Place”

A Good Place Chapter by Chapter Commentary Chapter 1 A Good Place begins with a hurricane. Author Notes: My experience with riding out Hurricane Rita in September 2005 led to the writing of this chapter. I was in charge of a camp full of 300 evacuees on the night Rita moved in from the Gulf. Even though Dry Creek is …

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Sample Chapter A Good Place by Curt Iles

A Good Place Readers: How you can help. Part of the joy of writing is working with friends and readers to improve our stories. I need your help on the name of one character. Curt Iles’ new novel, A Good Place, follows the story of Joe and Eliza Moore. Moving ahead ten years from their story in The Wayfaring Stranger, …

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Africa Sketches

More sketches Top left If an African’s hands are dirty, wet, or they’ve been ill, they’ll extend their wrist to shake. Middle left: Everything can be carried on an African head. The old sewing machine was my favorite. Middle right: Every move of a “Mzungo” (white man) is followed closely. Even a trip to the outhouse draws a crowd or …

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A Good Word: Resolve

A word for today. I’m working on the six words that drive my life. I encourage you to write down your own list. Why six? Because five is not enough, and seven seems too many. Seriously, your list of words can be short or long. I’ve already covered Compassion/Passion (I’m cheating and using them as one word.) We also talked …

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African Sketches

Sketches from AfricaScroll down to an earlier entry to read about the lesson on living passionately I learned from a dancing deacon. I am not a true artist. I’m only a sketcher. I’m learned that one of the best “friend-catchers” in a foreign country is one’s journal and sketches. Even the shyest person cannot help but looking over your shoulder …

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Future Story: Eliza’s Journey

My great great aunt, Eliza Iles, as she left for the Belgian Congo in 1920. The caravan arrives at the mission house in Congo. Notice the covered hammocks the natives carried the missionary women in. in. This picture was taken in Nov. 1920, over three months since Aunt Eliza left New York City by boat. Eliza Iles and Leroy Harris …

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