“Man, those fried grasshoppers are crunchy.” A word from Curt Chad. It’s a country. It’s called “The Dead Heart of Africa.”   That’s due to its location.  But it’s also due to the condition of the country.  Chad is a difficult place.  Hot.  Dusty.  Strongly Islamic.  Seemingly always on the edge of trouble. But after a month in Chad, we …

Thoughts from a Foolish Chapter: Proverbs 26    “Never argue with a fool.  Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference “ –Mark Twain* Wisdom from Proverbs on Fools . . .     On the surface it appears contradictory.  One Proverb says to ignore fools and their foolish words.  The following advises a retort. Proverbs 26:4-5 NASB 4   …

  A Prophet has no Honor in Dry Creek   From The Old House by Curt Iles Copyright 2002            This story is nearly too good to be true, but it actually is.The funniest things in life are not fictitious, but real events that take place all around us.  My next-door neighbors in Dry Creek are Mark …

  Elmer’s Open Hand I’m here in the dead heart of Africa.  It’s a country we’re calling (for now) “Dido.” DeDe and I have been here nearly a month and I’ve thought about Elmer Conner daily. Elmer Conner was one of my Lake Charles (Louisiana) heroes. A spiritual mentor and encourager during my years at Dry Creek Camp.   He …

Epilogue: Why I Write:   “If you’re able to quit writing, you probably should.” -Cec Murphey   “A writer is someone who wrote today.” I write for the simple joy of expression. I have fifty-one journals that I’ve filled with stories, dreams, ideas, and the journey of my life since age seventeen. If I never published another single word, I’d …

Greetings from Lizard City I was taught by my Louisiana great grandmother, Dosia Iles, “Baby, don’t ever hurt a lizard.”   Africa, like our Dry Creek Old House, is a place where lizards abound.   A word from Curt Actually, three words: 1. Curiosity 2. Wow! 3. Share We’re in a different part of Africa.  So different from the countries …

Enjoy an audio podcast of this story. One of the Best Nights of My Life                                                                                                             I pull into Dry Creek Camp at 10:00 P.M.    Normally I would be going home at this time, but tonight my night is just beginning.   Sitting in his white GMC truck, John Bohacek waits for me.   John, or “Mr. Bo” as he is …