Gleaning: Sketches and Shots on the Passionate Life

Adeit, Margaret, and Curt at Corsu Hospital. Many of you have prayed for Adeit and the miracle of having her club foot corrected.

A word from Curt

The word is passion.

It’s how I want to live my life.

And you don’t have to come to Africa to live the passionate life.

Part of my formula for the passionate life is journaling. It’s been integral to my life since age 17. I’m now on journal #73. Each weekend, I glean the previous week’s journal entries. I’m sharing them with you with all humility in the hope that these notes, sketches, and shots will encourage you to live the passionate life.

Enjoy!

All of us have a "Go Bag." It's ready if we have to get out of Dodge quick. Good to have in any part of Africa. What's in your go bag? — All of us have a “Go Bag.” It’s ready if we have to get out of Dodge quick. Good to have in any part of Africa. What’s in your go bag?

I take avid notes during church. It enhances my worship and I chew on the scriptures and words all week. April Cox is our friend in works in neighbouring Niger.

Noah Iles on Murchison Falls Rock/ Nile River, Uganda

Giraffe Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

Best story of the week: Our oldest grandson Noah just returned to Alexandria after his family spent two weeks with us. We had a time to remember. Noah is a second grader in a new school. The teacher had a pre-school get acquainted session for students. She asked each student to write the infamous “What I did this summer” paper.

Noah’s mom picked him up and the teacher called her to the side.

“Your son has a vivid imagination.”

Robin nodded. “He sure does.”

“He wrote in his paper all kinds of stories about driving among lions, elephants, and giraffes and rafting on the Nile River.”

Young lion twins. One is female, the other male.

My African friends have lots of fun with my "whiteness." I saw this Matatu (Taxi) with the inscription. Next time I see it in town, I'm going to hop aboard. — My African friends have lots of fun with my “whiteness.” I saw this Matatu (Taxi) with the inscription. Next time I see it in town, I’m going to hop aboard. Notice position of steering wheel. Takes a while to get used to.

I wrote this outline of a future blog after hearing news report of how many South Korea students drowned in the ferry disaster. Many were told over the loudspeaker, "Return to your cabins." Those who obeyed lost their lives. Others rebelled and lived. Many examples of when you should ignore authority. — I wrote this outline of a future blog after hearing news report of how many South Korea students drowned in the ferry disaster. Many were told over the loudspeaker, “Return to your cabins.” Those who obeyed lost their lives. Others rebelled and lived. Many examples of when you should ignore authority.

I fell in love this week and her name was Naomi L.

3 comments

Mary Ann McDaniel
August 5, 2014 at 6:11 am

Hi Dede and Curt, thank you for sending us your newsletter. 2014 is the first year in 10 years that we have not made a mission trip. Last year we were in Ghana, Ethopia and Cambodia. Sometimes, we go together and others, we go separate. Would you consider allowing me to come with a group next year? I have led several medical teams and some of the trips were just evangelical. Some have been with IMB churches and some have not. We have slept in tents and had rats for supper! After reading your newsletter, I am homesick to go again!! We pray for you and your work. Your brother and sister in Christ, Mary Ann and carlin mcdaniel

Bill
August 6, 2014 at 8:41 am

Curt, I enjoyed perusing all the items you listed on the site. Your journal notes were certainly an enjoyable treat. I’m proud of your persistence in making notes on your life as you move through the days and weeks. A great inner record of a life well lived. Continue to continue. Love. Bill

Ben Koonts
August 10, 2014 at 5:43 am

Really love the “what did you do over the summer” story…. good laugh for the end of the day !!!