NAfrica News

staying int the US

2012-01-26T22:10:00.000-08:00

Circumstances have put us in the States for a while. Joel and Melissa were married in 2009, Mark and Sarah got married June of 2011 and Faith will be getting married this Summer. It has been a busy 3 years. Time goes fast. Bill is currently unemployed but helping out at the farm. I am working full time and going to Graduate School. Thanks for those who have followed us. You can catch us on facebook.
Betty

2009-06-25T15:37:00.000-07:00

We are currently in the United States, getting some rest and also getting ready for Joel's wedding on July 11th. We are really excited about this. Faith is trying to be busy until she gets to go to Arizona to be a nanny and work for a year and Mark is employed for the summer at George Fox University. We are enjoying the time we get to spend with our children and enjoying spending time with family and friends.

Hope to see you around.

Still to come in 2009

2009-01-25T08:50:00.000-08:00

I am excited that I get to continue to work the women in Textiles. I will be starting up my quilting class at the Ruth house and will walk 8 students through the making of a quilt. Up to this time I have done just small projects with them, this time it's a big one.

Also I'm hoping to have an opportunity to travel some and work with other associations in other towns helping them to figure out what they can do to generate income, through crafts. It looks to be a very interesting year. Please pray for these opportunities and that God shows us what each area needs.

.

Upcoming Events

2009-01-25T08:34:00.000-08:00

Just before arriving to North Africa for Christmas our oldest son, Joel, decided it would be a good idea to propose to his girlfriend. She accepted and he brought her over to meet us. We are very delighted with his choice. Because of the weather they didn't make it till Christmas night, but we were happy to finally have them here safe and sound,

This is the ice that made them 4 days late

This is one of the bags after traveling internationally

During the time they were here we had an engagement party for them so those people here that new Joel when he lived here could wish him well and meet his fiancee.
Welcome to the family Melissa.

Brother congratulating or consoling brother haven't figured out which.

Christmas was fun but busy

2009-01-25T08:26:00.001-08:00

During the Christmas season Bill and I not only got to enjoy our three young adults, Joel, Mark and Faith, but also Rebekah (my niece) and Joel's fiancee Melissa. Not only did we enjoy these 5 special people but also hosted 8 other University and Bible school young adults. At one point during the 3 week Christmas break we had 19 of us total. Bill and I lived between two houses. One in the new town where we live and our Pastors Riad in the old town ( a Riad is a very large house with lots of character.)

Long and coming updates.

2009-01-25T08:07:00.000-08:00

After a long and busy Christmas I decided I'd listen to some of our friends who read our blog to update. Sorry it's taken so long. The end of November we had the wonderful opportunity to have some visitors from the North west. It's always interesting to look at their pictures after they leave as it gives us a good idea of some of the things that may have impressed them.

Faith in Germany

2008-09-30T06:55:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who have helped Faith financially to get to Germany. Bill and I went to Germany with Faith Sept 25th and got her all settled into school. We also met up with niece Rebekah Cammack. Both Girls are adjusting well to school and life in Germany and we are trying to adjust with no kids at home. Here are some pics.

The Boy's

2008-08-23T03:05:00.000-07:00

Got some updated pictures of the boys, curtsy of Melissa, the cute one with Joel. Thanks.

They enjoyed themselves at the Kelley reunion, Miss you guy's . Hard to believe that Joel is a Junior and Mark is a Sophomore.

Entertaining Friends

2008-08-03T06:38:00.001-07:00

This weekend we helped entertain some friends, while Mom and Dad where busy working. It's great having a porch big enough to do things on.

Special trips

2008-08-03T06:27:00.000-07:00

Faith got to go on a special trip with a special Friend to Paris. What's in Paris? see if you can guess.

Summer adventures

2008-08-03T06:15:00.000-07:00

Even though it is hot in our town, we do try for some adventure. Here are some fun times with cousins Forrest

and William

I do believe they all had a good time.

The music fest was also happen'n this so friend Bobby got an opportunity to play the drums in a big open tent.

Summer update

2008-07-26T05:14:00.000-07:00

We have had a full summer, in June we had a group of George Fox students and friends join us for 2 1/2 weeks of adventure. They stayed at our home and traveled to different places.

They left and we moved to a new apartment less than 4 min. from our old one. It is on a main street, which can be noisy, but is usually quiet after 11 (except on hot summer days) We have 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 living rooms one with a fireplace, a big kitchen (unusual for NA) and a nice sized porch that we have a table and chairs on. God blessed us with more than what we wanted.

A week after we moved, Betty's folks and nephew arrived. None of the trips we planned worked out, but we still had lots of fun, We visited friends in the old city, Mom and Dad and William toured the old city with us, Faith was our fearless leader (they found a good deal on leather jackets).

On the Move

2008-06-05T05:52:00.000-07:00

It's been one of those months. Communicating in a language that is sometimes difficult to understand. At the beginning of last month when Bill went to go pay the rent, the bank teller said something to him that ended with "I have an apartment we'd like you to see". Now why would the bank want us to see an apartment. We tried to make arrangement several times, but never connected with the guy at the right time.

Well I took on a new English student and wouldn't you know her Aunt works in that Bank. The New student also speaks pretty decent English, so when the Teller saw her with me, he came out of the bank and talked to her in Arabic. So this is the story " our apartment is being sold and the bank needs us to move the sooner the better". Now we understand why the bank wanted us to look at another apartment.

We are currently looking for a new place to live. Smaller and cheaper than what we have but yet big enough to still enjoy hosting those coming through our town. We don't have a place yet but we are packing up the house, got most of the books packed. We are trusting the Lord in finding us the right place, we did find one place we like, but are waiting for an answer from the landlord.

Pray with us that we can get moved before it gets to hot and that our funds will hold out for the move. We are looking this as a challenge to begin anew in a new location, a chance to meet new people and make new contacts.

Take care, come see us soon.
Betty

Good morning from North Africa

2008-05-31T02:52:00.000-07:00

I just posted and it's in vertual space.

I was updating face book and decided to update the blog.

We currently have a group of 7 this week, I got up and made them fresh granola and set out some yogurt. They are enjoying it. For the first time we have more guys in this group than girls. That doesn't happen a lot. They spent the week in Berber land and had a great time.

I've been trying to catch up on some project before I start any more. Any quilter or crafter knows how impossible that is. I finished a wall quilt for a friend with hand prints and foot prints of her children. (thanks Annette for the fabric it was perfect). I also finished two quilt tops, almost finished a quillo ( pillow quilt) and 12 skirt, 14 shorts.

We get to move this month, so wanted to get stuff done.

I've also been working on spinning, I find wheel spinning is easier than hand spinning but I'm getting better at the hand spinning.

Thanks to those who are sending money in for Faith's school. It's coming in slow but sure. She goes to Germany Sept 26th.

Well need to go and look at a house in a couple of hours, (good subject for the next time).

Faith Update

2008-04-16T00:56:00.000-07:00

Hi This is Faith,

The Lord has been doing real good things in my life over here in North Africa, He has opened up good opportunities to work with families just moving into the country, helping them with their children. Not only has he opened opportunities in the city I and my parents live in but also in other cities as well.

I am learning that when I follow His path, even when I am reluctant or scared or think that I don't really want to go there, that His rewards are over and above anything I could ever dream.

One of the opportunities that has opened up for me is being accepted into a Bible school in Southern Germany, My Uncle Mark (from Vancouver Wa), My Father (Bill) and my Cousin (Nancy) have all gone to this school and have come away with life altering experiences. I am real excited to be able to go. But I need your help.

The cost of the school is in Euros and because of the drop in the dollar the price of the school has almost doubled. I had raised over half the money. Now I'm finding that I need about $7000 more by the end of September. Because this is a private school outside of the United States, there isn't any financial aid available. My parents and I asked the Global committee for permission to ask you for your help.

Cost of School: 7000 Euro
Transportation: $1500
Personal: $1000
Total Needed $11,000
Already have: $4000
Still need: $7000

Here is the link to the school in case you would like more information about the school.
http://www.bodenseehof.de/view.php

Contributions can be sent to NWYM. Don't write my name on any checks, but indicate on a sticky note or paper that the money is for Faith Kelley for Bible school or enclose the bottom portion of this letter with you contribution.

Thank you so much for your help.
Faith Kelley

For Faith Kelley, Bible school fund
contribution of $200___, $100_____, Other $_______ .
Send to NWYM of Friends
200 N Meridian Street
Newberg, OR 97132

Back in town

2008-02-09T11:01:00.001-08:00

We arrived back from a conference on the Mediterranean coast, the picture is a view from our window. We learned some new stuff and old stuff. Mainly how to work better in the country we are living in.

I took my spindle with me and enjoyed spinning without the cat pouncing on it. I got quite a bit done. I took some sewing, but didn't feel up to that. Faith and I walked every afternoon and attended worship in the mornings and 1 session in the evenings.

I helped a friend at the beginning of the week with her family, because her son had a serious bike accident and split his head open and fractured a head bone. I stayed with her till Wed and then came home to get the house ready to host 5 men who will be attending some meetings in our town. The first morning I made baked french toast. This morning I made coffee cake and fruit soup and tomorrow we (I hope) will be serving cinnamon rolls.

I taught me first English class at the association. the books I worked on didn't get printed in time so I put a picture book together of my family and we did a lesson on family. I had 4 students. They still seemed confused about the change of teachers, but hope they get used to me. We had a fun time.

update

2008-01-21T08:09:00.000-08:00

The holidays are pretty much over American and North African. Life is getting back to normal. We have lots of teens at our house especially on weekends.

Bill is teaching two evenings a week and He and his partner are trying to get two or three more jobs for firm foundations. The prospects look good. But pray for a bite.

I went and helped a friend out with a womens class, she was suppose to have a group of ladies come from Spain, but they couldn't at last minute so I went and taught a class of crochet for her. There were alot of women so I hoped they learned something.

I'm also tutoring a teacher at the American school in English two nights a week and looks like I'll be teaching English on Fridays at a women's association in one of our new communities.

So life is starting to pick up. The challenge is not to let it get to full. Projects we are still looking to do is more quilting classes and spinning classes. Will keep you posted.

December Pics.

2008-01-21T03:48:00.000-08:00

No the tree's not real, we bought it when we first moved into our house. It doesn't meet American standard, but hey it works.

Look at all that food

first year for Caroling They all came to our house for hot cocoa Christmas goodies.

I'm at a place where there is fast internet and thought I might catch up with some pictures. December was a busy month with teaching English, making costumes for the Christmas play, having friends and youth over for Christmas and New years.

O where o where have the kelleys gone...........

2007-12-16T08:52:00.002-08:00

Yes I know we need to do better on keeping this blog up. I wait for Bill to blog so I can blog or the other way around and it doesn't get done.

We had a great Thanksgiving, Bill was determined that we were going to have turkey, so I told him if he wanted turkey than he would need to find one. To make a long story short, he left the house at about 11 in the morning and didn't return till about 3 in the afternoon. He had gone to 2 to 3 different parts of town and then ended up traveling 30 kilometers out of town where his tutor found his brother in law who happened to have two turkeys to sell. So Bill got them, traveled back into town, got them butchered and brought them home. Unfortunately for me he forgot to tell them to cut off the head and gut the things. It was a messy job to get them ready to cook, I cooked one of them the night before thanksgiving just to see how long it would take. People told me they were good turkeys, but I didn't have the heart to eat something that still had eyes looking at me before I cooked it.

We had 40 some people for Thanksgiving. 1/2 of them were kids and half the kids where under the age of 10. We had a great time.

Other activities we have been up too.

We hosted 3 children 6 and under so their parents could have a special anniversary out go visit some special places. Faith said it gave her an all new appreciation for young moms over here. We had a lot of fun.

We hosted a get together for the English School Amacitia. The secretary is leaving to go the Spain to get married and live, she had been with the school since it began, we had a mix of North Africans, French, Americans, British and Spanish people in our home. It was a lot of hard work, but Bill and I enjoyed serving our friends in the Lord.

We have been to the old city many times to visit our friends there. We will be going again tonight. They are wanting to send some things back to their family in the Oregon and so Marissa and Jessica will be delivering those gifts for them.

The international church is getting ready for it's annual Christmas program. I was put in charge of making 38 to 40 angel costumes. You can be proud of me mom, I delegated instead of doing it all myself.

Well need to go.

As soon as we have pictures ready to down load for these events and the internet is working correctly, we will update this email

Visitors, friends and more

2007-11-13T04:32:00.000-08:00

This month has started out well, The small kitten, boots, that Faith got while I was in the states is growing and full of life. He has decided that whatever moves is fair game for attacking.

One other person in our home who really enjoyed Boots was a young swiss woman who is looking at various children's therapy centers around North Africa to see which one God is leading her too. She spent about a week with us off and on, in and out. Keep her in your prayers.

Last night we had a surprise birthday party for one of Faith's friends who was turning 15, she wasn't going to have a party this year. She was surprised. The whole youth group was here, plus a few families, it was a good time of fellowship.

Firm Foundations update

2007-11-12T14:40:00.000-08:00

Last week we had nine paying students, up from four the previous week. We have one primary school that is willing to host an "English Club" an a lead on another. The out look is improving, slowly but surely. This morning during our weekly business meeting, Phil and I to challenged each other to accentuate the positive in our prayers and thoughts about the business for the coming week.

Tarik, Tarik, Tarik

2007-11-12T10:40:00.000-08:00

Warning, if you don't believe in answered prayer, skip this post.

Last month our church had an all night prayer session during the "Night of Power" the most significant night during Ramadan. Muslims throughout the world pray during this night seeking from God. Monica, my partner's wife prayed that God would reveal to her in a dream some direction for the coming year. And He did.

"Tarik, Tark, Tarik: you are chosen". What does it mean? Hmmm. Well Tarik is the name of the new neighborhood they have moved to. Tarik is the name of our apartment building, and Tarik is the name of the computer technician where we teach English. Coincidence? My feeling is if you are bold enough to ask God for direction, and He gives it to you, then you better follow through if you want want him to follow up!

What Comes Around Goes Around, and Around...

2007-11-12T07:52:00.000-08:00

Ah, the joys of French influenced bureaucracy. Next time you grumble about government red tape, stop a moment and remember the following story:

Tim lives an hour and half south of us, where he and his wife direct a pregnancy crisis center (the Friends women's 2007 project). He came to town to pick up a car part and dropped by to have lunch with us. After some small talk about family, I asked about the project. He chuckled and mentioned that this week they had made remarkable progress.

The first submitted their paperwork to the local pasha in March. He was asked to return in June. In June he referred to the wali (regional authority). When he was able to make a appointment a few months later the Regional office refused to even look at his paperwork which he had so carefully collected. Instead, he was told that he needed other paperwork. Finally Tim consulted an attorney who is a believer. The attorney's advice? You have everything you need. wait a week and take the paperwork back in.

Next week, Tim returned with the same paperwork in a different colored folder. The wali was very pleased with the "new" paper work and told Tim he would send it on to the proper authority which was - you guessed it: the local pasha!

Lost Cousin = Golden Opportunity?

2007-11-12T07:35:00.000-08:00

The other day while I (Bill) was visiting with Lauwrens (LOW-rinse), our local pastor he mentioned something in passing that hit me between the eyes. We were discussing how the International Church could participate more in the World Festival of Sacred Music held every June in our city. "I've been thinking about asking (an international drama ministry) to come during that time.

It so happens that my cousin, (whom I have not seen in 30 years), is a long time member of the European troupe! So I set the wheels in motion thru friends of friends to try to contact him to see if they might be available to visit this summer. Sorry it took so long, Aunt Naomi!

Firm Foundations

2007-11-03T10:25:00.000-07:00

So far we have about 3-5 showing up for classes. This is far below we we need to keep going. Phil and Bill meet weekly to discuss business matters. Working with this school is strengthening our relationship with the owner, but we also need to meet expenses. We have tried to keep it going but we need positive cash flow soon or we may have to consider other options, like the ones mentioned below.

Moving?

2007-11-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

We told the board before we left that we are open to the idea of relocating, but do not feel any indication to do so at the moment.. There are currently possibilities: Our worker friends in a Berber town of 40,000 have expressed a strong desire for us to join them. We told them we would consider it and will visit them several times during the coming year to sense God's leading. The second possibility includes a local move. Every three years the landlord can raise the rent, our three year mark is April. A raise in rent coupled with the dropping dollar may force us to find another place to live. We like the house we are in and don't want to move. However, there are other worker families that need to move soon because of rent, we might be able pool our money and rent separate floors of a villa.

Radio

2007-11-03T10:16:00.000-07:00

Last week Bill attended a conference co-hosted by UNESCO to discuss community radio in Africa. There is a group of workers in our town who are investigating whether the time is ripe to open a station. At the moment, National law does not recognize a distinction between commercial and community radio, which is usually run on a nonprofit status with lower wattage. I am preparing a paper for this group outlining what I see as the basic factors involved in Radio: Audience, Transmission mode, cost and funding. If you are interested in these details email us, and I will send you the information.

Spiceman

2007-11-03T09:58:00.001-07:00

Bill is developing a new friendship with one of Faith's tour hosts. Most of you who have been lucky enough to take the medina tour with Faith will remember the spice shop. Right before Bill left last year, he and the spice man began to connect. Faith has been back twice with our interns, and each time he had asked about Bill. When Bill went with Faith on her third visit, Spice man greeted
Bill like a long lost brother. Later, Bill went back by himself and spent about two hours with spice man. Since two of Bill's friends have emigrated this past year, Bill is very excited about this new friendship!

Back in NAfrica update

2007-10-27T08:28:00.000-07:00

We arrived in NA mid Sept, it was great to get home. The first week here we went to the Rafah house and Therapy center to deliver money we raised for them. The directors where very happy and appreciative.

Here is a breakdown of our activities. Bill and his Partner start teaching English classes this Monday night and would appreciate your prayers. The need 20 or more students to really be able to make ends meet. They are also talking to a couple of elementary schools about doing english kids clubs. so things will start getting busy.

The girls that came with us are doing real well. They are taking language classes and getting out in the community to get to know people. They will be going to a therapy center next week to do some mural painting and then they have also been volunteering at the girls detention center in the old city. They are doing real well. This weekend we have a friend of Joel's staying with us that is studying in spain. She wants to know what it is we do and what our city is like.

Faith is working hard with baby sitting, It looks like she will be having a consistent, nanny sitting job for a new couple that came in with a one year old. she baby sat him today while his parents were at the store getting some supplies for their new apartment: stove, frig, light bulbs, fixtures, pretty much everything but the kitchen sink.

I'm still trying to get into the grove of things. I think my body has finally forgiven me jet legging it three times in one month. My time home was good and was needed, so was glad I was able to be there. It was a shock to have to turn around after 2 weeks of arriving home to go back to the states. For those who don't know, my grandmother Orpha Cammack passed away a week and a half after we got back to NA. I knew in my heart that I would probably never see her alive again as she was 98. I took care of her for about twelve years before we came to NA to work. I did some commissioned work on a banner for a conference that took place in Gibraltar this week, during my two weeks in the states.

The most exciting thing for me was getting a house helper to come help clean the house after being gone. It is wonderful, worth every penny. I found out she can cook too so maybe have her do some next week. Cleaning house here in NAFrica is different than in the states and it can quickly become real overwhelming. I have a hard enough time keeping up with the wash and keeping the dishes washed. since the construction of the buildings are cement, I find that it is hard on my back to do a lot of standing in the house.

With God's grace

2007-09-15T03:46:00.000-07:00

With God's grace we made it back to North Africa after 26 hours in flight and 10 hours in layovers. It was a long day, especially when we realized that we lost part of a day in Germany. We left on Tues and left the North Africa airport at 2:30 in the morning after loading all 17 pieces of luggage on the top of our friends car. We slept at our friend's, friend's house and then rode another 4 hours to our town.

We are slowly getting resettled. We are discovering that we need to purchase a new phone for our vonage number (the old one only keeps a 3 second charge) and for some reason Faith and I can't find our cell phones. We are still looking. Also it looks like the house needs repainted real bad. We will be looking into that within the next couple of weeks (or months).

Faith has been busy with friends. She went to their school and surprised them and now they don't want to leave her side. I have to insist that she be home at certain times so she has time to settle in herself.

The single ladies that came with us are settling real nice. They have their room almost the way they want it.

It isn't too hot here, upper 80's and cool in the evenings.

Well need to go. take care and have a good day
Betty

count down for Morocc0

2007-09-06T22:30:00.000-07:00

The count down continues, we have about 5 days left before we leave the States. It will be nice to get home, but difficult to leave the family.

The boys are doing well and adjusting to University, Faith has packed and repacked several times, and I got Bill to sort through things today.

will confirm tickets on Monday and then off we go.

Till next time.

Mark to Georgefox

2007-08-22T17:05:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we take Mark to George Fox. I have a lot of mixed emotions. I am happy for him to go, but I know I will miss him very much. I was pondering on why I'm having problems letting go this time and I realized;

We missed the opportunity to start Joel out his freshman year, so we are feeling what we would have felt last year.

Mark is leaving the nest, even though he has been staying with his grandparents, we were still a part of his life, we helped transport him to work, to CCC and to other activities, he was only 10 min away.

Most of all, on Sept 11th we will leave both boys behind when we go back to North Africa, It seems so final, they are now men, who can take care of themselves. They have both proved that this year and especially this summer. Even both guys will be at Fox, I will be missing times I can be with them for special occasions or just because.

I will miss them in North Africa, But I am looking forward to seeing where the Lord leads them and am grateful for family and friends who will be keeping an eye out for them.

thanks.

Time

2007-08-06T07:25:00.000-07:00

Time is beginning to run out, We have 5 weeks left before returning to Morocco. I'm trying to finish up those last min. projects that I had cut out or wanted to try before returning. I finished to tote bags and gave one to my mom, made one small purse and have the other cut out. Going through my stash to decide what to add and what to leave.

We met Marks roommate last night, I think they will be a good match. The are both excited to be at college this month.

Karima is now with Belil. He finally arrived yesterday. She was so excited. She hasn't seen him since April. We gave them two nights at a hotel to get reaquainted has husband and wife. Their housing came through, so we get to get them set up this week. The place is furnished so that will make it easier as far as what we need to get them. Just some sheets and blankets and maybe some cookware and food.

Faith's Big Moment

2007-07-14T09:18:00.000-07:00

Faith got her GED in December 06 and got to walk the line on June 6. Her plans are to come back with us in Sept to North Africa. She still needs to study for her SAT test, which she is not too excited about and she also wants to see what the Lord has in store for her during her last official year with us. She is still contemplating what she what she wants to do and where she wants to continue her studies.

Spring activities

2007-07-14T09:13:00.000-07:00

Time to do some catch up. May and June have been busy months for us as we watched Mark and Faith Graduate from Hi school. Mark received his Ged in September 06 from Chemeketa community college and his graduation was June 16. Even though he didn't walk the line till June 07, he still insists he graduated in 2006. He is going to attend George Fox University in Aug.
He is really excited.

2007-06-22T16:59:00.001-07:00

Faith and Karima in the tulip fields.

2007-06-22T16:56:00.000-07:00

Karima's finished quilt. good news she got a job at food for less, Still need to pray for her husbands visa and for his health.

2007-06-22T16:54:00.001-07:00

Beginnings of Karima's quilt

Quilt blog

2007-06-22T16:44:00.000-07:00

It looks like the only way to view my quilt blog is to register on allpeoplequilt.com. Name of my blog is Quilting in Morocco I'm still experimenting.

Betty

2007-06-15T20:58:00.001-07:00

Marhaba bikum "Welcome"

2007-06-15T20:42:00.001-07:00

this is a test to see how well this blog is easy to use. Picture taken by Faith early morning in the desert.