16 held in coup effort in Equatorial Guinea
By Lydia Polgreen
Published: February 20, 2009
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DAKAR, Senegal: The last time foreigners tried to topple the government of the tiny, oil-rich nation of Equatorial Guinea, it was a band of upper-crust Britons-turned-mercenaries involved in an elaborate plot, allegedly for a shadowy businessman, in exchange for cash.
On Thursday, officials in Equatorial Guinea said they had arrested 16 men in an equally bizarre but even more mysterious attempt this week to overthrow the government of Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who has ruled the country, a former Spanish colony, for almost three decades.
Men in speedboats attacked the capital, Malabo, which sits on an island off the West African coastline in the Gulf of Guinea. They struck before dawn on Tuesday and were heavily armed, the government said in a statement, but the army, using boats and a helicopter, quickly repelled the attack.
Diplomats and analysts say the evidence points to a nearer menace than last time: militants from the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Fighters from ethnic minorities in the oil-rich region have carried out insurgencies there for decades, demanding a greater share of the country's oil wealth. In recent years, they have gained steam, carrying out increasingly sophisticated attacks on oil installations far out at sea.
The men who carried out the attack had Nigerian currency and other items that pointed to a Nigerian connection, officials in Equatorial Guinea said. But Nigerian officials said Wednesday that it was too early to say for sure who was responsible.
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"So far, the investigations we have been able to make show that even the authorities in Equatorial Guinea are not yet very certain as to the identity of those who carried out the act," Ojo Maduekwe, Nigeria's foreign minister, told reporters in Abuja.
But officials in Equatorial Guinea said in a statement released Thursday that the men who had been arrested were members of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, the most powerful of the rebel groups operating in the region.
In a statement sent by e-mail to reporters, the spokesman for the group, who goes by the nom de guerre Jomo Gbomo, said the Nigerian government was behind the attack, calling it an attempt "to install a dissident based in Spain as head of state."
Equatorial Guinea is one of Africa's wealthiest but least stable nations. It is one of the continent's largest oil producers, yet it has a history of coup attempts and strife.
In 2004, a group of foreign mercenaries led by Simon Mann, a former British special forces officer, tried to sneak into the country with a cache of weapons to overthrow the government. The attempt was suspected of being at the behest of a rich investor who wanted an ally installed as president.
Mann, who helped found some of Africa's most notorious private, for-profit armies, was convicted last year in Malabo for his role in the plot and sentenced to 34 years in prison.
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Sunday, February 22, 2009
Feb.22nd-Homeless in Houston-The Final Week
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."
Matthew 5:9
"...You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God."
James 4:2
"Go ahead and be anry. You do well to be angry-but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. An don't tay angry. Don't go to bed andgry. Don't give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life."
Ephesians 4:26-27
"But now, put off all such things as anger, rage, malice, slander, abusive language fom your mouth."
Col. 3:8
"Where do yo think all these appaling wars and quarrels come frm? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deeep inside yourselves."
James 4:1
These are just a few of the scripture references from Pastor Kerry Shook and his wife, Chris, at the Fellowship of the Woodlands Church today. Jim and I needed to hear this, since last night, we let the "Devil shove us" as Chris so aptly put it, and we fell into some anger and stress. We did resolve the issue before the "sun went down on our wrath..." but the sermon today really spoke to both of us. We must remain focused on our relationship to God first, each other second, and the path God is setting before us third.
Just when we think we have God's path figured out He throws us a curve ball. This morning we woke up to yet another of these curves on this rollercoaster ride we've been on this past month. I told Jim living with him was like "whiplash." I won't go into detail just yet, but it's another opportunity back in Africa-no, not Equatorial Guinea, that's for sure; nevertheless it would mean returning to Africa. So, the stars are lining up, but here we are less than one week out, and we still do not know where we will be this time next week. God is the only one who knows. I do know that one thing I'm having to learn is that we will be living out of five suitcases for at least 6 more months in the best of circumstances, and much much longer in the worst of circumstances. So, is the lesson, stuff doesn't matter? Just when I think I've learned this lesson, I'll see someone on a bike, a Total Gym commercial on tv, see a bag of Splenda, and think about some of the clothes that the Guineans have (as well as Jim's Marine Mess Dress Uniform), and I get sad thinking that we will probably never see them again. I'm not angry, just sad about the loss.
I'll swear, if I didn't have faith that God was in this mess, I would literally lose it! Jim says that God is trying to teach us patience. Duh! This is definitely a classroom, just not one of the elective courses I would have chosen. I guess this is one of those "required" courses for the spiritual Ph.D in Patience!
Anyway, it's a gloriously beautiful day here in Houston. A storm came in yesterday and cooled things off-it had been in the late 60's. We are planning to meet Debbie and Brian Hodgeson, the lady I sponsored in Equatorial Guinea, for dinner this evening at a restaurant halfway between the Refugee Camp and their home. We are looking forward to seeing them, since they are scheduled to return to Malabo in March/April.
This week should prove to be interesting. I'll try to stay busy finishing up taxes, doing the final pedicure, micro dermibrasion, and hair do before leaving for??????? Wherever??????? If I go, I need to go looking as good as I can for this next leg of the journey-I guess "Vanity, thy name is Beth....."
Matthew 5:9
"...You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God."
James 4:2
"Go ahead and be anry. You do well to be angry-but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. An don't tay angry. Don't go to bed andgry. Don't give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life."
Ephesians 4:26-27
"But now, put off all such things as anger, rage, malice, slander, abusive language fom your mouth."
Col. 3:8
"Where do yo think all these appaling wars and quarrels come frm? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deeep inside yourselves."
James 4:1
These are just a few of the scripture references from Pastor Kerry Shook and his wife, Chris, at the Fellowship of the Woodlands Church today. Jim and I needed to hear this, since last night, we let the "Devil shove us" as Chris so aptly put it, and we fell into some anger and stress. We did resolve the issue before the "sun went down on our wrath..." but the sermon today really spoke to both of us. We must remain focused on our relationship to God first, each other second, and the path God is setting before us third.
Just when we think we have God's path figured out He throws us a curve ball. This morning we woke up to yet another of these curves on this rollercoaster ride we've been on this past month. I told Jim living with him was like "whiplash." I won't go into detail just yet, but it's another opportunity back in Africa-no, not Equatorial Guinea, that's for sure; nevertheless it would mean returning to Africa. So, the stars are lining up, but here we are less than one week out, and we still do not know where we will be this time next week. God is the only one who knows. I do know that one thing I'm having to learn is that we will be living out of five suitcases for at least 6 more months in the best of circumstances, and much much longer in the worst of circumstances. So, is the lesson, stuff doesn't matter? Just when I think I've learned this lesson, I'll see someone on a bike, a Total Gym commercial on tv, see a bag of Splenda, and think about some of the clothes that the Guineans have (as well as Jim's Marine Mess Dress Uniform), and I get sad thinking that we will probably never see them again. I'm not angry, just sad about the loss.
I'll swear, if I didn't have faith that God was in this mess, I would literally lose it! Jim says that God is trying to teach us patience. Duh! This is definitely a classroom, just not one of the elective courses I would have chosen. I guess this is one of those "required" courses for the spiritual Ph.D in Patience!
Anyway, it's a gloriously beautiful day here in Houston. A storm came in yesterday and cooled things off-it had been in the late 60's. We are planning to meet Debbie and Brian Hodgeson, the lady I sponsored in Equatorial Guinea, for dinner this evening at a restaurant halfway between the Refugee Camp and their home. We are looking forward to seeing them, since they are scheduled to return to Malabo in March/April.
This week should prove to be interesting. I'll try to stay busy finishing up taxes, doing the final pedicure, micro dermibrasion, and hair do before leaving for??????? Wherever??????? If I go, I need to go looking as good as I can for this next leg of the journey-I guess "Vanity, thy name is Beth....."
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Feb. 21st-Homeless in Houston-the final week
" So, do not fear, for I am with you. Do not e dismayed, for I am your God. I will stenghten yo and hep you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will be surely ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish."
Isaiah 41: 10-11
My cousin, Gerry Perry Lindler sent me this as one of her favorites. That surely is neat! Do you just suppose God might eventually bring down that tyrant over in EQ who not only screwed up our lives, but think of all the helpless people that have to live under his despotic rule.
At least we had a chance to get out and create another life. I think of the poor people that passed throughout my life during our short time in Equatorial Guinea: Elena, the maid, the men who came an worked on our house (I called them our little "fairies" as all I had to do was pick up a phone and call and things were miraculousy fixed); the bus drivers who were so friendly and willing to take me into town and speak Spanish and French to me so that I could practice; Fernando Modu, the extremely patient transportation coordinator; and who could forget Ike my wonderful Nigerian hairdresser and the lovely ladies at the salon on Calle Nigeria. Our Spanish teacher at the Spanish Cultural Center, The Lebanese owners of the pastry shoppe!! Ouch, I miss those poor people and feel bad for their situation. They have to live it daily. So very sad witnessing man's inhumanity to man up close and personal like this. Now I've been in three African nations and seen pretty much the same brutality in each one-despotic leaders from Ben Ali in Tunisia, to Conte in Guinea, to Obiang in Equatorial Guinea-all they care about is keeping their powers at the expense of their people, taking away from their people to feather their own nests-kind of sounds like Congress, doesn't it? Oh, well, I'll try to refrain from ranting about the US politics as it cannot (as of yet) hold a candle to African politics.
Anyway, back to the homeless. We met with Marathon Oil HR yesterday and finally have some direction. Oh, everything isn't 100% clear as of yet, but we did get some commitments in writing and they finally acknowledged that we had been screwed and they owed us something. Stay tuned.....got to go to the eye doctor and use our benefits in case Jim doesn't keep his employment with them. I'll relate the details later.
Basically, Marathon has offered Jim a severance package or a job in Findlay, Ohio. Do I relish livng in Finday? NOT. But we'll take it, because it's a job. But if they don't offer it, at least we have a pretty good severance package until Jim finds something else. My emotions are on this continual roller coaster-I am really tired of uncertaintly. But at least they did offer us in the sevrance package enough to sustain us for awhile. We are putting this decision in God's hands as Jim has done all he can to make things happen. He has pushed Marathon to make a decision, he has interviewed for a job, and now, it's truly out of our control. So, if Marathon offers him the job, we take it; if not, God must want Jim to look elsewhere.en
Our Angels, Charles and Janet Hall are going to let us keep our stuff at their house when we fly to CA to get our car. Then we'll drive back and pick it up on our way to either Florida or Ohio. The thing I'm having to get used to is that no matter what, we will be living out of these same suitcases for at least six more months-but probably longer as we are not counting on ever seeing our stuff from EQ again. YUK!
Isaiah 41: 10-11
My cousin, Gerry Perry Lindler sent me this as one of her favorites. That surely is neat! Do you just suppose God might eventually bring down that tyrant over in EQ who not only screwed up our lives, but think of all the helpless people that have to live under his despotic rule.
At least we had a chance to get out and create another life. I think of the poor people that passed throughout my life during our short time in Equatorial Guinea: Elena, the maid, the men who came an worked on our house (I called them our little "fairies" as all I had to do was pick up a phone and call and things were miraculousy fixed); the bus drivers who were so friendly and willing to take me into town and speak Spanish and French to me so that I could practice; Fernando Modu, the extremely patient transportation coordinator; and who could forget Ike my wonderful Nigerian hairdresser and the lovely ladies at the salon on Calle Nigeria. Our Spanish teacher at the Spanish Cultural Center, The Lebanese owners of the pastry shoppe!! Ouch, I miss those poor people and feel bad for their situation. They have to live it daily. So very sad witnessing man's inhumanity to man up close and personal like this. Now I've been in three African nations and seen pretty much the same brutality in each one-despotic leaders from Ben Ali in Tunisia, to Conte in Guinea, to Obiang in Equatorial Guinea-all they care about is keeping their powers at the expense of their people, taking away from their people to feather their own nests-kind of sounds like Congress, doesn't it? Oh, well, I'll try to refrain from ranting about the US politics as it cannot (as of yet) hold a candle to African politics.
Anyway, back to the homeless. We met with Marathon Oil HR yesterday and finally have some direction. Oh, everything isn't 100% clear as of yet, but we did get some commitments in writing and they finally acknowledged that we had been screwed and they owed us something. Stay tuned.....got to go to the eye doctor and use our benefits in case Jim doesn't keep his employment with them. I'll relate the details later.
Basically, Marathon has offered Jim a severance package or a job in Findlay, Ohio. Do I relish livng in Finday? NOT. But we'll take it, because it's a job. But if they don't offer it, at least we have a pretty good severance package until Jim finds something else. My emotions are on this continual roller coaster-I am really tired of uncertaintly. But at least they did offer us in the sevrance package enough to sustain us for awhile. We are putting this decision in God's hands as Jim has done all he can to make things happen. He has pushed Marathon to make a decision, he has interviewed for a job, and now, it's truly out of our control. So, if Marathon offers him the job, we take it; if not, God must want Jim to look elsewhere.en
Our Angels, Charles and Janet Hall are going to let us keep our stuff at their house when we fly to CA to get our car. Then we'll drive back and pick it up on our way to either Florida or Ohio. The thing I'm having to get used to is that no matter what, we will be living out of these same suitcases for at least six more months-but probably longer as we are not counting on ever seeing our stuff from EQ again. YUK!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Feb. 20-Homeless In Houston-Resolution begins
Remember the poem in a prevous post: "The Road Less Traveled" by Robert Frost? Well the two roads are diverging, and now Jim and I must choose the path that will change our entire lives. This is one of those times that we recognize the gravity of our choice in the next week.
FINALLY! Jim and I met with Marathon, and they finally acknowledged that we had a problem, and they felt very badly about our situation, and here were our two options. Option #1 will be Jim being offered a job in Findlay, Ohio, with their National Operation. This job would entail at least 50% travel and not employ his unique set of skills in the security industry. Honestly, Findlay, Ohio, is not a place I would really want to live, but then neither was Africa, California, or Washington State, and they all turned out better than I thought. I'm learning to NEVER say NEVER. I think we are held accountable for our NEVERS. At least I am!
The second option is a very sweet severance package. So, this weekend will now be filled with the burden being lifted-finally, and two very good decisions that will lead to two very different paths. I am just thankful that now we have seen on paper that Marathon wants to help us whichever path we choose. That will make the chosen transition much much easier.
My faith-not in God, but in the whole situation has waivered; I've had some really down days, but it seems like "all things are working together for the good..." I know one thing through all this... I don't do limbo very well. But, maybe we are now getting ready to leave limbo and move toward some type of certainty based on our decisions. As Jim so aptly put it, we are now back in control of our lives, not the govt of Equatorial Guinea, and not Marathon. We can choose, and choice is a good thing!
Also, on the heels of this day, I had applied last November with MPRI for a teaching position in Africa. So, I get an e-mail when we got home from our Marathon mtg asking if I'm interested in a consultant position in Mali, Uganda, Nigeria, and Tanzania. Talk about timing!
So, the drama continues to unfold, but at least we have a better understanding of what Marathon will do for us after the 28th of Feb.
Stay tuned
FINALLY! Jim and I met with Marathon, and they finally acknowledged that we had a problem, and they felt very badly about our situation, and here were our two options. Option #1 will be Jim being offered a job in Findlay, Ohio, with their National Operation. This job would entail at least 50% travel and not employ his unique set of skills in the security industry. Honestly, Findlay, Ohio, is not a place I would really want to live, but then neither was Africa, California, or Washington State, and they all turned out better than I thought. I'm learning to NEVER say NEVER. I think we are held accountable for our NEVERS. At least I am!
The second option is a very sweet severance package. So, this weekend will now be filled with the burden being lifted-finally, and two very good decisions that will lead to two very different paths. I am just thankful that now we have seen on paper that Marathon wants to help us whichever path we choose. That will make the chosen transition much much easier.
My faith-not in God, but in the whole situation has waivered; I've had some really down days, but it seems like "all things are working together for the good..." I know one thing through all this... I don't do limbo very well. But, maybe we are now getting ready to leave limbo and move toward some type of certainty based on our decisions. As Jim so aptly put it, we are now back in control of our lives, not the govt of Equatorial Guinea, and not Marathon. We can choose, and choice is a good thing!
Also, on the heels of this day, I had applied last November with MPRI for a teaching position in Africa. So, I get an e-mail when we got home from our Marathon mtg asking if I'm interested in a consultant position in Mali, Uganda, Nigeria, and Tanzania. Talk about timing!
So, the drama continues to unfold, but at least we have a better understanding of what Marathon will do for us after the 28th of Feb.
Stay tuned
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Feb. 19th Homeless in Houston-The Saga Unfolds
Angel and I at Southfork, JR's Ranch in "Dallas." (Feb. 15th, 2009).Equatorial Guinea Arrests 15 Over Attack on Capital, AFP Says
Email Print A A A
By Vernon Wessels
Feb. 19 (Bloomberg) -- Equatorial Guinea authorities arrested 15 people yesterday over an attack on the capital, Malabo, Agence France-Presse said, citing an announcement broadcast on state radio.
One attacker was killed in the presidential palace and several were injured when their boats were destroyed before reaching the city, the news agency reported.
Equatorial Guinea blamed the attack on Nigerian militant group, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, which has denied any involvement, AFP said.
To contact the reporter on this story: Vernon Wessels in Johannesburg at vwessels@bloomberg.net Last Updated: February 19, 2009 01:07 EST
What can I say to the above info? Jim has been getting daily updates about the latest crisis in EQ. He should be there as that what he does best-go figure the lunacy of this entire situation.
Ok, so we go to Ohio in a one day travel marathon so that Jim can interview for a job. In his typical self-he gets up at four am to prep for the interview, reading tons of documents to make sure he goes into this "battle" ever ready and armed. THEN he finds out that there is another candidate. Now heretofore he had been told that no one else was applying for the position, that it hadn't been advertised, and he was the only candidate. When he came back from the interview and told me this, I lost it! Now maybe, just maybe, I'm a little paranoid, but at this point in the game, I think paranoia might be a good thing with this company, since from the time we got kicked out of EQ nothing, nothing at all has gone like one would think. In my elementary logic I would think they would want to ensure that we were at least communicated with and not left in this state of limbo one week out of the end of our pay? hotel? food? transportation? It doesn't seem that the left hand has talked to the right hand, nor the fingers, nor the toes! Also, Marathon told us that they had all of our stuff except for the three boxes of Jim's professional books-come to find out, the gov't of EQ has ALL of our stuff still in custody, and now with this above outbreak in violence, I'm not sure we'll ever see it again. If something doesn't happen, I think we will have to see a lawyer. This inconsideration should be worth some sort of monetary compensation as well as paying us for the loss of our household items.
I do know that our situation isn't the worst case scenario. I was talking to Terrance, one of the desk clerks here at the Homeless Hotel. He came to Houston from Hurricane Katrina with his flip flops, a pair of short, a tank top and 50.00 in his pocket. He got here, couldn't find his wife and son for 6 months. FEMA gave him 900.00 to start his new life. Talk about a story! He was so positive, and I asked him how he coped through it all. He told me that he said lots of prayers to God, refused to look back, it was what it was and he couldn't change it, and he had to focus on getting his family back together and get a job. Talk about the best advice anyone could give-that was it-and he's lived it! God keeps giving me people to show me how very fortunate we still are i spite of this upset. I mean, Jim and I have his retirement from the military, our military health benefits, a good renter with a new one in the wings when this one leaves, our health, and each other nd a little savings. Plus, AMPCO is at least paying for eveything through the 28th. God has also provided people like Janet and Charles Hall. Janet has been a Godsend, picking me up for Bible Studies, Spanish, and having us to dinner, and even offering their home after our time runs out here. I need to really reflect on these blessings; I know I talk it, but walking it is so much more difficult. Jim has such a great attitude and faith. I guess, to me, it seems so unfair to him, because he is such a good man, with such strong character-he's as honest as the day is long and would not deliberately hurt anyone. And I see him being so misused-it just torks me, truly! Hurt me, don't hurt him.
But it is what it is, and I must join him in focusing on the next leg of the journey. I had hoped to avoid Plan B which basically means we have to move in with his mother and our mother until he gets a job. Who would have thought at nearly 60 years old I would be moving in with my in-law and mother. Oh, ugh I know they are wonderful people, but I really need my own nest. Guess God is thinking differently, huh?
Stay tuned as the drama continues to unfold. I need to work out to relieve some of this depression. . .
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Feb. 18th "Homeless in Houston" Ohio Version
Pics of Jim and me at the Houston airport chasing another dream-
Here we go again. When I stop to think about what has been happening this past month, it doesn't seem real-Malabo to Paris, Paris to Dallas, Dallas to Houston, Dallas to Tennessee, Tennessee to Houston, Houston to Dallas, Dallas to Houston, and today, Houston to Ohio. Sometimes I wake up and don't even know what room I'm in. The other night at John's, I literally walked out of the bedroom trying to figure out where the bathroom was. John saw me on the balcony and thought I might fall. He was poised to pick me up before I tumbled down the stairs. Guess I was sleepwalking.
Today we are in Findlay, Ohiom HQ for Marathon Oil's National Operations. Findlay is literally in the middle of nowhere. We landed in Columbus and drove two hours through fields and fields to get here. The town is fairly nice from what I saw, but it's still not anywhere I would choose to live. But, if Jim gets this job, I won't complain, because it seems like this is where God is taking us whether we like it or not! I told Jim that I feel like I'm on a rollercoaster, holding on with bare knuckles, and just waiting to see where this bloody thing ends. This machine is taking us places that I would never choose in a trillion years! And my daughter-in-law wants us to sign up for the Amazing Race! My good Lord, we are living the Amazing Race right now!
It's raining and brrrrr cold. Jim and I flew up yesterday. Marathon would not pay for my ticket since they are saying he is "technically" on an interview and not employed by Marathon upstream yet. The difference in upstream and downstream is this: downstream gets the oil out of the ground; upstream sells it (or something pretty close)! Anyway, I think they are starting to try to back off and just make us go away without a law suit. They do not know what to do with Jim, since nothing like this has ever happened to them before. Our possessions we found out are still being held in customs in EQ by the government. Marathon had told us they were working on getting everythig back. They lied. Not sure we'll ever see our things again. I know it's just stuff and can be replaced, but we had some family pictures, my Total Gym, our Christmas Dishes, clothes, Jim's USMC Officer's uniform-it just sucks-truly! But complaining won't change anything. It is what it is. Anwyay, if Jim doesn't get this position, the we are SOL after the 28th of Feb. Then we will have to resort to plan C. I'll dilineate that more later.
Yesterday, there was a boatload of people who landed in Malabo, got off the boat and started shooting. I called my friend, Kitty, who's still on compound. She told me they are on lockdown and no one can leave the compound for now and haven't since last Saturday, Feb. 14th.
I keep wanting to know why this had to happen. Jim is so good at what he does; he is an honest, intelligent person with more character in his little finger than most of us have. I just don't get it. The only thing that keeps coming to me is the story of Joseph in he Bible. Joseph was twice thrown into prison and falsly accused. He kept rising to the top of where he was in whatever place he found himself. I have no doubt that Jim will come out on top of this situation. He is such a positive person. However, I have seen him waiver, and I need to be strong and hold him up in prayer and be supportive and not complain because Marathon has screwed us over.
So, I sit in yet another hotel room writing this bloody blog in yet another state. Through this all I don't know much except that God is on His throne and all is right with the world; Jim continues to be my rock and strength; my famiy is wonderful, each in their own way, and we have much to be thankful for in spite of this current insanity!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Feb. 14th Homeless in Houston-Dallas Chapter
I didn't submit yesterday, because so much was going on. Workout, pedicure, hair, grocery store, then Jim came home and we drove up to Dallas to visit John, his brother, and Angel, John's wife. Got here about 800. Met John at the Olive Garden. Angel was taking hula lessons.
Today we worked out at the local gym; Jim bought a basketball and shot hoops, and we've just hung out. It's cloudy, cold, and gloomy here in Dallas. I got a Facebook from my son, Rich, that our good friend, Katie Rowe, had died last Saturday. Katie was good friends with both Jim and me in Sigonella. She and I talked at least a couple of times a year about politics, history, etc. She was a wonderful, woman, and I shall miss knowing she's on this planet. The world was a better place because of Katie. Her liver gave out according to her husband, Bob. I called and talked to him, but there's really nothing a person can say in this situation. They had retired just a few years ago, and seemed to be enjoying their lives on Cape Cod. So very very sad. It just makes me want to stay as close to Jim as possible; nothing is guaranteed, is it?
Then my wonderful inspirational friend from Korea, Lou Ann Skinner, called to check up on us. She was sharing with me that she had gone to Morrocco, slept in the desert, and taken a hot air balloon ride. What a lady! She makes life and doesn't wait on it to happen to her.
Jim had an interview yesterday for a position with Marathon in Findlay, Ohio. They want to fly us to Findlay next week for a face to face interview. If it works out, I'll let you know more. This would be the easiest transition all the way around. But, it's not over, as Jim says, until the fat lady sings; she's getting ready to go on stage, but she hasn't opened her mouth yet! We do believe that God took us to Guinea; He closed the door to return, so we are open to the next path He's going to open up for us!
Stay tuned. . .
Today we worked out at the local gym; Jim bought a basketball and shot hoops, and we've just hung out. It's cloudy, cold, and gloomy here in Dallas. I got a Facebook from my son, Rich, that our good friend, Katie Rowe, had died last Saturday. Katie was good friends with both Jim and me in Sigonella. She and I talked at least a couple of times a year about politics, history, etc. She was a wonderful, woman, and I shall miss knowing she's on this planet. The world was a better place because of Katie. Her liver gave out according to her husband, Bob. I called and talked to him, but there's really nothing a person can say in this situation. They had retired just a few years ago, and seemed to be enjoying their lives on Cape Cod. So very very sad. It just makes me want to stay as close to Jim as possible; nothing is guaranteed, is it?
Then my wonderful inspirational friend from Korea, Lou Ann Skinner, called to check up on us. She was sharing with me that she had gone to Morrocco, slept in the desert, and taken a hot air balloon ride. What a lady! She makes life and doesn't wait on it to happen to her.
Jim had an interview yesterday for a position with Marathon in Findlay, Ohio. They want to fly us to Findlay next week for a face to face interview. If it works out, I'll let you know more. This would be the easiest transition all the way around. But, it's not over, as Jim says, until the fat lady sings; she's getting ready to go on stage, but she hasn't opened her mouth yet! We do believe that God took us to Guinea; He closed the door to return, so we are open to the next path He's going to open up for us!
Stay tuned. . .
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