Our Babylon

In our recently completed ladies' Bible study on Daniel, Beth Moore focused on the need for Christians to recognize their "Babylon." In other words, what is it that distracts them from their desire to serve the Lord. She pointed out that a telltale sign of a culture in demise is losing touch with the poor. An ultimate reality of living in Indonesia and Angola has been to see that we [as Americans] have little understanding of the poverty of the rest of the world. We give our clothes or food to the homeless in the U.S., but they often have a place to seek refuge if they want it. We give money to different agencies to buy presents for children but rarely see the faces of those recipients. We choose to live in certain areas of cities so we are not subjected to living near people who don't live up to the same standards we do. In other words, poverty is generally not a firsthand experience for us. It is quite another thing to step out of your doorway and confront poverty wherever you look. Now I must say, we live in a very nice part of Luanda, but we don't have to walk more than a couple blocks to see the other side. Masses of people living in poorly constructed shacks or shanties. Scantily clad children playing in the dirt. Someone drinking out of a muddy gutter or washing clothes in water sewage. Many with missing limbs or gross deformities. Orphanages with no fresh water source. Smells of garbage and urine as we cross the street into church each Sunday.


At Christmastime, the U.S. news reported how difficult it was going to be for parents to tell their children they couldn't wouldn't be getting as much for Christmas this year because of the economic crisis. One lady in our study asked for prayer for our college graduates having to go through such tough economic times and looking for a job. All of these things have put me in mind of my need to assess my response to the poor. Living overseas as an expats, we are certainly enjoying the good life without any concern for being able to afford things we want--even in a city billed at the world's most expensive. In fact, it is this incredible disparity which drives me to consider my Babylon. I have been forever changed by living in a third-world country. I see the richness and ease of life in the U.S., and even those who are experiencing tough times have it ten times better than most here. I have begun looking at the financial crash as a purging of our mindset---of all those things which we have always taken for granted (or depended on) because they have come so easily. How convicted I have felt over my attitude towards people living in such conditions, and how pressed I feel to make a difference in the lives of those around us. However, it seems like an incredibly small drop in a very gigantic barrel.

A Penny For Your Thoughts

As a communications major and an English teacher, I rely heavily on feedback to determine whether I am reaching my intended audience. Writing a blog can be like writing in a vacuum since I can't see or hear my readers. A few of you have told me via emails that you have read this and enjoy finding out what is going on, but for the most part, I haven't heard from many of you. Just a friendly "Hi," "I know what you're talking about,"or "Nancy, you're as crazy as ever" would be great to hear. It's really simple to add a comment to any one of the blogs. Just hit the button that says "Comments." That's about it. I guess the delusion would be to think I am writing these posts for other people to read . . . when really it's just a way for me to journal. So I guess it's not a loss after all. (But I would love to hear from you!)

Am I Stoked?

I'm not so sure the word "stoked" is used much anymore, but it used to be back in the day (just don't ask me which day it was). During our stay in Washington, we had enough cold days to keep a fire going in the house much of the time. However, I never realized how frequently I needed to add more logs and fan the flame. In no time at all the fire would die down, and I'd be back in there stoking it. How true that is of my Christian walk as well. A change of place or pace and I find my daily time with the Lord dwindling to a flicker. You would think that being on vacation with no set schedule would mean I could spend more time with Him than normal, but, no, I managed to fill my time with things much less important. Tending the fire was a vivid reminder that I cannot radiate the warmth of the Spirit or Christ’s love unless I am personally fueling myself with his Word. Am I stoked? Not always, but I sure need to be.

Days of Christmas

Since we spent Thanksgiving in the U.S., we celebrated "Thanksmas" (as Allan's sister dubbed it) with all the kids and grandkids. We had a full house and enjoyed so many different activities, ending with the opening of presents on Saturday morning. We had the usual -- a tree (albeit sparsley decorated---and undecorated as Haddie found cute ornaments to play with), stockings, a nice blazing fire, and presents. So it seemed unusual when everyone else was still playing Christmas music and shopping for presents. After all, we had already celebrated and were ready to move on. So our Christmas day here in Luanda was very quiet. Actually, that is a nice change from most days here, and we enjoyed being able to get around in traffic with absolutely NO stops. We celebrated Christmas morning with a service at our international church, and I was able to lead the music, singing familiar carols in quite a different environment. They really rocked into my version of the 12 Days of Christmas entitled "On the Day That We Celebrate As Christ's Nativity." And we concluded our service by singing "Go Tell It On the Mountain" on the front steps of the church to any of the passers-by. We were quite a sweaty mess by the time that ended as the sun was in full force, but it was a joy nonetheless. In the evening our friends Paul and Amy Oen and their daughter Sarah joined us for a special prime rib dinner after our do-it-yourself sushi appetizers. It was a bit strange not having the house fully decked out and no presents to open under the artificial tree, but it was somewhat refreshing not to be in constant motion. I can't say a part of us wasn't lonely not having our kids to talk to and wondering how they were all spending their day. Being away from family on such a holiday can be tough, but it sure makes us appreciative of those times we do have together. We trust you enjoyed your time with friends and family as well.

Ok, so here's the words:
On the day that we celebrate as Christ's nativity
Twelve prophet praising
Eleven drummers drumming
Ten trumpets blaring
Nine people dancing
Eight children laughing
Seven cows a-lowing
Six donkeys braying
Five bleating sheep
Four shepherd boys
Three wise men's gifts
Two angels sang
That the little babe was born to set men free

A Double Life

Although it's not exactly like an exciting episode of Alias, nevertheless, stepping back into our life in Angola after a six week absence can feel like leading the life of a double agent. Our weather, friends, resources, routines, and time zones are all so different that it takes a while to readjust----sometimes with shocking reality. My time in Bakersfield with the grandkids and then our time in Port Townsend was such a wonderful break that I was reticent to step back into our assignment here, particularly knowing it would be six months before we would see family again. We celebrated "Thanksmas" with all our children, so we really felt our Christmas had already happened. Surprising that everywhere we went people were still singing and playing Christmas carols. Especially when we left Washington with the first of the snow and a beautiful blanket of white on our property to come back to the stiffling heat of summer in Angola. And then they were singing carols here as well! Although we don't doubt that God has called us to this job and this place, coming back after experiencing the comforts of home can be difficult---even though we admittedly enjoy more comfort than most all the population of Angola. The adjustments hit us immediately. We had left our key to the house here back in Washington, so we needed to wait for security to send a key over so we could get into our house. We then sent our driver out to buy some fruits and vegetables while I took a nap, with the instructions to just put the groceries in the air conditioned garage on top of the freezer. Funny how much difference a little prepostion makes. When I went out there at six o'clock and didn't see my groceries, I hesitantly looked IN the freezer to find my lettuce stff and translucent, not to mention worrying about the bananas, eggs, and avocados next to it. (Need I mention that while we were gone the power went out on our freezer and we lost over 100 lbs. of meat and fish! Our poor empregada [maid] who discovered it and had to clean it out! The stench still lingers.) It hit me again as I took fifty dollars into the little market to buy more produce and found out I didn't have nearly enough for the few purchases I had made. It hit again as I found out our gardener didn't show up for work because he was attending the funeral for a niece who had just died of malaria. And then again when I couldn't get internet service for the first day and a half. But it pleasantly hit me when we walked into church on Sunday morning and our African friends broke into huge smiles and gave hugs and greetings with, "We're so glad you're back! You were gone too long!" Those are the moments we can treasure, assuring ourselves that this is where we need to be.

Four Letter Words

Admittedly the best 4-letter word is LOVE, but for me a close second is NANA. My heart melts when I hear those little footsteps in the morning padding down the hall with that little voice calling calling, "Nana, Nana, where are you?" I'm on Day 7 (Day 4 on my own) of staying with Briggs and Haddie, and every day is a new discovery of how incredible Nanahood can be.

• Haddie (2) asking for tickles and then directing me how to tickle and what to tickle next
• Briggs singing "My Country 'Tis Of Thee" (how many adults know the words?) or "Ode to Joy" while he is in his room supposedly taking a nap and Haddie in her room singing "Cheese Like a River"
• Slipping my jeans off as I get ready to take a nap and having Haddie ask, "Nana, do you have to go potty?"
• Listening to both of them recite all the sounds of the alphabet
• Watching them soak up Disneyland (yep, I was pretty tired after that one)
• Sharing an ice cream sundae out and watching Haddie wipe off the table when she spilled
• Telling me "Good job, Nana" when I finished dressing myself
• Having them ask, "Nana, hold me" (almost as good as having my hubbie ask me)
• Hearing them pray before meals and at bedtime

The main downside of living overseas is missing all these moments which happen many times every day. I have honestly been worried the kids wouldn't remember me between visits. But, boy, was it special when I got off the plane to see them running towards me each holding a pink rose and yelling, "It's Nana!" To all my peers who live close to their grandchildren, I am truly jealous.

Memories flood back as I watch these little munchkins and see snatches of familiarity of my own children at that age. How could 25 years have flown by so quickly? And isn't it remarkable how the traits their parents had at that age (both good and bad, I might add) perpetuate into the next generation. Perhaps the second most rewarding thing about Nanahood is watching your adult children raise their children with those values you held the highest. Things you wondered if they would ever really "get" but hoped would stick---a love for God and family, the need for loving discipline, demonstrating good manners, caring about others. It makes me realize God's faithfulness in spite of all my shortcomings. My "quiver" is truly full.

Life's Bonuses

While cleaning out our office today, I came across a notebook I used to record info for our house in Washington. In thumbing through it, I found this poem I had scribbled down last summer. Prior to our move to Angola, I had traveled through Texas, Missouri, California, and Washington. I was able to visit with over 50 friends I have collected over the years, beginning with college roomies in 1967. What a joy that was since I hadn't seen a couple of them in 35 years! (We really must do reunions more often!) It seems like I have had many lifetimes, each with their own distinct memories. I have valued your friendships, although it's impossible to capture the emotions of having such special friends. To you, my friends . . .

Through miles
And years
Through smiles
And tears
All these we have traveled together

Through loss
And gain
Through joy
And pain
These too we have traveled together

Through death
And birth
Through grief
And mirth
We also have traveled together

Once young
Now old
Once timid
Now bold
We have steadily traveled together

Years come
Years go
Some fast
Some slow
But still we have traveled together

Such treasures
I keep
Both awake
Or asleep
Knowing we’ve traveled together

Though our paths
Often part
You’re still close
To my heart
Ever grateful we’ve traveled together

Shopping ------ Luanda Style

Driving around Luanda gives a whole new meaning to window shopping. Sometimes I get whiplash trying to take in all the "sideshows" of vendors pedaling their wares. I'm not so sure we haven't run over the toes of a few of them as they wound their way in and out through the maze of cars. There are some fantastic photo ops, if you dare. The other amazing thing is seeing the women who balance a plastic tub on their head with a baby tied onto their back. I'm determined to get a good photo of one of them. (This photo was taken by one of the other expats.) It's not actually safe to roll down your window in the traffic. So we just look.


Eggs by the crate, glasses for eight
Clocks and locks, and fancy socks
Mops and brooms, shelves for rooms
Tables and chairs, onions and pears
Plastic flowers and eggs, newspapers and pegs
Bracelets and papers, math calculators
Wallets and panties, bug spray for “anties”
Fabric by the meter, a cool fan or heater
Toothbrushes and maps, soccer balls, caps
Remote controls and polish for toes
Doormats and floor mats, carpets and hats
Stereos for cars, hangers and bars
Perfume to wear, combs for your hair
Shoe racks and boards, screwdrivers and cords
Feather dusters and pens, and even live hens
Kleenex and wheels, all kinds of deals
Umbrellas and blades, charcoal and shades
Popcorn and pots, rope to make knots
Eyeglasses and drainers, ice cream and strainers
Curtains with rods, gym shorts for bods
Rulers and keys, and cell batteries
Hoses, suitcases, CDs and shoelaces
A complete set of dishes, all kinds of fishes
Petrol for your car, bikes to go far
Utensils to cook--- do you just want to look?
These things I have seen on the streets where we live
You can buy anything if the kwanzas you’ll give
Forget the small shops or browsing the mall
By drving the streets you’ll, no doubt, have a ball.

The Law of Gravity

I do believe I have come across a corollary for Newton's theory: Living below the equator creates a higher degree of gravity pull downwards on the body. (If this proves to be true, I’ll be checking out a location above the equator.) Makes sense, right? I’ve heard the South Pole has a dynamite magnetic force. How else could you possibly explain weight gain here? Despite regular attempts at exercise and fairly healthy eating, the old bod seems to have a stubbornness that resists shedding. I thought perhaps because the food labels here don't contain a calorie count, that perhaps they didn't. Or that when the label isn't written in English, English speakers aren’t affected by the content. Or if I couldn't convert the intake from kilograms to pounds, then kgs didn’t affect my weight gain or loss. I know it couldn’t possibly be the fact that there are tons of business and social dinners, sundowners, and parties. Something must be wrong in my logic, but I can’t figure out what. I play tennis, do pilates, work out on the elliptical machine—seemingly to no avail. Hmmm . . . maybe it’s something in the water. Hadn’t thought of that. Maybe I’m on to something here.

The Sound of Music

If you recall, Indonesia was the land of karaoke. Invariably, after the speeches and presentations ended, the silver mike was brought out, and everyone, no matter what his voice sounded like, was entitled to time on center stage. One Christmas, Allan and I even rendered our version of the familiar carol, which we called “Jungle Bells.” It’s a different story here in Angola----party central. They crank it up almost every Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night starting around 8 p.m., and it doesn’t let up ‘til sun up, usually around 6 a.m. And as The Seuss would say, “Oh the noise, oh the noise, oh the noise, noise, noise, noise!” Now if we can hear the music three or four blocks away, think what it’s like for my friend who lives across the street from the park! Sometimes putting a pillow over our heads helps, at least until we fall asleep. Tell me, who can dance that long? Or how can they leave the party with their hearing in tact? On a brighter note, I have had the opportunity to participate in the music at the International church where we attend. It’s a joy to watch the Africans worship! No holds barred. They sing contemporary Christian music, as well as songs that were contemporary 10 years ago, in addition to crooning some of the hymns of the faith. By the way, we found the hymnals that the First Baptist Church of Huntsville, Texas, discarded 30 years ago! I get to be the “hymn leader” two times a month and to sing in duets, quartets, and even a solo. The hymns sound great a cappella, which I much prefer to times when the band jumps in and pounds out the Salvation Army one-two, one-two count. Who would have thought I would be leading worship in Africa????

Who Knows Where the Time Goes?

I sing these lyrics from Enya's song. Who would have thought that once I quit work I would have no time on my hands? Although my schedule varies from week to week, normally it is filled with so many activities that I can't fit them all in. Normal weekly activities: Portuguese class (twice weekly), ladies' Bible study, canasta, tennis, and volunteering at the local high school. Normal monthly activities: American Women's Association of Angola, International Cooking Club, ladies' fellowship at church, TICA (The International Club of Angola formed to fund charities), a Chevron BBQ, and a Spouses' Coffee. Mix in business dinners, social dinners, teas, and pre-assignment visits and orientation for new families (we've had 24 new families come in the past year). I can't tell you how often I've gotten my days and meetings mixed up. I usually check with my friend Amy to check my plans for the day. Gosh, it's the pits getting older! Allan and I find it a treat to be home one night on the weekends. I'm not complaining--really. You know me. I love to be busy. And the wonderful part of it is that I can choose what I want to do. There are so many opportunities here to be involved with the Angolan people, and the needs here are greater than you can imagine. We consider it a gift to be here and find ways to make a difference.

How do you spell C-O-N-G-E-S-T-I-O-N?

Luanda traffic! The current population of Luanda is around 3-4 million people, although the city was built to accommodate 300,000-400,000. Magnify this by more people driving than know how, a small handful of traffic signals throughout the entire city, double-parked cars due to insufficient parking places, terrible road conditions, and random road closings where the entire street has been dug up overnight. So it is not uncommon to be in the car most of the day. Allow 30 minutes to an hour for a normal 10 minute drive. The best by-product is that I have done more reading here than I have done in the past 10 years! (Don't worry--I'm not driving the car! We must have a driver for security reasons. Plus, there is NO way I would ever venture out to drive in this traffic.)

The Price Is Right

. . . but not in Angola. Luanda is often referred to as the most expensive city in the world. Did you hear that correctly? Yes, the most expensive city in the world, so don't talk to me about U.S. prices. Housing here can cost $12,000 to $30,000 for MONTHLY rent! And companies are outbidding each other for the houses.

I usually carry $300 to the grocery store for weekly groceries. Sample food prices: a red pepper - $6; stalk of celery - $20 (I haven't bought one yet); whole grain bread - $13; head of lettuce - $5 (that's a deal, really); one kilogram of fish - $30-----need I go on?

Dinner out is another story. An average dinner price for the two of us at a typical restaurant is about $50-$100. (Needless to say, we don't eat out very much.)

Food for thought (pun intended): The next time you are tempted to complain about oil prices, think about the high cost of living in places like this where we are driven to find the oil we need. Hmmmmm.

You asked for it . . .

Ok, I am tired of living with the guilt. We have been in Angola for over a year, and I have promised I would write to you . . . and soon. I compiled note after note on my computer, but I never seemed to finish what I started. Where should I begin? How could I possibly describe what life is like here? What would anybody really care about anyway? On and on. Hundreds of you---ok, many of you---no, actually, some of you have written to check up on us because you haven't heard from us in eons.

So I decided to put my techie nature to work and enter "THE WORLD OF BLOGGING." I almost feel I should be dancing with some heavy-soled shoes on to do that! (After all, my two daughters-in-law are way ahead of me in this department, and I love reading what they have written.) I must admit that it must take a bit of ego-centricity to blog. Dare I believe others out there really want to know the details of my life? Everyone is already over-stimulated with their own responsibilities, jobs, emails, blogs, blaaahg, blaaahg, blaahg. But at least this allows you to tune into this station when, and if, you choose to.


There is truly so much to say, and I honestly don't know what will interest you. But I will share a slice of our days in the hopes you can appreciate this unique opportunity that Allan and I have. This is probably a good way for me to "debrief," as frustration can run pretty high at times. And, of course, feel free to ask questions and make comments by clicking on the comment tab at the bottom of each post.