Missions Friend trapped in rubble of Haiti earthquake

A friend and fellow missionary, travelled to Port-au-Prince, Haiti one hour before the earthquake hit. He is thought to be under the rubble of a collapsed Free Methodist Missions work building in the Haitian capital.

Gene Defour and I went to Swaziland, Africa on my first missions trip. He is the man in the picture that I have my arms around his shoulder.

Please pray for the safety of Gene Defour and the comfort for his family and friends.

Thank you.

Derek

Back to Where it Began...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone reading this blog! May your life be richly blessed in 2010.

Few, What a year its been! I've been so blessed. My mother recently sent me an e-mail (by the way, it was her birthday recently...and yes, I did send her flowers from South Africa!) that made me realize how fortunate I've been. Over the past year, I've travelled overseas a hand-full of times, returned to Swaziland on a few occasions, applied for permanent residency in another country, found the girl of my dreams, live in a house that I never even thought possible, and have a new "mans best friend" named Balou (he's a 6 month old Viszla puppy)! What a remarkable time in my life.

(Woof! That's "Mr. Balou to you!")

Anyway, as I count my blessings, I also realize the grim realities of this world. On how, upon my 4th return to Swaziland, the situation seems to become more and more desperate. People are so terribly hungry and people are so terribly sick that it makes my head spin. It's just in my nature to want to help. I can't help it. It's like I see my fellow man hurting, and it forces a reaction deep within my soul. It aches my heart more than anything.

Alas, there seems to be a real movement of people. Something I must and will continue to be a part of.

(Making a difference!)

Individuals are banding together to make a difference. It's all about turning off the television and being a catalyst for change! Take that extended weekend and use it for good, positive moments in someone else's life.

I don't do this for recognition. I don't do this to get a pat on the back from friends or family. This is not for some twisted "self-worth." I do this work because I truly enjoy it. My friend, Rev. Bob Deland, claims that he's seen me at my happiest when I am with these children. I think pictures tell a thousand words.

(My happiest moments in life.)

There is really no way to describe the emotions that come over you when you hold an orphaned child. The innocence in the whites of their eyes is mesmerizing. Sometimes, they hold onto you so tight, as if they've never felt the affection of another person before. It effects you to the real core of your being. It makes the hairs on your back stand as you ponder the question "Why her and not me?" What did I do to deserve a life of privilege?

(God's Country; El Shaddai Orphanage is set high atop these mountains.)

So many of you have supported me financially over the years. Thanks again from the bottom of my heart. Here's an idea of where some of your money has gone:

(New Jungle-Gym for the children of El Shaddai.)

(New Health Clinic that will never turn away an individual.)

(A seemingly unlimited amount of medical supplies to fill the cabinets of the new Health Clinic.)

(The second phase orphanage directed at older children. )

As you can see, there's been a lot of progress. God is good. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and support.

Until next post and with much love,

Derek

Hangin' with the Western Province Premier

Helen Zille and I were the recent guests on the recent 2 Oceans Vibe TV. Check it out below if you have a few minutes to watch. It was great fun!

https://www.2oceansvibe.com/2009/11/12/helen-zille-as-weathergirl-in-this-weeks-2oceansvibe-show/#comment-12455

DVD

Garmin and sailing the 2 oceans!

Cape Town as our back-drop.

Planning our route for the evening race.

Looking towards the bow of the boat.

The competition is fierce, but friendly at the end of the day!

My friend Ken Ven and I.

Hi everyone! Some fun updates on my side...Garmin has kindly brought me on board as an ambassador for their products. A couple of exciting things in the pipeline. One being the the new featured voice of their Garmin Navigational devices, and two racing with one of their sailing teams. Below you will find a few pictures of our latest Wednesday night Royal Cape Yacht Club Twilight Series races.

This stuff is in my blood!!! I LOVE SAILING! I dabbled in it on Lake Michigan while living in the United States, but this ocean racing is completely different. There's nothing quite like the howl of the Cape Doctor (Strong/Gale force Southeasterly winds in the Cape) puffing at your sails and having everyone leaning outside the lifelines to balance the 43' boat from heeling over too far! It's all about maximize the speed of the boat! Luckily, WindPower (the name of the 43' Landmark sailboat Skippered by Phil Gutsche of Coca-Cola) and its crew continue to shine in our performance with all first place finishes this Spring Season.

Thailand '09

I was lucky enough to travel to the Far East for my first time. I went with Kenya Airways and the Thailand tourism board to this beautiful country. What an amazing adventure. Simply stunning to say the least. The travels brought me to Myanmar, Lous, and Thailand. I learned a lot about the Buddist religion, saw many temples and waterfalls, snorkled in pristine coral, laid on the beaches and went to a coffee plantation. I was even able to see my own version of "Cheeseburger in Paradise" (see below)!

Unfortunately, as luck would have it, I was stung by a massive jelly fish at the end of the trip. That put things into perspective quite quickly. Let's just say I had a "date with destiny!"

Keep well everyone~!