August 25, 2014 - Letter to Kids

Dear Ones,

I know that I just wrote yesterday but I wanted to say something to just you.  I want you to know how proud I am of Dad.  You should see him when he is meeting with government officials – it’s like he is sitting in his Brigham City mayor’s office wheeling and dealing again.  He doesn’t let language get in his way.  Of course, Flavien has totally saved us and he is wonderful, too.  We have had several “encounters” within the last week or so with different government groups – mostly trying to iron out a difficulty.  Dad is poised and able to come across as being totally in command of the situation.  And he’s had good results, too.  We had to tell one of our favorite principals that we couldn’t order his desks until he came up with his portion of the money – and it was devastating for him because he has done everything but go door to door to get the money and it hasn’t worked out yet.  But Dad did it.  Another part of what he has done is to stand up to the bureaucracy we are facing from South Africa.  He hasn’t made enemies – just stated our position.

Another thing I’ve appreciated about him is the kind way he has treated the senior sisters in our office.  These gals are friends from Washington state who had the courage to come here together– quite a stretch for both of them.  They are in their 70’s and we have come to really love them.  In a way, they don’t fit in because they aren’t a “couple” and are a bit older in their ways.  But Dad has been their champion.  Before we came, they had lived here six months and had never gone downtown or to any store other than the “safe” corner grocery.  It’s not really safe for two women to go alone – so Dad invited them over to walk downtown with us on a Saturday.  We’ve done it several times since and they just love it.

Before we leave any place we visit, Dad compliments the person we have dealt with on what a good job they are doing.  Many/most of these people are underpaid, if paid at all.  And they deal with very difficult situations – many out of the goodness of their heart.  Dad always tries to built them up and comment on the noble work they are doing.  I’m always so proud to be with him.

Well, there aren’t too many people I can brag to – but I figure that we’re all on the same team and you love him, too.   And you know that we both love you all.  We think about you, worry about you, pray for you, and brag about you.  It is so gratifying to see you taking care of each other.  Many, many hugs and kisses - Mom