Thursday, April 29, 2010

IVORY COAST - HUNTING FOR FOOD

Since the growing season is a long one without frost during the night there are many varieties of trees that produce fruit all year around. This has value for green vegetables as well as yams that also need a long growing season. It then becomes important to hunt animals for extra protein foods. If no animal is found in the trap that has been set the night before or been snared in any other way the mother hopes there is something left in the dried food storage container as part of the entree. Even the small children have been able to help harvest this protein source that virtually drops into their laps.

After five months of extremely hot dry weather, a large variety of flying ants come out and gather in swarms around any lantern or light source. These ants are edible, sweet and oily and the children rush to catch them around any light. They pop some of them into their mouths for an immediate treat and the rest are placed in a pail with water so they can’t fly away. The mother puts these into an earthen cooking pot to roast and when dry they are crunchy and taste like bacon rind after being fried. These tasty treats are even available at the market.

Helen added, “Large hairy caterpillars are caught as they come down from the trees after they have eaten all the leaves. They are tossed live onto hot coals to singe off the hairs and of course quickly meet their demise. They are dried in the sun until crisp and stored in earthen containers for future use in the gravy when no other protein is available. Once cooked in the gravy the dehydrated caterpillars swell up and pop at first bite. This bothered me and I never did eat one, but ate the gravy when it was shared in the villages.”

“When that protein source is low the women wade in the streams and put their wicker baskets under the water. When they raise the basket, the water leaks out and small fish can be found at the bottom. Crocodile meat and fruit bats can be bought dried at the market. Someone gave me a piece of elephant meat and it was very tough and took many hours to cook. Children are very helpful in many ways by chasing the birds away when they come in flocks to scratch out the newly planted rice seeds. After the rice grows a few inches it is safe. Farmers often keep the children out of school because they are needed to chase the rabbits and large agouti rats out of he rice fields and gardens. Agouti rats are a favourite wild meat.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

DINING IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

We are all glad to say goodbye to the ice and snow of winter and soon we can roll out the deck chairs and picnic tables to enjoy the great outdoors. Families in the Ivory Coast have picnics every day all year and my sister, Helen, was able to enjoy outdoor dining for more than fifty years in the Ivory Coast. She has authored a book about her experiences that tells us about many wonderful people she associated with there. In yesterday’s Blog I recounted some of her experiences that included taking care of urgent dental needs that for years had been unavailable in many of the outback areas. Houses are close together in the villages that featured mud huts with no walls to separate one family from another.

Helen joined some of their outdoor evening meals and all members of the families dine together. The food in the earthen cooking pot simmered in the “three stone” outdoor stove. Before dinner the mother goes to the water hole for a large bowl of water she carries on her head that she heats up to wash the children after a dusty day of working or playing outside. The older children stay with the grandmother as guardians for the small children while she is away to be sure they do not get too close to the fire. Young girls carry their corn cob “dolls” on their backs leaving their hands free for dining and will sit together with the mother. When the food is ready the mother serves a large bowl of rice and meat (or fish) and brings it to her husband, often placing it just on the ground as he sits on a small stool. The boys sit with the father, using the one hand they washed before dinner to eat with. No one speaks while eating lest their share of food be eaten while they talk. All varieties of meat are acceptable except hyena because they eat decaying meat in the bush. This evening the mother has cooked a 20 foot long boa constrictor (it tastes like white fish) and there is plenty for all. The father divides up the meat left in the bottom of the gravy bowl to be sure each one gets his share of this good protein source. In chapter 12 of her book Helen recounts, “Once when given gravy and rice in a village, I found a little monkey head in the gravy bowl. The hollow eye sockets and teeth bothered me and I placed it back in the bowl for someone else to enjoy.” Chickens scratch around at dinner to snatch a fallen rice grain and dogs hover near hoping to get a bone. Helen adds “The full moon is the favourite time of the month to run and play until midnight. Drums are played and the children dance. The African moon is special and we love to sit outside and watch the moon rise against the silhouette of the tall palm trees.”

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

IVORY COAST EXTRA

After reading my recent posting about my sister’s experience of meeting two gorillas while riding her bicycle on a narrow bumpy road I was asked what she might be doing on a typical day in these nearby villages around 20 kilometers from home. According to her book she was asked about everyday health problems. Many water holes or swamps were contaminated with guinea worm eggs, invisible except under a microscope. They ask how illness could be caused from something invisible and wind up in the body over two feet long. They feel it must be caused by someone doing sorcery against them. We told them to filter the water through a fine cloth that the eggs cannot pass through or else the water could be boiled to kill the eggs. The worm grows for about a year and when it wants to get out it begins to bore its way out of the stomach and works its way down into either a leg or arm. Slowly it winds itself up in the muscle and flesh until a large bulge is formed. It cannot be operated on surgically as it is entwined in the flesh, becomes very painful and the victim is unable to walk or to move the painful limb. The worm bores a hole to leave the body and takes ten to fourteen days to come completely out. Its body is carefully wound around two small sticks to keep it alive because if it dies in the process more problems ensue. Occasionally a worm can be pulled out in a day without breaking it.

Once the people heard that the white lady was able to pull teeth, word was spread around from village to village and people would come one by one all afternoon. A dentist from Alberta had given me a complete set of dental tools and I kept my forceps handy and with no anesthetic pulled the painful tooth. They would rinse the mouth with a salty mouthwash afterward. One man had a back molar which kept him from sleeping. I told him that would be very difficult but he begged me to try. My nickname among some of the natives was “the strong one.” I pulled with all my strength until I felt dizzy. He begged me to try again. I breathed a prayer and tried again and finally succeeded. A very happy man indeed with his mouth full of blood tried to hug me and utter Moslem blessings such as, ‘May Alla cause you to remain a long time in our country, - may you prosper, and may you have many children!’ For more than forty years I was the only one available to carry out pulling teeth duties. The government finally brought in a registered dentist that cost them ten dollars each. I felt so sorry especially for the little old women who would come to me for help. Finally I was told I could help those I knew did not have the money to pay.

Monday, April 26, 2010

IVORY COAST ADDENDUM

Regarding Helen Krueger’s work in the Ivory Coast it should be mentioned that she was also honoured at the Canadian Embassy in Abidjan. Linda Nagel, the group leader accompanied her in response to their invitation and part of their written response said “Canada’s reputation around the world is enhanced by the accomplishments and commitment of such people as yourself.”

It is interesting to note that Helen did not ask for funds during her furlough visits with family and friends or by letter. A member of the family she boarded with while attending high school in Medicine Hat sent $50.00 per month for her work during her 52 years in Ivory Coast. Family and friends from her birthplace at Orion, Alberta assisted as well. From the port of entry she and her co-worker Adeline Wilke walked to their destination. At the end of each day they stopped at the next village before dark. They hired a boy each day to carry their 40 pound suitcases to the next village until the 300 mile journey was complete. During their early years they traveled by horseback and bicycle. When going on trek to Gouro villages, Helen would pay a man to carry the necessary bed sack and box containing food items. Returning the fifteen kilometers home in the cool of the evening after 5 pm, Helen found the road extra rocky with sticks, stones and bumps and had to watch carefully. “I saw what I thought were two people coming toward me, likely two men returning home from their farm and planned to greet them in their own language. Ruts in my path had kept my eyes focused on the road and finally looking up was surprised by two large gorillas. I was so close it was impossible to turn around and fear clamped my throat, but suddenly remembered the bell on the handlebars and began ringing it furiously. It startled them enough to step off the road. African boys told me later it was good there were two gorillas, perhaps male and female who found walking on the road easier than going through the thick underbrush. If it had been one old male that had been chased out of the herd, he would have been vicious and could have carried me off into the forest. I told the boys it was God who had saved me and not any charm or fetish.” She wrote “round robin letters” to family and friends each month and it was probably incidents like this that encouraged family to pool resources and buy her a small car.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

BLOG CORRECTION

In my April 14th Blog I recounted a weekend visit from my brother, John, and his wife, Jean who started farms in Kenya under the auspices of International Fellowship. Each family agrees to take four extra children who are orphaned or whose parents are no longer able to care for them due to illness. In addition to growing fruits and vegetables cows and goats are raised to insure a good protein supply.

I also told about my older sister, Helen, now retired in Kamloops. I said she had spent 54 years in Ivory Coast but when re-reading her book, “Chosen to Go” I see she spent 52 years in the Ivory Coast. She had learned French which is the main language but there are several others including Dioula. It is best to travel in pairs so she and Adeline hired a shoemaker who knew both languages and they paid him to go with them on trek to translate. Being a Muslim, they gave him time off when the call to prayer came so he could join the rest to do prayers for twenty minutes. Another time our Pastor Bamoussa told us about his experience. He had been blind for eight years and was led about by a boy holding a stick for him to grasp. Our African Pastor Samuel prayed for the sick, lame and blind and many were healed. He talked to Pastor Samuel and asked to be prayed for but said he would never become a Christian even if he were healed. After three days of hearing the testimony of many who were healed, he got up one morning and found his eyes were opened and he could see. He asked Pastor Samuel where this was written in the Bible and wanted to read it for himself but had never gone to school and was not able to read. He asked the pastor to pray for him and open his intelligence so he could read it right away. “Do you believe Jesus could do this for you”? Pastor Samuel asked. “Didn’t he open my eyes and give me sight.” The pastor prayed for him and then handed him the New Testament. He started to read. He then said he would no longer be a Muslim and wanted to become a Christian. Helen is having 100 additional copies of her book printed because of many requests for it. After Independence in 1960 Houphuet Boigny proved to be wise and greatly loved leader and the country made progress. He died in 1995 and Helen watched huge crowds at his funeral singing their thanks and praising him for all he had done for them. In 1997 Helen returned to Canada after recovering from a broken hip. At a farewell party she was presented with the "Knight of the National Order" - the Ivorian Government's highest medal.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

WARNING

A news clip yesterday suggested that people who use debit charge cards should check their statements carefully. Thieves have been removing bank machines at night and leaving a decoy in its place. Through modern technology the thief removes the cash and the decoy is replaced by the real bank machine before morning.

Encyclopedias tell us how thieves were treated before the days of cameras, finger prints and other modern technologies. Throughout England and European countries stocks were placed in prominent places. A heavy frame of timber with movable boards showed openings through which the feet and hands would be forced into these openings and then clamped into place. For several hours the thief would be exposed to public ridicule. This was even brought to America for a short time but the vast distance between cities and towns soon made it less effective.

While kings and nobles were planning religious wars and fighting over territory men could always join the army and escape the disgrace of being seen in the stocks. The amount of time spent in the stocks could vary with the seriousness of the crime. Sometimes the guilty party would be placed in the stocks if he failed to attend his proper church on Sunday morning. In modern days the offenders can be viewed on cameras and be identified when their pictures appear in the daily papers.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

APRIL BRINGS EASTER AND THE TAX DEADLINE

After Easter Sunday breakfast of blueberries and ground flax, sharp pains sent me to the phone to call the B.C. Health Nurse. After explaining the radiating pain through the back area and everywhere else it seemed, the nurse told me to call an ambulance and go to the emergency. X-rays and CT scans, showed a stone had been left in the gall duct a decade ago and it was necessary to be taken to Kelowna where a specialist reached down the esophagus with a dipper-like instrument that had a light at the end to locate the wandering stone. The surgeon worked with great dexterity and care and I was home within three days.

My grandson came to the hospital for at visit and brought a book for me to read. During that hour he told me about his wonderful wife who stayed home to bathe their three small daughters and do the bedtime preparations. I knew they had a happy home but it was nice to hear his words of gratitude and happiness as a family. He even brought a get-well card the five and six year olds had designed for “Gi-Gi,” (the name they have given me as great-grandmother.) Their card said how sad they felt that I was in the hospital but glad Daddy could bring their get-well card for me to recover soon.

After three days in the hospital I had a new realization of how great it is to have a wonderful health system on standby with health professionals who work so well together. The month of April finds us all busy to meet our income tax deadline as we all unite to keep the health system itself strong and healthy. It encourages us to do our part by overcoming bad habits like smoking as we learn more about foods that build health and the all important walk to exercise the body. Being kind to one another also adds mutual health benefits as well. The book my grandson brought to me was written by Max Lucado who explains the need for spiritual help as well. His closing words were: “The same one who saves your soul longs to remake your heart for God is willing to guide us to change us into the likeness of His son.” That seems to be what the gift of life is all about, to grow in grace with kindness and love while here attending Earth School.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

WEEKEND VISITORS FROM AFRICA

My kid brother, John, (15 years younger than me) and his wife came for a visit on the weekend. I was so glad our weather had been turning warmer but still he was almost shivering after spending time in Kenya in Africa and then flying to Malaysia for ten days where it was really cozy. We went to the White Spot for lunch and he got fortified with a generous meal. The server brought warm milk on the side and he soon felt warm again. I think he was suffering from jet lag. After a stop in Seattle his wife will go back to Kenya with him where they as well as other volunteers work together to set up mini farms for the people in Kenya. They work under the auspices of International Fellowship in Lynnwood, WA, Box 2359, Zip 98036-2359.

In addition to the local families with their own children, each family at the farm agrees to accept four more children who are orphans or their parents are too ill to care for them and the farm pays them extra from farm proceeds. Goats, cows and other animals as well as large gardens are all part of the farm. They bring books back from U.S. and Canada and it all helps with the children’s education. Sometimes volunteers from America, Germany and other places come to help out and have a working vacation there at the farm.

My older sister, Helen, now 88, spent 54 years in Ivory Coast and is now retired in Kamloops where my younger sister and her husband live. They visit her three times a week and look after her needs. She has written a book about her work in the outback areas of Ivory Coast. I love the cover picture of her extracting an impacted tooth while her “patient” sits on a little stool under a large shady tree as two of her friends in colourful dresses stand by. The patient is so glad to get rid of the painful tooth she doesn’t complain about the pain and washes her mouth out with a little salt water. A walk of 60 miles return would bring her to a dentist in the nearest city but no money to pay the dentist. A complete set of dental tools was sent to Helen from an Alberta dentist. One lady was so grateful she insisted on running home and bringing an egg as a gift. The egg “peeped” and my sister thanked her with a smile and told her to put the egg back under the hen and a chick would arrive soon.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

BANISH THE BELLY- FAT TRAP

High blood sugar causes red blood cells to clump, and makes them appear thick and creamy. The cells randomly cling to each other and the blood stream can barely squeeze through veins, triggering fatigue that can lead to high blood pressure which increases the odds of heart disease and stroke.

When the blood sugar cells are under control, the blood can flow freely in separate round droplets and deliver oxygen throughout the body and brain, thus normalizing blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism reveals that people who reduce their intake of refined sugars and carbohydrates have a 32 to 62 percent decrease in subcutaneous belly fat and 47 percent decrease in visceral liver fat within four weeks, putting an end to the inflammation/belly-fat cycle.

Sugars and carbs have an important place in the food system as long as they are kept in balance. A fruit snack mid morning and afternoon can be planned ahead of time to avoid too many carbohydrates. One dietician suggested preparing a quick meal with 2 cups of cubed chicken (or ground turkey another day) add a pinch of chili powder and one can of kidney beans, a cup of salsa and l/2 cup oat flakes. Let simmer for five minutes. An easy dessert can be made as follows: 3 cups milk, l cup oat flakes and stir in one mashed banana. It can be divided evenly among half a dozen dessert dishes and then topped with a spot of maple syrup.

Friday, April 9, 2010

FEND OFF INFECTION WITH PHYTOCHEMICALS

Growing and using fresh herbs as a staple fights off infections. These refreshing plants are willing to grow in window boxes and be moved out to the deck as warmer nights spur their growth. Add mint to meat rubs, salads and whole grain pasta to gives that extra edge of freshness.

Some shoppers complain that fresh vegetables are the most expensive part of a meal. Instead of tossing veggie “discards” grate them into slaws, salads, stews or soups. It adds fiber, crunch and flavour. More than half of Mayo dressing can be replaced with Greek-style yogurt for creamy richness with less fat. Yogurt’s probiotics boosts immunity and makes a great add-in for recent chilly spring days and nights.

Wheat germ is a good source of fiber, vitamin E and B vitamins, folic acid and also adds a toasty taste and grainy texture. I have used wheat germ as half the flour for waffles and pancakes and no one seemed to notice. Dark honey and maple syrup gives a lower blood sugar rise. Manuka honey is best but it is the most expensive.

Feeling exhausted and experiencing foggy thinking, a friend visited a naturopathic doctor. The doctor explained that vitamin D acts like a hormone in the body and a deficiency could trigger all sorts of symptoms including low immunity, foggy thinking and even high blood pressure. After running blood tests the doctor recommended Vitamin D supplements. My friend tells me the difference in her energy was remarkable.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

LAUGH AND LIVE LONGER

It begins first thing in the morning. Smile at the day. Keep your smile handy while you glide down on the floor and take half dozen in-and-out breaths through the nose. Exhale quickly through your nose with 10 short bursts. This yoga technique, called Kapalabhati expels negative thoughts and you will feel a burst of can-do that lifts your worries away.

This pleasant mood gets you safely to work. You’ve heard two new employees are scheduled to start that day. You want them to feel welcome. So bring that pleasant smile back into position. In a British study, people who gave “long onset” smiles were perceived to be friendlier and more authentic than those who smile right away. Any new people around will be eager to get to know you and respond to your pleasant smile.

Now it is time to bring on the big guns. At coffee break recall a recent joke you have heard, an experience you may have had on your first day at work, or perhaps something funny from a recent “Laugh out Loud” comedy show. As the clock works out the hours of their first day they will recall how relaxed and pleasant the day went and tell the family about it. Both families will be smiling also and bring on a chuckle of their own that adds to everyone's pleasant day. And they may even laugh out loud which will be even better, and help them all live happily and add years to life as it is practiced often.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

THE MUSIC PLAYED EACH DAY

“What goes around comes ‘round again,” an ancient proverb quotes,
In subtle ways our debts are paid – the way we’ve treated folks.
That works in silent, secret ways, kind deeds and acts we’ve done,
Come ‘round to sing their melodies, in tunes for everyone.

With those in business corridors, a smile can light the way,
Some walk life’s road with heavy loads, your interest cheers their day.
A choir of silent music fills those dark and empty rooms
Of hearts that need a caring touch, to find their inner tune.

That moves upon the tones of love, creating symphonies,
That blends in warm vibrations with ideals for you and me.
Life’s circling carousel moves on, through many lands and climes,
As choices in mysterious ways, change attitudes through time.

Creation folds its day to night, we join its sacred force
In union with all living things as we blend in with life’s source.
Hearts join hearts in the dance of life – moving gently from within
To smooth the way through every day, with co-workers, friends and kin.

Monday, April 5, 2010

HOSPITAL HELP

Enough accolades cannot be found to express the wonderful care and encouragement given to patients by the nurses and other aids here at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Their pleasant morning greetings seem to set the day for hope and healing as the wheels of their carts roll with them carrying the instruments that record the patient’s vital signs and the doctor’s orders for the day.

A CT scan tells the story of a lonely gall stone that was left in the gall duct some years ago when the gall bladder was removed. An ambulance speeds the patient to the Kelowna General Hospital where a special instrument is available and the doctor who is a specialist in that area takes charge of the situation. A small dipper with a light at the end is squeezed through the esophagus to find and scoop out the errant stone. At this point a wonderful breeze of oxygen keeps my heart beating. As I slip into oblivion I recall the struggle to get my breath a decade ago after the first operation, and I wonder if I will ever come out of the anesthetic this time. It all went very well.

Yes, it’s me causing all this trouble for so many. Thankfully, men and women have studied hard to get the education needed to carry out these miracles. I ponder what preventive measures I could have taken to avoid all the trouble I have caused. Politician, priest or peasants are all treated alike in our health system. Back in the 30s depression not one of our eight farm children had to go to a doctor for help. It was 65 miles to get to a clinic in Medicine Hat. There was no fast food on the farm except when we raced out to our vegetable garden for groceries and to the barn for eggs and other protein supplies like milk. Exercise on these forays added to our health as well. Pods came on pea vines instead of part of the fast phones like we have now. The only sweets was the cake Mother had ready for Sunday dinner after walking a mile home from church held at our small country school house during the summer months when a minister came for his practicum. Paying our income tax is almost a pleasure considering the great health system now available for over half a century. My tax cheque is in the mail.