2013 Journey to Africa-Again!!
CrossTimbers Missions Trip, Aug 2013 ,to Kampala, Uganda

     Our intrepid team of folks from CrossTimbers Church, in the greater Dallas-Ft. Worth area is growing more excited by the day!!  Our Mission is to lead the Annual Summer Christian Camp in the Kampala area,-for some 700 students, grade school thru high school,...from the surrounding bush, & God Cares Schools & Orphanages.  For some of the orphan kids, they've never experienced the love of Christ before!,...Buyamba, God Cares, Uganda makes that possible.

     Our Delta plane will lift off from DFW airport on Thursday, 8/22/13, bound for Detroit.  From there we transfer to KLM Airways, for the long hop over the North Pole, & on to Amsterdam.  After a long layover in Amsterdam, our band of 16 transfer to another KLM flight South to Kigali, Rwanda.  When we complete a45 min stopover in Kigali,..we fly on for one hour to our destination,- Entebbe, Uganda!!

     For the veterans on our Team, including myself, it is a chance to renew old, dear friendships in Uganda,-& meet many more new kids from the bush areas.  For the 'rookies' on our Team, it is a time of incredible excitement & joy.  ForALL our Team,-young or old,-the mission never fails to affect & change our life perspectives, in so many ways.

     Please pray for safe passage thru several areas of the world, fraught with unrest. Thank you for your support.

     We go to help effect change in the lives of Uganda's youth,..one child at a time!!

     Stay tuned,...as the Wifi permits,-"iffy" at best,- I'll continue to post to this blog, Facebook, & Twitter...

Rogers/Banuamazi(African Names)

11/30/2012:  Finding the Impossible!!

     Some of you will remember that I lost my domestic cell phone in the middle of the rainforest in Congo, DRC,...while the motorbike I was travelling on-with my drive,-fell into the river.  The phone probably went into the river too,.......

     WELL, the Africans have contacted us in the US to say they have found my cell phone "along the path"!!!!!   When they told me they'd look for it, you'll remember I said my chances were zero and none?  Wrong again.  Of course, now they want a reward,...altho' I'm sure that it doesn't work anymore after all this time in the water, in the steamy rainforest/jungles of Africa!

     Just thought it was a funny story,....I told them to keep it.

Rogers/Banuamazi (African names)

Fall Is In The Air,..Traveling..........

Oct. 30, 2012


     Tuesday, October 30, 2012. "Fall Is In The Air, Travelling"

     So it has been 3 weeks since last time I blogged,......time flies when you're having FUN!  During this time Fall, OctoberFest(s), hot dog roasts, beautiful leaves, football, & cold nights have arrived in N Texas!

     God has been so good to me during this time.  I've had the chance to show my Africa pictures to family, friends, donors, missionary kids from back in the day,..and in some businesses as well.   I'm thankful for technology, which allows many more to see Africa thru my photos on Facebook, Twitter, & my blog.

     My 'sharing' trips have taken me to Edwardsville, IL, another small town in mid-MO-can't remember name-:(, Southlake, TX, Ft. Collins, CO, Omaha/Lincoln, NE.  Along the way I've shared many, many memories and wonderful times of reminiscing & laughter!!   As I like to say, 'thank God for frequent flyer miles!'

     Many folks have asked about my next trip to Uganda/Congo,...and, how they could help me go.

    At this point, I plan to stay home in Texas through the Holidays.   (I will consider invites to show my pictures 'locally').   I'm looking at going back to Congo & Uganda next February, 2013.  The purpose would be to see the Bereen pastors & their Orphan Ministry in Congo,....and, to go to Kampala, Uganda to help out again at Buyamba God Cares Schools, Uganda,-taking needed items again to help those kids.  My heart is touched by the orphans of war, Aids, & starvation in those two countries.   As details come together, I'll surely let you know.

     Have a blessed day, and Holidays, as well.  Check back once in awhile, as you never know when I may get the urge to blog again!-:)

Rogers/Banuamazi

"Retrospective: Journey of A Lifetime: Africa 2012"

October 9, 2012:                   "Retrospective: Journey of A Lifetime: Africa 2012"
                                                              "A Thimble Full of Hope!"

     Did you notice?   We went in fast forward to TODAY,..Oct. 9, 2012!   I'm happy to be back at home,..with several thoughts ringing in my head,.......

     God is good ALL the time!  This trip(s) was a totally a 'God-thing',...supported by many, many people I've known & loved for years,...LIKE YOU!!!  Thank you so much for your prayers, love, & support.  Not many people get to realize their 'lifelong dream' like I just did.  Thank you, God!  In addition, not many get to 'go' & minister in God's name,-on behalf of so many here at home.

     The whole thing still seems SURREAL, when I think about it!  But, it was/is REAL.  I really DID go on Mission to Uganda 2x & Congo 1x in 2012!   I really DID get to minister at the God Cares Uganda Summer Camp to 750 kids!  I really DID get to travel 'alone' thru Uganda, Rwanda, & into the Dem. Rep. of Congo, & I really DID get to travel over 200 miles by "airplanes??" & motorbike in Congo,-with my long time friends & 'protocol', Tom & Kathy Lindquist.  We really DID get to return to several places our parents had served as missionaries, way back in the day!  (I say I travelled 'alone', in quotes,-for God was with me each step of the way!).   AND, we really WERE safe the whole trip into deepest/dangerous parts of the Congo rainforest,....something that is definitely not always the case!  PTL!  Oh, we certainly faced scarey moments, sometimes scarey hours,...but, as I say, God is good all the time! 

     I/we really DID get to see places we'd lived as missionary kids,..& sleep in places/houses we lived in way back in the '50's & 60's.  We really DID get to hang out with men & women,-now in their 90's,-who worked with our parents for many years!   We also got to meet,-some for the first time,- the kids, grandkids, & greatgrandkids of the same people!  We also really DID get to present a Biblical Leadership Seminar to 35-40 African pastors.  What a thrill,...is all I can say!

     Thruout the trip I was taken back in time to when I lived there from 1950-1960.  Then, as now, the local people really need someone to hold out to them a "thimble full of hope".  Their lives are very difficult, dangerous, & the unexpected is the norm,-not the exception.  Many, many times the local Africans have fled into the forest to escape with their lives from the tortures of rebels, who come through periodically.   (I'm keeping this in generalities on purpose!).  Through it all they continue to serve the Lord, & continue the work begun by the original 5 missionaries in 1938!  What an example of commitment!  Some have fled the pillaging & plundering 3x already just in 2012!  One pastor & his family have fled 45 times in the past 40 years!  

     I want to share one very personal thing I enjoyed on the trip to Station Katanti, Congo.  There is a stand of guava trees behind 'my house' which we planted in the '50's.  Those trees still bear the scars of many of us as teenagers,-who carved into the bark a heart with the initials of boyfriend/girlfriend,-as kids all over the world will do.  I awoke the first morning in 'my house' with a "God-thought" in my mind.  Getting up early & alone, I went to that grove of trees & carved into the bark a heart.  The heart contained the initials(RG+CG),..for
Roger Green + Carol Green.  This special moment was given to me in memory of my wife Carol, who is with her Lord, in Heaven.   You may remember it was Carol who encouraged me to return to Africa,..in her final days here on Earth.  And, I can ASSURE you she was watching & loving every minute of my trip,....from her Heavenly vantage point!!  PTL.

Guava tree in Congo, where I carved a heart in the bark,-

saying (RG+CG),..which will be there forever!

     Since returning to Texas in early September, I've had many, many opportunities to show my pictures & speak to many groups across the USA, from CA to MO,...from TX to CO, from NE to IL, & more.  Facebook, Twitter & the technology of the Blog have enabled me to reach out to many more than I could ever do alone.   Each time it is a blessing to do so.  Many have asked "so, when's your next trip?",..or, "would you go back to live there fulltime?", or "are you done with Africa?"  First, I would go back, so I'm not done with Africa!  As difficult as it is, I'm looking ahead to 2013 already with the prayer I may be used again in Africa.  Living there full time is really way, way 'out there'.  As you've seen in this Blog, it is extremely difficult to maintain any kind of safe, even close to 'normal' lifestyle in Congo.  And, it may not be the best way to help the people in that country,..for many reasons too numerous to discuss.  By the way, I have not felt a call to "Full Time Service in Congo", either.  What I HAVE felt is a connection to the Congo & Uganda that I want to continue to develop, especially in the area of caring for millions of orphaned children in Africa.   As God leads, He will show me how best to minister, serve, & help the African people. 

     In addition, I have felt a connection to short-term missions anywhere God would take me.  So, the skies the limit!!,....I'm really just an old, retired salesman, who wants to live out his life 'giving back' to others. 

     I'm not finished writing this Blog,..so check back from time to time.  You never know when another memory will hit me that I choose to share with all of you following the Blog,...and again,  Thank You! I'd love to hear from many of you, too,.....

Rogers/Banuamazi

Today's Blog: "Let the Games Begin!",.click/Enjoy

Sept. 6, 2012: Thursday:  "Let the Games Begin!,...Heading Home From Africa"

     SOOOOO,...after a couple of 10 hour flights,-one from Rwanda thru Uganda to Amsterdam, & the other from Amsterdam to Detroit,-I was more than ready to be Home!  One little problem, I was still in Detroit, awaiting my flight to Dallas & home!!  I must have looked TERRIBLE,..because when I checked in for my Detroit-Dallas flight the agent said, "Sir, I'm going to do something REALLY NICE for you!"  With that she handed me a FREE upgrade ticket to 1st Class!   (Did I really look that BAD??).  I gratefully accepted the upgrade, with sincere thanks.....

     Boarded & headed for home in style in the 1st row of 1st Class.  I had to try & remember how to act,..as I NEVER fly 1st Class unless someone is giving it to my, free!  One wonderful thing,..I think all the others in First Class were business people, who were working on some type of presentations.  It IS great to be retired from that rat race!! Flight attendant served drinks, chicken salad sandwiches, fruit, chips, & a brownie,..all free.  LUV IT!!  I could get used to this First Class lifestyle,..however, it really isn't worth the extra bucks,..unless your company is paying for it!  All of us arrive at the same destination, right?

     We hit moderate turbulence about 20 minutes out from DFW,..not unusual in the Summer/Fall in Texas.  I was getting excited to see oldest daughter, Michelle, who was picking me up at the airport.  Landing was smooth, & as usual, took forever to reach the gate @ DFW.  Michelle was a welcome sight as I found her,-or she found me,-at Baggage Claim,.....I only had my carryon backpack, but @ DFW one meets his people @ Baggage Claim anyway.    Onward,....now REALLY heading home,...grateful that Michelle's kidney stone,-suffered while I was away,-had been taken care of......

     By the time I got home it was early evening,..so I just unpacked my backpack,..drank some juice & ate a quick bite,..then, went to bed for a L O  N G rest.  Didn't get up til "Noon-thirty" the next morn.   Then, I stood in my warm wonderful shower for an hour,-after having only spit baths for some 25 days!! 

     Stay tuned,....tomorrow's blog post will be a retrospective on the whole trip,....

Rogers/Banuamazi

FLY DAY II: Amsterdam to Detroit, USA........

     Sept. 6, 2012:                     "FLY DAY II.  Amsterdam to Detroit, USA!"


     After the L O  N G KLM flight from Entebbe to Amsterdam,....I was tired,..but only 1/2 way home!  Had to keep on truckin'!.....Boarded an Airbus A-330, one of favorite long-haul planes, for the trip to Detroit.  It started to feel a little like home,..-since this plane actually was a Delta plane.  KLM & Delta are code share partners.  Flight was FULL, & my seatmate was an African lady,...I think she was Islamic & from Somalia.  The flight dragged on & on for about 9 hours.

     My International Phone battery was down again,..so I charged it a little in Amsterdam terminal,..using my battery operated Chinese cell phone charger 'thingy',... & I.hoped to continue on the plane,..but once I got settled, I couldn't find my the charger thing. BUMMER!   And, neither KLM nor Delta offered electrical outlets on these 2 flights,....altho' many International flights I've been on do offer electrical outlets. 

     Breakfast was served onboard,..for the second time that day:  fruit, french toast, cheese, crackers, yogurt & coffee.  Listened to onboard music, -Alan Jackson's 34 #1 Hits!......tried to sleep, but didn't do much good at that.  I maybe got an hour here & there,....Delta served an afternoon snack of orange juice, water, pretzels, & peanuts.  Yep,..we must be back with an American airline,.....the flight felt like it would NEVER end.  Filled out US Customs forms for re-entry @ Detroit.

     About 10 minutes out from Detroit's airport,-on final approach,- we hit HEAVY TURBULENCE,...in fact, one of the flight attendants fell down in the aisle!    Finally, we made a smooth landing with no problems PTL.

     I walked 'a million miles' to Customs in the bottom of the airport.  Following that walk,..was another
L O N G walk to US Immigration.  The Customs/Immigration folks questioned me more than they usually do for returning US residents,-due to the fact that I had been gone a month, & didn't have anything but a packpack,-no checked luggage.  Finally, they believed me,.. that I had been on two Mission trips, & had given away most of my things to the Africans I'd gone to help,.....Somewhere along the Immigration/Customs line I met a young woman who had been in Africa on business for the US consul.  Shared a few experiences,.....

     Headed thru Detroit's nice new terminal to await my flight to Dallas/Ft.Worth Int'l,....and HOME!!

     Stay tuned,..there's still more fun ahead,.....!!!
Rogers/Banuamazi

"FLY DAY,...With a 'Toilet Tsunami' en Route!!"....."

Sept. 5, 2012: Wednesday: "Going Home to Texas, by way of Rwanda, Uganda, Amsterdam, Detroit, to DFW"

     Awoke pretty excited,..with a mix of nostalgia & sadness that I was leaving the Congo!  Tom & I would have to leave the apt. for the Congo border with Rwanda at about Noon.   My series of flights to Texas would  take the better part of 24 hours,...& lose a day on the way. 

     BTW, the power came on in Bukavu from 10pm-6am!  YAY!!  Charged up 'devices',..and the apt. battery power system.  Four Balega came to see me & wish me safe travels.  Afterwards, we ate a lunch of instant potatoes, bananas, meatballs & gravy, Grenadine drink, & pineapple.  YUMMY. 

     I forgot to say that yesterday Kathy & I went to a store downtown & I was able to buy 2 African shirts to take home with me.  We also went to a religious store to buy some souvenirs........

     Tom & I left his apt. by taxi around 12:30pm,..to go to Congo Immigration @ the border. Tom helped with Customs & Immigration, first on the Congo side, then, on the Rwanda side.  Again, I cannot TELL you how important it is to have a "protocol",-someone like Tom,-who knows the ropes and can smooth out the red tape!  Thank you Tom!!!!  Rwanda Customs wanted to look thru my backpack, so while that took place Tom got a taxi for me to use to go the 8km to Rwanda's Kamembe Airport,-my point of departure.  The taxi ride was about $5.50US-6,000 francs Rwandan money-,..driven by a man who knew passable English.  When I got to Kamembe, I had to wait until 1:30pm,-sitting outside on the steps of the "building",- for the Security & check in to open.  Here in Africa, one cannot enter those areas at all until 2 hours before flight time. 

     My Rwandair 3:30pm flight to Kigali, Rwanda, arrived at about 3:25pm. Oh,.we would be late leaving,...
T I A !!!.  There were 28 passengers on a 37 seat Dash 8,..mostly Africans.  In fact, this time there were only 4 of us Caucasians.  We finally took off about 4pm,..-30 min. late.  Flight to Kigali, Rwanda was uneventful, but very rough.  At Kigali International Airport,.-in the capital of Rwanda,-I had about a 3.5 hr wait.  At the 2 hour advance checkin & security rule,..I gained access to my gate for KLM's flight to Entebbe, Uganda, & on to Amsterdam. 

     In Kigali, 2 interesting things happened:  1). My newly acquired Delta/KLM Medallion Frequent Flyer status got me access into the Elite Pearl Lounge for free food, drinks, rest & free WiFi.  A man came to announce each flight, so no one misses theirs!!   2).  As I used the restroom downstairs,  something CRAZY happened.  When I flushed the toilet flush button stuck somehow,..and water began to overflow out onto the floor!!!!  YIKES,.....I had to high tail it outta there, before I was 'washed' away by the toilet Tsunami'!!!!!!!  UGH.   Anyway, I got out with a sigh of relief!   From Kigali Airport I was able to get my International Phone going again,..& texted the kids in the States.  My youngest granddaughter, Reese, texted me 'good nite!' How nice!!   Michelle texted that she would meet me the next day at DFW, USA!   How nice again!!   This was the first my kids knew for sure that I was then out of the Congo,....after all those days!! 

     As I boarded KLM, I met my seatmate, a really nice middle aged man from Cologne.  This gentleman, Mr. Jorg Weyer, is a Catholic who owns a  hospital equipment company for caring for premature babies. He had just been to the far corner near Rwanda/Congo border installing incubators!!   At that particular hospital there is only electricity 4 hours a day & the water supply is 'sketchy',too,.......so his job was longer than he expected,.....Mr. Weyer was very interested in my work with orphans in Uganda & Congo,..& we enjoyed a great sharing time. 

     Our flight attendant for the 35 min. flight to Entebbe, Uganda, stayed seated most of the time so we got to chat with her.  She is a veteran with KLM, very nice lady, with two kids @ home,....& works 'part-time'.  She can name her flights & destinations pretty much after 15 years!  She goes to places like Amsterdam, Uganda, Rwanda, Accra, Dubai, Shanghai, Narita Japan,...and, only flies International routes.

     At Entebbe, we had a 1 hr. layover, which we stayed on the plane.  A whole new crew came on for the flight to Amsterdam,..scheduled for 10 hours,....Both Mr. Weyer, my seatmate, & I tried to sleep during the long trip,..but only got maybe 3 hrs. at best.  KLM feeds you what seems like "all the time",..at least every 2 hours!   Our 'dinner' was served @ 11pm!   Amsterdam was overcast,-not unusual,-when we arrived.  I said goodbye to Mr. Weyer, & went to await my next flight,..from AMS to Detroit,.....

     But,..I'm getting ahead of myself,.....that story is for tomorrow's blog,......Stay tuned,...
Rogers/Banuamazi