tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-155965402024-02-28T09:54:51.501-07:00TBC Refugee AdoptionThese are our experiences of adopting a Bhutanese refugee family from Nepal.Mike Darushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669617343235073078noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15596540.post-17636545302227825912011-01-22T22:50:00.001-07:002011-01-22T22:50:19.156-07:00News testChontent<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5</div>Mike Darushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669617343235073078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15596540.post-12891981131150577072011-01-22T12:16:00.001-07:002011-01-22T12:16:45.240-07:00TestTest<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5</div>Mike Darushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669617343235073078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15596540.post-73474519367665700742009-09-11T10:40:00.000-07:002009-09-11T10:41:12.223-07:00I just discovered that AMC... <a title="http://www.amctheatres.com/" href="http://www.amctheatres.com/">www.amctheatres.com</a> showcases movies from India from time to time. A new one is coming out on 9/18 "Dil Bole Hadippa". Times & Locations are not available yet. Movies before Noon are $5. It would an experience for most of our friends. Next week the description of the movie should be out. From the poster it looks like a comedy. I have to ask "D Daddy Das" for the translation.<br /><br />The Gospel through 2 Coke cans, a calendar, PBS and Dr. Phil: <br />I spent 4 hrs w/the Das family yesterday. Took them to the clinic and then hung out with them while I waited for 1-17 traffic to disappear. They taught me to make another form of roti, which is like a tortilla. That was too funny. Mr. Das's("D Daddy Das" ) roti was perfect, mine looked more like a deformed frisbee! This Julia Child cooking class gave us time just to bond and chat in which Mr. Das shared his heart and concerns. I admire him for thinking of ways to at least look for new jobs. 2 months ago I would bring him my Sunday's classified ads, for him to look for better jobs. He "didn't have time to read" then, but that's when he was working 5 days and Kumar was working 5 days .... money was good. Yesterday, he asked if "I would bring back paper to him". Last Sunday, I shared Jeremiah 29:11 with him. Yesterday, Mr Das talked about moving back to Nepal by saving up a lots of money to move back. Then he talked of Texas..yes Texas. They hear where other families have moved there and found jobs. After listening to him yesterday, I had him write that scripture on a piece of paper and asked Mr Das to start memorizing it and substituting his name or "the Das family" when ever "you" is mentioned in the verse. We wrote it out yesterday so he could tape it on the bathroom mirror. We also read Matthew 6:25 "Do not worry passage" and we read the 23rd Psalms. He's worried...so that's how we got to Jeremiah and Matthew. He, like so many of us is looking at the storm and leaning on his own understanding . I shared the story of Moses and how God made a way by parting the sea. Mr. Das knew that story, but we talked about how Moses didn't know that the sea would open up for him. I then asked Mr Das if he knew when the way would open up for him, and he said "why of course not"... you silly lady (my interpretation), then I told him to keep praying until it does! I took 2 Coke cans that were on the table, one was Egypt, where the people of God where slaves to bad people, and the other one was "A better place". I shared how the people wanted to go back to Egypt because it was familiar and easier to go back to what they knew. And then I tied in the story of how they followed God, through Moses and made it safe to the other side of the sea...then we reread Jeremiah 29: 11 again. <br /><br />Then we watched TV and Tulasa started singing the "We are family" chorus, because we all were sitting together and I wasn't running off in a hurry to get home for my next task at hand. I left them watching Dr Phil, which had a family who was going through financial hardship during tough economic times. How stress was killing the family and the husband was making wrong choices, like taking the equity out of the home to gamble to make more money....which he lost.<br /><br /> While watching TV, I noticed a 2009 India calendar from the temple on 28th Ave & Maryland. I read about each of the "gods" that was highlighted for each month. I asked what they thought about each of them. I gingerly noted that they were made by man and were abnormally made. I asked if they thought that the God in heaven made them. Tulasa didn't believe in them, Mr Das was sitting on the fence. Mrs Das honestly answered "no" when I asked her if she thought they truly had the power to do what each of them were said to have. We talked about reincarnation and how some Americans believe that too, but with Christianity there was none. I asked him why would anyone want to came back to a bad place again. We talked about spiritual forces that do operate in the world that we can not see, that there were good and bad spirits. I reinforced Sunday's sermon about God being the Creator of the heavens and the earth. The half hour before Dr Phil's show, I have surfed the stations and we ended up on Channel 8 (PBS) that just happened to have a documentary on the universe and the galaxy... I used that to tell them that is what our God created. There mouths dropped and then I gently said that stone figures of half elephant/half woman, with 6 arms didn't make the universe...which lead me to talk about how an fallen angel was given power over the earth. It was a blessing, when I left there prayed for seeds to stay planted in their minds and heart.<br /><br />IrisMike Darushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669617343235073078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15596540.post-60683389345562911532009-09-03T13:14:00.000-07:002009-09-03T13:15:22.380-07:00Thank you for your prayers. Kamala had the phone interview on Tuesday morning, but the manager did not call back to schedule an in-person interview. He was a very nice man. I think perhaps he was hesitant because of the language barrier. It’s a huge roadblock to securing a job. We MUST keep praying and keep eyes & ears open – the issue is SO critical, as we all know.<br />Thanks.<br />Carol L <br /><br />From: Carol<br />'Subject: possible job for Kamala Acharya<br /><br />Hi all,<br />I got a call just a moment ago about Kamala’s application for a job at the new Drury Inn – opening in September at Pinnacle Peak and I-17. I’m going to go & pick her up tomorrow morning and we will call the man (general manager) back – he wants a phone interview to determine if he wants to bring her in for an in-person interview. Please PRAY. (I helped her put in this application online last Thursday.) This was a quick response and I think that’s a good sign. Your prayers are greatly appreciated!!!!<br />Blessings,<br />Carol LangleyMike Darushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669617343235073078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15596540.post-48264262181099661602009-09-03T10:04:00.000-07:002009-09-03T10:05:24.393-07:00Kumar Das was laid off from GCA on Tuesday. He might be able to be assigned to a different GCA site, but not sure. He just moved his little family into their own apartment apart from his mom, dad and three siblings. <br /><br />Dal Das, the father of the clan, is getting high pressure sales tactics from Anthem College to take a course in medical assisting for a mere $13,300, of course with the promise that he will be given loans to cover this. Dal has been very wise thus far in refusing to sign anything, but the salesman is relentless. He gave Dal the impression that it wouldn't cost him anything, but I called on his behalf to help him find the truth. His jaw dropped to the floor when we found out the cost.<br /><br />Please pray for Kumar to be reassigned quickly and to have some gumption (an old Okie word) to get another job. Please pray for Dal to continue to be wise to resist the schemes of high pressure sales. Many of our friends are being enticed by the promises of loans to pay off school, cars, etc. We need to pray for their protection, as many of them don't understand credit, interest rates and the long term commitment they are making. One of our most educated friends approached me last week wanting to buy a car using his credit card, at 16% interest! He did not understand he would have to pay the interest. In all honesty, I actually did use a credit card to have a down payment on a car when I was in college but I had no other options and understood what I was doing! <br /><br />Kudos to all of you for your service! Thank you for praying for these situations and so many others.<br />CarlaMike Darushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669617343235073078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15596540.post-33672406774015743362009-09-02T09:48:00.001-07:002009-09-03T09:48:54.482-07:00Today I took Umesh and Suman Das to the county clinic for shots. The clinic is closed on Wednesdays, much to my dismay. However, Suman was elated and relieved, and told his dad that he had prayed to Jesus to save him from the shots, and he was so happy that Jesus saved him!<br /><br />After that deadend, we went to Ranch Market, which I am positive exceeded the fire code limit for customers. I have never been in a grocery store that was as crowded as this one. The boys were so hungry so we checked out two taco stands. At the first stand, I said we wanted beef tacos. The clerk said she didn't know if the meat on the grill was beef, but her manager had said it was beef, but again, she didn't even know if it was meat. Second taco stand, inside the store, I asked what a particular bin of meat was and again the girl said she didn't know what it was. No tacos for us today!<br /><br />CarlaMike Darushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669617343235073078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15596540.post-68991625645170646672009-09-01T09:49:00.000-07:002009-09-03T09:51:42.117-07:00need some help with a problem of timing and signing kids in/out.<br /><br />Except for Adhikari kids, please make sure all kids are signed in and out by their parents. Durga Adhikari can come in place of his dad. When Rati does not come, her oldest son can sign in/out the kids. ONLY ONE PERSON NEEDS TO COME FOR EACH FAMILY. It gets very congested at the sign in/out table and very confusing since the other childrens' workers don't know who is who. <br /><br />Please, please, please release the parents to come get their kids at 11:45 or at the latest 11: 50 a.m. and then please remind them to go directly to get their kids. <br /><br />Last Sunday I gave up after waiting for 20 minutes for the parents to come. <br /><br />As of this Sunday, the other teachers will be waiting on the Bhutanese parents, so please let's respect their time as well by getting the kids out of there on time. <br /><br />Thanks!<br /><br />CarlaMike Darushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669617343235073078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15596540.post-42245771218360848352009-08-31T10:18:00.002-07:002009-08-31T10:29:35.170-07:00This has been a big week. <br /><br />Carol Brady created a great display for the prayer focus. She reminded us to pray for the protection of our Bhutanese friends from people who would take advantage of them.<br /><br />I delivered furniture for some new arrivals at Los Compadres apartments. Tika helped identified who needed the couch and recliner.<br /><br />I was invited to the Neopany's. They were celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Grandfather's death. The sons shaved their heads except for a little whisp of a pony tail. They showed me a video of Nepal. There some some scenes of the camp as they got ready for an outing. They took a bus to a tea plantation. As they walked through the plantation, they found strawberries (?) on a strawberry tree(?). Also they found caramon (sp?). It is a pod with seeds in it that taste something like spearmint. It is available here. They gave me one to try. It's a great after-dinner mint.<br /><br />The youth kickoff was lots of fun for 40 of the Bhutanese youth. There was about the same number of American youth. There was a 30 foot inflateable water slide, an inflatable boxing ring, and an inflatable bungee/joust. Inside, there was an mechanical bull. The Bhutanese youth participated in everything. There were ready to go home by 4:00 even thought the event went until 5:30. Transportation took almost two hours. Some waited in the heat for a ride.<br /><br />At the prayer service, Carla, Iris, and I led in prayer.Mike Darushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669617343235073078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15596540.post-54895130032772880222009-08-25T10:10:00.000-07:002009-08-31T10:12:10.298-07:00The question has come up before about the government's timing in bringing refugees to the US in the midst of an ecomomic calamity. I think it's a good question and as Christians in America, we can have a good response. I have very limited knowledge of our country's immigration policy, but I have learned a few things:<br />1) Only 1% of those in the world who live in refugee camps, who number in the millions, have the opportunity to take part in "third country resettlement" (they left their own country, are in a camp in a second country, and we are their third country). ONE PERCENT. <br />2) The wheels of progress moving someone like Tika Acharya from Nepal to Phoenix have been turning for years. The resettlement efforts started well before American greed poked a giant hole in the world economy. <br />3) It is our both our heritage as Americans who for the most part come from immigrant families (the exception being Native Americans) and our legacy that we build for our own children to believe that we are a welcoming nation. The Statue of Liberty is for all of us, including newly arriving refugees and other immigrants. <br />4) Federal policy exists, which also was established well before the recession, that dictates how many immigrants from how many countries are welcomed into the US each year. Refugees are not immigrants, as refugees have no choice and their very lives are at risk. <br />5) The most important reason we can hold as part of our Christian world view is that our God is beyond politics, economics and boundaries of nations. God is not part of American protectionism, Bhutanese "one country, one people" policy, or any other man-centered policy. God acts to bring people where He wants them, when He wants, by whatever means He wants to use. God does not seek permission from Arizona politicians, US congressmen, or from us. If we can hold a Christian world view over and above an American world view, then that allows us to rejoice that God has designed it that we only have to drive a few miles to have the privilege of being missionaries and we don't have to raise support, or leave our homes and families. Most importantly, people are hearing the Gospel of Truth and Liberty and Light, and are being called out of bondage and darkness. I don't claim to know God's purposes or His mind, but scripture reveals that God moves as God desires, and we get the privilege of being a part of His far reaching love for people. <br /><br />Acts 17:24-27 NIV<br />24"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. 25And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. 26From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. 27God did this so that <a rel="nofollow" name="OLE_LINK1">men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him</a>, though he is not far from each one of us."<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I can see God's hand in our work at TBC, and see that eternity is being impacted here. It's a privilege to see it happening in all of you and your relationships and efforts with our Bhutanese friends. Thanks for being faithful.<br /><br />CarlaMike Darushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669617343235073078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15596540.post-8215102923369559322009-08-21T09:49:00.001-07:002009-08-21T09:50:55.931-07:00Tika Neopaney now lives in B2 at Thomas. She has a cleaning job now. Her parents and brothers live there with her, having arrived August 11. Her brothers should both attend Central High School.<br /><br />Pratap Rai got a job at Goodwill. <br /><br />Champa Rai discovered the incredible bureaucracy of the MVD, when a clerk lost her I-94, security card AND state ID. Champa was so upset, as was her family. And she was scared, not having any documentation to prove her status. They refused to give her a photocopy of the photocopy that they had of the documents and told her she should be patient and they would call her if they found them. They found them, never called her, but when I took her this afternoon they returned all her documents. They had no plausible explanation of how they disappeared or where they were for 3 days. Inexcusable. Then they had the audacity to tell her to take a number in order to retake the driver's test! No way. I politely insisted that since she had already spent hours in their lobby over the last couple of days, the very least they could do would be to put her in the front of the line. People grumbled, but they did it. Unfortunately, she failed by one question! I think she was so relieved to have her documents back that it rattled her concentration. <br /><br />Champa then went with me to Thomas to finish up some school shoes deliveries, but of course every time I do that there are more kids who need shoes and socks. But we visited with Bishnu Bhattarai and her family. Her father and sister work at Ranch Market. Her brother worked at the airport but quit due to health reasons. They are in a real bind as they have no health insurance and their mother really needs some medical attention for some chronic problems. Any ideas? <br /><br />We visited Khanal's briefly to give Bhola some shoes, but didn't have his size. I indiscriminately handed out kid's shoes to the World Vision kids who hang out in the parking lot. They provided a good lesson for some of "our" kids who have shoes but want more shoes, since these kids were running around in tatters. It seemed to finally sink in for Homa Khanal, who constantly begs me for shoes, when she has perfectly great shoes. I thought I saw a little light go on over her head, but we'll have to wait and see.<br /><br />I'm assuming Tika and her family will want a ride from Thomas to church. Just a thought.....all the Central High students could ride the bus since they all have free bus cards. That would alleviate quite a bit of the crunch. <br /><br />CarlaMike Darushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669617343235073078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15596540.post-35696116883346418672009-08-05T09:43:00.000-07:002009-08-05T09:44:18.352-07:00) Sadikshya Nepal (age 22 months) took a swim today, unsupervised, and was rescued by Narayan (?), fully clothed, who went in after her. Thankfully, she's fine.<br /><br />2) Champa Rai went to the ER with a racing heart beat, and is now wearing around a heart monitor. she was supposed to be resting today, but when I as there, there were at least 5 children in her care plus several adults in the house. <br /><br />3) Yes, lost "soles"....four of our friends went job seeking, and ended up very lost with hot feet and no sense of direction, until they got off the bus at 35th and Peoria, and looked across the street to Trinity. But still they didn't know how to get home from there or more importantly, to the hotel they were trying to locate. I was returning Tara, Tika and Kamala home after visiting Cholla Middle School and we spotted them at the bus stop. So I dropped them off at the hotel, then came back for them after taking Tika to work, and after retrieving his bike for him.<br /><br />4) That leads to the patient supevisor. Tika's supervisor came out of the building as I was locking up his bike for him, and I told him how much we appreciated him being a good supervisor for Tika. He said he was so sorry about Kamala, but that someone needs to explain to them that he, as the supervisor, has nothing to so with the decision. He said that on Sunday, Tika and family called him 20-30 times, asking for explanation. Wow. Some supervisors could consider that harrassment, and fire Tika. So, despite me telling Tika at least twice not to call Francis, someone else (MIKE?? EMERY??) needs to explain to Tika and family how inappropriate this was. <br /><br />TBC folks outfitted over 40 kids with a variety of school supplies, shoes, backpacks and socks. WAY TO GO!!!<br /><br />CarlaMike Darushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669617343235073078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15596540.post-71438427645801319002009-08-03T12:47:00.000-07:002009-08-06T12:48:02.321-07:00Whew...just got home from a day of delivering school supplies and back packs. Everyone was very excited to receive and everyone expressed gratitude. Kids being kids, it was hard for some to accept that everyone received different things, different amounts, etc. Just like my sisters and I when we were young! A few kids and teens have back packs/supplies "in the pipeline" , will likely be turned back in next Sunday from whomever was generous to take their name tag. So if there are any questions, feel free to check with me and I'll let you know if it's coming, or if possibly I missed a student. I did get some requests, from TBC attendees, for students not associated with TBC, so had to explain that if I have things left, I'll try but no promises. I had no success resisting the four year old Bhurmese girl in the parking lot at Thomas. She could have been in an ad for Worldvision or Christian Children's Fund. <br /><br />Two funny stories:<br />1. I took Mondip Sanyashi for vaccinations on Friday. He handled it like a champ, but didn't want to move his arms. As we exited the building he came to the door, which opened with a push bar. So I told him to push the bar with his hands. He studied it a quick second, then bent over and pushed it with the top of his head, keeping his arms still perfectly straight. Hilarious!<br /><br />2. This one is on me: after the Food Value Club yesterday there was a half a ton of pears left and some bread, so we loaded it up with some bonus boxes and I delivered to various familes. It was so hot by 11:30 am but I didnt' want these pears cooking in my van so I was determined to get rid of everything. I saw Nishan Yogi's mom, who is deaf and has cerebral palsy, in the courtyard so thought she'd be a good candidate for the bonus box and lots of pears. I thought I did such a great job communicating if she wanted the box and then followed her a long ways to her apartment. I was so distressed about the condition of her apartment I actually had a dream about it last night. Everything was a mess, no decent furniture, all the couch cushions were missing. The kitchen was a shambles. But I found a small corner that was empty and left the box of food. I thought it was so sweet she pulled out one bag of chips and motioned that she was going to give them to Nishan, who wasn't home at the time, and off she went. Today I went back to the same apartment to deliver Nishan's school bag and supplies (and a cool cement mixer truck...he's only 4!) and found the apartment empty! Totally empty. So now I'm standing in the 111 degree heat wondering where on earth they moved and how could they have moved so fast??? As always, someone's radar was working and another Nepali came over and asked me who I was looking for. It took several minutes for me to understand.....that was NOT their apartment at all! That was Monorath's apartment and they had been in the process of moving out on Saturday!!! The Nepali man who was helping me also lives with Monorath and we had a good laugh when I explained that I had left the foodbox, and he told me he had wondered where the food had come from. He helped me to find Nishan's family and I delivered his bag of goodies, and they have a very nicely furnished apartment, by the way. Apparently some of the Sharma's live there, at least until they move to Oregon. So much for my nonverbal communication!!! <br /><br />CarlaMike Darushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669617343235073078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15596540.post-22464755343118873712009-08-02T12:49:00.000-07:002009-08-06T12:49:42.669-07:00The ultimate mis-dressed child arrived today, a boy wearing a girl's tank top (pink and yellow) with sports themed boxer shorts (alone), that went to his knees, knee high black socks, and I think soccer shoes. I gave him some pants to wear but lost track in the chaos so I hope he took them home.Mike Darushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669617343235073078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15596540.post-26699020912847497542009-07-01T16:01:00.000-07:002009-07-01T16:02:47.292-07:00To our faith Bhutanese Ministry team:<br /><br />Here is a plan in attempt to structure the need to have harmony during the 1st hour (9A-10:30A) Children's Ministry that is held downstairs in the Education Bldg. It is our goal not to have any one person repeat in any given 3 months if 12 of use would participate in the rotation so no one is deprived of 9AM Adult worship service. One way of increasing volunteers other than ourselves, is to remember if anyone asks you if we need help or is there something they can do....BINGO....tell them to see me if they could do one Sunday of 1st Hr Children Ministry "Group Monitor" A copy of this will also be given to the Bhutan volunteers and I will call Carol Brady to make her aware. <br /><br />Below are dates in which we need 1 American adult to volunteer to serve as" Group Monitor" . There will be 1 Bhutan adult volunteering along side with you. <br /><br />"Group Monitor's" responsibility: <br />1) the kids are free to go downstairs from 8:45 am on, and need to be signed in by an adult & by grade level.<br />2) Our helpers will sit among the kids, or walk among the kids, during the large group time, and give them lots of reminders to give the leader their attention, stop talking, make sure only one at a time goes to the bathroom. <br />3) Move kids who are continually disruptive so that they are not sitting by their friends. We basically just want them attending to the songs and stories, and some need a lot of verbal reminders coupled with a physical touch like a hand on the shoulder, a pat on the back, something that gently gets their attention back to the leader. <br />4) during the free play time, it is imperative that the "Group Monitor" supervise the play area and make sure kids are sharing, being kind, not putting toys in their pockets. This is an active time. <br />5) there are some down time while the kids go into small groups in which you will stay on hand to handle any disruptions or questions from the teachers.<br /><br />My commitment in this process is to:<br />1. Send out at the end of every month, the next month's schedule of volunteers, with phone # and email address<br />2. I will continue to resend an updated email (if needed) until all dates for a 3 month period is taken.<br />3. I will monitor any "rubber band" effect = (Carla &Elvren are back to doing it every week)<br />4. To pray for you the day you serve that God may be glorified, even in all the small things. We are in essence a part of the process of training up a child in the way they should go. <br /><br />Your commitment to this process is to:<br />1. When life arise and stuff happens and you need to change a date, it will be your responsibility to call another volunteer on that month's list and switch with someone. If for some reason you are not able to make a switch, then notify me.<br />2. Notify me of a switch<br /><br />Continue to be strong in the power of HIS might!<br />Iris....see below<br /><br /><br />Please respond below.....by doing the following: <br />1. You can not type in your name first then send the email.<br />2.. Reply to "ALL"<br />3. Scroll down into the body of the email and TYPE your name by the Sunday to volunteer <br />4. Send the email..... this way ALL will be able to see what dates are be taken up... as it is a 1st taken, 1st to Serve.<br /> <br />****** VOLUNTEERS NEED for the next months (JULY - SEPT 2009) ******<br />1. July 5: Iris Hedrick<br />2. July 12:<br />3. July 19:<br />4. July 26:<br />5. Aug 2:<br />6. Aug 9:<br />7. Aug 16:<br />8. Aug 23:<br />9. Aug 30:<br />10 Sept 6:<br />11. Sept 13:<br />12. Sept 20:<br />13. Sept 27:Mike Darushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669617343235073078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15596540.post-18225103307153515832009-06-23T11:54:00.001-07:002009-06-23T11:54:56.558-07:00Dear All,<br />We just wanted to share this news to you “World refugee day 2009 held at Washington DC ”. Thought you might be interested<br />Please find the link below,<br /> <a title="http://www.bhutannewsservice.com/main-news/diaspora_exile_resettlement/resettled-bhutanese-join-gutterres-to-celebrate-refugee-day/" href="http://www.bhutannewsservice.com/main-news/diaspora_exile_resettlement/resettled-bhutanese-join-gutterres-to-celebrate-refugee-day/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.bhutannewsservice.com/main-news/diaspora_exile_resettlement/resettled-bhutanese-join-gutterres-to-celebrate-refugee-day/</a><br /> <br />Thank you<br /> <br />Ganga and Khagendra BaralMike Darushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669617343235073078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15596540.post-65119068983228741692009-06-22T11:55:00.000-07:002009-06-23T11:55:42.675-07:00If you have a moment this week and are in the vicinity of church any morning, you should stop by and see the absolutely incredible VBS that is taking place. I can't imagine the hours that the team put in to making this such a great experience, from decorations to organization. Don Wilson built part of a pirate ship, mast and all!! And Carol Brady looks great as a pirate. I took six kids who had varying degrees of fun; they were a handful at times, but caught on to my rules before our day was over. some weeks ago I had heard there were only 17 kids signed up, but word must have spread because I bet there were close to 100!<br /><br />Also, I took the Ghimerey family to the annex and had to tell them over and over to take more clothes. They didn't want to take more than their share and wanted to make sure there would be enough for other families. Wow...that was refreshing! By the end, they hadn't taken enough, in my opinion, but wouldn't take more, so they were happy with what they were given. David was really happy to get the coleman water bottle and an ice tray, so he can take cold water on his job search. And they were happy to get an umbrella for their mom....<br /><br />CarlaMike Darushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669617343235073078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15596540.post-7608830735494839082009-06-22T09:13:00.000-07:002009-06-22T09:14:27.312-07:00Okay.....<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Chawan's</span> did have a coffee table, so I took the table to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ghiimerey's</span> at Thomas...and gave them a lamp. They are very discouraged about not having a job and having difficulty looking, as is par for the course. They need clothes, so I am taking them to the annex on Monday. Later in the week I am taking <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Baigai</span> family from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Willowsprings</span> to the annex. They requested plates, cups, glasses so I took a box full to them today. took a large bag of clothes to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Gurung</span> family at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Willowsprings</span> and a bag of little boy clothes to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Sanyashi</span> families at Thomas with some little girl panties and a few clothes and toys. I'd already given them girl clothes in the past, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">fyi</span>.<br /><br />So although we are not picking up at W<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">illowsprings</span>, some families are finding their way to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Camelback</span> to be picked up. not a problem for me but just so you know. <br /><br />Just <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">fyi</span>....<br />CarlaMike Darushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669617343235073078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15596540.post-52456408918380481232009-06-14T09:21:00.000-07:002009-06-22T09:21:45.566-07:00Mon Dhujana with son and daughter were not picked up at Woodbridge. <br />Gave jhana Adhikari 10 bus tickets, only 3 were used.<br />Gave Tara Nepal 10 bus tickets, only 3 were used. <br />Received another request for family at Willow Springs to come to church. <br /><br />kids in attendance: June 14<br />Preschool:<br />Nishan Jogi<br />Khem Kafley<br />Roshni Kafley<br />others?<br /><br />Elementary: We had our own class for the 11-11;45 time frame. <br />Bimal Adhikari<br />Yamuna Adhikar<br />Seema Nepal<br />Khina Adhikari<br />Homa Kanal<br />Purmila ??? came without parents, friend of ???<br />Hari Jagjai friend of Bimal Adhikari, came without parents, lives at Willow Springs<br />Vishma Chuwan<br />Bhupendra Chuwan<br />Sumitra Gurung<br />Dipendra Gurung<br />Dependra Rizal<br />Umesh Das<br />Suman Das<br />Kalpana Ghimirey<br /><br />Judy Gose and Romesh Sharma were great helpers in second hour with the class. Teachers in first hour were very pleased with how much better things were with fewer kids and Elvern and I staying. However, Nancy Van der Ark said if there are more kids, there must be one more adult.<br />On Sun, Jun 14, 2009 at 2:02 PM, <<a title="mailto:Elvernh@aol.com" href="mailto:Elvernh@aol.com" target="_blank">Elvernh@aol.com</a>> wrote:<br />Attached is the roster of attendance today. <br />The N is 75 friends<br /><br />HelenMike Darushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669617343235073078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15596540.post-37198613690882769222009-06-10T12:45:00.000-07:002009-06-12T12:45:44.289-07:00Mike, Carla & Team,<br /> I did not ask you last night to include me as a mentor since we were running late and never really discussed what that meant until briefly towards the end. However, I think I have a general grasp of the “job description”.<br />Therefore, I would like to be put down as a mentor to Shekhar and Januka Pokhral even though I will be out of state from June 14 to end of July or no later that Aug 14. I also include Bhola Shiwakoti and sons Achut and Yogya (12) as well as his wife Khina and mother Bishnu (or Khina’s mother?) who are not coming to Trinity. I will occasionally be in touch with them by phone and letter over the summer and am also committed to providing 2-3 monthly bus passes for June, July and August.<br />When Januka and Shekhar came to my house for dinner a week ago last Sunday some Ghimireys (Tek, Mina, Pabi & Kalpana) and some Khanals (Soma, Gita, Bhola & Kopila) also came. Bhola (16) was especially friendly and eager to help with all the loading, unloading and putting together of the bed for Bhola’s apt. What a neat young man! I’ll want to stay connected to them as well.<br />Just as a point of information: For the past 3 Thursdays I have been at the Shiwakoti’s & Pokhrals. First, we practice English for a couple of hours. (Thanks for the books, Carla.) The largest percentage of participants are the 19-20+ young men who are job hunting. Then we run errands. We’ve been to the Goodwill career center (Thanks for that info, Carla), the library for cards, the airport for testing, to pick up a small computer desk for a neighbor, and the Bead Museum and Cerreta’s with the “girls”. Don’t know what we’ll do this Thurs, my last until August. But we’ll have fun! Hope it will be productive.<br /><br />Lynda GeamesMike Darushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669617343235073078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15596540.post-69248551552430792972009-06-09T16:14:00.000-07:002009-06-11T16:25:54.706-07:00Team Meeting Notes<br />June 9, 2009<br /><br />Where do we go from here?<br /><br /><p>We do deeper rather than wider</p><ul><li>We invest in Bhutanese Leaders</li><li>We offer a few families a financial and emotional safety net</li><li>We encourage mentoring relationships</li></ul><p>We go there more than they come "here"</p><ul><li>Fine ESL partners who are already doing it</li><li>Plan small events at the complex</li><li>Small group Bible studies</li><li>Drive our friends where they need to go</li></ul><p>We listen more</p><ul><li>Listen to the felt needs of our Bhutanese leadership team</li><li>Listen for clues to their spiritual discovery</li><li>Respond to specific needs based on their priorities</li></ul><p>We build infrastructure at Trinity</p><ul><li>Finances - be generous</li><li>Encourage and pray for our leaders</li><li>Support ministries by sending or being helpers</li><li>Pray for the new pastor</li><li>Say thank you</li></ul><p>Lean forward</p><ul><li>Think about a vision for the future</li><li>Build partnerships with other churches and organizations</li><li>Be faithful to fulfill our God-given responsibility</li><li>Live within our resources</li></ul><p>Next Steps</p><ul><li>Bhutanese Exposition - July 26</li><li>Mentoring Training TBA</li><li>Bhutanese Teacher Training - start process</li><li>Abounding Services ESL at Restoration Church - Aug 1</li></ul>Mike Darushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669617343235073078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15596540.post-53506694295045333142009-05-24T12:54:00.000-07:002009-06-23T12:55:16.776-07:00Carla,<br />When Billy doesn't want to listen, call me I will listen. I had the pleasure of having the Das family over this afternoon. They were introduced to hot wings, and Tulasa took the lefts wings home...she's hooked now. Mrs Das is diabetic, which I was not aware of, so she couldn't join in on their 1ft Strawberry shortcake w/whipcream. It was the whipcream that blew them away. I didn't shake can first, then I shook it, and everyone one in the family (8) shook it, the you should have seen the look on their faces when I piled it up high!!<br /><br />Mr & Mrs Das and I had a class on coupons. I showed how the Frys flyer works and how to reduce the cost w/coupon. Mr Das learned to turn the chicken on the grill. The Mrs Das, Kalpana, Kamala and Tulasa learned and saw the miracle of a dishwasher. Mrs Das was stun to see that the draw of dishes went in dirty and came out clean... "Where did it go?" she asked...<br /><br />We had a great table discussion, about their transition from having their own seperate home to the camp. The kids watched Lion King. and Umesh had a birthday on the 16th, so we put 10 candles on the shortcake loaf before I cut it up for dessert. and sang happy birthday.<br /><br />It was a great afternoon.<br /><br />IrisMike Darushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669617343235073078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15596540.post-58598047486404799132009-05-19T15:41:00.000-07:002009-06-23T15:42:07.025-07:00I made several stops at the Pines after work today. My first stop was with Champa Rai. I learned that she had not returned the call to Melanie Smith her Workforce Counselor at 7th Stt and Mountain View back. I encouraged her that is her #1 task. <br /><br />Next I went to the Das home and discussed Summer School for the boys with Dal and Kalpana. They thought that they may have received a paper in Suman's school bag but they lost it so the boys will not be going to summer school at Simpson. We discussed the 100 reasons why it was important. I told them I would go to Simpson on Wednesday after work and pick up multiple copies and we will discuss ELL Summer School during Sunday's class at the NNEX. I have a parallel pursuit with the AZELLA Division at the Arizona Department of Education about the under-served students at Simpson. Simpson will be monitored and investigated. <br /><br />And last I went to the Basnet home. This was my first time in their home. If you recall the Basnets were one of the first families to arrive in Phx. Mr. Basnet has worked at Ranch Market for five months and actually had Sunday off from work so he was at Church for the first time on Sunday morning. They are the lucky parents of 4 wonderful teenage girls. Someone drove Mr. Basnet to Tucson today to attend the funeral of a grandfather (??). I went there to prep Chandrika Basnet and Dahn & Nandu Battarrai for their appoint with the Phoenix Workforce Connection Program for 16-24 year olds. At this point in time we have 3/32 students selected for interviews. They actually have a list of about 6 items to bring to the interview so we needed to discuss and make several phone calls about what document they should us for the birth certificate. They will use the I-94 card and the Permission to work in USA card. My biggest challenge was getting them to make the necessary phone calls. They have a great deal of fear and excitement about this new experience. Phx Summer Youth Employment is still making calls so let's continue to pray that a few more Bhutenese students have this opportunity.. <br /><br />I learned a lot about teaching our friends to fish this afternoon. Teaching them how to fish takes a long time. I had assumed that Champa would make the return call- she lost the phone number and was embarrassed to ask me for it. One can assume that all Bhutenese parents would be signing their children up for summer school - I was wrong. I assumed that the lucky teens who were contacted by Phx Summer Youth Employment had followed the directions and returned calls - they need a lot of encouragement to make those call. I only wish that we could have a mentor for each family. <br />HelenMike Darushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669617343235073078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15596540.post-81487822149313712402009-05-18T14:12:00.003-07:002009-05-20T14:27:58.901-07:00Some Great Questions from Lynda:<br /><p>Hi Carla,<br />I have questions about what it is okay for me to do individually, and where I need to follow certain procedures.<br />1)–I assume that any donations should go through you (ie Trinity).<br />For example, I know that Januka and her husband have a tv but not dvd player. I assume it shouldn’t just buy them a dvd player.<br />We have a certain $ donation we want to make, especially since we will be gone for 2 ½ months this summer. Do I make out a check to Trinity re: Bhutanese, or do I just give you or Mike or someone cash?<br />At what, if any, point could donations and/or gifts be given directly to the Bhutanese. For example, Januka gave me a necklace from Nepal. I am a beader and plan to give her a necklace that I made, esp. since she’s NOT SINGLE! So, I’m assuming those kinds of gifts are okay.<br />. <em><span style="color:#6633ff;">Well, I wish we had procedures, and we need procedures, but we're not there as yet. Most the team at various times have felt okay about buying an item or items for a family here and there. So you feel the freedom to do as the Lord leads, but just be aware that lots of requests will probably follow and it's also okay to say no. If you'd like them to have a dvd player but don't want that dynamic to come into play, I could deliver it since I deliver lots of the donations, and they won't have to know it's from you. Savers and Goodwill have dvd players sometimes. I think the beading gift would be really sweet and would be a great friendship gift directly from you. RE: giving, send it to the church and put on the memo line that it's for the refugee ministry.<br /></span></em><br />2)I would like to make a commitment to Januka’s family, but I won’t be much help after June 10 until mid August. Are you formally or informally matching people up?<br /><br />Until I leave, these are the things I assume I can do:<br />Take Januka and others grocery shopping, visit her home and answer questions about appliances, etc, work on English, invite the family to my home, take them on other outings.<br /><span style="color:#6633ff;"><em>That would be fantastic! We have seen God working out the connections as natural friendships arise, and it's a real encouragement to me personally when that happens! So you have the freedom to do as much or as little as your schedule allows, and then when you get back, God willing, we'll all be here and glad to see you। I bet they would get a big kick out of getting mail or postcards from you while you are away.</em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:+0;"><span style="font-size:+0;">३3</span></span><span style="color:#6633ff;"><em>) </em></span>I have no real feel at all on how to help people find jobs!<br /><span style="color:#6633ff;"><em>this is a tough area for sure. Shekkar might ask you to take him to GCA which is a cleaning company with its main office in Mesa. Lots of our friends work for them especially at the airport. He failed the english screening test but can take it again. GCA also has sites around the city which do not require passing the test. Those who are persistent tend to get jobs, though not always full time. GCA can take a few hours if he gets hired. Helen looks through the want ads. You could take them to a Goodwill service center and teach them to look for work themselves using the Goodwill resources. Also, I suggest taking them to the library to get a library card. Burton Barr branch has lots of ELL/ESL dvd programs they can check out. I have some ELL work books if you want to use any of them. </em></span><br />४)4Feel free to pass this on to someone else on your team if it is appropriate.<br /><em><span style="color:#6633ff;">I will, because this encourages all of us to know that others are catching the vision and see a need and are ready and willing to step in!! I struggle every week with feeling like there's too much to do, and have to keep reminding myself it's not up to me in the first place! So .....God bless you for joining in the journey!!<br /></span></em>Thx,<br />Lynda </p>Mike Darushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669617343235073078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15596540.post-29210100973195024392009-05-18T13:36:00.000-07:002009-05-18T13:37:38.262-07:00Just as a reminder, our Bhutanese friends seem to get enough kitchen supplies like glasses, plates, etc when they arrive and we have lots of sets that have already been donated sitting in my garage and the annex. Cooking pots in good condition do seem to be needed sporadically. We no longer provide rice cookers, since they need to learn that rice can be cooked on the stove top. They can request rice cookers from their respective agencies, as it is an expectation of their resettlement via the UN agreement. Mike did a brief lesson on this last week but maybe we need to ask them to teach their neighbors. Most homes I visit that don't have a rice cooker still use pressure cookers, which seem to make the whole house steamy hot. (Tika's house was 90 degrees and steamy again Saturday night, though the a/c was running when I checked).<br /><br />So bottom line, if anyone asks how to help, IMHO we need to focus on hygiene, as this will severely impede their assimilation and job search if it's not up to standard, and the kids will suffer at school if they are dirty. <br /><br />We have about exhausted our store of children's clothes for the under 10 year old crowd (which means sizes up to 8), and definitely the under 5 crowd, boys and girls. <br /><br />We need underwear in missy/juniors/small; and mens underwear in boys medium/large and men's small, medium. <br /><br />There are now several LARGE bags of donations and several large boxes of donations waiting to be sorted. Carol, perhaps Kamala A. and Kalpana and her daughter/daughter in law would like to help? <br /><br />I am working on a system ......I got myself in a jam by taking notes on one family, then got surrounded by many more wanting more. Yesterday the new idea that circulated like wild fire was locking metal boxes for their documents. I wondered if this was because of the fear of the fires (the camps often had huge very destructive fires and folks lost their documents as a result) or just an idea someone had and everyone else liked? We want to be fair, above all, and not overlook people like the quiet Chuwans when other people are more vocal and assertive to get what they want or need. <br /><br />I realize this is old news to some, but we have new team members (yea!).<br /><br />Blessings,<br />CarlaMike Darushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669617343235073078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15596540.post-17300538947315603182009-05-18T11:57:00.000-07:002009-05-18T11:59:32.735-07:00Thank you Stan for being available. Now our goal is to have each apt complex "car" captain call you when he and the last pick up is done, instead of calling Carla. You will then in turn call Carla when all complexes are complete, so she can STOP wondering if every one got picked up. I have already instructed Tara at the "Pines" and he has your cell # in his cell. All other drivers should have Stan's cell as their contact person to see where they are needed best. This should be one less item off of Carla, Helen & Elvern's plate.<br /><br />I'm not sure what happened with the bus transportation today. Kamala & Kumar Das and at least onw group didn't get to Annex until 9:15A and a 3rd group arrived at 9:45A. I think Kamala Das said that one of the buses was late. Not sure what happened with the 9:45A group, nor which complex they came from. Stan it would be most helpful that you work with the Nepali transportation "bus" captain, the one that is designated to go on the bus, that they leave in one group and return in one group as much a possible. <br /><br />Carla did a G R E A T job in explaining safety, 911 today....her flash card system was extremely helpful, she may not be an artist, but she got the message across very effectively. <br /><br /> Since this was my 1st visit in the annex class, I could see structure is (or has already been) starting to form. Anne and the Nepali women had the snack table set up and organized. Champa & Purna were on the job, by being at the snack table to help and assist. <br />The table for attendance and name tag was very helpful. Helen, that was the best idea for the day. To see the names was so helpful for so many of us that don't see the our friends on a regular basis like you and Carla. Awesome!!! Carol Brady and I kept a presence near the clothing distribution and never left it unattended, even when I was the only one in the Annex for 20 minutes, while Carla left to do the volunteer table, and Carol B hadn't come in from 1st hr worship. It is in the walking to the bathroom, or waiting in line for it that gets wandering eyes on the clothes. Carla helped with any distribution at the end of 2nd hr, which was working just great as they stood in line. <br /><br />I left for my 2nd hr and missed Zach's worship and Barbara's teaching. How did that go? <br /><br />I was truly blessed by a wonderful sight today. I had to go looking for Champa in 1st hr service, (not know she was in the nursery!) for her to return to the annex to interpret for Carla. The choir was singing, I sat own to scope the crowd. As I looked in the "normal" section of the church where our Nepali friends sit, I saw an elderly Nepali women, just gingerly clapping her hands to the music, with a sweet smile on her face. She was in a row by herself, with the exception of one American couple way at the other end. She was enjoying herself...she knew she wanted to be in that worship service instead of class. As we had discussed at our Wed night mtg, it should be their choice where to be during 1st hr, and that elder women spoke volumes to me today.<br /><br /> IrisMike Darushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06669617343235073078noreply@blogger.com0