Derek and Sarah

Please Pray

2012-01-01T21:23:00.005+07:00

We just heard that our friend, Otopina, is very sick right now. She is the wife of Daapoi (or Yusup, one of the main Bible teachers), and also Jennie's main translation helper. She is very pregnant right now, and is refusing to eat and drink. The Dao believe that when someone is sick, it is taboo to eat and drink. When the Dao get to the point where they won't eat or drink, it usually isn't long before they die.Please be in prayer for this dear friend, and sister in Christ and her family. (She also has 2 year old little boy) Pray that she and her family would remain strong in the Lord, and live without fear. Pray for Phillips, for wisdom, as they try to minister to her physically, spiritually, and emotionally during this time.

In the above photo: Otopina with her son. Her daughter, who died within the year after taking this picture, is peeking out behind her.

2 problems with 2 solutions

2011-12-30T10:50:00.004+07:00

Researching 2 things in preparation to going back to Dao.

1. Mold...all kinds of mold!
Mold can cause some serious health problems, which concerns me with our kids living in a house full of mold. But, it's the rainforest, so what can you do?

Solution: Well, this is what I found out.
3 natural ways to kill mold and mildew! (copied and pasted from this link)

Tea Tree Treasure

Nothing natural works for mold and mildew as well as this spray. I’ve used it successfully on a moldy ceiling from a leaking roof, on a musty bureau, a musty rug and a moldy shower curtain. Tea tree oil is expensive, but a little goes a very long way. Note that the smell of tea tree oil is very strong, but it will dissipate in a few days.

2 teaspoons tea tree oil

2 cups water

Combine in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on problem areas. Do not rinse. Makes about 2 cups, lasts indefinitely.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

The advantage of using grapefruit seed extract instead of tea tree oil for killing mold is that it is odorless.

20 drops grapefruit seed extract

2 cups water

Combine in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on problem areas. Do not rinse. Makes about 2 cups, lasts indefinitely.

Vinegar Spray

Straight vinegar reportedly kills 82 percent of mold. Pour some white distilled vinegar straight into a spray bottle, spray on the moldy area, and let set without rinsing if you can put up with the smell. It will dissipate in a few hours. If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, you can add essential oils for a more mellow scent.

2. How to use a mosquito net with a very active 2 year old boy, who is more likely to use the net as a swing than protection from bugs??

Solution: sew a mosquito net tent like this one:

Now, if only I knew how to sew! Which means I should probably add a 3rd thing to research...seamstresses in Ontario who can sew something from a picture and measurements of Silas' mattress....getting on that now.

Recent happenings

2011-12-09T23:34:00.003+07:00

These 2 are growing up fast!
Jump on over to the kids spot to see what they've been up to these days.

As for us, life seems to fill up with plenty to do. We are enjoying our time in Canada, but making preparations to return to Indonesia have begun. We are currently getting paperwork done for Kali, as-well as working on the visa process for myself (Sarah), Silas and Kali. Derek has a 5 year Indonesian visa, so did not need to renew his this year. What a blessing that is!

Christmas is just around the corner, so it's time for a family picture. Here it is.

She's Here!

2011-08-23T23:15:00.003+07:00

We are pleased to announce that our little girl is here!

Kali Angel
August 14, 2011
7:10pm
6lbs 12.5oz
20.5 inches

Our friend is now Home

2011-05-21T06:01:00.002+07:00

Aunt Lois passed away today. I don't have much news at this point, but she has gone to be with her Lord. I'm sure Derek's mom, Sonia (who was her best bud), was right there to welcome her into the gates of heaven. Our hearts are sad and heavy, yet rejoicing in her now eternal joy.

Update on Aunt Lois Wed May 18

2011-05-18T20:35:00.000+07:00

Wednesday, May 18 update:

"There is not much change in Lois' condition since the last report. Don Jr and David have safely arrived in Nashville. It would be good if we could pray that each family member (ie Don Sr, Debbie & Ron, Don Jr & David) may be strengthened, comforted and be at peace. Arrangements are still in-process with regard to an air flight for Lois to return to Canada. However, the family is comfortable that Lois can be safely taken to Canada.

The family is over-whelmed with and appreciates greatly the love, care & concern expressed to them by Christians all over the world. In particular, they are very much aware that Christians in Hamilton, Nashville and Northern Ireland are bringing this situation in prayer to the throne of grace.

Debbie &/or Ron will call with an update should there be anything further significant developments."

Update2

2011-05-17T21:02:00.000+07:00

This morning's email:

"Lois's condition is described as "deteriorating."
They are trying to arrange flying her back to Canada."

Update

2011-05-17T19:41:00.001+07:00

This is the latest email update we received concerning Aunt Lois:

"The family are camped out at the hospital. An MRI was done today but the family have not been advised of the results. The situation is very serious but the family are still hoping for a miraculous recovery. They have been able to establish limited communication with Lois (ie she is able to open/close her eyes, indicate yes or no by slight movement of her head, she has also said some simple words (example "too hot", etc). The insurance people (whoever they are) want to have Lois airlifted back to Canada as soon as possible. Don Sr is fearful, exhausted and not eating so needs our prayer also. The family feel very supported in knowing that the Lord's people are praying on their behalf; they do not take this for granted and Debbie was pleased to hear that we are planning to have a prayer meeting on Wed night specifically to bring this matter before the Lord. All the Canadian relatives have been informed and Debbie is aware that Don Jr and David (her brothers) are on their way to Nashville (via car)."

Thanks for your prayers!
Sarah

Prayer

2011-05-16T21:32:00.003+07:00

We received news today about a dear friend. She was Derek's mom's best friend, and their family close to ours over the years. "Aunt" Lois fell down a flight of stairs and broke her neck. She is currently on a ventilator to help her breathe, but unresponsive. That is the latest we've heard. Please be in prayer for her and the family. This is pretty shocking news to receive today.

We're Back and We Have Good News!

2011-04-13T09:56:00.005+07:00

It's been awhile! Sorry for the long silence.

For those of you who don't know yet, we are having another baby! We found out just before Christmas. Just after Christmas, I began having some complications with the pregnancy. We flew to town to get everything checked out, and the dr said it was a threatened miscarriage and put me on bedrest. At 16 weeks, I was given the go ahead to travel again. At that time (March 3rd), we began the long trip back to Canada. We arrived back in Canada March 7th, and are now staying with Derek's dad. We are not sure how long we will be in Canada this time. We are waiting until after the baby is born to make that decision. In the mean time, Derek will be looking for opportunities to serve the Lord here in Canada while we wait for our return to Indonesia in the coming year.

Today we found out the gender of our baby by having a little party with the immediate family. The ultrasound technician wrote the gender of the baby down and put it in an envelope. We gave the envelope to our sister-in-law, Kim, and she made cupcakes with colored frosting in the middle. At the party, we bit into the cupcake to find out if the frosting was pink or blue. Here's the video to show you what we found out!

For those of you who want to see the longer 2 minute video, here ya go!

Back In Dao

2010-12-18T05:26:00.001+07:00

Back In Dao
Originally uploaded by Derek & Sarah Grant.

> In September, we returned to Dao. Since then, Silas has learned to walk and loves to be outside with his friends. He is even beginning to speak some Dao. The latest thing he said was "epo nemomee" (hi friend). We are all enjoying being back in our jungle home, and spending time with our Dao friends.

Mom's Memorial Slideshow

2010-08-30T13:37:00.002+07:00

This is the slide show at Mom's memorial. She will be greatly missed! Click the title to bring you to the facebook page where the video was posted.

Mom is Home

2010-08-30T13:32:00.002+07:00

July 12, 2010 Sonia Hamilton Grant went home to be with the Lord. She was a beautiful wife, mother, and friend who will be greatly missed. We praise the Lord for her faithful testimony in life and in death.

We are now back in Indonesia after 2 months in Canada with family. It was good to be with family during that time and make some cherished memories. It was hard to say goodbye, especially this time, but time for life to move on.

We are going in to Dao September 1st, and look forward to seeing our Dao friends once again. We haven't had any word from them over the last 2 months and are anxious to hear how the Lord was taking care of them during our absence.

Thank you all for your prayers and support. We will be in touch as soon as we can.
Love Derek, Sarah, and Silas

Unexpected Return to Canada

2010-06-25T02:13:00.003+07:00

In May, we went to town for a break and supply run. But, before I had a chance to post about our last 4 months in Dao, we received the news that Derek's mom has pancreatic cancer. The drs have given her weeks to months, so we returned to Canada to spend time with her. We are staying with Derek's parents for now, and unsure of our plans as of yet. Just trusting the Lord to make clear to us when is the right time to go back to Indonesia. We would appreciate your prayers during this time.

Back in Dao

2010-06-25T02:03:00.003+07:00

Good to be back in Dao again. Silas loves the people and they love him!

Preparations

2010-01-29T18:45:00.004+07:00

We have spent the last couple weeks buying supplies and preparing to go back in to Dao. One way of preparing was making baby food. We can get pears here now, so I pureed a bunch of pears and froze it in individual portions. Silas loves them!

Right now, Derek is on a ship taking all our luggage and supplies to a city on the other side of Dao. (30 minutes to Dao by heli!) Silas and I will travel to the heli base on Monday and take a 2 hour heli ride into Dao. The heli will drop us off and go pick up Derek and shuttle our supplies in. There is still stuff to do, such as weigh up all our stuff and prioritize what we need in Dao right now, and what can wait until later in case it won't fit on the heli. We only have a certain amount of weight we are allowed on the heli, so things can get a bit hectic at the end trying to cut weight and decide what is more important. Thankfully there is storage where we can store whatever doesn't make it on the heli this time, and have it flown in next supply flight.

Thanks for your prayers for us! The Lord is taking good care of us. We sure miss you all, but are also looking forward to finally being back in Dao again.

Back to Indonesia

2010-01-24T21:08:00.009+07:00

We had a great time in Canada, enjoying family and friends once again. The time came to head back to Indonesia. It was a long trip, but it went well. Silas did amazing! We had a seat between us the whole way, so we could stretch out a bit. Silas slept for more than half of the trip.

Silas enjoyed my pillow for playing and sleeping :) Good thing mommy doesn't travel without her pillow!

Once we made it to Bali, we had a good couple of days to relax and get used to the new time zone. Silas loved playing in the pool with daddy!

It only took 2 nights before Silas had his days and nights in order again!

We made it to the guesthouse in Papua, where Silas discovered he could get his foot in his mouth. Good thing it was clean!

We are busy sorting through our action packers, buying supplies, making baby food, and working out all the logistics of getting back in to Dao. The planned flight to go in to Dao is Feb 2nd. Thanks for praying! We'll keep you posted as we are able.

Silas Sean is here!

2009-08-04T03:21:00.002+07:00

Go to the following link to check out Silas' own blog!

It has his birth info, and pictures of his many adventures.

Click Here

Derek is home!

2009-05-13T18:11:00.003+07:00

Just a quick update to late you all know that Derek made it in safe and sound yesterday! He is finally here with us in Canada!! All his paperwork went through last week, and he took the next available flight on Monday. It was a long trip, but no hassles with his baggage. It's SO good to have him back!

Sorry we haven't sent out any email updates recently. We still don't have our address book back together. If you haven't sent us your email and mailing information please pass it on so we can keep sending you our updates. Hopefully soon, we will be able to recover some of those lost files and be back in communication again. Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement!
Sarah, for Derek too :)

Still waiting...

2009-04-28T02:45:00.004+07:00

I, Sarah, am now back in Canada! I've been busy getting checkups and various tests done, as I'm 31 weeks pregnant now and the doctors need to catch up.

Derek is still in Indonesia, waiting on his visa. Because I couldn't wait any longer, due to my pregnancy, to return to Canada I had to forfeit my visa. This isn't a problem. I can get my visa back under Derek when we return to Indonesia next year. The delays seem to keep coming with the visa renewal process. We want Derek to get this visa quickly so he can join me and our baby in Canada, yet we trust that the Lord has a plan in this all. Please be in prayer with us about this.

Since Derek was staying in Papua, he decided he mind as well go into Dao for a few days to see how things are going. He wasn't able to get a heli flight in, so he took a small airplane to the closest airstrip and hiked 5 days to our hamlet. Along the way, he was able to visit several hamlets he had never seen before, as-well as visit with some of our friends. It sounds like all are doing well in Dao, and the teachers are continuing to faithfully teach each Sunday from the Word. We hope to have an update out soon to tell you more about this hike into Dao, but we still don't have many of your email addresses. Please send those our way!!

Thank you for your continued prayers for us and the Dao. We appreciate you all very much!
Sarah, for the Grants

We Need Your Contact Information!

2009-03-31T07:02:00.003+07:00

Due to a computer virus attack, we lost our all our emails and contacts. Could you all please send us your email and contact information to sarah_grant@ntm.org

When sending your information, please let us know if you were on our update list as-well so we can redo that list and get those updates to you.

If you know of someone who may have been in our contacts or update list, who wouldn't have access to or check this blog feel free to forward their address along too. The more help the better!

Thank you for your help! We hope to be sending out updates again soon.

Waiting

2009-03-23T07:44:00.001+07:00

For those of you who don't receive our email updates, this was the latest:

Dear Family and Friends,

Thank you for your prayers for us. We are in Sentani staying at our mission
guest home right now, waiting for our Indonesian visas to be renewed. We were
told another couple weeks, although that isn't for certain. Please pray that
everything would go smoothly and we will get our renewed visas quickly.

Sarah was able to get in to see a doctor. He even had a 4D ultrasound
machine! It was great to be able to see our little baby and find out that
everything looks good and he's doing well. Yes, I did say "he"! We found out
it's a boy! We are very excited, and can't wait to meet out little guy. Sarah
is almost 26 weeks now. Only 14 weeks left! Please pray for continued health
for both Sarah and our baby boy.

Thank you again for your continued prayers for us and the Dao. We will keep you
updated as things progress.

Derek and Sarah (and baby) Grant

A Month Back in Dao

2009-03-02T04:24:00.001+07:00

A Month Back in Dao
Originally uploaded by Derek & Sarah Grant.

After almost a month of no email, we are happy to be in communication with the "outside world" once again. We arrived back in Dao
January 23rd, after a little over a month in town getting medical care for Sarah. It seems her kidney infection has cleared up, and
she is doing her best to manage this glucose intolerance with a gestational diabetes diet.

When we arrived in Dao, we were very happy to see all our friends again and to hear that no one was too sick while we were away and
they had a great Christmas celebration.

Unfortunately, there were 2 people who were sick when we arrived who needed medical attention. One was a little 1 1/2 year old boy
named Bedoompiyaa. He seemed to have some sort of lung infection so we started him on penicillin injections. For 7 days, Derek gave
these injections to him. They were super painful (I, Sarah, know cause I had to get them for my kidney infection! They hurt!) but
this little guy hung in there and despite the pain still greets Derek every time he sees him with "Epo nemomee!" (hello my friend!)
The picture above is of Derek giving him his first injection. His mother, Wadamena, is holding him. His father, Apius, is watching.

The other friend that was sick, is named Wusimpa. He cut his leg with a machete just below the knee and it got so infected that he
was unable to walk, or even move his knee joint. Derek has been back and forth many times, to see him and treat this infection with
antibiotics. He still hasn't seen much improvement. Please pray that if it is The Lord's will, that He would heal Wusimpa's knee.
For a Dao person to not be able to hike is very difficult and significantly reduces their quality and span of life.

Thank you for your prayers for us! We are very happy to be back in Dao. Although, looking forward to our up and coming furlough in
April. We can be reached by email again, so feel free to drop us a note!

Wusimpa

2009-03-02T04:23:00.001+07:00

Wusimpa
Originally uploaded by Derek & Sarah Grant.

This is Wusimpa. You can see his right knee is quite swollen. It is pretty much stuck in that position. We are praying that it will
heal and he'll be able to hike up to see us before we fly out of Dao in March. God can do miracles!

Baby News!

2009-01-21T20:00:00.002+07:00

We've already made the announcement, but for those of you who haven't heard...We're having a baby!! Sarah is 17 weeks pregnant right now. We are planning on going back to Canada for a 9 month furlough in April.

We've started a baby blog. There won't be too many new posts over the next 2 months, as we will be in Dao. But, will be sure to update as soon as we get a chance.

To see the new baby blog go to lifeofagrantkid.blogspot.com

A Christmas Bakar Batu

2009-01-18T18:37:00.009+07:00

Just before Christmas we joined Helimission for a bakar batu Christmas celebration. A bakar batu literally means "baked rocks." This is a traditional Papuan style meal where they cover pototoes, greens, meat, etc with leaves and hot rocks.

Before the meal, we had a time of singing. Also, helimission's heli pilot, Gunter, said a few things for the workers and their families.

After the meeting, they uncovered the bakar batu. This was the first layer.

Now for the 2nd layer

Once the 2nd layer of leaves and rocks were taken off, the women started taking out the edible greens and chicken

There was even some pig meat in there!

All the food was removed from the pile one layer at a time and put in large bins on a cart

When all the food was removed, they hauled the cart to the hanger

Finally! Hanging out with some friends and enjoying some sweet potato, greens and meat!

Christmas Decorating (Again!)

2009-01-18T18:17:00.005+07:00

When we found out we wouldn't be back in Dao for Christmas, we decided to go get a tree and decorate here in Wamena. Derek found this real one on the side of the road, asked a guy if he could have it, cut it down, brought it home and set it up for decorating.

Putting on our one and only ornament. haha!The finished product! We each brought out a present from the tribe that we had for each other. We also got a couple packages from home. So, under the tree they went to open on Christmas morning. Thanks Sean & Kim, Mom & Dad Grant, Alison & Hanley, Cara & Aaron for the gifts!

Picnic

2009-01-18T17:48:00.006+07:00

While out in Wamena getting some medical care, we also had the chance to have some relaxing fun. We went to a river near by for a picnic!

After lunch, we crossed the bridge to the other side of the river. The bridge was a little sketchy, but held out just fine.

Derek on his way to the other side

Sarah on her way back from the other side

House Building Dao Style, part 1

2008-12-04T14:24:00.000+07:00

House Building Dao Style, part 1
Originally uploaded by Derek & Sarah Grant.

A new house is going up in our hamlet. It belongs to two brothers, Yusup and Niko. Yusup said that he wanted to have a house up
here so that he can be closer for the God Talk. Yusup is one of the 4 men who have been teaching the Bible lessons on Sundays, and
we are thankful for this one of many acts of faithfulness to be here.

House Building Dao Style, part 2

2008-12-04T14:22:00.001+07:00

House Building Dao Style, part 2
Originally uploaded by Derek & Sarah Grant.

Taking a little break. The house is going up fast!

House Building Dao Style, part 3

2008-12-04T14:21:00.001+07:00

House Building Dao Style, part 3
Originally uploaded by Derek & Sarah Grant.

Derek helping carry some yage leaves for the roof. After putting bark on the roof, they cover the bark with these long, thorny
leaves. I think Derek had a few thorns in his hands and shoulders after this load.

House Building Dao Style, part 4

2008-12-04T14:18:00.001+07:00

House Building Dao Style, part 4
Originally uploaded by Derek & Sarah Grant.

Most Dao houses are split in the center by a wall. One side is where the men sleep and the other is for the women and children. The
men's side is a raised up floor. This one still needs the fireplace finished and bark laid down across the poles. The door you see,
in the center of the house, leads to the women's side.

House Building Dao Style, part 5

2008-12-04T14:16:00.003+07:00

House Building Dao Style, part 5
Originally uploaded by Derek & Sarah Grant.

This is the women's side. Typically the women's side is just a dirt floor with a fire pit in the center. It also has at-least 1
doorway on the side of the room, in addition to the "front" door, which they use to get in and out of at night. These women get a
very special place to sleep, unlike other Dao homes! Their husbands built them a floor like the men's side. It's lower to the ground
then the men's side, so the center fire pit will just be on the ground. All it needs is some bark to cover the poles.

House Building Dao Style, part 6

2008-12-04T14:16:00.001+07:00

House Building Dao Style, part 6
Originally uploaded by Derek & Sarah Grant.

Yusup (on the roof tying on the leaves) and Otopina (Yusup's wife) below. The string bag you see hanging on the side of the house is
not just a bag. Their little daughter, Ikiimiya, is in there sleeping away.

Festive

2008-12-01T03:42:00.001+07:00

Festive
Originally uploaded by Derek & Sarah Grant.

We are all ready for Christmas this year! We decided since we were going with the fake tree we could enjoy it for an entire month.
*smile* The house is looking very happy and festive.

Shrimp Taste Test

2008-11-07T10:02:00.002+07:00

Derek caught some shrimp when he went eel hunting. While we were waiting for the eel to cook, we tried out some shrimp. :) Very yummy!

Eel Hunt

2008-10-14T12:38:00.001+07:00

Eel Hunt
Originally uploaded by Derek & Sarah Grant.

A couple weeks ago Derek and some Dao buddies hiked to a waterfall to look for some eel. Derek had seen some there before and really
wanted to catch one. After hiking up and down the river, and catching a few large shrimp, they finally saw one. It thrashed one of
their spears, but they finally got him.

Eel Hunt, part 2

2008-10-14T12:37:00.001+07:00

Eel Hunt, part 2
Originally uploaded by Derek & Sarah Grant.

Here's another shot of the catch of the day

Eel Hunt, part 3

2008-10-14T12:36:00.001+07:00

Eel Hunt, part 3
Originally uploaded by Derek & Sarah Grant.

They brought it home and cooked it up. Very yummy!!

Shrimp

2008-10-14T12:35:00.003+07:00

Shrimp
Originally uploaded by Derek & Sarah Grant.

This is Sarah about to try out one of the shrimp that was cooked over the fire. Also, very yummy!

Jungle Birthday Surprise, part 1

2008-10-14T12:35:00.001+07:00

Jungle Birthday Surprise, part 1
Originally uploaded by Derek & Sarah Grant.

Derek cleared a little space in the jungle yesterday in preparation for my pre-birthday party. He even made a little table out of
small poles. He then set up some lawn chairs and decorated with balloons. It was a fun surprise! We even drank some jasmine tea in
the new teapot he gave me.