The Upson Downs of Alan in Africa

You know, I've been very supportive of Alan going to Africa, and I think it has been good for him to see a third world country and deal with its people and culture.  Now, however, most mornings, afternoons, and nights are too quiet at my house. Its funny how there are some things that I'm really enjoying and others things that irritate me and cause me concern because Alan is not here. 
Things I'm enjoying: 
1.  Not feeling the pressure to cook. If I want toast three times a day, that's what I make.
2.  Didn't feel bad about leaving Alan while I went to SLC last week, because he wasn't here.   
3.  Laundry for one, and no mud, no grease and NO COVERALLS! 
4.  I read as late as I want, I go to bed when I want, I get up when I want, and I might even leave the light on all night if I want. 
5.  Cleaning is so easy.  I cleaned the back room, and it stayed clean for the whole time - this has never happened since I have had a back room. 
6.  I erased some of the old Glen Beck recordings and am not feeling bad about it.  The DVR is recording only what Shelley likes. 

On the other hand, Alan's absence from home is causing me undo stress and I find I'm not sweating the small stuff very well.
1.  Computers problems almost immediately after Alan flew away.  I was awake all night worried about it - .  Andrew to the rescue. 
2.  Wood burning furnace problems.  ARRRGH!  Cold, cold house.  I worried all night that I had broken the furnace.  I had to call Andrew again to disconnect and connect electrical wires so the oil furnace would work instead. 
3.  Having to explain to people for the umpteenth time why Alan cannot come to the phone.  HE's in AFRICA!!
4.  Not having access to Alan's warm feet and legs in bed at night to warm my ice cube feet. 
5. After he talks to me on the phone for about two minutes he says, "Well, this phone call is costing me a lot of money, I better go now."  Same old Alan.  I love him.
6.  Darn remote controls, dang thermostats, stupid messages that pop up on the computer, and  frustrating lawn mowers that won't start.  Alan should have written down instructions on how to run the house.  It seems like the only thing I can run is the microwave, stove, and vacuum.  And because Alan is not here, I don't use them - only the toaster. 
7.  I was sure the furnace was exploding last night and the house was on fire.  It was not, but I actually had to get up and check.  I'm so weird. If Alan had been here, he would have told me so. 

New Update from Alan

Alan just wrote yesterday and sent several pictures.  This was taken at a village where the Church had donated the cost of drilling and putting in a well.  I believe that the children might be orphans from the orphanage there.   

Hi everyone,

Forgive me for not having written sooner.  I've been far from service the last week.  I just returned back to Addis and am staying the night with Paul Morrell at his house so we can  have a meeting in the morning to place orders on farm equipment.  I will be like a kid let loose in a candystore.

Paul has a faster internet service, so I am going to attempt to email some photos.  I'm having an amazing time,  meeting fascinating people and seeing neat places.  I hesitate sending these entries as they may cause concern  for my safety but I assure all of you that it is not as bad as it seems.  I honestly feel well protected,  if you know what I mean.  I just want to share my experiences. I hope all is well at home.  I feel that I am easily lost to this world over here and hope things are going OK without me.  I sure miss everyone.  Say hi to all!
 
Love, Alan
 
Here is a link to his blog which includes log entries and several pictures~
 
http://idahofarmerinethiopia.blogspot.com/

Out of Africa

Alan is sending emails to me quite often.  I have now posted these on his blog because he wants a record of his adventures (misadventures) in Ethiopia. I have posted in chronic disorder (that would be chronological order).  I have put his blog on our blog list so look for it at the very bottom to read all his posts.  Now if you'd like, you can also link to his blog (I think I've done this correctly.)  If you want to leave a comment, go ahead, he just won't see it for a month.  Everything is fine with him - he's not suffering, only from jetlag and not being with me every day - he might call that a blessing.  I'm pretty sure he's having the adventure of a lifetime. (I see I'm in a parenthetical writing mood today.)

Our Funny Little Conversation at 4:00 am

This morning at 4:00 a.m. I was awake, and had been for some time.  I watched the clock and at 4:08 I decided to wake Alan.  I nudged his foot with mine and said, "It's time to wake up. It's time for you to go to Ethiopia." 

"OK, I'm  getting up.  I need to go to Ethiopia today," was his reply.  He was still somewhat asleep. 

I thought it was funny. 

It is so dark at 5:00 in the morning.  We arrived at the airport at 6:00 am and Alan checked in. The airport was very crowded for Idaho Falls.  Both Delta and United had flights to SLC and Denver.  We said goodbye and Alan flew to Denver for the first leg of his long trip to Ethiopia.  He is very happy and excited to be up, up, and away. 

I drove home and went to sleep.  He called when he got to Washington Dulles airport.  He couldn't find Ethiopian airlines.  I didn't know if he was calling because he thought I knew where Ethiopian airlines was located, or because he just wanted to hear the sweet dulcet tones of his wife's voice. 

Let me assure everyone - Alan is having the time of his life. 

It reminds me of when we were in Hong Kong and Alan ventured into the part of the city (at night, no less), where the guide told us not  to go.  Black market amd illegal activities galore.  He loved it and was excited to tell me what he had done when he got back to the hotel.   

Alan has started his own little blog about his "Ethiopian Experiences."  Check it out if you want at

http://www.idahofarmerinethiopia.blogspot.com/.

Tomorrow is our ward primary program.  After I woke up from my morning nap, I got to work making carmel corn (six recipes) for my little primary sweeties after the meetings.  I put together, with Morgan's help, some really cute treat bags containing carmel corn, a tootsie pop  and licorice.  We made 55 bags altogether.  Check out the recipe for the carmel corn at ksl. studio five, recipes, desserts, cinnamon white chocolate carmel corn. 

After I got all the popcorn made, we went to the 2nd annual German Food Festival sponsored by the Zions Lutheran church here in Ashton.  And when I say German, I mean German.  Lots of strong cabbage tastes and smells.  Very good sauerkraut and brats and pigs in a blanket, which were just stuffed cabbage. And for those adventurous mormons who ventured in, yummy scummy kool-aid.  They (the Lutherans) did feel bad about the schalacking we (mormon BYU fans) were taking at the hands of TCU.  I almost asked them to say a prayer for us as we were leaving.  Anyway, I was glad we went to the Ashton version of Oktober Fest.  It was a good day - even though my better half is winging his way to Africa. 

Cartas de Argentina

Since Zack left, we have received three letters through the mail from him. I'm always so excited to see his handwriting on the envelope that I rip them open in the car and read them before I leave the parking lot. His letters give me incentive to get into town and pick up my mail at least once a week. This last letter was especially entertaining because he had illustrated "The armor of God" and also a hamsteak (labeled MMM... Ham.... Also know as ...... protein). I don't know what the ham was about; I wondered if I was supposed to remember some random inside joke. He is really growing and doing well so far, as you can tell by his letters and emails home. I'm going to put his letter that we got today here for you all to enjoy.
Dear Family,
(Picture of the armor of God) ?Como Estan? Or perhaps I should say, ?Como Estais? and use the vosotros form, but I have absolutely no idea how to conjugate in vos. Things have been a little different since Elder Clark left back home, but it's Okay. I've adapted. I gave him one of my ties, and the whole distrito escribieron letters to him before he left. I'll miss his presence, his Elder Clark way of doing things. But, most of all, it makes me realize just how blessed we are to all be here in a foreign country and in good health. Muchos misioneros no tienen los oportunidades mismos que nosotros tenemos. (Many missionaries don't have the same opportunities that we have.) Estan muchos misioneros en estos dias que no necesitan ir afuera del pais porque la iglesia tiene tantos misioneros de aqui en Sur America. (There are many missionaries in these days that don't need to go outside of their countries because the church has so many missionaries here in South America.) But I'm one of those few who gets to be here. I've often pondered why I'm so blessed . . . Eg.; born in the gospel, born in God's chosen land of America, with amazing parents, a great example for a sister, and extended family who live the gospel's expectations of them, and not only that, but blessed to have possessions of all kinds that I take for granted. Then there's all that about the earth being only one of perhaps millions and on this one in particular, our Savior came to be a loving perfect example and atone for our sins. And soon after he was resurrected and passed on this gift to us so that perhaps one day I won't ever have to endure another runny nose again, because believe me, I have had my fair share lately. I know there must be some reason for all of this and we all must have been prepared for this, as special souls, in pre-mortal life, Because of this, it's only fair to give two years (and what a small price it will be in the scheme of things), to serve these people here. I give you this simple testimony, that we are a blessed people. AMEN.

I love you all very much, and pray for you always. Love Elder Zachary A. Baum



He is changing, and yet he's still our Zachary (still wondering about the hamsteak). What I should say is that his testimony is growing and strengthening. Hope you all enjoy this letter.

P.S. The amazing sunset picture on our title was taken the evening that Zack received his patriarchal blessing. We stepped out of the patriarch's home and were met with the most beautiful sunset I've ever seen. It covered the sky from the north to the south and was even more intense and rich than this picture shows. It was a special evening for us, topped off with a beautiful sunset.

A Little Additional Info.

Alan and I will be able to come home periodically to visit. Christmas, a few weeks in the summer, when Zack comes home, etc. We're not on a mission yet and we will be able to come and go as long as we have the funds and we aren't leaving at key periods. I hope some of you will consider visiting us also.

YOU'RE WHAT?!!!!

Dear Family,

I'm really poor lately at keeping up my blog, but I feel like the news I have this week is so important that I need to get it out to everyone very fast. It is one of the following scenarios:

....

1. I'm going back to school to get my PhD so I can teach at BYU-I

...

2. I'm pregnant!

...

3. Alan and I are seriously thinking of moving to Ethiopia

...

Pause and think, which would be the most crazy and unlikely. OK time is up. Those of you who guessed #1 or #2 are WRONG! So it must be Ethiopia. I know, you're in shock, but it is true. We have been approached by Andrew's close friend, Wes, who is employed as the project manager of a humanitarian venture that a succesful businessman from Logan has started. Alan has been asked to be a farm advisor to a new large farm that he is starting. He has already done alot of work with housing for orphanages, started a dairy farm in Ethiopia, and now wants to develop a large dry farm. Alan met with him on Tuesday in Logan and now he would like Alan to go over to Ethiopia on October 24, stay for a month, help on some preliminary tasks and research and get a real good idea of what this project will be all about. Also to see if Alan and I can take living in Ethiopia for two years. If we decide to do it, he would expect Alan to go over and stay starting in February. The farms are an 8,000 and a 27,000 acres of dry-land grain which produces seed for the government and Alan will be the so called expert on farming. I could, if I want, help start a school for the farming children. The Ethiopians have a very poor diet and do not eat a lot of good wholesome grains like wheat and barley and their government is trying to introduce grains into their diet. Most Ethiopians do not live through their mid fifties, and there are many orphans because of starvation and Aids. Alan is really positive in his thinking and I feel good about it too. I know some of you might think it is a crazy idea and so different for us, but we are really wanting to do this. I want all of you to be very positive about this and try to see the good that we could be doing as a couple for a very needy nation.

I really hope that you will support us at this time and that you will pray for this to succeed. We really want it to.

The church is very new and small there. Only about 900 members total in the country. Elder Oaks just recently visited the capital and dedicated it for the preaching of the gospel. So the church is there, and we can be part of that growth too.

Maybe some of you will be thinking of what this could mean for you, as in visits to Africa. Egypt and Kenya are very close and Rome is the stop-over to Ethiopia. Well, I know this news is a total shock, but it will be a good thing for us. Only two years. Think of it as a mission.

.

.

This is a video of the project agronomist at one of the farming villages who will be working with Alan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twG3rCtmObo

Elder Baum's Send Off and Safe Arrival

I know you have all been anxiously awaiting our news of Zack's leaving for his mission. Tuesday night he was set apart by Pres. Harrigfeld. I think Pres. thought of everything he could bless Zack with and then blessed him with it. It was so sweet that our family from Ashton all made it into town for his setting apart. And then we came home to talk some more and for the final (and ceremonial) last checking and zipping of the suitcases. We didn't get to bed til after midnight, and I didn't sleep very well because I had a dreaded feeling that I had messed up on his passport and he wouldn't be able to get his visa. And Alan was having nightmares about something and hollered twice in his sleep. It was a rough night.

Zack and his Abuelita.

Next morning, Morgan came and took some more pictures outside of Zack and all of us.

When we arrived at the airport in IF, Elder Fitzgerald from Rexburg was there with his family. He was Zack's traveling companion. Such a happy and excited young man. I prayed that there would be someone traveling with Zack to SLC from IF.

At the airport, all was quiet and calm. Everyone really had a good time and there was no loud weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth. However, we all had some pretty tender feelings when we had to part.

I was crying without making any sounds, because I didn't want Zack to have a hard time. He was great. So strong and committed. Everyone got to give him a great big hug.

Then he went through security check with Elder Fitzgerald.

Paused for another loving glance and wave

climbed up the stairs

And that's the last we saw of him for two years. I think at this stage we were all in a little bit of shock. It went so very fast.

This afternoon (Thurs.) when I got home from the temple I checked my email and he had written this short letter.

Dear familia,
Today has been really weird. I´m afraid I have to be prompt because los hermanos need us to be unpacking. First Elder Fitzgerald and I arrived in Salt Lake after an extremely short ride and walked to our next gate and met Elders Stillwell and Sluder and Hermanas Thompson and others. We met more in elders in Dallas. We arrived at Buenos Aires and a local man who was unaffiliated (I think) with the church was sent to pick us up in a big travel van, which we quickly packed full and he promptly took all of us to the MTC. I have to go unpack, and then it´s lunch.
-love Zack

The Bs. As. Temple is just across the street from the MTC. So this is what he gets to see every day. That's a pretty good view and I can't believe that he gets to go there before I do.

Here are his addresses:
Address at the MTC in Buenos Aires Argentina (Zack MAY NOT receive any packages while at the MTC).

Elder Zack Baum
Argentina MTC
Bonpland 2349/55
(C1425 FEW) Buenos Aires
Argentina

Address for Mission in Uruguay

Elder Zack Baum
Uruguay Montevideo Mission
POB 30150
Salt Lake City UT 84130-0150
USA

Address for Packages when in Uruguay

Elder Zack Baum
Uruguay Montevideo Mission
Horacio Quiroga 6350
Carrasco
11500 Montevideo
Uruguay

Email zachary.baum.um@myldsmail.net

When Zack Leaves

Zack got his travel papers today by Fedex. He will be leaving on September 2 from IF and flying to SLC. From SLC he will travel to Dallas. From Dallas he flies to Buenos Aires. Such excitement. A couple of days ago the man from Mr. Mac called Zack and told him that he had just helped another missionary going to Uruguay to the same mission on the same date as Zack. I guess we got a good enough relationship ($$$$) going with the guy that he felt he should call and tell Zack about it. Funny. Now Zack knows of at least two other missionaries leaving with him. The other one he met at BYUI this summer and he is from Kaysville. I kind of wish that there would be one more from Idaho.
With the travel papers came a name tag. Elder Baum That's amamzing to me. Alan and Ryan have been the only other Elder Baums in our family. He will be a good Elder Baum.

A Whole Lot of Everything!

August is just clipping along and we are always busy here on the farm doing all kinds of jobs and fun things too. The girls are becoming such little farm girls. Lily is getting so big, you will hardly recognize her when you next see her. Such big blue eyes, and usually the cutest smiles.

Leah is very adventurous and loves to get out of the house and explore.

We have two new kitties, Figaro and Fergus. Fergus is very shy and doesn't like his picture taken. Figaro loves us all and loves to be petted.

Leah will hang out with whoever is going outside.



She loves picking my flowers. she tries to put them behind her ear. She won't let me help, so I have lots of flowers strewn behind her when she comes over.

This baby loves to ride on your hip and look out at the world. Heaven forbid if you try to face her toward you as you walk.

A very good place to sit.

She loved the raspberries and couldn't stop eating them. It was good she couldn't reach them all.

The funniest thing happened yesterday. In the morning I was talking to A.A. on the phone and doing dishes. I was telling A.A. that Leah is a real character and loves getting in my closet and finding my red heels and walking around the house in them. Just then, I looked out my kitchen window and who did I spy coming down the road toward my house? Yes, Leah. Without her Mama, all by her little self. Well almost. As she got a little closer I could tell she was wearing her mother's high heels and had a large yellow rubber chicken with her. She was so funny, that I had to run and get a picture of her and her friend.

As I got out close to her, she saw me coming and just sat down - on the backs of her mom's heels. With the chidken.

Then, when she saw I wanted to take a picture, she sat her chicken out to the side to show him off, and gave me a real good pose.

This was the funniest thing that happened all day - maybe all week. Roni laughed so hard when I told her the story. We all think she is charming and has a great sense of humor with her rubber chicken friend.
A good picture of the sitting on the heels.

Leah is learning how to get around, maybe a little faster than is good for her. Her mother was stunned that she got away from her so fast. Morgan didn't even know she was gone until I took Leah home.

Morgan picked raspberries today and Leah helped make jam. I gave Leah the wooden spoon and, of couse, Leah had to taste the mashed berries.

Then she got mad when we took the spoon away and moved her off the stool.

And then the Crying, screaming, kicking, thrashing on the floor, and . . .

pulling out hair.

She acts just like Alan when I tell him no more raspberry jam. I find it so much more amusing when she throws fits than when Alan does.

And Lily had to have her turn at misbehavior. This was all because her mom went out on the tramp with Leah.

Wow, what a little nursing will do for one's disposition.

On a different note, it's that time of year. You know . . . Zuchinni time!

Here's what I made for dinner tonight. It is from the Lion House recipe book, but ala Shelley.

Baked stuffed Zuchinni.

Here's what I used minus the bread crumbs which I forgot to get in the picture. 1 lb Italian sausage, three zuchinnis, one onion, one green pepper, garlic, mozarella cheese and some cheddar too, tomato paste, two cups of bottled tomatoes, beef soup base, fresh thyme and oregano. Oh and the bread crumbs, or cracker crumbs, or whatever. You know, something to give some bulk to the mixture.

Dice up the onion

and the green pepper and saute it with the sausage.

Add the herbs and the garlic. Cook till veggies are kind of soft.

Meanwhile, slice the zuchs in half lengthwise, and cook in a microwave until middle is soft. Or you can boil them is some water in a saucepan. I find that the microwave is a little easier to use and won't overcook the zuchs. Scrape out the middle of the zzuchs and drop that mushy goop into the sausage mixture.

Add as many bread crumbs as you think will thicken up the mixture. I think I used, probably, maybe, approximatly, 1/2 - 3/4 cup. You know, just do what you think looks good. At this point, you may want to taste for seasoning.

Sauce is made by combining tomatoes and tomate paste and soup base. Heat in a saucepan till bubbly. Then take off heat. At this point heat your oven to 350 degrees.

OK, I forgot to take pictures of the rest of the process, but the rest wasn't hard. Shred some cheese and add to the meat mixture. You can use parmesan chees too. So, pack the meat mixture into the zuchinni shells. Then, sppon the sauce over the meat. Really pour it on. If you're like me, you may have made too much sauce. so either save the sauce for the next time you make spaghetti, or give it to Morgan like I did. Bake the zuchinni for 20 min on a foil lined baking sheet covered with foil or in a shallow casserole with the lid on. after 20 min take off the cover, and heap on some more cheese and return to the oven for 10min more. These were our leftovers. They'll be et tomorrow for lunch by hungry men.

Try adding your own things, I think muchrooms or different herbs would be fun too.

Now, for some important information: Zack's farewell meeting will be on July 16 at 1:00 p.m. For all of you who are his cousins, and reading this, we would really like for you to sing in the musical number. The song will be "I'll go where you want me to go", but not that melody. We will be practicing on Saturday, so try to get here on Sat or earlier for the practicing. Zack will also be singing with you. We will not stay to all of the meetings on sunday, but will come home after sacrament meeting and have a big lunch for ALL family and Zack's friends.

As for motel room availability; (Jorgensen families) Jenny, if you're coming on thurs, just plan to stay with us that night and then get a motel room for the other nights. For Sara, John and Rebecca, Anne Adele, Lizzy and whoever else, in Ashton, there is the Rankin Motel (208) 652-3570, and The Ashton Inn (208) 652-3699. Of these two, I would probably recommend the Ashton Inn. In St. Anthony, there is the Guesthouse Inn (208) 624-3711. Both the Ashton Inn and the Guesthouse Inn are on line, so you can look them up and find out more information $$$$.

Please leave me a comment, telling me when you are coming to Ashton, who is coming, etc., so I will know and can plan accordingly.

Morgan says that Noah and Becky will be staying with her. And the big bedroom upstairs will be available for Josh's family. I hope we can all have a great time together for a few days and I am looking forward to seeing all of you.