You would never know the pain he has experienced if you saw his big broad smile. Tison was only 8 when he was showered with kerosene in an accident in his home on a remote island in Indonesia. His burns were extensive and covered both legs, both feet, torso, arms, neck, chin, ears and the right hand. He had limited undamaged skin to use for grafts. When he was 11 years old he came to Fairbanks, Alaska. An amazing group of medical professionals...

I normally would not highlight one particular donor. IFC has the best partners, and we appreciate all of them. We have some who have lovingly given to our work since our origins. That is over 13 years of regular support.  Just when we need the support, it seems like someone remembers us with a perfectly timed gift.  IFC needs the support to continue the worthwhile programs we are committed to provide. We really feel blessed to have these...

Rain–tornadoes–scorching heat–B-2 bombers–amazing people were all a part of the recent trip I took to Illinois, Missouri, Arizona and Idaho.  The best part of the month long trip was meeting some amazing people. The meeting in the living room of my friends, David and Valarie, was how it all began. Followed by the best time with Stan, Rosann, P.J. and the friends at Koke Mill. We had lots of laughs and the interest was...

In 2008, our team met a wonderful example of what a grace filled mother looks like. Her name was Hawila, and she was the mother of Gloria, a little girl born with severe birth defects. It was close to a miracle for our team to meet Hawila and Gloria. Our team was going to volunteer at the medical base on the island of Halmahera, but our flights from Manado to Halmahera were delayed for three days. It actually became a bit funny because we could...

A road is a pathway to a destination. Some roads are better than others. Roads can begin as a simple walking path. Roads definitely make progress much easier.  Well, a new road has been built to access the new school property.  The road replaces the old path that was just a meandering and rutted trail around coconut trees. There is now a good access to the school property. It does remind me of the pathway to a good education. We are determined...

Over the last month, IFC has had two dinners with our partners.  We met with a group in the beautiful city of Valdez. This was a special time with friends and the drive to Valdez was full of animal sitings and stunning scenery. There were many animals close to the road–we saw five moose, eleven caribou, a bear and a wolf.  It was an extra blessing we saw the wildlife and enjoyed the drive to Valdez.  The interest and kindness of our...

It has been at least seven years in process. It has been delayed, important documents lost or misplaced, prayed over and finally awarded. At long last the sun has risen and the KITAS visa has been approved. The directors of the Indonesia base have been given the best visa they could have. It allows then to remain in the country for a total of three years. It offers the right to own a business and purchase land. The social and medical work...

She is eight years old but knows what she wants to be. Lilly (not her real name) has a dream to become the first Indonesian astronaut. Lilly is an exceptionally bright girl. She would be close to genius and is an academic wiz.  She continues to amaze people by her aptitude and awareness of the world around her. Lilly was abandoned by her mother and father  and left at the Hohidiiai base. She has a very warm personality and does stand out in the...

He came to our open arms when he was an infant. Moses arrived at the Hohidiai Children’s Home same time as two other boys and they were the same age. These three grew up together and were inseparable. If you saw one, you knew that the others were close. Moses was the quiet one in this trio. He watched and was more thoughtful than the other two who would jump in and ask questions later. Moses went thru a challenging time last year. A...

I could see the new elementary school site near the city of Tobelo had a sight slope to it. Little did I know, it is way more detailed than that to have a site map. Jim, an engineer from Alaska, volunteered to complete a topographical survey of the six acre new Hohidiai school site. Remember this is tropical island with jungle. It has a beauty but is hot for Alaskan volunteers. The team worked with modern instruments–transits, tripods,...