Frugal Friday

The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenty; 

but the thoughts of everyone who is hasty only to poverty. 

Proverbs 21:5

Peering through the rushes. A metaphor for having peered through "cobwebs" and now having clearer vision in these past few years as to excess financial and other waste I engaged in for so many years.

As tax times approaches and efforts abound in this household to pay down debt, I continue to look for ways to squeeze a dollar. The more I save, and the faster I pay down debt, the more I can give to the mission field. In some ways, it seems to me I really overspent the budget this week but in other ways I saved a lot of money and I need to remember that the things I bought this week are not things that I would buy every week or even every month. I don't do these kind of posts very often but now and then I like to take stock of my week's spending and see what I've managed to accomplish. It's a way of holding myself accountable by posting it here.

Thursday at the grocery store I saved:

• $1.10 on a spinach brioche (paid $1.10)
• $. 94 on 2 boxes of baking soda (paid $3.56)
• $3.50 on ready made meatloaf (paid $3.50.  I had a meatloaf sandwich for dinner, an orange and a glass of milk and cup of tea.  I wasn't up to cooking).
• $.51 on a can of cranberry jelly (paid $1.78. I will be making roasted turkey thigh, stuffing and cranberry sauce for dinner tonight).
• $5.42 on 2 boxes of beer battered fillets (paid $11.98 for 12 pieces. Much cheaper than fresh fish or canned).
• $.65 on dry yeast (paid $1.64 as I will make some home made bread soon).
• $2.00 on pane toscano (paid $1.99)

Savings:  Total savings $14.12 Total spending: $38.64.  (after tax)  I earned 3 stamps (and got one bonus stamp from the clerk for a total of 4 stamps). I'm saving toward a book of 25 stamps which will earn me a  $10. gift card toward future food purchases.  I'm actually 6 stamps short of 25 stamps for my second card.  I have just over a week to collect them. I might make it but I won't buy stuff at that store just to get a stamp. If I save 50 stamps, I get $25 gift card toward food purchases and that will be a big help.  I didn't buy any toilet paper today as it is still too expensive. Fortunately, I have enough for awhile. Hopefully it will be on sale this weekend somewhere.  I purchased 10 kg of flour earlier this week for just under $9.00 which is a savings of about $5.00 given the exorbitant increase in flour costs. I haven't purchased a big bag of flour like this since last Fall but this will enable me to make fresh bread now and then.

I also spent just over $30.00 the day before yesterday on fruits (bananas & lemons) and mostly veggies (snow peas, broccoli, purple yams, sweet potatoes, zucchini, tomatoes, kale, baby bok choy and a few odds and ends.  No real savings here as I simply look for the produce that is less expensive and try to limit the higher cost items if I need any.

Sunday I went to the drug store and spent $86.54 (tax was almost $7.00) on the purchase of 22 items all of which were on sale. This is a very steep bill I know.  But as I said, all of the items were on sale and the savings was anywhere from 60 cents to $9.00 on each item so it was a hefty savings overall. Unfortunately, the way the bill is written, it doesn't help me reconstruct for you and list, the original prices and the savings on each item.

I probably won't need to get anything at the pharmacy again for quite some time except for maybe toilet paper if it goes on sale and my medications.  I did get a $20.00 gift card back for gas at ESSO. I gave the card to my nephew who is saving for a return to university studies.  My purchases at this store give me points toward future discounts on purchases. It will take me several more months by the look of things before I earn a $10.00 discount. Again, it doesn't pay to buy things just to earn the points, unless the store is holding a promotion to multiply your points. Sometimes they double points and once in a long while they give you 10x the points. This is a really great time to buy if you need the items because you quickly earn some money back on those things you need to buy.

Other frugal acts this week:

• bought the smallest popcorn and drink at the movie theatre and took my own orange and water in my handbag).
• saved energy (turned off computer each night, turned off all the lights when not in use, cut down on loads of laundry)
• cut up a natural coloured twill sofa cover. I'm going to repurpose it as cushion covers for a number of European pillows I have and use as cushions for the sofa.

The cotton twill sofa slipcover after it was cut into pieces and washed. Buying this as fabric to cover cushions would cost me $22.00 per meter up the street.  I've saved myself from having to buy any fabric and I have meters and meters of it now.

• did laundry with my home made laundry detergent.
• read a book I bought at the thrift store.
• worked on impulse control. It seems this week I've really had a lot of temptations for sweets and drinks.  Every time I went out to buy food and necessities, I had an urge to stop at Starbucks and get a coffee and usually that means a treat also (approximate cost $5.50), stop at a local diner for dinner ($10.00 for a cheap dinner) or stop somewhere for  a coke ($2.00) or a tea (anywhere from $2.50 -$5.00 depending on whether it was a regular tea or a fancy specialty tea).  I resisted each and every time. This is great progress for me and I figure I saved myself from spending about $25.00

I'm not sure what my total savings are for the week. However, I can see that the new habits I started trying to form some time back, are now becoming second nature to me. I'm learning new habits and it feels good. I think these habits will stand me in good stead because food and other costs are only expected to go higher.

Wishful thinking about spring flowers.

I wanted to make a mention of the late night news Thursday about the devastation in Japan as a result of a powerful Sendai earthquake  (and now today there is breaking news that a quake 6.6 hit Nagano, Japan). Many other countries along the Pacific Rim were on high tsunami alert and even the coastal regions where I live were on tsunami advisory. I've heard from one blogger friend in Japan (see comment section) and thank God she is fine. I've also just read on the internet that the tsunami once it reached Hawaii was small.  Thank you God!! Prayers and thoughts continue to be with all those affected.  Love and hugs. xx

Foot Loose and Flying

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Added: Though my post is meant in fun, I am struck by the sadness in other places. As I watch the late news I see the devastation in Japan as a result of a powerful Sendai earthquake. I also understand that others countries along the Pacific Rim are on high tsunami alert. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in all these countries and especially to my blogging pals in Japan and on the Hawaiian Islands. God be with you all. Love and hugs.

First Signs of Spring

While we await news of little Kigen and how he is doing at the hospital, I thought I would tell you about my little outing on Sunday.  I end this post with a short blurb on how to donate to Kigen's medical care.

I went out on the spur of the moment on Sunday past to enjoy a walk and take in a movie. The weather here has been alternately cold, windy or rainy and we've had very few sunny days. Sunday was an exception so I took advantage of the break in the weather.

As I went about I snapped a few photos of some of the early blossoms I passed.

I thought this wall of bamboo looked lovely.

Having experienced bamboo plants in my own garden I think it is better to plant bamboo in containers or they'll overtake the surroundings spaces.  I feel sorry for the neighbours.

This evergreen tree has obviously been here a long while too but I thought it looked so majestic.

I took several shots of this tree so you could see just how large it is...

... It positively dwarfs the vehicles.

This was the movie I went to see.  I know I left it a  little late to go and see it. It is probably out on DVD shortly!  I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and it was very touching when the King made his speech.

This was the weather on the walk home. It had turned chilly. I had a brisk walk.

I thoroughly enjoyed my little outing.

If you are wondering whether you can still donate to assist in little Kigen's medical mission, the answer is "yes". We not know yet how long the hospital stay will be and the medications that will be needed.  All of which in turn affects the food and lodgings required for everyone on the mission.

Whatever donation you can make will surely help.

You can donate to assist in little Kigen's medical mission. 

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Blessings.

An Update on the Medical Mercy Mission to Save Kigen's Life

Yesterday I posted a very short update here about little Kigen the boy we met on a mercy mission of food aid to the Pokot.  I then went to sleep and when I awoke I had this comprehensive update from Jonah about how things are progressing with Kigen's care.

As you read the update I think you will be so moved and touched.  You will that God is in this work and He is answering prayer.  I thank each and every one of you,  for your concern for this little boy Kigen and for your part in prayer and giving.

Jonah and little Kigen's family arrived in Eldoret and went straight away to the hospital.

Driving to the hospital in Eldoret.

The hospital signage is in sight.

At last they are at the hospital.

Jonah takes a photo to commemorate this trip.

Now here is the update from Jonah.

It is me again just wanting to praise God for His faithfulness.  My heart is now 'free'.  I can now eat a bit as I know Kigen is in the doctor's hands and in God's hands as well.

This bag was donated to Kigen's mother on the streets of Eldoret.

I also want to thank God for the bag that was donated (blue one in photo) by people in the streets of Eldoret. We had realized that Kigen's mother came on the journey with an old bag, so we decided to buy her a new one.  Instead, it was given to us for free!  In addition, close to 500 Kenyan shillings was donated right there on the streets for this boy and his mum.  God really works wonders.

It was a more touching moment for me as I felt God was telling me "I will take care of this situation" and I felt really that I am just a tool/ instrument to be used for God's purpose.  The doctors too were so kind.  We did not even queue! [If you know Africa, you know what this means].  We were welcome everywhere we went and I must praise God for that.

Little Kigen being escorted by the nurse.

What is next now is that Kigen was given a dressing up by the doctors and is awaiting surgery (if I understood what they said well).  He will need three practitioners or doctors to be able to treat him.  First will be the one's to deal with the skin (there is a scientific name for it), those to deal with eyes, and another part, I forget but I guess general health.

The doctors here were so much touched too with the amount of courage the boy has.  They were saying that they are seeing for the first time, something they were just reading in the books when they were in medical school.

The boy Kigen is upbeat, and he raises our hopes for his health.  His younger  brother too is here with us.  He was not feeling well, too.  So he is here for check up; especially for his eyes.  He kept asking for him [his older brother Kigen] when they were with different practitioners.

We did mention to him [Kigen] of the many people praying and supporting him for his medical needs.  He said he is so much grateful and "TOROROT: (Pokot for God Bless you abundantly".)

Thanks so much again
Jonah

You can donate to assist in little Kigen's medical mission. 

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Photo credits:  All photos the property of Jonah at Missions of Hope.
If you wish to share this story, photos may be used with credit. Many thanks and blessings.

Mercy Mission for Kigen Goes Forward

Since leaving a post on Saturday about little Kigen, we have been involved in a whirlwind of activity.

I know this photo is hard to look at but this is little Kigen and this is his reality. He is nine years old and he has some kind of skin problem. We really do not know what it is but we know he needs immediate help.  Kigen lives in a remote part of Kenya amongst the Pokot peoples and there is no road to get to where he lives.

My friend Jonah has been on a number of mercy missions to the Pokot people over the years. His most recent journey was about one week ago. During that trip he met little Kigen and his family. They all prayed together for this little boy to be helped and to get the treatment and healing he needs.

This is my friend Jonah on a different trip to help the people in the drought stricken area near Marigat, Kenya.  You can see it is dark. When they travel to help people and they do it on few funds they must journey night and day sometimes to get to where they are going. This way they can avoid costs of extra days car and driver hire and also save on lodgings.  Kenya is an expensive country which many people in the west do not know. The people must save money and be as frugal as possible. Your dollar will be used wisely.

Jonah just returned from a mercy mission on Thursday morning last week but is now back on his way to get Kigen and his family. He had a lot to do before he could leave on this mercy mission.  First, he has to get supporters and pray for the mission. He cannot act without support. He needs our help.  Once he knows he has our help, he then has to get word back to Kigen's parents that this mission will go forward.  Then he has to hire a car and take care of all the logistics.

Kigen's mother

When I saw the photos of Kigen and his family and heard of their plight, I really had to do something.  So I posted about it here on my blog and sent word to my friends to share the information. Jonah also posted on his blog and tweeted about little Kigen.  Some donations are coming in due to these efforts and importantly people are also praying for Kigen and this mission. The people that have already sent their donations or who have promised that they are on the way, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  It means the mission is now underway.

Jonah praying with Kigen's family.

For those that are praying for this mercy mission, we also thank you!  It is through prayer that things will change. It is through prayer that people will be moved to join this effort.  It is through prayer that little Kigen and his family will have the faith and strength to make this long journey.  It is through prayer that Jonah will have the strength and resources to physically and emotionally undertake this mercy mission again so soon.  It is through prayer that the medical staff and hospital will be prepared to properly diagnose and treat little Kigen.  It is through prayer that we will have enough resources to properly undertake this mercy medical mission.  I believe in the ability of prayer to move mountains.  Particularly, this mountain in little Kigen's life.

I'm so happy to report that since Saturday Jonah has done a number of things. He planned to be in Eldoret, Kenya on Monday (it is now night time Monday in Kenya so people should be fast asleep). Up to now Jonah has also been coordinating with the hospital in Eldoret to see if they can undertake the kind of assessment that Kigen needs.

A car that can withstand the travel of the roads ahead will be hired in Eldoret and word has been sent ahead to Kigen's family through the mission station in the area. This  needs to happen so that Kigen's family can make the journey to meet him and get their ride to the medical centre.  Little Kigen and his family must walk 5 or 6 hours on a long and dusty path to get to the mission station.  There is no road that goes to where they live.  It will be a difficult journey for them all.  Especially considering Kigen's medical condition and the fact that they just made the same journey a few days prior in order to get food assistance.

At the mission station, Kigen and his family will get some rest and freshen up.  There they will meet up with Jonah and the driver and make the long journey to Eldoret. The journey to Eldoret will be a little easier as they will not be walking, they will be riding.  Nonetheless it will take a whole day.

So the mercy mission to help little Kigen is underway. If you have played a part in this mission through a donation, prayer or by spreading the word to your contacts, I thank you so much. Your efforts are not in vain. You will have an impact beyond measure.

If you are just now hearing about this story and want to do something to help, we still need you. There are so many needs to cover in this medical mission and a number of people who we need pay for services.  Kigenkerichojoy[at]gmail.com

UPDATE:  It is now just after 1:00 a.m. in Western Canada. Received word from Kenya that little Kigen is awaiting surgery. Please keep him and the surgeons in your prayers. I'm praying just now before sleep. God bless.

Photo credits:  All photos the property of Missions of Hope, Kenya, Pastor Jonah.
If you wish to share this story, photos may be used with credit. Many thanks and blessings.

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