Nigeria. Trump the "war" president

 Donald Trump craves the Noble Peace Prize, but he actually is a president who seeks war to show he is "strong." This shows in his changing the name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War. I ache for Nigeria where Trump threatens to "go in with guns-a-blazing" because Trump saysNigeria is persecuting and killing Christians.  The President of Nigeria said that there have been killings in his country, but the country is almost equally divided between Muslims and Christians and dedicated to freedom of faith and religion.

All Saints

 "Give Thanks for Saints" Give thanks for those whose faith is firm when all around seems bleak. Give thanks for saints of ages past and saints alive today. 

Malala 1

 "Instead of focusing on eradicating terrorism through war, we should focus on eradicating it through education"

Malala

devastation in Jamaica

 

There is no exempt area from Hurricane Melissa's devastation in Jamaica; The hurricane made a direct hit as a Category 5 storm, causing widespread damage, including widespread destruction, power outages for hundreds of thousands, and significant damage to hospitals and infrastructure. 

Food Prize

The 2025 World Food Prize was awarded in Des Moines to Brazilian microbiologist Dr. Mariangela Hungria for her work in developing biological seed and soil treatments that improve crop nutrition and yields. Her research has significantly helped make Brazil a global breadbasket. Attendees at the October 2025 World Food Prize forum included Dr. Mariangela Hungria, the 2025 World Food Prize Laureate, along with government officials such as the President of Ghana and the Vice President of Ghana, the Minister for Food and Agriculture of Ghana, and the Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania to the U.S.. Leaders from over 75 countries, researchers, innovators, and agribusiness leaders also participated in the various events. Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack is now chief executive of the The World Food Prize Foundation He served as the 30th and 32nd United States Secretary of Agriculture from 2009 to 2017, during the Obama administration, and again from 2021 to 2025 during the Biden administration.

Hurricane

We pray for the people of Jamaica as the Hurricane approaches. Forty inches of rain are predicted in some areas. We love the people of Jamaica. We were there twice, once for a Diakonia Conference, and once to teach at the United Theological College of the West Indies Kingston. We also pray for other people in the Hurricane's path. 

Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays scored 9 runs in the bottom of the sixth to go on to win the first game of the World Series. 11-4. Very cool! We cheer the Blue Jays and Canada!

Voted

 My husband and I just voted. By going to the Court House for early voting, no lines.  The person at the security gate was thorough and kind!  Both are important! (My mother was deputy county recorder here before women were able to vote!)

White House

 The White House is the people's house. It does not belong to Donald Trump.  Demolition of the East Wing is a slap in the face the people of the United States. The East Wing of the White House is where the first lady's office and staff are located.

 The ballroom, which will be used for events that on occasion will include heads of state, is intended to hold 999 people, up from an initial estimate of 650. Mr. Trump said it will have bulletproof glass windows on all sides. 

 The addition was originally planned to be 90,000 square feet, but that figure is likely to increase. The ballroom, which will be used for events that on occasion will include heads of state, is intended to hold 999 people, up from an initial estimate of 650. Mr. Trump said it will have bulletproof glass windows on all sides. 

Leaves

 The leaves keep falling, all weekend.  However, I can now again see the old Mason City High School building from which I graduated in 1956. It's just across the street from where I now live.

 Huge crowd at the No Kings Day Rally and March in Mason City, Iowa

Protests

On Saturday, October 18, there will be huge protests across this country, in large cities, small cities, and towns. The First Amendment to the U.S.Constitution grants the right of the people to peaceably assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.  We ARE grieved about what this administration is doing within the U.S. and around the world. May the government learn!