How to make a cloth hammock

One of the things I enjoy doing in Davao is visiting the large banyan (aka balete) tree on Samal Island. I was introduced to this tree by my brother and his friends back in 2001 and I've spent many days and nights in this tree.

Photos from dankatie.com

They also taught me how to make a cloth hammock, which makes sleeping in the tree much more enjoyable. My brother recently asked me to make him a hammock to use here in the US, and many people ask me how to make them...so here are the simple directions.

First buy or collect:

• 3 yards or meters of a cotton sheet-like fabric. I like fabrics that are 60 in wide but here I could only find ones 45 in wide.
• 4 yards or meters of thick, sturdy (trust me, this is important!) strap or webbing or rope for the ends of your hammock. 
• 2 yards of thinner rope or strap to use as ties for the bag.

From your fabric, cut 1/2 a yard or meter off to make the drawstring bag. There are a lot ways to make a simple drawstring bag. I made mine (or I should say my brother's) with 2 ropes to pull it closed.

Next fold and iron the edges of the remaining fabric to create a seam and a loop for a drawstring. 

Sew the seams and drawstring loops on both sides. Sew back and forth a few times (I did 4) to add strength to that seam.

Lastly put 2 yards or meters of strap through the loops on each side. Pull these tight to cinch up the ends of your hammock. 

And your hammock is ready to use!

Celebration!

"There is something really special about watching people cry with joy at receiving the Bible in their own language for the first time... Praise the Lord!" ~ a colleague in Bible Translation

Last summer I got to go back to the country where I grew up and celebrate with my friends, a driving force behind the translation work, as they dedicated the finished New Testament in the A language. The emotions present ran the gamut, as we worked on the final preparations for the dedication celebration, joined in the festivities on the actual day, and ran a workshop to promote scripture and local language use in churches. It was wonderful experience! Being in one of my home countries, experiencing again the sights, smells, tastes, culture, language, ways of living from my childhood was fulfilling...even though I was almost 1000 miles away from where I grew up.

Knowing that my work AND the support of friends and family contributes to the work of translation is a joy. There really is something special about watching and hearing about the joy of people receiving the Bible in their own language!

The New Testament recently dedicated
in one of my home countries.

A recent celebration of a completed New Testament.
I teach the daughter of one of the translators.

Helping with the workshop to promote the use of the
local language in everyday events at the church.

Sharing with others

This past Sunday I had the privilege of sharing what God is doing in Davao with friends from Grant E Free church. I was surprised how nervous I was as I prepared to teach - something I do often. But once I got up front, words and stories flowed easily.

I went to Grant planning to share with others, but I was also blessed by this church. I was reminded how God is using Pastor Russ to teach His truths. The sermon that I heard that day was just what I needed to hear, helping me to confront and name my fears and instead learn to be courageous as I trust in God and the righteousness He is building in me.

And to top it off, the 5+ hours of drive gave me a chance to soak in the beauty of Nebraska and enjoy a good book.