After 54 hours travel by plane with layovers, 2 days gathering supplies, and a 7 hour truck ride, we have made it back into the tribe safely.
We were met with a warm welcome that involved shouts and excitement from the people as they stole their first look at Kylee. Our luggage all made it safely, and with us for one of the first times..all the way to our home!! The whole way here we saw God’s hand in the people He sent our way to work with us, and the comfort He gave us as we said our good byes. Yesterday, Avalon spent two hours with her 5 year old Patpatar friend walking around on the reef collecting shellfish, putting them in a pot, and cooking them up for a snack. Meanwhile inside the house, the rest of us scrubbed off mould, dust, and gecko droppings and unpacked our belongings.
It was good to see many of our Patpatar friends in the village and briefly touch base with them. Our house was in good condition (though termites and tropical weather are doing their best to do otherwise). The Kunzers, our partners, are out of the tribe taking their oldest daughter, Ellen, to boarding school. We look forward to their return on Monday.
Kylee is doing well to the adjustment of life in New Guinea. Her mom may be undergoing the bigger adjustment with all the responsibilities back on her plate along with a newborn. Sierra has enjoyed finding all of her toys which had been in hiding deep within a storage tote.
We appreciate your prayers as we get started back into the task of reaching the Patpatar with the good news of the Gospel.
For His Glory,
Aaron
Aaron, Lori, Avalon, Sierra, and Kylee Luse
New Tribes Mission missionaries
With the Patpatar people in
Papua New Guinea