Lori speaking at the literacy graduation.
We have found that at times life for everyone presents itself as a juggling act that we all must perform. In this update, I will present to you the different events that have happened in the last month and a half or so that have kept us juggling.
In our last update mid August, we celebrated the 10 year anniversary of coming to the mission field. We also told of the family seminar that was so incredible to participate in with the people. Right after that we had a bit of work to do as we prepared the 3 houses here for a very special arrival. That next Monday we celebrated and welcomed our coworkers, the Kunzers back from a 2 year home assignment. You can imagine that we were excited and eager to have them. In addition, the adult Patpatar literacy class that had been started up in April continued on, though nearing its end.
About 1 week later, Aaron left for regional meetings and an Advanced Language Workshop that he was able to participate in. He enjoyed the workshop as he was able to work side-by-side with one of our coworkers, Madonna as well as other missionaries that are now studying various languages and cultures. It was a good time of being with people, working side-by-side, catching up, and taking opportunities to do his consultant work.
Meanwhile back home the four of us ladies (Mom and the 3 girls) were carrying on with what homeschooling we could do as well as making the final preparations to end the Patpatar literacy school. There was plenty of work to do as we gave reading tests to the students, filled out evaluation reports for both students and teachers in training as well as sending out invitations for the graduation and planning the graduation. It was a great time to work alongside the people here, learn and build relationships with those around us.
Aaron and Madonna were able to come home on September 5 which was the day before the graduation for the literacy school. Our whole team was and is very excited to be back together after 2 years of many unknowns. Madonna received a good report from her Doctor once again, and we all praise the Lord for that!
Since then, we have all been adjusting, getting a new start on schedules, and planning and starting up the evangelistic teaching. It has been 3 years since the Patpatar Christians here have heard the evangelistic teaching, and there are more waiting to hear it. About 2 weeks ago a group of Patpatar Christians began to gather in order to be trained to teach the evangelistic teaching to other Patpatar people. Three other groups will start up whom they will be teaching in the next 2-3 weeks.
Thank you to all of you who have been praying for us, encouraging us through email, and for those of you who give so that we can be here. We appreciate each and every one of you.
Lori
Aaron helping out at the workshop.