{"id":244,"date":"2025-01-30T12:20:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-30T17:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.ethnos360.org\/avalon-luse\/?p=244"},"modified":"2025-03-03T12:25:31","modified_gmt":"2025-03-03T17:25:31","slug":"to-the-other-side-of-the-world-and-back","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.ethnos360.org\/avalon-luse\/2025\/01\/30\/to-the-other-side-of-the-world-and-back\/","title":{"rendered":"To the other side of the world and back!!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
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What is going on?<\/em><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n

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I\u2019m back from Papua New Guinea! What an incredible, whirlwind journey it was\u2014full of family, friends, and reconnecting with my brothers and sisters in the Lord from the Patpatar people.\u00a0It was a hectic time, with a week being the longest that I was anywhere consecutively\u00a0and I can\u2019t wait to share some of the highlights with you!<\/p>\n

A Long-Awaited Homecoming<\/strong><\/h3>\n

My first stop was\u00a0Goroka in the highlands<\/strong>, where I reunited with my family\u2014most of whom I hadn\u2019t seen in a year and a half!\u00a0There I was able to see teachers, friends, and places that I had not visited since I had graduated high school five years ago. I experienced the monsoon rain of the rainy season which\u00a0made it feel like a true homecoming. And of course, no Christmas would be complete without our family tradition\u2014baking Christmas cookies<\/strong>! (Though, unfortunately, I also picked up a pesky cold that was making the rounds.)<\/p>\n

Returning to My Roots<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Next, we made our way to\u00a0New Ireland<\/strong>, the island where I grew up. Before heading into the tribe, we stocked up on supplies in town, then traveled to two key locations.<\/p>\n

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    The Mountain Church<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Our first stop was a church planted by a Patpatar elder. We lived alongside the believers, sharing meals, encouragement, and even bathing in the river!<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Bom Village \u2013 My Childhood Home<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Christmas brought us to the place where I spent nearly fifteen years of my life. A\u00a0believers\u2019 conference<\/strong>\u00a0was taking place, and it was a time of\u00a0fellowship, laughter, worship, and encouragement<\/strong>. It was encouraging and joyful to see the Church growing and thriving, and I was grateful that my memory of the\u00a0Pataratar language<\/strong>\u00a0came back enough to join in conversations!<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Bittersweet Goodbyes & A New Year\u2019s Celebration<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    After saying goodbyes to precious brothers and sisters in Christ, my family packed up and began our journey back to the mountains of PNG.\u00a0We spent time visiting a supply town where I grew up and got to spend New Year\u2019s there.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Back in\u00a0Goroka<\/strong>, we had our\u00a0family Christmas celebration<\/strong>, exchanged gifts, and prepared for my younger sisters to start school again. During my final week, I had the privilege of\u00a0hosting an MK Care event<\/strong>, where we connected with high schoolers through games and snacks, reminding them that MK Care is always available. I also got to help my dad with a special\u00a0photo project for his office<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    Then, just like that, it was time for tearful goodbyes. I boarded my flight back to the States grateful for all that I experienced.<\/p>\n

    Want to See More? Let\u2019s Connect!<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    I\u2019d love to share more stories, photos, and reflections from my time in PNG.
    \nCheck out my Instagram\u00a0<\/strong>here\u00a0<\/a>for snapshots of the trip.
    \nWant to hear more?<\/strong>\u00a0Let\u2019s chat! Reply to this email\u00a0    here<\/a>\u00a0to set up a time to call, grab a coffee, or just exchange stories.<\/p>\n

    Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and support throughout this journey. It means the world to me!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n

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Looking forward\u2026<\/em><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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This next month is going to be hectic! I have several big events that are happening.\u00a0I get to be a part of a mission trip<\/strong>\u00a0to Roach, Missouri. This trip is for the\u00a0renovation of the Ethnos360 MK Care building<\/strong>\u00a0on the missions training center in Missouri. This renovation will allow for offices, debriefing rooms, and areas for MK events to be built and updated so that the space MK Care has can be best utilized for serving missionary kids and their families.\u00a0I will also be moving in February.<\/strong>\u00a0My plan is to update you all more on where, why, and what the purpose is for my move in my next newsletter.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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\u201cYou know you\u2019re an MK when\u2026<\/p>\n

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  • You have had your passport before your driver\u2019s license<\/li>\n
  • Airports feel like a second home to you<\/li>\n
  • Rain on a tin roof is one of your favorite sounds\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Prayer Requests and Praises<\/em><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Prayer Requests:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  • Focus and energy to accomplish goals for the next month<\/li>\n
  • That I will be able to share the importance of missions with the Awana class I get to speak at<\/li>\n
  • For packing, transitioning, and saying \u201cSee you later\u201d as I move<\/li>\n
  • For the ability to communicate well<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n
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Praise:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  • For safe travels from one side of the globe to the other and back<\/li>\n
  • For time with family<\/li>\n
  • The ability to visit the Church my parents planted that I grew up in<\/li>\n
  • Friends and family who love, support, and pray for me<\/li>\n
  • Resources and people who encourage and help me in my ministry and day to day life<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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I am currently at 59% average of my monthly support!<\/strong><\/p>\n

I am so thankful for those who have partnered with me financially and I am overwhelmed by the amount of people who are keeping me in their prayers. Thank you for partnering with me in prayer! I know that without those who are a part of my team, both in prayer and finance, I could not be moving forward with what the Lord has for me.<\/p>\n

If you are interested in giving, you can scan the QR code or click the button at the bottom of this letter and it will take you to where you can partner financially. If you have questions or would like to know more about what I\u2019m doing, I would love to meet with you!\u00a0<\/strong>Ways to connect with me through email or phone are at the bottom of the letter and I would love the opportunity to get to share with you what the Lord is doing and how you can be involved!<\/p>\n

Other ways you can be involved:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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I am new here\u2026 who are you?<\/em><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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If I have not had the opportunity to meet you or interact with you, welcome!\u00a0My name is Avalon Luse and I am serving with Ethnos360 as a part of MK Care<\/strong>, which serves missionary kids and their families so that the gospel can go out to all people.<\/p>\n

I grew up as a missionary kid overseas in Papua New Guinea. Starting when I was one-year old until I graduated high school when I was nineteen. This experience gave me a passion for missions and a heart for missionary kids.\u00a0If you are interested in more of my story checkout my website using the QR code in the connect with me section.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Connect with Me<\/em><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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I would love to hear from you and get to know you a little bit better!<\/p>\n

Scan the link on the bottom right to learn more about me.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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My email is:<\/em><\/p>\n

avalon_luse@ntm.org<\/p>\n

My phone number is:<\/em><\/p>\n

+1 (262) 765-6624<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n

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My mailing address is:<\/em><\/p>\n

Avalon Luse<\/p>\n

4602 DeRocher Path<\/p>\n

Sioux City, IA 51106<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Partner Financially<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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Check Out Past Newsletters<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What is going on? I\u2019m back from Papua New Guinea! What an incredible, whirlwind journey it was\u2014full of family, friends, and reconnecting with my brothers and sisters in the Lord from the Patpatar people.\u00a0It was a hectic time, with a week being the longest that I was anywhere consecutively\u00a0and I can\u2019t wait to share some […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1187,"featured_media":245,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-244","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-uncategorized","entry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ethnos360.org\/avalon-luse\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/244","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ethnos360.org\/avalon-luse\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ethnos360.org\/avalon-luse\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ethnos360.org\/avalon-luse\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1187"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ethnos360.org\/avalon-luse\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=244"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ethnos360.org\/avalon-luse\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/244\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ethnos360.org\/avalon-luse\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/245"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ethnos360.org\/avalon-luse\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=244"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ethnos360.org\/avalon-luse\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=244"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.ethnos360.org\/avalon-luse\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=244"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}