Phase two of our Language and Cultural studies

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I, Shara, would just like to catch you up with what our phase two part of language and cultural (e2) learning looks like.  This phase is taking us a very long time because of the huge demands/needs that Bryan’s department is going through.  We actually had to step away from e2 for quite some time now, and have simply tried to use what we know to the best of our ability. Please think of us as we begin to meet with leadership about getting back into full time e2, there are many logistics to work through!

With that said I hope you enjoy some of these pictures and captions of some of our time learning different events with our national teachers.  The class work is over and now it’s up to us to make things happen!  We had to set up times with our new national friends, helping them in some kind of way around their villages and gardens.  The idea is to learn how they live everyday life.  While we are learning how they live we also have time to “stori” (talk) with them about life and customs.  We are still very limited in our language but we did our best and it was always my favorite part of the day to be side by side with them!

Bryan shaking hands with a pastor. This church is a national run church. They are sending off their own missionaries now to reach PNG, super exciting!

 

Yah I'm that tall white "meri" in the middle. Me and blending in just don't mix:) One of the ladies had the name Origon, Oregon, go figure!

 

Digging in the ground is what these women do. I try to ask language and culture questions while working. Honestly it's hard for me to do them both at the same time, it's easier for me to just work. It's a good challenge for me!

 

Bryan working with his "bus naip" (bush knife) clearing the weeds! Talking while he works. Now as we all know talking and working are easy for him!

 

Bryan learning how to take bamboo, flatten it out, and weave it together to make the walls of houses and buildings here!

 

Shara learning how to take two pieces of yarn and rolling them together to make one strong piece of yarn. This is the first step in making a "bilum" (bag). Boy is it ever hard to get right.

 

Here are two friends who have taken the time to teach me how to work in the garden, make or start making a "bilum", and are becoming friends.

 

I took this picture of Bryan and his teacher and later I took a long time looking at it. As I looked at this I said to Bryan, "You know we use to show people pictures like this back in the states of other missionaries and now I am looking at us actually in these pictures. It's still amazing to think God is using us here in PNG. What a privilege?"

 

 

 

 

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