It’s been 2 months now since we moved here. Our house is still not completely set u
p, but we do have bedding and curtains now. 🙂 Meanwhile, we are busy studying the local language here using the same language and culture acquisition lessons that new missionary families use to learn the national language. We plan to continue this language study practicum for another month or two before transitioning into fulltime responsibilities as part of the orientation team here. We’ve already had some opportunities to start learning about our future responsibilities. I (Jennifer) have gotten to sit in on parts of a couple language and culture evaluations for some of our new coworkers who are in national language study.
A few days ago, DJ, Julie, and Naomi had to make a quick trip back to the coastal town on the island where we used to live. Julie and Naomi had to renew their visas there. We’re so thankful to have them here with us until late November. We’ve had some special family times, including a hike to a waterfall last weekend.
Several of our Hobongan friends call us any time they come down to the closest town where they have a cell phone signal. We miss them a lot. It’s so good to hear their voices and get a chance to keep speaking Hobongan at least a little bit. Right now we are hoping we can visit them at Christmas time during our kids’ school break. The churches usually have several days of fellowship meetings over Christmas, so we hope it will be a good time to visit with a lot of the believers. Please keep praying for the Hobongan churches to grow in their desire for God’s word, Christian fellowship, and outreach to those who haven’t heard the Gospel yet.
Thank you so much for all of your prayers during our move and adjustment here. We are feeling much more at home here most days now, although we know there are still more changes ahead. God bless all of you.