As I was trying to think of how to communicate how life has been for us, I came across this picture and thought it described it quite accurately. Both Eric and I have felt exhausted and drained from the steady week after week putting in the hours of language study. Sometimes it seems to be a never ending task because one day when we have finally finished studying the national language, we will then start all over again in a tribal language. Sometimes it can seem overwhelming but the Lord is faithful to encourage us and remind us of the reason for all of this.
We are in the second stage of our language learning and we are beginning to retell processes now. It has been intimidating but also very cool to see how we have progressed in the language. Please pray that God will allow our minds to be able to keep absorbing all that we are learning.
If we keep progressing at the rate we are right now, it looks like we will be able to move to the next region in August of this year. We are very excited to move on but are also sad to leave our friends here. Eric has made many friends around the neighborhood. I have not made as many friends but i have become very close to my dear ladies that come during the week to take care of Joshua and do housework while we are in language sessions. God has blessed me so much with these precious friends. One of the ladies is a believer but the other is not and it is very heartbreaking to know that I will not be at the level of language to share the gospel with her before we leave. Please pray for her.
Joshua has been such a joy and a blessing to us. He is definitely one of the best icebreakers in this culture and has been a way for us to develop relationships more quickly. He is fifteen months old now and is running all over the place and trying to learn how to jump although he is less than successful in that 😉 He loves “helping” me wash laundry and he likes sweeping the floor although that mostly entails him dumping out the dustpan on the clean floor.
Please pray for us in these coming months as we will be communicating with the leadership of the next region and applying to move there.
Also, we suffered a miscarriage a little over two months ago which was very hard but the Lord has blessed us again with another pregnancy. Please pray that this one would go smoothly and that I would be able to continue on with studying despite the morning sickness.
Thank you all so much for praying for us and partnering with us. We could not do this without you all and we are so thankful to be partners together in bringing the gospel to this beautiful land. We love you guys and look forward to hearing from you.
WOW! Joshua is growing so fast and he is so cute. We miss you guys and are praying for you. So glad you are doing good in your language learning. So happy to hear you are going to have another baby. Will be praying for you. I would love your warm weather. Its been a cold, cold winter here in MI. Keep the news coming this way. We enjoy hearing from you and knowing whats going on there. Love you guys.
Thank you for keeping us updated. The pictures are beautiful and your Joshua looks like he is thriving. Know that you stay in my prayers daily. I will pray extra for a healthy and smooth pregnancy for you, may our sweet Lord’s blessings and care be on all of you. Joyce
We were so sorry to hear about your miscarriage, but congratulations on this pregnancy. Joshua is truly a sweet, precious little joy from God. He has curly hair like his daddy, big curls. Sweet! Sounds as if you both are progressing well in the language and culture. I know you are excited about that, Joshua growing up, and this new pregnancy. God has truly blessed His servants who have chosen to serve Him in this country. Praying for a great ministry, safe pregnancy, and a healthy baby. We love you and your family, Ms Yvonne