It’s hard to believe it’s been two months already! God has brought us this far! Sometimes we are spinning with the many changes He’s brought our way and He’s brought us through! Yet, He’s also surrounded us with support through prayer and compassionate care.
These few photos should give you a peek into our first 2 months:
Meeting and getting to know Eliane has been an important highlight of our start here in Senegal. Eliane comes to our home every weekday helping me keep the house clean (it’s an endless battle against the dust which is reportedly tame this time of year!), keeping our crowd fed, and offering valuable perspective on life in Senegal. Eliane is a dear sister in Christ and fast becoming a dear friend! We are blessed by her!
Our new church family at L’Eglise Presbytérienne de Hann Maristes has also been a blessing to us. Our pastor and his wife, Jerome and Vildene, have taken care to help us get to know our new city and to get to know life in a new way here. We greatly appreciate their friendship, their patience with us, and their care for us!
Getting settled into our new home has been a team effort, and that’s a team that includes more than just our very cute children! 🙂 We’re so grateful to our mission team members who worked so hard before and since our arrival to set up our house!
During our first month here we were able to meet many of the NTM missionaries ministering here in Dakar. They welcomed us warmly: after we shared our testimony with the team, the kids enjoyed a sleepover while we got down to business, a game of Settlers!
What an honor to attend our neighbor’s wedding! We were invited to celebrate the marriage of our friend Wally’s sister. Our neighbors really know how to have a party–with good food, finely dressed guests and music and dancing long into the night! We really enjoyed being a part of the celebration and getting to meet more of our neighbors!
Also in the past 2 months we’ve all started classes. So far Emmanuel and Elena are thriving in their new school! This is an answer to prayer in a huge way! They were very nervous about the new school and it was a bit of an adjustment, but it hasn’t been a rough one. On the contrary, it’s been amazing to hear their accounts of their school day told with such joy! Their school is an American school and all their classes (except for French class) are in English.
James and Jada completed a “vacation course” at their school and the main school year commences this next Monday. They are going to a small school that is held in our church. Their classes are all in French. We have already seen an improvement in their French speaking at home! Thank you for your prayers on behalf of our kiddos!
Jonathan & I have also started classes–French language classes. We meet 2 hours every morning with our French language instructor. Our vocabulary is stretching and expanding daily! We’d appreciate your prayers during this time of intense language and culture acquisition. We will be focusing on this for the next year in order to reach a language level at which we can communicate well with those we minister alongside.
God has brought us many blessings during this difficult time of transition. We are thankful to Him for your prayers and for His presence through the last months and going forward! We look forward to what He will bring us through in the next months!
Jonathan and Jenny says
Ann, thanks so much for your prayers and for making up magnets for the kids. We appreciate you taking the time to share with them how we are here BEYOND our own ability. It is so true that we are way beyond our own capability here…but that is a good thing because then God get’s the glory, as He should, and when we are so far beyond ourselves it helps us recognize that it is only through Him. Thanks again for your prayers!
Ann Hennings says
Hi Jonathan,Jenny, and the Kids,
We are teaching a lesson about Gideon answering God’s call to do something he did not feel equipped to do, but with God’s help could accomplish in Sunday school this Sunday Nov. 20th. He trusted the Lord and was victorious. I am scrambling around to find some wool to show how it repels water for a visual aid. Also we are featuring the ROUNDY’s as people who answered God’s call on their lives to serve beyond their OWN power, but depending on God every step of the way. I am excited to share with the kids and I am making up a refrigerator magnet for each of them to take home.
Misty came over yesterday to help clean and we had a very special time together laughing and working. She is a very special person.
Praying for you often. Missing you a lot.
Love,
Ann for the Hennings at Evelyn Manor
Ann Henninge says
Hi Roundy Family,
So happy to read that you are doing well, getting settled, and also experiencing fun activities like a wedding. I remember when I was in Romania and we had a chance to go to two weddings and even help cook for a third. Very happy memories.
We will continue to pray for you all. Thank you for the great pictures.
Ann for the Hennings at Evelyn Manor
Broom Tree ministries says
Thanks for the updates – great pictures. Being invited to a wedding – how wonderful is that! Starting your ministry with a wedding.
Gwen Eleyet says
Hi Jonathan and Jenny,
It’s so nice to stay connected to your family through your updates. May God help you through language school and help you to develop relationships within your community. The kids look happy and well adjusted. That must warm your hearts. You are an inspiration to all of us of your faith journey and trust in God to meet your needs. May the Lord continue to provide abundantly for you through His people.
Love and Hugs,
Gwen for the Eleyet Family
P.S. Jonathan got married 9/24 and Christine is now engaged!
Heather Woods says
Hello, Roundys! We’re so happy to hear you’re getting settled in your new home, new neighborhood, new country! Connor and Duncan pray for you every night and can find Senegal on a map. 😀 Please send a snail mail address as soon as possible. The boys and I would like to begin correspondence with you (the old-fashioned way!). God bless you!
Mike Frans says
Jonathan and Jenny,
May the Lord encourage you daily! You both are troopers, as are your kids. Thanks for your faithfulness, and the reflection you are of His great faithfulness!
Love ya,
Mike Frans
Ray and Kay Lespérance says
We are so happy to have news and see your happy faces as you adventure into your latest surprise guided by our Heavenly Father.
Hugs for everyone.
With love,
Ray & Kay
jackie bruce says
Hey guys!
Thanks so much for the faithful updates and pics. Can’t believe how much he kids have grown. We love you and are praying for you! It is amazing to see you there and we are jealous! Thank you for you faithful steps forward that have lead you to Africa! We love you! Jackie