I described the past week as much to a friend recently. I realize that an English teacher may frown upon that description, but that is exactly what it has been. As a result this post may be longer than usual, but I wanted to share.
In the midst of overwhelming feelings to be back in the States, God provided several opportunities for me to see why I am here instead of there. On Saturday I got to go to the Goroka Show, a once-a-year festival put on in conjunction with PNG Independence Day celebrations. Representatives of tribes from all over the country display traditional clothing, dancing and music. As I moved between the groups and took pictures, I was amazed at their costumes and their energy. I saw more things than I am able to describe, but the thing that I was most grateful for was getting to lock eyes with the people of PNG. It is evident in their traditions that they acknowledge the existence of a creator, but many have never heard of the unconditional love of Christ or experienced the peace and hope of God. The Goroka Show allowed me to put faces with the reason I am here.
I also spent four days this week working at another campus at the NTM Highlands Conference. During this time, tribal missionaries come in from the bush and spend time learning and fellowshipping. I was part of providing nursery care so that these missionaries could attend sessions. Through caring for their kids and evening conversations, I was able to connect with several families that are in tribes learning the language and culture or teaching and translating the Bible. As a support missionary, I am grateful to have met and worked more closely with the people that we are supporting from the field office. I am now better able to put faces and personalities with those that I pray for in the bush.
I mentioned that these opportunities occurred during a time when I just wanted to be back in the States. My sister, who lives most of the year in Africa with Mercy Ships, is in Dallas and had surgery on Monday. I can’t provide her medical care, but I longed to be at her bedside before and after the surgery. She is fine and recovering well with my parents, and I find myself jealous that those in Texas are getting to spend time with her. Additionally, a dear friend passed away over the weekend. Ken Sessions, a missionary that Live Oak partnered with in Mexico, lost his battle to cancer. I can’t seem to express my sadness for his wife and fellow missionary Yolanda well over the phone or honor Ken appropriately in written words. It is certainly a time when I want to mourn with friends.
The school term also ended Wednesday, which meant the scurry of final assignments and grades. The sleep deprivation associated with this simply added to the intensity of feelings this week. So, in the end, the week can only be described as much. In the end, I am grateful for God’s providence of the big picture in the midst of sadness.
Kristy says
Hey friend,
Praying for you and trusting that God will guide you through all of these mixed emotions. He’s sufficient to cover all the highs and lows and all of the in-between stuff too. We love you so much!
alicia says
praying for you as well. Thank you for keeping us up to date so well. Those pictures were remarkable. I see them in booklets and other media and they always look like something that’s not so real, but to see you right there with them, puts it in perspective. Yes these are real people. Yes they really do dress like that. Yes I’m sure if they are at all human those clothes have to be uncomfortable, but then again I have my ears pierced and have worn small/tall shoes and too tight jeans.
I’m so sorry you are mourning the lack of being able to be back in the states. I won’t say I understand because I don’t, but I feel for you.
You are missed. Keep posting these updates. I love reading about your life. What can I say? I’m a fan of Robyn Green. Can I be your groupie?
love ya friend!
Amy West says
Robyn-
Andy forwarded your message to me. I am “signed up”. So glad to “hear your voice”. Know that the folks back in the states are missing you as well. Lots of curriculum “Oh, Robyn will know” questions that seem to go unanswered in your absence!!! Change is not always easy, but it’s not all bad either!!! God will honor and be with you in every change you are experiencing because of your faithfulness to His call. You are in my prayers and heart.
Amy West
Kim Buck says
I am so encouraged by your faithfulness to serve Him. I so understand those mixed feelings of wanting to be in the U.S. as well as struggling to communicate well from so far away. Just push forward and keep trusting that He has you where He wants you.
Love you Robyn!
Kim
Laura says
I love that you got to celebrate with the tribes of png and that God provided a little distraction and restoration from Allie and Ken. So glad A got the care she needed and is doing well, praying healing is fast so she can return to the mercybox.
As for Ken, what a life he lived! So glad he is finally healed but so grieved for Yolanda and those he served. Love you Robyn!
Dad says
Hey Robyn,
Read your post. You are in my prayers. You may be a long ways away, but the connection with you is always there. I am having trouble typing this, I burnt my finger while making waffles for breakfast. Love you lots,
Dad
XXOO
Mindy says
What a week indeed. Holding you close in prayer. It is good to know how to pray specifically. Love you