It has been decided! We’re headed to Papua New Guinea. Ecstatic hardly expresses how we feel. Nailing down a field of service feels like taking another step toward the goal.
The door swings open, “they are ready.” announces our instructor. We can’t help but wonder, “What will she do or say this time?” Our hearts race as we enter the smoke filled room to meet with our helper. It is the third time this week we’ve met, so at this point we are able to greet her in her language. She gestures for us to sit and we begin our language session. Yesterday she yelled with an aghast look when Abby was burping Uriah. “I cannot believe you beat your baby like that!” Oh man, we don’t know how we should act in this culture. Blunders like this amp up the complexity of our simple goals. If only we could see the world through her eyes. The goal for today, build our relationship and learn 10 or more household items. Abby and I are feeling more and more comfortable with her and today nothing too dramatic happened. A tap on my shoulder from our instructor tells me it is time to go. The pent up breath in my lungs is let out with a large sigh as we leave the village. “We did it.” Got our language, grew a little closer with our helper and didn’t get eaten, another day on Dobu Island.
“This “Dobu Village” is part of our Culture and Language Practicum class. It is a chance to encounter some of the realities we will be faced with in a cross cultural setting. Through this course we are learning the importance of a strong walk with the Lord. It is the ultimate classroom where we are able to put into practice a great deal of what we have learned the past year. Following our time in the “village” is a debrief time with seasoned missionaries who help us in areas we need growth. What a blast! We feel so blessed to be here learning as we are.
Please Pray:
God would teach us through our practicum class.
We would have wisdom as parents.
For a group of recovering addicts Taylor has been teaching with a team from school. Last semester many of them believed the gospel, and are now growing as our new brothers.
Love,
Taylor and Abby