Well “winter” has come to the jungle. It’s been a rainy, cool 70 degree day so the girls were coloring snowy winter pictures, we pulled out some socks, and put the Christmas music on. Soup and fresh bread was on the menu for supper and we enjoyed a cozy Saturday night together. Those are some of the little things we get to enjoy in this home away from home.
Tim, Paul, & Phil (our partners) headed out on a “survey trip” earlier today trying to connect with people in some of the surrounding villages and getting a better idea of the area. Lots of mud bogging on the motorcycles, rain, and talking with people. They did make it back just before it started raining really hard for the night. All in a day’s work!
Our days have been filled with translation and hours and hours of working with village friends to make the lessons and scripture even more clear in the language. For me it’s 4 hours+ of computer work, visiting all around the village getting hours of recorded stories and language, and then time at home processing, and filing all that I’ve gleaned. Each week usually includes at least one or two home visits to someone that is sick or has medical needs, and taking some hot peppers, vegees, or sometimes valued chicken heads or soy bean cakes to one of the many grandma friends we have who can always use someone else watching out for them. Oh and then all the random visitors we get all throughout the week asking for help with their English middle school homework, asking if we can take a picture of them for their government family card, or someone wanting to use the mission airplane or needing us to fix their cell phone for them. Such a crazy combination of modern and back-woods issues we face each day as we live here!
But one of the biggest challenges among all the physical things we deal with is keeping our eyes on Jesus in the moments that make up a day. We. just like you desire to keep that eternal perspective but can be so easily diverted by discouragement, cultural blunders, and difficult relationships. Practicing God’s presence and taking moments of the day to find things to be thankful for and ways to praise Him- in the midst of the everyday activities are some things we have tried to be intentional about. What are ways that you keep a Jesus-Focus in the busyness and stress of your days? We would love to learn together with you, what that looks like on the most practical level!
The girls and I have enjoyed doing Kindergarten together! We did a spring theme ending in colored eggs and a hunt, and then the week leading up to Easter we did a lamb theme and focused on our Good Shepherd and also Jesus as the Lamb of God. They are starting to read their first books which is so fun to be a part of!
Blessings to you as the spring season reminds us of new life, beauty, and fresh air- may that be true for you in your walk with the Lord as well!
Andrea,Tim, Dina & Abby