We miss you! Unsurprisingly, it’s really hard to leave almost everyone you know. It’s also hard to try to fit in to a new place with new people that you can’t talk to. But, God has never left us on our own and He isn’t starting now. We are well taken care of by Him and by His people both here and back home.
Since our last update we have learned more language, purchased a moped to get around town, and seen restrictions begin to lift in regards to the pandemic.
Our language learning approach has remained mostly the same, though recently we’ve increased to 2 live language sessions per week. That means that 2 days a week we are able to practice and study with a local speaker. On the other days we study our new vocabulary and then read along as we listen to recorded and transcribed “texts” or short stories from our helpers. That has helped us tremendously to learn basic words and how the language is structured.
Our family is doing well in the midst of all of this. We are amazed that we haven’t gotten sick with any of the new germs we’ve been exposed to! So thankful for that, especially when any fever is such cause for suspicion these days and would mean that we have to quarantine. Moriah is doing great and has become quite the little independent cutie. She reminds us of a teenager sometimes, especially with this new swagger she likes to do with her arms down and shoulders shrugged!
Praise
- That we haven’t gotten sick!
- That we have been able to learn with the help of 2 language helpers.
- That we are able to get around more with our own transportation and restrictions loosening.
- That God cares for us & desires that we cast all our cares on Him. (1 Peter 5:7)
Prayer
- For joy in the midst of all circumstances.
- For sharp minds to learn this language.
- For opportunities to learn more of the culture.
- For our relationships with our neighbors to grow strong in spite of the circumstances.
- For our growth in Christ and trust in Him each day.
A little bonus encouragement…
In times like these it can be hard to know what we should do. Should we stay in or should we go out? Should we go meet the neighbors or not? It’s confusing and stressful, at least for us. Here’s a passage that encouraged me in regards to that. 1 Peter 4:7-9.
7 For the culmination of all things is near. So be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of prayer. 8 Above all keep your love for one another fervent, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without complaining. (NET)
Another version says in verse 7, “For the end of the world is coming soon“. In other words, Jesus is coming back, we may not know when, but it’s gonna be soon. So in light of that, what did God have Peter tell the people? He said to pray, love one another, and be hospitable. That’s a bit more simple than I would have thought, but still so challenging. God, please help us love and pray for each other well. Jesus said that the world will know us by our love for one another (John 13:35).
carleton polk says
Thank you for the update as much appreciated. And Sedikit by Sedikit you will learn the lingo. We love you & will pray you all make an impact for Christ where He has you!
Hope to hear from you when able.
Love, The Polks