We are 4 months into language and culture study. It still feels as if we hardly know anything but looking back to the first day we arrived, we see progress. Thank the Lord. Raquel continues to improve in her adjustment here. When we first arrived in Indonesia she had a hard time adjusting. She did not like it when we spoke in Indonesian and she did not want to play with any of the other kids her age, but now by God’s grace she is doing much better. Often she will try to say words in Indonesian. Every day she greets our house helpers by saying, “Selamat Pagi” which is, “good morning”; and when they leave she says, “Sampai besok” which means, “until tomorrow”. She is also slowly starting to see the importance of having friends. (Western or Indonesian). Just about once a week we go to an indoor play place for kids where Raquel gets to hang out and play with Indonesian kids. She really enjoys it and is really excited to go again. Also, she goes to school from 10am to 12pm, Monday to Friday. At first she did not like it and would cry really hard sometimes when she had to go. But again by God’s grace He gave us the strength to persevere. Now she talks about school much of the time and tells us about her friends who are in her class.
Dylan and Angela van Rensburg ...serving in Indonesia
NTM
New Tribes Mission | Planting Tribal Churches
Hey guys – I just finished reading your two blogs and was just struck by what an awesome thing it must be for you that Raquel is starting to adapt a little better. I know that Haley is always saying how she never wants to go back to Mexico, and I remember how much they hated going to church and would cry and cry – and it made things SO HARD. SO I just wanted to give you some encouragement that I can completely identify with the difficulty of that, and I am just so thankful that she is starting to “acclimate”. I know it makes life so much easier, and lets you guys get back to focusing on the real reason you’re there. Thanks for sharing!