NTM

The Lord provided the opportunity to spend a couple of weeks in one of the tribal locations in Papua and learn from the literacy program going on there. Keep praying for the needs for individuals whether it is here in town where I am now or in tribal locations to be able to read God’s Word for themselves.

For these kids color crayons are still a real treat! And so it has been a good tool to bring them stories to color that go along with our teaching lessons that talk about God’s character as seen from Creation on. Keep praying that they will continue to grow in their understanding of God’s Word and that eventually they will have as much enthusiasm for God’s Word as for color crayons!

“and not AT you.” Or so I tell myself. :) Let’s hope I am translating that laughter correctly! Standing in front of members of the church here and beginning literacy and other classes I have indeed experienced laughter at my mistakes. I don’t blame them. Please keep praying that we can be effective teachers. I hope that we would be a blessing in many areas…besides providing amusement.

Touch your head! Touch your toes! As we played the body parts game with the children and youth group and church this last week, I was reminded of the many body parts in the missionary ministry! I am blessed with faithful partners and the different roles that makes each of you such a valuable part of my being here and serving here in Indonesia. Thank you!!

What’s your favorite hobby? For the kids here it is definitely rolling these tires. I am considering taking up the “sport” myself…but still a little worried my coordination skills aren’t up to par. Of course the other day these same kids were enjoying playing with a snake as well. Give me tires any day.

It has been a month since my arrival here on the island of Papua and I am getting adjusted to the new tastes and flavors of life here! Some of my “just a taste” experiments I hope will last me for a few years as my tastebuds weren’t that thrilled. Thanks for your prayers and notes of encouragement during this adjustment process.

April 20th is the date scheduled for the big “leap” from one island to the next. While this means that I have finished national culture and language study, it also means good-byes to friends here that I can’t seem to convince to move with me. So in keeping with Indonesian tradition this means many “perpisahans” or good-bye gatherings. I was able to “host” the neighborhood ladies for snacks and thank them again for their warm welcome and their role in helping me adjust to Indonesia so that I feel ready to take that next leap to the next island.

Living in Indonesia I have grown accustomed to being surrounded by mosques and their frequent calls to prayer from the loudspeakers. While we know God can speak to us in a still, quiet voice…sometimes the loud sounds serve as a loud reminder of “taking everything to your Father in prayer who careth for you”

What are Indonesian schools like? There are ceremonies, uniforms, lots of repetition, emphasizing respect and manners…..just to name a few things. My favorite part was the cultural respectful “kiss” on the hand goodbye from all the students when they leave at the end of the day. Since one day I hope to be helping with tribal people learn to read and write, I have been interested in learning more about Indonesian schools. This month I was able to spend a couple days with a friend who is a school teacher and go with her to her classes every day. While it was just a glimpse, I am hoping that it can be applied in future learning situations that I will be in.

Part of living in a different culture for me has been being able to appreciate the different perspective that I often encounter in the thinking and living of those around me.  A vivid reminder is the 101 great ways Indonesians have to carry a heavy load .  Sometimes it brings a grin to see the approach of a different culture and people to problems and sometimes it brings frustration.  In both situations though God often reminds me of the need to "use my head" not just to get my own way carried out, but to be willing to look at something with a new perspective.