This has been our theme song over the past 2 months.  We moved out of our PNG home into a guest house, then out of the guest house to fly back to America with our belongings packed into 13 luggage and 6 carry-ons.  Next, we moved into my parents house and went through our old stored belongings then repacked to move to Katie’s parents’ house where we will live for the next 6 or 7 months.  After a few short days we were unpacked, the kids were getting used to their rooms, but the rain was steady.  It proved to be too much for many people in Michigan who don’t normally have problems with flooding.  We had to move the 3 girls out of their room due to water seepage and began moving and cleaning everything on the lower level (bedroom, living room, office).  After we were able to get everything dried out we moved everything back for a couple days only to determine it still needed some cleaning.  We moved everyone and everything out again and had someone come in to professionally dry things out.  Today we will clean the carpet and hopefully begin moving everyone back.  Chloe who is nearing 4yrs. old has said a number of times “I want to sleep there” because right now she is in the baby’s crib.

In the midst of these transitions the past few weeks and an uncertain future, God has been reminding us through many different ways of the great future home and hope that we have in Him!  “May the God of HOPE fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in HOPE”. (Romans 13:13)  We are clinging to this truth as we anticipate more transition within the year before we are settled into a new ministry.  Right now, we are focused on the purpose of our home assignment.   

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What is the purpose of Home Assignment?

• Maternity Leave (To prepare, visit the doctor, have the baby, care for the babies needs)
• Partnership Development (Touching base with supporters and churches)
• This includes; phone calls, emails, personal visits, and church presentation to share what God has accomplished through our ministry in PNG, to regain lost support, and to share about our future ministry.
• Refreshment (Personal vacation time and with family, doctors appointments for needs not met while in PNG, etc.)
• It is important that our supporters continue giving during this time while we are still employed by NTM.  It is not intended that we find another job to raise funds as this would restrict us from fulfilling those purposes.

Since returning we have had opportunities to share at churches, visit family members and friends, join a welcome home party, catch up on eye doctor and O.B. appointments, find a pediatrician, go shopping to replace items we could not bring back from PNG, have family time, and even enjoy a getaway for Katie and I before the baby comes.

As the Lord has reminded us of the hope we have in him, no matter what the future holds, we have found joy and refreshment as a family even in the midst of constant change.  Thank you for praying and supporting us!

Here are some of the things that were accomplished during third term and as we left PNG.

Cleat Repair

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• Finishing and transitioning out of Elementary P.E. (4 days a week)
• Mail and Market trip once a week until we left
• Speaking in student chapel and Sessions on ministry during career day at the High School
• Helping with Wednesday night worship and leading guys bible study
• Appointments at the medical clinic
• Dorm meetings and conversations with the parents of dorm student
• Attending to all day tournaments and weekly games
• Opening our home for girls to get dressed and ready for “Banquet”
• Chair setup for church, musical, coffee house night!
• 21 meals plus snacks per week for a family of NINE (including dorm kids)
• Closing out the dorm account and emptying all the cupboards & food.
• Helping with homework, playing games, late night talks and movies, making the most of our last time with these girls
• Faithful personal devotions, consistent exercise, and leading dorm devotions every Sunday night
• Washing the entire house top to bottom, inside and out.
• Selling what we can’t bring back and packing what we could.
• Final paperwork, squaring away our finances, attending Conference.
• Moving to guest house for a few days and then flying back to American with our 4 children.
• Goodbye dinners and parties with our community and special time spent with our national friends.

We are just now beginning to feel a sense of refreshment and joy as a family.  After looking back at this list I realize why!  Praise God for helping us to give our all and finish well so that we did not leave PNG with any regrets.

Come back on Monday to read about the interesting adventures we have experienced since getting back to America and take a look at our new photo album with many pictures from 3rd term anytime!

Sweet Sisters

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We have been working hard that last few weeks sorting all of our belongings and getting ready for a yard sale.  The sale went really well and this will help towards replacing some items when we are back in the states.  We still have a lot of larger things to sell that will have to wait until right before we leave; (lamps, T.V., keyboard, kitchen items, matresses, etc.)  We also have a large list of cleaning requirements to work through before we can leave the house.  Hopefully we will have a lot of help our last few days here to finsish these things.

This week has provided a bit of rest as I underwent minor surgery at the medical clinic here.  I have had to rest for the last few days.  Katie is hanging in there and trying to stay off her feet as much as possible but also fighting a cold.  The dorm girls have been a big help while I am not able:)

Jen & Scarlett are playing soccer.  They’ve had more conditioning than they would like too:)  The guys are playing basketball.  Both teams have there first “scrimmage” games this week.  In a few more weeks they will start with sports tournaments.

I will be speaking in High School Chapel next Wednesday and then in March I will be doing a “Youth Ministry Workshop” for a high school career day.  I am excited for these opportunities to inspire other young people into ministry.  Last night we I had a great bible study with my high school guys small group.  We have been working through 2 Timothy & Titus about what it means to be a leader!  I love it.

God is faithful!   We have all of our appointments lined up for when we get back to the states.  God has provided funds for some of our future needs through a number of generous gifts and we say thank you.  We give Him all the praise and thank you for each of your support as we follow Him.

It took a while for my parents to adjust to the time difference.  We had to keep them awake the first few days.  My dad came to town with me three times on mail runs and got to experience the postal services of PNG, the muddy food market, and the meager stores.  His comments were; It’s a lot filthier than I imagined, I can’t believe a pig just walked past me through the produce, there are so many people!  Mom got to experience shopping at our little community store with Katie and meet PNG ladies at the mini market outside our gate.  As my parents adjusted to life here and my dad enjoyed excellent PNG coffee they were able to help out with things like cooking a few meals for us, giving us a date, helping with laundry etc. and that was a big blessing.

One of the highlights of our time together was our trip to Madang Province.  It definitely had ups and downs (literally).  We piled the 8 of us into the Land Cruiser with our luggage and food and headed out.  One hour later, we stopped and attended Kafe’ Church (planted by Jen’s parents) where I was asked to share my testimony in Pidgin.  We got to see her family’s house and it was a wonderful experience.   Time to get back on the road, however, what should have taken another 5 hours ended up taking 7 because I missed our turn.  In the end we made it just at dark with no safety problems along the whole trip.  It was brutal, bumpy, fast and slow so we were all relieved to get there.  Our rooms were not what we expected and not prepared for us, the pool was closed for repairs, and the flu arrived with us, joy!  Thankfully we were all able to have a lot of fun anyway and enjoy the most beautiful ocean I have ever seen.  Katie and I were able to Kayak and snorkel around the coral reef while my parents watched the kids (It was amazing).   Dad, Ellaina, Ben, and I also got to go on a fishing trip out on the deep ocean.  It was scary with the huge waves and small boat but we were able to catch 6 Tuna and lose a few.  They tasted delicious grilled!  We also ate an amazing Fish & Chips lunch in town, did some shopping, and tried to beat Mom at Rummy a few times!  The trip back only took 5 hours total but was just as brutal, leaving everyone with bumps and bruises.

Another highlight was taking my parents to visit the village across the road and have a special PNG meal with our friends there.  Mom & Dad survived crossing the river and enjoyed the cultural experience.  In fact, one little boy took to my dad like a grandpa which is very unusual for the PNG kids who are usual scared of white people.

Dad also helped me with fixing the Quad, spoke at ABWE’s Bible College through a translator, and spoke for a Sunday Service here in our community.  In the end, it was very hard to say goodbye even though we knew we will see them again in five months.  They were very surprised when we shared that they were going to have grandbaby #21.  It was great to be able to share this in person and talk about the future.  Thank you, mom and dad so much for taking the time and money to visit us in PNG.  We will never forget it!  Check out all the pics in our photo album!

We were able to enjoy some rides and errands over the summer but without brakes, a really loud timing chain problem, gas and oil leaks, and half a body!  So, yes it needed a lot of work (that’s why it was cheap).  Over the summer I fixed the fuel lines and the electric start, re-covered the seat with extra cushion and vinyl I brought back from Australia, then I fixed and repainted the front body parts.  I also ordered a number of parts from the states that finally arrived on a shipping container in September.  My parents also brought along a few more when they arrived in September (Perfect Timing). 

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Before Repairs

So my dad and I dove into my first ATV Small Engine project!  It was a blast working together.  We tore everything apart; replaced rotors and brake pads, replaced sprockets and chain, replaced chain guides, spark plug, oil filter, etc.  The big problem was replacing the timing chain.  We tore most of the engine apart, turns out the rocker arms and cam shaft were badly worn.  So, we replaced those and after two days of frustration taking things apart and back together many times we finally got the timing chain on and in TIME.  But, it wouldn’t start!  Time to seek advice!  We found out we needed to reset the gap between the rockers arms and the valves because we had changed them.  After getting the gap right it started on the first try and we celebrated with great shouts and thanks to the Lord.

So then came the challenge of putting everything back together and figuring out where the last bolts sitting on the work bench were supposed to go?   After the new body was on we took it outside and the ladies helped us add the new decals my parents had brought from the states.   Now we have a good running quad that is safe, fun, and helpful.  We will easily get what we paid for it, plus money we put into repairs, and probably a few hundred dollars more.  Hopefully that’s worth the 40 plus hours of work:)   Thanks Dad.  I Love You!

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We recently traveled from our center to SIL (Wycliffe) for a sports tournament.  We left in a 7 vehicle caravan at 7am accompanied by a “security” escort we embarked on an adventure.  If we had a stretch of road where we could reach a decent speed it wouldn’t last long before we’d slow down again to go through an area where the pavement was broken up.  This was a humorous sight as vehicles scrambled different ways to navigate through the large potholes.  Many times we came to one way bridges where we had to wait our turn and then drive carefully across wondering if this bridge will last for one more vehicle.  In fact, for one bridge most vehicles had to empty out except for the driver and walk across.  The car had to land just right on the edge of the bridge which was about an 18 inch drop from the road, then try not to scrape the edges hoping the bridge wouldn’t slide further off it’s foundation.  We finally arrived after 2 hours and 15 minutes on the road.  We cheered for our dorm girls in softball and supported the guys volleyball team too.  By 3:00pm we needed to head back.  You don’t want to drive through these areas after dark!

Some of the views along the way through the hills and curves were very beautiful.  We passed through an area that is known for having rascals and hold-ups with no problems and stopped ourselves from swaying and bouncing shortly after arriving home.  Praise the Lord for a safe trip!

Elementary P.E.

We take attendance, do warm-up execises, and teach them how to play a certain sport.  This term they have been learning about teamwork, good sportsmanship, and how and when to run between 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and homeplate by playing kickball, softball, relay’s, team challenges, etc.  I am blessed to have Ellaina and Ben in each of my classes.  It has made me proud to see how they participate and give their all even when some kids stand around and daydream.  Most days I come home with my voice hoarse, and wishing I had time for a nap!

Youth Ministry – In this Christian bubble where missionary kid’s attend chapel, church, and bible classes by requirement, it is refreshing to offer something spiritual outside of school that teens can choose to be involved in.  In the past this need was fulfilled through D-Groups (Wednesday night small groups for discipleship).

This year D-Groups were not going to happen for a number of reasons; no one to organize, questions about it’s worth or purpose, logistics, etc.  The Lord led me to get involved.  After a couple meetings with students, and those formerly involved, we came up with a clear evaluation and direction.

Youth Worship Night

Mail Run - Tuesday mornings I leave right after school starts, load up the outgoing mail, bring it to town, and drop of medical samples which get mailed DHL to Australia.  I then go to the large open market, stop at a few stores, pick up other packages and mail, and often make payments for shipping.  Many times there are more than 30 boxes that need to be individually signed for, loaded, and then unloaded when I get back.   Finally, I unload our market and store items, help Katie with lunch if needed, and get ready for P.E.    Whew!

Dorm Sisters

Scarlett reading a story with our 4 kids climbing all over her.  A whole family singing praise songs and sharing a devotional together.   Fun music playing while everyone helps by washing dishes, wiping the table, putting away food, and sweeping the floor.  Jen, Scarlet, and friends working on a homework project or watching a movie together.  Everyone drooling over a fresh plate of homemade cookies, and then the best part…eating them!

Evening Chores

When we first looked at the prospect of having a small dorm it was hard to embrace.  We believed the Lord brought us here to be Dorm Parents and we wanted to have the greatest impact possible.  Logically, we thought that greater impact would come through having more dorm kid’s in our home.  God always knows best!  Katie and I couldn’t have imagined being this close to Jen and Scarlett.  There is a mutual respect and trust shared between us that makes parenting a joy.  We truly feel like a family together and we have been so blessed by how Jen & Scarlett have sought to be involved in our lives.  We enjoyed when all (8 of us) went down to the softball field together and played a game, and appreciated when Jen and Scarlett watched and played with our kids while we attended a school staff meeting.

Who Says Dishes Aren't Fun

God has given us many opportunities both in an outside the dorm!  We know this is the great impact we were hoping for.  Check out our album of First Term 2012 pictures.

We stayed at a beautiful small resort run by Wyclife & MAF missions.  The kids loved playing in the pool.  Katie enjoyed the freedom to walk around town by herself.  There was a small fish pond the kid’s loved hanging around as well as stories of a 10-12 foot python recently visiting, sunning himself, and possibly eating one of the large godlfish.  In fact, some of the things we enjoyed most may surprise you. 

Tree Tops Lodge Pool

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Food Items: packaged potato chips, pre-cut chicken breasts you could just throw right on the grill with no prep, lunchmeat (we had sandwiches almost everyday), healthy bread, blueberries, cherries, kiwi, pre-made salads we didn’t have to wash, sanitize, and prepare, McDonald’s (especially their 30 cent ice cream cones), coffe shops, Pizza Hut & Dominoes specials, and so much more.

Activities: driving anywhere (without having to avoid people, animals, and ruts), walking without concern for safety or robbery, being around white poeple and not being stared at, going somewhere when you want to (drive to the ocean and swim, going hiking, go rent a movie), escalators (chloe was scared at first), swimming in clean swiming pools and not being afraid to use public restrooms.  Shopping in three different malls, many specialty stores and shops, and huge grocery stores with more than one brand of any particular item.

Ok, so maybe we didn’t realize how much culture shock we face in PNG.  However, we did enjoy many things you would expect us to in Australia.  We rode a train up into the rainforest, saw waterfalls, hiked, toured little shops, even got fresh candy made right before our eyes, and came back down in a cable car over the top of the rianforest with the ocean in view.  We saw Kangeroos and many other creatures in the wild.  We swam in the ocean (the kids didn’t like the taste).  We went on a crocodile adventure with a live show and feedings, and many other australian animals (Katie’s favorite is the Kukaburra; a bird that sounds kinda like a monkey howling or laughing).

We were also able to get many needs met; Katie, Ellaina, and I were thankful for back adjustments, Ellaina got two pair of glasses, office supplies, a replacement music player, clothes, future Christmas and birthday presents, etc.

Katelyn's 5th Birthday

We want to praise God and thank you for helping us be able to go to Australia.  We didn’t realize how much we needed that time of refreshment physically, spiritually, and as a family.  I have been able to sleep well at night without waking with headaches and both of our backs are feeling stable.  Pray that we can maintain better health and be faithful to our exercises.  Most of all we both feel a renewed passion for the Lord, for ministry, serving, and for loving the people God brings our way.

Before going to Australia we received news that more changes where possible with dorm students and wondered if we may be doing something completely different when school begins.  So we prayed a lot, left it in the Lord’s hands and tried to enjoy our trip without worrying.  Another family had to go back to the U.S. unexpectadly.  The question we had to ask as a dorm team was whether or not it would be wiser, possible, and more efficient to squeeze everyone into one dorm.  This would make us available for other ministry needs.  However, there were a number of barriers to this plan because of parent requests, and certain student’s needs.  So after much evaluation we all felt led to keep with the plan.  We will have two girls to start and two more midyear making a total of four.

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