In PNG at last!

Our house here at the Tagog Center at night.

“Mom, its Uncle Nate. He’s in the Philistines.”

I had called my sister from Manila just to check in and caught my 6 year old nephew a little off guard. Just to set the record straight; there were no Goliaths in Mandaluyong (I hear there is a Mega Mall) and we had a great time seeing our friends there.
In fact, our whole trip went as smoothly as could be expected and we arrived safely and with all of our baggage. Oh there were a few little reminders that we were definitely not in Kansas anymore – like the noodles and assorted sea-food (octopus?) pieces that we were served for breakfast between Taipei and Manila (thanks Sharon C. for recommending the granola bars!) If you care to read the complete story of our trip (we promise not to bore you too much) check out you can do it here.

There are quite a number of ways that we have seen God’s hand at work lately
1. Kids traveled so very well! Elias slept for 8 hours of our first flight and the other boys for 7.
2. Elizabeth’s sister Emily was able to travel with us – she was truly a God-send (her help during our three hour trip through security in the Manila airport alone was worth a king’s ransom.)
3. Our house was nearly set-up for us by folks here – it helped us all feel right at home right away.
4. We have met many of the folks in our region so far – and they have all helped us feel right at home.
5. Our kids are sleeping well – and seem to be fine in other areas so far.
6. The things we shipped last winter got here the same day that we did – all safe too.
7. Good encouragement and insight from friends as to our launching into culture and language study.

The things that you can be praying for are
1. Wisdom for how to settle our family best – we know that time spent helping our kids adjust is well spent in these first few weeks.
2. Keeping straight all of the things that are new.
3. Insight in how we can be an encouragement to those around us – lots of the folks here are working very hard and we’d like to be helpful to them in whatever ways we can.

We thought we would leave you with a video clip of the Manila street – and a hot tip from our tour guide (and good friend) Ginny. Thanks again for your prayers and support! Nate for the Cs