The Road We Travel

Elias on the trail for home.

 

The Long Road

Well, after two weeks back in the bush, we finally seem to be hearing many of the things in the Pal language that we were hearing last year when we left. It is surprising how much we feel more in tune with the conversations that go on around and with us. That said, we are realizing that language and culture study is a long road. It is humorous and slightly embarrassing when the people around you are having a conversation about how it has taken you so long to learn the basics  and you can understand them, but do not know how to respond. Well, that was yesterday. Today those same guys were showing off to a visitor how much we know of their language saying “See, aren’t they doing great – really soon, they’ll sound just like us…” Would you please pray for us as we look to run the whole distance without getting bogged down by the daily ups and downs.

Bald Man

Another interesting and slightly funny thing happened the other day: the guys started staring at my head when I took my hat off. One guy almost fell down he was so excited to point out the fact that circumstances beyond my control have left me with a patch of head that doesn’t have any hair to shine through (I’m okay with it – I’ve been balding for more than 10 years thank you very much).  I guess they have always considered me a very young man (again – culture dictates that I have more than three children to enter full manhood), and for me to have a ‘clear head’ shocked them. Anyway, now I have a new name: uyuh velo – literally ‘clear head’ which distinguishes me from my co-worker Mason. Oh Joy. You can pray that I really am clear headed when it comes to learning and retaining the language.

View from our helipad this afternoon…

It’s all fun and games until…Someone runs the tank dry.

I’ve taken on a new hobby. It is walking around the house shutting things off and saying things like: “Who left the water running in the bathroom?” and “Who left the light  on in the kitchen?” Some men putter around the house, I just mutter. We as a family are still trying to re-learn how to live with limited basic resources. We are currently rationing milk powder, water, fruit, and electricity. For people who have lived in New Guinea for a couple of years we are off to a hilariously awkward start. At the same time, my hobby isn’t as enjoyable as others I have had. I think I’ll drop it soon and find a new one… (polishing my bald spot?) besides, we must be learning something, I walked into the bathroom this evening and was shocked to find the taps completely closed. Woohoo.

Well, that’s all for this update. Thanks for praying and keeping us here,

Nate for the Cs

“The message that points to Christ on the Cross seems like sheer silliness… but to those on the way to salvation it makes perfect sense. This is the way God works, and most powerfully, as it turns out… Since the world in all of its fancy wisdom never had a clue when it came to knowing God, God in His wisdom took delight in using what the world considered dumb preaching to bring those who trust Him into the way of salvation.” 1 Corinthians 1:18, 21

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