Once Bitten, Twice Shy

Elizabeth and some friends enjoying an afternoon chat while Tim plays helicopter.

Ritual: a customary observance or practice

You might think me a bit of a weenie these days. You see, I used to traipse down the stairs and out the door with the carefree attitude of one who is in his domain and knows it. Turns out (thanks for the rude awakening, Dengue) that my domain also happens to be the domain of the siguguni (Pal word for mosquito – doesn’t siguguni sound more dangerous and intimidating than mosquito?)

So here I am, traipsing no more. Rather, I can be found at the bottom of the stairs smearing myself with potions whose chemical contents supposedly deter even the most voracious pests and whose smells certainly deter all but the most faithful friends.

You can certainly be praying for us as we adjust to the changes that we need to make to deal with new health threats. Its sure tough too as parents to try to care for the kids who really don’t want to have anything smeared on them… (childhood: when a 15 second delay outlasts eternity).

Tim, ready to send Dad on another wild goose chase.

Inundated

Here we are back in the bush for all of 3 days and already the number of visitors from far flung places numbers in the 40s. It would be easy to handle if we were not so concerned about maintaining good relationships with all of these folks – really we want to show them the character of Jesus in our attitudes and actions. At the same time, with the number of questions and requests that are brought up each day, we are seeking to find careful and God-honoring ways in which to find space in which to do the work that we came here to do. We feel a bit like the Pony Express in reverse – like we are the horse and there is a fresh rider waiting to leap on at every station. This may be putting it a little strongly because we do take time to take care of family essentials, but it does express well the feeling of “Another one?!” that has been our constant companion over the last few days.

Word is that the floodgates are not likely to slow down this week either – please pray for wisdom and rest as we are ambassadors here.

Just a couple of Pal kids playing around.

Progress

On the language front, we are indeed making visible progress. I am beginning to keep a checklist of the times that I successfully follow a conversation (that no one thinks I can understand) to the point where I break in with an appropriate comment. I’ll never get tired of the astonished looks I’ve been getting. I’m seriously thinking of keeping a camera close at hand to capture some of them. If I get enough photos, I think I’ll entitle the album “Shock and Awe” or maybe even something a little catchy.

Thanks so much for standing with us,

Nate for the 5 of us

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