Done at Last!

We are pleased to announce that Karen and I are both IMLAC graduates and are considered "fluent" in the Indonesian language. This is kind of funny to us because the they word fluent could also be translated as fluidity and so if you can talk fast, you sound fluent. I don't think I will ever be fluent in any language if speed is the guage - Karen on the other hand ...

We are still very motivated to continue learning this language - it is like most other things, once you start learning, you realize how much more there is to learn about that subject. We have plans to continue reading books to increase our vocabulary, but chatting with the neighbors is the best way to increase our "fluency".

Thank you for praying for us during this time! We could tell that we were being lifted and watched over. We ask that you continue to pray for us as we organize the details of moving once again and also for the children who, although adapt quite quickly, are very sensitive to change. The plan is to ship our household items around the 15th of May and give them a head start before we depart on the 18th of May. We have to go through Jakarta and plan on staying in the city for a few nights visiting with friends and enjoying the city. We plan on arriving in Papua around the 22nd of May. Hopefully our stuff from Canada and our stuff from here will all get to Papua safely.

I would like to close with an encouragement from John 20:30, 31

"Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."

This passage comes right after Thomas declares that he will not believe that Jesus rose from the dead until he puts his fingers in Jesus' hands and side. Many times we require proof of the power of God before we will choose to believe in the power of God, but Jesus said in verse 29,

"blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

Verse 31 says that Scripture were given to us as proof of God's plan of salvation so that we may believe. Although we may not have seen miraculous signs like the actual holes in Jesus' hands and side, like the disciples, we have scripture, which is a miracle in itself, and we are told that its account is accurate. May you continue to read the scriptures and may the Holy Spirit unveil truths to the greatness and glory of God. If you haven't started reading, or it has been a while since you last opened your bible, don't let that stop you. Open it up, it will change your life. May His name, the name of our risen Lord, Jesus, be praised for ever and ever, Amen!

Almost Done!

Hey there, everyone!

We are almost done our language learning here in the wonderful little city of Salatiga, Indonesia. It has been a hard few months, with our brains being stretched in ways we never thought possible. I have a new appreciation for those learning a new language or those who are already multi-lingual, it is just down right hard to learn a new language.


We have also celebrated Good Friday here and it is important to remember that we are now living in a Muslim world where this day is not fully understood. Our helper asked us what it Easter actually meant if Jesus literally rose from the dead. Wow! What a terrific opportunity to share the good news - unfortunately, we could not answer with the enthusiasm or the precision that we once could for we are still learning this language. I must admit that I was/am embarrassed about my inability to communicate effectively and I was reminded of this scripture passage:

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" - 1 Peter 3:15

Consider me sufficiently motivated to continue learning! I encourage everyone else to continue learning as well so that you may be able to answer any questions that come your way!

This is us and classmates at IMLAC. It nice and relaxed.

Darryl had a fun day at his school and that meant all of our kids could have fun as well. They had face painting, which our kids took advantage of as well as water games. Nothing but fun!

Darryl was on the camoflauge team - nothing but cool!

Stephan's performance

Stephan's class performed a frog song. He was very proud!

Boys will be Boys

Stephan manages to entertain himself fairly easily and this is what Paul and I found him doing when we came home from school the other day. Enjoy!