HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

The year 2014 saw so many changes for our family, we can't wait to see what God has in store for us in 2015.

Christmas here in Papua New Guinea was wonderful as we got to spend it with the Nie family.  They've been staying with us since we got back from our Pacific Orientation Course in November, and just left to bring back their ship to do maritime transportation for Wycliffe missionaries.

This is Jim, he's one of my best friends here on the other side of the world.  It was sad to see him go..

On Christmas, we baked up several batches of Christmas cookies (a Nie tradition).  Their cookies looked much more professional than ours, but they all taste the same, delicious!

We got so many Christmas cards from Lifeway Community Church, our sending church, we were able to decorate our front door!

My biking excursions off center continue.  I couldn't go last weekend because I was on call for the clinic, and despite threatening weather, God gave me the go ahead to head out today.  I came across a PMV (Public Motor Vehicle) stuck in the mud trying to climb a hill.  After several unsuccessful attempts to free it, I taught them how to stand on the back of the truck and bounce up and down to temporarily improve traction.  It worked and the truck was freed.

Further down the road I came across a little 6yo boy who rides his little bike with a flat tire.  I tried to fill it with air, but it has a puncture, so I vowed to try and locate a new 16" tube and will bring this and the necessary tools to replace it next weekend, God permitting.  I made two new friends in the village of Norikori.  One is a man about my age named David, and the other is a younger man named Mike who sports some awesome looking dreadlocks!  Sorry I didn't get their photo, but both invited me to their home next weekend to sit and talk.  Finally I was back in the village of Abola.  These people came running out into the road when they recognized me and completely surrounded my bike.  This time I was able to explain to them (in Tok Pisin) how God called us from our old lives in Bryson City, to come and serve and learn from them.  They were delighted and all were quiet when I talked to them.

A few days ago, our family went to a mumu which is a feast which is cooked underground over rocks heated in a fire, then covered with banana leaves.  This was set up by both the Ukarumpa directors and the village leaders of the nearby village of Kwina.  It was a wonderful first step to help promote peace in the valley we live in.

Can anyone guess what is on the banner behind the men?

Tomorrow night, I'll be hosting my first ever Men's Movie Night.  I hope to sneak in a short discussion session to debate anything that is weighing on someone's heart.

Jenny is still working very hard each day cooking new and improved masterpieces like homemade ice-cream complete with mint and crushed Oreos. This week we have been off from clinic duties since the clinic is closed, so Jenny has had a bit more time to bake banana and zucchini bread and fresh tortillas. It warms my heart to also see her reading God's majestic Word.

Elisa is looking as wonderful as ever, and Amelie has finally announced that she is having more fun here than she had in Bryson City.  This is due primarily to the fact that there are plenty of girls her age in our neighborhood to play with.

 

Can anyone explain to me how one can get so dirty playing tennis?!

Well, I'm missing family night, so that is all for tonight.  Please check back often for updates on our lives.  We try to post a notice on Facebook when we add new blogs.

Until then, enjoy the new year and look for God in everything you see and hear!  He just might be calling you.  Jenny and I are still amazed that He considered us worthy to be called into His service.  Please continue your prayers for our health and safety, we truly appreciate your prayer coverage!!