Getting Ready to Leave PNG

We are now well underway with getting ready to leave PNG. While we are packing up our belongings here to put into storage in our new house we have been thinking over the past 2 years. PNG is just starting to feel like home. We have lots of relationships with both expats and Papua New Guineans. We just recently purchased a house that we will move into when we come back.

The first 6 months or so living here were a bit of an emotional roller coaster. We missed family and friends from Canada so much. Everything was so different here. We tried to learn Pidgin but weren't that successful at it. Cooking was a big challenge for me. I love to cook but because all the ingredients were different, I found myself learning to cook all over again. Attending POC was a turning point for us. We learned a lot about the PNG culture, learned how to speak Pidgin fairly well and developed great relationships. It was hard, don’t get me wrong, but we definitely do not regret doing it.

Getting involved with the Gwahatike language programs has been such a blessing to us too. Getting to know national translators and hearing their stories of their dedication to translating the Word has been an inspiration for us. So much so that when we return Jon will no longer be working at the software department here on center but will be working with the Gwahatike men.

We have dealt with some hardships in the last 2 years as well. We still struggle sometimes to understand Papua New Guinean culture. We pray for grace in those situations. Also in the last year we have had expat friends who have had to leave for multiple reasons. Some more serious than others. It is hard to see friends suffering and we continue to pray for them.

Despite hardships, we feel the Lord calling us back to PNG after our furlough. It is a good feeling to be excited to return in about 8 months. We are looking forward to seeing our supporters, church family, friends and family back in Canada. We will be leaving PNG on May 6 and arrive in Canada on May 12.

Prayer points:

• Jon will be leaving for Madang to teach a one week basic computer workshop. Pray that all the logistics work out and that the Gwahatike team learns quickly.
• Candace has had trouble sleeping lately. Pray for good rest.
• Pray that we can get everything packed up in time.

"Therefore since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1