S'mores!

On Sunday afternoon we had a party with the discipleship group. We introduced them to the much loved American fireside treat, S'mores! We had a fun afternoon of singing, talking, and just fellowshipping with the kids. The s'mores went over great and many of them were covered in the sticky marshmallows by the end!

Fun Pictures

Kindergarten children praying before lunch is served
Learning to climb plam trees (look mom!)

Sunset through the bush

Playing balance ball during break

On Monday and Tuesday, Sarah and I travelled to Mokelleh, the cheifdom headquarters, for a meeting. We were actually just tagging along with Aunty Chris so she could speak at a meeting concerning local health care and sanitation.

To get there we had to drive a ways to the Tai River, then take a canoe to cross. The canoe was made out of a dug out tree trunk, and the paddle was the end of a palm branch. It was so peaceful and calm, just floating across the river. As we got to the other side, we had to climb a hill that is usually covered with water during the rainy season. We then followed a trail to the village. It was so beautiful that there really are no words to capture it. I will just try to paint a picture for you. Imagine a small dirt trail winding its way through a forest of thick palm trees, flowers, bushes, and complete silence. Aunty Chris described it as peaceful. In a land where peace is hard to find, I could have stood in that place all day long, just relishing in God's creation. As we walked Aunty Chris began to sing an old hymn, at that moment I felt such a peace in my soul, "a peace that passes all understanding."

After getting to the village, we met with the Paramount Chief who informed us that the meeting isn't until tomorrow. Well, such is life. We stayed and chatted for a while, the chief showed us the village, and then invited us for lunch. We stayed until about 4 in the afternoon. We didn't accomplish what we came to do, but it was a lovely day all the same.

So the next day we got to go back across the river again! We were able to have the meeting and were invited for lunch again. As this was all happening, there was some trouble back at the compound with the vehicle(what a surprise)! We had been dropped off in the morning and the vehicle had gone back to the compound. We were never sure what they real problem was, either no fuel or something was wrong with the starter. So we enjoyed another peaceful afternoon, under the shade of an almond tree and stories from Aunty Chris.

They were able to get the truck started and we did sleep in our own beds that night!

Written March 13, 2007, due to techinically difficulty, it is only being posted now!

Last Sunday our friend Auntie Batu gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. We had been anxiously awaiting her delivery with the hopes of possibly being present during the delivery. But unfortunately we were not present and personally I was okay with that(I wasn't sure I could handle it).


However, last night as we were just getting home from visiting Ngolola, the nurse called us into the clinic to see if we wanted to witness a delivery. A woman had come in that afternoon and was ready to deliver. With queasy stomachs, Sarah and I agreed. There were some complications because the mother was not wanting to push, so it took much longer than it should have. Finally, and 10:00pm sharp, she gave birth to a handsome little man, with a very mis-shapen head.


It was an amazing experience to witness the miracle of life. And all I have to say is that I can wait a while to do that!

Village Life

Here are a few of the daily routines you see here in Ngolala.

Fetching firewood after school

Cooking rice and sauce over a coal stove

Playing football on a Sunday afternoon


Carrying water from the local stream

Weaving a fishing net

Pounding cassava leaf for dinner

Prayer Requests

First of all for perseverance, I have really struggled with thoughts of home lately, but I know that I must stay here in body and mind for the next three and a half months.

Please pray for patience for both Sarah and I. Lately we have had a few things come up with the organization that have been a bit frustrating, so please pray they we would have patience and understanding for the people in authority and the people with work with.

Pray for the people of Banta, that they would see the light and live in the freedom that Christ offers us, that they would be people with integrity who seek the face of the Lord with all they have.

Pray for the up-coming elections, they it would be a peaceful, fair election, that the man elected would genuinely care for his people and their advancement and well-being.

Praises: for the healthy delivery of Auntie Batu's baby, Sarah, and the baby delivered last night; the new school building are almost finished