Too Tired!! (Working in Another Language)

We’re in our second week of teaching a computer course to nine nationals. Six different language groups are represented and we’re teaching in Pidgin (the trade language of PNG). There’s been four of us involved in teaching and I mainly do the typing (with accuracy and speed), have done some editing lessons, and help out individuals when they need it. I don’t have a huge or difficult part in this, but I still feel spent after each day.

Recently, when I would work with a group, I would start them off with what they were to do and then go back to my office to input corrections and make books as well as whatever else I needed to do. I wasn’t using Pidgin through most of the day. I felt this heaviness in my head when I was in Village Living and Gandep.

The thing is that these guys that I work with are also having two languages in their heads. To most, Pidgin is their second or third language too. This is one HUGE reason that there are still translation projects in progress in these different languages. When I read the Bible in Pidgin, it doesn’t really hit my heart like it does when I read it in my first language. I believe that this is our push: for these languages here in PNG to have God’s Word in their first (or heart) languages.

While I’ve been here, I’ve focused on literacy work. I mean, what’s the use in having the Word of God in their language if they can’t read or understand it? And here I am, coming close to the end of my time in Papua New Guinea. I’m helping with a computer course in order to help these guys (that are involved in their translation projects as well as are leaders in their communities) so the translation process might be furthered and sped along.

May the work here be continued until completion despite hardships and barriers... even when another language in my head tires me out without my immediate notice.

Making Lists (About to Leave)

Maybe this is a girl thing... and maybe not, but I make lists. Lists help me to remember what all I’m not suppose to forget. Ya know, things I need to get done. The problem comes when I either forget before I can write it down or end up making more than one list and lose one.

Anyway, I’ve been making many lists. Why? By this weekend, I’ll pack up my house into two places: what I need for Gandep and the rest of my things that I will be taking home. Once I’m back from Gandep, I’ll have a day (or maybe two) to be ready to fly back to the U. S. of A. and I can only wonder at how out of it I’m gonna be. First off, there’s the jet-lag and time change. Second, there’s going from the bush to big cities in a short amount of time. And Third, I’m going to be saying goodbye to lots of wonderful people and saying hello to many I haven’t seen in almost 2 years.

Therefore, if you encounter me along this time frame, speak with love and give me grace... and let me make a new list. ;)

Meeting a World Traveler

I knew he was coming, but I didn’t expect to meet him so soon! I had just received a letter and there he was; Flat Stanley. He’d come all the way from Telford, Tennessee in the USA to Madang in Papua New Guinea. One of our mutual friends arranged it. A second grader named Connor that I know from my church.

Connor’s class is learning about how long it takes for mail to reach different parts of the world (as well as where other places are, what kind of things are there, and so on). Its such a good learning experience and a wonderful way to get others around the world involved. (I believe there is a book about Flat Stanley. For more information, look the book up.)

I cannot express how much fun and joy I receive from these kinds of things. One of my friends from college sent me letters from her class. They asked questions about what I do here as well as questions in general. I wrote back to all of them. Yay for pen pals! Another one of my friends wanted to have her class do something like this, but ran out of time. Some classes from my church back home have sent me letters and such from the kids. I love the letters and cards from others too. There’s just something about having a written conversation or participation that gets me excited. It does take time, but when others ask it of me (and let’s face it, when kids ask it), how can I say “no”?

So I guess what I’m saying is “thank you” to the kids, families, friends, and so on who have sent me something. Thank you to those who have prayed and supported me living here. Thank you for encouragements and love reaching around the world. And I send “thank you’s” to those who ask me to be involved in what you’re doing as well.

Often times, I say that life is messy and it is. But life is also lives being woven together. Without others, life probably wouldn’t be as fun or intricate. Its so good to amalgamate in a colorful conglomeration forming a musical melody of sorts! (Yes, get the dictionary out.)