Lotu (Church)

Today we went to a nearby Pisin Church.  As we walked up the hill we could hear voices singing out loud.  As we approached the Church, ladies came to greet us and shook our hands and I even got a kiss on the cheek.   They were so happy we had come to visit their Church.  They told us that they were having Sunday School at that moment and the kids could go inside and sing.  We all walked in and it was so beautiful.  I could actually understand some of the words they were singing and all the kids were so happy to sing as loud as they could!  We sat in the back and listened and then joined in on some of the songs we could understand.  One of the songs I loved the most went something like this: "Jesus is the winner side, winner side, winner side, I want to be on the winner side, Hosannna Jesus is the only way, the Bikpela God bilong me."   Pastor Jeremiah is a believer but the Church is small.  There were only 4 ladies and the rest children attending his church.  Please be in prayer that the men of these women would start attending as well as other men in the village.  Today he taught on John chapter 3 where Jesus tells Nicodemus he has to be born again to enter the Kingdom of God.  He talked about the wind and how we do not know where it comes from but we know it's there. He also talked about how a snake sheds its skin and has new skin and related it to being born again by leaving the old ways and following God. After church I met a lady named Susan who told us that we need to come visit on Saturday and she will teach us more Pisin and we can work in her garden and she will teach us.  As they walked us home we stopped at Pastor Jeremiah's garden and he gave us two pumpkins which we call squash in the states.  I have to say this was a very enjoyable time for all of us and we look forward to more opportunities to spend time with them.

Waterfall Hike

Yesterday, a group of about 20 of us went on a hike to go cliff jumping off a waterfall.  It was a beautiful day for a hike. We started out at around 12ish and before you know it the sun felt like it was cooking my neck and arms.  I cannot tell you how beautiful the view was all around me.  The mountains were so lush and green and everywhere you looked it was beautiful!  Every now and then you would see a tribal home tucked away between some hills or high on the top of a mountain.  We walked and walked and it seemed like we were never going to get there but 2 hours later we arrived at the waterfalls.  It was amazing to see this beauty so far away and yet some of the natives living out there walk this everyday to come to work at our center.  It really did give me a new appreciation for how hard their lives are carrying loads and walking everywhere without the luxury of cars.  I know words cannot express what we saw so I am going to attach some pics for you all to see!

Meri Help

Ok, so you are probably wondering what is a Meri Help?  Well recently I found out that I needed one. A meri help is a national woman who is hired to work in your home to clean, possibly cook, and other various things.  Well, I know you are probably thinking a missionary with a maid, how can that be?  Don't judge yet...I was advised that it would be good to have a lady come help in the kitchen and show me things as well as teach me language, plus you are helping them financially with a job.  Well, I said yes and yesterday she showed up. Her name is Linda and she knows a lot!  Basically she put me to shame in the kitchen area, cleaning area, and hanging clothes out on the line area!  Wow can she work and do a great job and she is Fast.  I was able to story (talk) with her for awhile because she does know pretty good English. I found out that she has been schooled up to the 8th grade which is pretty good in their culture. I was able to show her pictures of my mom and dad and sisters and then that opened up conversation for her to share about her family. As we talked I found out that she worked for a couple I knew in training in Missouri.  They used to live in PNG and she was their work meri, when we realized we knew the same couple she jumped up and gave me a hug. I was so glad for this opportunity and excited for the next time she visits. 

Good Times!

Ok so I thought I was over jet lag.  This morning I woke up at 3 and could not get back to sleep. So I thought the best time to use the internet is when everyone else on base is sleeping!  Yep, here it takes longer than dial up..so I did not think twice when I was up that early.  I have made a few mistakes here so far that I thought I would share with you.  The other morning I went for a walk on base and passed by a national so I thought I will use the little I know of Pisin.  I looked at her and said "apinun"  which means afternoon, but she just looked at me and gave me this weird look and then I realized it's not afternoon so I smacked my hand against my head and said "monin" which means of course morning...she laughed! Then I went down to the market the other day and saw some sweet potato and they were in groups of 4.  I gave the lady her money and I took "one", she looked at me and said "you take all" and I said "no, just one, thank you." and she said "no, you take all."  What I didn't realize was that they were in groups for a reason when you pay for it you get the whole group of 4. Then I laughed and they laughed with me or possibly at me.  I am certain this will not be the last of me (Nikki) making a fool of myself.

Trusting God

We have now been in PNG for a little over a week and still trying to get over jet lag.  Brooke has done the best out of all of us!  You would wonder if she even traveled across the world.  This morning I finally woke up at 7 a.m. which is doing pretty good, considering we have been waking up around 2:30 and 3:00.  I am so glad God's promises are new each morning, that he gives us a new day to seek Him out and find Him in everything.  I have found myself looking to Him more and more as new things seem uncomfortable and scary.  I pray that my kids will go to Him as well as this isn't an easy thing to do by yourself.  I find that when God allowed Travis and I to come over a year and a half ago that I had similar feelings then and they are starting to resurface.  I will never forget when Pastor Giles taught one Sunday about the journey.  He said, "It's not about where you are going in the journey, it's who you are seeking in that journey." We have had our moments of fear that has just griped us and if you allow that to consume you it affects everything you think and do.  Travis and I have had good talks and continue to speak truth to each other and our girls.  It was so refreshing to hear another couple last night share what God is doing in a tribe they are working with.  When you understand God's heartbeat it takes the focus off your circumstances and puts it back where it should be, on Him.  Trusting God isn't easy but I think that is why it is called trust, who trusts in things they see? But if we trust in what we don't see because of what we know of God what a beautiful thing comes of that.  Monday Travis will be going into a tribe to help build for about a week, before we start our orientation.  I would ask for prayer for safe travels and great fellowship with the other men going. Thanks!

Life in PNG begins

Life in PNG is going to be much different.  I have found myself spending many hours in prayer and listening.  The reality of where we are hit us this weekend.  Starting off with Nikki heading to the store to purchase groceries for our family.  She returned home having spent $350 and able to fit them all in about two bags.  After my stupid response "what did you buy" and looking around it hit me we aren't in Nebraska anymore.  Yes, the days of Wal Mart and $.96  brown sugar is gone, now it looks more like a fire cracker stand at $16.00 for brown sugar.
Then that evening we were informed of some of the violent wars going on around the Highlands.  With some detailed descriptions I would say fears set in for all of us.  Nikki the girls and I spent the evening talking through what we had learned that day.  I knew it would happen and it is very hard to look at your girls in tears and saying they don't want to live here.  I had to look to God and say Help!  We know this is still where the Lord wants our family, we know this to be true.  But knowing the truth and walking in faith is not the easiest thing to do.  We discussed it and all agreed we would take it day by day and trying to keep our focus on the Lord not the crazy things going on around us.  I know Satan wants us to go home but I know for a fact that there is not a thing he can do to us.  We are in Gods will and His control.  I fell asleep that night thanking God for allowing us to be a part of His Family.
The next day we headed into Goroka to the market.  The girls we excited but soon figured out that the market is not a lot of fun.  Very muddy and dirty with lots of people staring at the 6 white people out of 2000.  Yet we walked through and purchased our goods and proceeded to Brian Bell where we can purchase our home appliances.  Dang! Yes let me say that again Dang it is expensive here.  We are looking at spending $1700 for a washing machine, $75 for a toaster, $800 for a microwave. ( Gulp.. ya maybe we won't be needing a microwave).  Then we headed back to Lapilo for the afternoon.  The girls had some friends come get them and they were gone for the rest of the day.  As their father it feels good to see them able to take off and relax with some new friends.  We discussed the days events that evening and again faced with hard times.  But we were able to spend time with some friends the Moritz in prayer.  It is amazing what comfort God gives us through prayer.  We are blessed to be here with the Moritz family and the Tallman family.  They both have been wonderful and encouraging.
Today we loaded up and went to ITF which is where we will be working.  Our co workers the Doerksons picked us up this morning.  When we arrived we toured the property and our future home.  I think the girls were please with where they will be living.  We then headed up into the nearest village where we spent the remainder of the day.  It was our first time up as a family and God opened our eyes to why we were here.  There was a woman who had passed away on Sunday and her funeral was today.  We wondered around from location to location talking with the family members and just sitting with them.  They were all preparing "mu mus" which is a ground earth steamed meal.  As we walked we came to the location they would be burring the woman.  Men were digging the hole just outside a hut.  They said that the womans family is in one location and the husbands family at another.  When the time came they would meet together and bury the woman and then they would all share the feast together.  I can't explain the feelings I had as I was so interested into why they were doing the things they did but then realizing the fate of this woman.  She was not a believer.  My girls experienced the whole thing with us.  When we returned home I asked what that they were thinking and how they were dealing with it.  Brooke replied "dad I know why we are here now".
I write these things not to worry anyone but to be real and transparent.  We have had times of fear and question.  But God has proven Himself faithful time and time again.  He has showed us in a short time the world we now live in.  He has also showed us why He wants us hear and  reminded me that the price His son paid was greater than that we face.  God is truly awesome and we are so blessed to be walking with HIM in PNG.
Please pray for the Bena people and that they might be willing to hear the Truth.

Hello PNG

Well God answered many prayers again.  We made all our connection flights and all our luggage made it to  Goroka.  No one got sick and we did get to sleep a little on the plane.  Our girls handled the transition amazingly well and are already off and running with the local MK(missionary kids).  Nikki and myself feel pretty good and are excited to finally be here.  We have the weekend to rest and will see what next week holds.  The temp here is awesome and it rained last night on and off up to about 3 AM.  Woke this morning to a cool breeze and many birds a talking.  We are having a few computer issues which should be cleared up by Monday and we will get out a news letter.  Just wanted to say to our team Thank you for trusting the Lord and being apart of what God is doing with the people here in Papua New Guinea.  Thank you allowing us to be your workers and come here.  We will continue to update you all.

In Christ
Travis, Nikki, Sierra and Brooke Ray