Yesterday (Friday) we finished off the top four layers of the tank with the help of some of the local Ni-Van people. The 'jif' (chief) of the area has been very welcoming and he gets stuck in as well at times. One of his sons is a large, strong man, who has been most helpful and works extremely hard. We don't last long in the heat and have to take a number of rests to recouperate, drink and generally chat with others. We have begun to make in-roads with the children and the school. Language is difficult because the children have little English, being a French-speaking school. The head teacher is making an effort to get to know us and at break times is usually out chatting with those standing in the shade. John Utete has a very good understanding of the cultural system because it is similar to that which he grew up with.
We managed to finish a little earlier than normal and were picked up at 2pm at the school so we didn't have to walk the 2 km to the our normal pick-up point. After showering, Geoff and Amanda picked us up in their ute (5 on the back - highly illegal in NZ, but here they fit as many as they can on the back. For example, today we saw a little 2 tonne truck with about 20 or more! Some hanging off the back, most standing). Geoff and Amanda took us into town for some Western luxury - a coffee and muffin, or hot chips and coke for Tanaka (John is not feeding Tanaka properly). Bernice indulged in a creme brulee and ended up with a big smile on her face.
Tomorrow we are off to the local church that our foreman attends. Raymond has been given permission to preach, so if you get this before Sunday morning (10 am our time) please pray for him. Sunday is a rest day here, very little is open, just like NZ in the 70's. We are not sure what the rest of the day will entail, but there won't be anything energetic.
Next week we are hoping to do more with the children and some of the adults in the community, including games, songs and talking about faith. We have been invited into the classrooms as well.
Until next time
Fantastic photos - and great to catch up on your news. It sounds like quite an adventure. . Peter have you tried your French accent, they are sure to understand you then! Je suis un mal d'tete!!! That should do it.:-)
ReplyDeleteMy God give you wisdom in your words and actions. May you find rest in Him too.
Fiona
ESTHER SAYS
ReplyDeleteBonjour all. Comment allez vous?
Good to hear you're all fine. Just looking at the Vanuatu pictures makes me miss Africa.John i hope you're feeding Tanaka well and Tanaka take care of your old man. I pray the Lord is keeping you in peace and you've been blessed by the vanuatu people. Your next mission is to go build a water tank in the most remote part of zimbabwe infested with crocodiles,lions,rhinos. Take the New Zealanders with you and we promise not to feed them to the lions.God bless you all .HER
Hope the service went well. Did Raymond need an interpretor? I feel for you all in the heat, something not used to back here especially having to work in it. Sounds like progress on the tank is going well with plenty of mixing with the local people. The photos are great, it's a shame I didn't find them before the service this morning or I would have put them on the screen for all to see. We did however pray for you all and especially that God woud protect you from any sickness. Keep up the good work guys you are doing great.
ReplyDeleteBlessings.
Steve
Hi all
ReplyDeleteIt was great to be able to see the photos of what u guys are up too. Hope that you are all well and have enjoyed your day of rest, and are ready to get back into it 2morrow. Glad to hear that you have been able to have some comfort food, especially the hot chips and the coke!! Praying for you all daily.
With christian love
Tarsha :)