Back in the Saddle

I always have ideas of how I’m going to keep up this blog, and then either internet isn’t strong enough to actually load a new post, or it takes a back row to other priorities. 

As you might have noticed, we are back in Indonesia now! We’ve been here about a month now and still haven sent out a new update! Like I said, internet has been an issue and still is! At this moment all the lights on our modem say we are good to go, but our computers are sending another message. Anyway, we will hopefully be sending one out soon!


I’d say we are pretty much settled back into life here in our little coastal town with the heavy humidity and beautiful sunsets. I was a little concerned on how our kids would do adjusting back to life over here after the longest time we have ever spent in America as a family. They were so enjoying “American life” and making connections with new little friends. Noah had cried several times when talking to me about moving back here, saying he didn’t want to leave America and say good bye to his family and new friends.  Man it really tears you up to watch your kids process grief and goodbyes! It's hard enough for me to deal with, but when it’s your kids you really have to push forward in faith that God will meet them where they are. Of course He always does. 

The kids have surprised me in how well they have jumped back into life here though! Last term they were pretty shy around any Indonesian person they didn’t know well and were very hesitant to do anything in public without me by their sides. Indonesian Church for example was always an exhausting event since they didn’t want to leave me to play with the other kids or even sit more than a seat away. Since getting back I have noticed a surprising change in their bravery and friendliness! It helps that Shem is older now, and can go along with Noah as his security blanket :).   Our first Sunday back at Church, the boys asked to go out on the porch by themselves half way through church to play with the other kids! Of course I said yes! Usually kids to be running all over the place during Church since there isn’t much of a children’s program to occupy them. It’s so not American culture, but since it’s normal here, I’m happy my kids are finally wanting to join in. At the end of Church we found the kids playing on the porch and Noah saying “Mom, I LOVE church! I don’t want to go home!” Wow! Thank you Lord!

Neighbourhood kids are often in our yard in the afternoons which the boys really enjoy now too. They can’t communicate too much yet, but with time I am sure they will learn. 

The Lord has answered some concerns of mine quite quickly as well. I was wondering what I would do for a consistent house helper now that my mornings are filled with homeschooling. I didn’t even start looking for one before a friend offered her house helper as an option since she was moving away for several months.  I now have a house helper that comes 3x a week to help around the house. I cant tell you how wonderful it is to come out of the school room and see the floors swept and mopped and the dishes and laundry done. It’s amazing how much of my day is spent just keeping the house clean when I don’t have a helper. It has been a huge blessing for me and my helper as well to earn some income. I used to feel really awkward having someone do my housework, but it seriously helps my sanity to have her! 

Nathan is back at teaching Bible lessons weekly at a local Church, and doing supply buying for our Church planting teams. This next week he gets to help out a coworker by traveling to the north west end of Papua to bring a boat to their ministry location. He loves those kinds of opportunities! 

I’m thankful to be feeling well health wise and I’m just taking things one day at time. I really feel your prayers, so keep them coming!  All for now.

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Photo ops at the Beach