Over the past six weeks here, we have experienced lots of adventures, met many friends, depended on the kindness of others, made mistakes, had struggles, learned how to love deeper and realized that coming here is not the final destination, rather it's just the beginning of a journey of learning. As we are humbled by this process, we want to "become" in all aspects of life in order to reach others.All three of us have started learning the language at a very basic level. Jadynn is already doing really well! It's fun to watch how she listens and repeats words that she is taught. She is not afraid to speak or make mistakes and learns very quickly this way. After a short period of orientation to our new home, we began formal language lessons.
A tutor comes to our home and teaches us both at the same time, so we are once again classmates! Both of us really enjoy this part of the journey, and we are eager each day to learn more words and more about the culture so that we can become a part of the community where we live.
Here are some of the people who make up our new community...
Local ladies who make or grow their own food- offering some to us!
Many different ethnic backgrounds
These little scooters are fun to ride
Sometimes we want to hold on so tight!
Sharing a bowl of spicy noodles...
Going out for a meal is something friends do often to enjoy one another's company. These are a few of our friends who teach English at the local university, and they have been very welcoming to our family in this new city.
Hosting a large meal at your home is common too, at least among the college students we know, and the girls all like to gather in the kitchen and cook together!
The local outdoor market is where you can daily buy meat, eggs, rice, spices, tofu, vegetables and fruits. Items here are fresh and need to be cooked soon after you take them home, and then you can come again the next day for more fresh food!
If you want to pick out your own meal, you can point and choose from a selection like this one, and then have it cooked for you.
Or you can stop by the side of the street and have a quick meal on a stick!
In the midst of new surroundings, our roles now as students, and Jadynn learning to adjust and succeed in a different country, we have asked our Provider to help us make time for our family and marriage.
Here is a nearby swimming pool, where we enjoy time together!
A performance at the local college with lots of "dancing princesses" (Jadynn's words)
Daddy and daughter having a laugh together at a nearby park...
Climbing the jungle gym with local friends
Our friends have watched Jadynn for us nearly once a week so we can have a "date night"
We are thankful for the many new friends that we have met. It's amazing how each person, young or old has contributed to teaching us about their country, which has become our new home. However, the language is always a barrier, since many know only limited English. We look forward to growing in our knowledge of the language/culture and going deeper with each of them.
Thank you for lifting us up, we are so happy to be able to be on this journey with you. As we look forward to each new chapter please let us know how we can lift you up!
All Our Love,
Jonathan, Robynn and Jadynn
