In this life we go through many changes, and we are very thankful that we know the one who is the same yesterday, today and forever. It is the knowledge of him that has led us here and gives us the passion to make his name great among the nations.
The good news is that because of him, we are now feeling settled. We do not know how we transitioned from survival mode to beginning to thrive, but it has happened! Some days we look back at what has only been 3 months and we can't remember why things seemed so hard at first. Today we think less and less about the differences, and with his help, instead, we embrace them and enjoy them! Here is a taste of some of our experiences so far:
Our friend on her wedding day. The friends that we have made are truly the best part of our life here and we are so thankful for all of them.
The wedding banquet.
The bride helps to feed hundreds of guests. What a special day!
Jadynn also has more friends than she can count, in either language.
Recently we were invited to visit a small village a few hours away from where we live. Our hosts were very gracious and let Jadynn ride the water buffalo they use to plow the fields.
The roads are not good, and a short trip can sometimes take hours, but the welcome we received made the trip well worth it.
Local ladies who make items for sale during the many festivals that are celebrated in our country. People buy these items and burn them as an offering to their ancestors.
At our meat and vegetable market, many children work all day with their parents and find creative ways to play. Jadynn likes to play with them.
We had a hard time eating the food we bought on the street, it was too spicy. This kind woman offered some rice to help with the burning sensation.
Introducing my closest friend, she lives in our neighborhood and has been interested in our family since our first days here. She is a great encourager and has a son just a few years older than Jadynn, he was her first friend, too!
Our Asian friends have encouraged us and have been very patient during our first phase of language learning. We are so happy to finally be able to understand and begin to speak to them in their own language. Of course we still have a LONG way to go, but every small step towards learning their language seems like a giant leap in going deeper with relationships.
Our province hosted a sporting event, and these performers were part of the "half time" show.
We knew someone who was part of the show, he is Jonathan's closest friend.
After the show, we were approached by many who wanted to hold, kiss or take a picture with Jadynn. We had no idea that we were parents of a celebrity!
The "half time" show at the sporting event in our city.
Our family is now able to get around town and go to class on our electric scooter. These scooters are the most common form of transportation here because they are inexpensive and you can charge them up at home and ride for several days.
Jadynn's little pink scooter, her chosen form of transportation.
She loves to ring the bell while buzzing through town.
This is the view from the local university. Jonathan officially became a student again this September and he loves his classes. Though this was not the original plan, it has worked out for us to attend classes at the same time even during this busy season of our lives.
Thank you for thinking of us, we are very aware that our contentedness in our life here is largely because of our dependence on our Father, and so many of you who are daily lifting us up! We hope to hear from you and how he is working in your lives!
All our love,
Jonathan, Robynn & Jadynn
