tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052092468829394182024-03-13T23:25:16.248+10:00The adventuring LarsonsLiving life, seeking God and trying to be his instruments in this world.
"He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." - Jim ElliotThe Larsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02102976015725882725noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405209246882939418.post-68677533298390979452019-02-13T18:11:00.000+10:002019-02-13T18:23:30.068+10:00<br />
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I could listen to the Ranmo sing for hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The melodies are somber. They are not joyless,
just serious like some of our old hymns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They know life can be hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
live it every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But they know God is
a good father and worship despite hardship.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It took four days to get to Indorodoro.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rain season is not supposed to have started
yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our trip began by airplane in the
Eastern Highlands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we landed at
Moorehead the people there told us the pontoon barge (used to float vehicles
across the river) was sunk (again), and no vehicles could go that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fifty kilometers of swamp and flooded rivers
were between us and the village; rain season is not supposed to be here
yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we flew to Bensbach, a few
kilometers from the Indonesian border and the western-most river in Papua New
Guinea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next day we were able to
hire a dinghy which took us as far as Weam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The trip took several hours following the river through flooded
marshland as flocks of birds flew up and away from the boat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Herons and hawks, rare birds of paradise and
parrots of all kinds kept their distance as the boat made its way through the
marsh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several hours of travel on the
river and we only passed one village; there is more wildlife out here than
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s hard to discern the difference
between the river and flood land but our boat operator knows it better than I
know my house in the dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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We arrived at Weam, a government airstrip routinely shut
down due to lack of maintenance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Papua New Guinea Defense Force has a unit stationed there but they’ve not been
resupplied or paid in months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They buy
food from the locals and fuel from Indonesia but their cash flow is running
low.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After two days in Weam we were able
to pay some locals to go to Sota (Indonesia), to buy fuel for the Defense Force
Land Cruiser.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has no brakes and even
though they are on their second transmission third gear howls like a
banshee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The front drive shaft and axles
have been removed reducing it to two-wheel drive status, but it runs okay as
long as it has fuel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned later
that truck is only one year old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yvFaJG3g4ys/XGPMtl5XYVI/AAAAAAAACPs/DYuHHWl3ous9aSbcFzmIW-HVGkBk7qjugCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF3111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yvFaJG3g4ys/XGPMtl5XYVI/AAAAAAAACPs/DYuHHWl3ous9aSbcFzmIW-HVGkBk7qjugCLcBGAs/s200/DSCF3111.JPG" width="200" /></a>Half way between Weam and Indorodoro we came to a village
called Gariam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least now we were in
the same language dialect as Indorodoro and Jessica could communicate clearly
in Ranmo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Gariam the creek was
flooded to chest deep over the bridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The bridge consisted of two logs per tire and we had to feel where they
were in the murky water with our feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If the truck could not stay on the logs the water depth was over
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>End of the road; time to walk.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XpfyLZ4--84/XGPMn4TEQnI/AAAAAAAACPo/mDcVXuS5iDMmXUNjLc1ehLGiM7cQqOdEQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF3106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XpfyLZ4--84/XGPMn4TEQnI/AAAAAAAACPo/mDcVXuS5iDMmXUNjLc1ehLGiM7cQqOdEQCLcBGAs/s200/DSCF3106.JPG" width="200" /></a>Because this village was within Jessica’s translation
project the people knew her and were willing to help. After crossing the flooded creek they loaded
our supplies onto the makeshift racks they use on their bicycles and headed for
Indorodoro. The rest of the way was a
mix of flooded road and occasional dry.
Though mostly not more than ankle deep the weather shifted from monsoon
rain and wind that we could hardly talk over to dead calm sun and steam rising
from the road, all within a few hours.
That last stretch took five hours to hike. We had finally reached Indorodoro where we
could begin our village stay.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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A baby died the day we arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The baby was only a few hours old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the young mother soon followed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Ranmo there is a term for a friend that is
closer than family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This young woman was
that friend to Jessica.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The conditions
that we had to navigate to get here are the same for the locals to get out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had they been able to get to Kirua airstrip
in time there might have been a chance to at least fly the mother to a mission
hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But to carry an unconscious
adult through a swamp is difficult and when they came to the first river
crossing they had to stop and build a raft out of bamboo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She died in the jungle only part way there.<o:p></o:p><br />
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The funeral and hauskrai consumes village life for some time
afterward.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The people’s grieving tradition involves loud and prolonged
wailing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It goes on for hours over the
course of several days and can be heard throughout the entire village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As family members arrive from distant
villages they begin their wailing at the edge of the village and continue for
quite some time after reaching the body.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The mourning in this area sometimes takes on a musical
temperament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather than voiceless sobs,
loved ones sing out the things they miss or activities they used to do with the
deceased.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ruth’s father banged the
skulls of cassowary and deer together while bobbing along similar to a
traditional dance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was crying out <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Daughter!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These are the meats I used to prepare for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cassowary and deer I used to feed you.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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Ruth’s elderly aunt carried a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">yere</i> on her back, a woven basket full of garden produce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sang about how they used to plant and
harvest together and that her brother’s daughter would no longer be able to
help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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All of Ruth’s loved ones had an attribute, a story, a
song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they were all expressed
simultaneously in a cacophony of singing, wailing and sobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The coffin was being sawn and hammered
together just a few feet away, repurposed from a wooden table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the sound was a part of the chaos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just behind the house, a few feet in the
other direction, they dug the grave, water and soupy mud flowing in as fast as
they could scoop it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little boys
bailing water, men digging with shovels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some threw themselves over the body or coffin or grave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the crying continued long into the night.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There are missionaries who claim these practices should be
abandoned within communities which claim to be Christian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They liken it to one who grieves without hope;
a pagan ritual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I disagree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These traditions show that the deceased is
loved, that they are missed and that the person is valued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">show</i>
these things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Westerners we only <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">say</i> these things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Ranmo could say that our lack of apparent
emotion indicates a lack of love for the deceased.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They could claim that our stoicism is
indifference to pain or death or suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They could say that if we love the person we should show that we love
them and not just say it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But they don’t
say any of those things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They say, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“You are not from here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your ways are not like our ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You grieve the way you grieve and we grieve
the way we grieve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that is okay.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
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There is much to be learned coming to a place like
Indorodoro.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we are not always the
teachers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />The Larsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02102976015725882725noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405209246882939418.post-3309766520960125882019-01-13T17:14:00.005+10:002019-01-13T17:14:45.925+10:00Building with my boys has made me a better mom.<br />
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Firstly, in writing this I am throwing no shame on any other
moms. Just talking about how I feel within my relationship with my boys.
Nothing else. M’kay? Moving on.<o:p></o:p></div>
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L and J have reached that age where toys like legos and
model airplanes dominate our house. They are super creative, and while they
enjoy following directions and building something that is part of a “set” they
also love digging around in the bins and building all sorts of wild and frankly
impressive creations out of their heads. Everything we have we have acquired
used (except for a few that were presents, were built once and then went into
the bins. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Admittedly, when I look at the bins, and the scattered bits
as they dig and search for that particular piece, I sometimes really wish I
could be that pinterest mom with the “Ikea lego storage hacks” and the label
maker. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Granted, while I do have a label maker, I get a little slack
as the nearest Ikea is over 1,300 miles away….in another country.<o:p></o:p></div>
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They are still young enough that they, in part, need adult
help to make certain things, and sometimes I think they just want to spend that
time sat on the floor or at the table getting messy with mom or dad. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I will be the first to admit that structural engineering,
spatial awareness, print reading…any of that kind of thing, is REALLY not my forte.
I am also really bothered when I do something and it doesn’t quite come out as
it “should”. And though the current state of my house may attest to a different
ethos, I much prefer tidiness and organization makes me calmer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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All these things combined make it quite a challenge for me
to participate fully even when the sweet little boy voice says: Mom can you
help me with this?<o:p></o:p></div>
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God is teaching me. I am growing through my boys. Despite
the discomfort, I am learning it is okay to have legos turn up in every corner
of the house, and have half-finished projects lying around in baking trays (the
only way I have found to keep the pieces we have gathered together). <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Patience, allowing the imperfect to pass because it brings
joy, thinking outside the box, and being content with the simple. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We have even had lessons in economics, and in genuine vs
fake. We acquired some fake legos, which bore the logo “Lebqu” on the little
display plate. They look ALMOST like legos, but the colors are a bit off, and
they don’t stick together like they should. We have since watched a couple of
really great lego documentaries that explain why this is so. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So, now we use the lebequ as examples of why it is good to
buy less of a more expensive product if the quality is better than the cheaper
brand. We also talk about how sometimes seems okay, but when it comes under
scrutiny, whether it is a person, a job or an item, the genuine article is a
better investment. </div>
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It has become a saying in our house. “Remember the Lebqu!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />The Larsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02102976015725882725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405209246882939418.post-47935947216168988182019-01-13T17:11:00.002+10:002019-01-13T17:11:25.139+10:00Blessings of a community which prays<br />
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“Pray over them each morning, even if you can just carve out
a couple of minutes right before they head out the door. Ask them what they
want God to do for them that day, and see how He answers that request during
the day.”</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Not your average prescription from a doctor in the US. But
this is exactly, amongst other things, what was suggested we do for our boys
recently.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Liam and Julien are awesome kids who have taken their
parents call to missions in stride from our first in-person meeting with our
then recruiters (pic of me with Liam) – to give fair dues to the rather
unflattering picture of me, if I recall correctly Liam was maybe a month old at
this time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Through the different church nursery practically every
Sunday for over a year with lots of strangers…<o:p></o:p></div>
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To the leaving of the familiar, and giving them a peculiar
paradigm of home forever starting at 18 months and 2 years old. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Yes, our boys have gone through many, many transitions in
their young lives. Not all of them pleasant, many of them hard enough to make
even grownups cry. <o:p></o:p></div>
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They have had to say goodbye to friends, knowing they may never
see them again. They continue to have to do this – This week, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Liam had to say this kind of good bye to a
friend who he calls his “second best friend”, and whose family has been a
source of comfort and friendship for all of us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His “best friend” left a few months ago.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That is the nature of living in a mission community. <o:p></o:p></div>
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One challenge we have been working through is having two
children who are brilliant but have some learning difficulties. We are working
through various ideas and aides with the school, with their doctor and on our
own. I have a list started of things to look into the next time we are in the
US on furlough. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In the meantime, I am continually impressed and encouraged
by the others in our community that care for us and our boys. Teachers who pray
with us when we have meetings at the school, or sometimes in the store when
they see us and ask how things are going. Administrators who e-mail after
seeing one of our sons crying after school, to make sure he was okay and ask if
there was anything he could do to help. Friends who offer advice, tutoring or
just prayers and sympathy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />The Larsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02102976015725882725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405209246882939418.post-69250489258093675012019-01-13T17:09:00.004+10:002019-01-13T17:10:01.226+10:00My Job...<br />
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You know those cute fill-in forms kids sometimes get at
school around Mother’s Day or Father’s Day? Like this one here. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span id="goog_1267429436"></span><span id="goog_1267429437"></span><br />
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Notice, that one question somewhere in the middle that says:
For work she <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>_______. <o:p></o:p></div>
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For the last couple of years now, the boys will bring these
home as a gift for me for Mother’s Day, and under that question I have gotten
various answers: dishes, works on the computer, reads…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
Yes, all of those fall under my job description. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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I do dishes. Sometimes I do them very grudgingly. Sometimes
it is good to stand there and to pray, let my mind wander, laugh at a podcast,
all the while not really thinking about the mechanics of what I am doing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
I work on the computer and read. I read for pleasure, always
have done. But I also read for my job. I am currently reading through a list of
books and articles as part of my training as an anthropology consultant. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I also write up short papers on these books, read online
articles, write e-mails, respond to supporters, send out newsletters composed
largely by Evan, post updates on our facebook group…many, many things on the
computer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
But all this is the in-between. It is my job, and it isn’t.
It is the fill-in parts. The part of my job I do when I’m not making food for,
cuddling with, tucking in, praying with, building legos, drawing pictures,
reading to, hustling out the door, wiping tears, bandaging wounds, laughing
with…my kids. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
They and the home we live in…along with Evan and making sure
he is able to do what God has called him to do…that’s my job. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And I really hope that even though they put down other
things for my job, that in the end my boys will be able to say when asked the
question, what did you mom do? “She tried her best at being our mom.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />The Larsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02102976015725882725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405209246882939418.post-36476140597903219452018-09-02T15:32:00.000+10:002018-09-02T15:42:40.408+10:00Grace and Peace<br />
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Lately, I have been struggling. Struggling with goodbyes –
the see you next in Heaven kind to the see you in a few years/I don’t know when
kind – wrestling with understanding God’s Will for my intelligent, creative but
academically challenged kids – and finally battling the discrepancy between
what my spirit is willing and wants to do, but my body is unable to accomplish.
I am still grappling with how to express those experiences into words here….<o:p></o:p></div>
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But in the meantime God has given me a gift of these words
of encouragement through the Scriptures. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Our Bible study started the book of Philippians
we talked about the first 11 verses of chapter 1. Over an hour on spent on
essentially a greeting and opening prayer? Yes. It’s packed. Paul was great at that,
his words have punch. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,</i></div>
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<i>To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:</i></div>
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<i>2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.</i></div>
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<i>3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.</i></div>
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<i>7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.</i></div>
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<i>9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”</i> – Philippians 1:1-11 (NIV)</div>
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At first, I was not really hearing anything. I was feeling
sick and tired. I was anxious and sad. Yet, God met me. He used my friends,
both old and new, in the study to speak words of encouragement and conviction.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here’s a bit of what was given to me to ponder and move
forward with. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><i>“1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus…”</i></i></div>
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The letter came from both Paul and Timothy, elder and
younger together. Paul had already expressed his confidence in Timothy,
continues to endorse him here as co-authoring, and would go on to further </div>
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encourage him (<i>“12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” </i>– 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)) New blood and old hands in the mission field and in Christianity, we should work together – sharpen and encourage. <br />
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<i>“2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” </i></div>
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The comment was raised last night that very few people we knew spoke in this way to each other anymore; imparting blessings in every day speech. But what if we did? What would fruit? The examples we had in our lives, those who speak blessing on mundane ‘see you later’ partings, those who say ‘Lets pray about that right now’ – rather than the oft-empty platitude of ‘I’ll be praying for you’, were poignant.<br />
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When worship – and praying and speaking blessings over others is worship – becomes ritualistic, routine, and mindless – it loses impact, and we forget the most important part, its transforming power; its power to aid us and those around us in becoming more like Christ. <br />
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<i>3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.</i></div>
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We say it in newsletters, in e-mails, in thank you cards and we meant it. Paul and Timothy had their partners in their pioneering mission work, and we have ours so many generations later.<br />
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The role of the faithful who were established in one place to gather support and prayers were clearly an integral part of the burgeoning work in the early Church. That role has not diminished. For us, it is not empty sentiment to say “thank you” no matter how many times we say it. We could not be here without our partners. <br />
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Those who financially support the mission as well as those who pray for us (and as it was brought up last night – those we are surrounded with in our community here), hold us up, keep our feet moving forward in faith, directing our eyes to stay fixed on God. <br />
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As it was pointed out in our study, it is meant as a two way street. We get prayed for, but we should be praying to. As the verses continue…<br />
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<i>7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.</i></div>
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<i>9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”</i></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Like Paul, I carry our partners in my
heart, and whatever my circumstances I should be praying for each one of them,
not just when we hear of a need, just as they pray for us. In doing so, the
pain of separation lessens, the worries about my kids lessens, the physical
trials of my broken world body diminishes. And God is glorified through me. The
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“good work”</i> begun in all of us
continues to refine <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“…until the day of
Christ…”</i> It is a complex process, on one side of things we are lifted up
and become stronger. On the other side, we become less so that He is that is in
us is more manifest through the bright spots of us following in those footsteps
set before us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let us pray continually that all –
especially those individuals brought to our minds – including those on our
minds because of a conflict with them – that their</span><i>“…love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that [they] may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”</i></div>
Please pray with me that I don’t hinder the process in my own life and that I continue to seek God’s guidance in this crucial area of growth.<br />
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In closing, grace and peace be with you today as you go forth into the future.<br />
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The Larsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02102976015725882725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405209246882939418.post-37643405030291210092018-05-15T09:18:00.001+10:002018-05-15T09:18:39.512+10:00Grateful list<div class="MsoNormal">
Here is another installment of things I am grateful for…<o:p></o:p></div>
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1. The boys’ school:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here in Ukarumpa our boys attend our center’s school. It is
a mix of families with many ethnicities and backgrounds joining together for a
common purpose. To support the spread of God’s word into every tongue and
promote His love for everyone and His desire to see them grow and thrive.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The school provides amazing academic help but also there is
a lot of fun and learning…<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-APvOMMe5n3g/WpJX5vR4AqI/AAAAAAAAB3c/ljd7B-zkae8FVXf4AQfZr1dbqiNNBcFfgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/ClassRewardNov2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-APvOMMe5n3g/WpJX5vR4AqI/AAAAAAAAB3c/ljd7B-zkae8FVXf4AQfZr1dbqiNNBcFfgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/ClassRewardNov2017.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice cream class reward...can you spot Julien? Hint he's in green<br />
(photo credit goes to Laura Young (his teacher) and Anita McCarthy for taking the photo</td></tr>
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A few months ago we had book fair, which
culminated in the book parade which has the kids dress up as a character from a
book. Last year Liam was a Buckingham Palace Guardsman and Julien was
Paddington Bear. This year Liam is Geronimo Stilton and Julien is Chiro from
the picture book Nightsong. This is always fun for our family as we love reading and crafting.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ArpvWLxS72Q/WpypKBl3AhI/AAAAAAAAB4g/laF42wGwTsQHJmW1bFgpQEbNSHwhTaSiACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/DSCF1547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ArpvWLxS72Q/WpypKBl3AhI/AAAAAAAAB4g/laF42wGwTsQHJmW1bFgpQEbNSHwhTaSiACK4BGAYYCw/s320/DSCF1547.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chiro</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OI5bB7lFax0/WpypMUJMa4I/AAAAAAAAB4o/WuqnU2Q7mbAcZXcdWL0ex6jE5-G8GrFxACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/DSCF1549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OI5bB7lFax0/WpypMUJMa4I/AAAAAAAAB4o/WuqnU2Q7mbAcZXcdWL0ex6jE5-G8GrFxACK4BGAYYCw/s320/DSCF1549.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geronimo Stilton</td></tr>
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Most importantly, the
school instills lessons about how to be children of God into each day.</div>
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2. Our Jeep. God blessed us with miracle after miracle in
getting our car here this term. I enjoy being able to give others a lift,
remembering our first term of not having a car. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2P3AjndovCk/WpyjYhGiBaI/AAAAAAAAB38/P_YobZaOTugneM8hkuzpbIzU-jxwA_LwACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/DSCF0911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2P3AjndovCk/WpyjYhGiBaI/AAAAAAAAB38/P_YobZaOTugneM8hkuzpbIzU-jxwA_LwACK4BGAYYCw/s320/DSCF0911.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Often we get several inches of rain in a few hours. With
gravel roads, no sidewalks and several hundred feet change in elevation from
our house to the rest of center we are reminded of God’s provision for us every
time we get in the car…especially when it is raining.</div>
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Even when it’s not raining, getting around and especially
being able to take trips off our center has been made more possible by owning
our own vehicle <o:p></o:p><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw4qzlx63uVo-1ibOWLToF_XgNroicK3iYI9vuLxKOSYjNQDflLEzEgopuWqkzoStELk6nxeFnfa3kEYq5gTg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe> Going to village church</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyjjDPykQcwr4Z2fNc5AOsYjY-NUDPue-DdLpuXu_lBZXgpSOxk0P-LtKATflf2ASXnQhTIQ3Ln-F-xUMsRcw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe> Highlands Highway<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EsxdcsGjWhM/Wpy-80kbITI/AAAAAAAAB5k/ZqI4HNa0YE0drOhl11r9DOyEt9QODV62QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF1454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EsxdcsGjWhM/Wpy-80kbITI/AAAAAAAAB5k/ZqI4HNa0YE0drOhl11r9DOyEt9QODV62QCLcBGAs/s320/DSCF1454.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">picture of the bridge which we took the river ford to avoid. The guy posing in the picture is standing right in front of the hole in the bridge that we couldn't drive over. On the way back it was patched.</td></tr>
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Here are some videos of driving to a village church, and down to
the coast for vacation and a shopping trip. There are major repairs happening
on the Highlands Highway but for now we are grateful to have four-wheel drive.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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3. The diversity of God’s creation. In flying down to Madang
for my Thrive retreat a few months ago I got to sit in the co-pilot seat for
the first time. I also got the birds eye view of the landscape going from the
Eastern Highlands where we live, down to the “nambis” (the beach/coast). I was
able to converse with the pilot Mike, husband of a friend who was also
attending the retreat (Mike flew three plane-loads that day) about the beauty
of PNG. It again made my heart cry and prompted me to pray for the people and
the land we passed over that God’s word would touch them and they would grow to
know Him and His will for their lives in powerful ways. <o:p></o:p><br />
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4. Unity amongst diversity. I love to marvel at our worship
times here, especially during a service when there is scripture and song
presented in many languages. It shows me a tiny glimpse of what Heaven is going
to be like. But we also get to have some of that experience in our home too,
with celebration of holidays particularly. American holidays like Thanksgiving and Fourth of July, and also Christmas here is a
bit different than in the US, but we are lucky to have a great community of
friends who are like family to celebrate with. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the annual 4th of July party food traditions come from all over -- sugar cane next to the American flag cake</td></tr>
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For Thanksgiving this last year we gave thanks for God’s
provision with having not only Americans but also Romanians, Canadians, AND
Americans who spent their growing up in the Philippines and other locations as
MK’s, and naturalized Americans…so we have a lot of food and perspective that
may not be “traditional” but it’s also awesome and truly what the spirit of
Thanksgiving is about.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The lead-up to Christmas is always different here. One year
the boys made cookies with an “auntie”, one year we spent Christmas Eve at an
Old Testament dedication. Christmas day we sometimes have a brunch with
friends…but always spend the afternoon at a potluck at the home of our dear
friends the Albrights in a tradition that started for us in 2012, the first Christmas
we spent in PNG.</div>
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All these things I am able to enjoy are because of the
generosity you all who join with us and partner with the ministry and allow us
to continue to live and work here…Thank you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Larsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02102976015725882725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405209246882939418.post-76269328316019882622018-02-25T16:23:00.001+10:002018-02-25T16:23:25.080+10:00Teatime<div class="MsoNormal">
I just came into possession of a book called “If Teacups
Could Talk: sharing a cup of kindness with treasured friends” by Emilie Barnes<o:p></o:p></div>
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As I leafed through, admiring the beautiful illustrations by
Sandy Lynam Clough, reading bits here and there, many memories were brought to
mind.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As a little girl I enjoyed playing tea party. I still have
my dolls china tea set in storage in America. It is white with pink and blue
flowers. As I grew older many more fond memories and attachments to people came
via tea. Curling up with a steaming mug and a good book is still one of my
favorite activities.</div>
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From the time I was in about 5<sup>th</sup> grade through
college, I attended an annual “Christmas tea” hosted by a friend’s mother. It is
such a delightful event, and she is such a gracious hostess; in order to
accommodate the women and girls who attend, there are tables set through-out
the house and three sittings! I was so very pleased to be able to attend for
the first time in several years when were in America on furlough in 2015. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The first present Evan ever bought me was a mug, a boxed
selection of quality teas and a fuzzy blanket. On a visit to Evan’s brother in
Seattle, he took us to a tea shop where we were served several cups of throat-scalding,
but very good, tea out of jars and drawers and given a lesson in which tea gave
what flavors and properties to the drinker. </div>
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One of the presents I brought back
from my trip to Russia was a traditional glass and metal tea cup for my father.
He and I share a love for tea.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A search for replacement Tupperware popsicle molds on ebay
ended with me in possession of some lovely cups which I enjoy using:<o:p></o:p></div>
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I came across one seller who also was selling a beautiful
set of blue and white tea cups produced by Staffordshire engravings. The thing
that caught my eye was that the birds on the cups are birds of paradise, the
national bird of Papua New Guinea. The price was reasonable, but in calculating
how much it would take to ship to PNG, plus the molds I decided I couldn’t buy
them. In communicating with the seller about shipping for the molds (I was
having her mail them to my mom who would ship them on), I complimented her on
the cups and told her we were missionaries in PNG where the birds on them are
found in many varieties. She quickly replied that she wanted to send them to me
as a blessing and asked for an address. A couple of months later I was a very
proud owner, and indeed blessed by the kindness of a stranger.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have been able to continue a tea-loving legacy in my
boys…though they are only allowed mostly herbal teas like chamomile at the
moment; Liam in particular has been drawn to the ritual of tea drinking and
“tea time”. Those blue and white cups I told you about? They are his favorite
to drink out of.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One of his favorite things to do while visiting his
grandparents (my parents) was prepare a tray with tea and toast to bring to
Granddad in bed in the morning. Last school year, in social studies, they
learned about the UK, and at the end of the unit, Liam took great pride in
carefully dressing for their special “real UK tea party” served and explained
by women in our community from the UK. His hospitable nature is drawn to the
social care of teatime. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Here in PNG, where spending time on developing relationships
is of paramount importance, it makes sense that “tea-break” is still an
observed time of the day. 10 AM and 3 PM every workday. In many cultures, to
eat and drink with someone is a profound step in acceptance. Jesus uses this
ritual many times as an object lesson in showing God’s love to others.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have heard many people comment that they hear the best
stories and grow closer to their co-workers over their tea-breaks. In our
multi-cultural environment, where the number one reason for missionaries leaving
the field is inter-personal conflict, I hope the tea-breaks never stop.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When I am having a tough time, or just want to visit, going
and having a cup of tea with a friend…even if she tidies up her kitchen while
we sip and chat, is refreshing and comforting. In the evening, when Evan sets
the kettle boiling and asks if I would like a cup, I feel the warm glow of love
and companionship from that one question.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, raise your cups (even if they contain something other
than tea) in salute to this special pastime and maybe even throw a special
party and create some memories when International Tea Day rolls around on
December 15<sup>th</sup>.<o:p></o:p></div>
The Larsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02102976015725882725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405209246882939418.post-19915865374639987532018-02-25T16:16:00.001+10:002018-02-25T16:16:10.060+10:00The Hardest Little Things<div class="MsoNormal">
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“It’s the little things…” She said. A friend and I were
talking about holidays recently and the conversation drifted slightly in
another direction as she asked me, “Don’t you find it’s the little things that
you miss the most?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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She went on to say “ I mean, I do miss my family at
Christmas time, birthdays and all that…but when it’s big things like that, I
feel like I can sort of prepare myself. But sometimes you can be blindsided
when you remember something suddenly.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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She went to give the example of how she, her sister and mom
would have their annual tradition of going out for breakfast and shopping on
Black Friday in the US. She was reminded of this as she was standing outside
the gate to our center’s store waiting for it to open for our version of Black
Friday. It is the one time that the store is open on a Saturday. There are
seasonal items, specially ordered, on display, the store is decorated and there
is Christmas music playing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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She said she almost cried standing there, remembering and
being sad to miss out by doing what God has called her to. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We all have those little things…and much like the question
“Where are you from?” the longer you live and work overseas the more difficult
it becomes to answer… "What is hardest about living there?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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One Question we get asked especially by folks really
interested in our lives during furlough is: “What is the hardest thing about
living there.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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The answer shifts, sometimes daily. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I can tell you something that, for me, is always hard. That twinge
my heart makes and brings a lump to my throat, and sets my eyes glistening…<o:p></o:p></div>
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When I see memories on facebook pop up reminding me of
memories our kids have shared with cousins, and grandparents…<o:p></o:p></div>
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It does make me sad that my kids miss out on birthdays, and
holidays with family…but what I feel is more of a sacrifice in our obedience to
God are the camping trips, woodworking projects with Granddad, swimming in
their cousin’s pool, growing up with their cousins…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving at Oregon coast with Liz's family</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow with cousins in Portland</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swinging with Granddad</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready for a canoe ride with Granddad</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding bike with uncle Jonathan</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playdough with Sasa (grandma Rodman)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas cookies with Grandma Debbie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MKSuo3HrVE/WpJP68iBQVI/AAAAAAAAB1U/0oss2xg-EEwqK78_ceIPmFJdnKhXm2J_QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/DSCF0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MKSuo3HrVE/WpJP68iBQVI/AAAAAAAAB1U/0oss2xg-EEwqK78_ceIPmFJdnKhXm2J_QCK4BGAYYCw/s320/DSCF0036.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">video games with cousins at Thanksgiving</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WjU0NsE8Ww8/WpJPnDgqvWI/AAAAAAAAB1E/zw8z8Cr2xoANXYmLxgyxWSGwmHWXp02NACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/20161029_115249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WjU0NsE8Ww8/WpJPnDgqvWI/AAAAAAAAB1E/zw8z8Cr2xoANXYmLxgyxWSGwmHWXp02NACK4BGAYYCw/s320/20161029_115249.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggling with uncle Justin's dogs..Billy and....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kOPlJU7YDko/WpJPjwt_ctI/AAAAAAAAB08/WGLApolrSM4_M_AsSuxB5nz4KJDwv2bTwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/20161029_113756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kOPlJU7YDko/WpJPjwt_ctI/AAAAAAAAB08/WGLApolrSM4_M_AsSuxB5nz4KJDwv2bTwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/20161029_113756.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EmFSorfysYg/WpJOebMN9uI/AAAAAAAAB0w/tOV2h5Lt6XUGJn75NdMq3o3JtHIOTcP7gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/P9051568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EmFSorfysYg/WpJOebMN9uI/AAAAAAAAB0w/tOV2h5Lt6XUGJn75NdMq3o3JtHIOTcP7gCK4BGAYYCw/s320/P9051568.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach trip with Evan's family</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKi8IZFl1Ag/WpJNvqa2KeI/AAAAAAAAB0k/0s9lwGguAUoBI66hW-6ZoHFH1sOym7uDQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/P6210214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WKi8IZFl1Ag/WpJNvqa2KeI/AAAAAAAAB0k/0s9lwGguAUoBI66hW-6ZoHFH1sOym7uDQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/P6210214.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trip to the redwoods with Grandpa Robin just a few months after Liam was born</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zC4qs-ylK0g/WpJMnxoamUI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/9KpwILTl--El27hnvqgUAKNa4Lo2D5qqwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/P8080870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zC4qs-ylK0g/WpJMnxoamUI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/9KpwILTl--El27hnvqgUAKNa4Lo2D5qqwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/P8080870.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandpa Robin entertaining Liam on a long car ride after a camping trip together</td></tr>
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It is certainly
little sacrifice, little suffering in comparison to many. But it is still
sacrifice and still suffering and I have to pray each day for the willingness
to continue under God’s will. In doing so, it breaks my heart a little…but it
also strengthens it as we draw closer to Him and the finish line. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Larsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02102976015725882725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405209246882939418.post-12383949491110232592017-09-21T14:46:00.000+10:002017-09-21T14:46:30.994+10:00Quick update from Larson family <div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Prayer and Praise:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">This
past week has been an encouragement as we cross paths with other like-minded
and motivated people. We have met
several who have a vision for meeting local needs in conjunction with the
traditional missionaries’ translation, literacy and evangelical work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">One
person we met, I’ll call him Greg (because that’s his name), came to serve for
a short time with another mission and decided to return to do research into
Business As Mission and coffee roasting.
One of the projects on my back burner is to build a coffee huller so
that local growers can add value to their crop and transport more value per
load to the wholesale buyers. This could
overlap very well with the work Greg is researching. Greg happened to cross paths (if you believe
in coincidence), with the Papua New Guinean man with whom we started down this
Business As Mission road. He literally
crossed paths with him in the road in front of his house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">In the
same conversation I was invited to explore the micro-hydro project in a village
where the locals are already working on other community development
projects. In that village specialization
is developing on its own without outsiders saying, “You should be doing <i>this</i>…”
Local ownership is paramount for the sustainability of any project. And specialization is a giant step in the
process of developing a community. For
instance, one person mills timber but pays someone else to build his
house. Traditionally, everybody does
everything and there is little or no expertise because there is no time for it. The next day I was invited to another village
to assess their site.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">A couple
of days ago we attended a talk given by a man, Bruce French, who started working in
agriculture in PNG over fifty years ago.
His life’s work has been how to address nutritional issues with local
plants rather than imports. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Here is his website and database (which is truly
astonishing): <a href="http://foodplantsinternational.com/">Food plants international</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">In PNG the
ground is so fertile you can poke a dry stick in the dirt and it will sprout
leaves. But malnutrition is still an
issue due to imported trash food and lost knowledge of local nutritional
plants. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">We seem
to be on the crest of a wave of people from all over asking, <b><i>“How
do I live as a Christian in this world in a practical way? What practical difference can I make and not
just say ‘stay warm and well-fed?’ What
knowledge or experience do I have that can be used as an expression of God’s
love in this world?”<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">While
working on these things I am still acting as Assistant Manager at the Auto Shop
in Ukarumpa. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Please pray for:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Appropriate
goal setting; keep our goals in line with the Lord and not just follow an idea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Wisdom
when to strive forward on a plan and when to wait on the Lord’s direction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Continued
prayer for Liz’s energy and pain level.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
The Larsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02102976015725882725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405209246882939418.post-10107261017740825762017-09-05T10:51:00.001+10:002017-09-06T11:29:02.814+10:00Larson Newsletter September 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i-zsXFrxkoo/Wa30lVqSc6I/AAAAAAAABho/t_JzPstyfJot7Xzsn1Sh3M8t5MdWObMIgCLcBGAs/s1600/Page1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i-zsXFrxkoo/Wa30lVqSc6I/AAAAAAAABho/t_JzPstyfJot7Xzsn1Sh3M8t5MdWObMIgCLcBGAs/s640/Page1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br />The Larsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02102976015725882725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405209246882939418.post-1318247652276335632017-07-31T12:15:00.000+10:002017-07-31T12:15:41.734+10:00Newsletter August 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-73DRlVlWw9s/WX6SWyPDx9I/AAAAAAAABa0/yuLALQML43Ixsn7ZG8BXGBGIKQql2ktaACLcBGAs/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-73DRlVlWw9s/WX6SWyPDx9I/AAAAAAAABa0/yuLALQML43Ixsn7ZG8BXGBGIKQql2ktaACLcBGAs/s640/Slide1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br />The Larsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02102976015725882725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405209246882939418.post-3930966575300653532017-06-14T14:16:00.000+10:002017-06-14T14:16:15.806+10:00Newsletter June 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />The Larsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02102976015725882725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405209246882939418.post-55389566977969169732017-04-10T17:11:00.002+10:002017-04-10T17:11:56.950+10:00I go, i kam<div class="MsoNormal">
The title of this blog comes from a phrase in tok pisin (aka
Melanesian pidgin – the language we most use to communicate here) which can be
translated as “Going and coming” or “going back and forth”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Living in Ukarumpa, we live in a place that is both
settled/permanent and transient. There are families like ours who live and work
in Ukarumpa full-time. Other families, such as two who are in our Bible study,
live part of their lives in the village where they are doing translation work.
A final group of people are the short-term workers, who come for 1 or 2 years
and then return to their passport country, sometimes they come back, sometimes
they don’t. The community is constantly in flux as new people arrive in the
country and others leave, either to return again or not. Those who leave on
furlough sometimes, unexpectedly, end up not returning for various reasons. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few weeks ago I got the privilege of sending off on
furlough, a family that is very close to ours here in Ukarumpa. They will be
gone for 10 months and then God willing, they will return to us who will in the
meantime miss them very much. This is the first time their two youngest
children have ever been to America. They were born in the Philippines and PNG
respectively). Then the following week we said goodbye to another very close
family. They will hopefully returning in about a year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wiiYtNV8Wf8/WOsqR-kkgDI/AAAAAAAABIY/qRBjt643Mhg3d0TpfNUfEkVw1Y65NSKTwCLcB/s1600/albrights%2Bgoodbye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wiiYtNV8Wf8/WOsqR-kkgDI/AAAAAAAABIY/qRBjt643Mhg3d0TpfNUfEkVw1Y65NSKTwCLcB/s320/albrights%2Bgoodbye.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A crowd to say goodbye. We will miss the Albright family very much as they are close friends...we don't know where we will be spending Christmas day this year as we have always spent it with them every year we have been in PNG. Jim and Michelle were MK's in the Phillippines and have great perspective<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ2_gWu4hyI/WOsvl96NohI/AAAAAAAABJw/JVp9WtfWUzYIPCtAjnOLMexDZ6utCcBcgCK4B/s1600/DSC04913.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ2_gWu4hyI/WOsvl96NohI/AAAAAAAABJw/JVp9WtfWUzYIPCtAjnOLMexDZ6utCcBcgCK4B/s320/DSC04913.JPG" width="240" /></a> to give on missionary living.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IRwiqJDxJz0/WOsqNSag8iI/AAAAAAAABIU/2kXXzqvQZqgOWsBqAdtKL8PByoiXtt4gwCLcB/s1600/DSCF0590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IRwiqJDxJz0/WOsqNSag8iI/AAAAAAAABIU/2kXXzqvQZqgOWsBqAdtKL8PByoiXtt4gwCLcB/s320/DSCF0590.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little ones contemplating their exciting plane ride</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iWkmK57i5DI/WOspuxBNCoI/AAAAAAAABIA/XsQqr-qRChUTcjD4Pg6jtokYFk3DvLikQCLcB/s1600/20170306_085931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iWkmK57i5DI/WOspuxBNCoI/AAAAAAAABIA/XsQqr-qRChUTcjD4Pg6jtokYFk3DvLikQCLcB/s320/20170306_085931.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clare is Andrew's wife and my very good friend. She is from the UK<br />and Evan says he can always tell when I have been hanging out with her lots<br />as my pattern of speech and inflection changes to be more"British". </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2uZIJjBbIX4/WOspucWs8lI/AAAAAAAABH8/3AA0hW3j-dY0shDMmOMIIJ0thv8vNFVcwCLcB/s1600/20170306_091017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2uZIJjBbIX4/WOspucWs8lI/AAAAAAAABH8/3AA0hW3j-dY0shDMmOMIIJ0thv8vNFVcwCLcB/s320/20170306_091017.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing to get smiles out of these guys. Andrew is a small engines mechanic and indepesible at the autoshop. He is also an awesome friend who keeps us laughing. He is an American MK raised in Peru. He has served in PNG for over 10 years. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is a tradition and a way of easing the pain of saying
goodbye to go to the airstrip with your friends and wave them off. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ggMolx-l_f8/WOsrXfr-ijI/AAAAAAAABIs/nunm2EAQV5ALWmyZS9AZmayFNRg3TQk6gCEw/s1600/DSCF0595.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ggMolx-l_f8/WOsrXfr-ijI/AAAAAAAABIs/nunm2EAQV5ALWmyZS9AZmayFNRg3TQk6gCEw/s320/DSCF0595.MOV" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
It is way more fun to go there when they return. Or you are
having people come visit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e3hDUDakfhs/WOsvro1-TBI/AAAAAAAABJ0/77MMSaNUA2MfBuof1MHJv5a6cuuXhRURQCLcB/s1600/DSC04913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e3hDUDakfhs/WOsvro1-TBI/AAAAAAAABJ0/77MMSaNUA2MfBuof1MHJv5a6cuuXhRURQCLcB/s320/DSC04913.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandparents [Liz's mom and dad] come to visit in 2014 - Liam went straight for them...Julien was more interested in trying to get a plane ride (:</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are still learning the value of “saying goodbye well”.
For us, this means when you say goodbye, you don’t know if you will ever see
this person on earth again, even if plans say you will. So, you try to hold
that relationship somewhat loosely, while cherishing it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Liam still talks about a friend he made in preschool, who
was from Sweden, here on a short-term mission with his family. We talk
sometimes about maybe visiting one day. But the reality is that we may never
see him or his family this side of heaven again. This is the case with at least
a 1/3 of the friends we make on the field or in passport countries. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
One of the benefits is that there is always a “new kid” at
school and at work, so the children and the adults are more aware and more
welcoming than our more insular passport countries can be. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
There are of course the possible “downsides” that we as parents
to third-culture-kids need to watch for and help guide our kids through these
transitions as they come. Sometimes kids who grow up in environments such as
ours can have struggles when moving between cultures in growing friendships and
maintaining ties to family. Fortunately, now more than ever before there is
information and people who are experienced in ministering to the parents and
the kids themselves and more and more parents are cognizant of the need to
shepherd their kids through concepts of grieving, transition, and all sorts of
cultural/worldview mind-shifts that are becoming ever more relevant in our
shrinking world. Technological advances in recent years for video calls,
texting internationally, blogging and so forth have helped, but has also put
pressures on missionaries and their families to keep up with everyone “back
home” and keep everyone informed as well. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
I suppose the main point I would like to make here is that
one of the things that makes this community special and wonderful can also be a
major stressor in our lives, and one that doesn’t really get easier or let up.
We are constantly saying goodbye. But that means we are also frequently saying
hello. Pray that we that while we can continue to say goodbye well, we can also
say “Welcome, we’re glad you’re here” just as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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The Larsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02102976015725882725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405209246882939418.post-24105385535867661162017-04-10T16:37:00.001+10:002017-04-10T16:37:17.108+10:00Education...<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In learning more and more about the education system in
Papua New Guinea, and also having experienced different sectors of the American
school system while on furlough in the US I am in awe and also so very grateful
for the school my children have the ability to go to here in PNG. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our oldest son, Liam, attended two years of preschool here
in PNG. He still talks about and recognizes his first preschool teacher, Mrs.
Raube. In his 4 years of schooling he has been “the new kid” 5 times. Evan and I are learning to help guide our
boys through each new transition with the insight and support of fellow parents
of MK’s, adult MK’s, and a myriad of media resources now available to parents
of Third Culture Kids. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is part of our continuing education as adults. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ukarumpa International Primary School is where both our boys
are where we send our boys. I have written before how much I appreciate all the
hard-working staff and the welcoming students who make up the body of the
school. There are fun school events that bond the community as well as make
learning fun. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of these is the annual book fair. Two weeks of reading goals
and activities, culminating in a “book parade” and carnival type day for the
kids and their families. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The book parade is the highlight for the students as it
allows them to dress up as a favorite person or character from literature. Each
year there are characters ranging from real life people who have been written
about to completely fictional individuals. This year was the first time our
boys were old enough to participate.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of my favorite things to do is sew and create things for
my children. I am also a “bookworm”, one who loves reading, literacy, and helping
others to enjoy reading and learning. To be able to combine these two interests
was a real pleasure. It was quite the challenge, however, as I didn’t have my
sewing machine here (it is on a container hopefully arriving and being released
by customs very soon in the port city of Lae) or very much of my crafting items
unpacked yet. But, my boys had chosen their characters and were eager to
participate. So, on the community forums and through friends and with the aid
of trusty safety pins, I begged, borrowed, bought, cut, glued, and “sewed”
together a Buckingham Palace Guard (Liam) and Paddington Bear (Julien).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0UQTrm2jYJM/WOslAndH-lI/AAAAAAAABHI/78NjOLxL85YhUQkaB-IiAQXfRsl3hRriQCLcB/s1600/DSCF0585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0UQTrm2jYJM/WOslAndH-lI/AAAAAAAABHI/78NjOLxL85YhUQkaB-IiAQXfRsl3hRriQCLcB/s320/DSCF0585.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julien is front row, second from the left</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The book parade and similar community events reminds me that
there are opportunities to help my kids to learn how important reading is to
their lives. Being able to read and write well will serve them their entire lives.
Learning new skills, being able to share stories and information are all vital
to successful and enjoyable work and play. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I am having another snapshot of the school life for our boys
as I come in three mornings a week to tutor Liam in the Barton Reading &
Spelling System. It has been challenging for both of us but he is progressing
and getting more confident in his reading. We are trying to stay on track
during the month long school break. I am also grateful for the assistant
teacher in Liam’s class, Miss Natalia, who has generously volunteered to
meeting with Liam over break to be able to keep him up on all of the new
concepts he has been tacking since our return to PNG. [An update on this. A spot has opened for Liam to be tutored by one of the teachers. I am very grateful for this as it gives me more time and energy to be mom.]<o:p></o:p></div>
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In an attempt to get a handle on what jobs here would be a
possible fit for me, since I have not worked in my field since university (10
years next month) I am going through some career guidance newly offered here by
some members of our human resources team. It has been an insightful and
interesting experience. I hope at the end to have a more specific direction to
set my sights on. It may require some satellite education but being in school
was an enjoyable experience for me so I wouldn’t mind. (:<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> will get to “go back to school”
for sure in another way at the end of July into August. There is going to be an
anthropology course open to the community that I am eagerly anticipating,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Here is the write up for it:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Did
you know that your grammar and phonology studies can lead to a deeper
understanding of your colleagues' worldviews, resulting in more effective
and rewarding teamwork?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Applied Anthropology workshop will focus on linguistic and cultural <em>emersion</em>,
a synergy-like aspect of cross-cultural experience. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Speaker:
Dr Eloise Meneses<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
Theological and Cultural
Anthropology<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
Eastern University (USA)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I am
sure some of you just banged your head on the keyboard as you fell asleep. But
I am just thrilled to bits to get an opportunity to expand my knowledge in an
area I have been unable to really pursue in earnest since university days. I
miss “getting my hands dirty”.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JNPdPWoT7m0/WOsn71FrfkI/AAAAAAAABHk/lBQ48wT1eXsDfYd0XACpM0VJQxkdFxHtQCLcB/s1600/viking%2Brestoration%2Broom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JNPdPWoT7m0/WOsn71FrfkI/AAAAAAAABHk/lBQ48wT1eXsDfYd0XACpM0VJQxkdFxHtQCLcB/s1600/viking%2Brestoration%2Broom.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drooling over the restoration room in a Roman museum on my honeymoon in Germany </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I am
praying that the course will help me to be able to direct me in how to better
serve here in Papua New Guinea. I am also praying that is will not be
overwhelming for me as it will be the first time that I have been back in the
school setting for a number of years and I am also already having struggles
with maintaining a healthy schedule and boundaries. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
The Larsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02102976015725882725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405209246882939418.post-89124779933144540012017-03-22T19:21:00.001+10:002017-03-22T19:21:21.587+10:00It is Well Part 1<br />
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We are in the midst of our biennual conference held at the
mission center where we work. The theme this year is “It is well”. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
Here is a youtube video of the song that inspired those who
were planning the conference for the theme. The original hymn that inspired
Kristene DiMarco of course is a very old one, but one that I feel is just as
potent today. Both songs are beautiful offerings to the Lord, who, though we
are at times walking or crawling through storms and up mountains, is always
with us. <o:p></o:p><br />
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IT IS WELL.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
A sentiment which, for anyone who is familiar with the
origins of old hymn from which those three words are derived, can feel the
weight of what it means to be able to speak just those words, without
conditions or caveats. <o:p></o:p><br />
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To be able to say it is well, for each of us, means
different things. I won’t try to speak for others. It requires a personal
conversation with God and maybe even a breaking and/or handing over your own
will in submission to Him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
What it has meant for me is the daily recognition and surrendering
of me and how much I am able to handle physically, mentally and emotionally.
Sometimes that means doing much less than I wanted to accomplish that day.
Sometimes it means despite my emotions and mental state to take a leaf from
those who survived the Blitz:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.barterbooks.co.uk/catalog/images/books/kcacoOriginal1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://www.barterbooks.co.uk/catalog/images/books/kcacoOriginal1.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
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Except instead of an earthly king or queen I am listening to God as He
takes my hand and helps me to take on more than I in my finite self believe I
am capable of. God is always able.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Finding peace in accepting whatever capabilities I have. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
There is nothing like having a message being very gently but
firmly repeated to you in different ways to help you move from the place where
in your head you are claiming acceptance and surrender to where your whole
heart and soul are actually accepting it.
I am still working on it, and depending on the day I will be more or
less open-palmed to God with my desire for control. But, over the last couple
of months, and in particular during conference I have heard this message
becoming more and more clear and been more and more willing to listen. IT IS
WELL.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
When we returned to the field in December, it was very hard
for me. There still is much uncertainty to our future in PNG. But, with Evan
being the strong, Godly man that he is, it is easier for me to continue
stepping out. We continue to move forward through opening doors. It is
difficult, because we really don’t know if these plans are going to pan out. We
are trusting that as we walk forward God will protect us from smashing our
noses against a closed door. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
One place where I have been earnestly trying to tell God it
is well and really believe it is with our finances. I want to feel comfortable
and “secure” in our finances. To me, that means that we have enough not only to
meet our immediate and future needs but also are able to save for those things
that we want (like a trip somewhere for Evan and I for our 10<sup>th</sup>
anniversary). The way things are in our finances at the moment, while not
technically at 100% of our budget, our needs are being met every month. We just
don’t have extra. And that is okay. We have our manna for today only. I need to
continue to speak and hear myself that it is okay. It is well. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
One passage that was talked about on the very first day that
has stuck with me and I hope will continue to buoy me when I feel low.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
Clive, our speaker, used the illustration of Jesus calming
the storm in Mark 4:35-41. Jesus said: “Let us go over to the other side.”
Among other things, he made a humorous but profound point. We must pay
attention to Jesus’ words. He said they would go to the other side, he didn’t
say “Let’s go halfway and sink in the middle.” An important distinction.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Part 2…coming soon…<o:p></o:p></div>
The Larsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02102976015725882725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405209246882939418.post-40905904311542198052017-03-21T17:45:00.000+10:002017-03-22T18:47:01.429+10:00March 2017 Newsletter<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S8pqQsZ32Qs/WNDZM_xojpI/AAAAAAAABFI/tYRtjFjWqNEKzsE6wEmKyA0ZV6iOVxJqwCK4B/s1600/0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S8pqQsZ32Qs/WNDZM_xojpI/AAAAAAAABFI/tYRtjFjWqNEKzsE6wEmKyA0ZV6iOVxJqwCK4B/s1600/0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S8pqQsZ32Qs/WNDZM_xojpI/AAAAAAAABFI/tYRtjFjWqNEKzsE6wEmKyA0ZV6iOVxJqwCK4B/s640/0001.jpg" width="480" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3sYq1JcEjKo/WNDZPdjPigI/AAAAAAAABFQ/Duxi0yfdvNcr3zUGrcYAxVHk76YDJYdRwCK4B/s1600/0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3sYq1JcEjKo/WNDZPdjPigI/AAAAAAAABFQ/Duxi0yfdvNcr3zUGrcYAxVHk76YDJYdRwCK4B/s640/0002.jpg" width="480" /></a>The Larsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02102976015725882725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405209246882939418.post-17563968212411264422017-02-20T13:23:00.001+10:002017-02-27T13:58:48.407+10:00Newsletter February 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Larsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02102976015725882725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405209246882939418.post-18147292593286742892017-01-30T17:17:00.004+10:002017-01-30T17:17:45.525+10:00A Day in the Life: The Saga of the Oven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well, we have been requested to do a “Day in the life” type
blog posting. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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In trying to collect pictures for this blog we quickly concluded
that the delayed writing of this post is a great example of what often makes a
typical day…<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, without ANY MORE delay here is the first installment of
a day in the life of the Larson family in Ukarumpa!</div>
<br />
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We have a very nice oven, particularly for PNG. Most ovens here are tiny but this one was imported
by the former owners of our house in 2007 and it is large enough for me to make
6 loaves of bread in one go! However, not long before we left on furlough in
2014 the thermal coupler needed to be replaced. Since it is not a typical oven
for this country the part had to be ordered from Australia and ended up getting
installed after we left. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We returned to PNG right before the departments shut-down
for Christmas holiday (all the departments in Ukarumpa close for 2 weeks for
Christmas and New Year, including the CAM (Construction And Maintenance)
department which helps us when our appliances don’t work. <o:p></o:p></div>
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About a week after out arrival I realized that though our
stove-top could be manually lit, the oven would not stay lit. This realization
came after I mixed up two pans of banana bread and then couldn’t bake them. So I went across to our friends’ house with
pans in hand begging to use their oven. <o:p></o:p></div>
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When the departments opened I had the appliance man come and
inspect our oven. He repaired one
component and we thought that was the end of it. The time came for me to bake a
birthday cake for a friend and as mine wasn’t yet fixed I baked it in their
oven. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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The CAM man came again and thought he fixed it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I proceeded
to bake 4 loaves of bread. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5cPxduvtH-0/WI7cq6_Wg7I/AAAAAAAABBU/2fVUhOy5yggUsWlRjXbKy5OFKJh5FfcqQCLcB/s1600/DSCF0352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5cPxduvtH-0/WI7cq6_Wg7I/AAAAAAAABBU/2fVUhOy5yggUsWlRjXbKy5OFKJh5FfcqQCLcB/s320/DSCF0352.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Prep for bread making...plus a pineapple. Because we have pineapples in our garden.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ly5RuXBozFA/WI7cnZ7oR5I/AAAAAAAABBg/_Ra10DTo6OEqyD-GT520lk5luZYX21z0QCEw/s1600/DSCF0371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ly5RuXBozFA/WI7cnZ7oR5I/AAAAAAAABBg/_Ra10DTo6OEqyD-GT520lk5luZYX21z0QCEw/s320/DSCF0371.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Kneading on the floor because the counter is too high</td></tr>
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Unbeknownst to me, the pilot light turned off after 20 minutes. We had partially cooked loaves of bread and couldn’t get the oven to relight once it was hot.</div>
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Genius, outside-the-box thinker of a husband that I have, we
finished cooking one loaf by making French toast, and steamed a second loaf on
the stovetop. The others we left in the
warm oven and they cooked just enough to eat.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French toast!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UCiggW4zMBk/WI7c08eKElI/AAAAAAAABBc/C_0ZAAsbfuYdZJPMyQwRinN_oWS9aHu1gCLcB/s1600/DSCF0377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UCiggW4zMBk/WI7c08eKElI/AAAAAAAABBc/C_0ZAAsbfuYdZJPMyQwRinN_oWS9aHu1gCLcB/s320/DSCF0377.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steamed bread</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another week goes by as Evan tries to fix the oven. Then we
call the CAM man again. Several hours and several trips back and forth from CAM
to our house later it was found that there was both a broken regulator valve at
our propane tanks and the thermostat on the oven needed adjusting. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
End result? A month back in PNG I have a working oven! … Almost. It was working fine over the weekend but today
when I needed to make a cake for a birthday and dessert for Bible Study
tomorrow, things did not go as planned…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today reminded me of this book that the boys have where
every page went back and forth starting with either “Fortunately…” or “Unfortunately”.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rRpAij4V8to/WI7ibYJNZgI/AAAAAAAABB4/WjpwlEe8c-oIu0NMveCRCOvfJGZFYeUkwCLcB/s1600/51PwFBmWhDL._SY344_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rRpAij4V8to/WI7ibYJNZgI/AAAAAAAABB4/WjpwlEe8c-oIu0NMveCRCOvfJGZFYeUkwCLcB/s320/51PwFBmWhDL._SY344_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
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Fortunately, the oven was working this morning so I went
walking to visit a friend and then go to the store…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unfortunately, Evan had to go out on a rescue so I had to
get home early to pick up Julien from school and didn’t get to the store….<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fortunately, a friend gave me a ride and we all went to the
store to get supplies for cake making…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unfortunately, the oven stopped working partly through
cooking. Checked all the usual subjects, out of gas? Nope. And attempted to relight the oven to no avail…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fortunately, I was able to run next door with the half
cooked cake and finish it in a friend’s oven before Liam needed to be picked up…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unfortunately, as I was walking out the door with the piping
hot cake, the pan slipped, burned my arm slightly which caused me to startle
and drop the pan. Cake was tipped out all over the floor.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fortunately, I can try to make another Wednesday for Sandra’s
daughter…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unfortunately, I still need to figure out what I am doing
for dessert tomorrow…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fortunately, I can be grateful the stovetop still works and
eventually we will have a working oven (which is especially good as we have no
microwave) because we have both expatriate and national people who work in the
various departments helping us with the things we don’t know how to do. In the same way we work to help others with
the tasks they do not know how to do. <o:p></o:p></div>
The Larsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02102976015725882725noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405209246882939418.post-9275859906197658402017-01-30T17:17:00.003+10:002017-01-30T18:17:52.991+10:0010 Favorite Things<div class="MsoNormal">
Now that we are starting to settle in…I heard recently that
when a major move happens it takes two years to actually settle in, so my
question is, if this is true, are any missionaries actually settled ever?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ANYWAY…I have a few ideas for more regular blog updates in a
lighter vein…said the person who has probably 1/3 of her house unpacked and
organized but has enough done that everyone has things to cook with, eat on and
doesn’t smell musty… So we are good for
now. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
BUT I would love to hear what YOU want to hear about. E-mail or comment on this blog with ideas!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, for the first installment I present: A few of my
favorite things about Ukarumpa/PNG<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
…dahdah, dah, dah-da …and whiskers on kittens, bright copper
kettles…um. Yes, back on task. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Incidentally, musicals are one of my favorite
types of movies…but that is another topic.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stay on target…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here goes in no particular order other than the one I
thought of them in 10 of my favorite things about Ukarumpa living:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The kids being able to walk to school “on their
own” – for the moment I walk them a bit down our hill and they go the rest of
the way to the school gate while I stand where I can see them enter the gate.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ggDV-Suwp7g/WI7OqAyalNI/AAAAAAAABAo/eFcdWM5FGBMgF9UdcNcQXeGStIC9w4PAQCLcB/s1600/DSCF0322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ggDV-Suwp7g/WI7OqAyalNI/AAAAAAAABAo/eFcdWM5FGBMgF9UdcNcQXeGStIC9w4PAQCLcB/s320/DSCF0322.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Walking to school</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R5fLS0k4znk/WI7OspDySuI/AAAAAAAABAw/eVMcqfRVvsYuTiDO1M0ORi7Ejwa4uq_KgCLcB/s1600/DSCF0378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R5fLS0k4znk/WI7OspDySuI/AAAAAAAABAw/eVMcqfRVvsYuTiDO1M0ORi7Ejwa4uq_KgCLcB/s320/DSCF0378.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Special treat of riding in an autoshop truck to school</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">2. The school and how much my kids are loving it
right now. Everyone from the maintenance staff to the teachers to the
administration work hard to provide safe, healthy and fun learning environment
for my boys.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QAMw0vT9NKA/WI7Op46j9xI/AAAAAAAABAk/_bA0or-I0h4izqNQ6VNi0ONz88lFfCk2gCLcB/s320/DSCF0300.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Outside Liam's classroom on the first day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->The breeze that blows through the louvered
windows of my house on a hot day --- except perhaps when the grass on the
nearby hills is being burned off. ;)<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gL3C3pVarQQ/WI7OU-dwtWI/AAAAAAAABAg/MPwPjpYl_7oVn5ewjC3K9SOvHZH4zWeDACLcB/s1600/DSC04487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gL3C3pVarQQ/WI7OU-dwtWI/AAAAAAAABAg/MPwPjpYl_7oVn5ewjC3K9SOvHZH4zWeDACLcB/s320/DSC04487.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Burning off of grass during dry season, to help it rain, prep garden ground or just because someone was bored....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Fresh, like literally out of the ground
yesterday or today and to my table fruit and vegetables.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kG9VfSuQIAE/WI7OtIjf2kI/AAAAAAAABA0/Ujw6-dBdSYkyz45i540xRaSTOe1X7WXoACLcB/s1600/ukarumpa_market_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kG9VfSuQIAE/WI7OtIjf2kI/AAAAAAAABA0/Ujw6-dBdSYkyz45i540xRaSTOe1X7WXoACLcB/s320/ukarumpa_market_.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Market day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Friends for the kids and for me and Evan. For some
friends we are back just in time to say goodbye as they take their
furloughs. But we are grateful for the
time with them and look forward to their return. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o2B8xae121g/WI7kF2y-pKI/AAAAAAAABCc/Xrc3QiIUCooQnAAi9FTjk_FxWm8Ql_sVQCLcB/s1600/7723298428_9b185291f4_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o2B8xae121g/WI7kF2y-pKI/AAAAAAAABCc/Xrc3QiIUCooQnAAi9FTjk_FxWm8Ql_sVQCLcB/s320/7723298428_9b185291f4_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liam playing with his friend Heidi back 2012 - she is in Julien's class at school but is soon leaving on furlough </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g-b2MqKEMZc/WI7jAREzcqI/AAAAAAAABCM/bLFBaq7D8TUtFr6vGnQiHEbPgXjhWzS8gCLcB/s1600/caving1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g-b2MqKEMZc/WI7jAREzcqI/AAAAAAAABCM/bLFBaq7D8TUtFr6vGnQiHEbPgXjhWzS8gCLcB/s320/caving1.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evan with a group of people from Ukarumpa exploring a cave back in 2013</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7-q58TocYvY/WI7oIMaXb8I/AAAAAAAABCw/-8DjqBeAQ14SCh3s4naz2DO5Ncknqs-lgCLcB/s1600/10734247_792313564137643_7399785070643077701_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7-q58TocYvY/WI7oIMaXb8I/AAAAAAAABCw/-8DjqBeAQ14SCh3s4naz2DO5Ncknqs-lgCLcB/s320/10734247_792313564137643_7399785070643077701_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liz going down the "homemade" water-slide last term with friends (photo courtesy of Tanya Lott)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Our Bible study; we rejoined our former Bible
study when we returned and we love the support and good study we get from it.
We are also grateful that the attitude of the folks who are still a part of it
are welcoming and open. This means that we have recently had to “multiply”,
that is break into two groups so that we can continue to invite new folks to
join. We are looking forward to getting to know people as with the recent split
Evan and I have ended up in a group with people we were not previously friends
with. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->“Ukaweb” is the craigslist/ebay/community
bulletin board of Ukarumpa. Those who are in Ukarumpa need items, wonder about
how to do thing, or just want to know what’s happening, Ukaweb is there to help
connect the community and one is likely to find answers within a day. Even if
what you need is a rubber chicken, there is a probably someone here who has it…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->8.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Praying people all around you…on above mentioned
Ukaweb there are a few boards devoted entirely to prayer of various groups,
people with the community, friends and family of community members. It is a
privilege to be able to pray with fellow believers about needs in the community
and around the world. It was a blessing during one the most difficult times in
my life – when Julien was ill (back in 2013 and we had yet to determine what
was wrong). Fellow community members
would come up to me as I went about trying to have normal life; they would tell
me they were praying for him and for us. To be at the clinic and have medical
and administrative staff pray with us was a real comfort and help during an incredibly stressful time. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u5L6wI9JZZk/WI7ijVfOdGI/AAAAAAAABCQ/k4-vFp5vPZUf2lUGu628W17iCzmeVFbrACEw/s1600/DSC04389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u5L6wI9JZZk/WI7ijVfOdGI/AAAAAAAABCQ/k4-vFp5vPZUf2lUGu628W17iCzmeVFbrACEw/s320/DSC04389.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little boy in a big bed - Julien in Brisbane for testing back in 2013 - He had lots of people all over the world praying for him. He is happy and healthy now.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->9.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Third-culture living; coming as we do from so
many cultural backgrounds and melding, but without assimilating into any one existing
group, we benefit from new perspectives and a common purpose: Bring the word of God to those who do not have
access in their mother tongue. We get to experience a little of what it is
going to be like when we get to Heaven as it says in Revelation 7:9</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>After this I looked, and there before me was
a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and
language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
!0. Letters and "Golden Tickets" - Everyone the world over enjoys getting mail. But I thinking living in a place where sometimes we feel a bit cut-off and out-of-touch, it is comforting and spark of joy when we open our post box and there is something waiting for us. We are remembered. We are loved.</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="background: #fdfeff; color: #001320;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TWmOCPVvEcs/WI7Os0CqsbI/AAAAAAAABAs/iLrL_dcwhW08fjKsbx49RvEOm3DFhTzEQCLcB/s1600/golden%2Bticket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TWmOCPVvEcs/WI7Os0CqsbI/AAAAAAAABAs/iLrL_dcwhW08fjKsbx49RvEOm3DFhTzEQCLcB/s1600/golden%2Bticket.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The "golden ticket"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background: #fdfeff; color: #001320;"><o:p> Now you are probably thinking: I get the letters but what are 'golden tickets' about? I refer you to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. In the story the holders of the golden ticket were provided access to a world of fun, delicious treats and recognized as special. </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background: #fdfeff; color: #001320;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background: #fdfeff; color: #001320;"><o:p>The same thing happens when we missionaries here in Ukarumpa unlock our box and see one of these lucky little pieces of bent, scribbled and tired pieced of yellow cardstock waiting for us.</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background: #fdfeff; color: #001320;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background: #fdfeff; color: #001320;"><o:p>It means there is a package waiting just for us at the postal desk and all we have to do is present the card...the grown-ups can sometimes be even more excited than the kids.</o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #fdfeff; color: #001320;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background: #fdfeff; color: #001320;"><o:p>Like this post? Let us know, we can do more "Favorite things" or "Day in the life" posts...We want to write about what you want to hear.</o:p></span></div>
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</div>
The Larsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02102976015725882725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405209246882939418.post-14896846103420875392017-01-23T13:52:00.002+10:002017-10-14T15:31:40.800+10:00Tips for sending mail to us...<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
In looking for a picture for the blog posts (which I promise
are coming in fact I am working on them right after this) I came across a
couple of blogs of friends which were very comprehensive and helpful I thought
in giving information about mailing to us in Papua New Guinea. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have largely copied and pasted with some little changes
here and there to match our family. I hope since I admitted to lifting it in
large part I won’t get in trouble for plagiarism <span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span>.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway, I thought rather than posting it on facebook I would
put it here on the blog for reference for any folks who wanted…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also as a point of reference here is a link to our <a href="http://www.theadventuringlarsons.com/how-to-bless-your-missionaries.html" target="_blank">“How to bless your missionary” </a>portion of our website,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Our address for
mailing is:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
SIL<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PO Box 1 (384)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ukarumpa, EHP 444<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Papua New Guinea<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Letters:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For small
items that just fit inside a letter-sized parcel, it should be fairly straight
forward to just go to the post office counter and pay the correct postage to
get it here.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Flat Rate
Boxes through USPS:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">USPS Flat
rate boxes are usually the easiest and most economical way to send packages to
PNG as it is a set price for up to a certain weight (the large boxes can hold
20 lbs at no extra cost). Also, it comes with free tracking. For a list of
boxes and prices you can visit <a href="https://postcalc.usps.com/" target="_blank">USPS’s website</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You can also send a few bucks by printing your own Flat Rate Postage</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.usps.com/ship/online-shipping.htm" target="_blank">{Purchase Flat Rate Postage}</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Of course you can use any box you like. :) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Books Only: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you want to
bless us with some reading material, we have idea lists for books for the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/TP2QZMHR6XGP/ref=cm_wl_rlist_go_v?" target="_blank">boys</a> and us <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/2GS69GFDMH2Z2/ref=cm_wl_rlist_go_v?" target="_blank">grownups</a>. But you are always welcome to pass along a favorite of yours.
One great site for books that I always recommend is <a href="http://www.betterworldbooks.com/" target="_blank">Better World Books</a>. It is a
company that is dedicated to keeping books out of landfills, as well as
promoting and funding literacy programs around the world. As a bonus, they
provide FREE international shipping no matter if you are buying 1 book or 20. You
can order from the site and have it mailed directly to us no dealing with
customs forms or figuring out postage. We have had several orders shipped to us
here in PNG no problems. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Customs
Form:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You will
have to fill out a customs form with packages at the Post Office. Each Post
Office seems to require different forms and levels of detail on those forms.
The one we have had success with is a white form (Form 2976-A) with carbon
copies. You will have to list out the items you are sending, so we recommend writing
out a separate list of what your packed and taking it with you so you aren’t
left guessing at the PO. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Here are
some tips on how to list things you are sending:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Food
items should be listed as “culinary items”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If
you send any kind of media (CD’s, DVD’s, flashdrives, etc…) list it as “entertainment
media” or something along those lines. It will be less likely to be confiscated
this way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Group
similar things under one heading (ie don’t list out all the medicines
individually, just label them “medical supplies” and write a quantity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">General
descriptions are fine, you don’t have to be super specific (although some Post
Offices might be more demanding in this regard). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Some
Post Offices are more strict than others. It’s possible they will ask you to
list individual weights next to each item. In that case, you should be able to
just put down estimates that add up to the total weight of the box.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Other
information for the Customs Form:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">All overseas
mail is now airmail; you don’t have the option of sending by sea </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(rf. #6 on
Form 2976-A)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Check the
box for “Gift” on the customs form to describe the contents (rf. #5 on Form
2976-A)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Other Tips:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Please pack any food items extra
well, as rats often can get to it before we can, especially if it ends up sitting
in a hanger or Post Office somewhere for awhile.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Regardless
of how fast you pay to have it shipped, there is no guarantee it gets here in
that time frame. It will probably hit PNG shores in that amount of time, but
once it is in country, who knows how long it takes! Packages tend to take 3-6
weeks to get to us. <b>All that to say,
please don’t spend extra money trying to get it here super fast!<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s always
fun to get mail, and some days a simple card or letter is a big encouragement.
If you’d like to send a care package but have a little extra room, some extra
fillers that we love would include:</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> *</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Tea
– Earl gray, English breakfast and peppermint are favorites</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> *</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Candy
– dark chocolate, peanut/peanut butter m&m’s, peanut butter cups, sour
apple rings, jelly beans, gum, lollipops, and life savers are favorites<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> *</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">True
Lemon or Stur water inhancers with stevia<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> * </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dried
fruit – like cranberries, cherries, and apple slices<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> *</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">School/craft
supplies<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> *</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Flashdrives,
CD’s or DVD’s (you can can also load a flashdrive with funny or interesting
YouTube videos, audiobooks, podcasts, music or shows!)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> *</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Pepperoni
or jerky (MUST be sealed and packaged VERY well, to deter rats and other
critters)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> *</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Parmesan
Cheese (Not fresh!)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> * </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Granola
bars<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> *</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fruit
snacks or other little packaged non-refrigerated snacks you would take on a
hike, road trip or put in your kids
lunch boxes. - Please try to avoid any that have "flavor enhancers", high fructose corn syrups or artificial colors as those tend to indicate the presence of MSG or free glutamates which cause dietary problems for our family.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*Glow sticks
or other glowy things like these <a href="https://www.amazon.com/CALIFORNIA-CADE-ELECTRONIC-Bright-Finger/dp/B00UL543R0/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1485142919&sr=8-5&keywords=led+finger+light" target="_blank">finger lights</a>, foam gliders, balloons or
similar kinds of things that Liam and Julien can share with their friends or we
can pull out on hard days to give them a smile!</span> <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> * </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Small
notebooks, sticky notes</span><br />
<br />
As always we thank you for being a part of the ministry and taking the time to read out posts, pray for us and support us. We could not be here without you all.<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
The Larsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02102976015725882725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405209246882939418.post-17417762974088968002016-12-29T10:25:00.002+10:002016-12-29T10:25:26.252+10:00December 2016 Newsletter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />The Larsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02102976015725882725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405209246882939418.post-27942916675607976292016-05-22T14:20:00.003+10:002016-05-22T14:20:40.380+10:00Evidence Not Seen<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>A bit ago my mom gave me the book <i>Evidence Not Seen</i> by Darlene Deibler Rose. For those unfamiliar, it
is Darlene’s story of her time in a Japanese POW camp in (at the time) New
Guinea (now the area she was imprisoned at is part of West Papua – the Indonesian
side of the island). The effect it had
on me was one similar to when I read <i>The
Hiding Place</i>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I experienced confirmation and encouragement during at a
time that has been, to put it mildly, strenuous, for our family. For those who
don’t know, Evan has been working 6 day weeks off and on (more on than not) for
a couple of months. This is due to continue through June. We are also marking a
bit over a year of being on furlough, several months longer than we intended on
being here. We know that we are still in the US because it is not right time
for us to return, though sometimes this knowledge isn’t enough to stave off the
feelings of frustration and sadness we feel at not being able to get down to work
with the ministry in PNG. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We also are reminded almost daily, we are the parents of two
amazing TCK’s (Third Culture Kids) who, the longer we live in transition between
two worlds, bring even more challenges into our lives. When Liam tells me, “I
miss my PNG friends, but I know when we go back, I will miss my American
friends.” Or when Julien says “I want to go on the jet plane to Uka-grumpa
(Ukarumpa) today. Why can’t we go today?” My mama heart just breaks and
struggles to know what to say.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All this has been
compounded by my health struggles which remain, so far, partially a mystery to
us going on for a year and half now.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Being in this place of feeling two steps forward, three
steps back, it was uplifting to read such insights as: “I was to discover,
however, that when I took my eyes off the circumstances that were overwhelming
me, over which I had no control, and looked up, my Lord was there, standing on
the parapet of heaven looking down. Deep in my heart He whispered, ‘I’m here. Even
when you don’t see Me, I’m here. Never for a moment are you out of My sight.’”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What a comfort! It is an assurance I am working on adding to
the running loop in my head of heartening thoughts to turn on in times of
doubt. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And what a joy it has been to be able to continue to have
opportunities open up to us to share with folks here, why we are working so
hard to return to a place and people we love, despite the wounds we have incurred
(some we are still healing from), while serving there. Often, after sharing the beauty and the pain
of our first term, I am asked, “So, you’re
going back because…?” The first response that pops into my head was reaffirmed in
Darlene’s book. Being where God wants us to be is better than being where we
are “safe”. Because the reality is, bad things happen everywhere; and bad
things happen even when you are walking in obedience to God. But walking the
road that is covered by His Will is the best thing for us all, regardless of
the risks and perils. For us, we believe, that path leads to returning to PNG
to come alongside God’s people there in their journey of holistic restoration
to Him. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thus, I will try my best to live in the moment and place God
has asked me to dwell in now, and learn, so that I will be truly ready for the
day when I rejoice with my Papua New Guinean sisters and brothers like Darlene
when she first came into the valley of the people group she and her husband
were to serve: “I raised hands, waving to the people. My cheeks streaked
with tears, I started running down the mountainside, singing at the top of my
lungs, ‘I’m home! I’m home!’”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
The Larsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02102976015725882725noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405209246882939418.post-83610541722680173322016-01-16T13:44:00.003+10:002016-01-16T13:44:16.568+10:00Whom shall I fear?<div class="MsoNormal">
For a couple of months I have been wrestling with fears.
Fear of not ever getting back to PNG, fear of going back “too soon”, fear of
being a bad mother or a bad wife, fear of being a bad missionary, fear of
letting go and holding on. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have never been a soldier in a war, and I certainly do not
claim to know what it is truly like. But from talking to, listening to, and
reading accounts of veterans from different conflicts, I have gotten the sense
that, at least in one respect, being a missionary is the same. You will never be
the same person you were when you went as when you come back.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am beginning to realize that for my situation, it has been
ultimately for the better. I certainly did not feel that way many times while
in the midst of circumstances that were cracking, breaking and at times
completely shattering me. But in the end I have emerged feeling very much like
a piece of kintsugi pottery; Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repair using a lacquer
mixed with gold, silver or other precious metal powder. It is done in this way
so that not only is the broken part not hidden, it is emphasized as a part of
the object’s history of its existence; accepting that flaws and imperfections are
a part of life and part of the story.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u3z4JJlyDYY/Vpm5Hz8_WNI/AAAAAAAAAa8/OriwwDgevpE/s1600/kintsugi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u3z4JJlyDYY/Vpm5Hz8_WNI/AAAAAAAAAa8/OriwwDgevpE/s320/kintsugi.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the same way, we, the vessels of God do not come through
life unscathed. And rather than hide the wounds, we ought to allow God to
purify them and repair them, acknowledging the process and the end result as
part of who we are now. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To that end I wanted to share a song and scripture that
have been a help to me during these last couple of weeks as the pace of our
journey back towards PNG has picked up. We usually attend both a Sunday and a
Wednesday night service. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Firstly, where I got the title of this blog from:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Chris Tomlin song: Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel
Armies) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every time we sing it in church I feel encouraged to
continue on, to not let the fears hold me back. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, when I was looking up the
lyrics to post here, I was delighted to come across a video where Chris Tomlin
is talking about writing this song, and there were two parts that really hit
home for me. First, he said that he had decided he wanted to write a song with
his friend, Ed Cash (whom he has written with before). When he texted him, Ed texted
back how weird it was for Chris to ask because in the middle of the night the
previous night when his wife had woken him up asking for prayer because she was
feeling as if there were things coming against her. While he was praying he
felt inspired to start singing a chorus that came into his mind. And in the
morning he had thought he should send the portion of the song to Chris. So, they
worked together and what resulted was Whom Shall I Fear. Secondly, Chris went
on to say how some songs, like this one, are inspired and are like prayers. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Both of those points struck me and are true in my life. I have more times than
I can remember, woken Evan up and asked for him to pray for me, for our family.
And, though I make absolutely no claims on being a great singer, when I do,
often it is a prayer, a cry to God to work these things in me. Give me
strength, faith, endurance, courage to continue to step into this life I never
imagined having, but choose out of obedience to Your Will. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="background: rgb(204, 204, 221); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Whom Shall I Fear (God Of Angel
Armies)"</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #CCCCDD; line-height: 14.35pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">You hear
me when I call<br />
You are my morning song<br />
Though darkness fills the night<br />
It cannot hide the light<br />
<br />
Whom shall I fear<br />
<br />
You crush the enemy<br />
Underneath my feet<br />
You are my sword and shield<br />
Though troubles linger still<br />
<br />
Whom shall I fear<br />
<br />
I know who goes before me<br />
I know who stands behind<br />
The God of angel armies<br />
Is always by my side<br />
<br />
The one who reigns forever<br />
He is a friend of mine<br />
The God of angel armies<br />
Is always by my side<br />
<br />
My strength is in Your name<br />
For You alone can save<br />
You will deliver me<br />
Yours is the victory<br />
<br />
Whom shall I fear<br />
Whom shall I fear<br />
<br />
And nothing formed against me shall stand<br />
You hold the whole world in Your hands<br />
I'm holding on to Your promises<br />
<br />
<br />
You are faithful<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That is the point isn’t it? We are showing our brokenness on
the outside, where people can see, relate, and hopefully feel that if someone
doesn’t have to be perfect to be a friend of God, all of us should be
encouraged to seek Him too. And it goes further
than that. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 2 Kings 19 Jerusalem comes under siege by the Assyrians.
Before this happened King Hezekiah, who knew the Assyrians were coming, had the
part of the spring of Gihon which was outside the city walls be blocked off and
routed through the west part of Jerusalem in a tunnel (which still exists
today) so that when the siege came, the people would have fresh water. There is
reference made to this in 2 Chronicles 32:30. Even with this, Hezekiah needed encouragement,
which he got in the form of a prophecy sent to him, recounted in 2 Kings 19:
32-34. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I believe that God doesn’t just come along at the end and repair
us. He is with us through the times where we are getting tumbled, trodden and
beat. He has provided us with an internal spring, a river, like the spring of
Gihon that continually offers us refreshment, comfort and solace when we need
it. And when we are not in dire straits our gates should be open to offer it to
others. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last night I was listening to a sermon on the book of Nahum.
It has been such a cool thing to dive into the “sticky parts” of the Bible as the
pastor likes to call them; because they are the portions which don’t get much
read, much preached on, so the pages aren’t ever broken from their sort of
stuck together state that all the pages start out like when the Bible is new.
But I have come to realize, they are sticky for another reason. Sometimes the
truth that emerges can be tricky and hard to know what to do with. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Nahum 1:3 it says “The Lord is slow to anger and great in
power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the
whirlwind and the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At first I was only struck by the second part. In Papua New
Guinea, the skies are so big. When a storm or wind comes through our valley it
is indeed awesome, and the clouds are immense. When the dry season comes and
there is dust everywhere, and there is need for rain, there are fires lit in
the tall kunai grass on all the hillsides. Unconfined fire crackling and being
whipped up by wind, it is the first time I could truly visualize “tongues of
fire” spoke of in Acts 2:2-3. It is tremendous to know that a God that is so
big, so powerful, He is greater than all these things, and is IN those times
where we are feeling surrounded in the midst of a storm. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I pray you are blessed and at peace. Thanks for reading. <o:p></o:p></div>
The Larsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02102976015725882725noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405209246882939418.post-84100336965575416662015-07-31T12:15:00.003+10:002015-07-31T12:15:45.260+10:00Ready for home<div class="MsoNormal">
In the life of a missionary there are long periods of time
where you are working to find what is the “new normal” for you and your family.
You see, once you decide to become a missionary what is “normal” is a
constantly changing denominator. You find yourself struggling to define it but,
usually, when you hit it, you find you are breathing a little easier.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We stopped having “normal” about 9 months before we left
Papua New Guinea to return to the US for furlough. Some may wonder why so long
before the actual event we were so disrupted. Packing our house and readying it
so it could hopefully be rented while we were gone, try to arrange for phones,
housing, transportation, and as much of daily living details before landing
stateside, saying goodbye to friends who have become like family, for our
children to say goodbye to their home (they don’t have any memories of
America), fund-raise for Evan to be able to make it to Thailand for the BAM conference.
Get Evan to Thailand and back to PNG in the cheapest and most efficient way.
Live apart while making the final preparations and goodbyes for the last month
of our time in PNG.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Throw in there a health scare that nearly resulted in a
medivac to Australia and a logistical nightmare I am still thanking God about
and also still wondering what is wrong with me…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway, since landing stateside (March 25) we have continued
to spend a lot of time not being normal. We made a major shift in resigning
from our mission organization and began to filter our funding through another. To
put it mildly, this has not been a smooth transition. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have struggled
these three years with barely making it from month to month. In fact, truth be
told, I struggled with an awful lot while we were following God’s will. I absolutely hated that no matter how many “overtime” hours
Evan spends at the shop it has nothing to do with how much will come in or
whether it will cover the bills.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was torn up with hearing how much of a sacrifice we are
making and how brave and amazing we are and then feeling forgotten 24 hours
after our latest newsletter is delivered.
Then feeling guilty for feeling fed-up; knowing that if the roles were
reversed I can’t say I wouldn’t do the same thing; lapsing back into my kids’
playdates, work, dinners…you know. Life.
Life is what happens when you leave a previous spot you occupied in a
certain corner of the world and make a new space for yourself in another corner.
The old spot gets filled up with other people and other things. When you come
back, room is made, but you don’t have your old spot and you never will again. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I knew this. I had read books, blogs and talked to
experienced people on the field. I knew that when I came back it would be a
hard thing to find a place for me and my family. There would be reverse culture
shock. And boy is there ever. But, just
as you truly don’t know what is like to live overseas until you do it…you don’t
know about furlough until you do it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am ready to run away. But not from home, I am ready to run
away TO home. But home is no longer here. And there, it is slowly getting
further away, as I see by the facebook posts. Of friends living life in a space
I used to occupy and hope to occupy again, friends leaving for their own new
spaces, some are new, new spaces…another mission, another country. And some are
new, old spaces. Time to resettle in birth countries, for now or for always. I
am happy and sad for them all. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I often feel I am a bit like Scrooge on one or the other of
his first two ghostly visits…my life past and my life now…standing in the midst
but not being seen. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t like putting up these blog posts because it seems
like I am doing nothing but complaining in them…And I certainly don’t want to
make it seem like I am fishy for a pity-party, a “How is your faith?” inquiry
(believe me, I talk to God every day…and I can’t get through my days without
Him) or anything else. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I have also received encouragement from various fronts
to be authentic . So. I here am.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little bit stuck between.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
The Larsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02102976015725882725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405209246882939418.post-82227280531943991402015-04-01T13:29:00.001+10:002015-04-01T13:29:53.493+10:00Business as Missions...some thoughts from Evan<div class="Standard">
<b>Business As Mission:
Some thoughts…from Evan<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
What does endemic poverty or political corruption have to do
with redemption?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
I have been learning about ways in which God has commanded us
to interact with the world and how the Kingdom of Heaven is supposed to look on
Earth. As a result, I have also seen
parts of the picture we as Christians have overlooked in the past few
generations and that oversight has become the norm.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
As modern Christians our paradigm of the nature of sin has so
narrowed that we no longer even recognize how the world is broken. Our command to “disciple the nations” has
broken down to “save souls” or “plant churches.” And that seems to be mostly what we do. That's a good thing and important. But it’s also a very small view of the divine
narrative; God working to redeem the whole of creation. It is the story from Genesis through
Revelation. We have learned to read only
a small part of it, and that through a lens.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
The first two chapters of Genesis is the account of God's
creation and the value He invests in it.
At every step God said, “It is good.”
This includes work, companionship, stewardship, the whole physical and
spiritual world that He had created.
There is nothing – not even the physical – which is not good. When our first two ancestors messed up this
balanced system the entire rest of the Bible is the story of God redeeming the
world to Himself and bringing in the values and characteristics of the Kingdom of
Heaven to Earth through those who obey Him.
The Ten Commandments are a boiled down, concentrated slurry of values
that describe the heart of God; firstly, who God is and who we are. Then how we are to interact with God, each
other and the rest of the world. The
book of Deuteronomy is the practical interpretation of those laws in that time
and place. It is a concrete example of
how God wanted to “bless the nations” through Israel. Most of the time the statement to Abram (“the
peoples of the Earth will be blessed through you” Genesis 12:3), is
spiritualized. The interpretation is
that eventually Jesus would be the blessing which came through Israel; which is
true, but not really the point. In fact,
the Old Testament is full of methods – not just theory – of how to build a
community which reflects the values of God.
It is one which not only takes care of itself, its own weak and
vulnerable but also weak and vulnerable foreigners within its borders. It describes how to build a community that
values government, economics, family, science and technology, communication,
arts and entertainment, education, religious instruction, health care, law and
justice and all the subcategories within those.
In short, it is the discipleship of a nation. We have forgotten that and only disciple
people. I believe that God is not a
generalist; He does not desire a theoretical blessing. And He has given us the tools for real
blessing without being a prosperity gospel.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
Business As Mission is based on the understanding that God
calls EVERYBODY to some kind of work.
There is no sacred/secular divide – an artificial distinction between
what we consider God-ordained and everything else. The sacred/secular divide can be lumped into
broad categories. The first category might
include missionaries, evangelists/church planters and pastors. The second category might include... well,
everybody else, really. Apparently
everybody else's primary job is to support “ministry work.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
Regarding the concept of “full-time ministry”… To indicate that a person is “called into
full-time ministry” is to indicate that others are number one) not called. And number two) not doing ministry. This is to reassign value based on our own
prejudice. More to the point, we are
nullifying the value that God has assigned, saying, “I know better than God
what is sacred,” and then saying the work we are doing is God-ordained. When God has deemed a thing as sacred, it is
not our place to deem it otherwise. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
A less extreme example but at least as prevalent and harmful
is what I will call the Spectrum of Holiness.
At the top you've got missionaries and pastors; typical ministry
work. Next there are the doctors, aid
workers; humanitarian type work.
Slightly below that are teachers and social workers. Then there are just the people with jobs;
poor souls. Not even on the spectrum are
business owners, lawyers and politicians.
They are the necessary evil because somebody has to do it. I've heard more than once the question posed
whether real Christians could even participate in some of these professions
because obviously a prerequisite must be moral leniency. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
As a result, much of the redemption that Christ-followers are
supposed to be injecting into culture (salt and light, remember?) has been long
absent. We have abandoned governance,
higher education, science and business professions to those who adamantly claim
there is no standard by which to live.
And then we wonder why our culture is going down the gurgler? Our culture has little remaining positive
Christian influence in many realms because we have willingly abandoned the
influence to whoever would like pick it up.
The devil will not leave such an opportunity idle. Even worse, it is not an uncommon accusation
from well-meaning Christians that to be successful or to have influence is
un-biblical. So we tear down the
Christians who might actually be in positions to most concretely affect the
community when we should be holding them up and affirming their sacred
calling. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
Regarding the template that God laid out, the methods for
discipling the nations are described in the Old Testament; much of it in the
books that have been deemed by some to “not have any relevance to modern
Christians because we are no longer under the Law.” To claim such is to miss the point of both
the “Law” and the nature of redemption.
The principles of discipling a nation are integrated into the Old
Testament narrative. Though they are affirmed
in the New Testament, they are not repeated.
Therefore, if one was to only read the New Testament then Christianity
is no longer redemption; it is reduced to sin-maintenance. True redemption effects all of creation, all
of life; not just afterlife (John 10:10).
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
To say that much of our current practices and paradigm are wildly
divergent from biblical principles of affecting a community is not mis-stating
the situation. But though we have missed
the mark (which happens to be the Hebrew understanding of sin, by the way),
look at how open the way is for true transformation. God has not only sanctioned our involvement
in business, politics, science, entertainment and the like – He has ordained
those professions as holy and pleasing to Him.
This is the freedom to fully embrace whatever God has gifted each of us
to be and do even for those who are not pastors. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
The Larsonshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02102976015725882725noreply@blogger.com0