A "Normal" Week

Tom & kids with friend about to take a hike

Often times we get the question, “What does a normal week look like for you?”  This week seems like a good example of how ‘normal’ here is very relative.  We’ll just give you some highlights:

At the beginning of this week we got a call from one of our colleagues over on the little island.  “There’s a couple here,” our colleague says,  “They’re from Western Africa and have been living here for about a year and have never taken a vacation.  They were wondering if they could stay with you guys for a few days.” 
“Yeah, that sounds okay,” I say,  “when will they be coming?” expecting a date in the coming month or so.
“Tomorrow.” 
“Oh...Okay.”
Part of living in Africa is opening up your home.  Visitors come by at anytime of the day and that’s how it is.  Now, islanders only stay for a couple of hours but we would have our West African brother and sister here for a few days, but so it goes...
“So what’s your plan for your time here,” I ask in French the following evening. (Did I mention they only speak French? Good language practice!)
“We’ll stay for a week,” they explain.  Another “normal” week on the islands.

Near the summit overlooking city

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A few days ago we heard screaming and shouting out on the street.  We wondered what was going on.  We raced out on the porch to find out.  The whole neighborhood was out.  There was a large cardboard box in the middle of the street.  Girls were screaming high pitched screams, boys were running around and yelling--it looked like they’re playing soccer.  What was going on?  One of the boys goes over and opens the lid of the cardboard box.  A large rat jumps out!  Apparently one of the neighbors was cleaning out their store room and found a whole nest of rats.  Now it was a neighborhood event.  The girls started screaming again.  The boys grabbed rocks and sticks or just kicked.  The show continued until the box was empty and all the rats were dead.  Then everyone went back to their work while some of the boys played soccer with one of the rat carcasses.  Another “normal” island morning.
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Megan & our youngest (almost 11months)

On Tuesday we were getting the kids ready for bed when suddenly we hear car horns.  Our neighbor appears knocking on the door.  “Come,” she says to Megan and the kids.  A family member from abroad has come back to the island to get married and there have to be lots of people there to greet her.  Megan hands our youngest to me throws on her shirumani (the wrap women wear here) and runs out the door with our older two kids.  Her and the kids are taken into the neighbor’s house where everyone greets the soon-to-be-bride and then settle down for singing.  Of course, no one can leave until the obligatory party favor bags come out.  An hour and a half after they left the house, having properly greeted the guest, Megan and the kids return home and we rush the kids to bath time since it’s already quite late.  Another “normal” evening for Clove Island.

PRAYERS ANSWERED
We are thankful that both our boys have gotten over the tummy bug that’s been going around the island.  We’re also happy that none of the rest of the family got sick.  We had a nice time with our visitors last week and its been a good week with our visitors this week.  They have been very thoughtful guests, helping out around the house and playing with the kids.  Hopefully, they have found their time with us restful!


PRAYERS REQUESTED

Our son being helped down the stairs

Continue to pray for Megan’s back.  The pain persists but changes, so it’s hard to tell if the change signifies improvement.  We have a lead on a possible house for a future teammate.  Pray that we would have wisdom and discernment to find the right places for all our future teammates.  Pray as we begin the process of looking for houses in earnest.  Both Tom and Megan were each asked some good truth questions this week and each had a chance to share.  Pray for the opportunities to continue and that we would have the language to explain truth clearly. The special month of fasting starts this week for islanders-- this means new routines and more opportunities to share. Continue to pray for the family that left Volcano Island.  Pray for a smooth transition back to the States.