September 2, 2001
We are finally here and settled in
Papua New Guinea. Our bags are
unpacked, our crate is on its way, our classes have started, and we
are attempted to speak another language. Thank you for your support
and prayers in getting us to the field.
When we first arrived in PNG we
attended a four day church planting conference. That was a great
start for us and has given us even further direction for our purpose
in reaching out to tribal people. When that was over and the rest
of our bags got here after a week and apparently having gone through
some war, we were able to settle in at the apartment we will be
staying at on the base during our orientation.
Now, our main task is to become
fluent in the trade language of
Papua New Guinea within the next 3 months. Much of our time
learning the language is spent out in the villages listening and
trying to communicate with the people.
We all have had some adjusting to do
(some of which was expected and some which was not). Avalon has
done well, but is not sure yet whether we are here for good or just
passing through. Lori has had to make several changes in how she
cooks, what she wears, as well as keeping up with language study,
but she has done great.
We were reminded yesterday, of the
brevity of life. Lori and I were able to attend a “finishing off”
time for the mourning of a man who died a month ago in a nearby
village. His wife of 35 was left with 5 children. Ceremonially she
was confined to a small shelter over her husband’s grave for a month
during which time she could wear only black and could not comb or
wash her hair. During the wailing and crying I could not help but
think of the importance of getting the Gospel into every language.
so that everyone can have eternal hope
through Christ Jesus.
We will continue to keep you updated
and look forward to see what God will do in the weeks to come. Just
this week, a group of men came by boat from another tribe and asked
for missionaries to come to their village. The fields are white
unto harvest…thank you for being part of the harvesters.
For His Glory,
Aaron, Lori, and Avalon Luse
