November 11, 2002

“Land Ho!  I have spotted land!”  Those were my thoughts on more than one occasion during my trip to our future home among the Patpatar people.  The first time was after about 2½ hours on the ocean in a 23 foot dingy.  The dark scape on the horizon began to take shape and give way to colors as trees, hills, beaches, huts, and finally people appeared visible across the waters.  When the boat eventually hit the shores, several tribal children came running down to see the arrival of the new white people.

 I had made the trip with our partners the Kunzers’.  Lori and Avalon stayed home to try to limit the amount of travel for the coming baby and to begin packing up the house.   The Marbachs’, our other partners already living in the tribe, fed and housed us during our stay.  My objectives were to let the people know my family was coming, to visit with the big men in the tribe, and to find a piece of land with their permission on which to build our house.  During my time there, some of the big men showed me some land that would be a possibility.  It was standing on these pieces of ground that again “Land Ho!” came to mind as I imagined our house being built there.  However, because of some hang-ups, I was not able to secure a location yet.  The problems include: land that gets flooded during rainy season, being close to a grave yard where certain taboos could be restrictive, or a dispute over who really owns the land.  In all other respects I had a great trip, but will have to return in a little while to try to settle a land agreement.

 Besides trying to find a place to build, we have been busy packing, preparing lumber, prefabricating some walls for our house, organizing a work team from our home church that will come the end of January, and preparing for baby number two.  Lori has done incredibly well this pregnancy, but has had to fight a few infections and some unbearable heat.  Thank you for your prayers during the next few months as we make this transition from life on the missionary base to life in the tribe.

 For His Glory,

Aaron, Lori, Avalon, and ?

 PS – We are getting ready to send out a regular mailing.  If your name had to be re-added to our list for emails because we lost it in our crash (if there was a time when you were not receiving these or received several at once), then your address has probably been erased from our computer as well.  If you would send us your mailing address (even if you think you were not erased) we will be sure you are included in our next mail out.

 PPS – Time for a guessing game!  What caused that spot on my back in the pictures below?  Write us if you have a guess.