tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67862780777925909432024-02-21T04:37:26.494+10:00My Head in the CloudsJust the life of a wife, her pilot hubby and their 3 passengers~Jaime~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851729654523925834noreply@blogger.comBlogger433125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6786278077792590943.post-74974804419186753562019-07-05T13:53:00.003+10:002019-07-05T14:22:26.190+10:00The Unfinished ConversationIt's that time of year where, in the last month, my time has been divided between being mom, working and helping friends leave for their furloughs or finish (when someone leaves the country and doesn't have plans to return). This process involves very practical help like cleaning out the kitchen (if you're a good friend, you tackle their fridge :)), helping pack boxes that will go in to storage, watching their kids or being that honest friend that says "Do NOT pack that faded, hole-y t-shirt! You'll be at Target in a week with Starbucks in your hand and can get a new one! Heck! You could buy 10 of the same one...and send me one while you're at it" :)<br />
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While this is happening, we're talking about everything furlough related...what restaurant they'll eat at first...what they're most looking forward to about being back in their home country...and what they're most nervous about. We talk about how the kids are coping and swap advice on dealing with transition. We set our prediction on what's going to happen here in our little community during the next year, what school activities are coming up or what will happen at work.<br />
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We promise to pray for each other.<br />
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We don't promise to keep in touch. Having a foot in both worlds is hard and nearly impossible to navigate well. We've all tried it and we've likely all failed.<br />
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The morning of our friends flight arrives and per tradition, we rise early and head out to our airstrip. Typical for this time of year, the fog covers our centre like a heavy blanket. Even in those early hours we're talking about all sorts of things...how everyone slept, what's the connecting flight for today, all the while eyeing the sky, waiting for the sun to break through and lift the fog.<br />
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The fog is lifting and the time comes when the pilot approaches the gate and says "5 minutes before boarding!"<br />
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The conversations quiet, the hugs...and sometimes tears...begin.<br />
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You watch your friends load the plane and wave for one last time. At least for now, the conversation is put on hold. In a year (or more!), we'll hit the resume button and pick right up where we left off.~Jaime~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851729654523925834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6786278077792590943.post-53626585992390448112019-05-31T13:58:00.002+10:002019-05-31T13:58:56.434+10:00Back At ItAnd just like that, life has returned to "normal" and wouldn't you know that it's almost been two months since my last post. Currently the dough is rising so at least some time to update this space. The hours and days are moving fast. When I look at the calendar, I can't believe that tomorrow is the first of June. How is it already half way through 2019? (And yes, I realize I sound old saying that, but....it's true!)<br />
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Jason's knee is healing really well. He's been working on his physical therapy and two months post surgery, he was cleared to fly again! Such an answer to prayer...I'm floored at how well he's doing. God has answered so many prayers.<br />
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I started a new job at the middle school/high school as the Registrar. Because the current Registrar leaves after June graduation, I, and the newly form team will need to spend as much time with her as humanely possible in the next few weeks. She might be glad she's leaving after having so much "quality time" with us!<br />
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Fourth term at the school means the calendar is full. We've had class activities, dinners, gatherings...it's been busy as we anticipate friends furloughs and some friends leaving this chapter of their lives to move on to the next. The goodbyes never get easier as we really don't know when we'll see our "framily" again.<br />
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The older kids had Sports Day last week which is like a US equivalent of "track and field". D has developed quite the arm and love for the throwing events. He placed 2nd in javelin and shot put and 4th in discus for his division.<br />
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It was Mo's first Sports Day and she won first place in the race walk in what could be described as a photo finish:<br />
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I've never been more enamoured with fast paced walking in my life!</div>
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She also won first in a relay race and placed third in a three legged race.<br />
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We had a great day, but I was thankful that the schedule for Saturday was pretty low key...we needed a break.<br />
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This week the youngest has been pretty sick. Fever, aches, pains, a lingering cough that won't go away. She's had plenty of downtime and rest which I think is annoying her! She's ready to be back at school instead of occupying sofa space.<br />
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Welllll...the dough timer went off so I'm off to make cinnamon rolls for breakfast tomorrow...happy weekend!~Jaime~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851729654523925834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6786278077792590943.post-73362694399099815112019-03-31T21:28:00.000+10:002019-03-31T21:28:10.183+10:00From The Land of Coffee & WifiPost surgery recovery is in full swing and going well. As of last week, we're all back together as one big happy family and the kids are learning that "post surgery recovery" means ALOT of downtime, not thrill-a-minute-entertainment. Sorry kids...welcome to LIFE, the healing process and rest. We're thankful to have gotten the "all clear" from the doc and we'll head back to our normal life, schedule and routine April 10th.<br />
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In the meantime, we're enjoying the land of, well....everything! The grocery stores here, although a bit different from the US, have everything (and more!) that we could ever want to eat. I'm loving not making everything by scratch, bleaching/washing the veggies and I'm pretty sure we've eaten sandwiches, with real lunchmeat and cheese slices, every.single.day. And have I mentioned the coffee?? Starbucks tried to come in years ago, but couldn't make it because the coffee shops and cafes do such an awesome job. Yeah...that's definitely been a perk (no pun intended ;))<br />
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This unexpected detour has made me stop (literally and figuratively) and think about rest. I went from, what felt like running100 miles an hour, transitioning out of one job, training to move into another, getting our family ready to be apart from each other for several weeks, coordinating our schedules on top of the "everyday" goings on, needing more hours in a day than I was given. And then? I got a plane by myself for the first time in over 20 years and everything came to a screeching halt. There were no kids and schedules to take care of, there wasn't much work to work on. No responsibilities. Like the kids wanting constant entertainment, I found myself with nothing to do. The highlight of my day was retrieving frozen peas for Jason to ice his leg and watching the time for his next dose of medication. That's it. No agenda, no schedule. Nothing but time on my hands.<br />
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I've struggled with resting the last few weeks. As a working mom and wife living overseas in a developing country, there is constant work to just make daily life happen. Apparently, it doesn't take me long to get wrapped up in the routine of my every day and forgetting to take time out to really rest. I'm not just talking about rest as in sleep, but truly unplugging from the daily routine. Praying. Spending time with the Lord. Or just enjoying the silence that is just <i>being</i>. (That was easier when there weren't 3 kids running around!)<br />
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True rest is something I know I need to work on when we get back. We already know we'll hit the ground running the day after we return with work meetings, responsibilities, school and the normal routine, but I want my response to the craziness to be different. I need to rest. My family needs me to rest. And yes, I really think the Bible tells us we need to rest.<br />
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Now it's just coming up with a plan to make that happen.~Jaime~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851729654523925834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6786278077792590943.post-17844102748454898272019-03-03T22:02:00.002+10:002019-03-03T22:02:35.706+10:00Update...So the news from the orthopedic doctor wasn't what we'd hoped for. <div>
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Jason's ACL and meniscus have to be repaired. The ACL was expected, the torn meniscus presents more of a challenge. If the doctor can fix it through surgery then Jason will need to be off his leg for 6 weeks in order to allow the meniscus to heal, or at least begin the healing process. We don't have a timeframe yet as to when he'll be able to come back here.</div>
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I leave this week so I can be with Jason for his surgery at the end of the week. Our kids will be scattered all over with awesome friends so they can finish the school term. During school break, they'll join us. It will be over a month since they'll have seen Jason.</div>
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I am a logistical, form filling queen with all the paperwork, flight schedules/reservations with our organization, not to mention prepping our 3 (bags, clothes, plans, oh...emotions!) for this unexpected chunk of time apart.</div>
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But....God is good. Things are coming together piece by piece and only because His hands are all over this. We're tired, but trusting in Him to carry us through. This has already been the beginning of a marathon journey.</div>
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Pray for wisdom for the doctors, miraculous, quick healing for Jason and for our kids as we're apart.</div>
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More soon from the land of awesome internet, grocery stores and coffee.</div>
~Jaime~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851729654523925834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6786278077792590943.post-36377213046556558152019-02-24T19:14:00.001+10:002019-02-24T19:17:08.851+10:00Head, Shoulder, Knees & ToesIf you receive our newsletters, you read that this is shaping up to be the term we deal with all the health things. Beginning last January, upon our return to PNG, we've had several health related issues in our family. I won't list them all because that's boring for you and honestly there are people we know and love facing far worse situations. Regardless, it's been a challenge to have so many things happen back to back. Today an update...and you're welcome for singing "Head, Shoulder, Knees and Toes" the rest of the day :)<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Head:</b></span> D is feeling better, claiming to feel "normal" whatever that looks like for a teenage boy (and really that's another blog post altogether!) He has resumed all but one of his classes, which is a huge praise! However, there's a good amount of make up work to finish but the school and teachers are working with him to get caught up. Plus, he has a bit more motivation...I suspect that his isolation for a couple of weeks has helped him gain some perspective.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Shoulders:</b></span> My shoulders been a little tense these days if I'm being honest. More of why that could be below...<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Knees:</b></span> The short version of this section is that Jason hurt his knee last year. Actually, probably as far back as 2016. The pain ebbed and flowed but this year it's become more significant and now is affecting his ability to work. Our doctors here said in order to know what was really happening he'd need to get an MRI. So, currently, he's in Australia awaiting an orthopedic doctors appointment (tomorrow) to see where we go with all of this and what can be done.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Toes:</b></span> So far our toes have been unaffected. Unless you count the mud they encounter on a regular basis during rainy season. In that case, I could use a pedicure but that's beside the point.<br />
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This morning, as I was thinking about writing this, Lauren Daigle's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjAwIxUQjrI" target="_blank">"Your Wings" </a>came to mind and then this reminder from Psalm 91:4 that a friend stitched for me a few years ago:<br />
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Come what may with these current situations or in the future...we know we're covered and in the Lord's hands. He's sheltering and protecting us and I don't have to fear or dread what's next. What a image and promise to cling to!<br />
<br />~Jaime~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851729654523925834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6786278077792590943.post-44552063183393884522019-01-31T14:23:00.001+10:002019-01-31T14:23:38.447+10:00Concussion Day 14<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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Regardless of his face in this picture, we have some small victories we're super excited about!<br />
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This morning, D could walk in to the clinic without the assistance of a cane. He "passed" most of the neurological exams the doctor performed on him. (Apparently, he failed them last week when Jason took him to his appointment.)<br />
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He's still having headaches and a bit of dizziness, which is normal in concussion cases. The biggest concern now is not overdoing activity just because he's <i>starting</i> to feel better. This is a marathon healing process, not a sprint. Of course, this has lead to some pretty animated "discussions" as his idea of activity level and mine are REALLY different. Pray for me as I help him see my side of things...ha!<br />
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The doctor wants him to come back next Tuesday with the *possibility* of going back to school on Wednesday. He'll have to reduce his course load, but thankfully he still has a couple of years to make sure he gets all of his high school credits in. The biggest concern is that he's still having trouble focusing in on words when he tries to read.<br />
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We are SO grateful for the progress D has made, even in just a week! We know it's because the Lord is hearing and answering the prayers of so many who are praying!~Jaime~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851729654523925834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6786278077792590943.post-30362377906666047682019-01-24T14:47:00.002+10:002019-01-24T14:47:43.170+10:00Clinic Update & VisitorsJust in case you're following the concussion journey we're on with D, here's the latest at the one week mark:<br />
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The clinic said the good news is that he's not showing symptoms of anything getting worse. The bad news is that he just needs more time and more rest to heal. One week in and he's going stir crazy as anyone would being isolated. He needs limited to no stimulation (that means everything and anything around him...games, phone, computer, books/homework) and that's a struggle for a 15 year old boy who typically has nothing but energy he needs to get out.<br />
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Since D is homebound...and bored beyond himself...he's had heaps of visitors. Not great for his stimulation but good for his emotional state, so we're trying to balance that. Throughout the afternoon and evening, our porch and living room were packed with smelly, teenage boys who care enough about our kid to stop by, catch him up on all the school drama he's missing and make him laugh. Today at lunch most of his class came by...including girls-ha! </div>
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I had to snap this picture yesterday. You can see where the boys were lined up to get in the house. It's customary here to take your shoes off before entering so you don't track dirt all over the floors. My mama heart is thankful for this community and for these kids.</div>
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Thanks for continuing to pray for D and for us. Navigating this has been more challenging than I anticipated. The longer this goes, the harder it gets. </div>
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Pray with us for:</div>
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-miraculous, quick healing of his head</div>
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-heaps of patience (for him and us!) </div>
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-peace in the midst of the boredom and waiting</div>
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-that D wouldn't worry about missing school assignments or being behind</div>
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We're trusting the Great Physician and His perfect timing.</div>
~Jaime~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851729654523925834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6786278077792590943.post-66604930894318479172019-01-20T16:10:00.001+10:002019-01-20T16:10:27.264+10:00Concussion<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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Earlier this week, D was at basketball tryouts when, playing defense, he shuffled his feet backwards, lost his footing and fell. Hard. On the concrete. His head taking the brunt of the hit. The coaches, who heard his head hit, said he got up and wanted to keep playing, but they made him sit down for a few minutes. He complained of his head hurting and they wouldn't let him back in the scrimmage.<br />
<br />
We got a call from one of the coaches asking us to come pick him up where we determined he needed to visit the clinic. In that visit, the doctor diagnosed him with a pretty major concussion. We're watching him and the situation closely.<br />
<br />
So this has been our weekend. A very restless, bored teenage boy, trying to sleep and refusing help...even though he really needs it.<br />
<br />
If you think about us, pray for him...pray for us as we try to take care of our boy.~Jaime~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851729654523925834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6786278077792590943.post-43320987715094524972019-01-12T16:51:00.001+10:002019-01-12T16:51:27.766+10:00Nine <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEvJPEKfjSTjo8CxXmmHwC5DCyFBdNi2uZ1SjFlDTtWoEHF3dlrlKOZD3QNdqW3BiG98Ex0t7NI7YE7Ujhgl3A1g_NM5WmzhRYJwEAnEqudxSfJ0Fkb8ppiwvZ7E2x3JMDXdqjV9ff6c/s1600/Jan+13+2010+062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEvJPEKfjSTjo8CxXmmHwC5DCyFBdNi2uZ1SjFlDTtWoEHF3dlrlKOZD3QNdqW3BiG98Ex0t7NI7YE7Ujhgl3A1g_NM5WmzhRYJwEAnEqudxSfJ0Fkb8ppiwvZ7E2x3JMDXdqjV9ff6c/s320/Jan+13+2010+062.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Somehow the baby of the family turns nine today. And yes, I had to stop myself from posting 100 pics of that baby face!</div>
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The little baby that thought sleep was overrated as an infant, perfectly completed our family. She is hard headed, determined, the comedian and loves animals. She's also decided that she's a big fan of sleep :)</div>
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Happy Birthday Mal...we love you more than you'll ever know!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-gHxaraUgHAzs2v9K4-55hYbfwS4wy-U7SJWguNpqVoHGVYF5s0Zzd3yQqXG9N9mMJvi8du8_g9eLjFOgq6dz4f95_hbfMbeGm0KNA6lhCks74zpnZRqxgIf24VnEHw-EF6aVp4vQDU/s1600/30+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-gHxaraUgHAzs2v9K4-55hYbfwS4wy-U7SJWguNpqVoHGVYF5s0Zzd3yQqXG9N9mMJvi8du8_g9eLjFOgq6dz4f95_hbfMbeGm0KNA6lhCks74zpnZRqxgIf24VnEHw-EF6aVp4vQDU/s320/30+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />~Jaime~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851729654523925834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6786278077792590943.post-8855397493312971732019-01-05T19:11:00.000+10:002019-01-05T19:11:10.886+10:00Helllllooooo....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
Wow.<br />
<br />
Did you know I even had a blog?! I was worried I wouldn't remember the password to log in.<br />
<br />
Sigh...I won't even attempt to apologize for the silence on this space. And I certainly won't promise that in 2019 there will be more blog posts. Of course, that's what I'd like to have happen, but...let's count how many times I've said that in the past and see where we've gotten?<br />
<br />
But as it goes with the end of the year, I've been reflecting about the last 365 days and this journey God has us on.<br />
<br />
Honestly, I really miss writing on this space. Several people commented on our furlough that they loved reading the blog just to get an inside look at life here. Last year was hard fought on every level and at the end of the day--some that seemed like they'd never end--I just had nothing to put into words.<br />
<br />
I had my fair share of fear in 2018. Fear of being vulnerable, fear of making sure my words were "just right" on this space and if they weren't...the fear of being criticized. I feel like the enemy has been using that fear to disable me on so many levels. Isn't that just what he wants to do? Strike in our weakness (pick yours) tell us we're not good enough. Then we slither away to our selfish, introspective worlds, all the while feeling inadequate, defeated and silenced. And when we do that, guess what? He wins.<br />
<br />
I'm not an eloquent or motivational writer or speaker. I tend to be more of a "realist", a "tell it like it is" person and lack some tack. (If you <u>really</u> don't want to know what I think, don't take me shopping with you!) Age hasn't helped that personality trait. I don't like whining (ask my kids!) and as I thought about writing on this space last year, I didn't want to come across as being a whining missionary :)<br />
<br />
As inadequate as it will be, my renewed attempt on this space will be to share the real life...the good, bad and sometimes ugly part of our little corner of the world. I'm tired of feeling defeated, fearful and silent. In the end, hopefully you'll see that really nothing is about me/us and everything is about the Lord.<br />
<br />
<i>So...what now?</i><br />
<br />
With the arrival of 2019, we begin our 6th year here. 2018 was an adjustment year as we came back to the life we have grown to love. We settled in to a new routine, a new job for me, changes for Jason's job, new school grades for the kids (um, hello...we have a high schooler now??), new friendships, sorely missing our family back home...the list could go on. So while things were familiar on our arrival so much was unchartered territory. Over the years we've found missions life to be full of constant transition and change. Change is our "normal" life.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>But God.</b></div>
<br />
Through all the adjustments, challenges and heartache, I saw His hand in the details. I've had to trust Him and be reminded of His promises more than ever before. I've had to cling to Him when I had nothing else would do. Even though I've known this for years, I was reminded over and over again that my own strength, my own will, wasn't going to carry me, our family and what we were going through at the time. I only need Him. I can't have it any other way. It just doesn't work.<br />
<br />
2019 will no doubt bring it's own challenges. We are already aware of some big changes on the horizon. Am I ready? Did I learn anything from last year? I pray I have.~Jaime~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851729654523925834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6786278077792590943.post-46755888617301525502018-02-04T19:00:00.001+10:002018-02-04T19:00:37.505+10:00And Here We Are...Again<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">So in case you hadn’t noticed, I didn’t exactly get to write
about our Northwest trip. Here’s the thing: the Lord started moving and
orchestrating the last 3 months of our furlough SO fast, I could barely keep up
with what HE was doing let alone write about it. Today, I will attempt a brief (ha!)
recap, so grab a cup of coffee and dig in…</span><br />
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In September, the week before we left for our Northwest
trip, we found out that a missionary transport company would be coming through
town and able to pick up our crate and take it to North Carolina. From NC, it
would then get on a slow boat and head to PNG. The crate is chock full of items
we’ll need for the next 4 ½ years: clothes, towels, sheets, kitchen supplies
and tools that Jason has desperately needed to make life in PNG a little
easier. Oh and heaps of ziplock bags and cling wrap…I wish I were kidding!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDWCYJPRKJuvyXHWSqt6lipJO-DC-WAmmKRcLS8RWv3WyIJ1uuT9teRBDPIFCKQtPxZGM3rugYQN3wLae4ehgoBPlvwcNWFPGQfX6aCFKGMIBY4Jozskvhq1yaO9PEMfGq-FFDYDfgT4/s1600/IMG_6795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDWCYJPRKJuvyXHWSqt6lipJO-DC-WAmmKRcLS8RWv3WyIJ1uuT9teRBDPIFCKQtPxZGM3rugYQN3wLae4ehgoBPlvwcNWFPGQfX6aCFKGMIBY4Jozskvhq1yaO9PEMfGq-FFDYDfgT4/s320/IMG_6795.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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We weren’t expecting the timing of the crate to leave so
soon and spent the week making mad dash, last minute purchases. Amazon got a
workout from us that week! It was hectic but awesome to see the Lord
orchestrate the coordination of it all…down to the final 30 minutes before the
transport truck arrived! <o:p></o:p></div>
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That was a Wednesday and we hit the road early Friday
morning and headed west. A couple of memorable things happened in that 3-week
trip:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxk8PevUJMgr-6SjRPa_zeoglHFpTttbw5J4Jt5ZCbBusAbT67_jxMuxkB5HwDiXn_Ov37duE1FmUMShF7zc8BSseq7hKe_M2VE3OLwmHcgkwftEMstXPHJj5f6P2B8i6cvV_uYgrJfPg/s1600/IMG_6842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxk8PevUJMgr-6SjRPa_zeoglHFpTttbw5J4Jt5ZCbBusAbT67_jxMuxkB5HwDiXn_Ov37duE1FmUMShF7zc8BSseq7hKe_M2VE3OLwmHcgkwftEMstXPHJj5f6P2B8i6cvV_uYgrJfPg/s320/IMG_6842.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">-Mal had prayed even before we left PNG in 2016 that we
would see snow on furlough. Living in East Texas, snow is extremely rare so we
tried to lower her expectations. But wouldn’t you know as we’re driving through
Wyoming, it started snowing?! Jason pulled over to the closest rest stop and
let the kids run around in the snow flurries. Later that night at our stop in Montana, it
snowed a couple of inches and you’ve never seen more ecstatic people. It was
such a gift for us, especially Mal as she had seen her prayer answered.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcd6fRF1EfaZnZu39u2r7y10iwXjIfP60VdNrYHrebJH_Pp_0HaqtecZkQyThLPzSJAp56zhdGcFLCjpm2HmceQFd27c_ijVr2SlM2ZN9F2kkt0FZyB5ZS4SsD-_9FA3FjvJjmFcyZLks/s1600/IMG_6883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcd6fRF1EfaZnZu39u2r7y10iwXjIfP60VdNrYHrebJH_Pp_0HaqtecZkQyThLPzSJAp56zhdGcFLCjpm2HmceQFd27c_ijVr2SlM2ZN9F2kkt0FZyB5ZS4SsD-_9FA3FjvJjmFcyZLks/s320/IMG_6883.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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-Our final destination of Spokane, Washington was beautiful.
Fall showed off in a big way with vibrant colors and awesomely cool weather.
Between homeschooling in a hotel room, Jason’s Kodiak training and visiting
some dear friends, we took in the beauty of the Northwest and I was hooked.
Towards the end of our visit we went to Idaho and I determined I could live
there despite the cold and snow that piles up in the winter.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TngSeqETFUhP5q18nFL43nem82xoM7Bdu_DsSWuScef1aJSCQMqR8xJ98kiDraPJEUTCIFULnhN0JkLivCoqSEcd_CJiyNmHHxa7se-kFBSzW23ewyxwDBUf18t2zwphVN_9btTmAkU/s1600/IMG_6982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TngSeqETFUhP5q18nFL43nem82xoM7Bdu_DsSWuScef1aJSCQMqR8xJ98kiDraPJEUTCIFULnhN0JkLivCoqSEcd_CJiyNmHHxa7se-kFBSzW23ewyxwDBUf18t2zwphVN_9btTmAkU/s320/IMG_6982.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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With Jason’s training for PNG officially complete, we headed
back to Texas towards the end of October. Still needing a large portion of our
support and partnership, we were unsure what the next couple of months would
hold.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In November, through a series of events and through His
people, the Lord brought the rest of our support in <b>LESS THAN A WEEK</b>. Only God
could work such a miracle. That situation proves as a reminder to us that the Lord
is in control over this journey. It also solidified for us that He really did
want our family back in PNG another term.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The one ongoing and unresolved issue we’d had most of the
year was Jason’s visa. Our plan and prayer for months was to continue on to PNG
in January, but do we still keep moving in that direction? We never heard
anything from the Lord other than <i>“move forward”,</i> so that’s exactly what we
did. Thanksgiving came and went with family time, delicious food and an
increasing amount of contentment in our plans. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In December, we moved out of the house we had been in for the
year and moved in with Jason’s parents to begin the transition of wrapping up
our life in the US and get our minds focused on coming back. The reality of
having one foot in each country began and my head was officially split into two
places…again. <o:p></o:p></div>
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My work permit had been approved so we sent mine and the
kids passports to the PNG Embassy in DC to get visas. The week before
Christmas, passports with the necessary visas back in our hands and we could
finally buy plane tickets. We knew Jason would just have to wait in Australia
until his visa was approved, but how long would that take? The official word
was 3-4 weeks, but our seats on the Kodiak to get us home in PNG were booked
for January 10<sup>th</sup>. There wouldn’t be space on another flight until
the 19<sup>th</sup> and school started the 17<sup>th</sup>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We kept praying and decided to all travel to Australia
together on the 1<sup>st</sup> and the kids and I would continue on to PNG on
the 10<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would wait to
see, again, how the Lord would work out Jason’s visa. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Christmas came. The goodbyes were beginning and the reality
of coming back was drawing closer. Another transition was in the making.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We left on the 1<sup>st</sup> as we had been praying for
months. Our travels to Australia were seamless and really went off without a
hitch. We spent a week as a family in Australia getting on this time zone and
enjoying some down time together. The kids and I left on the 10<sup>th</sup> to
return to PNG and left Jason behind for what we thought would be a long haul.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Only doing what the Lord does, Jason’s visa was processed in
a week!! To say we were stunned and thrilled is an understatement. He joined us in PNG on the 17<sup>th</sup>, just one week later than us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know as I type this, it sounds easy. Like it all came
together seamlessly and we were just so chill and go with the flow. In some
ways that was true, but there were also many hours (days and months!) of
waiting, prayer and conversations about what exactly needed to happen. There
was the stress of putting everything into motion, packing 5 suitcases and
leaving the life we had made in the US over the last year. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But hear me when I say it was <b><u>all</u></b> the Lord. He carried us
through the last year, made the impossible possible and showed Himself in so
many situations that we can’t help but give Him praise and glory for what He’s
done. </div>
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And if you've stuck through to the end of this update, thank you :) Stay tuned...more coming on transitions, beginning our second term and life here in the Land of the Unexpected!</div>
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</style>~Jaime~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851729654523925834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6786278077792590943.post-48255499655443559952017-09-21T04:52:00.001+10:002017-09-21T04:52:32.846+10:00East Coast Road TripIn mid-July, we hit the road heading east to visit friends and/or partners of our Wycliffe ministry. Connecting with our partners is an aspect of this ministry that I really love. Plus, this trip would give our kids a glimpse of America that they don't remember seeing when we did this 5 years ago at the ages of 8, 5 and 2. (Another plus: no diapers this go around...big kids are AWESOME!)<br />
<br />
Jason and I took a morning at the local coffee shop with the computer, calendar and too much coffee, sorting out the logistics:<br />
<br />
*Are people going to be home and not out of town?<br />
<br />
*Where would we stay?<br />
<br />
*How long would we stay in one place? (My dad always told me that fish and kinfolk smell after 3 days, so we kept that into consideration.)<br />
<br />
*And the big question...how long can we *realistically* drive each day so our children and sanity stay in tact?!<br />
<br />
With most of those questions answered, emails sent, phone calls made, we hit the road.<br />
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Affectionately known in this house as "the beast", this is the vehicle we've been blessed with driving this year!<br />
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We have a TON of room for bags, people and snacks. "The beast" has made our road trips this year so much nicer...as if driving on smooth roads wasn't enough this throws it over the top!<br />
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We made it through 22 states and Canada for a total of 4, 525 miles! Sanity was questioned on several occasions as we pushed through the miles forging our way to our overnight stop, but in the end, it was worth it.<br />
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We were blessed to hug, laugh, cry and hug our friends some more. With those same people we took pictures (and memories!) that we'll hold on to for the next 4 years. The kids took in some American history along the way as we drove through some beautiful country. We also determined that you can find a song that will mention the state you're driving through in that moment. Needless to say the kids were exposed to some FINE musical history from the 70's and 80's as well :)<br />
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And now we're looking at our trip to the Northwest in just a week and half! Jason has training in Spokane, but we also have partners and friends we're looking forward to seeing. The Lord has already worked out so many details of this trip and we're excited to see what else is ahead.~Jaime~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851729654523925834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6786278077792590943.post-80307222107945368802017-08-11T02:15:00.001+10:002017-08-11T02:23:18.142+10:00July <i>ARGH!! I *thought* I put this post up while we were on the road a few weeks ago. Alas, I come to write about our East Coast travels and find this sitting my draft box. (Insert my eyes rolling. Technical glitch? Operator error? UGH!) Anyway...while I work on the road trip post, you can read my thoughts about July in August...better late than never???</i><br />
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Ya'll...it's hot in Texas in July!! It's been a long while since we've sweat just checking the mail or walking from the car to the front door of the grocery store!<br />
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Despite the heat we really enjoyed the 4th this year. I forgot how deeply patriotic most Americans can be during this time of year. We did enjoy everything red, white and blue and all out patriotic this year. D loved buying fireworks and burning up his hard earned mowing money :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YAY for the patriotic bag of M&M's!! WHO KNEW?!</td></tr>
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Jason took the kids flying last week, but later in the day when it was a bit cooler. The love of flying runs deep in this family.<br />
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Have I mentioned it's JULY!??! A couple of weeks ago I went to Hobby Lobby and was reminded that American marketing minds start thinking about fall and Christmas WWWAAAYYY earlier than I'm ready for!! It's almost as bad with SCHOOL SUPPLIES!! I'm in denial that I need to start wrapping my mind around homeschooling our 3 in the fall...YIKES!<br />
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We hit the road Monday for about 3 weeks to connect with partners and friends along the East Coast. I'm sure I'll have a few things to say once we get back...stay tuned :)</div>
~Jaime~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851729654523925834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6786278077792590943.post-9868427731060047582017-06-24T01:27:00.003+10:002017-06-24T01:27:25.371+10:00Airport Life<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I originally posted this on <a href="http://www.thatsthestoryitell.blogspot.com/">The Storytellers Blog</a> </i></div>
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<i>Check it out and read stories of family, faith and sometimes </i></div>
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<i>even the funny moments we all have in our lives.</i></div>
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Spending time in airports is a part of my life. My family and I live overseas so we travel quite a bit and in those travels we experience some great airports around the world while there are others that shall we say, need some improvement.<br />
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I've found there are airports that excel at efficiently navigating hundreds of passengers through security while others have no soap in the dispenser and a mere <i>three </i>stalls...in the <i>women's</i> bathroom. I'll never understand that. Ever.<br />
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Regardless of the airport, one thing all of them have in common are <b>people</b>...and lots of them in every size, shape, color and story of their own. I think it's safe to say that people watching has become a favorite past-time of mine. I'm intrigued by a couple of things:<br />
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<i>1.</i> <i>The clothing people choose to wear while traveling.</i> There are those in gym clothes (i.e. leggings and t-shirts) while others are in their best suit and tie. To be clear, I'm not judging nor consider myself a fashionista whatsoever. I typically go the "comfy" route which involves super baggy "cute" pants and a sweater knowing that winter is coming as soon as I get on board. This could also be interpreted as the <i>almost-40-wife-and-mom-I'm-done-trying-to-impress </i>look. You can use your imagination.<br />
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<i>2. The shoes people choose to wear.</i> There are those that click their way through the corridor with heels while others choose to flip and flop their way on board. Again, just so we're clear, my preference are my faithful Birkenstocks. I know...you can picture the classiness right?<br />
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These observations then lead me to my next question: <b>Where</b> are these people going? Business meetings? Shooting a new workout video? To the beach straight off the plane?<br />
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Then there are those that travel with their tea cup hair bow wearing dogs and I don't get that either. But those people usually aren't following their long-legged husband to the connecting flight while navigating three kids away from souvenir shops and making last minute bathroom stops all the while trying super hard not to capsize a fresh cup of coffee all over themselves. Clearly, I don't have the capacity to carry a dog with bows with me at this stage of life.<br />
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I've also seen red faced, puffy eyed people saying their goodbyes at the security entrance. <i>I've been that person.</i> "See ya laters" are hard, there's no way around it. But there are also the "hellos" I've observed (experienced!) full of exclamation and joy. In that very moment, nothing is sweeter than being reunited with a spouse, grandparent, child or friend.<br />
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One thing all of these people have in common, regardless of what they decide to wear, is their Creator. Whether they recognize Him or not, every single one of us was made in His image. They...we...are <i>HIS</i> children. If we watch close enough, strike up enough conversations, we get to see a glimpse of His handiwork, His likeness, who He is, right here on earth. We have the opportunity to hear their stories, maybe a chance to share a piece of ours and tell them about His love for them.<br />
Even those with their tea cup dogs in tow.~Jaime~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851729654523925834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6786278077792590943.post-78605414719070945222017-05-05T06:56:00.002+10:002017-05-05T06:56:27.062+10:00Finding our Furlough Footing<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Attempting a family selfie in Hong Kong on our trip back to the US. Clearly some of us need a tutorial.</i></td></tr>
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Well...hey there!<br />
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I hope you'll forgive my silence on this space. I know it's been awhile. (Where's the eye roll emoji when you need it?!)<br />
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If I can be perfectly honest, I was dead tired, or as we say in Texas "dog tired", when we left PNG almost 5 months ago. I really had no idea how drained I really was until a few months ago. I know you've been there and have felt that way at some point in your life so you get it.<br />
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Between the stress of packing, leaving life as we knew it and re-entering here, there was so much to say, but I couldn't put it into words as I was still sorting it all out in my heart and mind. Then at some point a couple of months ago, I realised I felt more rested, more together, than I had been in awhile. The transition fog had cleared a bit...but really? Would anybody care to read the ramblings of a missionary, wife and mother who had just come fresh off the field? She's bound to be a wack-o or really boring. And weird. Definitely weird.<br />
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Ummm...clearly there's been alot of self doubt. Thus the silence. Which is funny because I'm not exactly known for being the quiet one in the room.<br />
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But...since we've been back I've heard from a few people, some I didn't even know until recently, who have kept up with our journey via the blog, not social media. It turns out people like rambling,<br />
wack-o missionary wives that write just like they talk :) With gentle prodding from my mom, Nannie (shout out to grandmothers who use technology!) and even my husband, I'm attempting to revive this space.<br />
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Where to begin (again)? What to say?<br />
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So much has changed since we've been gone but...I get it. I know I've changed too. Moving to a different country, learning to live and adapt to a different culture so completely foreign than here, learning a different language...those things changed my world view, my perspective. I'm coming back seeing life around me differently than before. I'm also seeing life through my kids eyes, especially our youngest as it's like she's seeing the U.S. for the first time. I mean, I never thought I'd have to explain a sno cone or roller skating or dressing rooms...but...here we are. Jason and I have needed more patience than I think we even realised. There are a *million* questions about U.S. culture, slang, seasons...you name it, it's probably been asked. I'm thankful our three are taking us seriously on our <i>"nothing is a dumb question so ask it"</i> offer.<br />
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Thankfully, at the same time, much has stayed the same. Our friends and family have welcomed us back with so much love. We are completely overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone that has contributed to what we've needed this year. I know. <i>Just a year.</i><br />
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The question of how long we'll stay stateside comes up frequently. Lord willing, all the many pieces, like training and support, will come together and we'll go back to PNG in early January. I can't explain WHY we're going other than that's where the Lord wants for us. I don't know why we can't stay here, trust me, I've asked. For whatever reason He's told us to go, so that's what we have to do. Today I ran across a timely quote from author Priscilla Shirer:<br />
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Making sense of God's call is not a prerequisite for following it. Obey.</i></b></div>
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And I hope that whatever He's calling you to do, you're doing it. We all have our part to play in His bigger picture and plan even when we don't understand it. Yeah...obedience is tough sometimes.<br />
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I know a year doesn't seem like much time when, here we are, already in May. For now, we're not focusing so much on that as we are trying to soak up as much time with family and friends. Time, we've realised the last four years, is a precious commodity not to be taken for granted. We know we can't make up for the time we've lost, but we can certainly make the most of<span style="text-align: center;"> <u>right now</u> and we're soaking it in.</span><br />
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Oh and while we're stateside you'll probably find us eating all the ice cream we can :)~Jaime~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851729654523925834noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6786278077792590943.post-64154748690292849302016-11-14T21:13:00.001+10:002016-11-14T21:13:39.021+10:00Furlough Prep Part 5: The Last 30 Days
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<span lang="EN-US">The homestretch is here. Less than thirty
days before furlough. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Our walls are bare, most of the boxes are packed
and waiting to make an entrance to the attic while the suitcases are about to
make an appearance for the long trip over the ocean.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">If you’ve followed us on this journey over
the years, you know I really try to close out seasons of time well wherever we are
at. We learned the benefits of “saying goodbye well” during our pre-field
training and I have found it to be beneficial for our family, so the tradition
continues.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Why say good-bye to this term? Well, we
know far too well how transient our community is. This dynamic of people we
currently see on a daily and weekly basis may or may not be around when we,
Lord willing, return in a year. As life goes anywhere you're at, things always change. What
we know as “normal” now won't be the same “normal" we return to. And yes, we’re
keeping this in mind as we transition back to the U.S., a place that used to be our normal, knowing full well that it’s not the same place we left.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">So we’ve begun our list of things we have
loved about the last 4 years…the things, the people, the country that have
become our home. As we started this list, it occurred to me how our
departure, with this list, coincides with November, a month where we try to be
intentional about gratitude and thankfulness for all the Lord has done.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQZR_GK40sFXi8k_tHGXsLz_v8DHorgU2loR8Q9BYo-s-8QxuRgxdDbhSHJlZAfk6sXkz0_UNN3c9pvf9UDMY5xTt38JWn6KR-oYbWvbWuGYiQ4e8BIyBJM4LCSc3qamolBB_Vy2qL4I/s1600/IMG_4628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQZR_GK40sFXi8k_tHGXsLz_v8DHorgU2loR8Q9BYo-s-8QxuRgxdDbhSHJlZAfk6sXkz0_UNN3c9pvf9UDMY5xTt38JWn6KR-oYbWvbWuGYiQ4e8BIyBJM4LCSc3qamolBB_Vy2qL4I/s320/IMG_4628.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In looking over the last four years, I have
so much to be grateful for. Even in the hard times, the times I questioned why
in the world we are here…in this place…that really feels like the ends of the
earth! This calling that He’s given us to support the work of Bible translation
has my heart. No, it hasn’t been easy. Yes, it’s been exhausting, hard, filled
with pain, challenges we’ve never faced before, but He’s carried us through
each situation. We praise God for the physical health He’s given us even if it
has come with a couple of broken bones, some nasty infections and many a
stomach virus. I’m thankful for His protection over Jason as he’s flown all
over this beautiful country and come home safely at night. I’m thankful that
He’s heard and mended our broken hearts when the homesickness and desire to be
with our families had us in tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Suffice it to say, I could go on...there is
no question that we have been blessed in our first term overseas. As we look forward to the next year,
with the unknown challenges that lie ahead, we have the assurance that He has and will continue to be faithful, no matter where in the world we are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></div>
~Jaime~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851729654523925834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6786278077792590943.post-28366698150148280302016-10-12T20:38:00.003+10:002016-10-13T07:28:13.359+10:00Furlough Prep Part 4: 60 Days<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Two months!!</b></div>
<br />
We're really starting to feel the tension of having one foot here and one foot in the US. Planning our schedule and arrangements for the next year stateside in tandem with finishing work, school and life here as we know it...while packing, cleaning and trying to finish well.<br />
<br />
I'm reigning in the anticipation/fear of the next year while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy. In the last month that's meant celebrating two milestone birthdays of the kids which translates into parties...and food!! And all the while remembering through our training and books I've read on mission life that this tug we're feeling and transient living for a missionary is...normal?!<br />
<br />
We're at the point where everything in our two worlds are colliding, even our dreams. The other night Jason dreamed that he was driving our totally rad 1985 Delica...at his parents house!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKn6PHYCiQMEQ0IaAbGZTtS0Vh5s05UQHBONKwBITyEljD6N7k9t73pP3lD7gv0tl-hubgmmnfGd1CICaoN7Ujuwvg3GC2Mpt3BYpDbStQvvb68fIlS0rATvdCxYX1F28KdMbfqO1yiBY/s1600/IMG_0982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKn6PHYCiQMEQ0IaAbGZTtS0Vh5s05UQHBONKwBITyEljD6N7k9t73pP3lD7gv0tl-hubgmmnfGd1CICaoN7Ujuwvg3GC2Mpt3BYpDbStQvvb68fIlS0rATvdCxYX1F28KdMbfqO1yiBY/s320/IMG_0982.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I've had dreams about all sorts of things lately but most of them revolve around shopping in the US and my indecision on what to buy because there are too many choices and variety.<br />
<br />
<br />
Currently my life (and brain!) are divided into three categories: <i>ship back</i>, <i>give away</i> and my favorite: <i>throw away</i>. Since no one knows the future and the Lord has a history of changing people's plans, our organization asks us to designate a friend or colleague to be the keeper of our house keys so if we don't come back, our "stuff" (which will be stored in our attic) can either be given away or shipped back. It's a bit daunting to decide what I'd want to send back if for some reason our plans change.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXDX4J4xaFJgnHZ4-n8ohr-CRyL51MnafyJTfYRu8TMOJ42GscZyyPjULoGGUEuiwHnjgDLcLAssmdAuO6iQZfCgNZ0tirS-XKBbXQ5X63CDca14TzM-RZP9cEwcjP93bvWn-2-McElg/s1600/IMG_4530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXDX4J4xaFJgnHZ4-n8ohr-CRyL51MnafyJTfYRu8TMOJ42GscZyyPjULoGGUEuiwHnjgDLcLAssmdAuO6iQZfCgNZ0tirS-XKBbXQ5X63CDca14TzM-RZP9cEwcjP93bvWn-2-McElg/s320/IMG_4530.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I keep asking myself "is this something I'd want to have with me in the US?" I don't want to over think the process, but it does make me to think about what's priority for me like the kids writing journals from school or paintings and wood carvings from local artists. Oh and don't forget the Christmas ornaments! On the bright side it does force you to do a good cleaning every term.<br />
<br />
I've also been pretty excited about using the "lasts" of things like spices or bottles of things in the fridge. We're <i>almost</i> to the point that I can start throwing away ziplock bags instead of washing them...<b>again</b>. Oh and hole-y socks? They don't see the light of day anymore!<br />
<br />
If you think of us, please pray for sanity and wisdom for all my sorting in the next 60 days! The to-do lists are getting longer and the days shorter...if only I had all the emojis with the crazy faces to insert right here...~Jaime~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851729654523925834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6786278077792590943.post-51103243556176974792016-09-12T12:42:00.000+10:002016-09-12T12:42:07.095+10:00Furlough Prep Part 3: 90 Days<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8qBqtfdzpo6zDoht0S_4_0hGtasxZ7nW3LXEcWYHhIPj8dGMRVeDWaLVhFMZHym5b7jisKhUy9xCOpMDvUVv6Mdhuyuq6T0_oWNbizisROjiUXOHPQEVbdvAohUGK_IfoOtYCExFdpY/s1600/DSC_9094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8qBqtfdzpo6zDoht0S_4_0hGtasxZ7nW3LXEcWYHhIPj8dGMRVeDWaLVhFMZHym5b7jisKhUy9xCOpMDvUVv6Mdhuyuq6T0_oWNbizisROjiUXOHPQEVbdvAohUGK_IfoOtYCExFdpY/s400/DSC_9094.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We're 90 days from leaving PNG and heading out on our first furlough.<br />
<br />
The tickets are purchased.<br />
<br />
Our stay at the Guesthouse on our Center is booked. We'll stay there a couple of nights before we leave so we can clean the house and wash everything without having to also <i>live</i> in it at the same time. We'll rely on the generosity of our friends hospitality for our last meals.<br />
<br />
The reality is closing in that our first 4 year term is coming to an end.<br />
<br />
I've gone back and forth about what to write this month about our furlough preparations. There are all the logistics of setting up life in the U.S. for a year (a house, a car etc.). There are the gory details of packing up our things here and getting the house ready for renters while we're away. There are ALL the questions of what it's going to be like in the U.S., where we'll live, who we'll see, what we'll do...what we'll eat besides bacon and ice cream :)<br />
<br />
And then?? There are ALL the emotions.<br />
<br />
My oh my.<br />
<br />
We are emotional creatures. With two girls and a teenager, our house is full of emotion and we have our fair share of weekly, more often than not, daily, tears. God uniquely designed us to love, to hurt, to feel sadness but also undeniable times of joy. While emotions can be good, they're also tricky because they're unreliable and unsteady. If we're not careful our emotions can dictate our decisions and our thinking, instead of the concrete truth from the Word.<br />
<br />
Right now we're entering an emotional stage of this transition that I don't think will leave any time soon. If you had asked me before I left the U.S. what I was most worried about, hands down it would have been how my kids were going to adjust living here. But God, in His goodness, has overwhelmed us with how well all three have <b>thrived</b>. They've put down roots. They're in a routine with school and classes, they have solid friends, they even have a dog they love. It's a daunting prospect to think about the unknown that we're walking into. They're worried, fearful and if we're all honest, apprehensive about what next year will look like. Change, even necessary change, is hard.<br />
<br />
We dialogue openly, trying to answer as many of the questions as we can. The truth is though, we don't know what today holds, let alone next year in a place that isn't as known to us as it used to be. Places change, people change...we've changed. What we do know, the Truth we run to, is that we trust and serve a God who doesn't change. The same consistent God that called us here is the same good God that has guided us across the vast ocean to a beautiful country with beautiful people that desperately need to hear about His love for them. <i>He will never leave us or forsake us</i>.<br />
<br />
This journey has been stretching, eye opening and yes, harder than I ever could have imagined, but He's walked with us every step of the way. Through all the tears, the heartache, the discovery, fun and laughter of this term...He has been the one true constant in our ever-changing lives and we have to keep clinging to Him.<br />
<br />
If you think of us in the next 90 days, pray that we can manage our emotional selves. Pray that we can articulate our frustrations, our fears and ALL the excitement we have for the journey ahead.~Jaime~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851729654523925834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6786278077792590943.post-29357424572081363062016-07-11T21:25:00.002+10:002016-07-11T21:25:30.233+10:00Furlough Prep Part 2: Their QuestionsFive months from today, we start the journey back to the US for our year long home assignment or furlough. This is "Part 2" in a monthly series I'm attempting to do, prior to our departure, so you can get an idea of what we're thinking and doing as we transition from here to there.<br />
<br />
This month I'm looking at the questions my kids have been asking. The topic of furlough comes up, almost daily, as we anticipate all the changes that will be happening. So here, in no particular order, are some of their questions:<br />
<br />
<b><i>Will we have a dishwasher?</i></b><br />
This is a big question since our three are on a daily rotation of washing, rinsing and drying. They pray we have a dishwasher so they can be off the hook for dish duty. I told them not to get too excited...those dishes don't load themselves or put themselves away. (Can you hear the collective groan from that response?)<br />
<br />
<b><i> </i></b><br />
<b><i>Will we have to burn our trash on furlough?</i></b><br />
We have a unique trash system here. Anything that can't be burned, or isn't food rubbish, gets tossed into a can for pick up on Tuesdays. Food scraps get tossed into a bucket that's taken out regularly and thrown into a deep hole in our backyard. Anything burnable gets tossed into another basket and those items burned in our backyard in a cement burn barrel. So...the thought of throwing everything away, into one can, without burning anything is really kind of disappointing to our designated pyro-loving trash burner.<br />
<br />
<b><i> </i></b><br />
<b><i>Do we have to wear shoes?</i></b><br />
Bless their hearts (see? Prepping for Texas :) These kids are used to having a "shoes optional" lifestyle. Needless to say, there's been quite the discussion about "No shoes. No shirt. No service" in the US. And regardless of our trip to Texas in December of 2014, they still question why they can't wear flip flops in December because, after all, that's summer time on this side of the world!<br />
<br />
Just a heads up...old habits die hard, so when we come into your house, we're still likely to take our shoes off at the front door. Everyone has hardwood floors here, so it's common practice to take your shoes off so you don't track dirt inside the house. I've also gotten used to taking my house shoes or a pair of socks with me to keep my feet toasty when we go to someone's house.<br />
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<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;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEuyl0APSmSWBst9pk-RIeo7EG-6PNN9KzuoOtCYFuduJFrswJBARHn9bHnyfzyp5cYIKWzJnEFG7pyNm-TswJbWt86-fWl98aGnLSnucbGQj02qCAzmro2zc93onVyg5OAPQwbdKXYtU/s320/IMG_3174.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barefoot & dancin' in the rain!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
<b><br /></b><br />
<b><i>Will the power go out in the US?</i></b><br />
We're used to almost nightly power outages. Thanks to a generator, it doesn't stay out for long, but it's still something we're used to. We assured them that, most of the time, the power is fine and will stay on all the time. But then that led to a conversation about thunderstorms and losing power, which led to a discussion about tornadoes and thus a science lesson ensued. One thing leads to other around here.<br />
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<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0i5dEpXYYpLkiChs1CJHCPknD3oyO5WymA-AZOj_UJVzUE8ZP1fMl4qQObeiNdtoKd0dbhXYnxOgXEpHApOwz2JfEHdljKf-bCHg0KAWQNbLzi1nYZHMZBAsjg9an5yCwXMm3mmnWt20/s1600/IMG_3324+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0i5dEpXYYpLkiChs1CJHCPknD3oyO5WymA-AZOj_UJVzUE8ZP1fMl4qQObeiNdtoKd0dbhXYnxOgXEpHApOwz2JfEHdljKf-bCHg0KAWQNbLzi1nYZHMZBAsjg9an5yCwXMm3mmnWt20/s320/IMG_3324+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some nights a candlelight dinner is how we roll!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Despite all of the questions, the kids are getting excited about going back to the US. There will be a good deal of reverse culture shock we'll have to contend with, but hopefully they'll keep asking questions and hopefully we'll have some helpful answers.<br />
<i> </i>~Jaime~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851729654523925834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6786278077792590943.post-10915552460808764922016-06-23T20:57:00.000+10:002016-06-23T20:57:02.242+10:00Sixth Grade Grad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgua1US5Aya4HxmvqG7QqKVsxjVsm-BZX27cedyRknailIEoc_DAeJ-zfdHM1r6sGufTdZBdGOYykx-aIrtwZJwchyndli2R_dq3vbkkv62jL5Wh22Ba1MTvNqb1K8oPRPmSD9pIuT6SJQ/s1600/IMG_4182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgua1US5Aya4HxmvqG7QqKVsxjVsm-BZX27cedyRknailIEoc_DAeJ-zfdHM1r6sGufTdZBdGOYykx-aIrtwZJwchyndli2R_dq3vbkkv62jL5Wh22Ba1MTvNqb1K8oPRPmSD9pIuT6SJQ/s320/IMG_4182.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We celebrated sixth grade graduation on June 10. D has officially finished the primary campus and is off to the middle school at the secondary campus once July 20th hits!<br />
<br />The evening was hosted and organised by teachers and parents. Thankfully, one of the parents had just made a trip to Australia and was able to pick up balloons and decorations to us to use for the night.<br /><br />
During the ceremony, sixth graders in the band (all but 3 in his class) played a song and character awards for each student were handed out. D received the “Courtesy” award which they define as “Using respectful and thoughtful ways and words with others, putting others before myself.”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHTDeVZYDhwaz-hK9iNiomjQWKFTp0-eIKsNTdpRpShU_QRSS1XLGUlim8_9Rj64VFuPQfyTRxf2XoVh_UfxwEyx-I1FrC5jBzM-t35tcR4KScJACj6S4TWvYuOzRU0ObDjtkYtSuyMI/s1600/MJM_7930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHTDeVZYDhwaz-hK9iNiomjQWKFTp0-eIKsNTdpRpShU_QRSS1XLGUlim8_9Rj64VFuPQfyTRxf2XoVh_UfxwEyx-I1FrC5jBzM-t35tcR4KScJACj6S4TWvYuOzRU0ObDjtkYtSuyMI/s320/MJM_7930.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Afterwards, the parents hosted a reception for teachers and the families of the class. There were yummy snacks and a photo booth. Then we had an “after party” that lasted til midnight. I, in a moment of weakness, signed up to stay with a few other parents and Jason took the girls home for the night. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkd3tNSejBaXG9BsJ_Q5RHn_DT0faHeL3SyVJegprxiWFB4QtOkJHgHfYbbgN3KivGhPKm1BA9IfBua90QscYCjCYKFfJnWqbmU6wqIPiyt5j8f2ijQzyGSSxaF3dwSAWjEhm35dHbr0/s1600/PhotoBooth-50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkd3tNSejBaXG9BsJ_Q5RHn_DT0faHeL3SyVJegprxiWFB4QtOkJHgHfYbbgN3KivGhPKm1BA9IfBua90QscYCjCYKFfJnWqbmU6wqIPiyt5j8f2ijQzyGSSxaF3dwSAWjEhm35dHbr0/s320/PhotoBooth-50.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmnRHLU6lmU1Ds6C8lpQiifoV0fmrVYmSDu3B12WexdN0-0u1rNj6-Fk2MwR1GwQJTxyEjU_QAqzH0K3MGmLcsH4tr3snSDpEc3Ned0o_hmljMC483vmNNUdHxqOMn8NWTcxJvDhm3dY/s1600/PhotoBooth-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmnRHLU6lmU1Ds6C8lpQiifoV0fmrVYmSDu3B12WexdN0-0u1rNj6-Fk2MwR1GwQJTxyEjU_QAqzH0K3MGmLcsH4tr3snSDpEc3Ned0o_hmljMC483vmNNUdHxqOMn8NWTcxJvDhm3dY/s320/PhotoBooth-10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We learned Australian bush dancing and as we had an odd number, I volunteered to even the count. Oh my word…so fun, but wow…I was tired! And unfortunately there is now evidence showing I was a part of this floating around town. I know it will come back to haunt me some day! We also had a bonfire and someone organised a scavenger hunt in the dark at the campus. The kids loved running around in the dark!<br /><br />By midnight, I was feeling my age, but I was so glad to spend the evening with a great class!<br />
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<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsAwwRdzEreTt7CmjjY_eLMkdXkEXWM-wbECJOItRTfTwY2hMiC0GNNWNyxD2j567JhyphenhyphenKqVIWrdXpiA8ZJw4kttXYamiLfNc_5E9bSZ5AOgu6xgWNeYAwcT1M7_UE4HHPEqFKWFxyrGg/s1600/IMG_4184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsAwwRdzEreTt7CmjjY_eLMkdXkEXWM-wbECJOItRTfTwY2hMiC0GNNWNyxD2j567JhyphenhyphenKqVIWrdXpiA8ZJw4kttXYamiLfNc_5E9bSZ5AOgu6xgWNeYAwcT1M7_UE4HHPEqFKWFxyrGg/s320/IMG_4184.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our attempt at a class selfie! My arm is too short and I couldn't get all the kids in the shot!</td></tr>
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~Jaime~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851729654523925834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6786278077792590943.post-66844440047040709952016-06-12T20:15:00.000+10:002016-06-12T20:16:31.166+10:00Furlough Prep Part 1: The 5 W'sExactly 6 months from today, we leave this place we call home and start our journey back to a place that still, in some ways, feels like home. So, since we’ve never done a furlough before, I thought I’d start a series of entries over the next few months as we prep for this transition, what we’re thinking, how it’s going etc. Today’s post addresses the 5 W’s: who, what, when, where and why.<br />
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<b>WHO: </b>The Brew Crew 5: two parents who are going back to their home country and feel semi-comfortable there. The oldest who remembers some of his younger years there. The middle child that has vague memories of the US, but thinks fondly of it. And…the youngest child who has lived here longer than she lived in the US. She’s looking at this whole process like a vacation, not going “home”. <br />
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Who else does this involve? YOU! Our family, friends and those who have partnered with us financially and prayerfully.<br />
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<b>WHAT: </b>What is furlough or home assignment? Furlough is a period of time that we go back to our home home country, reconnect with all of the WHO mentioned above, plus get the necessary training to return for more service overseas.<br />
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<b>WHEN:</b> When are we coming?? Right now, our plans aren’t set in stone. We have our flight out of here booked for December 12, but after that, it’s still very much unknown. We’ll probably arrive stateside later that same week. Lord willing we will be there for around 13 months.<br />
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<b>WHERE:</b> Well….this too is still kind of up in the air. Lord willing, we’ll live in Texas near our families. We will spend quite a bit of time traveling to connect with all of those in our WHO. Jason will also need to go several different places for training. Our schedule isn’t firmed up and may not be for quite awhile. The planner in me LOVES to know exactly when we’re doing certain things, but I’ve had to realise not everyone functions like that, so flexibility is the name of the game…or at least my game that I don’t necessarily like to play.<br />
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<b>WHY:</b> As I mentioned in the “WHO”, furlough is a time where we can see many, if not all, of the people that love and partner with us. It’s a time where we can personally say “THANK YOU” for sticking with us over these last few years, hug your necks and find out how you’re doing. Our ministry budget has increased so we’ll also be looking for opportunities to share with new people what we’re doing and how they can be a part of supporting the work of Bible translation in PNG.<br />
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Furlough will also be a time for Jason to get recurrent flight training of various kinds so he can come back prepared for the next term here. At this point, because of staffing changes, I’m not sure what my assignment will be once we return in 2018. This could and probably will change between now and the time we leave so I might need further training depending on my assignment. This will also be a time where we can hopefully rest and get a break from the many different stresses we face while living overseas. <br />
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During this time we’ll need to acclimate our kids to their passport country. The US is a foreign place to them and the culture very different than the one they’re currently living in. We’ll tread the dicey waters of reverse culture shock (a separate post is coming on that!) We hope to see some US landmarks and learn some US and state history over the course of the next year. <br />
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And as a side note: We’ll also need to make sure we eat plenty of ice cream those 13 months. Real ice cream that’s made with <i>milk</i> and not unidentifiable acronyms and numbers. It’s just one of the many things we’re looking forward to in the months to come!~Jaime~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851729654523925834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6786278077792590943.post-30987029675616361102016-05-31T20:01:00.000+10:002016-05-31T20:03:45.079+10:00We Are "Framily"<br />
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Friends…they can bring us joy, have an influence us, bring us pain or love on us when you most need it. You get the good and the bad when you risk being a friend to someone. A life lesson I’m currently walking through with my kids.<br />
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Since living overseas my view of friendship has broadened. When we left behind our family and friends in 2013, I knew things would be different with the relationships we were leaving behind. But it was more than I could have ever imagined the night we boarded the plane that took us across the ocean.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">True friends show up at the airport wearing coordinating colors... </td></tr>
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I soon realised that maintaining long distance relationships took work…and lots of it. It meant a simple text or email or making sure I wrote a quick note to send with someone who could snail mail it when they returned to the states. I knew I couldn’t let my relationships stateside wither and die just because I had moved 10,000 miles away. Thankfully, our family, close friends and church family have stuck with us on this journey. They’ve updated us on family happenings, major events or just a “hey-we miss you like crazy today” email. They’ve sent packages…some have made it and some have gotten lost in the “overseas package abyss”. Regardless of where those lost boxes are, the emails, texts and e-mails and even lost boxes have meant the world to us. <br />
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When we return for 13 months this December, I know I will encounter more than our fair share of awkward moments. There will be times where I’m out of the loop because I haven’t been around to know what’s happened or what someone is talking about. I won’t be speaking the latest lingo (I <i><b>am </b></i>getting used to the #hashtag!) and rest assured I won’t have the latest fashion trends in my closet. I’ll be the weird outsider looking inside to a world that I used to call my home. In those moments I’ll be thankful for the relationships that have withstood time and miles of ocean that currently separate us.<br />
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What I never expected to find are the kind of friendships we have here. When one leaves their family, home country, friends and “normal”, well, that puts you in a unique category. What I didn’t expect to find with these new friends were friendships that went deep so quickly. Cut the “what’s your favourite colour?” to “So what do you miss about home this time of year?” These friendships have become family type relationships. I lovingly call them “framily”.<br />
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Our “framily” are the people we’ve celebrated holidays and birthdays with, mourned with and prayed with when hard news comes from far away. Friendships that will face familiar trials of distance when furlough times don’t align. Friends that speak the truth in love because, well, sometimes you need to be set straight. This type of friendship was something we left and we didn’t expect to find again. But God knew how much we needed those kind of people in our lives.<br />
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So as we enter our fourth year in a row of the “see ya later” season, I’m humbly grateful for the friends and family stateside who have pressed on with us through the long distance that separates us. I’m grateful for each person that God has placed in our lives on this side of the world, at just the right time. I know I’m a far richer person because of each one of them.~Jaime~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851729654523925834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6786278077792590943.post-56743237569292860712016-04-30T16:44:00.001+10:002016-04-30T17:13:26.300+10:00Three Years Ago...Today marks the 3 year anniversary of our arrival to Ukarumpa, the centre that would become our new home. We had already spent three months on the coast, learning, adapting and transitioning into a whole new world and way of life and more was on the horizon....we just didn't know what was in store.<br />
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On April 30, 2013 we climbed onto an open air truck, along with several fellow students, now great friends, and drove from the coast up to the Highlands. It took 8 long hours to make our way here with a stop in a village for lunch and thankfully, an outdoor toilet.<br />
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What we didn't know then, is that students don't get the option to ride on the truck anymore. We were one of the last classes to have the choice between a 28 minute plane ride or the 6-8 hour truck ride. I complained at the time that THE PILOT chose the truck ride, but I'm so glad he did. It's a beautiful, super bumpy, pot hole-y ride, but I doubt we'll ever drive it again because road conditions are pretty bad most of the time making car rides difficult.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes...that's our girls ASLEEP in the truck. I don't know how they did it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the river fords we had to cross.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first look at the Ramu Valley...getting closer to the Highlands.</td></tr>
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Below, is one of my favourite pictures of the 5 of us. We had stopped to let a huge semi-truck pass on the road which gave us the chance to stretch our legs and look at the countryside that was SO very different than the coastal views of the prior 14 weeks. When I posted this picture on Facebook people said, "WOW! You guys are SO tan!!" What they didn't know is it was actually DIRT from riding in the above mentioned open air truck for the last 6 hours!! We were beyond ready to see our house we'd never laid eyes on and get a real shower...not one out of a bucket!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few days later, we had our sign up by the front door. Look how little they were!!<br />
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So much has happened over the last, almost 3 1/2 years we've been in PNG. Looking at these pictures reminds me of the Lord's goodness and love towards us, His protection and guidance through all we've seen and done. </div>
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Today, I'm so very grateful He's brought us to this beautiful place.</div>
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~Jaime~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851729654523925834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6786278077792590943.post-52839935728696822922016-04-23T11:22:00.003+10:002016-04-23T11:22:59.116+10:00Craziness...<br />
The last couple of months have been a whirlwind of activity. Jason and I have had increased responsibilities at work which have kept us busy and me silent on this front.<br />
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When we're at work, the kids are at school, learning and expanding their minds. Usually, the 3rd and 4th terms of school are the busiest with school projects and papers. For now, D is the one with the increased school load, but it makes sense as he's almost in middle school. Mo has been busy learning her multiplication facts, reading and having increased writing projects. Mal continues her love for reading and math. She's even in a computer class which spurred on conversations of why mom and dad didn't have computer classes in kindergarten! Nothing like having kids to remind you of your increased age!<br />
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Back in March, the Primary Campus held its annual "Book Festival". Each year the classes are challenged to read a certain number of hours and there are activities surrounding reading and focused on reading for 2 solid weeks. The finale is "Book Parade" where the kids dress as their favourite book characters.<br />
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This year Mo dressed as "Anne of Green Gables" and Mal as one of her favourite kittens in "Kitten Tales". (I'm very thankful during this time of year for a props room that can help with costumes!)<span id="goog_2002120097"></span><br />
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A couple of weeks before "Book Parade" the 6th grade class held a "Living Museum". Each student researched a real person, read their autobiography and then wrote a short summary of what they read. They dressed up as the person they researched and shared their summary in museum form, complete with visitors pushing a "button" to hear the character speak.</div>
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D threw himself into this project! He read about "Nate Saint" and did a fantastic job presenting his information. We are so blessed with an awesome school with teachers who really care about our kids.</div>
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Easter weekend was a welcomed long weekend. In PNG, the Friday and Monday flanking Easter Sunday are public holidays which gives us a 4 day weekend. </div>
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This is the view from my porch. I know...me seeing the sunrise?! It happens more than I'm willing to admit, but it's such a beautiful view that I don't mind!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgZON2fLA2pnasG0zbC0WzY3jCGjnO0B3sMEm7ouW77cel6rOKmma_Cu0MeTk9xYQBL2svFevrJx4dlty2x0wcFbqhZQ_v5A7unzvQGT5t4vG4dvVjc94nGH63VIvpove0HeL1k4xiKc/s1600/IMG_3707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgZON2fLA2pnasG0zbC0WzY3jCGjnO0B3sMEm7ouW77cel6rOKmma_Cu0MeTk9xYQBL2svFevrJx4dlty2x0wcFbqhZQ_v5A7unzvQGT5t4vG4dvVjc94nGH63VIvpove0HeL1k4xiKc/s320/IMG_3707.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Easter Saturday we had brunch with 4 other families. The weather wasn't terrific, but the rain didn't stop us from great food, fun times and a pretty competitive badminton tournament!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKL183D-bgENUbAq0IkikZtyhYejDqTgqURsh8elgzyxTm0l5FvbHZO6p1g5GTd6saXDv_dAIe-Pvt5VwEJOf8Y2Ki2XQ5nXoofj0gmQDPoip1bUz3OEx0VfB0o2BlNBQK8ep6lTrv_M/s1600/IMG_3761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKL183D-bgENUbAq0IkikZtyhYejDqTgqURsh8elgzyxTm0l5FvbHZO6p1g5GTd6saXDv_dAIe-Pvt5VwEJOf8Y2Ki2XQ5nXoofj0gmQDPoip1bUz3OEx0VfB0o2BlNBQK8ep6lTrv_M/s320/IMG_3761.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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In the midst of all the craziness the last couple of weeks, we've also had a change in our furlough plans. Our original plan was to stay here til June 2017, putting us at a 4 1/2 year term. We've made the decision to leave at 4 years. This plan coordinates better with the long range planning at aviation. So, this means we'll be back in Texas for Christmas this year and, Lord willing, one year in the US! Our current plan brings us back to PNG in January 2018.<br />
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Please pray with us as our craziness will continue. Preparations for furlough can be busy, stressful and full of transition. More on our plans and if we're coming to a city near you soon!<br />
<span id="goog_2002120096"></span>~Jaime~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851729654523925834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6786278077792590943.post-12577884222814545552016-02-09T20:42:00.000+10:002016-02-09T20:42:34.063+10:00Birthday Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sunday I celebrated my fourth birthday in PNG. I know. I can't believe it either. Time flies, right?!</div>
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With limited options here as for things to do or places to go, creativity and planning are key. Honestly, I'd rather not invest that kind of time in my <i>own</i> birthday, but thankfully, I have an awesome husband, kids and friends that take good care of me regardless of what I want.</div>
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Saturday night, Jason booked dinner for the two of us at the guesthouse on our center. We had a great meal that I didn't have to fix OR clean up! </div>
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Sunday morning I woke up to my favourite breakfast, french toast, made by my favourite people. </div>
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Friends came over throughout the day bearing gifts and even my favourite chocolate cake! <br />
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<img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmOJdi9PpOrAWS5IaCfyJooQNBFOdQesBDRUU-YkEmJD5PhIP6ns13JrxkWowhXfdVM0oA8E91w8Uk4nmdwpnK20dVUcyRgr6nsPmxkt88J-v9NcDcqYOGxMQr16EHbn6v-cYb9U8pjo/s320/IMG_3638.jpg" width="320" /></div>
The candle situation had the potential for disaster and took 3 people to light all of them. My kids took great delight in the heat that came from that cake... <br />
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And if two days of fun weren't enough, we played hooky from work on Monday and drove into the nearest town of Kainantu with friends. On the agenda: secondhand clothes shopping and lunch at "The Lodge". <br />
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Among our finds in town? Canned stewed duck with bone. Can you imagine?! Even if it IS the "Best Brand" I left it on the shelf. Something tells me it wouldn't go over well at dinner at my house.</div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3jO3VwjaSRVcSF5JjMfEbtK4ZkO112cz7qIczwWp0ZKXQxcKtWw6N2SFIlNDdzm-OlIdyONxa6sdXWVnoQAtGYaVqNjR9_keSRjJB4ZrGd974nxIGIsObe9xel7p5YqCsG-KnvxJqjM/s320/IMG_3659.jpg" width="240" /></div>
~Jaime~http://www.blogger.com/profile/06851729654523925834noreply@blogger.com0