Update from the Village

Aaron and Olivia are running on all cylinders during their short stay in Marulaon.  They arrived last Thursday just in time to turn around and leave for the festivities at Karumalun on Thursday evening and all day Friday.  Saturday, Aaron spent the whole day catching up and making plans with Ezekiel and Belza, our translation committee chairman.  He was so busy he didn't even stop for lunch!

the view on my way to the village garden

Sunday after church, Aaron and Belza set off for Louna, on the East side of the Russells.  We've been trying every way we know how to build unity between the two sides of our language group which are divided by denomination as well as geography.  The plan was to meet the new village chief and spend some time chatting about how to involve the communities in that area.  When Aaron was introduced to the chief, he was delighted to discover that we already knew him!  Michael is married to a woman from Marulaon and lived behind us for several years.  He is keen to strengthen the use of Lavukaleve, and wants to support the Bible translation in every way possible.  So, we're super excited at how God has been working and arranging everything to build a good support network across the Russell Islands.

Monday through Wednesday, Aaron is holding community review sessions of Matthew, particularly the Sermon on the Mount.  He is trying a new schedule - work together in the mornings, give people the afternoon off to go to their gardens and do their own work, reconvene after supper in the evenings around 9.  He says it's been a good fit so far!  Olivia continues to do school as she chugs through her senior year.

some of my village buddies

Thursday, Aaron has more meetings scheduled and anticipates walking the two miles to Baison to meet with Gesu and some other members of the translation team.  And Friday, Aaron is headed the other direction again to celebrate Louna's feast day with them and to make more plans for their involvement with the translation process.  Then, weather permitting, Aaron and Olivia will come back across in a motor canoe, and Katherine and I will pick them up early on Saturday morning.  Please keep this busy week in your prayers!