Assignment Update

We found out this morning that we will be assigned to work with the Lavukaleve language in the Russell Islands! A translation was started in this language several years ago and abandoned, so we are excited to help reignite the excitement over getting God's Word in their language. Please pray for the Lavukal people and for us that our hearts would be knit together.

If you want to Google Earth our new location, we will be at 8 degrees and 59 minutes S and 159 degrees 6 minutes E. Here's what Wikipedia has to say about the Russells:

The Russell Islands are two important small islands, as well as several islets, of volcanic origin, in the Central Province of the Solomon Islands. They are located approximately 48 km (30 mi.) northwest from Guadalcanal. The islands are partially covered in coconut plantations, and have a copra and oil factory at Yandina. Yandina also has basic services, including a store, post office, and airport. The Lavukal people live on these islands. Their language is Lavukaleve.

There is also a settlement of Polynesians, resettled from Tikopia, that lives in Nukufero on the west side of the largest island of Pavuvu. In Yandina, people from all over the Solomon Islands have come to work for the plantation. In addition to their native languages, they speak Solomon Island Pijin, the Lingua franca of the Solomon Islands.

In 1943, as part of American military operations during World War II, the islands were occupied by U.S. troops. Remnants of U.S. presence, such as concrete slabs and large metal storage sheds still exist.

Havuna Primary School and Yandina Community High School are in the Russell Islands.

New Favorite Book

Last night, Aaron read this book as a bedtime story for the kids. We just grabbed it from the library last week, but we like it so much we may buy it! "Duke the Dairy Delight Dog" by Lisa Campbell Ernst is the most convicting picture book I've ever read. The kids loved the story, I loved the reminder that relationships are more important than a clean house.

Planned Neglect

Just found a great article that really sums up the way we are intentionally living our lives. Please check it out and tell us what you think!

Aunt Rachel's Visit

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Do stop in at Peggy's for all of the links entered in this week's Simple Woman's Daybook!

June 2, 2008

Outside My Window...an empty bird feeder waiting for me to buy more birdseed and refill it.

I am thinking...about how to pack everything we need to ship to the Solomon Islands into two cubic meters.

I am thankful for...my sweet sister who drove down from Kansas and graced us with her presence this weekend.

From the kitchen...the beginnings of cleaning out the pantry in preparation for the big move.

I am wearing...pajamas still!

I am creating...scrapbook pages of our time here in Dallas.

I am going...to lots of doctor's appointments this week (dentist, allergist, Benjamin's eye doctor).

I am reading..."When Mothers Pray" by Cheri Fuller

I am hoping...to find out where our new home will be in the Solomons!

I am hearing...Katherine babbling. She said "Mama" for the first time last night!

Around the house...children bending over math books in anticipation of finishing the school year this week.

One of my favorite things...meeting with the directors of the Solomon Islands this Friday to get to know them better and to find out more about where we will get to serve.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: more packing as we attempt to sort through every room in the house (we've already gone through the school room - the toughest room of all!).

Here is picture thought I am sharing...from a sweet friend at church. Thanks Susie!

Drop ins

One of our favorite things about living here on the International Linguistics Center is the people that drop by unannounced! Some drop by for laundry, some for supper, and some to practice on our children. This sweet couple is expecting their first wee one this fall, so last night they took turns loving on Katherine. Come one, come all - we love company and the front door is always open!

Pen Pal Day

Tomorrow is Pen Pal Day worldwide, but we have a busy day planned for tomorrow so I thought I would post tonight while I wait for Katherine to get sleepy. I know some kids in the Choate household who would love to be pen pals if anybody is interested! Sarah loves to hand-write notes with her calligraphy pen and different color inks.

Hair today, gone tomorrow

Since October 2005, we've been waiting for today...the day Sarah donates her hair (again) for Locks of Love. Aunt Rachel drove down from Kansas to donate her hair as well. I'm so proud of my girl who has already decided to grow her hair out while we are overseas so she can donate it again when we are home on fulough.

Just this week, a friend of ours decided to donate her hair for her seventh birthday. Way to go, Olivia! Anyone else want to join us?

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Today is Ian Fleming's 100th birth anniversary. He was the author of the James Bond series of books, as well as the beloved Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Go read the book today - it's a great read aloud if you have young children, and the book is much better than the movie (plus, there is a yummy fudge recipe at the back of the book!).

Peek-a-boo!

Busy Weekend

Thursday night, we had some sweet friends from church join us for supper.

Then on Saturday, Uncle Daniel came over and showed us how to make sushi.

Yum!

Nanny came for the long weekend and got lots of hugs and kisses (especially sweet are the "straight-from-the-bath" snuggles). Thanks to ALL of you who made my birthday so special!

The posts will probably be getting briefer and fewer as we began the major packing and preparing to leave. We have four more weeks to organize and condense our lives. Please pray for our wisdom!

Bathing Beauties

The pool is open again, and the Choates are getting in shape for our Pacific Orientation Course. Adults have to swim a mile in the ocean, and children also have to show proficiency in the water. So we are practicing (can't you tell we are suffering?).

Sixteen Shots

This has been a whirlwind of a week for our family! Monday, our family received sixteen shots total and ate lunch with Uncle Daniel. We were also assured by the Dallas Police Department that we were law-abiding citizens. Yesterday, we all got poked for blood samples and donated other kinds of samples as well. Today, we went back to the hospital so Aaron and I could receive chest x-rays. Only one more appointment this week! Thanks for praying for us in all of the upheaval as we prepare for more training in Papua New Guinea.