Off to Brisbane!

Our plane leaves Honiara around 11:00 p.m. CST. Our flat in Brisbane does not have internet access, so our time online will be infrequent during the next three weeks. We would appreciate your prayers for our trip and all the many details that accompany this adventure!

And the winner is...

Gayly! I'll put them in the mail before we leave for Brisbane.

Breaking news! Sarah and I decided that since only four people left comments, we would send all four a care package. So, all of you be looking for a package from the Solomons in about three weeks.

Honiara Woman's Daybook

Thanks to Peggy for making me slow down and think each week.

For today...Tuesday, September 14

Outside my window...a new day is beginning, roosters are crowing, birds are chirping, airplanes are humming overhead

I am thinking...about all of the things that have to be done before we can go back to Marulaon.

I am thankful for..."Women of the Harvest", a website dedicated to women (and their extended families) on the mission field. This ministry helps keep me from going dry!

I am wearing...floral knee-length skirt & burgundy t-shirt from the second hand store here in Honiara (great place to shop if you have the time & energy to sort through the racks of clothes), my hair up in a coconut shell clip

In the learning room...celebrating family with Katherine (perfect timing for Grandparents' Day), Sarah finishing up a research paper comparing aspects of China and Japan,

I am remembering...my Christmas shopping!

I am going...to Brisbane on Thursday, the first time for me to go visit my Mom's old stompin' grounds

I am currently reading...a Martha Stewart Living magazine from a care package

I am hoping...to continue running while we are in Brisbane

On my mind...nourishing my family mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally

Noticing that...the tradewinds are finally dying down

Pondering these words..."To send a letter is a good way to go somewhere without moving anything but your heart." --Phyllis Theroux

http://www.azquotes.com/author/38428-Phyllis_Grissim_Theroux

From the kitchen...cleaning out the pantry and fridge (again), seems like we just did this

Around the house...Katherine reading aloud from the "family" basket: "Are You my Mother?" by P.D. Eastman, boxes piling up to go into storage while we are in Brisbane

One of my favorite things...quiet, unhurried mornings with a cup of coffee and my Bible

From my camera...my exercise buddy who faithfully encourages me to be a good steward of my body

Race Day !!! (by Aaron)

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1

In 2008, thanks to some great friends in Kansas, we learned about road racing and just how fun it can be to get together with friends and train for a race. We are on opposite sides of the world this year, but we have new colleagues here who decided to run with us.


Back in May, Joanna and another SITAG mom started walking together. Not long after, the other mom found an exercise program called Couch to 5K. Pretty soon, she and Joanna started training together just to be healthy. Around June we saw a poster advertising a half marathon here in Honiara. The event included a 10K, 5K, and a 2K fun run. With our great experience before, we decided that the whole family would train for the September 12th race.

This included a little bit of uncertainty of how well we would be able to race train in the village, but thanks to a little soccer field in the village, our family was able to get out and train, sometimes dodging tree roots and frogs along the way. Joanna and I alternated mornings and Sarah, Benjamin, and Olivia would run with one or the other of us.



We got the idea to include some of our colleagues here in Honiara, knowing how fun it was to run with friends. At first it looked like no one would join us, but by the time we returned to Honiara in August, three other families were training as well.



So, after months of preparing, the big day finally arrived. I couldn't believe it. Joanna and I were slated to run in the 5K, and Sarah, Benjamin, and Olivia were running the 2K. Several of their SITAG agemates were running with them (and one dad to keep an eye on them). We all had no real aspirations for greatness. I was wanting to be able to run and have my knee do better than last time. Joanna was shooting for 44 minutes. Sarah, Benjamin, and Olivia, I think, were just out to have fun. I decided to register Joanna and myself in the more mature age category. Thus, we competed with only 30-39 year olds instead of the open category which would have pitted us against teens and twenty-somethings, too.

Now for the celebration. When Olivia started out, she was great. The throng at the start got her a little bit flustered, but she quickly recovered. Unlike her sibs, though, she had no running buddy. Benjamin was with her for a minute, then I decided that Olivia was more important than proving something about myself. So for the first kilometer, Olivia and I ran side by side. I encouraged her all of the way, knowing that she would have to make the turn for home and run her last kilometer alone. Man, that was hard, leaving her. I was pretty sure she was going to walk the whole way back. But when I heard her story later, she said she decided to just run until she got to the fence, then she would know she was almost finished. Turns out, she finished 4th in her category, girls 2K. I am so proud of Olivia for finding strength inside of her that she may not have known was there.

Benjamin won one of those awards that is priceless. He and three other boys were a running machine. As Olivia and I approached the turn-around point, who are the first people we see coming at us from the other direction - Benjamin and his SITAG buds. They were looking good, too. One of the boys was a little in front of Benjamin and the other two. Turns out, that boy won first place (way to go!). The reason Benjamin's award is priceless is because it comes in the form of the honor and respect his parents give him. Coming to the end of the race, two of the boys gathered steam for the big finish. We know that Benjamin had plenty of zoom in him, but first hanging back with Olivia and then deciding to stay back with a slower friend, Benjamin finished 4th by one second. I am so proud of my boy for the selflessness he showed today!

Sarah is not the greatest athlete, but she always has a great attitude. Unfortunately, she seemed to wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. Come race time, all was fine. She and a buddy were at the start hand in hand, ready to go. The race starts, and all of the sudden
we look down the road and Sarah is coming backwards, basically stopped and saying something about bleeding. She was holding her hand out, and I hear Joanna telling her to just keep going. This was all within the first 20 meters or so. I was too busy getting Olivia going that I really didn't think much about Sarah after that.

At the end, I see my amazing #1 child with a huge scuffed up knee and a couple of spots on her hand. But she was all smiles and talked about the race. Turns out she and her friend (who stayed with her despite the spill) were in the top three. We are so excited for her, especially with her literally rough start.

I met my goal of having his knee feel okay. You know about my first kilometer already, the rest was okay. I had to walk a couple of times, I was hoping not to. But that is okay. I ended up third in my category. Crazy. Another SITAG buddy got first, so I have someone to catch now. :-)

Joanna was great. I am so excited for my best girl. She stayed true to her training plan and finished strong. I was able to run beside her in the end. It was so awesome to cheer her on and see her do so great. She got first place in her division!



SITAG racked up lots of great finishes - I think the crowd was ready for the SITAG crew to leave.

What an amazing morning!

Giveaway

If you would like to own these beautifully carved salad tongs, please leave a comment by midnight CST, Monday, September 13. We were so excited to find a new batch of carvings had just come in to the shop! Thanks for all of the encouraging words you leave on the blog, the care packages you send, and the prayers you offer on our behalf.

Auntie Karen

During the last eight years, our family has moved numerous times, and each time has pulled us further and further away from family. But each time we move, God provides adopted family to help bridge the gap.

God gave us "Auntie Karen" here in Honiara, and her birthday was yesterday. As part of her ministry, Karen teaches literacy classes to a group of ladies. Conspiring together, the SITAG moms and the literacy class decided to celebrate and surprise her!

Our good friend, Caroline, enjoyed a bite of cake.

Lots of good food and fellowship...

...and a mad dash for the last piece of cake...

...combined to create a sweet celebration for an amazing person. Karen's class completed the party by singing praise choruses. Oh, what a sweet sound!

After the huge party, Karen and a couple of friends came over for lunch and a birthday pavlova made by Sarah. We're so thankful that God gave us Karen to be a part of our family.

Celebrating the letter "A"

"For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul." Proverbs 2:10

"How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World" by Marjorie Priceman

"The Apple Pie Tree" by Zoe Hall

"Ten Red Apples up on top" by Theo Lesieg (Dr. Suess)

"Ten Red Apples" by Pat Hutchins

"Johnny Appleseed" by Reeve Lindbergh

Honiara Woman's Daybook

Thanks to Peggy who hosts this daybook.

For today...Monday, September 6

Outside my window...the Pacific Ocean is "smiling", that's the way the locals describe the white caps that form when the seas are rough

I am thankful for...great ways for my kids to stay in touch with current events

From the learning rooms...beginning "Early Education at Home" with Katherine, my all time favorite preschool curriculum guide (the other kids love it, too!)

From the kitchen...cinnamon rolls this morning (made by Sarah after I mixed up the bread dough) and tonight we'll enjoy chicken drumsticks and Mexican Salad Bowl from "The New Laurel's Kitchen"

I am wearing...sweaty exercise clothes - it's nice to be able to wear shorts again instead of a skirt

I am creating...Christmas wish lists for our thoughtful & generous parents so boxes can arrive for the grandchildren in the Solomons on time (Sarah really likes this one)

I am going...with a friend to try and find Sister Joanna from the Sisters of the Church on Wednesday morning, then we'll do our weekly shopping

I am reading..."Broken Stick: Mission to the Forbidden Island" a book set in the Solomon Islands by Eileen E. Lantry

I am hoping...to take advantage of Dayspring's big sale on teapots and teacups

I am hearing...new CDs that we just got in the mail, Vaughn Williams' "Fantasy on a Theme by Thomas Tallis" makes me smile and cry at the same time

Noticing that...God's grace and mercy still amaze me

Around the house...torn paper apple collages, a National Geographic map of India

Pondering these words..."But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior..." Titus 3:4-6

One of my favorite things...sweet iced tea in a variety of flavors

A few plans for the rest of the week...lots of company (including hosting a birthday party on Thursday), some catch-up shots for Katherine, the big race on Sunday - Aaron and I are participating in the 5K and our big kids are running in the 2K

Here is a picture though I am sharing...this is what happens to ranch dressing mix in the Solomon Islands, it becomes a solid block

Sweet Sabbath

"But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation, I will sing to the Lord for he has been good to me." Psalm 13:5,6

-beautiful rainbows (we've enjoyed several lately)
-friends who drop by unexpectedly and accept the invitation to stay for supper


-girls learning to crochet
-a great exercise buddy who encourages me yet pushes me to do a little bit better each time we run



-my mom's recipe for chocolate cinnamon cake and the ingredients to make it

Slideshow of translation at work and various dedications from the stamp dedication

The Story Behind the Stamp

Like any good organization, SITAG can boast many servants who stay in the background and work. Early Thursday morning, I found several men trimming errant vines and bushes...

...and several ladies working hard in the kitchen preparing lots of yummy snacks. Another SITAG lady who has been behind the scenes since the inception of this stamp celebrates with us from the States.

A collection of the finished Bibles and New Testaments.

The SITBLP (Solomon Islands Bible and Literacy Partnership) executive board with the Governor General.

From the program: "Following the dedication of 2008 as the Year of the Bible and recognizing the Bible translation efforts of more than thirty years, the Solomon Islands Philatelic Bureau proudly issues this stamp "Celebrating Bible Translation." In the words of former Prime Minister Dr. Derek Sikua, "There is no greater place to build the character of our people than from Biblical foundations and values."

"These beautiful waterclour illustrations tell the story of the arduous task of translating the Word of God (upper right) and after man years of hard work, the arrival of the printed Bibles. Symbolically representing the arrival of the Gospel to the islands (upper left), the bible is carried into the church on a ceremonial canoe. Following a thanksgiving service, the people rush to purchase the treasured Bibles (lower left). As the people read the Word of God in their heart language, it brings understanding and joy and refreshment (lower right).

"The open Bible in the center of the stamp block features two Bible verses, Hebrews 4:12 and John 17:17, taken from the Solomon Islands Pijin Bible which was launched in 2008."

Afterward, SITAG offered a tour of the new translation center which is coming along quickly!

Commemorative stamp block celebrating Bible translation

Yesterday, our family attended the launching of a new stamp celebrating Bible translation in the Solomon Islands. I'll post pictures later, but you can view the local television coverage here. Thanks to my friend, Ann, for the tip!

Finishing up in Marulaon

Tuesday, August 24

We caught the morning shipping report which only told us that the Bikoi was still out West. When we asked our neighbors what time they though the ship would come, we got answers that ranged from noon to "evening". So, we enjoyed the day by visiting with neighbors and reading books. I can't remember the last time I've been able to just be still and quiet - what a blessing! Aaron had to hook up a small canister of gas to cook lunch since the two big ones were already down on the beach awaiting the ride to Honiara. At 3 o'clock, we heard the shipping report estimate that the Bikoi would arrive in Marulaon at 6 o'clock. So, we began last minute preparations. As the sun sank a little behind the trees, I watered the seedlings so Eileen wouldn't have to, and everyone grabbed backpacks and headed down to the beach.

Right at 6 o'clock the Bikoi stopped in between Marulaon and Karumalun as usual, and motor boats and dugout canoes began racing to the ship. We waited and waited and waited some more until Hensi's sister, Grace, came to tell us that the motorboat we would use was taking a sick old man to the Bikoi first. Just as the motorboat came to shore, the Bikoi began to pull out, and we began to PRAY! Thankfully, our friends had passed word to the captain that we were still coming, and another motorboat showed up to get our stuff. So the two motorboats quickly transported us and our belongings to the Bikoi where we hurriedly climbed on board. Our favorite place to ride at night is on top, so we lugged our backpacks and computer bags up to the open deck while the crew loaded our boxes into the hold. We spread out our two thermarest mattresses and arranged the backpacks for pillows - our whole family sprawled all over each other in about 42 square feet! By this time, it was quickly growing dark, and we watched the sun sinking in the West and the moon rising in the East - beautiful!

We dozed among the commotion until we arrived in Honiara around 1:30 a.m., where we found a smiling SITAG friend awaiting us. He helped us unload our baggage, waited while we paid our fees, piled boxes into the van and a taxi, and got in the van. At 2:30 a.m. when he finally put the key into the ignition, all we heard was "rurr, rurr" as the vehicle refused to start. So, Aaron hailed a few big guys, and he and the men pushed the van so our friend could pop it into gear. We finally arrived in our SITAG house a little before 3 a.m. to find several care packages and supper waiting! God knew that we needed a little boost. We are soooo greatful for your prayers as we travel back and forth. Our safety and our stamina are upheld by our many gracious prayer partners around the world.

Monday, August 23

In the midst of packing and cleaning, I took a break to go say goodbye to some of our neighbors. Since we all anticipate seeing each other again, we don't have to go through a big ritual of feasting together, but I still like to make the rounds in the village. Leku's mama, Sarah, has been struggling for over a year with paralysis and a weak back. She spent several months in the hospital in Honiara during the first part of this year. Every time I see her, she smiles her sweet smile and thanks me for praying for her. As you can see above, she's up and walking now!

Thursday, August 19

This morning, we left around 7 a.m. to try and get the work done before the sun got too hot. When Eileen and I arrived, we found Isabella already hard at work burning the leftover brush. I brought our big (and heavy) rake, so for a long time Eileen and I just raked and burned while Isabella began to dig the mounds for planting. Soon, Pogo and Justina showed up to help - I was so thankful! Digging mounds for ubikola and umalau is back-breaking work. By the time we were finished around lunch, we had close to 100 holes dug and planted, I had a hole burned in my skirt, and all of the green coconuts I brought to drink were empty!

After I took a shower, ate a little bit, and rested, Katherine and I grabbed the camera and the voice recorder and walked over to Kiko's house. Her mother (picture above) is one of the oldest ladies in the village, and I wanted to try and record stories from when she was young. Unfortunately, she doesn't remember anything and couldn't even tell me stories from when her kids were young. But she does make great brooms from the spines of coconut leaves! I got some recordings from Kiko, her sister, Grace, and her neice, Lauren, while we all munched on ubikola that had been roasted in the fire. We'll listen to the recordings when we are in Honiara to help us with language learning.

Wednesday, August 18

Yesterday, Aaron paddled over with Hensi to Karumalun to surprise Ezekiel. They had a great visit and Aaron continued building his relationships with both Hensi and Ezekiel. This afternoon, Eileen and Isabella (her sister-in-law) broke their week-long mourning period early so that we could go burn the garden. As we walked the path to the garden, my friends cut down dried coconut leaves. By the time we got to our destination, we were all carrying big loads of leaves. When we arrived, we turned over the piles of brush to let the sun cook them a little longer while we sat and storied. Then we took our coconut leaves and spread them on top of the brush and set them on fire with a coal Eileen brought from the village. We'll go back tomorrow to finish burning and preparing the ground, and then the hard work will really begin!