When missionary kids get bored...

...they build a fire, heat up some stones, and make kora (scalloped local potatoes with thick coconut cream). All by themselves.

And, yes, we let them play with fire and knives.

We love Wycliffe Associates!

Wycliffe Associates are the best! Not only are they working on the new translation center (which will be dedicated in March), but they also help fix other maintenance issues around SITAG. This morning, Jim climbed waaaaay up high the scaffolding that he built last week beside our current house and repaired some issues created by a falling branch. He said we almost lost power, but he caught the problem quickly. Thanks a bunch to all of the men and women who volunteer around the world to help support Bible Translation, especially those of you who are about to come on a short-term trip to Honiara!

Celebrating Family

our "potato-print family"

Sarah and Katherine making a family tree

My Great-Aunt Arizona by Gloria Houston
Henry and Mudge and the Great Grandpas by Cynthia Rylant
A Chair for my Mother by Vera B. Williams

Hold My Hand: Five Stories of Love and Family by Charlotte Zolotow

Peter's Chair by Ezra Jack Keats

Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman

Whose Mouse are You? by Robert Kraus

My Father Knows the Names of Things by Jane Yolen

The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant

Certificate in Translation Workshop

This week, the last of the Certificate in Translation (CIT) workshops begins at SITAG. These men have been working hard for four years doing university level work to help them become better Bible translators. We're so proud of them and all of their hard work! Please continue to pray for them and for their teachers during the next two very busy weeks.

Marulaon update

Chairman Hensi called this morning to ask if he could swing by and visit and borrow some money for the Bikoi fare tomorrow. Seems like a really good friendship is devolping! While they visited, Aaron learned that my garden is doing great and that Marulaon has enjoyed plenty of rain since we left, so thanks to those of you who have been praying for those requests! He also learned that the picture dictionary work is continuing in our absence and that the Lavukal are very excited about the upcoming literacy workshop. In addition, Hensi informed us that the Bikoi has raised their fare considerably and quit going to Marulaon. They now only stop at Yandina, which is in the East Russells.

If we continue to take the Bikoi, not only would we have to pay more for our tickets, but we would have to buy petrol for two motor canoes to get to Marulaon. This more than doubles our transport costs. Other cheaper and slower ships also stop at Yandina, but not on a regular schedule, so we will have lots of options to consider as we get everything ready for our trip to Marulaon at the end of October. We are not worried about finding a way to Marulaon, but we would appreciate your prayers for us to have wisdom and to follow God's leading for the best shipping options.

Family Photo Shoot

It's time to turn in our family photo for the SITAG calendar, so we had some fun taking pictures on the basketball court this morning.

This weekend, we're still unpacking, planning for the three weeks we still have left in Honiara, and trying to let our bodies catch up from our whirlwind time in Brisbane.

I love the sounds of laughter as my goofy family posed for the pictures and as the kids took their turns behind the camera!

"One generation will commend your works to another; they will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousnes." Psalm 145: 4-7

Back to real life...

Life in Brisbane...

Life in Honiara...red betelnut spit on the side of the road

Playground Pics

While we travel back to Honiara, I'll share a few pictures of one of the highlights of our trip - the playgound (the first one in two years) at McDonalds!

Sarah was too old to play, but the other really enjoyed themselves.

Brisbane Woman's Daybook

For today...Wednesday, October 6

Outside my window...a beautiful tree full of purple blooms, bulldozers tearing down a building across the street with great cacophony.

I am thinking...about how expensive everything is here in Australia
.

I am thankful for...the persistent dentist who finally figured out what was causing me all of that pain, and he fixed the problem, too!

I am wearing...braided hair, beaded red earrings, a white t-shirt and a deep red and white patterned swirly skirt I found at a second-hand store here.

In the learning room...off for a few days while we transition back to Honiara.

I am remembering...sweet times with a friend in Memphis who just passed away yesterday. Margaret, we love you and are praying for you and your family.

I am going...to fly back to Honiara tomorrow.

I am currently reading...a couple of mysteries by P.D. James that are in the apartment.

I am hoping...that we can get everything ready for the next trip to Marulaon in just three weeks.

On my mind..."The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love..." (Zeph. 3:17 RSV) How I need the renewal of His love flowing through me and the victory He gives.

Noticing that... Katherine is loving her new "Laundry Day" lacing beads from HABA.

Pondering these words..."What we need is a big picture of a great God who is utterly committed to joyfully demonstrating his greatness in doing us good. That is, we need to see the majesty of God and know the splendor of God overflowing toward us with exuberant omnipotence. It is not enough to believe that God is big and strong and fearsome - which he is. We must experience this magnificence as the explosion of God's uncontainable zeal to satisfy his creatures by showing them himself." --John Piper

From the kitchen...oh, we've had fun in the kitchen here in Brisbane. Lots of baking and lots of veggies and fruits that we can't get in the Solomons. Today, it's just leftovers as we clean out the fridge.

Around the house...the all too familiar sight of action packers full and waiting to go.

One of my favorite things...the sweetness and familiarity of falling asleep with Aaron's arm across my back

From my camera...the huge tree hanging over the driveway and shedding its fragrant blooms on the clothes hanging on the line

Happy Birthday, Aaron

Saturday, we tromped down the hill to wait at the bus stop and make our way into town to celebrate Aaron's birthday.

We're getting pretty good at navigating public transportation here in Brisbane, and it was a quick two bus rides to make our way down to QPAC for the ballet.

A thoughtful friend provided the resources for us to attend "Don Quixote" - I told Aaron the ballet was eye candy. We took in every detail (especially the pit orchestra - ah, the memories). What a treat!

Aaron and I bought our "nice" clothes at a second-hand shop here in Brisbane, and his shoes made it just long enough to get home. We walked home, changed clothes, and then walked to a local bakery where we enjoyed wood-fired pizzas. They had live music since it was a Saturday night, and the restaurant sang happy birthday to my beloved when the cake and its sparkling candles was brought in.

Queensland Museum

Friday, our family enjoyed a day exploring the Queensland Museum. It's been so long since we've gotten to take the kids to a museum, and we had a blast!

Pure Joy

Katherine equals pure joy - dancing and singing songs from Marulaon while wearing a dress that was Sarah and Olivia's. So glad we've got her!

Lone Pine and New Glasses

Our new glasses came in, and the doctor's office is near Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. So, we took the opportunity to visit both places, and hopped a couple of buses to spend the day in Southwest Brisbane.