In many ways our month in Tawatana was a lot like a month long camping trip. We spent tons of time together as a family, living in a small cabin like house in the middle of no where. We enjoyed exploring, fishing and swimming in the ocean everyday. We hauled water from the river, showered in a shower house, sometimes washed dishes in the river, walked everywhere we went, just like if we were camping in a remote location.
Yet, in many other ways, our month in Tawatana was anything but a vacation. Everyday we learned new things about the culture of the Solomon Islands. Everyday we worked hard to take care of our basic needs, like water and food. Everyday we had to rely solely on Pijin to try to communicate with people. Everyday our actions and words caused people to laugh (not in a mean way) when we tried new things and failed miserably—like doing things that were strange to the culture or saying words in Pijin in an incorrect manner.
And yet, the month in Tawatana was one of the most rewarding experiences we have ever had! The amazing things we were able to see, the extraordinary people we met, and the dependency on the Lord for our basic and real time needs was exhilarating. People were so kind to us, and the Lord provided for us everyday. We were even able to witness things most people only see in a National Geographic magazine!
We will never forget our time in Tawatana, nor our new friends there. We thank God for his faithfulness. We hope to return to Tawatana someday, hopefully when our Pijin is better!