Here we are, 13 weeks in the Solomon Islands, learning and growing everyday. Each day has its challenges along with its gifts. We have so much to be thankful for. Time keeps marching right along, whether we are ready or not.
This poor guy had an accident on the trampoline. His lip collided with someone’s head and then cracked quite splendidly. We are thankful he did not need stitches, and “we” learned that it’s a good idea for kids to jump one at a time on the trampoline.
These kids had a “tiring” week of some last minute school work that had fallen through the cracks. (Somehow it’s tiring for Asher when he can’t play with his siblings as much.) We are thankful for the flexibility homeschooling has given us this past year (and all the years really) as we moved our entire life to another country. But it’s a great opportunity to teach the kids how to structure our days and use our time wisely, which is particularly important as we approach the beginning of a new school year.
These pictures represent one very courageous woman! I take a trip into the Central Market once a week. Using only Pijin I try to purchase a week’s worth of fruits and vegetables for our family of seven. I must carry anything I purchase. I usually carry as much as I can, then make a trip to the car, drop off my purchased produce and head back in to get more. I spotted this particular item, a Jackfruit, in the middle of the huge market. I walked to the seller and asked what it was, how to cut it, and how to eat it, all in Pijin. I eyed the big fruit, trying to decide if it was worth lugging to the car, where I was sure to have many people stare at me as I did it. I told the seller I might be back, and looked for the rest of the items on my list. As I was heading to the car to drop off another load I decided to go for it! I bought the giant fruit and hefted it on to my shoulder. As I walked out of the market I held my head high and cracked a giant smile on my face. I am thankful for God’s Spirit inside me and Jesus’ promise to always be with me. I am learning to laugh at myself as I try new things, hopefully inviting those around me to laugh with me instead of at me.
These kids cracked open a new-to-us game together. It’s one of the first times they have all played a serious game together (without Josh and I). It’s fun to watch them interact. With such a large age range between them, sometimes playing games can become a little complicated. I am thankful that they keep investing in each other. We are all learning to have grace for one another and to appreciate each other’s God-given unique gifts and personalities.
“For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.”
Philippians 2:13-16 ESV