Tracking Our First Week

Last Monday night, Jan. 29th, we weren't sure how many people would attend our evening Conversation Groups held at the District Community Center from 6-7:30 pm.   But the curious walked in, and we had two small groups who shared inter-culturally on the theme of Education.
      We plan our conversation classes to include this basic format: a theme, an
icebreaker, a model conversation, conversation prompts, and an interactive activity.  We want to keep the evening moving and they feel the same way.

The following Tuesday night, we had one adequately-sized group who taught us a great deal about Communication Strategies, which are quite different from Western and European cultures.
Wednesday night, we set up, but no one came.  Thursday and Friday nights, we were back in business!

Our first week in Vanuatu has been filled with offering evening English conversation opportunities, organizing our apartment, preparing more English materials, supermarket shopping and trying to stay cool!  Buying groceries is easier here than it has been in other countries because all the labels are in English. They use the metric system though, which can be confusing when weighing produce or buying gas.
It's hot🔥here, and the rainy season brings humidity.  If we move slowly 🐢 🐢,  sweat does not find us as quickly.  For fun, right click Track our Weather and type in Vanuatu.   Track our weather 

We don't have access to a washing machine, but our missionary hosts gladly share theirs with us.  No dryer, but plenty of sunshine and warm breezes when we pin up our clothes the old-fashioned way.  ( I hope this video posts; if not, we will add to the sidebar soon.)

Interestingly, several of our new friends have not only asked us what we think of Vanuatu but could we live here.
Family ties are very important in the Ni-Vanuatu culture.  It is very common for multi-generations to live together...forever.  If not in the same home, then on the same property.  We explain that we are here on a volunteer basis, unlike commissioned missionaries who accept long-term assignments. When we share that our family is equally important to us, they accept our explanation.   We have never been asked if we could forever live where we were serving.

Next week begins the 3-week nightly English classes for pastor graduates.  When you think of
Vanuatu, please pray...

• ...for these men and women and clear paths to faithfully attend each night
• ...for cooler evenings
• ...for few distractions
• ...for clarity for both the students and Linda
• ...for continued good health and safety for all of us

Thank you for reading our blog!  

Keep Looking Up!

J:m and L:nda  

P.S....for the curious, we found the beach!