The First Few Flurry

It's always interesting how the first few days can just sort of happen in a quiet, upside down, turned around sort of way. We're never sure what time it is, what day it is, and if we're hungry or not.   Where are those labels I 'll need for tonight's lesson?  I was sure I packed those!

That sort of thing.

Despite the discovery of a 'spider of unusual size' in Megan's bathroom, all of us have slept well these first two nights, still recovering from the journey itself.   There seems lots to do, with unpacking and settling in, sorting out all the teaching supplies (where are those labels?) and reading prizes, and....just being here.  Having time and space for the kids...which I'm hoping happens at some point today, it being Saturday and a great day for reading.

Today Esther will join us, fresh back from her YWAM graduation (which we were able to attend last night) and ending six months away from Canada, pressed deeply into the kind of learning six months of intensive discipleship training does to a soul.

Our team will be complete.  Norma, Megan, Esther and me, here together for the first two weeks.

It's cool over night, about 17 C, making for fresh mornings and a day-long welcome absence of humidity.  Anyone who sent a hat for their Sponsored child...it was keeping a little head warm this morning for worship, as were fleece blankets, scarves and gloves.  Even us Canadians are admitting that it's a bit chilly (compared to the 32 C of yesterday afternoon), and we've got our jackets and slippers with us as we welcome the day in the circle of this family.

With no extra staff here currently, we will be participating more in daily chores.  At least that's our hope.  So far we've been shooed away from the kitchen sink or any other kind of work so that we can still recover from our trip.  I'm hoping, however, that we will wear them down and be in there up to our elbows very soon.

And so goes the first few days of unhurried flurry.

Such a place of contrasts this.

I'm reading the autobiography of a pioneer missionary to Thailand, Daniel McGilvary.  It's fascinating to read of some of his own impressions, some 100 years ago, that seem familiar to me as well.  Other than the comment "our quick passage of only one hundred days took our friends by surprise" (so I won't complain any more than it takes more than 24 hours to get here), there are some things that don't change.

He writes:  "The first work of a new missionary is to acquire the language of the country.  His constant wish is, Oh for the gift of tongues to speak to the people!"

I've prayed the same prayer.

"The syntax of the language is easy; but the 'tones,' the 'aspirates,' and 'inaspirates,' are perplexing beyond belief.  You try to say "fowl." No, that is "egg".  You mean to say "rice," but you actually say "mountain".

Yup.  Pretty much.

But perhaps the quote I'm relating to most so far.  "I felt very small for the great work so solemnly committed to me."

Yup.  Pretty much.

As these cool, fresh days unfold, I am open, curious, eager.  
And still looking for the labels I was sure I had with me!