Clumsy is Good

We had a celebration this past weekend.  Celebrating a new book in the island language.  The book is made up of four books.  Each talking about a different part of history.  The first book concerns the creation of the world and the first people.  The second book takes us to ancient Egypt and years of wandering in the desert.  The other two books are set in the Middle East during the time of Roman rule and all the things that happened then to change the world.  This is the first time a book like this has ever been created and printed in the island language, so it’s kind of a big deal.

New books ready to be handed out!

So we got together with others who appreciate the importance of this occasion and celebrated this new book and gave each household a copy.  The meeting was not what you might expect.  It wasn’t a huge event, only 20 or 30 people and it didn’t go as smoothly as you might have expected.  It was a little clumsy. Most of the people had never used a book like this before and they didn’t know how to navigate it, so part of the time was spent teaching about what’s actually in the book and how to find what you’re looking for.  Unfortunately, the person tasked to lead that part forgot his reading glasses.  And the power was out.  So there he was, leaning out the window, peering at the pages, flustered and trying to remember what it was he was supposed to say.

Another celebration- finishing 7th grade!

When we did get around to trying to find the different references, it was hard work.  How do you find the right book?  What was that chapter number again? This isn’t made any easier by the fact that islanders use multiple languages to talk about numbers and references.  So as instructions were repeated in different ways and multiple languages, the room was filled with people flipping to pages, calling out for more help, while people moved around the room trying to help others find their place.

Once everyone was settled, someone would read the passage aloud—only a few sentences.  But reading in the island language is not something taught in schools.  Reading in general is not a major island pastime.  So reading was labored and difficult.  But at the same time, everyone was engaged.  When someone made a mistake, you’d hear correction coming from around the room as others read along.  When someone read well, there was admiration and praise from others.  Some made sure to take note of where the passage was, so they could look it up again later.

By the time we got to the end of the readings, it didn’t feel like we had interacted much with the text.  The deeper meanings, the fuller understanding, the appreciation was not quite to be found, but at the same time, there was something joyful about it all.  Like kids learning to ride bikes—it’s clumsy at first.  You fall down a lot.  It’s no smooth.  But the joy of having a bike is the freedom to ride off on your own, knowing that you’ll soon get the hang of this—it’s a pretty irrepressible joy.  I think we felt that a bit this weekend.  The meeting was clumsy.  We were a bunch of beginners.  But the anticipation was there.  The sense of coming mastery and freedom and independence, was there.  And you couldn’t help but feel good about what might be yet to come!

Heading home from the French Island

PRAYERS ANSWERED
We made it back to Clove Island safely and had a notably calm voyage despite it being a windy day. Our son is feeling much better. The book celebration went well and the book is out in several households— may it be read and touch many. We had many people praying for us and Megan’s back this weekend as we asked for wisdom about how God wanted to bring Megan healing. We received many kind and encouraging words from people and now have peace about pursuing talking to surgeons.

PRAYERS REQUESTED
Pray for the continued translation work as they work with outside consultants to check drafts of more books. Pray for good internet connections, clear communication and a wonderful, vibrant translation. Continue to pray for wisdom and peace as we talk to insurance and learn about possible surgeons for Megan’s back. Pray as we try to discern the best country, surgeon, timing, and other logistics. The newly married family of believers with their combined 6 kids are having some expected challenges with their kids getting along and learning to live together as a family. Pray for grace to abound, for this newly married couple to have good communication and great wisdom as they parent their kids (young children through teenagers).  Pray for one of our teammates as she travels back to Clove Island from South America this week. Pray for safety and good rest on her long journey of several days.