For almost five months now, Christian and Hanna have been living in a different area of Asia-Pacific and have immersed themselves in a completely different world. They are 1,900km as the crow flies from their old home. The culture is very different, even though they are in the same country.
They find the people to be more assertive and direct. More people speak some English, and they often hear “hello Mister” on the street (that’s how Hanna is addressed, too). Most people are simply friendly and interested.
At the beginning it was difficult. Their belongings arrived a bit late, and they fell victim to a scooter scam. It was hard to get to know people, where they are temporarily living, as many work during the day. They couldn’t find language tutors and had to try to progress through self-study.
Through God’s providence, they met a young man in mid-February who is helping them to learn language with great enthusiasm! He is very good at explaining things. He has already experienced a great deal of hardship in his life, and their meeting was meaningful for him as well. They hope to be a blessing to him.
Despite the geographical distance, they try to be on campus at the missionary training centre for nationals as often as possible to get to know the people and the work there better. Christian often sits in on classes. Hanna participates in various children’s programmes, and they both had could attend several staff meetings. This is where they will serve.
Renovating their future house in the grounds at the centre is quite a bit of work alongside their language studies, but they are really looking forward to finally arriving at their permanent home.
They are excited to gain insight into the workings of the school and to understand more what challenges students and teachers face and how they live together. Skills classes have been taking place on campus again since the beginning of February. Students could choose between five topics: touch typing, music, cooking, national language learning, and machine maintenance and care.
Thankful for:
- Their wonderful language helper
- Progress with the house renovations
- God’s faithful provision at the right time (language helper, doctor’s appointments, financial support)
- A local church
- For the car, which has been a real help to them in recent months
Please pray for:
- Completion of the renovations by the end of the month, as they have to move out of their current apartment
- Deepening relationships and ever-improving cultural understanding, so that they can be a channel for God’s love and truth
- Language evaluation at the end of May
Thank you for your prayers.