We Made It!

We made it! Sorry it has been so long since our last update- but it is difficult when we don't have internet at the house! We all arrived safely to Tulear and God has blessed us so much since we have been here! Our logisitics coordinator offered to fly Eli down to Tulear with him, so that Eli could avoid the long drive. It was such a blessing, as Grant and I were really able to enjoy the trip. Would you believe that we didn't get pulled over once by the Malagasy police?? Such a different experience from our first trip down. Everything seemed to run smoothly and we really felt God's peace during the move. The first trip down to Tulear, we were overwhelmed by spiritual warfare and darkness, but we felt only God's peace as we returned to our new home.

The first few weeks we spent working on our new home, as it was not quite ready for us! We live in a small gated neighborhood (8 houses) and we are the only tenants right now! They are still building the houses around us, and so we have made lots of new friends with all of the Malagasy construction workers. They REALLY enjoy visiting with Eli. He rides his little tractor around the neighborhood and says hi to them everyday. One day we bought coca colas for the workers and Eli put them on the wagon attached to his tractor. He rode around and passed out cokes to them. They thought that was the funniest thing ever, and have been good buds with Eli ever since! :)

One of our biggest fears in moving here, was the isolation. But God has really blessed us with good friends since we have been here. There are several other missionary families working in Tulear. On with the Anglican church, one with African Inland Mission, and 2 Lutheran ladies. We have spent a lot of time getting to know them and fellowshipping together. The family with African Inland Mission is from Australia and has three little boys. Eli loves them to death, and asks to see them everyday. Having these friends has really helped our transition. They have been such an encouragement! God has truly been answering our prayers for friends.

We have enjoyed getting to know the Baptist church here. It is a really small church (about 30 people), consisting mostly of young adults. We have been able to spend a lot of time with the pastor and some of the leaders. We are excited to see how God can use us in this church! We are also very excited about the friendships we are growing.

We are definitely having to adjust to life here. Even though it is winter here, it is still in the 80s! We are comfortable now...but are dreading the quick approaching summer! Supplies are not as accessable here, so it is taking us a lot longer to do things like cooking. I feel like I am in the kitchen half of every day. Even a quick meal like french toast takes half the day...when you have to make the bread from scratch as well as the syrup! Fortunately, Eli has been a big help! He loves to help mommy cook (especially bread!). He has also picked up duties such as table setting, dusting, and helping with the trash. He is such a big boy and loves to be a helper! I will enjoy it while it lasts!!

We reward him by taking him to the beach every week. Because Tulear is a beach city, we are blessed to be able to hang out at the beach every week. Eli loves it- although he is afraid of the waves! The beaches around Tulear are beautiful! The sand and water is clean and clear and there are few people around. It is a good escape from the bustling city here! Enjoy the pics!