After the LONGEST 24 hours of our lives, we have safely arrived to our exotic home in Kudjip. I will rehash the details later, but I am still sleep deprived and waiting expectantly for evening, so it's just too fresh to discuss right now.
Words can't describe how beautiful the scenery is. Outside our front door is a breathtaking view of the forest covered mountains and both the front and back windows display flowers out of a national geographic picture. Checkered throughout the countryside around us are little thatchet houses and a beautiful stream.
We are actually staying in a three bedroom house with our friends, Josh and Sarah. One of the missionary families left and the house was empty for us to use. It is in a little "campground like" setting with the other missionary houses and native workers from the hospital around. It is 300 times better than the accomodations I expected. We have a bathroom complete with shower and they have a pack and play set up for Caleb in his own room. We do have little ants, but that is far better than the giant spiders and snakes I pictured crawling through the house.
The missionaries already refer to themselves when talking to Caleb as "aunts and uncles" and one family had us over for lunch about an hour after we arrived. They are so welcoming towards us and I'm sure will watch out for us.
All of that being said, I still hold on to a few fears, mainly about safety. It is a different culture with tribal spats, domestic abuse involving machetes, and impoverished people living in a neverending cycle. Driving home from the airport, there were literally hundreds of people just sitting or walking in groups along the road, nothing to do. As I walked into our bedroom, though, I saw that there is a sign above our bed that reads, "Fear not, little flock, for it is the Father's great pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32) It will be a great reminder to read that each night and morning. A sweet small whisper that we are doing this for the Lord, and this is what he calls Christians to do....no matter what may come, because we are eternally safe in His arms.
There is so much to say and we have only been here for 5 hours. I am too tired to keep sitting and typing though. We are trying to stay up until 7 at least so that we can get on the right schedule. Thank you for your prayers as we travelled...there were many times I felt God was working with Caleb especially. He really was a trooper and no matter how many planes we had been on, was always amazingly excited to get on the next. Again though- more about that later. I just can't bring myself to talk about planes. Ugh.
Yay, we made it!!!!! :) Love
Stephanie, Ben, and Caleb
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