Thank you for praying for John’s three week trip to the Solomon Islands. He and the five Fataleka members of the team all stayed healthy and were able to finish the checking of six New Testament books and print out trial editions for the men to take back to their villages. The Fataleka New Testament is now about 80% completed and the target date for finishing is 2017. Jeffrey Iro hopes to have the drafting of all the remaining books completed in the next few months. While John was in the Solomons the weather was unusually cool and rainy because of Cyclone Pam which ended up causing major damage in Vanuatu. Please pray for the people there who are trying to put their lives back together.

The boys and I survived our time here without John. I kept busy being the taxi driver to the boys’ sports practices and games :). The boys experienced some snow and no-school days, and we also shared some meals with my sister and niece, who were also alone without their husband/dad (Pat was in the Solomons with John). It was nice to have someone to keep us company.

We have now officially switched gears from “settling in” to “getting ready to go.” Some of those things include: buying clothes and shoes to take back with us (there are no stores like Walmart or Sports Academy in PNG!), planning our itinerary for the upcoming weeks and months, setting up times to meet with people, getting our visas and work permits, buying plane tickets, going to the dentist, etc., etc. We have just three months left in the States as we plan to arrive on July 10th in Ukarumpa!

In the midst of that, we’re still maintaining “normal” life. Luke is now competing in Track meets for his school and playing soccer on a recreation league team. He has a great coach and is learning a lot. Joey is finishing his season of soccer with his school varsity team and they are currently in the playoffs. It has been a good experience for Joey and he has made some good friends on the team.

(Luke in the long jump)

(the Martin High School soccer team – Joey is in the back row, second to the right)

Grant and his roommate, Absiez, were able to come home for their spring break from John Brown University. We so enjoyed our time together and are thankful they have survived their first year of college (just one month to go) and adjusted to life in America. This summer Grant will be living with John’s brother, Dave and his family, in South Carolina. We are so thankful for their generous hospitality. Absiez will be staying in Siloam Springs and working for his host family.

Praise and Prayer:

• We are thankful that God kept us all safe and sane while John was away and that the Fataleka team accomplished everything they had planned.
• We are thankful for the sports opportunities the boys have had this year and the friends they have made.
• We are thankful that Grant and Absiez are doing well and have survived their first year of college in America.
• I have been seeing a Wycliffe counselor to get some new perspective and tools for my OCD, which many of you know I’ve had for about 15 years now. God knew exactly who I needed to see. She has been so empathetic and wise, and has given me new things to think about and do. I am very thankful for her. While I’m very thankful for how God has used the OCD to help me grow, I would appreciate your prayers as I continue to deal with it on a daily basis.
• And please pray for us in these coming months as we prepare to go. Pray for us physically and emotionally. Leaving is always a big basket of mixed emotions!

Coming up This Next Month:

• John and I are making a short trip out to Colorado to see some supporters and a supporting church. The boys will be staying with my sister.
• John will be traveling up to John Brown University with Joey and his friend so they can participate in a soccer “tryout” day. Joey is thinking ahead to college and would like to play soccer if possible.

To Be In Touch: 2515 Blue Quail Dr., Arlington, TX 76017– john_bruner@sil.org — (817) 376-9783

To Give: https://www.wycliffe.org/partner/Bruners