Brena

/ john & brena

Looks like it’s my turn this week!

  • It took some time, but I (Brena) finally feel like I’m back into the swing of life here. My main job is keeping my family fed and so far, for the most part, I haven’t been dreading my time in the kitchen. I think a year of easy cooking and going out to eat helped a lot!
  • I’ve enjoyed catching up with friends. What a difference it was coming back this time. When we first arrived in PNG in 2010, we knew no one and had to start over with making friends and building a new life here. But now we feel at home and know people. That has been so nice.
  • I’m giving some of my time to the Staff Care Department. I’m thankful God has allowed me to use my gifts in a way that makes me happy and encourages others at the same time. I’m putting on a Coffee House once a month for the community and also doing Teas for ladies who spend time out in the villages. I also bake something for the Saturday “Coffee House” time at the Staff Care building.
  • I attended a week long Missionary Care course in September, led by former missionaries, Stephen & Jocelyn Head. It was a very helpful week learning how to better understand and care for fellow missionaries and friends.
  • Besides those things I run or do Zumba, watch DVDs, read, watch the boys play sports, help with the boys’ class activities, have people over for meals, and go to the one store here on center. A fairly simple life, but that’s just fine with me. I’m thankful we can be here and that I can support John in the Bible translation work he is doing!

DSC_0779

my main stomping ground, the kitchen – baking for the Coffee House and cooking dinner

DSC_0769

my second stomping ground – Elim Haus, the Staff Care building

DSC_0469

inside Elim Haus – a Village Tea

DSC_0484

again inside Elim Haus – some customers at the Coffee House

DSC_0244

having company – this time it was some of the boys’ friends and two Seed Co. men – Harrison and Pat (my brother-in-law!)

To Be In Touch:

PO Box 1 (134), Ukarumpa EHP 444, Papua New Guinea

john_bruner@sil.org

To Give:

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

35 thoughts on “Brena”

  2. Brena,would you please change my email address to a gmail account: vernona1127@gmail.com You are really THE Cook! Looks wonderful. –veVernona G. Elliott615-210-0468 – home 615-852-9298 – cell From: johnandbrena To: vernona1127@yahoo.com Sent: Thursday, October 1, 2015 5:25 PM Subject: [New post] Brena #yiv2960158181 a:hover {color:red;}#yiv2960158181 a {text-decoration:none;color:#0088cc;}#yiv2960158181 a.yiv2960158181primaryactionlink:link, #yiv2960158181 a.yiv2960158181primaryactionlink:visited {background-color:#2585B2;color:#fff;}#yiv2960158181 a.yiv2960158181primaryactionlink:hover, #yiv2960158181 a.yiv2960158181primaryactionlink:active {background-color:#11729E;color:#fff;}#yiv2960158181 WordPress.com | john & brena posted: “Looks like it’s my turn this week! It took some time, but I (Brena) finally feel like I’m back into the swing of life here. My main job is keeping my family fed and so far, for the most part, I haven’t been dreading my time in the kitchen. I think a y” | |

    Like

    Reply

    • to keep getting the updates sent to your inbox, I think you need to go and sign up again. I can’t do it from here. But I can your address for your email! :) Thanks for writing, Vernona. Hope you guys are doing well.

      Like

      Reply

  5. Thanks for the update on your life and work, Brena. I’m happy to hear this time back in PNG is going more smoothly. Now if you all can just get some rain! Blessings, Tim

    Like

    Reply

  6. Glad you are settled back in. Your kitchen doesn’t look too bad and the cakes and pies look terrific. I pray for all of you and that it will rain in PNG.

    Like

    Reply

  8. Wow Those picture perfect pies, cakes….You really have a gift of hospitality…..good to hear from you…..love in the Lord Phyllis Routledge

    Like

    Reply

  9. Brena, Thank you for the update and how you are all adjusting to your new “old” life. If I understand your update correctly. Having watched your family through the ministry throughout the years and hearing about your life adventures, I realize what a blessed time your family has been given and the grace of our Lord to send you friends and family during your ministry. Thank you for your openness about your trials and triumphs. I can only imagine. Talk to you soon, Jelena Figueroa >

    Like

    Reply

  12. Thanks Brena for the peek into your life. Dan

    From: johnandbrena <comment-reply@wordpress.com> Reply-To: johnandbrena <comment+2y3lsg36e3-_i_fz0wdezy@comment.wordpress.com> Date: Thursday, October 1, 2015 at 3:25 PM To: Dan Crane <dan.crane@evfreefullerton.com> Subject: [New post] Brena

    john & brena posted: “Looks like it’s my turn this week! It took some time, but I (Brena) finally feel like I’m back into the swing of life here. My main job is keeping my family fed and so far, for the most part, I haven’t been dreading my time in the kitchen. I think a y”

    Like

    Reply

  13. BRENA, I LOVED your letter! such a wonderful, happy life. I too say, ” I love my simple life”. there is such peace and fulfillment .

    the big difference between me and you is that I rarely cook from scratch- my family has grown up! So I love to have parties and my friends bring the food!

    You all live in such a beautiful place – give everyone a hug for me. Betsy ps I tried Zumba but didn’t make it – so I walk and swim in my neighbor’s pool. Gotta keep these bones moving. I have begun CBS leadership again , after a year off.

    Like

    Reply

  14. Thanks, Brena, for your post. It is so good to hear how God is blessing you. It was encouraging to hear your voice come through with a resounding “I’m happy.” How good that sounds to your father. May the rest of your time in PNG be the same. You certainly do play a vital role in all that we call “translating.” You are an equal contributor in what John does by being his supporter, by the nurturing and providing for your family. And then beyond that you touch other lives with your wonderful heart and giving skills. Your role is a blessing to others. Boy, am I thankful for you and so very proud to have you as my daughter. God is good. Much love. Daddy

    Like

    Reply

  15. Brena, I have sent various flavors of jell-o and packets of Ranch dip. I am in Portugal today but will be back in the US in a week. Let me know what special things you might want in a package, and I’ll get them off to you. I enjoy reading your updates, and send prayers to all of those serving in PNG carol a

    Like

    Reply

  16. Wonderful pictures!  Makes me hungry for your goodies!! We are praying for you, with love, Dareth and Jack From: johnandbrena To: hawthornejnd@yahoo.com Sent: Thursday, October 1, 2015 3:25 PM Subject: [New post] Brena #yiv6669504141 a:hover {color:red;}#yiv6669504141 a {text-decoration:none;color:#0088cc;}#yiv6669504141 a.yiv6669504141primaryactionlink:link, #yiv6669504141 a.yiv6669504141primaryactionlink:visited {background-color:#2585B2;color:#fff;}#yiv6669504141 a.yiv6669504141primaryactionlink:hover, #yiv6669504141 a.yiv6669504141primaryactionlink:active {background-color:#11729E;color:#fff;}#yiv6669504141 WordPress.com | john & brena posted: “Looks like it’s my turn this week! It took some time, but I (Brena) finally feel like I’m back into the swing of life here. My main job is keeping my family fed and so far, for the most part, I haven’t been dreading my time in the kitchen. I think a y” | |

    Like

    Reply

  17. So nice to see be able to see you in your home! You and your home look great, not to mention the food!

    Helen

    Sent from my iPad

    >

    Like

    Reply

  18. Thanks for sharing so beautifully and pictorially. The baking………. what can I say. I could almost smell and taste them. What a blessing you are to all the folks in PNG. It was good to see your smiling face. Blessings to you and yours. Jane

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment