It’s hard to believe the end of the school year is fast approaching! That means that Joey will soon be heading off to college!! But before that happens, there is a lot going on here…
- Lots of homework for Luke, running track, earning extra money by washing cars, practicing trumpet, turning 15.
- Rugby for Joey and Kairu, enjoying “last” times with friends, rebuilding a go-cart, earning extra money by cleaning rain tanks, Joey turning 18.
- I (Brena): catering the food for a Ladies’ Craft Retreat weekend, baking for weekly coffee houses, meeting with friends, cutting hair, taking care of my family.
- John and I: “Banquet” prep (a parent produced evening for the 11 and 12th graders) which includes lots of practices, meetings, cooking, enjoying a couple of nights away at a nearby mission’s guesthouse.
- John: enjoying his job with the PNG interns that are training to be translation consultants, getting ready to leave TOMORROW morning for another trip. (This time he goes to the U.S. for Seed Co. meetings. He’ll also be able to reconnect with some family members and our home church in California on his way back.)
PLEASE PRAY:
- For John’s trip to the States – safety, fun, encouragement – and for me and the boys as we stay here. John will be gone almost two weeks.
- For Kairu’s older brother, El Nathan. His wife passed away recently. He is left with 2 young children.
- For strength and joy during these last two months of busyness and time with Joey.
- For strength and joy in the transitions ahead this summer.
I’m so enjoying my weekly lunches with these two sweet high school sisters – Ashleigh and Natasha Mills. They are such an encouragement to me. We get to talk deeply about life (something I don’t do with my teenage boys!). They dorm here while their parents work at a remote hospital and school.
Seven of the eight PNG men in this picture (closing ceremony for an Exegesis class) are interns that John is helping to become Translation consultants. (John is NOT in this picture) :)
Luke, soon to be the only kid left at home
To Be In Touch:
PO Box 1 (134), Ukarumpa EHP 444, Papua New Guinea
To Give:
johnandbrena 
Great letter, John & Brena. There is certainly plenty going on in your lives and family! I enjoyed the photos too. It’s amazing to see Luke so grown up! I’ll be remembering you during this time apart and as you finish these last months of Joey being at home. I hope all the celebrations are really special, memorable times. Know that we are thinking of you and you are often in our prayers.
Love, Robyn & for Gary Peterson
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John and Brena,
It is hard to believe that Joey will be leaving the “nest” soon! Two of three in college soon. Oh my! How did these kiddos grow up so fast? My guess is that you carry a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment seeing them launch off on their own. Yet, it must leave a hollow feeling in your heart and home to see them leave. Bless you and John for your thoughtful and caring parenting. May you savor the remaining months you have with Joey.
May God grant you his grace, wisdom and strength in the many roles you play and tasks to do.
Blessings and best wishes.
Doug H
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Another great letter! Bre, you look like one of three teenagers in that photo! Have a good, productive and safe trip, John, and we trust all goes well at home.
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Thanks for your newsy letter and I will pray for all the things you asked.
Sally
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John, Our home is open to you! Keith and Lois
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Hi Brena, Wow, you have a lot going on my friend! I really like the format of your update. The bullet points work well for me as I pray through and then in future recall your requests when praying for all of you. Recently I attended a kid’s trauma healing workshop in Philadelphia. I stayed with Deborah Bryant and we enjoyed talking about the ladies activities in Ukarumpa and how important that fellowship and friendship is for expats as well as locals. I told her that you continue the hosting for ex-pat ladies now. You and the boys will be in my prayers while John is away. Love and prayers, cynthia
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John and Brena, We received your card and email and I wanted to take some time out to reply to your faithful updates. We have been watching from a distance your families life long work in the Ministry. Our son Dante is the same age as Grant so it is exciting to see how they are growing up. We are still in Placentia attending Ev Free. When you are in town or near by we would love to connect with you personally. Hope you had a wonderfully blessed mother’s day times 3. Jelena with Vladimir and Dante.
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