Solomons Trip (by John):
After nearly three years since my last trip to the Solomon Islands, it was good to be able to return in September to check the book of Exodus for the Luqa language. After speaking only Papua New Guinea Pidgin for the last few years, I was a bit worried that I would struggle to speak Solomon Pidgin again, but thankfully I found within a few days it felt completely normal. Unfortunately, I got sick twice during the three weeks I was there and the head Luqa translator got sick as well. We missed a few days of checking, but we were able to check 20 chapters of Exodus and I plan to return in January 2023 to complete it.
Katena and Altruicia Tarakabu (below right) are training to be Translation Consultants and they both spent several days observing and practicing checking under my supervision. When they complete their requirements, they will be a great help in covering consultant checking needs in the Solomons.
The Luqu Translation Team (L) Katena and Altruicia Tarakabu (R)
One highlight for me during my time in Solomons was being able to spend some time with Edward Goha. Edward had helped us at times when we worked on the Bughotu New Testament, and then drafted a number of Old Testament books after Brena and I came to PNG in 2010. After a number of years of inactivity, it is looking like the work on the Old Testament translation might continue. I got to talk with Edward about how I could help.
Handovers (by Brena):
We are very close to leaving on our 9-month home assignment (furlough) in the States, so I have been doing all my “lasts”; last Cafe, last haircuts, etc. I have also been documenting all my work as well so that I can hand my jobs over to others. I was wondering if anyone would offer to take on some of the things I do, and thankfully several people have! Krista Fox and Joel Neudorf (below left) have offered to keep the Cafes going while I’m away. Do you notice I’m “handing” over a coffee cup and a cupcake? 😊 Krista is a mother of 5 and her husband is a pilot. Joel works in the computer department. I’m so thankful they’re willing to give it a go. Melina (below right) has offered to take over my Fellowship Family Coordinator job. The coordinator finds families who live on the mission center who are willing to welcome and give orientation to people who have just arrived here. Melina is a mother of 5 as well and her husband teaches music at the school. I’m thankful for Melina!
Krista Fox & Joel Neudorf (L) Melina Blake (R)
PRAYER:
We will send out another update very soon explaining a bit more about our home assignment – the purpose, where we’ll be, and what we’ll be doing. Until then, we would appreciate your prayers as we finish up here. There’s always a LOT to do to get your house ready for possible renters and tying up loose ends.
TO BE IN TOUCH:
john_bruner@sil.org
PO Box 1 (134), Ukarumpa EHP 444, Papua New Guinea
WEB ADDRESS FOR PARTNERSHIP:
https://www.wycliffe.org/partner/Bruners
MAILING ADDRESS FOR PARTNERSHIP:
send gifts to: Wycliffe Bible Translators, PO Box 628200, Orlando, FL 32862 (The check should be made payable to Wycliffe Bible Translators and include a note that says preference for the ministry of John and Brena Bruner)
johnandbrena 
Praying for you as you make another transition! How lovely that God provided for people to continue to do the tasks you have built as your ministry Brena!
I will watch for where you are going to be. Norm spends November thru January in Dallas at ILC and I might go down and visit him. It would be great to know if you have plans to be there?
We head to PNG (Lord willing) Feb/March for the consultant checking of Akukem Luke (Norm is the advisor this is the first book they have published in many many years). Steve Hayward has agreed to come to PNG to be the consultant so your prayers for him and for Rhonda as she struggles when he is gone – that it will all go well.
Thanks for your update and keeping in touch!
Jill for Norm and the rest of us
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