Hello friends and family!
We’re excited to report that we’re back at home base after an incredible experience on our third and final island. We’re enjoying a few days of resting and processing together as a team before beginning the long trek back to America. For some of us, this island was the most uncomfortable and presented the most struggles, but God never failed to show himself to us in the most incredible ways.
This island was the smallest one we visited with only 48 families. The size of the community caused a closeness among the people, and they welcomed us with open arms. My host family brought us in as if we had known them our whole lives by calling us their children and giving us their absolute best — not because they wanted to impress the Americans but because they wanted to show love to us as best they could. Our family’s house served as a central location for the people of the island to gather, especially the children. This helped us get to know the kids well, despite language barriers, learn to cook traditional recipes with some of the women in the community, and host the farewell party at the end of our stay.
Throughout the 5 days, 4 nights, our team experienced lots of cultural adventures as well as some discomforts. Some of us had the opportunity to mandi (shower) at the well in the jungle every morning and evening. Others enjoyed anchovies in numerous forms for nearly every meal and snack. Others found themselves as a snack for the many, many bugs we encountered on the island. Others had the opportunity to go fishing with their Bapak (father) and learn about his profession. As a team we learned the art of kongpon (drumming) which we performed for the community.
This island presented challenges conversationally as many of us struggled to not compare to those of previous islands. It was hard not to feel discouraged by this, but as we grew closer with our families, we learned more about what they believed and also had the opportunity to share with them what we believe. Some of us also shared worship songs within our house and scripture with our family. Hearing their stories and sharing our own allowed for fruitful conversation where we were able to connect upon our similar stories and peacefully discuss our differences. By the end, we found contentment in being a small part of the process by establishing relationships with the village and trusting the Holy Spirit to handle the rest.
The smiles and laughs we shared with the community members broke many cultural barriers we once feared and outweighed the pain of sunburns, itch of bug bites, and discomfort of loud, hot nights sleeping on the floor. During this island, God revealed to us his presence by answering our small, specific prayers and opening our eyes to the blessings he has given us. As the boat pulled away, we had not only gained new stories and memories, but also new family members who taught us the meaning of hospitality as they took us in as strangers and made us family.
As we prepare to leave in the next few days, please be praying for the team as we process our experiences and prepare to share our stories with all of you back home!
Janel
Love you mom and dad!
Taylor University 2019 Lighthouse Blogs 
I have loved reading! Praying for you all as you head home!!
Thank you for the thorough report on your third island experiences. Appreciate your transparency. Your expression these people now being a part of your family reminds me of a verse from I Thessalonians chapter 2 verse 8. Paul expresses his love for the Thessalonian people and the sharing of the gospel as well as his life with them. This mirrors what your team has been doing in SE Asia. Even though you have been on these islands less than a month will you continue to remember the people, love them and pray for them? Perhaps even communicate with them? Or was the time to short to allow for a lasting relationship? Follow Paul’s example – know that Paul was in Thessalonica only 3 weeks!