What Happens Next?

This was the question asked in our last blog posting in November. The answer has come sooner than expected:

We go back to Vanuatu in 2018, for another 6 month stint. 

We had been praying about it and seeking what God wants for us to do, and the answer came pretty clearly this time, and was soon confirmed. Thanks to anyone who was praying for us to know His will. We are clear now that we are meant to be there for next year, whatever the year holds. 

Once again, Martyn will be working with PCV staff to get on top of the accounts, and I'm not sure yet what I will be doing, but there are possible projects simmering. We are leaving in early March, so enjoying R&R with family and friends for now. 

We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, may you experience God's love for you this season.

Last Few Days in the Tropics - Monday 13th & Tuesday 14th Nov

One of our last tasks at PCV was to give a report on what we have achieved throughout the year, as did every staff member. This process took so long that it had to be split into 3 separate sessions (about 3 hours each), so everyone could give their own report, and allow time for discussion and positive suggestions for going forward for each staff member. We were both warmly thanked again for our work during the year.

With our desks cleared and the last few documents handed over, we made our sad goodbyes to the staff at the office. Many of them have become good friends and were very sad to see us go, telling us to come back next year!

While clearing out the flat, we had a visit from Grek, one of the boys from the after-school reading class. We gave him a pencil case and a poster with the times tables on it. He was with his little sister Lisa.

We also had a visit from Elder Jonathan and his family, to say goodbye as he wasn't in the office on our last day at work. Martyn and Jonathan worked side by side, and gave each other lots of cheek!

On our last evening in Vanuatu, we went out for dinner with our landlords Tony and Mary, Chris and Mahana. It was lovely spending our final evening with them, they have been so good to us the whole time. Mahana wouldn't smile (she usually has a lovely smile) , but she put her arm around me for the photos.

 5.00am on the 15th and we were ready to say goodbye to the flat,

and to Barty. He's a bit blurry because he wouldn't sit still, he kept wanting to get closer to Martyn.

Neville and Gloria gave us a ride to the airport, very convenient as their son Ray was flying home on the same flight as us. Tank yu tumas Neville and Gloria, lukem yu.

 All aboard Air Vanuatu, farewell to the Friendly Isles. What a wonderful time of challenge and blessing - Praise the Name of the Lord!

So what's next? That is in His hands 🙏 and this is possibly our last blog post. For the time being, we will be at home in Hamilton, looking for some contract work, and spending time with our parents.

Thank you to everyone who has taken an interest in our adventure, and especially to those who prayed for us and sent messages of encouragement. Please continue to pray for the people of  Vanuatu.

Last Few Days in the Tropics - Sunday 12th Nov

We had our last service at ICC (International Christian Church) in the morning. As always it was a lovely uplifting service. A few tears were shed by me (Annette).

Pastor Dave Wood speaking on a few different things that Faith is made from.

On Sunday evening, there was a free showing at ICC of the movie 'The Case for Christ', a true story about part of the life of Lee Strobel as he grappled with evidence around the death and resurrection of Jesus back in the 1970's. We highly recommend you watch it - it's a really good movie, very real, not preachy. Lee went on to write several books which have been recommended to us.

Last Few Days in the Tropics - Saturday 11th Nov

On Saturday night, we had a celebration dinner with all the staff at PCV. We had spent all afternoon at the trial, and had to do a very quick turn-around to get cleaned up and prettied up for an evening out, but we made it to the Harbour View restaurant only about 10 minutes after the start time, and several other staff were later than us 😉

Before the meal, there were speeches to thank the partners (PCANZ volunteers Neville, Gloria and us), farewell Elder Cyrilline Bani from her role as President of the PWMU, and to thank all staff for a good year's work and wish them all Merry Christmas.  

L-R: Neville and Gloria Jones, Cyrilline and her husband Elder Jara Bani, Martyn and me.

We were presented with frangipani leis (or salusalus) which some of the female staff had made that afternoon - the scent was heavenly!

Then we were given gifts - this photo shows us receiving a basket with Tanna coffee inside, presented by Pastor Allen Nafuki.  There were other gifts too: a sarong, a jar of Vanuatu shells collected and prepared by Yvonne our receptionist, along with bead and shell bracelets she had made and a framed picture of us with the PCV motto on it. We also gave some small gifts back to PCV.

There were thank you speeches, this one from Neville and Gloria who are returning next year for what will be their 4th year of service to PCV.

Then we all enjoyed the meal. What a lovely evening!

This will be our last post for a few days.  We have a lot of news to load,  which we will do when we get back to New Zealand,  We have many days to catch up on for our blog