I am so excited to be writing you from Kathmandu Nepal. Finally, after two years of training and anticipation we are here.
I could write a book about the plane ride over, but I will spare you most of the excitement. Needless to say, I was terrified for most of the trip but we made it. The kids and I had very few meltdowns on the way over. I have to say that it was not as bad as I had expected.
You can imagine how tired we were after traveling for 48 hours. We all had jet lag and when we finally crashed in our new home I felt so tired that I dont think I could have made it another 30 minutes. The kids had another plan for us. They too were exhausted, cranky, and in need of a long nights sleep. The problem came when their internal alarm clocks prevented them from sleeping. They kept us up all night.
The next day I had hoped to unpack. That plan was thrown out when the UMN requested that we "stop by." We made arrangements to stop by and several hours later made it back home. The problem is that I need to learn how to do my job in the next two weeks because the guy that I am replacing is leaving. I have so much work to do that I have no idea how I will get it done.
Our flat is quickly becoming home. We have the second floor of a small concrete house. It has two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a kitchen. We usually have running water and electricity. Our neighbors are great and they are fascinated with the tall white people moving in next door. Some have brought us cookies, others have shown off their flowers in the garden that we share with them, and others just watch from a distance.
Everyone at headquarters is very friendly. They are anxious to see how we can help. It seems that my name has caused many of them to form a preconceived idea of what to expect. "His name is Jon Wayne and apparently he knows alot about guns." I can only imagine their dissapointment when they expect to see some huge cowboy and get me instead.
My job is very exciting. I sat on the edge of my chair with sweaty palms yesterday as the guy that I will be replacing told me about what they would expect of me. I will be traveling around to the different work sites, training the personnel on how to respond to several different kinds of threats. The travel is the exciting part. ..............."You will have to ride a helicopter from the nearest road to get back to the work site or else you will have to walk for days."................... "This work site has no white people and only three people there speak english. You will have to fly on the scariest plane ride that I have ever been on to get back to it."..To name only a few comments from our conversation.
I could keep writing for days but I better not. Kody, Luke, and Shawna have been asleep for over 14 hours and I have to go to work. Please pray for our continued safety and join us in thanks for God not sending us alone. He has been with us every step of the way.
Glad you made it! We'll be checking for future "adventures" to all your new job sites! Let us know if Shawna starts a garden too! Or maybe raising your own yaks!?! Something to keep the boys busy!
Tuesday morning guys missed you and glad to hear you arrived safely.
Peace! Thom-MaryAnne Thaldorf
I am so glad that you guys made it safely! I am sure the plane ride was exhausting. Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us posted on how you are doing.
Love, Noelle
Jon, glad to hear you gays made it. Your excitement is refeshing to ones soul. You and your family are in my prayers.
Posted by: Silverback at November 12, 2003 08:57 AMI'll start proofing my posts from now on, Jon, I'm sure you have enjoyed the humor at my typo.
Posted by: Silverback at November 12, 2003 08:59 AMI'll start proofing my posts from now on, Jon, I'm sure you have enjoyed the humor at my typo.
Posted by: Silverback at November 12, 2003 09:00 AMHelicopter eh! I've heard what you were like in an airplane...helicopter should be even more fun!
Thinkin about ya!
Chris & Jean
I'm glad all arrived safely. We think about you everyday and you are always in our thoughts. Boy, Jon may get so good at planes that he wants to take flying lessons! Love Dad and Connie
Praise God for His immeasurable goodness!! I am so glad to hear you guys made it safely. You have been much in my thoughts and prayers since Friday. Thank God for the internet. Isn't it fabulous that you are on the other side of the earth, and just a keyboard away!
We will continue to pray that God would use you and your family mightily!
We love you guys! Donna Perkins
Great to hear from you. You are continually in our prayers. (Jon) I hope that nasty toe is continuing to heal, and (Shawna) I hope you're enjoying the CD.
Love you guys,
Kevin
Hey Jon and Shawna!
So excited for you guys and really praying over your transition with all of the 'new beginnings'!! We all miss you, just knowing you are there is such an answer to prayer already. Jon, we'll really pray for the 'news' of your job and Shawna, that you will be able to fully trust in the Lord as you send your man out every day. Keep us posted. You are loved! Kathy D. :-)
Posted by: Kathy Davis at November 12, 2003 03:47 PMhey jon and shawna, i'm happy to hear that your in your new house. it looks so pretty from the picture. i can't wait to see you all this summer and the adventures we will have together. sorry wasn't able to make it to the airport saturday morning. jon i'm going to get my passport next week hopefully if everything goes well and send my application in.
Posted by: matt loud at November 12, 2003 04:06 PMDude!!! you're actually living your dream...i love Jesus for giving you the desires of your hearts...
Posted by: Greg Dee at November 12, 2003 06:11 PMHey! The party at your house was great. Toby and Bently had a great time with their 20 new roommates (the cats Ryan and Anya rescued from the shelter). They love sleeping in your bed and drinking from the toilet. Don't worry about the stains on the new carpet I'm sure they will fade in 3 years. The place may never seem the same. We miss you greatly!!!!!!!!! T
Posted by: Tates at November 12, 2003 08:22 PMOh, Jon and Shawna, Kody and Luke, how you have all been in my thoughts and prayers over the past week. I am so glad that you are safe and sound! Your new home is so beautiful! And I am so glad that your neighbors have given you a warm welcome. I know that when I was initially in Belize it definately felt weird, and sometimes lonely, being the only white person around. But don't worry, you'll get used to it... and remember that you are never alone. I am so thankful that God has sent you all there as a family. Know that we are praying for you and thinking of you as you move forward in your journey. I have added your pictures from your photo gallery to my screen saver... so now I can see you every day! :) I thank God for you, and I love you all dearly. Via con dios.
In Christ,
kat
Hey guys,
So happy to hear you made it safe and sound. It is wonderful to be able to keep so up to date with your news. We will keep checking.
Love y'all