Happy 2016, friends!
I am officially finished with my Masters in Linguistics; Ben and I are debt free; we are in our own little place with a wonderful landlord; and, tomorrow, I will be starting full time work at the bamboo farm where Ben is already working.
We are so deeply thankful for God's abundant provision for us and for the prayers and support of friends and family.

What happens next?

A friend and I were talking about awkward seasons in life when we stand ready to jump at the next thing God wants us to do, but that next thing is not quite apparent yet. It feels unstable, full of possibilities and maybes but no concrete plan to present with certainty.
I am having to learn that it is no shame to present the community of Faith with the maybes and by so doing receive prayer and guidance.

This is where Ben and I are now.
We are eager to be on our way, to come to our new home in Papua New Guinea and join in the work of Bible Translation and community building that we have been invited into. But between us and that destination there is an ocean of unknowns. Who will we partner with? Who will send us? Are we sufficiently equipped? Are we ready spiritually?
At least we know the right next step. There are some things that are clear: God has provided Ben with opportunities to become more equipped for his work in our mission, including a workshops on sustainable agriculture and wilderness medical aid; we have been counseled to put together a faith statement and letter of intent to share with those who are interested in partnering with us; and we have been provided an opportunity to save and set aside a sum of money during this next season. That's a good place to start.

Thank you for praying for us and for your patience as we fumble our way through this adventure. We are currently praying about sometime in August as a departure date for our initial stay in Papua New Guinea. God has been faithful, and we know He will continue to direct us and provide for us as we seek His will.

We pray that your new year has begun with joy, and that God will bless you abundantly as you seek after Him in obedience.
With love,
The Grimms

A new month and a new perspective.

We have finally moved into our own home for the very first time. What a blessing it was to host our first guests, to cook our first meal together, to feel at home and at peace. Our communication has improved and our relationship is healthier thanks in part to the prayers of our hosts, the prayers of our friends and family, and the results of all those growing pains.

Mary remarked to me yesterday that she was looking for something she missed. As if there were something wrong and she couldn't quite find it. Thank God for that; at last we have broken the mold of repeated and unresolved mistakes and problems. Let us establish a new direction and habit of NOT doing those things. So much peace and contentment. We have been able to minister to friends in our free time and that has become fulfilling and fun. I find myself (I think Mary too) asking for and expectantly waiting on the next chance to serve.

We are now in the home stretch with school; Mary is on an easy semester with only three classes. One in person, one online and one the prep for her comprehensive exams. She only needs to be in Canadia (intentionally misspelled) two days a week now, praise God. We are counting down to the last school payment EVER. November 15th will be a (cheap) celebration day for us.

I am gearing up for classes in the spring Lord willing and pinging local farms for education/work on bamboo. More on that as it develops though a spoiler is in order. I have made contact with a pair of wonderful resources who are eager to teach me about aquaponics - conjunction of aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (grow beds). These intellectual giants have all the knowledge I need to make it work in PNG four hours boat ride upriver from the end of the road. I am blessed with these guys. With their input my bible study group is going to help me put together a proof of concept!!! God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.

When you pray remember us and the murky in between we are navigating just now. We know where we are and why we are here. We know where we are supposed to go. God has not seen fit to tell us WHEN to leave yet. It makes planning troublesome since we both wish to be obedient to His leading and have no clues to what long term decisions to make.
Pray that we continue our excellent progress in our relationship. It has made a big difference for us both.
Pray that the hearts of our tribe(s) are prepared for us especially in the midst of this awful drought
Pray for their provision in this time of hunger and thirst
Pray for the strength and joy of the presence of the Holy Spirit to be near us both when we are tired and especially when we are busy and liable to become distracted
We earnestly desire those of you praying for us to speak into our lives and admonish, correct, and teach us. If you see something, speak the truth in love! You are welcome and we need this.

You who are reading this know I am thanking our King for you right now. Know that your prayers are heard and answered in His time; you have only to look at this blog to see His hand saving us time and time again. I love you, brothers and sisters. I love you.

"Get Well Soon"

I was packing this morning, and found a folder full of cards.
    Some were from this Christmas,
    well wishes and updates from friends and family.
        Some were from our wedding,
        congratulations, notes of encouragement, advice, recipes.
            Some where from my time in the hospital
            after the whole Mt. Hood misadventure, "Get well soon!"
And good many were from Linda,
the mom of the family that has been hosting us.

I was packing this morning because we are moving.
    We have been asked by our host family
    to find another place.
        'Host' has often struck me as a strange word,
        but recently it strikes a more ironic note.
            Hosts have parasites. Parasites benefit at their host's expense.
            This is what we have done.
Our stay has been an unsustainable expense,
not in physical but in emotional and spiritual resources.

Those cards from Linda are witness to the hard work, prayer, hope, and tremendous energy that she has poured into this relationship. There are cards too from others in the family: the little kids, welcoming us warmly; the older girls, working hard to mend what they could when things went wrong. For a year and then some, this family has gone beyond anything I've ever witnessed in the realm of hospitality, graciousness, sacrifice, and hope.

Nobody writes stories where the bad guy wins in the end.
No one posts pictures on Facebook of late night shouting matches, deepening worry lines, or tears of frustration and disappointment.
And no one can capture the dreadful dawn of realization - nothing is working, the wound is turning gangrenous, the pieces can't be glued back together.

All is not well.
The build up of relational damage has long been over the threshold of what most families would call too much.

"Get well soon." What a strange phrase - as if the wellness of the body or soul could be brought about by sheer will power. But I confess to having believed this. If I only try harder, say more, say less, say the right thing, argue louder... I can out-will the crash of the waves.

 We are defeated, ashamed, depleted. A golden opportunity lies dashed on the sands, broken, wasted.

And yet...

The Christmas cards, Get Well Cards, Wedding Cards, and most of all the cards from our host family reassure me. All is not lost. We are loved, even when we don't deserve it. We are prayed for, even when we forget to pray. There is hope for us because people keep hoping.
All is not lost, because God is a seeker and a reconciler, a redeemer of broken things.

We are broken. We are not well. As individuals and as a couple we have a lot to learn about godly relationship.
We have hurt the family that has given so much to us.
For them we are praying 'get well soon.'
May the damage that has been done heal quickly, may the dust of this turmoil be swept away and forgotten in new joys.
For us, please pray 'get well soon.'
We are putting our plans to go to PNG on hold for a little while. We asked God to make it clear if we should go, and we have taken this event as a red light. We have received a very sharp wake up call. If we are so ill equipped relationally - so damaging in a Christian community - how much more damage might we do when we are the only examples that people have of who Christ is?
Please pray for us as we seek relational wellness. This isn't about being 'ready.' We are willing to go as soon as God says go. This is about taking our calling to reflect Christ seriously. We need to grow in wisdom and humility. We need to learn how to fill the roles of husband and wife in a way that puts God on glorious and beautiful display. We need spiritual protection as well as hearts that are willing to learn and grow no matter how painful the lessons may be.

Thank you for your love and support. We are ever humbled and amazed by God's care for us through this blessed community. Please, keep praying and hoping for us.

God is good.

Exciting Times

Hi Everyone,
It's been a long time since our last post, but as you probably all suspect, we're still alive and kicking. Mary is immersed in the summer semester at CanIL; and for the first time in our married life, Ben is working a normal 8-5 job - human hours! We are so thankful for this provision.

That's not the exciting news though.

For the last two weeks we've been refining an idea, asking for advice and prayer, and slowly forming a picture of what the next step might look like for us.

PNG Sepik Region - photo courtesy of Curt Sharp

Here's the plan:
In January we fly to Papua New Guinea (PNG) for a 'scouting mission.' This means that we will spend 4-6 months in country with a few primary goals and questions that we hope to answer.
Goals:

• Begin to learn Tok Pisin (the language used throughout PNG to communicate between ethnic groups). 
• Assist Clemence Komnapi (a national* pastor and translator) in his work on a Bible Translation.

  

  Clemence and his wife are with the Salvation Army

• Complete a survey in the East Sepik/Sandaun Provinces that will determine if a cluster project** among multiple languages in that area is viable. 
• Network with people from the communities, Churches, and missions organizations that are working in that region.
• Get hands on experience working with community development projects in country.

Questions:

• Should we partner with a larger organization? And if so, which one?
• Is it viable for us to work and partner long term with the local network of believers as independents (sent from a Church rather than a missions organization)? 
• Do we need to pursue more training for Ben or Mary? And if so, what kind?

Soon!

Please pray with us about this plan. It isn't set in stone; it is only just emerging. We would love to hear your input, advice, questions, and concerns.

With love and joy,
The Grimms.


*The term 'national' in this case refers to someone who is was born and raised in country. Clemence is from the Yamano people of PNG.
** the term 'cluster project' refers to a translation or language development project that includes multiple language groups. In a cluster project, we would be working with people from 6-8 different languages, facilitating translation and literacy work and giving input when it is helpful. People from each language community would be responsible for the bulk of the work being done in their language. Many of these language groups are so small that large organizations do not consider it worth their time to do a Bible Translation or help them develop literacy. A cluster project provides the opportunity for multiple communities to take responsibility for their own Bible Translation, while providing them with resources and input that they would not otherwise have access to.

Shifting Gears

 Free of sickness, full of sunshine, and riding high. It has been a blessed few weeks since our last post. Now is the time when we become lazy; when it is easy to slack off and forget the hard lessons we learned under duress. I am convicted of the need to be diligent in my prayers and Bible study; also to ensure Mary and I are doing both together. There is a dynamic present in mutual Bible study and prayer that is absent when we do not regularly do this. I think of the Shemah which embeds the Law in every aspect of daily life. Whether with children, or waking, or sleeping, or walking in the way, or sitting in your house. God tells us to speak of these things in all these situations.

   We took the kids out for a hike at Chain Lakes in the shadow of Mount Baker. The water was mystic and felt either pleasant or bone-chillingly freezing. We all got a bit of sun and enjoyed ourselves immensely. I only wish I had put on a bit of sunscreen; still, I haven't lost any skin and I'm recovering. The kids were lovely little zombies at dinner, barely ate anything and were falling asleep with their heads on the table. It was adorable. I'm still gobsmacked that the two older boys RAN up and down the trail for seven hours. SEVEN. And I thought "I" was in good shape. Humble pie for one?

Moving into next week, I have finished my contract with my employer (May God bless them immensely for the good they did to me) and am out of work for now. I have spammed the greater Whatcom County area looking for work and am checking the online boards each day for new opportunities. Strangely, I am conflicted about how to feel. On the one hand, I am edgy and restless feeling the need for work. On the other hand, I remind myself of the many provisions and blessings God has showered us with. I remember He is the Provider and I name Him such when I pray. Part of me is excited about what He will provide next though I must frequently calm myself and wait for the answer.

Mary will be starting a punishing summer schedule with three classes and three days of the week very full just with classes, not to mention homework. We expected this but after a month of break, its like putting on cold, wet clothes. Two more semesters and we are mission ready. Wow, to say it like that puts our study and training on urgent status. I suppose no amount of practice would "get us ready"; but I can't shake the thought that there is an ocean of prep I need to do before I can be effective in my role as the tribe nutritionist. Mary is unperturbed about all of it; for her this is the end of a very long wait. The first step onto foreign soil will be the start of the real race. For her, she has been getting ready to play in the big game for ten years and only now is the wait over. I am encouraged and humbled. Every day brings her new momentum to pick up the pace, get just one step closer to the goal line.

We are struggling to find enough money to purchase the solar charger for our brother in Papua New Guinea and ask that each of you prayerfully consider whether God would have you contribute to this. Our brother would not need to leave the village every time he wants to recharge his laptop meaning more time for translation and more time for work. We have about 400 to put into it and are in a holding pattern until Ben finds some work. Thank you for your prayer and obedience to His direction.

For all of you who have been with us in prayer and financial support we thank God for you each day. We are humbled by the magnitude of what we are going to do and inspired by the adventure of it all. Someday, we will come back here for a missions trip to bless and disciple and be discipled,  adventuring back home, doing the kingdom work, and reconnecting with the church. The work never ends, but then, it is never NEVER boring.


May the grace of Jesus Christ be with you all,

Ben and Mary Grimm

Goodbye May

We are goobers.

 On this day a year ago (June 1st), we headed north, dragging all our earthly possessions behind us in a small Uhaul trailer. We met the amazing family that has hosted us through the year, and we wondered at all the windmills and the tall Dutch people in this area. It's crazy to think it's been a year, or that May is already over.

Scoping out Mt. Adams

The month of May began with attending a beautiful wedding and climbing Mt. Hood for our own first year anniversary. The rest of the month has been a little nuts. We climbed Mt. Adams the day before mother's day, did not wear sunscreen (definitely a mistake), and showed up at the parents looking like Botox gone really wrong. Aloe Vera is a magical plant. That is all.

Highest summit together.

Exploring waterfalls and lakes with Sarah

Despite being red and swollen, we had a grand time celebrating both our moms and getting to see the rest of the family.

On returning home we had some great times with dear, dear friends, and also a time of renewing fellowship with our generous host family.

It was a blessed week in all respects except a nasty fever that hung with me for eight days before manifesting as what we all hoped it wasn't - the dreaded Chicken Pox. 

You know how they say that it's much worse getting CP as an adult? 'They' are absolutely right.

I think I had 500 blisters.

photographic proof

The lovely Megan was a bright spot in an otherwise dismal weekend of spotty, coughing misery.
She came up to visit over labor day weekend, and we had a wonderful time being sickies in Canada and watching Pixar films. By the way, you know how they say you can't get them again if you've had CP once? Lies. Ben got a very mild flare up of the virus (even though he had it as a kid), probably because of high exposure to a certain other person. hghm.

Thank you Megs for keeping us sickies company!

Now the evil Pox have nearly run their course, and we are almost well again.
This month has gone by so quickly, I have hardly hat time to reflect, but there are a few things I want to mention.

Our host family has practiced unswerving patience and graciousness towards us. It has been such an incredible blessing, truly beyond words, to receive their generosity and to learn about what obedience, intentionality, and godly love look like. Through ups and numerous downs, they have continued to hope and pray for us during this season of our lives. We are so, so thankful to them, and to the God that rules all of our lives for placing us in such an unimaginable position with such incredible people.
So in your prayers for us, please also pray for our host family. We continually pray that God will rest His Spirit in their home and that He will bless them generously for the many blessings they have poured out to us.

Another thing: THANK YOU, to all of you beautiful people who have come up or stopped by to visit us up here in northern Washington. We have been so blessed to fellowship with dear friends and family. It is really great to come down and visit, and we really, really enjoyed our time in the Portland area and in Grants Pass this past month; but it is something else all together to have friends visit us up here. So, Thank you. :)

And two more prayer things:
We are currently in touch with a national born Pastor in PNG who is working on a Bible Translation for a nearby language group. We asked him what his needs are and he said that he has needed a solar panel for a long time. The language group he is working with has no electricity and so he must leave them and go out to a larger village every time his computer battery runs down. I can't imagine what a hassle that would be or how discouraging at times to only be able to work for short time periods due to technology failing. So Ben and I have been praying about getting him a solar kit. We are wondering if any of you would be willing to partner with us in this. The one we are looking at cost about $600. Here's the web address below. Also, if you have ideas or suggestions about an alternative solution, we'd love to hear them!
http://www.goalzero.com/p/211/sherpa-100-solar-kit

Finally, this past month we had the privilege of meeting a young man from Egypt named Samuel. He shared his testimony with our Church and we got to meet with him at a home group and hear more about what God is doing in his life and in the lives of other Egyptian believers. He is part of an incredible house church movement throughout the Middle East including over 11,000 house churches in Egypt alone! These home churches are a solution to the many Muslims coming to Christ who are legally not allowed to enter an official Christian Church building. It was so exciting and inspiring to hear about what God is doing in the Middle East. It is also sobering to learn of the intense persecution that many of these new believers are experiencing. We were convicted to be more intentional about sharing in the joy and suffering of the larger CHURCH, the body of Christ that is working His will in every nation of the earth. Please join us in prayer for our brothers and sisters, and if you are interested in learning more about what is happening in the Middle East, check out ICR - International Christian Response. http://christianresponse.org/
They have been partnering with the house church movement for over 13 years now!

Okay. Thanks for your patience in reading all the way to the end. Thank you for your love and support. God has supplied for our every need and we look forward to seeing how He will provide for this next semester. This has been and is and will be a grand adventure! Thanks for being a part of it.

Love and blessings,
The Grimms. :D

Mt. Hood - Spring Adventures Part 3

Mt. Hood - Oregon
Summit - 11,239ft. 

This is Mary's happy climbing mountain face. :D

We camped near the lodge Friday evening, with our alarm set for 12:30. Our climb officially began at 1:17am on Saturday, May 4th. The moon was bright and everything was still and very beautiful. No headlights needed.

First time doing a night climb.

We both found a really good rhythm, and found ourselves passing one climber after the next.

We summitted earlier than we anticipated.

We were a little under dressed for the high winds and the freezing temperatures at the top. After huddling under the poncho for a few minutes, we decided the sun would have to rise without our encouragement.

A view of Mt. Jefferson from 2 miles in the air.

We summitted at 5:20. Just in time to watch the dawn.

Hot death - literally!

"I am now guilty of taking a selfie. I am eternally shamed."

We survived and did not break rule one.

Happy Anniversary to us!