Monday, July 30, 2012

We're here!!.......God provided for sure!

      Well, we’ve been in Vanuatu for about 40 hours now. And let me tell you, the things that we have witnessed so far have been amazing. The countryside itself is one of the most beautiful things that we have ever seen.

 When we arrived in Port Vila (the country’s capital), we were scared about going through customs. We have never traveled internationally so we weren’t sure what to expect. So we collected our bags, all 8 suitcases and 6 backpacks, and headed into the line. They were stopping EVERYONE in line in front of us and going through all of their stuff. We were afraid they were going to do the same for us. Not that we were trying to hide anything, but it was nerve racking because we don’t speak the language, we are white Americans and we didn’t want them to take anything that we may need for this trip.

     So it’s our turn. We step up to the counter and give the gentleman our passports and entry documents. He begins to ask questions. Do you have anything to declare? Do you have anything illegal? What are you doing in this country? (At this time I began to sweat lol). I explained that we are here visiting some friends. He then said, “It says here you’re a Pastor. Is that true”? I said yes. He asked what church we are with. I told him we are with Up and Up ministries on Santo Island and we are looking to possibly be moving here and volunteering with them. He looked me up and down and asked again “You are sure you’re a Pastor”? I again said yes.

     He had a puzzled look on his face; I again started to sweat profusely J. After thinking about it for about another minute, he asked one more time, “You are really a Pastor”? I said yes. He asked “You are sure there is nothing illegal in your bags” I said yes I am sure. He then handed me our passports and said, “just go straight to the exit. You do not need to have your bags checked”. I really wanted to just hug this guy! But I wasn’t sure how that would have been perceived in this country lol.

     Needless to say, all things were smooth sailing at every airport, on every flight and every checkpoint. God definitely knew what He was doing when He kept us from flying out on that Sunday. 

     So we are now staying at the Widup house. We went into town yesterday after church to see the independence day celebrations that were going on. Today (Monday the 30th) is Vanuatu's independence day. So there has been some things going on in the town to celebrate. 

     We went to the rodeo first. Let me tell you, this was no rodeo that you would see in the U.S. They had armatures and professionals, but it didn't really seem like it lol. And then at the end of the rodeo, they asked all kids ages 12-15 to come out into the arena. They put a flag on a bull and released it into the area full of kids. The first kid to "capture the flag" won a prize. It was hilarious! Thankfully no one was hurt, but it sure was funny watching those kids run around. 

     It did kind of feel like home though. Smelled like manure, had guys in cowboy hat and boots and they were playing country music over the loud speakers. Nothing like hearing Garth Brooks 'The Dance" sang by a local Ni-Van that makes you feel like you're at home lol.

     We then went to the "laplas". Which is their local park area that had tons of little booths that had local food and treats. It was awesome to get to try some of the local food and interact with the local Ni-Vanuatu people. They also had a stage set up that a choir was singing. 


     We went and visited the apartment where we are going to be staying. It is a nice little 2 bedroom apartment. We are going to move our stuff into it today and that's where we will be staying for the rest of the trip (pics to come soon....hopefully).

     Thank you to everyone who was praying us through our journey over the last couple days to get 
here. Continue to pray that God will work and show us what He wants for us and our future!

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