The first weeks in Vanuatu

It's actually only been a little over two weeks since I arrived in Vanuatu, yet it feels like I've been here a long time. The days are full of new impressions, linguistic misunderstandings and lots of laughter. But I really love it! I've had to learn how to drive here. It is completely different from Norway, where you actually follow the rules and have roads without large potholes. There are many norms that you need to know in order to stay safe in the traffic here. It makes a lot of sense, for example, that the bus driver suddenly stops in the middle of the 80-speed zone because he saw a relative he wanted to greet. You don't drive to the side of the road, but stand in the middle of the road and talk for a long time while the rest of the passengers listen. I just have to laugh and embrace the differences with open arms. Clearly, relationships are more important than time.

Language 

In Vanuatu they speak "Bislama", a version of "broken English". There is little grammar, so you just have to dive in and learn as you go. I had some Bislama lessons when I was here on my DTS outreach, and now I'm noticing that I pick it up more easily. 

I've gotten to know some 13-year-old girls who think it's incredibly fun to chat. They have thus taken on the task of teaching me Bislama. Fortunately, they also know good English, which makes it much easier for me.

It is not just language learning that takes place in our chats, but life and experiences are shared. Everything from completely everyday things to faith and experiences with God. Talking to them also gives me a greater understanding of the culture and how they think, which is very beneficial in terms of the "Keep Safe" project. 

Family Care Centre

Because I am in the process of learning the language and the culture, I also spend some of my time helping out at the medical clinic where I live, called the Family Care Centre. Here I get to talk to many different people, everything from grandfathers to small children. At the same time, I get an insight into the problems that prevail in this country. We treat patients with various skin diseases such as scabies. Young girls find out they are pregnant, some learn they have cancer, others diabetes. There is a whole spectrum of diagnoses to embrace. I am learning more and more day by day.

At the end of the day, I often feel that my head is racing. Because yes, it really takes a lot of energy to learn a new language, take in all the impressions and process everything I hear and see. 

Colleague

I am lucky enough to have a lovely colleague, Brigida. She has worked with the "Keep Safe" project for several years and has done a solid groundwork. She is married to Jamie, a local man from Vanuatu. He brings a lot of good thoughts and perspectives that I don't see. It helps our project to be more locally rooted. 

When Brigida and Jamie are not working with me, they are teachers at a Christian school called "Lifechanger". They take care of Christian education. Together with them, I am allowed to become more comfortable in a classroom setting. I get to share testimonies, talk about the LIVING God who really cares about each one. This is also forward-looking, as me and my team will be traveling to all the schools in Vanuatu and teach. So this is really a golden opportunity that prepares me for what is to come. 

Prayer works

Thank you very much for all your prayers. I actually feel a big difference this time I'm here compared to the last time. I have such an incomprehensible peace and sense of security that I never had before. God has already blessed with good relationships and security. I feel the power of your prayer, so be encouraged and  keep on praying, it has real effects on my life! Thank you very much.