We’re ‘that guy’ now
You know when you see “that guy” at the store, or at church, or anywhere for that matter. He looks a little lost, he sounds like he’s ‘not really from around here’, and he’s not up to speed on the normal stuff that you think, “everybody knows that”.
Well … since coming to PNG almost two years ago, there has only been two times that we’ve met Americans who are not connected to us in any way.
Both of those times happened in the last month. And both conversations were interesting to say the least, but there was one thing that really stood out … I think we’re a little weird now.
Right now, the only english conversations that happen are between us as husband & wife, as parents with our kids, and as best friends with our teammates, Luke & Ellenie. Then occasionally, we get to talk with other co-workers in the country.
When I started saying english words to people that I didn’t know at all, I quickly felt something. I was weird. I couldn’t remember how to say things in proper english, I was terrible at asking good questions, and I kept accidentally mixing in words from other languages.
I’m just saying … get ready. The next time you see us, we might be crazies. And our kids … well, we’re still working with them.
A little less chaos now
So, the last time that you heard from us, we were dealing with a little chaos in regards to our solar electric system. The short story is that two of our four batteries failed and caused about $9,000 of damage to our whole system. Our great teammates here in PNG got us some replacement parts at lightning speed, and our great teammates back home have now collectively covered the cost of the whole ordeal! Awesome … Fantastic … Humbling
We’re so grateful to everyone who sacrificed to help us. From the flight department to so many friends back home. It never gets old getting to see how God works and how an obedient community can work together to see huge things happen.
Thank you to everyone who gave sacrificially and prayed fervently for us. You guys are amazing, and we’ll say it once again … we could never make it out here without each of you standing with us back home.
And now, with great electricity, it’s back to the grind of learning language. It still doesn’t seem like there is ever a day that feels “normal”. After a few months now, our team is starting to figure out a couple things that work. We’re so thankful for how the Holy Spirit is helping us navigate everything in this initial ‘figuring it out’ time. There’s still tons of unknowns and stressful things every day, but God is still giving us the grace that we need for every little thing. It’s typically not the huge things that get to us the most. It’s the constant buzz of the little stuff every day that we have to constantly choose to trust Him with. We reset our perspective, we remember truth … then five minutes later we need to do it again.
Fun fact: Kaitlyn is pregnant!
Yep, mamma and number three are both healthy and growing =)
That means that we’ll be coming home on a medical furlough this upcoming spring! We haven’t booked tickets just yet, but we’re planning to be home for about six months. We’re really looking forward to being able to rest and re-charge a bit before coming back to PNG to finish learning language. And of course we’re looking forward to all the fun parts of having a baby … not as much for the non-fun parts, but hey, who needs sleep anyways.
Fun fact ‘reminder’: We can email & text!
The signal here is weak and occasionally non-existent, but for the most part we’re able to text and email pretty easily. (Sometimes even post a blog!)
So you might occasionally think, “What’s a good way to connect with / encourage those missionaries way over there? They’re so far away. I can’t really do much from here, can I?”
Great question! There are a few ways, but let’s just talk about one option for now: Texts & emails are the easiest and the most effective way to affect our day for the better. A quick text about anything can be so much fun for us to receive.
Here are a few starters if you’re wondering what kinds of things to write: (in no specific order)
“Hey, thinking of you guys. How are things going today?”
“Praying for you lately. Anything specific that we can keep praying for?”
“I’m eating some average food at Buffalo Wild Wings. But, as always, it’s awesome!”
“Been pondering this passage lately … [insert reference].”
“Watched a fun football game today. Thought of you guys.”
“And don’t get your hopes up … PSU still keeps losing the big one.”
“Trump might get impeached! It’s crazy as always here. I’ll keep you posted.”
“If I could mail this sub sandwich to you right now … I would. Don’t worry, it’s not subway.”
“Heard this new song today. Check it out next time you have a good signal!”
“Hey, pray for us. Something just came up back here at home.”
At the risk of sounding dramatic, I just want to emphasize how big of a deal that little text or email means to us. We live a long way from anything. It’s hard to explain exactly what it’s like to live out here. For the most part, we feel far away from everyone and everything that’s familiar to us. We don’t really know what’s happening with most people back home … let alone what’s happening in the rest of the world.
We aren’t dreary and feeling sorry for ourselves all day, but the reality is that we miss home A LOT. We talk about people, food, and places back home all the time. So when one of those people shoots us a quick message, it’s pretty cool.
People used to say to us all the time, “Let us know if we can do anything for you!”
So, if you’re ever wanting to “do something for us” … just type a quick message and hit send!
Here’s how to do it:
WhatsApp or iPhone # : +675 7481 3286
Email : seth_sanford@ntm.org
Just try it! It’s fun
KONOMALA 
Great update.
Congratulations.
Good advice to the supporters.
Presently working through the temporal loss of Travis and Nikki for Eastern.
Aaron Luse
Church Development Director
New Tribes Mission-Papua New Guinea
Ethnos360
+675 7250 2785
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From: Seth & Kaitlyn Sanford
Reply-To: Seth & Kaitlyn Sanford
Date: Sunday, November 24, 2019 at 12:40 PM
To: Aaron Luse
Subject: [New post] A little less chaos now
Seth & Kaitlyn posted: “Weâre âthat guyâ now You know when you see âthat guyâ at the store, or at church, or anywhere for that matter. He looks a little lost, he sounds like heâs ânot really from around hereâ, and heâs not up to speed on the normal stuff that you think, âeverybo”
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Hey guys, thanks for sharing! And congratulations! I love the last part, helping your people to engage.
I send out an email every other month to supporters and churches if you’d like to invite your supporters to sign up, with tips on how to engage with you. The last one was about Christmas packages and the next one will be about how to visit you. Here’s how you have people sign up if you’d ever like to invite them. And here’s a page with the past newsletters if you’d like to look them over or share them at all- there’s one about how to communicate with you that might be helpful? It’s labeled Video Calls but there’s a bit about WhatsApp, time differences and limited internet locations at the end.
Hope you’re feeling well Kaitlyn! Let me know next time you’re out at the clinic, I’d love to have you over for a quiet dinner.
I’ll be gone a month over Christmas, but should be available again the end of January.
Summer
From: Seth & Kaitlyn Sanford
Reply-To: Seth & Kaitlyn Sanford
Date: Sunday, November24 2019 at 12:40 PM
To: “Zimmer, Summer”
Subject: [New post] A little less chaos now
Seth & Kaitlyn posted: “We’re ‘that guy’ now You know when you see “that guy” at the store, or at church, or anywhere for that matter. He looks a little lost, he sounds like he’s ‘not really from around here’, and he’s not up to speed on the normal stuff that you think, “everybo”
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Hello Sanford Family! Just wanted to let you know my son Titus has been working on his missionary chapter in his AWANA book, And chose your family photo to put in it. He has been learning your names and has been learning about Papua New Guinea. You guys are awesome role models for our kids. Grace and peace. Darem, Carly, Titus 6, Levi 5, Joab 2, and Ezra 2M
On Sat, Nov 23, 2019 at 6:40 PM Seth & Kaitlyn Sanford wrote:
> Seth & Kaitlyn posted: “We’re ‘that guy’ now You know when you see “that > guy” at the store, or at church, or anywhere for that matter. He looks a > little lost, he sounds like he’s ‘not really from around here’, and he’s > not up to speed on the normal stuff that you think, “everybo” >
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Seth Kaitlyn Congratulations and know U both with the Lords help can manage with #3 with joy! I am going to B great grandfather with #3 this Feb and they are a blessing! Course I don’t have to deal with the 3 in the morning stuff! Praying for U5. And Luke Elenor and kids.
Sent from my iPad
>
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Just wanted to say hello! It is so good to hear from you guys!! First of all, congrats Kaitlyn how exciting!!!! I have 2 little ones now so I can only image what 3 will be like. But you are so right, who needs sleep? I’m sure your families are beyond excited to know you will be home for a few months. There has also been a few big changes here at the church. I’m (Chelsea Hill) the new administrative assistant so you’ll probably be hearing from me once in awhile 😊
Praying for you guys
Chelsea Hill
Administrative Assistant
Community Baptist Church
1853 Route 87 Highway,
Montoursville, Pa 17754
Phone: (570)433-3002
Fax: (570)433-3411
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Sent from my iPhone
>>
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Hi there. I always enjoy the updates that you send. You are in my prayers and thoughts. As you may remember I live in West Bend now. It is a lovely community and I am enjoying getting to know my way around. Obviously much, much easier for me than you. The property I am living on is owned by the United Church of Christ. Definitely a Christian community which I am loving. I am a member of a local non-denominational church very much like Faith Bible Church. The members are kind and welcoming. The pastors are great. I have a very nice apartment here; just the right size for me. It is cozy and has a great view of trees, rocks, sky. The property is several hundred acres in all and has been kept natural with walking paths, a couple of lakes and so forth. Lots of activities here and I participate in several. So my life is full and I feel useful to others. With Christmas coming, I am busy making plans with family. Congratulations on the coming addition to your family!!! May you have a blessed Christmas with your new community of believers and friends. I am certain that they will teach you some traditions as you share some of yours. Remember that popcorn strings are universal (I think). My love to all of you. Yours in Christ. Ann Heath
On Sat, Nov 23, 2019 at 8:41 PM Seth & Kaitlyn Sanford wrote:
> Seth & Kaitlyn posted: “We’re ‘that guy’ now You know when you see “that > guy” at the store, or at church, or anywhere for that matter. He looks a > little lost, he sounds like he’s ‘not really from around here’, and he’s > not up to speed on the normal stuff that you think, “everybo” >
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So excited to hear of news of another baby on the way. We were watching Packers game on Sunday with Chad and Bob and family. I was thinking of you when we were together at their home. Good food and fellowship.Happy to hear electricity was restored. We do appreciate the refrigerator magnet,helps us to pray and think of you all.Will you get to see Jonathan and Devon while they are there?Love and prayers from the cold north.Eugene and Penny.
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