A Few Things

Hello Prayer Warriors. This is such a beautiful, exciting, crazy time of year isn't it? I know you all pray for us so I wanted to write an honest, from my heart email of specific things we need you to pray about. 

1. Our water situation- For weeks we have been  having trouble with the water system here. There have been several leaks and they have been difficult to find resulting in us not having enough water. Now we are getting trucks of undrinkable water brought in everyday for showers, dishes, and laundry and then Garth and I take jugs down to MAF base to fill up with drinking water. It is a pain to say the least. Ten of our kids were sick because of our Indonesian helper using the bad water in the ice cube trays. Pray for this problem to get quickly fixed.

2. We are Hostel 2. Hostel 1 will be closing down so the parents can teach at the school.  We have a shortage of teachers and they are needed. Some of the kids from there will be coming to live with us and some will move in with people in town. That will be a transition for all of us. Pray for it to go smoothly.

3. This is a big one for me - We need to decide when to come back for furlough. MAF will pay for us to come this summer or next. Emma graduates in May and is planning on doing a gap year at Timber-lee. Wyatt has a possibility of a job this summer in Wisconsin, maybe Emma and Sophie a job at a camp in Wisconsin as well. If we come home this summer it would give the kids a chance to work, gain some money and independence, all of us to see family and friends, etc. That's one option. Or we wait until next summer after Emma finishes her gap year so we can be there to help her settle into college. There are pros and cons to both. Financially, we have no money to pay for anything this summer. Most of our money is going into Wyatt's schooling and his loans. So if we had another year to save, that would be helpful. But, Garth's step Mom is very ill with brain cancer and we want to make the most of any time we can have with her. Please help us by praying for this. We need to make some of these decisions in the next few weeks.

4. Praise-HUGE praise!!!  I am so excited I can hardly contain it!!! My parents Bible study and some of our family has paid for Wyatt to fly home for Christmas. My heart has been aching and longing to see my boy. I need to hold him and squeeze him and fill him with food. Please pray for safety. It is such a long trip.

5. Praise- our safety here has been much better. We did have a guy jump the fence and was walking around naked at 9:30 at night several weeks ago but nothing else since then. 

This time of year is full of joy as we think of what our Savior did for us. The parents of two of our dorm kids have just translated the Gospel in their village and have been teaching the villagers about Jesus and His great gift. It is so amazing to watch them as they hear for the first time. That is the Good News, the Gospel story. That is why we are doing what we are doing. Christmas for them will be different than any Christmas before as they realize that HE is the reason for this season. He is doing amazing things. Thanks for being a part of that.

Merry Christmas to you all.

Find joy in the little things.

love,

Rachel

What's Going on

Well, hello. Sorry it has been ages since I have given you an update. I feel like every semester we go through different levels of stretching and this one has been particularly difficult. We are learning and we are growing. God is good and we are always thankful for His comforting arms.

The dorm kids are on holiday right now. This is the first time our family has been together without dorm kids since July 18. That is a long time. A really long time. And we don't even have Emma here with us. It is Sophie, Cale, Garth and me. Emma went into a village called Tarup for the break. Tarup is just getting the Gospel in their language for the very first time. It is super exciting.  Please pray for the people to have open hearts. There have been a lot of obstacles, with weather, sickness, a septic system blowing up, the government sending people in etc. But the missionaries there have persevered. I can't wait to hear all the stories Emma brings back.

The volleyball season just ended. Garth was coaching both Boys teams and both Girls teams and Emma and Sophie were coaching the C team. Wow! That made life a bit crazy. The kids did great, and Emma and Sophie enjoyed having Garth as their coach.

I am teaching a Food Prep class at school. It is for Seniors so Emma is in my class.Those of you who know me know that I love food and all things food related. So you can imagine that I am loving teaching this class.

The dorm took awhile to get into a routine. We had two girls that came about 6 weeks after school started. They are having trouble following our rules and we are quickly learning that they don't always tell us the truth. They are sisters from PNG and their parents are in America for a year.  Pray that we have wisdom how to handle this.

Wyatt is doing ok in Oregon. He is on the soccer team and is trying to juggle school with all of the games and practices. He is homesick and we ache from the hole his absence leaves. We are all so close and with him gone it always feels like something is missing. He is trying to save up money so he can come home for Christmas or summer. Emma is in her Senior year and is feeling the sad "bite" of all the lasts... "This was my last retreat, or Fall concert etc." Pray for her as she makes decisions about her future. And for us. I am not ready to say good-bye to another of my "Babies". Yikes! It is hard being all the way on the other side of the world away from your kiddos. Pray for us as we pray about how long God wants us to stay here. Also pray for teachers. We desperately need more teachers, administrators, librarians, computer teachers, technicians... Everyone is doing the job of two or more because we have so many holes that need to be filled.

This morning was nice and lazy. We all slept in and then did a puzzle while we listened to Christmas music. The kids try to remember what it feels like when the weather gets crisp and the leaves change color. I love it when you all send pictures of the changing seasons. Continue to do so. Write if you can. Pray whenever you think of us.

Love you all

Rachel

Attack

Hey. I need to let you guys know what is going on here. Last Sunday, Garth was on his way back here from America and I was home with the kids. (Just the Erickson kiddos. The dorm kids hadn't come back yet).   At about 1, Sophie took a chair outside to read a book. She was right next to the Hostel in the back. I was running around getting last minute things done before the kids all came back from their summer holiday, but then Wyatt called on a video chat so I sat down to talk to him. I joked about how cute Soph was sitting outside like that and showed him on the video and then sat down where I could see her through a window. Next thing I know there is a Papuan guy standing next to her chair. I yelled and ran out to her. As I was running to her, he walked over like he was going to come in the house. Sophie yelled at him and he came over and pushed her back in her chair and then went over to try to get her in a choke hold. She jumped up, yelled "Mom", smacked him with her book and told him to go home. I burst out there yelling (screaming) and he took off, jumped the fence and ran into the forest. Since then we have had several other incidences where there have been guys in trees looking in windows, or walking by the fence. Today there was a guy trying to climb over our fence. We have guards but they never seem to be in the right place at the right time.

I need prayer to trust God in this and not panic. All of these incidences happened in broad daylight. Now we have a dorm full of kids. I am paranoid to let them outside unless they are in groups. It is our job to protect them and keep them safe. Pray for Sophie as she processes through this. Pray for those in charge to know how to handle this. Pray for the guards to see what they need to see. Pray for peace. Pray for safety. Pray for calm.

Thanks you guys.

Rachel

Full Swing

Our dorm is back in full swing and boy is it hopping! God has graciously given us 6 girls this year and 3 boys. Garth was in America for a quick trip to get Wyatt settled at Corban University. He just got back on Monday. The school year, also, started on Monday, and all the kids are here except for two. We have two girls from PNG that will be moving in in 3 weeks. Otherwise, here is our "family"- Hannah and Hajun Kim from Korea, Seun and Sara Lee from Korea, Morgan and Daniel Dinkelmann from South Africa, Daniel Schley from America and Anne and Pearl Kave from Papua New Guinea. I will attach some pictures from the first day of school.

I am excited to be teaching a Food Prep class for the Seniors this year. That is right up my alley and Emma is in the class so I am happy.

I am also in charge of planning the high school beach trip that is coming up next Thursday. Beach trip is always an exciting time of bonding and togetherness. It is one of the highlights of the year and we are all looking forward to it.

Garth was forced to get over jet lag quickly and he has done a great job of jumping right back in. He had such a sweet time with Wyatt and the separation has been excruciatingly difficult. Please continue to pray for Wyatt as he adjusts to his new life and for us as we continue on without him. 

Thanks.  I greatly appreciate you.

Rachel

​

Wyatt's Trip

My heart is heavy as i write this. My wonderful son who I love and cherish will be gone in less than 46 hours.  Life is going on, Garth and I are subbing classes, picking kids up from the airport, taking sick kids to the clinic, shopping, making meals etc. all the while this sense of sadness is looming in the pit of our stomach. My head knows this is a great opportunity, and that God has flung the doors wide open for this adventure, and that I will hopefully get to see him at Christmas... but its hard. It is really hard. Cale was crying at breakfast, Emma and Sophie are quiet, Wyatt is giving extra hugs and telling me lots of thank-yous, but none of us are truly prepared for what this will do to our family. So pray for us. please. Wyatt leaves on Saturday. The kids still have another week and a half of school and finals. We need God's comfort and peace. He is so faithful. I know He will be there.

Pray for Wyatt as he is traveling by himself. It is a bit tricky in Jakarta. He has to get his bags and go out from one terminal to another and recheck in. And in Chicago airport going through Customs/Immigration can be confusing by yourself.

In Chicago he will have about 8 weeks of travel with the Chicago Eagles ministering to kids in the inner city and in Brazil. He is excited about that. This is what he is gifted for. He has such a heart and love for kids. I know this is where God wants him. It is selfish of me to want to keep him for myself. I need to share him with the world. Pray for God to get glory in this ministry and for hearts to be saved. Please also pray for all the extra things Wyatt will have to do: get a drivers license, debit card, supplies for school, get a broken tooth repaired...

After the Eagles he will travel to Oregon to start school at Corban University. Please pray for that transition. It is another culture, different food, and language/social interactions and environment. So many new things at once. 

God has the power to do what He has promised, and HE has promised that He will go with us. And that He will never leave us or forsake us. Deuteronomy 31:16."There are so many comforting verses- "So do not fear, for I am with you, Do not be dismayed. for I am your God." Isaiah 41:10 "...Though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand." Psalm37:24

I just need my head to gently start reminding my heart that it is all good. It is all going to be ok. Soon after Wyatt leaves, June 5th, he will have his 19th birthday.  If you feel like loving on him, you can shower him with cards. You can send them to my Mom:

Wyatt Erickson

c/o Carol Vyskocil

233 Oak Hill Road

Williams Bay, Wi. 53191

Once he is established at Corban I will give you that address. That time in his life is when he will really need to feel loved and remembered.

Thanks you guys. Thanks for caring and always showing love.

Rachel

Easter

Hello! I hope your Easter was happy!! The dorm was closed and it was the first time many of the kids saw their parents since Christmas. It was also the first time we were able to be together as a family of Erickson's since Christmas. It was the last time we will be together just the six of us before Wyatt leaves. So, I tried to enjoy every single moment and not get too emotional. We had such a great time. We made a bucket list of things we wanted to do, games to play, food to eat etc. and we did it all! I feel incredibly blessed to have a family that truly enjoys each other. We have so much laughter in this house and it fills my heart to overflowing.

Back to the topic of Wyatt- we bought his ticket back to America. We have been searching sites looking for the cheapest flight and finally found one. Because we are short term with MAF they don't cover these costs, so we wanted to purchase wisely. He will be leaving Indo May 20. That is exactly one month from today. Even now, I am holding back tears while I write this. UGH! He will be in a different country than us. That is CRAZY! But I have a great, big God and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I can trust Him with my Kid. But please, PLEASE pray for us as we make this adjustment. 

Until the end of July, Wyatt will be traveling and playing soccer with the Chicago Eagles. This is an awesome opportunity and he has raised almost all of the money he needs for the trip. He only needs about $1,000 more. After that, Garth will fly to Chicago to get him and together they will travel to Corban University in Oregon. There are so many details to take care of: teaching Wyatt to drive on the right side of the street, car insurance, medical check ups, he has a chipped tooth that needs to be taken care of, showing him how to open a bank account, and use money, and getting him settled in college... my head is spinning.

I will be back here with the kiddos while Garth is there visiting family, getting Wyatt settled, going to a missions conference and possibly a wedding. It is never fun to be split up and we will be separated for quite awhile. The end of the summer and into the beginning of the school year I will be here and he will be there. So keep praying.

God never disappoints and He is always faithful. I know I can trust Him in easy times and in difficult, for small things and big things. This is going to be the biggest thing I have ever trusted Him for: my kid. My firstborn son. On his own in a country that he doesn't call his own. He is Indonesian through and through. It will rip his heart out to leave, and mine to send him. But this is clearly the path God has for him. We are 100% sure of that. I know that God will take care of him. It is exciting to see all the ways that God shows up in his life. God is awesome and so full of surprises. He loves to bless His children.

Thanks for all of the prayers you send up on our behalf. If you think about Wyatt and want to send him an email to let him know you will be praying for him, feel free. I know it would encourage his heart and mine.

Love you

Rachel

Emma's Event

Hello! This week is just flying by. There is an exciting event I want to tell you about. Emma is in a band and they have been invited to participate in a Youth Event on Saturday at a large sports stadium. The sponsors are expecting 2,000-3,000 students to be in attendance. It will be broadcast on a local Papuan TV channel as well as on the radio. This is not a Christian event, but Emma's band will be singing a Christian song in Indonesian. Originally they were going to do three songs and a short testimony, but their time slot has been bumped down to 5 minutes. Not much time, but it will be enough to shine the light of Jesus!!!  We are so excited. Emma is nervous and could really use prayers. This is such an amazing opportunity. Seriously! SO cool! Pray that the power doesn't go out, (that happens all the time here), pray that they get their 5 minutes and don't get bumped again, and pray that they are a fantastic witness to all there. 

On a much sadder note, pray for Wyatt's friend Jenni. She needs Jesus. She tried to kill herself last night and didn't succeed. She ended up at the hospital for a few hours and then was sent home. Wyatt has been investing so much time into this family and they desperately need the hope that only God can bring.

Also, Wyatt is having trouble getting his visa to go to Brazil this summer with the Chicago Eagles. Please pray for all of the details regarding that. He is still trying to raise money for this ministry and is excited about this opportunity. We know that if God wants him there it will all work out.

Thanks guys for caring enough about us to read this and take these requests to heart. We appreciate you.

Rachel

Reflections

My time on OE always gives me plenty of moments to reflect. One theme that runs through my head most days is how grateful I am. How absolutely, and completely grateful I am for all that I have. God is so very good. I can't believe how good He is to me. I have so much that I don't deserve. The people that we serve in the villages have a totally different life than me. What would my life look like if I was born there? Would I be as happy as them? So many of the villagers have lived in darkness, they have seen the power of the devil, they have lost loved ones, they have felt like there was no hope. And then, they hear about Jesus. They hear that He gave His life for them. That He loves them. That He has a plan and purpose for their lives. No wonder they walk around singing and dancing. They now have Hope. And that Hope can be seen pouring out of their faces. That is why I love being around them. It's contagious.

And those that are still walking around in darkness need to see us caring and loving on them. Some days that means pulling out rotten teeth, or giving a shot. Other days it might be painting a church or building a road. Actions done in love speak louder than words.

I am thrilled that God is using me here. Even back home at the Hostel I have opportunities before me. Whether it is talking to my house helpers or ministering to the families at the bottom of our hill, there are people that need to see this Hope. I am praying that I don't miss out on a chance.

Wyatt has developed a great relationship with some of the Indonesian families that live by us. I have had the kids up several times to make cookies with me, or play, or read books. There is a lot of darkness with them, and I am praying that when they are here they see something different.

For my birthday they made me a banana cake and bought me a shirt. The little they have they shared with me. I was greatly moved. Keep praying for their salvation.

The dorm is in full swing. We are getting ready for our bball tournament, a band concert, Coffee House performance, Emma's band has two concerts coming up, ACT testing, and Terra Nova testing. But it is all good.I love these kids and I love this ministry. I know God has great things planned for the next weeks ahead. Thank you for remembering to pray for us.

Rachel

Back from OE

Yahoo!  We are back and it was awesome! Awesome isn't even a strong enough word to describe it. OE this year was in the village of Ibele up in the highlands. We were at 5,900 ft. The people are always a highlight for me. I love hanging out with the ladies and the kids.  There was a total of 85 of us that invaded the village and tried our best to make a difference. We had some work projects like painting, building a road, installing water tanks, fixing the runway fence, and planting over 100 orange trees.  We opened a medical clinic and saw 100 patients, and opened a  dental clinic where we saw 80 dental patients. My team of 8 pulled out 17 teeth. We had 8 days of Kids Clubs and 5 Gospel presentations where over 50 people came forward! Guys, this is what you were praying for!!!  It was so super cool. God showed up and He did amazing things.

Our group hiked up to 8,000 ft. to another village called Sinema. It was cold! I haven't been that cold for a LONG time, probably last year on OE. Haha. We played games with the kids, did crafts, hung out in their houses, slept in their huts, ate their food, sang and prayed together. I wish you could have been there. It was an experience like no other. In Indonesian we would say it was "luar biasa." Outside of normal which translates to extraordinary!

I have seen such spiritual growth in the kids since last year. So many volunteering and serving with joyful hearts. It was a privilege for me to be there with Emma and Sophie and observe them from afar. They love these kinds of things and really shine.

God is so good, you guys. And we are so very blessed. There is an abounding number of things we have that we should be thanking God for every day.  Our lives are so easy compared to the people here. And yet joy is so much more evident here than in America. These people are happy with so little. Spending time with each other is what is important. Not stuff. So that is what we did. Every chance we had we spent time with them, holding their babies, playing with their kids, playing guitars and singing songs, talking, sitting, listening, being. For two weeks, life slowed down. And I loved it. 

Now we are back. Everyone took multiple showers to try and scrub off the gallons of mud caked on our skins, and we all slept in our own beds. Life will go back to normal, but none of us are the same. God has moved in our hearts. I can see changes already. And it makes me smile. What does He have in store for us next? Who knows, but we are ready. And you had a part in all of this.

Thank you! Your prayers were very needed. There were a lot of hikes up the very slippery mountains, and treacherous rivers to cross, and cliffs to shimmy over. So thank you for praying.  Keep praying for all of us. That God would continue to move.

Love you

Rachel