Skavdahl Update December 28, 2021

Christmas Day at Bongolo church

We hope you had a wonderful Christmas! This was our first equatorial Christmas and instead of skiing or sledding we enjoyed the swimming pool. Of course the kids were excited to open presents and make sure every square inch of the living room floor was covered with wrapping paper. We are blessed to be surrounded by a loving community and enjoyed a children's program at the Bongolo church and Christmas dinner with our team on the mission station.

David has been quite occupied with work at the hospital and is learning many new skills to become an effective surgeon in this context. Josie has been spending time on the medicine ward and in the maternity ward. She is learning tropical medicine and the challenges of treating malaria, tuberculosis, HIV and sickle cell disease. She loves having the opportunity to take care of patients, though it can be overwhelming at times.

We are grateful for the work God is doing here and are excited to be a part of it. We truly must learn to rely on His strength as we face the challenges given to us and we appreciate all of your prayers in this. Christ’s words in Matthew ring especially true:

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (11:28-30).

We pray that you may find rest in Jesus Christ as we move into the new year.