OVER FORTY
We’re glad to be back in our home in Puerto Princesa. Another family housesat for us and took really good care of the house, the dog and the cat. But it’s taken us a few days to move in and get settled. This time it’s more than just unpacking our luggage, as we’re unpacking all the boxes we filled when we packed up the house to give the house sitters empty shelves and drawers.
But “why Over Forty?” you might ask. Yes, it’s not news that we’re over forty. Mid-fifties, to be more precise. And sure, we’ve been grandparents now for well over 40 days. But…
…we’re referring to how hot it is here now in the peak of dry season. Actually, to how hot it feels. The temperature in the house during the day is in the low-to-mid 90s and the humidity is around 65%. That means an apparent temperature (or “heat index”) of 105 degrees Fahrenheit. That means that while it’s 92, it actually feels like it’s 105. And 104 degrees Fahrenheit is 40 degrees Celsius, so we’re over forty. And it’s not just us. Even our Filipino friends are telling us this is the hottest summer anyone remembers.
Also, we noted that this means that the difference in temperature for us since we left cool San Diego with its pleasant mid-60s temperatures, is again, over forty. We went almost instantly from 65 degrees to 105. That’s a big gap… over forty, in fact. And meanwhile the air conditioning in our truck is going out, so we’ll be getting that looked at a.s.a.p.!
We’re not complaining, mind you. We’re just melting. And we’re trying to help you understand what we mean when we say “it’s hot.” We appreciate your prayers as we adjust so that we can be energetic and efficient in our translation ministry here in spite of the heat.
And God is gracious. Just this morning it rained. That’s the first rain of the year and a welcome relief for us. More importantly, the Palawanos and other farmers need the rain for their recently-planted rice. And here in town, the water district needs rain. So we’re all thankful.
SPEAKING OF TRANSLATION…
In this case, we’re under forty. It’s also actually less than forty days until the translation check of the entire book of Luke begins on May 15. Please be praying with us about that. Our desire is for the check to go smoothly, but that if anything needs to be changed to make the book communicate better, that we will discover it and easily find the way to best rephrase it.
Just like that newly-planted rice, the Word of God will be sown in the hearts of Palawanos, watered by the Spirit and bear fruit for eternal life! Thank you for your partnership in this ministry.
SO PLEASE PRAY WITH US…
Reaching Palawanos together with you,
-Bill and Donna
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