We got word tonight that Nathan had fallen off the roof of the house they've been building. We had a few very anxious (and tearful) minutes before we got any details other than they were on their way to the hospital.
Apparently, Nate was stepping up onto the roof from a step ladder when the ladder fell. He fell from about eight feet, landing on his back and shoulder. He ended up with a small gash on the back of his head and a few broken ribs as far as we know. We haven't talked to either Nate or Jen yet, so we don't know the full story yet.
Please keep both Nathan and Jennifer in your prayers.
Trica
Friday, September 17, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Lost and Found
Saturday morning was normal. Nate and I slept in and awoke to hearing the dogs and children playing in the yard. Not a bad noise to wake up to. The Webb’s dogs with their big gruff barks and our very own little Russia with her high pitched yelp (we actually think it’s cute).
My mind goes back to when we first got her. Her mother had quit feeding her for no reason and unless someone fed her, she wasn’t likely to make it. I remember the day Nate brought her home to me all wrapped up in a little towel. He tried to keep it a secret but the towel kept moving and, of course, I got curious.
Another fond Russia memory was when we took her to town and had to buy a bottle to feed her with. I stopped at a local Café for coffee and handed Nate the bottle, my purse, and Russia wrapped in a blanket, while I paid. Nate decided to walk to a table and sit down. You should have heard the laughter and snickers! Some local Ni Van men were sitting at a table and here comes my husband with a purse, a mutt (or dog of unique breeding, as Nathan calls her) and a bottle. I can imagine them thinking, “these crazy Americans and their dogs!” I tried to explain to them that her mother quit feeding her and we were weaning her, and although they smiled politely the laughter was still in their eyes.
Saturday, however, was not a fond Russia memory. At around 2:00 in the afternoon we realized Russia hadn’t been in all day long for food. It was strange, but maybe she had snagged some food from the Webb’s and was busy playing. It sounded plausible. Then night came and still no Russia. We begin to worry. At half past seven we grabbed the flash lights and headed out. I, being stupid, (I don’t even walk by myself in the day time) said “you go one way; I’ll go the other.” Thirty minutes later, still no Russia and I had lost my husband! I was having a bad night.
Sunday didn’t get a lot better. Great services at church but my sweet puppy was gone. Who would keep me company when Nate was at work? Now, I know what you anti-dog people are thinking, but it can get lonely here and I had gotten attached to those crooked little ears!
Sunday night one of the Webb children let me know that they had helped Russia over the fence Saturday morning because she had wanted to follow the big dogs, who can jump it. It was a small clue but encouraging. I went to sleep that night mumbling “I miss Russia under” my breath.
I believe the popular saying goes “and then Sunday came.” Well, in this story it’s “and then Monday came!” Alecia and I set out for the barracks around 10:00 that morning. We stopped at the bottom of the hill for a short prayer, asking that the Lord would help me find her (I believe He is concerned with all the details of our lives). We saw a lady coming up the road and although she had not seen our dog, she did point the way to where a group of neighborhood women were meeting. When we arrived, I began to explain to the women about my missing pet and even showed them pictures.
It reminded me of a scene from a dramatic movie; they began chatting frantically, all at once! I heard several ladies pointing out one lady who said that the dog she had found was much bigger than the dog in the picture. I decided to join in on the chaos and explained the picture was old and she had grown some. Half of the women were saying they had seen her, the other half were shaking their heads no.
I began to emphasis that there would be small Vatu involved (money), and finally one of the ladies yelled “Hush!” She pointed to another lady and said, “She knows where your dog is and she will get him for you.” At this point I was trying to interpret all the commotion, some of which was in Bislama, and some in their village tongue which I don’t know. I did understand that she would bring Russia to my house. “Do you know where I live?” I asked. “Yes, missionary,” they all cried!
A few hours later I came home to find the right dog at my house! Renee was kind enough to loan me the $10 reward money until I could get back to town. I don’t know if I have ever seen a dog more excited! Consequently, she got so excited that she peed on the floor. I was so happy to have her back I didn’t care.
She is a great dog - potty-trained (except when overly excited) and has a terrifying yelp that is sure to keep intruders at bay! Okay, so maybe the last part is a little off, but we like her and at least her little yelp notifies us if someone should come too close.
All in all, Monday was a great day and I’m rejoicing because what once was lost now is found!
Jennifer
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