Plugging along and learning to lean
Aimee Hedrick says she is “plugging along” in learning Tigak culture and language.
“This task can be both exciting and a blast, but it can also be tedious,” Aimee says.
Some weeks, she admits, she feels like she is just spinning her wheels.
But looking back, she can recognize significant progress. Aimee is relying much less on the trade language, Pidgin, and much more on Tigak. Even though her command of Tigak is “broken and rough,” Aimee is starting to read Tigak Bible portions with much fuller comprehension. In recent weeks, Aimee has also noticed that she is tracking much better at the Tigak portion of believers’ meetings.
But relational and cultural understanding is a little tougher to recognize. Aimee shares that she continues to build relationships with her Tigak friends. She prays that her opportunities with them will build mutual trust and respect and that their interactions will be a testimony of the Gospel of God’s grace.
Aimee shares, “The Lord has stretched me a lot the last couple months. Whether facing homesickness or discouragement, I have been learning to lean more and more upon Him, to walk by faith and not by sight, and to find comfort and care in His presence.”
Aimee shares that prayer support is essential in learning culture and language. “I want you to know how greatly I appreciate your faithful prayers, especially in times that are more difficult. While you may not be aware of my day-to-day highs and lows, our Father is. I know He hears your prayers and meets my needs accordingly … so please know you that you are engaging with me and the work here through your prayers.”
Please remember how important your daily prayers are for Aimee Hedrick and many other missionaries who are working hard to learn the culture and language of tribal people. Ask God to ease their homesickness, encourage their hearts, and help them to lean on Him for strength and joy.