Many of you have asked us how we are doing… so here are the abbreviated questions and answers you may have.
- How is Nicole doing with all of her doctor visits and medications? We have had several doctors from various fields weigh-in on Nicole’s situation. Her doctors are still processing her diagnosis and trying to run more tests to better understanding how to proceed. Nicole is currently transitioning medications from one form to another, which will hopefully have no long-term side effects. Pray that her body agrees with the new medication.
- Medical fees? We are grateful that we have good health insurance; so far, we have only had to pay out of pocket for very minimal things.
- Tickets to America? Our home church graciously paid for our plane tickets out of Vanuatu and to the States
- Unexpected costs? As of now, we are paying for food and transportation during our time in the States and as we did while in Australia, which we did not plan for… these months were originally budgeted for us to be back in our house in Vanuatu until April.
- Any losses from this trip? We are hoping that the 4-6 months’ food supply we had purchased does not spoil in the tribe while we are gone… food in Vanuatu is considerably more expensive than in the USA, FYI.
- Any needs while you are here this time? We currently are looking forward to purchasing a vehicle; with us being here, for 2-3 months this time around, and then coming back in August for a proper furlough, we are looking forward to purchasing a vehicle that will last this term. We are looking to purchase a vehicle for $2,500, that should cover the costs; vehicle, title transfer, and new tires that the vehicle will need… we are currently using Seth’s mom car, which she is graciously allowing us to use, but we do not want to rack up miles on her vehicle.
- How is your house? Even though a cyclone passed not too long ago in Vanuatu, thankfully we boarded up the house right before we left and are ‘assuming’ no damages occurred. We were not able to “shut down” the solar batteries for our house before we left… because it was an unplanned exit, so we are hoping the batteries and the solar equipment have no issues when we go back.
- How are the Tiale people? We have been able to get a few messages here and there from the men Seth has been training. Right before we left, Seth gave the men a 3-month study of practical steps to grow in their Christian faith. We got word that the men have been loving their study, which is awesome! Also, “coincidentally” in late November (2019), Seth had planned all the local churches in our area to start teaching a Foundational Bible Curriculum weekly. It is approximately an 18-month program, and the men started in January… so the churches are still being fed and the men are still going deeper in our absence, praise God!
- When do you plan on going back? As long as Nicole remains healthy and gets better, we plan on leaving at the end of April to head back to Vanuatu.
- What have you enjoyed doing since being back? We have genuinely enjoyed all of the fellowship with people. While in Vanuatu, we do not get to meet up with people regularly; to talk in English, and to have deep spiritual conversations, so this has been quite a blessing. We hope you all do not forsake the blessing God has given to you to be able to do this regularly. It has been a great change of pace for us since being back!
Please continue to pray for Nicole and her recovery. Pray for our doctors to have wisdom and for us as a couple to know how to navigate through this time.
Thank you for your prayers! Your feet to the Tiale people and the country of Vanuatu, Seth and Nicole Stokes
Stoking The Fires 