Classes began with Culture Language Acquisition Practicum with a focus on various kinship systems. We've learned new symbols, practiced charting out a few family trees and learning to recognize the five systems we studied: Eskimo, Hawaiian, Iroquois, Crow, and Omaha. Why will it be important to learn how the kinship system operates in the tribe we will one day minister to? First, it helps us understand them and how they relate to each other. Secondly, it will assist us in learning how to relate to them. Thirdly, when it's time to share biblical truths such as the roles of husbands to wives, parents to children, etc. Also, when trying to communicate God's position to us such as how He is our Father, Christ is the Son, and we are His children we will know how best to do so and what cultural barriers may exist in communicating such truths. Fourthly, it shows them that we do have a genuine interest in them and their family. You think back to the old days when there would be a Grandma next to you on the train. What would she do? Show you pictures of her thirty-seven grandchildren! Family is important to societies even though the structures may look vastly different.
We'll share more about the actual practicum soon and include pictures once we've taken some!
We also had two weeks of Pre-Evangelism class where we discussed how integral the first few years are in the tribe even if we can't speak the language. To give a very basic and brief summary, the class focused on being kind to both the people we're ministering to as well as our teammates and families as we are the representation of Jesus even before we can tell them His name
Cameron and I had the opportunity to dress up one week ago on Saturday, as we went up to Union to witness the wedding ceremony of his sister. We were both asked to be in the wedding party so this was my second time walking down the aisle to him and in the same church!
Please pray for Meghan and Wyatt as they embark on their journey together as husband and wife. Wyatt is enlisted in the Army so pray that the Lord would become the foundation of their home as, much like us, "home" will be ever-changing for them. Pray that they would come to trust Him with their lives and look to Him as their source of stability and security.
The wedding ceremony was at First Baptist Church of Villa Ridge and we were absolutely THRILLED when we saw the Papua New Guinea flag! They had recently redecorated their sanctuary with flags representing the various countries in which their missionaries served and they ordered the Papua New Guinea flag for us! 
Just in case that's not exciting enough, a youth leader from First Baptist Church of Union sent us this picture last night of prayer stone reminders for the students!
And there's even more! Just before classes started, the small group we shared with from Calvary Chapel Melbourne, sent us an encouraging email, too! The Body of Christ at work building each other up! We feel so blessed by these church families!
Thank you all for your prayers, words of encouragement, and financial support!
United in Christ,
Caitlin and Cameron
We invite you to prayerfully consider partnering with us through regular monthly support or a special gift, as we prepare and train to go and share the Gospel with those who have never heard. When designating which missionary you are supporting, indicate: Cameron Neace Account #900458
