Orientation and More!

Today was quite the day!  It seems like I've been here for weeks now.  We had a busy day of tours around Shell and orientation.  We learned all about what we should and shouldn't eat, and what we can and cannot touch.  That was a bit monotonous, but definitely important information to have when you encounter an adorable, yet deadly caterpillar...

One of the tours we got to go on brought us through the Nate Saint house.  It was neat to see where they lived life and hear a bit about their ministry and testimony.  The house is actually a totally rebuilt replica of the original house because the original house was destroyed by termite damage.  After that we got to go over to the airport and tour around there.  I can't wait to go on my first jungle flights on one of MAF's Cessna 206's.  Later in the day we went out with a sweet lady by the name of Linda, and shopped for groceries.  The markets are SO cool.  You can get so many neat things.  It's tempting to get things from the street vendors, but we've been cautioned against it for the sake of our stomachs.  After touring shell we came back and had an hour of free time before dinner.  I used this time to get some quality time in with my hammock.

At 6:30 we all gathered for a potluck.  We got to sample dishes made by the different missionaries, and I must say, I liked what I tasted.  After that point we got to hear from the various missionaries.  Some of them are leaving and so we spent some time praying them off and praying us in.  I love that bond that we have through Christ.  I feel right at home, accepted and loved here.

To finish off the evening we spent some time with the Thomas family playing ping-pong and just chatting about life.  They have 4 children and are teachers here at the Nate Saint Memorial School for missionary kids.  They are also about to go back to the states for about 6 months so it was nice to hear from them and fellowship over some fun.  Tomorrow we go spelunking!  We'll walk through the jungle to a nice hole in the ground and explore!  I'm super excited =).

That's all for now.  I continue to covet your prayers as I adjust to all of the new things here, and am so blessed to be supported by a family in Christ back home.  Bye for now and be blessed!

In Him,

Sam Hodges

Getting ready for the potluck under the Concha

The outside of the Nate Saint house in Shell

The MAF hangar

The bridge I get to cross every day to get to the compound

SELFIE!