May 2024 The Tower of Babel

“Now the whole earth used the same language and the same words,” begins Genesis chapter 11 (ESV). But by verse 9 we are told: “…there the Lord confused the language of the whole earth.” And yes, that’s how God started us all on the tongue-twisting journey of languages!

Since we arrived in AwaLand almost 30 years ago, we have seen the shame many of the Awa feel about their language. Over the years they’ve been laughed at by Ecuadorian nationals who didn’t understand their tribal tongue. On one occasion I remember hearing a national saying to an Awa, “Speak like a human, not like a pig!” As we were studying and learning Awa words and phrases, we found much joy in telling them, “You know, it was God who made the different languages. And don’t be ashamed, your words are good!”

In March we received a request from a group of Awa to teach them how to write in their own language. Thrilled to see this interest, we joyfully began preparing. And how exciting it has been to teach this class each Friday with a group of about 25 students, a mixture of adults and children. We are learning from them at the same time they are learning from us; and we all have fun working out a phrase together. Big smiles erupt when we remind them, “We know about the letters, but YOU are the expert Awa speakers!”

The timing is perfect as our coworkers, Andy and Chrissy Shaub, are beginning to work on translating Old Testament portions that are lacking. How helpful it is to have translation helpers that are also able to write Awa words!

Pray for these students to learn well and that more Awa would be interested; and pray also for the Shaubs as they work on the translation project.

We continue to plan our months in the USA later this year. We now have tickets to begin our journey by flying to Paraguay July 25 to help welcome a new Baby Windler. These are exciting moments for grandparents! :-) If all goes well, mid-August should see us arriving in the USA. Thanks to all those who have responded as we make our travel plans! We look forward to seeing many of you face to face.

In His grip,
Kevin&Kathy