Surviving!

“Tonya, get me a bucket please!” I could feel the contents of my stomach churning towards the wrong exit. Unfortunately, it was the beginning of another bout of Giardia (intestinal parasite) that lasted for a week. Almost everyone here in Darjeeling suffers from chronic Giardia, but without any symptoms. We’ve been told that over time the parasite simply establishes a balance with the body’s immune system, but my body hasn’t yet negotiated acceptable terms of peace with the invaders in my gut. Fortunately, though Tonya has been sick also, the Giardia hasn’t hit her as hard as me. I’m not sure how I would have survived if she had been knocked out as well. God is merciful.
Our teammates, Jonathan & Karen Lovitt, will be returning to Darjeeling next week from their furlough in the States. We’re looking forward to working with them. They are great people. We’ve been staying in their apartment, and they will help us find our own place when they get back. Please pray that we will find an apartment that has a good water supply, not too much mold, steady electricity, and a good landlord!
Also, we have been making steady progress in our language learning. We met a very nice young woman whose name in Nepali means “Prayer.” She is 26 years old and teaches elementary school. She also has a Master’s Degree in Nepali. We study with her for two hours each day, Monday through Friday. She and Tonya have become friends, and she has expressed interest in learning about the Bible and Christianity. Please keep our friend “Prayer” in your prayers!
We just had our first snowfall of the season here the other night. Most of it melted off as soon as the sun came up, but the weather has turned colder. We’ve been told that February is the coldest month here in Darjeeling. Tonya makes great hot chocolate, and we have plenty of blankets, so we should be all set. Thank you for keeping us in your prayers.

Jared & Tonya Wright