Q is for Questions

We are back in Virginia!  Yeah!  It is good to be near the mountains and at our home church - although we miss our Texas friends a ton.  We are working on the final 20% of monthly support before we can leave to go overseas.  And that brings us to today's blog post: the top 11 frequently asked questions - with some random, recent pictures thrown in for no particular reason.

1.  How was language school in Texas?

The school we trained at in Texas, GIAL, is a linguistics school.  But we didn't study French there.  We took courses in how to learn a language more quickly and effectively, especially in places where there are no books or formal education in the language.  Chris had courses that trained him for Arts Consulting.  We studied anthropology, literacy, sociolinguistics, and audio/video recording techniques.  The school was wonderful: lots of hard work, deep learning, and fantastic people.  We mostly miss the people - not so much the long nights of homework!  The bottom line is that we are well prepared for our long-term ministry.  We will do French language school in France beginning...soon (see question #3).

2.  If Wycliffe is translating the Bible into the hundreds of indigenous languages of Cameroon, why do you need to learn to speak French?

We need to be proficient in French because everyday life in the big cities of Cameroon happens in French.  Government and trade is all handled in French.  But while French is a national language, for most people outside the big cities, French is their second or third language, so their understanding may be quite limited.  And because most Cameroonians have an indigenous language as their mother-tongue, we seek to translate the Bible and its deep concepts into the language that people understand best.  So in summary, we need to study French so that we can navigate the practical side of life - groceries, interacting with government, etc., while at the same time promoting the translation of scripture into the multitude of indigenous languages.

Flower Girl Kristin and Ring Bearer Ben at a friend's New Year's Eve wedding.

3.  When do you leave for France?

Soon.  We presently have 81% of our monthly needed support committed.  Practically speaking, that means we need 10 people to give $100/month and one to give $50/month (or any other configuration for $1,050/month left to raise).  When we hit 90% we will apply for our student visas to France and at 100% we can go.  We are hoping to leave in April 2013.  Prayer is essential for that goal to be met!

4.  What does monthly support mean?  Are people supporting you for like, a year?

Monthly support means sending a check in every month.  We plan on being in Cameroon until God calls us to do something else.  That means we need people who will commit to supporting us long-term - until we are no longer missionaries.  Some people give annually, some quarterly, some monthly.  Other people give special gifts once in a while with no regular system.  Giving is between the giver and God.  We are responsible for sharing our needs, not dictating anyone's responses.

All of the Rundle cousins at Christmas

5.  What else do you need before you go?

We do need special gifts for set up costs in France and in Cameroon for things like necessities in the kitchen when we arrive, first month's rent, shipping a few things to Cameroon, a 4-wheel drive vehicle in Cameroon, visas, costs for our Africa orientation program...  We are also still organizing our things: we have the "to go to France" pile, as well as the "ship to Cameroon," "give away," and "storage" piles.

6.  How much can you take with you?

Each of us will be taking 2 large trunks/suitcases of up to 50 lb. each (500 lbs. total), as well as our carry on and 'other bag,' ...and a musical instrument or two.  That's all we get for our year in France.  When we get to Cameroon, things that we have set aside to ship will be sent to us and should arrive in about three months.

7.  Where are you living now?

We are living with Lori's parents just outside of Lynchburg, VA.

8.  Where will you live in France and Cameroon?

In France, we'll be in the Southeast part of the country.  The closest big city is Geneva, Switzerland.  We'll also be fairly close to Lyon, France.  We are not completely set on the exact city we'll be in, but it will most likely be Chambery, France.  It is also possible that we would end up in Annecy, France.  There are some details to be worked out with language school options which will decide where we end up.

In Cameroon, we will most of the time be living in the capital city of Yaounde.  However, for a time, mostly at the beginning of our tenure, we will be living in a remote village situation someplace in Cameroon.  This will be for the purpose of culture learning.  Later on, we will be based in Yaounde and travel to different areas of the country and do our consulting to language projects that are in more remote villages.

9.  How long is your trip?

This is no trip.  This is a career.  We will be living and working in Cameroon for as long as the Lord makes it possible.  Think of us as being part of a church's staff; it's just that the church is not yet visible or functioning in many areas of Cameroon.  Our job is to contribute to making the visible church in Cameroon happen.

Noah is intense about his sledding!

10.  Will your kids go to school in France & Cameroon?  If so, where?

In France, our kids will be in French public schools.  We have mostly home-schooled in the past, but if we do that, our kids will never learn French!  Many of the schools in France have programs to teach foreign children and get them up to speed in French.  It might be a tough year for them, but they'll come out better for it!

In Cameroon, there are some variables.  When we are living in a village, we will almost certainly be home-schooling.  When we are in the city, our kids will most likely be in an international school that has been established in Yaounde for missionary kids.  It's called the Rain Forest International School and teaches grades 7-12.  The curriculum is designed to satisfy college prep requirements for both US and UK universities.

And my favorite question of all:

11.  Are you taking your kids with you overseas?

Yes!  This question makes us laugh...  I'm pretty sure we'd be strung up by our toes if we just abandoned our kids and went to Africa without them!  And in our line of work, kids are actually a huge asset.  They are true "ice-breakers" that enable us to cross cultural boundaries more easily and are really good at causing you to meet people more rapidly.

Noah, Kristin, and Ben on New Year's Eve.