October Nattier News

We are currently enjoying a little repose from school.  The schedule from school can be pretty hectic with our school homework and projects, in addition to the children and their homework.  Our language school  takes these breaks whenever the public schools let the children off, which involves a 2 week break about every 6-8 weeks.  We enjoy this time to rest and catch up on some of our administrative work.  We also try to take the time to explore a little bit, which also gives us opportunities to use our French.  This break, we have enjoyed having a few visitors, which included Natasha's sister Tiffany and her husband Brian. Also, we are excited to welcome some dear friends (The Viger's) this week.  One of our little adventures took us to Beaufort, a little town up in the mountains that makes some wonderful cheese.  The French take their cheese very seriously, and Beaufort cheese is a very good one.  I wish we could add the smell to this picture for you all to experience.  It's part of the reason Ahni doesn't look to thrilled in this picture.  She doesn't like "stinky cheese."  This particular tour was very interesting, but of course completely in French.  It gave us a good exercise and challenge trying to translate it into french for our visitors. 

This region is also known for it's natural beauty, and people love to come here from all over for hiking.  The cows graze up in these mountain and that leads to different flavors for the cheese at different times of the year (the type of grass and flowers consumed makes all the difference).  Currently it's Fall here, but there will soon be snow at this altitude, and the cows will be moved inside barns for the winter.  You can see Mount Blanc, one of the highest point in Europe, in the distance which has snow on it year round.  

We want to try and update you on what language school looks like for us at this point.  We are in our third trimester, so we are among the upperclassmen (a somewhat scary thought).  In fact, this fall a whole new group of students arrived.  One of the families who arrived is also headed to northern Togo, the Wreesman's.  It has been very enjoyable getting to know them better, and we look forward to doing this for many more years to come.  Stephen is a family practice doctor, so they will be living on the hospital compound a couple of houses down from ours. 

Our coursework involves a lot more practice and use of what we have already learned in the form of discussions, writing, watching films, and reading.  It's great to be entering the application phase, but it might not be quite as you'd imagine.  For example, before the movies we go over the some of the vocabulary for the film.  Then while watching the movie we are trying to pick out these phrases, and put them into context.  Next, we follow it all up with a discussion about various topics from the film.  While it's great to be at the point we can watch movies and understand a little, it's not the same as watching a movie in our mother tongue.  It seems to take a lot of brain power and effort to listen carefully and decode what's being said within the context of what we are seeing in the movie.

Our current reading assignment over break is to read a classic french novel, written by Marcel Pagnol a famous french author.  Natasha and I have also started meeting with language partners to focus specifically on speaking.  This seems to be one of the biggest challenges for us, putting all the grammar and rules we have learned in the classroom into the various topics of conversation that arise.  We make a lot of mistakes, but we are learning from them.  It's one of the things the Lord continues to use to teach us about humility.  

Clubs are very important and common here in France. There seems to be a club for everything, from scrapbooking and movie club to curling, archery and every other sport imaginable.  We are strongly encouraged to join at least one club as an avenue to building relationships and using our French. Bryce has had a chance to play basketball as part of a club here in Albertville.  Last year he just practiced with the guys one night per week, but this year he decided to play with them competitively.  It's been a lot of fun for him, and he has been learning some different vocabulary as well.  When they are giving strategy or ideas, it's quite challenging.  He is thankful for their graciousness to repeat it, or some times explain differently, or slower whatever was said.  They can probably tell from the look on his face that he didn't understand. Natasha has also joined a club that offers various workout/aerobic classes. She has enjoyed the challenge of step aerobics with at least 40 other french women each week. 

We are often asked about our kids.  They are doing well.  Just like us, they have their good days and bad days with school and with the language.  They haven't picked up the language quite as fast as we had imagined or been told.  However, they have really made strides as of late.  Just the other day, Sofia relayed a brief message that our neighbors had asked her in French.  We were impressed that she had mostly understood and responded appropriately, in order to relay a message to us.    

Prayer requests:

Our family

We are making steady progress in learning French, but learning is sometimes slower and more challenging than we would like.  Please pray for our stamina, mental, physical and relational health during this time.  This past month we have had some sick kids and adults.  We praise God for our good health last winter.  We were able to avoid many of the colds that other students and families experienced.        

Our team

There are many needs for medical professionals.  Please pray with us this month for nurses.  There were several nurses that went to Togo for 1-2 years to help open the hospital, who have started to leave.  They played a very important role in the ministry there.  Now there is a need for more nurses, especially until the graduation of the first class of Togolese nurses in Mango in a few years.  If you are a nurse, or know a nurse who might be interested in being a part of what God is doing in Togo, please contact us.

August Nattier News

Nous avons réussi nos examens A2.  We have passed our exams for A2.  This past trimester has been very challenging.  First, the subject matter seemed significantly more difficult.  Then on top of our normal class, we started giving oral presentations in French to our class, reciting stories from Genesis from memory, and gave a 15-20 minute devotional in front of the entire school.   Well in spite of all of this, by God's continued grace in our lives, we have succeeded in passing another level.  That puts us half way to our required competency in French.

We have also been very blessed by the 4 women who have helped during these past two trimesters.  Madisen left just a few days ago.  She had all four kids for the past 3 weeks, since the big kids got out of school the beginning of July.  Before she left we took her to Paris, since this was a life long dream for her.  

While we were there, we had a chance to spend some time with the Malley Family, our classmates/friends who are also bound for Togo after language school.  The kids had a blast playing in the gardens surrounding the former French monarchy's homes/palaces.  

We are currently enjoying a break from language school.  We have found that learning a new language is different for each person, but it has been pretty challenging for us.  It's a full time job that is always there to be worked on.  This seems like it shouldn't be too different from previous training and school that we have been through.  However, there is also this phenomenon known as culture shock.  It's one thing to learn about it, and quite another to deal with it in the midst of other stress.  These changes and stresses can have many effects, and we continue to look to the Lord for the strength to face them each day.  We greatly appreciate your continued prayers for our family!

Another things that has become clear is the need we all have for rest.  God's example of resting on the 7th day was for us.  I'm quite certain that the all powerful God was not tired in spite of all that he had done the prior 6 days of creation. He did not have a need for rest. In fact the Bible tells us in Psalms 121:3-4 "He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.  Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep."  

God also gave Israel the command of a Sabbath day.  What does sabbath or rest look like for us today?  Well this has been a question, that we have been working through.  In medicine we know that people need treatment 7 days a week.  However, in order for us to remain healthy, it's absolutely necessary to find time to rest.  We know this will be challenging once we get to Togo, especially if Bryce is the only surgeon.   We have also found this can be challenging in language school, especially when we have an exam almost every weekend along with homework and projects, 4 wonderful kids who deserve and need our time, and much more.      

We really appreciate those who pray for us and faithfully give to help us continue along this path to serving in Togo. We are encouraged by those of you who message, email or snail mail. 

We know, though the road is full of challenges, that God is growing and shaping us in ways like never before and He is preparing us for what lies ahead. 

Prayer requests:  

Our family: Please pray for wisdom for our family as we look to find rest and recovery from the stresses of the last year, especially the past two trimesters of language school, and balance for the future. 

Our team: Since our last prayer letter, the Lord called another member of our team home, and several others have dealt with significant health issues.  In spite of all these challenges, we understand that God has been working through it all and they have seen fruit!  

May Nattier News

We have reached the first of several milestones during our time here in language school, the end of a level.  At our school, a student without prior French experience starts at the A1 level, followed by A2, B1.1, B1.2 and then B2.  We started in January in A1, and in April we had our first level exams.  As with any exam, we had a good bit of stress preparing for this first experience with French testing.  By God's grace, we have clearly been learning, and we both passed!  At this point, we are into the next level, A2.

The last 2 months have also been eventful with the departure of Courtney, and the arrival of Bryce's mom.  It was very hard to say goodbye to Courtney, as her time here was a great blessing to our family.  Natasha and I were able to spend significantly more time studying as a result of her presence.  Our kids had an absolute blast with "Coco."

Janet has been a huge help with the kids as well.  She had a tough job coming the week before exams, but she jumped right into caring for Ahni despite the inevitable jet lag.  After exams, we were able to take a little break, rest, and travel briefly to an amazing castle in Carcassonne, France.  This gave many chances to practice French!

This month we have also had the arrival of a 3rd helper, Rilie Mangen.  She volunteered to fill a small gap in the middle of May.   She came within a week of graduating college.  

It continues to amaze us, how God has answered our prayers and yours for a childcare helper for our family.  He answered differently than we expected by providing 4 women for our first 7 months here rather than just 1.  They have each been a blessing to us a little differently through their own unique gifts and abilities.  If your doing the math, you may have only counted 3 ladies so far.  Well the 4th is set to arrive this weekend.  Her name is Madisen, and we are looking forward to her arrival! 

Last month we mentioned about how trusting in God and His sovereignty allows us to have peace in challenging times.  This knowledge also leads us to praise Him, when we see the evidence of His working in various ways and situations in our lives.  

When God answers prayer in His own sovereign ways, it's sometimes easy overlook it, chalk it up to chance, or give credit to someone or something else.  This month we have reflected on God's provision of childcare.  We want to praise Him for answering this prayer.  We also want to thank all of you who have been praying for our family.  

Prayer requests:

Our family:  Please pray for us as we continue the daunting task of learning French.  It is a marathon that certainly has it's ups and downs.  Please also pray with us for childcare for our family starting when classes resume this fall.  We have a couple of women who are interested, and we are seeking God's wisdom for us and them.

Our team:  Please continue to pray for the DeKryger family and our team in Togo.  Also, pray with us for the   shortage of nurses and surgeons for the next year.  If you know of any medical professionals that may be interested in helping meet the needs in Togo for any length of time, please have them contact us.  

March (mars) Nattier News

This past month we finished our first 6 week session of class.  It was followed by a two week break that coincides with the public schools two week break.  During that time we were able to spend some time resting and studying.  We have evaluations every weekend, which are a great chance to review and refine what we have been learning.  After studying and completing our evaluations the first half of break we headed east to Italy for a little rest and relaxation.  We had a chance to learn about some historic sites and got a lot of exercise.  We also took a short break from French and learned a few Italian phrases.

This is the Roman Colloseum where many Christians were killed for their faith. 

During our time there we learned that our senior missionary and future surgical partner in Togo, Todd DeKryger, had become ill.  Some of you may have seen our posts on Facebook asking for prayer for him.  His condition did not improve, and it became necessary for him to be evacuated to Germany.  After arriving in Germany, they were unable to determine what was causing Todd's illness.  His ministry and work here on earth ended, as our Father in Heaven called him home.

Todd's death is a great loss.  He was a great husband and father of 4 boys.  He was an amazing leader, teammate and surgeon.  Todd played a huge part in getting the Hospital of Hope in Mango started.  He labored in fundraising for the hospital and even worked for over a year helping with the construction.  Since its opening, March 1, 2015, Todd functioned as the only full time surgeon, the medical director, and managed the schedule for the many short term medical providers.  If you would like to see additional information about Todd's ministry, including an incredible letter of faith written by his wife Jennifer, you can read more here.  His death leaves us with questions, but it has also been a reminder of the hope and stability that we have in God who never changes.

During our time here on earth, most everyone encounters bad or challenging circumstances, events that make us wonder or ask "WHY is this happening". There are several passages in the Bible that give comfort in these situation.  First, I want to share what Jesus teaches just before he died on the cross.  In John 19:10 - 11 "Pilate said. 'Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?'  Jesus answered, 'You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.'"  At this point in Jesus's ministry he knew that he was going to die on the cross for the sins of the world.  He also knew this was God's great plan to save mankind.  In this situation, Pilate had authority on earth to crucify Jesus, but Pilate's authority was given to him by God!  Jesus knew that his life wasn't in the hands of Pilate, but it was in the hands of His Father.

Just as Pilate had authority over Jesus here on earth, other men are given authority over us, satan has authority here on earth, and we might even say disease, natural disasters or other forces can seem to have authority over us.  "None of these are independent.  All their authority is derivative.  All of it is subordinate to God's will.  Fear not.  you are precious to your sovereign Father.  Far more precious than the unforgotten birds" - (quoted from John Pipers daily devotional Solid Joys)

In Luke 12:6-7 Jesus teaches "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies?  Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.  Indeed the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Don't be afraid: your are worth more than many sparrows."

Paul demonstrated and explained his faith in God's sovereign rule well during his life.  It allowed him to write things like he did in Romans 8:25-40.  Paul ends with a couple of very profound statements.  "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall trouble, or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness, or danger, or sword?.......No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

It's with this kind of faith in God that Joseph was able to say these words to his brothers who sold him into slavery, Genesis 50:20  "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."  It's our prayer that through Todd's death, many in Togo and beyond would come to know the heavenly father that he served so faithfully while here on earth.  In challenging circumstances, we don't always get the answer to our question of "Why," but we remain confident that God is love, He is good, and He is working out his plan for humanity even in the midst of trials here on earth.

It is with this comfort, that we continue our preparation for our family to go to Togo.  Todd's death leaves a great void at the Hospital of Hope, and there are many details about the future that seem uncertain.  Jesus tells us in Mathew 6:34, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Prayer Requests:

Our team: Please pray for Jennifer and their 4 sons: William, Grant, Luke and Drew during this time.  Please pray for the staff at the Hospital of Hope.  The medical needs and work continue in spite of the loss of our colleague, friend, and so much more.  Please pray that they would continue to show the Hope found in Jesus through this situation.  Pray for the city of Mango, and country of Togo, that even in Todd's death the gospel will be proclaimed and God will be glorified.

Our family: Please pray for our family as we continue our studies.  We want to learn French quickly, so we can join our team at the Hospital of Hope. Please also pray for Courtney as she makes decisions about her future and whether or not the Lord would have her return to our family in the fall. We have been so blessed by her and her ministry to our family.

February (février) Nattier News

We have arrived in Albertville France.  Actually we have officially been here for 1 month, but the time has flown by quickly.  Our time here has already been filled with a lot of adjustments and many adventures.  Let's start with our first week.  Within the first week, all of us except Ahni started school, while we were still adjusting to this time zone, waking up in the middle of the night with kids, and not sleeping much.  Drew's first day of school, started with ice skating at the Olympic park here with his class, and it ended in the ER after an ambulance ride to the hospital.  Fortunately his fall on the ice only resulted in a small laceration on his chin and 2 stitches.  His newly healed jaw and 2 week old front teeth were OK!  Thank you Lord!

We have now completed 3 1/2 weeks of school including 3 weekly tests.  It's already been challenging, but we are seeing some steady progress.

We have been in awe of the scenery here in Albertville.  It's such a wonderful encouragement when we are tired and stressed after trying to fill our brain with French.  Our fellow language learners have come up with several analogies for the various levels here in language school.  Here is the analogy we found most descriptive of our current level:  We are like babies being spoon fed.  We quickly become full.   However, the food just keeps getting shoveled in, despite our desire for it to stop.

We have already been very encouraged by two families who are also both here in France preparing to work in Togo, the Afolabis and Kendalls.  They have helped us navigate many of the necessary tasks like grocery shopping, getting phone and internet setup, and doctor's appointments since we can't speak much French yet.  We can't tell you what a blessing and stress reliever they have been.  We were also able to celebrate Ahni and Celeste Kendall's 2nd birthday's together, since they were born only a week apart.  What a treat to celebrate these two precious girls together!

This past weekend, we ventured out for a hiking break from studying.  We visited a medievil city very close to Albertville named Conflans.  It was great exercise, and we were able to have some great views of Albertville from above.

Prayer Requests:

Our family:  We want to praise God for providing Courtney to help us during this time in France.   She has been a huge help not only with Ahni, but also with the big kids especially when we need to study.  Please pray for her as she makes many decisions about her future here in Albertville and future training/schooling.

Please pray for our family as we all continue to adjust to life here.  We desire to find a healthy balance between the work of studying/learning French and meeting the needs of our kids/family.  We also desire to begin building relationships with those in our community here in Albertville.  Please pray for our wisdom as we make all of these decisions.

Our Team:  Please continue to pray for the Togolese and American team at the Hospital of Hope.  We continue to get reports that make it clear that God is at work in changing lives.    Please also pray for our teammates who are in the U.S preparing to come to Togo long term, and those that may be considering it.  In order to continue this work, there is an ongoing need for short and long term workers.