Dear Family and friends, July 2012
Come and join me once again as I share more adventures in our family. What has it been like in the past few weeks? Did I say weeks? Wow! How time flies when we are having fun. Even though there is a lot of work involved when living and working in a remote area, we still find time to have fun.
We were sitting in church one afternoon attending the AY (Adventist Youth) program. Our eyes were focused on the speaker up front when I saw John swatting at his back. Knowing John very well, this was definitely strange behavior especially in church. All of a sudden out of the corner of my eye I saw an object flying through the air landing across the church at Boo Boo’s feet. She looks down in amazement to see a big lizard lying at her feet stunned from the blow. In the mean time the girls sitting next to John began to giggle. Sternly he looks in their direction and motions for them to pay attention, especially since the speaker was quoting the text about training up a child. Yes, we do have the most unusual visitors in our church whether they are bugs, birds or lizards passing through. Walking up the hill later we realized the lizard had slipped from the rafters of the church and fell on John’s head. The Lord spared me from the falling lizard because I know sitting quietly would have been hard. I don’t believe there is a text about training up a wife though.
The days that followed were busy ones as we prepared to leave for Wewak to pick up more supplies. We all were looking forward to this day more than anyone could imagine. Getting to town and eating more than just rice. Even though Tokengo and Boo Boo ate with us we shared what we had with each other. We were very thankful when a few church members shared vegetables from their gardens. The day was approaching when we would depart but then plans had changed. The saying, “hurry up and wait” is so real here. I decided to go about my regular schedule until the day before leaving and then I would pack. It was time for elections and voting was in progress which meant each village had a specific time to vote. While we waited for the voting in May River, we enjoyed watching the helicopters come and go carrying those in charge of the whole process. But then the Lord had it all worked out for our safety because fighting had broken out between candidates and a person was killed on the road we would be traveling on. Finally the day came when we could leave.
During the early hours of the morning we followed our torches down the hill to the river where we would be riding a motor canoe to Wewak. The clouds were opening to beautiful colors that spread across the horizon. The girls were relieved to know that the bird cage fit perfectly in the canoe with us. As a good grandmother can be, ha! Ha! I dug a bunch of worms for them to eat on the way to go with the ripe bananas I had. Ruth and Boaz as their called were singing out there concerns for the ride to town. Even though it was a very long trip I let them out a few times to stretch their legs and sleep on our laps, they did quite well.
Listening to the sound of the motor we had rented along with the boat, I could tell it wasn’t working properly. Sure enough, the motor quit working and the clinic boat pulled us the rest of the way. The girls had fun moving from one boat to the other where they could sit with Boo Boo. A little while later as we moved toward the river bank a big fish (bowl-cutter) decided to join us for the rest of the trip. Ok, so I screamed when it jumped inside the boat. On the other hand, Boo Boo was clapping her hands with glee that she would be eating a fish for supper. She is a really neat lady and a wonderful adopted grandma for the girls. She has taught us a lot about PNG culture.
When we arrived in Ambunti for the night our stomachs were growling but we didn’t have any food and the market was already closed. I really need to stop my worrying about things because God always comes through with a plan. There were four people staying at the clinic in Ambunti who were traveling to different villages working for the health of children. They sent word that we could eat supper with them. Boo Boo did cook her fish, but we had rice cooked in Coconut cream, sweet potatoes and greens. What a blessing from God to have food that tasted so good. He is worthy to be praised.
Finally we made it to Wewak after catching a PMV(truck) which seemed to hit all the pot holes on the road. What a wonderful sight to see the Sepik Mission and the transit where we would stay. Instead of a break though, I ended up cooking for 11 men the first week and then 7 or 8 the second week. I tell you, these guys can eat and eat and eat. What a treat to visit the market though for fresh fruits and vegetables. After a week in town I noticed Abby wasn’t eating that well and she complained about having a headache. During the night she woke up with hot skin and a high temperature. We figured it was malaria and gave her medicine but she threw it up.
The next morning her temp was climbing to 102 and the mission took us to the clinic. A quick malaria test was given which was negative, so they treated her for an upper respiratory infection and gave her a shot of Penicillin. During the day I was sponging her head and giving her cool showers and baths, but still her temp went up to 104.7. We were really concerned. The mission truck ended up taking us to the hospital and they rechecked her for malaria and it was positive. With tears and apprehension Abby received two more shots and suppositories for bringing the temp down. Her appetite had basically left her and she was tired and weak. But after another shot the next day and tablets to finish the course of recovery, Abby has bounced back and is eating normally and playing again. Praise the Lord!
To Alissa’s relief Abby is able to help with taking care of the birds again. While they watch Ruth and Boaz run around, people have fun asking questions and petting them. I cut up ripe bananas, papaya’s and even some rice for them to eat. They have found there favorite weed to eat along with some worms the kids dug up out of the flower beds too. They are growing so fast and still are very cute to watch.
As we walk through town purchasing supplies we always bump into people who have questions and want to know what we are doing here. They really like the girl’s clothes, and the way the girls carry the bilum on their head and speaking pigeon, this to them makes a real PNG girl.
Well, another day has passed and we all had the opportunity to reach out to others for Jesus. We have had the chance to receive the blessing of sharing, caring and listening. How did your day go? May God continue to bless you all as you work in the mission field where you live.
Pam
No comments:
Post a Comment