Change

I haven't written in a little while because frankly, I was just going through a rough time. I felt guilty about it, because everyone is being so encouraging and supporting me here, but the reality is that sometimes it's HARD! I could list all of the things that I was struggling with, but it's not that important in the big scheme. Thankfully, my sister Robin & our friend Clifton helped me get of my funk by having me think about things that make me happy. They asked me to make a list of things I love here, rather than the things that I don't like, or the things I miss back home (or the people!) I thought you might like to see that list. It's not entirely complete, but here is what I have so far...

Things I love about PNG

1. The night sky (probably my favorite thing here)
2. The wispy fog on the mountains in the morning
3. fresh papaya, bananas & pineapple
4. the bougainvillea, pansies, & banana trees (the landscape in general!)
   
5. the way little girls run up and hold my hand or give me flowers
6. the way the nationals all wave & smile at me when we drive by or walk by. I'm like a celebrity!
7. time is so fluid. I rarely know what day it is, and am shocked to realize it's September.
8. relationships are the most important thing in this culture – which is perfect for me!
9. the kids chasing muna & giggling at twilight
10. finding creative ways to have fun during my free time (pie nights, pranks, eating bugs... whatever it takes to be silly and just have FUN)
11. volleyball on Saturdays
12. national ladies scooting close to me while we are sitting on the ground working our bilums. They are very touchy-feely, and it’s nice.
13. wearing skirts can be quite comfortable, especially since I wear them t-shirts and flip flops.
    
14. not really worrying about my hair or makeup or what I'll wear that day.
    
15. The simple life style all around!
16. The cool mornings & evenings, and the hot afternoons
17. watching the sunset over the mountains from my porch swing
18. hammock naps on the weekends
19. how generous the staff here is with each other. It’s really true – that sometimes the people who have the least are the most giving
20. the earthquakes - since they haven't cause any damage, they're just kind of amusing.
21. the silence. Usually the only thing you hear out here is the generator, birds, and people talking or laughing. No airplanes (occasionally we hear one, but it’s rare), sirens, traffic, church bells…etc.
22. the wind. There’s usually a really nice breeze. Seriously, the weather is PERFECT here.
23. the coffee!!!! And I get to enjoy this daily.
24. owning a machete. It’s practical, and just cool
25. eating kaukau fresh out of a mumu
26. being in an environment where everyone is passionate about serving God with their lives.
27. buying fresh fruit & veggies at the village market
28. seeing a baby in a bilum
29. have I mentioned being with the Nationals??? Their smiles and their warmth make everything better.
    
30. the smells – which may sound funny since the aroma around here is quite pungent. It smells like sweat, pigs, brush fires, smoke and even more unpleasant things. But PNG (the villages) has it’s own unique smell, and when I’m away from it too long, I actually miss it.
31. knowing that I am exactly where God wants me... serving Him, and serving others .