NTM

It seems like it has been so long since I have written an update! Well, many things have happened between my last one and now I guess. The craziness of the summer has definitely died down, now it just comes in bursts. I have been learning a lot both in the busyness and in the calm. I am still cooking for our interns out here and doing preparation for future programs, but I have found myself with a little more time to grow in my relationships both with the staff at Interface and with the Bena women up in the village. The Lord is continually using those relationships to teach and guide me as I seek him.

In between our major program times, Interface hosts various programs, training seminars, retreats, etc. Since our summer programs, we have hosted a retreat and a program for another mission in country. The program was quite large, and 6 women came out and helped in the kitchen, which was much needed. We cooked for about 117 people, but it was mostly youth, and ended up comparing to 200 mouths to feed! It was a joy getting to know these ladies, and being able to interact with another mission here on the field of PNG.

The day after it was over, two coworkers and I flew down to the Madang region of Papua New Guinea to cook for another program with NTM. We cooked for about 100 people in a small kitchen with an amazing view! Although I missed some of the amenities of out ITF kitchen (I realize I am spoiled up there), the people and the view made none of that matter. It wonderful to get to know both the support and bush missionaries that were all out. Those are truly my favorite times. I loved hearing the tribal work updates and being able to talk to the missionaries and hear more about what their ministry. God is doing incredible things all over the world, and it is very humbling to be a part of. At each of the three regional conferences I have attended this year, I have felt the Lord speaking very clearly to me about future ministry and being apart of his work in fulfilling the verse quoted above. Although I don’t have any idea what my future looks like, I am contentedly waiting upon the Lord for direction and continually stepping out in faith at his prompting. On a side note, we were on the coast of PNG, and although hot and humid, it is gorgeous and makes me feel like I am home in Santa Barbara (outside of all the bats hanging in the trees…) The change in landscape from region to region is just amazing. It is such an incredible worship experience to travel to other parts of the country. God is truly a majestic creator.

After it was over, I went on break in Madang. A coworker and I decided to stay on for a week to get some rest after the last 8 months of intensive ministry and language and culture study. It was slightly strange to be here in country and feel a bit like a tourist. It has been really helpful to know pidgin and be a little more understanding of the culture. It is amusing, because I have learned to make a bag called a bilum, and enjoy the process a lot. So every time I whipped out my bilum at a restaurant or sitting around somewhere it started a conversation which usually ends with (translated) “oh wow, you must be a highlands woman. You really know a lot about Papua New Guinea. You fit right in…” It is quite entertaining.

There have been other highlights since summer as well. Every year in the Highlands they host a festival which highlights tribal groups from all regions of the country to come and represent their local customs. I added an album of the pictures I took of people from all over Papua New Guinea. It was quite a colorful experience. Hopefully the pictures will give you a small taste of the culture here in PNG.

Another highlight was working in one of my friend’s gardens a couple weeks ago. We spent the day clearing out ground to plant again. Afterwards, we worked on our bilums together and ate some of the proceeds of our hard labor. It is always such a joy to work with people, because that is one of the strongest ways to truly build relationships.