Everything is New

I can’t believe that only 1 week ago I was stumbling into my new home in a jetlagged stupor. It feels like it has been months already, and not in an exhausted way, but in such a way that I feel I’m beginning to know my way around. Still, I have hourly reminders that everything is new.

Let’s recap:

First upon, deplaning, I had to get the hang of getting into the correct side of a van which is the left passenger side, since I have yet to get my license in PNG or learn to drive manual.

Next I’ve had to figure out how to get around Ukarumpa Centre using a map and my feet mostly. And speaking of feet…I’m still trying to figure out how to get those clean after a day of dirt roads. I am totally enjoying all the walking, which calls for a leisurely pace.

While walking I’ve come to relearn eye contact.  A ‘morning’ with the ing sung out is appropriate in the morning, if I’m greeting anyone besides a young man, ‘Happy Noon’ after lunch and all with a big smile, but minimal eye contact.  

After 3 days of families graciously hosting me for meals, the next biggest challenge is feeding myself. The store “on-centre” is very well stocked, this week anyways. I’ve been repeatedly reminded that if I want it, get it. Whatever it is may not be there next time.  

On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday we have a fantastic local market, literally meters from my front door. I’ve enjoyed muli (citrus), tree-tomatoes (a kiwi sized, cantaloupe tasting, tomato textured fruit), pineapol, and strawberries. There are loads of fresh veggies too! I’ve gone twice now, once with help and once by myself.

Both the store and the market operate in Kina, fortunately for me the exchange rate is 2 Kina to 1 US dollar, so pricing isn’t too difficult to figure out. It’s also not difficult to figure out that it is somewhat costly to import most items up to these highlands. Fresh produce, it is then! I’ve been surprised what is available, including Martinelli's sparkling cider… at 16Kina a bottle.

Papua New Guinean woman walking to Kainantu

 That’s where the nearby city of Kainutu comes in. I went on a ‘tour’ of sorts led by David Smith, an American living in Ukarumpa, who enjoys spouting lots of extra information about everything. This works out great when you’re brand new and need to learn everything! Most products in Kainutu are a little less expensive as it doesn’t have to travel as far, but still not the economical prices I’m used to. What is amazingly inexpensive and a load of fun to peruse is the second-hand clothing shipped from Australia and New Zealand. I found neck ties for 50 toya (cents) and a skirt for 1 Kina. I ran out of time or I would have looked for hours.    

I could go on and on. Internet access is by the megabyte, and each department has unique every-changing hours, security and the culture of ‘opportunity’ are new to me, a language as well.  A new address: I got a PO Box. If you would like to send a letter, card or international flat-rate box, you can find that in my profile. Besides all that there’s all the usual new learning that goes with a new job and home: Names, routines, and personalities.

How have I learned all this? Loads and loads of patient and helpful missionaries and Papua New Guineans guiding me along. Last Friday I briefly met a ‘meri’ who cleans at the school. On Tuesday when I was starting to head the wrong way, out of town, she was coming in. She, another national worker, and I had a lovely time laughing at my misdirection and chatting all the way to school. A veteran linguist explained to me over dessert how valuable it is to embrace PNG culture or face the consequences of being stressed-out. This is probably the best piece of advice, besides “don’t lock yourself outside of your house,” that I’ve gotten.

And through it all, one person is not new, not at all: Jesus, my love and friend is here leading, guiding and comforting every step of the way.

More next week on my class of 12 amazing kids in Grade 3 and photos too!