Back to Work

Glancing back over the last several blogs, I have noted that we have been sharing some of the “extra” fun and different things we have been up to. Perhaps this is a natural result of the daily work settling into such a routine that it doesn’t stand out so much. But lest you get the idea that we are simply on holiday over here, let me share some of the “work” that I’ve been up to these last couple of weeks.

The Western Highlands Mission has many building projects going on right now. So how to get the needed supplies to the work site? A quick run to Home Depot maybe? Nope, that’s some other land far, far away. Over here the only way is to fly it all in to the nearest airstrip. I’ve been hauling all kinds of stuff – sheets of roofing iron, plywood, hardwood boards, plastic pipe, water tanks, bags of cement, nails…you name it, I’ve been hauling it. A couple thousands pounds at a time.

You will notice that there is a large back door on the belly pod which facilitates carrying long items.

Sometimes coming in for a landing is more of a “splash down” than a touch down, with everything being so wet with the constant rains. We generally wash the plane at the end of every day, and often there is mud top and bottom of both wings, all over the aft fuselage and clear up the tail.

Most of the flying is just plain hard work. Lots of sweat getting things loaded and unloaded, and the flying enroute can make one sweat as well.

So it’s extra nice when there is something “special” that happens to remind me of why I’m doing this. I had two such cases this last week. The first was a flight back to Wuvulu island.

Remember the comatose villagers I flew out? I now had the satisfaction of taking the recovered patients back home.You should have seen the greetings and hugs they were met with as they climbed off the plane.

The second happened on a recent flight down to the North East side of the island and up into the mountains not far from Popendetta to the little village of Tedebeti. Often there are lots of people crowding around the airstrip to “gawk”, but as I landed I noticed that these folk were in a very festive spirit. They had decorated the entire airstrip with small bunches of flowers and branches stuck in the ground along both sides, and all around the parking area. As I shut down they came marching out all around waving flags and tree branches.

Why all the excitement? Well, these villagers know and understand what it means to have aviation service. Three years ago when funds were being raised all over the world to purchase a new aircraft for AAS, these villagers did everything they could, giving 10 kina here, 20 kina there, selling some produce and donating the proceeds, etc. From a strictly financial standpoint, their contributions may have seemed like a drop in the bucket compared to the 1.2 million needed, but they willingly gave all they could. Now after several years they were actually getting to see the new aircraft for the first time! They were so excited! After all the marching and speeches came to an end, they draped fancy leis around our necks.

Then they climbed aboard the airplane and decorated all the seats with flowers. It was indeed one of those “special” moments.

Life comes to each of us just one day at a time. Make today count!

Asaro Mudmen

Last Sabbath we visited a little church that Roger had been asked to preach at. This is the original church building.

Now they have this beautiful little church to worship in.

They love getting visitors. The children surrounded us.

In the afternoon we visited the village where the Asaro mudmen come from. As the story goes, back in the days of tribal warfare and cannibalism the Asaro’s were a weaker tribe, always being preyed upon by their enemies. In desperation they came up with a brilliant tactic. They made hideous masks out of white clay and covered their bodies in white clay as well.

The next time the enemy attacked the Asaro men came sneaking out in their new disguises and to their great delight the enemy fled in terror, believing them to be ghosts! Today the masks are used mainly for traditional dances.

(Betsy wearing a mudmask.)

ADRA has recently helped the Asaro tribe start up a tourist business as a way to help the villagers generate some income. They have built several little guest huts where for approximately $10.00 a night you can stay in a hut, eat a traditional meal cooked by the village women, and experience a mudman dance performed by the men. Anybody want to come for a visit?

The tourist compound resides at the top of a very steep road going straight up the side of a mountain.

The cars can only go so far, then you have to hike the remainder of the way.

It is a gorgeous hike and definitely worth the effort. Along the hike you come upon a fairly large cave where we were told the women and children would hide when the enemy tribes attacked. Here you see Betsy crawling out of the cave entrance.

When you reach the very top you have an incredible 360-degree view.

Apparently during WWll American soldiers use to hide out up here because they had a clear view of every mountain pass and could observe and report on any enemy action taking place.

The little tourist huts are built with the traditional thatch roofs, matting for walls, and dirt floors.

Inside the huts there are three sleeping platforms. Two along the sides and one going across the back. There is not much room for walking around.

Outhouses are provided...

....as are shower stalls. These are communal – to be shared by all. There are no doors or shower curtains. You simply take a bucket of cold water and enjoy your bath looking out the door at the marvelous view. (And hoping nobody comes walking by.)

I LOVED it. I can’t wait to go back and actually spend the night next time. If you are truly seeking an adventure I highly recommend the Asaro Mudman Village.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW TO VISIT THIS ASARO VILLAGE CHECK OUT MY BLOG SPOT DATED FEBRUARY 17, 2011

Madang

We spent a wonderful 4th of July weekend at the beach with our AAS team and some friends. (Of course as Australian’s they don’t celebrate the 4th but we had fun nonetheless.) We flew to the coastal town of Madang on Friday. The young people all left in the morning in the Cessna 206 and we oldies came in the afternoon in the PAC 750 when all the work was done. (-:

(Lt to Rt : Lawrence, Nicole, Linden, Bri)

(Lt to Rt: Andrew, Linden, Betsy, Bonnie, Bill, Bri, Roger, Carol, Trevor)

We stayed in this cabin on the beach.

Right outside our cabin were these large trees. Can you guess what these objects are in the treetops?

That’s right. Bats! These flying foxes are some of the world’s largest bats and boy are they noisy. There is no sleeping in under a tree full of these creatures. At dawn they all coming flying “home” to roost and they screech madly at each other as they try to find the perfect resting place.

I enjoyed early morning walks on the beach and watching the villagers pass by in their canoes.

Sabbath morning we had a singing and sharing time together.

In the afternoon we took a boat ride out to a tiny little Island were we enjoyed some snorkeling and just soaking in the incredibly warm water.

That evening we enjoyed some games of Frisbee and Dutch Blitz.

Our friends, Lawrence and Nicole, keep a boat in Madang.

Sunday morning Bill couldn’t wait to try his hand at waterskiing again. It has been like 20 years since he last had the opportunity to ski and he was pleased to discover that he had not lost his skills. He even managed to get up on the wakeboard.

While the girls weren’t brave enough to try their hand at waterskiing, they did have fun on the donuts.

As for Carol and I, we were content to stay dry and just observe all the fun.

Bill observed the local children jumping out of this tree into the water and decided he just had to try it for himself.

Betsy learning to dive.

Bill and Roger getting a well deserved rest.

Sunday afternoon we flew back to Goroka. This time the two planes took off together and it was great fun flying next to each other for a few minutes before the PAC left the slower 206 behind.

Hope your 4th of July was as fun as mine.