I want you to notice in this photo that the airstrip (on the right) is not actually in the village (to the left). This is very common here in the Highlands. The villages are often built on a mountain ridge and the airstrip has to be built wherever the closest semi flat area is available.
It is approximately a 45-minute hike from the airstrip up to the village of Mengino.
At last…destination reached! 
Over the past several weeks the building supplies and equipment were flown into the village in readiness for the building team’s arrival. Now it all had to be carried from the airstrip up to the village.
The team didn’t waste any time getting started and before nightfall of their first day (after flying in from Goroka and hiking up to the village) they had the foundation put in.
From that point on it was steady progress.
Everybody had their area of expertise and pitched in to help...
…well, almost everybody!
The children enjoyed playing “blocks” with the left over pieces of lumber.
These huts were provided for accommodation.
There was a bit of rat activity going on during the nights. The cat came to the rescue.
After that feast he thinks he deserves a rest – even though the trap caught the rat for him!
The cooking was done over an open fire inside this cook shack.
The women did an amazing job keeping the crew fed.
The men thought they would try their hand at it too.
Cold shower anyone?!
The “Washing Machine” busy at work.
Technology has a way of following us even to the most remote parts of the earth.
The village women enjoyed braiding straight hair.
The team held meetings every night. They hung a sheet on the side of the clinic to make a large screen.
Nimson is the village healthcare worker.
Before the clinic could even be finished the first patient arrived. This unfortunate fellow is the husband of two fighting wives. He tried to intervene and the result was a machete slash to the shoulder. 
Nimson set up shop on a bench outside the unfinished clinic and proceeded to stitch up the wound.
In less then 2 weeks time the new clinic is finished! Wow, I think that is impressive.
They say, “Many hands make light work” and it is so true.
Large crowds gathered for the official opening of the clinic - not only from Mengino, but also from the neighboring village on the other side of the mountain.
Large crowds gathered for the official opening of the clinic - not only from Mengino, but also from the neighboring village on the other side of the mountain.
Good work team!
The happy but tired group on their way back to Goroka and hot showers!
