Mineral Spirits?.... Here, try this.

Graduation (in most places): a solemn ceremony to mark the completion of a course of study.

Graduation (in PNG): a solemn ceremony in which a minor chemical substitution by a local retailer nearly causes the loss of an entire gymnasium.

In some places, when one goes to the store and asks for mineral spirits for tiki-torches, mineral spirits are promptly produced. In PNG, careful attention must be paid to the exact words of the seller. In the case of our school's graduation 'like mineral spirits' meant 'white gas' which isn't really 'like' mineral spirits at all other than it burns.

It should be noted: tiki-torches that are filled with white gas tend to completely burst into flames and then get thrown to the ground whereupon they misbehave even further (see end note). I must say that it was one of the more exciting graduations that I have ever seen (and the only one in which a fire extinguisher has been necessary). Praise God no one even had minor injuries.

This week we will be cleaning the house, packing our things and saying goodbyes. Nate may also be heading down to Lae to purchase some framing lumber for our house.

You can be praying about:

* health: the stomach flu has ravaged us this weekend.

* organization and wisdom as we pack and sort.

* contentment for the kids - 'Mom, I really really like that ________ . Can't we take it to the tribe?'

* contentment for us as well

* safety as Nate travels. Last time he took a trip on public transport, the driver showed a certain fondness for strong drink...

* strength for Elizabeth as she manages things while Nate is gone.

Thanks for your prayers! Go team!

Nate for the fam.

end note: only *some* of the tiki-torches had white gas... the first few were fine...