On the outside, looking in

Morning mists swirl and dance over Musupum village.

On the Outside

The last few weeks have brought so many changes in plans and schedules for us that we would have a hard time putting it all in writing. Suffice it to say that we are now out of the bush for a couple of weeks, buying supplies, saying goodbye to the Lockwoods, and taking care of all of the details of life that have happened over the last five months. A few of the things that we have been enjoying are:

·         Bicycles – the kids really have missed being able to ride around – they ask every morning to go for a ride first thing.

·         Ice cream – yeah, we know, we’re suckers for the sweet treats (even if the best flavor in town is called ‘Hokey Pokey’)

·         Phone calls – talking with family is a real treat

·         News – yup, we have no idea of what has been happening  around the world lately

·         Fellowship – Elizabeth has been able to hang out with the ladies and is really enjoying that time.

·         Water – The shower water doesn’t suddenly stop here.

·         Blending in (if only a little) – we are not the only whities for 50 miles here.

Looking In

At the same time as we are enjoying some of the luxuries of life here, near town, we are very mindful of our dear friends in Pal. When we left, they were clearly afraid of never seeing us again. We sought to assure them that our break would be short and that we would not forget them. Yet they still were in a state bordering on panic to make sure that we are ‘wan bel’ (at peace) with them. We are praying that this short break time and our return will only serve to strengthen their confidence in our commitment to them.

Adjustments

Life on the center here feels a little foreign right now. I know this may seem silly, but when I looked down from the helicopter and saw the 12 houses, I thought to myself ‘Wow, civilization! It looks sooo different.’ As much as we are enjoying special things here, it still is taking a little time to re-adjust.

Thanks very much for your care for us,

Nate for the Claasens.

Posted via email from PNG Time