Hi guys, its good to finally get this blog started. Thanks to Andy getting it up and running.
I have been at POC in Madang for almost three weeks now. We are based about 30 mins out of Madang on top of a mountain (1200 ft above sea level) within the Nobnob community. We are isolated where we are and surrounded by small villages all over the mountain and by a beautiful view of the coastline. It is nearing the end of the wet season, it is hot here with 85%-100% humidity and we are about 8 degrees from the equator.
The course is run by SIL (Wycliffe) and is designed to help you adapt to your new lifestyle in PNG. This is done by emphasing on language learning and the Melassian culture. I have been quite busy while being here and have some sort of rountine. We normally have lectures in the morning and practical activities in the afternoon/evening. These include language learning, developing relationships with nationals, anthropology, fellowship groups, rostered responsibilities, hiking, swimming, practical orientation & skills, building, shopping and visiting local churches.
I have been settled here from about the first week, which has been good. It has been difficult at times, I was sick last week and this week I have been quite drained. But have been feeling a lot better since yesterday which is an answer to prayer.
I am starting to develop some good relationships here, but is still hard not having here what I have back home. There are three families and two singles with SIL, one family with CRMF and myself with MAF. So all up including children, 25 people on the course, ranging from Teachers, Translators and Enginners from America, Australia and the Solomon Islands.
God has really been enabling me to work through the transition process. There are many stories to tell and hope that I will be able to share some of them and what God is doing through this blog. You will have to excuse me for the next month, as internet here is very slow, limited and expensive. But I will try to post stuff as much as I can. Hope to catch you soon.
June 4th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
matt, whats up? Its great being able to hear whats happening with ya bro! praise God!
June 4th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Awesome to hear from you man, may God be with you as you do his work
June 7th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Heya Matt!, God Bless your work in PNG brother, good to hear from you.