I wasn’t sure if I would get this done in time before the wedding, it’s impossible to sum up four months in two pages. Please have a read of my latest newsletter, you can view it or download it here.

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In August was the 50th annual Mt Hagen cultural show, drawing tourists to Mt Hagen from all around the world. The only time of year you really see a large group of tourist’s around Mt Hagen. Becky and I were pretty busy with wedding planning, but decided to go. I had not been since the 2009 show and Becky has made it every year she has been in PNG. Getting tickets is always bit of an event for someone local who works out of town at the airport. I found out the local price from other missionaries who had purchased tickets already and made my way to the tourism office in town after work, which was closed.  Come Saturday morning, Sean, Dave Schreier and myself drove to the office. Meeting the organisers of the show and manage to get our tickets and a car pass. Making our way our to the Mt Hagen showground out at the airport we met up with Becky and the other Kudjip missionaries inside the showground.

1. The boys – Sean, Dave & myself

The best time to see the singsing groups and get photos is during their preparation time, before they all enter the showground. Different groups were scattered around the outside of the ground. There had been a lot of rain in previous days, so the place was quite wet and muddy. Along with other things left on the ground, which I won’t mention for the sake of tourism. Becky and I made our way around seeing the different groups, which were mainly Western Highlands groups, and maybe a few from the coast.

2. Becky and a little friend from Chimbu

During their preparations, besides preparing  their bilaus (traditional dress), some groups practiced their routine. One group which drew a lot of  attention and on lookers during this time was a haus krai group. As they were putting a lot of effort in it (maybe too much), a lot of people found it funny, so was hard not to smile. Following the preparations, the groups started to line up awaiting to enter the showground. This was when they started to fire up in their singing and dancing. Again another good opportunity to see the groups up close. After seeing several groups go inside the showground, the four of us made our way back into town.

3. with some Highlanders

To be honest, I was disappointed with the Show this year, which had a new organising committee. There were none of the famous groups present this year, including the Goroka Mud men, Huli Wigmen, skeleton men and very little coastal groups. The groups were mainly made up of Highlands groups and not a lot of variety as previous years. I am grateful I was able to experience the show back in 2009. As this event draws people from all over the world, hopefully it will improve more for next year and really display the cultural diversity of PNG.

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Woposali Medivac

Photos taken during a medical evacuation at Woposali, near the Southern Higlands/Chimbu border

27 Photos

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Becky’s October Newsletter is out. You can click here to view or download it. Praise the Lord for the ministry of Kudjip Hospital and for Becky being part of the team there. Please continue to pray for Becky’s ministry, Kudjip Hospital and for us.

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In August Orphanlist’s Dave Schreier returned to PNG to visit and continue assisting BFO. During his time here he recorded a video tour of the Orphanage, which is now completed. Something that I have wanted to post for a long time now and filmed with Aunty Rosa last December, but yet to put it together. I hope by you watching this video, you will realise the great need the Orphanage has in purchasing a property and getting these kids out of the settlement and out of town. Remember to check out Orphanlist.org to individually sponsor a child at BFO or meet a specific need of the Orphanage. Thanks Dave, was great seeing you again and I love your work!

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