Going to Town

"The rainy season started last Tuesday," said a woman on the bus this morning. Although the rainy season does not usually start for another month or so, most people here agree that it has begun. It's rained all night every night since Tuesday, and rains occasionally during the day as well.

The rain affects daily life. Line-drying clothes can be difficult. All the paths and roads become slick with mud. Church starts later than usual. Going to town becomes a much bigger adventure and challenge.

This morning three of my friends (Joy, Julie, and Sharon) and I went to Madang town. It wasn't raining when we left for the 45 minute walk down the mountain to the main road, but after we'd walked for some time (and got a ride in the back of a pickup part of the way) the rain started again.

We then stood by the road, waiting for a PMV (public motor vehicle) to stop and pick us up. After about half an hour, some Papua New Guineans flagged down an empty PMV (that had been going the opposite direction) and a mad rush to get a seat began. The four of us and two PNG ladies we had befriended all managed to squeeze to the front of the group of people and get seats. A river had flooded part of the road, so our driver waited his turn and then we traveled through the other lane where the water was shallower. When we arrived in town, we each paid our K1.50 and set off to do our shopping. (K stands for Kina, Papua New Guinea's "dollar.")

Through the rain, we went to two supermarkets, a pharmacy, a stationary store, some small department stores, the outdoor market, and a fast food place. I bought a few things for myself and helped a family who has been sick by buying them groceries.

We then found a PMV to get a ride back to the area where we live. We were prepared for the long, steep walk back up the mountain, carrying our heavy bags. However by God's grace, someone gave us a ride and we did not have to walk back up the mountain!

Going to town is always an adventure, especially in the rainy season, and today was no exception!

PRAYER REQUEST

Please keep the following important matter in your prayers...

Last weekend almost all of the children here at POC were sick with a flu-like illness. None of the adults were affected then, but that's changed recently. Over the past week, about half of the adults here have been sick. The sickness is pretty fierce and seems to spread very easily.

I've not been sick yet, but my roommate and my partner both have. Please pray for my continued good health, and pray for God to strengthen and heal those who are affected now. Pray against the spread of this awful illness.

I'll try to keep you updated on the situation as I can. Thanks for your prayers!