Rain

The internet has been down for a day or so, hence why there have been no new posts.

I always imagined that PNG would have rain every day. There are only 2 seasons in PNG: wet and dry (and I have heard it said, truly it is more like wet and wetter). As best I can tell, the locals have no specific time for when the seasons start. Rainy season starts approximately in November and ends sometime in Jan/Feb. Upon my arrival in PNG, we were in the midst of a drought, which does not necessarily mean no rain, just little rain. Most people rely on their gardens for food, and their gardens were drying up. People were walking long distances to get water. For the missionaries, our water comes from collecting tanks from the water that hits out roof. There was concerns that our tanks would run out of water.

Well, it appears in the last 2-3 days, that in fact, the drought has ended, and rainy season has begun. We have had some heavy rains, which of course, make the best noise on our tin roofs. I am so glad for the rain! Sunday I went tubing again at the river, and there was considerable difference in the water height (and my backside was grateful for the higher water table).

On the down side of the rain would be that we lose electricity pretty easily. One day it kind of flickered on and off all day. The big concern is power surges, as they can damage any kind of electrical equipment, so there is a bit of a dash to unplug everything when the power goes out. In fact, tonight the power went out just as we were sitting down for dinner. The picture is our dinner in the dark, unfortunately it looks bright because of the flash. But besides the candles, it was pitch black in our kitchen.

On the upside, power outages have led to more creative types of fun. Of course, "the Martha Stewart of PNG," Leslie, was ready to break out the creativity. She has had Reni and I hard at work at craft projects.

From a medical standpoint, I have learned the value of a headlamp! Bring your headlamp wherever you go! Clinic in the afternoon, without lights--headlamp. Call in the middle of the night--headlamp! Invaluable.