Susie Homemaker

As many of you know, I am not exactly fond of cooking or most any kitchen related skill. The first full day I arrived in PNG, I was brought to Mount Hagan to do my grocery shopping for the month--yes, month! I would imagine that would be a challenge for some experienced homemakers, but for someone who does not consider herself good at this, this was a tall challenge. In the US, I would likely struggle with this task, but add to it a developing country, and yes it felt daunting to me. However, after few prayers, I thoroughly scoured of our kitchen, and found a trove of cookbooks, I was able to make myself a list. Of course, the fantastic help of Judy and Becky, who have 8 years experience cooking in PNG, was also a big help.

Well, that was really only the beginning of the challenge. At least in the US, I can buy box items or stove top cookers. Here, not so much. Cooking from scratch is the norm. I've had lots of help, being that my next door neighbor (Elaine, her husband is a surgeon) the first two weeks, I think fed me 3-4 times. Last week, I lived with Leslie and Kevin (he is a surgeon, replacing Elaine's husband, as they had been here the past 3 months), and Leslie might as well be crowned the PNG Martha Stewart.

I have ventured out on my own too, and surprisingly I have come up with some pretty tasty treats. I have made hand squeezed lemonade, and, in fact, even upgraded to strawberry lemonade. I did make my own bread (ok, yes I did have a bread maker, but it's the first time I've ever used one). I used up old bananas in yummy banana bread. I made a tuna casserole, in fact even hosted some girls to dinner. Tonight I made a very tasty curry chicken with broccoli and cauliflower over rice (yes, Margaux I managed to cook rice by myself).

I have found myself cutting up pawpaw (papaya) and pineapples. I did have some sugarfruit, which was described to me accurately as resembling snot, but tasting yummy. For breakfast, I have homemade yogurt (Judy had the entire setup needed, so I can't say I made the yogurt) and muesli. As soon as Reni returns from a conference, I have promised her homemade pancakes.

Of course, we don't have a dishwasher, so then I get to wash the dishes too. And there is no dryer for my clothes, so I also hang everything out to dry. Elaine also got me started on enjoying fresh arrangements of flowers on my table. Surprisingly, I am finding alot of joy in doing it all.

(despite the fact the photo is facing the correct way on my computer, blogspot is not cooperating)