Date: 6/19/04
Location: Pacific Orientation Course, Madang, Papua New Guinea
This morning, we left the village to come back to POC. Before we left, everyone in our group received a bilum (some got two) from the people. We "storied" some while waiting for the men to come pick us up. I was most sad to say goodbye to Christina. She has a very friendly smile that I'll miss 
. I wish I had brought more film with me so I could take her picture. We were all very happy, however, to come back to POC, use a toilet (even one you have to get a bucket of water in order to flush!), get a hot shower, and enjoy some more variety in our food. It was also nice to wash my hands with soap and water and sit down at a table to eat, instead of on a bench or the floor. I am thankful to God for keeping me healthy over village living - in fact, all of us stayed fairly healthy. I was blessed by those people, how they loved us and watched over us and for their hospitality - when they only just met us! I enjoyed sharing a house with eight other women... while I like having privacy in my single here at POC, it is a bit lonely.
I am enjoying Jim and Ginny Tomlinson very much. They know how to be kind, be servant-leaders, and lead by example and actions. I liked having Ginny close by in the village to talk to - even about small or inconsequential things, like washing dishes or dressing sores. I have found that I respect many of the older men here at POC and even some older nationals in the villages because of their desire to serve Christ and lead by serving others.
Last night, as I lay in bed, I felt so at peace, knowing that I was exactly where God wanted me. I began contemplating studying ethnomusicology as I lay there last night. In his heart, man plans his path, but the LORD directs his steps... (Proverbs 16:9, paraphrase)
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