Sharing is Caring (Laura)

Since the moment we arrived in Papua New Guinea (PNG), I have been struck by the beauty if this place and its people. I was impressed with each village’s sense of community and how they take care of each other as they have needs. When we arrived here in the Highlands, it was encouraging to realize that the other missionaries here really look after each other, too! As our plane landed on the grass runway, we could see a family waiting for us at the hangar. (Click HERE to see our landing video!) They  helped us settle in by making sure we had a ride from the plane to the center, meals for the first few days, and could find our way around. But others purposefully reached out with food, rides, tips, and words to welcome and encourage us as well. 

Sometimes life can be hard here, and we really start to miss the people, things, and familiarity we’ve had to sacrifice coming to PNG. Being with others who have made similar sacrifices and are more than willing to help out, makes it easier. 

The day we met Buddy and Puddle Duck.

We’ve wanted a pet since we got here (we miss you Oreo and Freckles!) but didn’t want to commit to owning a pet. We can’t have pets in the house we’re renting, but a family was leaving for Australia for six months and needed someone to look after their parrots. Matt grew up owning parrots in Peru and has always talked about how fun that was (see photo below). So, we now have two beautiful Ekkies (Eclectus), Buddy and Puddle Duck! They have been so much fun to hold, feed, play with, and listen to – and they stay outdoors! Win, win!

Matt, with one of his pet parrots in Peru.

 We’re quickly finding that we are blessed as we bless others! A family that is on furlough needed someone to look after their vehicle until they get back in November. We were looking for a car to use (Brianna and Grayson are troopers, but the walk up the big hill to our house from the school sure can feel long)! I’ve had fun learning how to maneuver a 1986 diesel Pajero around on the muddy roads. Win, win again!

"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had." Acts 4:32