We Survived POC!

Going into our POC (Pacific Orientation Course) experience, we did not know quite what to expect.  We had heard that it was a challenging time for most students.  Many people said they would not want to do it again and so we had a certain amount of apprehension going in.  We had decided to go into the experience with an open mind and take every experience as an opportunity to learn and grow.

We arrived back in Ukarumpa on 19 November and have settled into a new home here.  As we look back on our time at POC, we would not trade it for anything.  It was definitely a challenging time but the rewards were well worth it.  The course included learning the local trade language Tok Pisin, studying the history and geography of Papua New Guinea, studying the Melanesian culture and learning more about SIL and how they work in PNG.

The course also included a time of cultural immersion where we were sent to a remote village to live for 5 weeks.  This time was definitely the most challenging part of the course.  While living in our village of Bongu, we did not have electricity, plumbing, easy water sources or an easy way to cook our food.  We had to leave our electronic devices at home, haul our water from a "nearby" stream, wash in that same stream and cook all of our food over an open fire.  Although this time was the most challenging, it was also the most rewarding,  We have many close friends now in Bongu and we hope to return periodically as time and schedules allow.

Here are a few pictures of our stay in Bongu.

Clara enjoying Sunday school in the village of Bongu

Clara and her friend Cassandra.  "Jesus loves the little children of the world."

Out on a hike visiting a neighboring village's market with one of our friends

A typical market of Papua New Guinea.  The items for sale are dominated by vegetables from gardens and buai (a commonly chewed nut)

Our watch family that was assigned to look after us while we stayed in Bongu.  They were very gracious hosts and we had many good discussions with them.  They were clearly follower's of Christ.

Our family posing from the veranda of our house.  It wasn't a huge house but served us well.

It rained most days in Bongu because it is rainy season now.  Macy enjoyed these times playing in the mud.

In honor of us and as a farewell ceremony, the village of Bongu held a traditional dance for us.  We were invited and strongly encouraged to participate.  (Note Jon in the top left corner)

Candace also participated in the traditional dance that lasted for a couple hours.  Traditionally the women join in after it has begun and walk slowly around the group of men.  It was quite an experience to say the least!

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

Philippians 4:13