Group following Mike in the cave

The gang hiking up the mountain to the cave

One last rest before the cave

Looking at the moutain where we will enter the cave

We are almost there.  We  rested and visited with nationals along the way.  It was a very enjoyable hike.  Everyone made sure that Diane did not slip or fall going up the mountain and coming down the mountain.   We heard many different stories along the way about the area and who all the village families were that lived in all the different kuni huts.  It was a very interesting history lesson about the Chimbu area.  I am happy that we went on the hike, and we enjoyed the out of doors in Papua New Guinea.  The cave reminded me of the caves visited in Southeast Alaska. What a wonderful Christmas spending it with our special National friends and family.  I am thankful for the opportunity and experience.

Mike and Diane with friends at the cave entrance

Mariam eating Kau Kau (potato) in cook house

We had been asking Ruben for the last year and a half when are we going to your place.  He would say not during rainy season and not until the road was fixed.  Well we finally went with him to the village – it rained and the road was not fixed.  We went with the following families: Ruben and Marion, Pastor Isaac and Rebeka, and John.  The three men are brothers.  All the kids came along.  We participated in all the activities of Christmas and family chores – lotu (church services), volleyball, washing in the water fall, wood hauling and chopping, cooking, cleaning.

Nina and Mana Gigmai

Mode of Transportation to Muasugko Village - 2 Hours

We had an experience of a lifetime going to the village and spending Christmas  with the Gigmai Family.  They were  kind and excepting of us.  Everyone was excited to have missionaries come.  We were invited back.

The  yellow land cruiser was our mode of transportation to the village.  We left Kindiawa and traveled on a bush road for two hours of low four wheeling the entire time.  The road followed the side of the mountain.  The driver was very experienced and did a fantastic job of driving.  I was not worried or fearful at any time.  You could look down the side of the road and see a 1000 foot drop to the river.  So it was important for the driver to know what he was going.

Cleaning the Martama - makes your skin very red!!!

Rebekah, Ruben, and Isaac Eating Martama - a special treat!

Mike did not try the martama  because of not wanting his mouth and fingers all red.  I did try it.   The martama  had an interesting taste that would take time to develop a taste for it.

Kids eating supper

Kids getting the Chicken ready for meal

All the meals are scaled or dished  out to each individual.  The kids eat last when  the adults are finished.  If you have more than you can eat you give it back to the cook and it is scaled with more food to the next person.

Off to the local water kalap for washing/bathing

Diane and Grace at the water kalap.

Mariam, John, Rebecca and Ruben

Mike and Grace enjoying the water

The daily hike to the water kalap was about 20 minutes down a steep trail.  Everyone had fun and always enjoyed the refreshing water.  The kids would go to the water kalap on their own.

The waterfall sure gives you a nice back message and cools you of for the day.  No hot water when you go to the falls.

Rev. Isaac and Mike working on the firewood

Mike splitting firewood

Every meal that is prepared uses firewood carried from somewhere from the mountain.  We helped carry firewood from Marion’s home place to Ruben’s home place.

Diane is sitting with the ladies after Christmas Morning Lotu (church).  We are telling stories and watching the volleyball game.  This was a wonderful time getting to know the people and building relationships.  The people are so kind and helpful.

Mike preached:   Thursday night – Mary, Friday morning – Joseph, Friday evening – Jesus, and Sunday morning on the Holy Spirit.  Several people came to the altar and were saved.

Rev. Isaac preached Wednesday night on only one road to travel to make it to heaven.  Rev. Isaac is the Nazarene Coordinator for the children  ministry in PNG.  His mode of transportation is a motorcycle.  His wife,  Rebekah, teaches classes at the Bible College.  They have four children – Chris, Kathy, Ellen, and Ruben. We enjoyed getting to know them and be with them for the Christmas holidays.

Gardens with the house in the middle

Blue/Red Flowers

Gardens are straight up the mountain side.  The ground is not the best.  The mountains consist  of limestone with clay on top. Women walk one and half to two hours to work in their gardens.  It is very hard work and heavy bulims are carried down the mountain side.

Mountain Scenery across the valley

Beautiful Flowers on the mountainside

Yellow Butterfly

Mountainside Valley Scenery

Beautiful flowers were found on the mountain side and along all the trails.  Lots of trees and plants can be seen everywhere on the ride out to the village and looking across the valley.  Butterflies of all different kinds of color were seen.