When we arrived in Madang, we were greeted by a couple running the orientation course (which begins officially on our Wednesday, January 27th). They are from Australia and had fun laughing at me when I looked the wrong way before crossing the street. They took us to a store in town so that we could buy diapers for Ben and some food for breakfast and lunches for the next few days. We spent about K120 (Kina), which is about $45 US dollars. Then, they drove us to Jais Aben, a resort in Madang. The prices on the rooms are very reasonable. This place is breath-taking. There are lush gardens surrounding every bungalow style room. Every room has a view of the South Pacific. There are two restaurants on the water, where you can eat and then go right to the beach. Coconuts fall every now and then....boats pass by....I wish you could see it (pictures to come later).
So, you may be wondering: They are at a resort?? I thought they said the first 3 1/2months would be hard. How do they even have internet?
Answer: Many people that we met during state-side training suggested that we arrive early if at all possible. They were right! The jet lag hit us all.....we have all slept over 12 hours each night. Also, Ben's eating schedule was really messed up. Since, he has managed to eat more.
So, we are taking a mini “holiday”, as the Aussie's and Canadians we have met put it. We are in a state of transition now that will continue for the next 6 months. We are very fortunate that we were able to arrive a few days early so that we could get used to PNG with air conditioning, prepared food and comfortable beds. Starting tomorrow, our lives are going to change. We will be living in a dorm style house. We will have meals with all the other training participants. We will not have air conditioning and we will be sleeping on full beds with mosquito nets.
Please do not feel sorry for us! This is going to be an experience of a lifetime....but, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers!
Here are a few memories so far...that you may or may not understand:
Adrienne is afraid of every mosquito and every coconut ( because of possible malaria and possible concussions)
Ben was sleep walking the first night
Adrienne was sleep talking the first night
Caleb was putting Ben back to bed and following Adrienne's random orders the first night
We ordered an egg salad sandwich but forgot to say “sandwich”- so we got a huge salad with eggs on top with no dressing
Caleb gets the heebeejeebees swimming in deep water
Orange-Mango Carbonated Drink- Money-Bags!
Pineapples here melt in your mouth
We miss other kids for Ben to play with. Entertaining a 2 year old is tiring!
Ben could spend the rest of his life throwing rocks in the water
Amy Matzer's Africa skirt is THE BEST!
Hot with a great view is still hot!
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