The Morobe Show

Every year the Morobe Show is held and people come from all over the different provinces and from the highlands to attend. I had no idea how HUGE this event would be! For weeks people were setting up stalls and preparing for the big weekend ahead. The show is held in the large show grounds - which has an entry fee. Stalls are also set up along many roadsides and there is a street show - which is free to attend - and thousands do, literally!! I went along to work at the Lae City Mission stall. Every year LCM sell Twisties Showbags, which is one of their major fundraising events. It was loads of fun and I really got an insight into the community and what people are like in PNG. Just as it is anywhere, people were pushy, some people were rude, others were patient and some had great manners. It was excellent just getting a glimpse into local life in a different kind of way. I think many people were surprised to see me working there. The fact that I was both white and female really provoked a lot of interest. Thankfully I had whole lot of LCM guys there to make sure everything went smoothly and no mad cats caused trouble :) Here's a glimpse into my day.

One of the street stalls - made out of bamboo and palm fronds. Dazzle is the local bleach brand :)

Walking into the show. That's Jochen (in green) and Winston (with the backpack) carrying the esky - two of the LCM staff. Jochen was there to walk on the showbag stand but Winston went to look around the show with his family. 

Two Aussie police. I couldn't believe it!! I said hi and they were most surprised to see me and wanted to know exactly why I was in PNG and what I was doing etc. Was cool to see some of my 'own countrymen.'

A glimpse of the early crowds - it sure got busier! See the colourful bag the lady is holding? Everyone has those - they're called bilums and are made by the local people. 

Literally all of these people - right up to the green stall across the road - were lining up for Twisties showbags!! Nuts!

A couple of the LCM guys helping out - we were flat out for hours without a break. People bought so many show bags. One guy bought 20 at once! I dare say they were on-selling them out in the streets. 

Jason and Manu - making sure all the $$ add up correctly. 

There were at least 10 of us selling showbags and the people couldn't get them quick enough. I think I sold showbags in multiples of 4 or 5 most often - it was rare just to sell one. 

The craziness continues!! Notice everyone waving their money, trying to get attention?!

A small glimpse of the thousands of showbags that were sold that weekend. I think there were about 20, 000 sold. 

Ricky and Jason - in charge of the money. Ricky kept standing back watching in amazement and saying - this is crazy!

Check out all of those showbags!!

 More money collectors :)

Two of the guys having a blast - the one on the right is Henry. I had a lot of laughs with him while I was in PNG. 

Some of the super team :)

The aim of this challenge was to smash the water tank. It proved impossible, which was meant to show how much 'tuffa' these tanks are!

The Morobe Show is a mix of Agfest and the Royal Show. All sorts of things were sold - gardening equipment, camping gear and heaps of other outdoor gear. Very different to Australian shows. 

The giant BSP bear - the bank mascot. 

A show isn't complete without a flower display right?!

Gorgeous, hey!

Such stunning arrangements. 

Orchid competition. 

Was cool to see the ferris wheel making an appearance!

and the kiddy rides!

The KFC of PNG. The chips here tasted so much like KFC chips, which I couldn't believe! That made me one very happy girl :) 

The Lae City Mission stall - finally slowly down - by this stage it was late afternoon. 

The Twisties show bags were the cheapest show bags by far! All of the others were at least 4 or 5 times the price and none of them contained lollies. How disappointing. You could get bleach show bags, coffee show bags and all sorts of unusual things like that. 

I bought some of the green coffee, in a bottle.... it tasted like compost... super gross!

Entry sign. 

The street busyness - calming down. Earlier in the day you could hardly move!

Police out in force. 

Every came out to be part of the action. 

Fun times! 

I had a great day. Thanks LCM for having me :) See you next year?!?!??! I wish!

Hellos and goodbyes

My first week in PNG was enjoyed with the Wildeboer family and re-acquainting myself with many of the people I'd met in January. It was great to be back! I spent time helping the Wildeboers get organised to go to Australia so the newest addition could be born, as well as generally getting a feel for the work I'd do over the months I was there. 

Here's a bunch of photos that give you a glimpse of a few things that happened. Again, they're out of order.... who knows why this keeps on happening! May have something to do with the fact that I am using multiple SD cards and the photos load numerically. Anyway, you get the idea!

Jono, the oldest of the Wildeboer children, on the way to the airport to head to Cairns. He must have been looking forward to the trip!!

Karlyn and I. Unfortunately our time together was so short!

Elisabeth, loving the frontwards facing car seat. She stared out of the window for the whole 40 minute drive!

My view from the backseat :) 

A beautiful sky. I LOVE the way the sun streams through the clouds.

The boys and their soccer. A daily occurrence! I'm so impressed with their dedication... despite the heat and humidity! I guess competitiveness runs in boys' blood!

Baby Francine sleeping in a baby bilum. So cute! She is Freddie and Alo's daughter - who are the caretakers of the Reformed Ministries compound at 11 mile. 

Louisa and Aloo - the other two girls. Aloo was being a great sister, giving Francine gentle pushes so she could sleep. So cute!

On Saturday afternoon there is yut bung (youth club), which is run by Chris and Nicole. I came along for fellowship and to get to know the youth more. We started off with singing. I can't tell you how much I love singing in tok pisin!

The tok pisin version of In Christ Alone. It's not a literal translation - as that would never make sense - but if you read it, you'll be surprised at how much you understand!!

Keith and Serah leading the worship.

On my first Sunday in Lae Ps Ian preached. What a pleasure it was to hear Reverend Wildeboer preach in the native language! We also had Holy Supper, which was very special. 

Rough translation... (very rough!):

Theme - do you believe in the humble Saviour, Jesus?

1. Jesus opens the road for you to believe.

2. Jesus 'loses' (lets go of) those who don't believe. 

Second service was a congregational meeting addressing various matters that needed to be dealt with before the Wildeboers left for a few months. From left to right:

Jerry (elder) and his daughter Agi, Pastor Ian, John (elder) and Pastor Isidore (Candidate pastor in Lae)

Jono and Karlyn - such fabulously fun kids!!!

Little Ben - soon to lose his title of  'the youngest child.'

Gilbert - the strawberry seller who came around LCM to peddle his wares!

hot tip - don't mention Gilbert's name too freely in Lae :)

Jono entertaining Elisabeth one last time on the way to the airport. It's so cute to see how much he loves her!

Wondering if anyone is home and want to find out PNG style??!! Just check for thongs at the back door - you'll soon know how many people are inside :) Works even more easily than making a phone call! Just wander over for a look and you'll soon find out.