Bunum Wo Village Church

This morning we attended Bunum Wo Reformed Lutheran church in the village of Bunum Wo, not far from CLTC. When entering the church the music had begun and the men were sitting on the floor (covered with pine straw) on one side of the church and the women were sitting on the floor on the other side of the church. Jim and Patrick sat leaning against the side of the building with legs outstretched on the men's side but Jan and Mary sat among other women. The women always sit cross legged but unable to do that Mary got in as comfortable a position as possible and welcomed the opportunity to stand when singing. Unfortunately she could not figure out a way to gracefully stand up. It was interesting! Everyone was very gracious and the pastor apologized for not providing food following the service and for not providing bilums.

Patrick’s cell group (students) led the service with Titus preaching. Titus was mentioned a couple of weeks ago as he is having difficulty with transportation home to the Solomon Islands…the airfare is very expensive!

This afternoon was spent packing and we are almost there! This evening Karis and Benjamin ate pizza with us (Nothing interesting…homemade crust but only tomato sauce and cheese! No other toppings.) Karis wanted to bring the desert so Jan provided chocolate chip pan cookies with extra chocolate. Very good! We played Clue after we ate. Jan and Patrick went to a dinner and program that Kristen was in. Quite a nice event with everyone all dressed up!!

Following the program, Joy, the clinic nurse came to the house to tell me good–bye and brought a gift for us.

It is hard to put into words what this month has meant to us. Certainly it is something we will never forget!!

Patrick said we should leave CLTC at 7:30 in the morning to get to Mt Hagan in time for our flight. Tomorrow night we will be in Cains, AU.

More from Australia.........with love,

Mary and Jim