Another good week. I have had Tok Pisin lessons every morning for two weeks. I just wanted to become more confident so that I could talk to our haus meri [maid] and people that I meet especially at Church. I feel really good now as I am happy to give it a go even on the PMV [mini buses!!] People do really like it and now for the first time I can talk to the nationals especially those on the Tokaut HIV/AIDS programme. So am feeling really chuffed with myself!

Last week the Rotary Club here in Madang were emptying a container of desks and chairs for local schools. here is Ken and Laura stacking them on to the back of a truck! Laura was here last year as a VSO volunteer and is now back home studying in Perth. Her Tok Pisin is amazing! She came back during her two months Uni break to help where she can. We have managed to get 20 double desks with attached seats for Good Shepherd School. Trouble is no one is answering th...

Yesterday's experience!! Yesterday was the much anticipated day for sailing Tikitubu Seajay 2 back to Madang. We had a rather strong downpour at 7am which didn't auger well. But by 9am it had gone. So we left for the New Tribes Mission compound on the local bus [PMV]. We need a 17 A,B C or D. but nothing and then a 6B stopped. No we said wrong route but they said they were being helpful and would take us. I cannot believe that we got in!!! Drove along and then...

English Written expression exam -picture is of Ester, one of the teachers. In PNG the Grade 10s take a written expression paper lasting two hours in mid June, 18th this year. I'm not sure but I reckon it could be what contributes to their grades as to whether they continue to Grade 11 or leave school. So we were keen to see it in process. It was an interesting day. The exam was to start across the country at 8am which is a bit unrealistic for those students w...

Here is a picture of my new Tok Pisin language teacher. Yes I decided that I needed a kick start and so found this lady through Andrew and Ruth. She has a long walk to the road before catching the bus [PMV] to get here. The bus is K2 each way which I pay naturally. The going rate is K1.50 an hour which is about 30pence so there was no way I could give her just that especially with her travel. We have a great giggle and it's working! I'm even talking to people on ...