Teaching in Papua New Guinea can be quite different than in the States. What I teach is a bit different. The range in nationalities represented in the students I teach and people I work with is different. The activities we can engage in as a class can also be different. A couple weeks ago my class of third and fourth graders filled their good behaviour marble jar for the first time this school year. They had many options from which to choose to celebrate. They could watch a movie in the afternoon, walk to the store for ice cream (at least Papua New Guinea’s version of ice cream), wear pajamas to school. They chose a much different activity for which I was proud. They chose to take a hike through some of the bush outside of the mission centre.
All morning it had been raining. Since this is dry season (and in light of the drought last year) the rain is appreciated, but the students were worried this meant we would not be able to take our hike. Half way through our writing assignment we stopped for a time of prayer. For about ten minutes the students prayed for the rain to stop, praising God for how powerful he is, voicing how even if the rain didn’t stop they still loved God because he knows so much more than we ever could. Though they were heartfelt prayers, the rain continued… until just a few moments before we were supposed to leave for our hike.
Papua New Guinea is incredibly varied and unique in its landscape. Up and down hills, across fields, through gardens, and sliding through mud (which made the hike all the more fun for the kids) we explored God’s beautiful creation. My dear friend Dimeko, who also works at the Primary School, came with the class as a guide. What seemed like a gloomy day turned into a wonderful adventure. As soon as we returned back at the school, the rain returned as well.
While this hike may seem small, to the kids it was a testimony to God’s power, love, faithfulness, and creativity. He hears our prayers. He may not always answer the way we expect, but that is because he knows infinitely more than we ever could. He created all of beautiful Papua New Guinea and therefore knows and has control over all of it and that is worthy of praise.
All morning it had been raining. Since this is dry season (and in light of the drought last year) the rain is appreciated, but the students were worried this meant we would not be able to take our hike. Half way through our writing assignment we stopped for a time of prayer. For about ten minutes the students prayed for the rain to stop, praising God for how powerful he is, voicing how even if the rain didn’t stop they still loved God because he knows so much more than we ever could. Though they were heartfelt prayers, the rain continued… until just a few moments before we were supposed to leave for our hike.
Papua New Guinea is incredibly varied and unique in its landscape. Up and down hills, across fields, through gardens, and sliding through mud (which made the hike all the more fun for the kids) we explored God’s beautiful creation. My dear friend Dimeko, who also works at the Primary School, came with the class as a guide. What seemed like a gloomy day turned into a wonderful adventure. As soon as we returned back at the school, the rain returned as well.
While this hike may seem small, to the kids it was a testimony to God’s power, love, faithfulness, and creativity. He hears our prayers. He may not always answer the way we expect, but that is because he knows infinitely more than we ever could. He created all of beautiful Papua New Guinea and therefore knows and has control over all of it and that is worthy of praise.