1995-1999 – Term Three – Papua New Guinea

1995 –

In September we arrive in Mt Hagen and then relocate to the North Polu area to spend the next 4 months learning Pidgin and becoming acquainted with the culture. During this time, we build a small typical house and spend a weekend in a village. Mom and Dad become the teachers, and we are in a crash course because the school year starts in January and so the kids have to do a full school year in 4 months.

We learn to cook on a wood fired stove, attend a pig kill, and raise a pig which we use plan a Mumu to thank our new friends for their help in learning language and learning about the life and culture of one of the many tribes of Papua New Guinea.

1996

Construction begins on the new bible school campus. Perry begins work on the curriculum. Nancy establishes a children’s choir. We visit our other mission bases in Wopasali, Fugwa, and Lae.

Perry also travels to the different districts to do pastoral training. Our oldest son begins attending the boarding school at Ukurumpa and the other two attend the Mt Hagen international school to which Perry is elected as a board member.

1997

Ten men are accepted to begin studies at the bible school. Only the men are allowed to come because of limited housing. During the year we build a student dorm.

Perry organizes and leads a community choir to perform a Christmas concert.

Jeff joins the local boy scout troop and Jess joins the girl scouts. John is busy with a number of activities at the boarding school and is able to come home for three weeks each term. At least one of us visits him each term.

Perry’s mom and stepdad spend 3 months at Ukurumpa working at the Primary school. They join us for vacation at Madang.

1998

Now both of our sons are attending boarding school at Ukurumpa.

Perry’s parents return for another 3 months at the primary school in Ukurumpa.

Both sons are involved in various sports. We get to watch them play on a couple of occasions.
Nancy accepts the role of music teacher at the international school and to provide bible lessons for students.

This year the students are allowed to bring their families to school with them.

We build another student dorm and kitchens for the students.

Perry’s brother Dan and wife Julie spend time with us in Papua New Guinea. We organize several concerts at the different schools in Mt. Hagen and a concert in Fugwa. They travel to Ukurumpa and participate in the annual student retreat as the worship leader and speaker. During their stay we officially dedicate the bible school.

1999

This year we add two more structures, a meeting area for school for the children and a staff house.

We are asked to relocate to Guyana. After a two-week period of prayer our daughter is the one who confirms that the decision to go is the correct one.

The school holds a wonderful farewell celebration for us as we depart for the US.