We are up at the crack of dawn (leaving at 5am on the nose). Can you tell we are a little tired? I personally had not slept at all that night.

Grabbing food at one of our pitstops along the way.

We are a little perkier now

Little Solo, one of our Jr. UTB members. Our token child in all the dramas

Look I see water (for some this was their first time to see the ocean. Pretty exciting)

Our bus driver and bus crew.

A Kodak moment by the dam

What an exuberant group

What are you trying to tell us Jennifer? Is it time to get back on the bus?

After arriving and falling into bed, the next day we all go to the local Lutheran church for worship

This is the same church I attended with the Lutz’s when I first came. Brought back quite a few memories. This time I could understand the service.

After church we stop at the park to play.

The look of joy

My turn on the see-saw

Jennifer’s look of joy has turned into a look of terror- haha!

Kay, our youngest member of UTB, enjoys a mango. So cute.

Sunday afternoon we take a little boat ride.

Heading to another part of the island

Such a great view.

When we get to the beach, we go for a swim.

Whoops!

Finally the boys hit the water as well.

Roselyn thinks the flower Elizha put in my hair is so pretty, she wanted to take a picture.

The next day the girls do a bit of shopping

And of course we hit the water, this time at Machine Gun cove. Why is it called that?

That’s why? All the way back from World War II.

These girls make me smile

I love looking at all the glorious fish

Time to head back

That night we get a visit from a local legend. Koneke, better known as the face of Snax crackers. He also as his hand in Diana tuna & film productions

Just so you don’t think all our time in Madang was fun and games, here we are in the board room of the Provincial AIDS Council of Madang

During the course of our stay, we visit with 5 reps of various HIV organizations in Madang.

Later we hang out at the Kolibobo lighthouse.

Here’s a bit of the history. Unfortunately our pic of the lighthouse itself didn’t come out. Maybe you can look it up online?

A great pic of Liz along the coast

Me and the gang

On Wednesday, Koneke invites us to canoe out to one of the islands where he’s from. Again, another camera oops moment. Are you noticing a trend?

Koneke and Lusam, the oldest member of UTB. We are a diverse group.

We have a picnic lunch with fresh fish which one of Koneke’s boys speared out of the sea. Soo good!

Another part of our meal—Eel! I’ve never had eel before, but I have to say it was really delicious fried up.

And for those who don’t like sea food, we had sausages as well.

A great day on the island.

Thanksgiving evening, we visit a local resort. For some, this is their first time in a swimming pool.

Liz enjoys the water.

We also teach them the fine art of Marco Polo

The boys enjoy the great view.

That night “Thanksgiving Dinner” looks a little different for me. Rice, sausage, kumu, and noodles. Still very good though.

And we are all very thankful.

Yum

Every night and morning we also have devotions.

On Friday we do an awareness at a local secondary school

Our captive audience

Doing our “Bridge of Life” drama

Elizha explains some of the tools God gives to help us in this life

I speak to the group about how they can look out for their future

Next we head up the mountain to a training center for missionaries. It’s been a while since I’ve seen that many whiteskins in one room.

After a drama and informational session with me and Liz, the missionaries enjoy some Engan songs

It’s Saturday again and time to head home. We’re all geared up for the 17 hour road-trip. A rough ride, but worth it for the great week we’ve had.