Where in the World is PNG?

Some of you are still asking where is PNG? It is located just above Australia on the equator. It is a very hot and humid country where the temperature in the city rarely drops below 85. The country exports gold and copper, but in many ways it is a very poor country. We will be living in a suburb of Port Moresby which is the capital on the southern bay. There are presently no roads connecting either the north side of the island to the south, or the east to the west. Most villages are reached only by airplane or boat - so travel will definitely be interesting. I guess I better start practicing on the rowing machine!

The culture of Papua New Guinea is many-sided and complex. It is estimated that more than a thousand different cultural groups exist in PNG. Because of this diversity, many different styles of cultural expression have emerged; each group has created its own expressive forms in art dance costumes, and music. Almost every different cultural group has its own language.

Most people live in villages that rely on farming. Some people hunt and collect wild plant (yams is the favorite) to supplement their diet. As recently as 1933 (the year of my father's birth) they were still using seashells as their currency. In some villages, they are still used, especially in regards to a bride dowry. To get a bride, a groom must bring a certain number of golden-edged clam shells as a bride price. The people of the highlands engage in great ritual "sing sings". They paint themselves up with feathers, pearls and animal skins. I look forward with anticipation to enjoy this other part of God's creation and his children!