Our PNG home Kwame is nestled at the end of the rugged Owen Stanley ranges just before the lands end of mainland PNG at East Cape and on the Northern most of the two peninsulas. It is surrounded by nearby beautiful coral reefs, pristine waters, and rainforrests containing an abundance of life while further out to the north there is the ring of well populated mountainous islands of Normanby, Ferguson and Goodenough and numerous smaller islands.
Arriving in PNG starting with the Air Niugini staff and colourful Bird of Paradise emblem, and whether it be the bustling vibrant city of Port Moresby or the outlying rural communities and towns, my experience is that people are warmly respectful and welcoming. I feel at home and at peace.
The people of PNG show love and appreciation for visitors. It is spontaneous and joyful beginning with a smile. Sometimes I have to put an aged or young relative on the plane to travel within or without PNG and I always worry about whether they will be ok. Then I remember that they are in PNG or on a PNG plane and will be readily helped with that reassuring smile wherever a need arises. No need to worry.
PNG people display those timeless virtues of hope, faith, charity, courage, moderation, common sense and a sense of justice in their own unique way. They will quickly let you know if you wander off the track and help you get back on. Recently, whilst in the village in PNG a friend of ours (who like me is elderly) who lives in the nearby village did something which didn’t align with these values. There was no time wasted in this correcting process as he faced a chorus of sure and certain voices urging him on to get back on track. His sense of humour immediately kicked in as he mumbled quietly “Oh dear all of the radio stations are tuned in today.”
PNG people are tuned in to real life no matter where you go in PNG. In the village there is still a natural limit on “screen time” because there are limited screens and power so they entertain themselves with humorous stories, banter, infectious joyful laughter, singing with guitar and traditional dancing. I love to just listen, observe and be thankful that I have had the opportunity to witness it.
PNG people live in harmony with their environment and in this I see a great faithful and treasured service that brings peace. This resonates with the life changing and liberating words of Mother Teresa “God did not bring us into this world to be successful but to be faithful.” If you have an opportunity to travel to PNG by plane or cruise ship I recommend it. It is not hard to find many treasures of beauty and love. A warning is that you may become infected with its peace.
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