I am glad to be writing my final thoughts--anyone who has tried to keep up with my writing must be thrilled!
It's hard to believe during this trip we've stayed on the same planet...and in relatively short distances between stops! Our first weeks in NZ--spectacular beauty, natural & high adventure attractions galore, alive with excitement and pride. The Milford Sound alone is worth the flight. The next month in Australia--such diversity in geography , animals & people (Aborigines, Sydney multicultural new-age crowd to the laid back mountain people). Clean & busy. Koala & Roos are the cutest, Opera House more beautiful than any photo and the magnificent GBR overwhelms you with awe. Then the final three weeks in PNG--like stepping back in time. Painful to see such poverty living in such a mess and struggling to find a way to improve...yet a joy to hear the laughter and see (and be part of) the love they have for their clan. Really a baby--only 40 yrs since an independence was given them...without them asking...and before they were ready to thrive. The mountains, waterfalls & huge shady trees...pockets of beauty. We longed to see more of PNG--the villages & islands--but it was not safe to venture out. Jr & Mindex were our guides, cultural interpreters and body guards...without them, we'd have experienced little of PNG...and probably been robbed...though not put in pots as that has been taboo for almost 40 yrs. We are so appreciative of them!! Our volunteer work was at times so rewarding and other times so frustrating. In many ways it was the same scenario that takes place in all the 3rd world countries we've visited. We formed a special bond with the Tembari teachers & left them with many supplies & books. We taught many lessons & read many books to the kids & teachers. All can sing new songs & play new games. It certainly was our most challenging teaching experience!
Three countries...three worlds...and so far from home. I feel so amazingly lucky to have so many experiences in so many countries...and to have shared it with Roger. Every time I come back home, I appreciate & enjoy my family, friends, home & country even more!
It's hard to believe during this trip we've stayed on the same planet...and in relatively short distances between stops! Our first weeks in NZ--spectacular beauty, natural & high adventure attractions galore, alive with excitement and pride. The Milford Sound alone is worth the flight. The next month in Australia--such diversity in geography , animals & people (Aborigines, Sydney multicultural new-age crowd to the laid back mountain people). Clean & busy. Koala & Roos are the cutest, Opera House more beautiful than any photo and the magnificent GBR overwhelms you with awe. Then the final three weeks in PNG--like stepping back in time. Painful to see such poverty living in such a mess and struggling to find a way to improve...yet a joy to hear the laughter and see (and be part of) the love they have for their clan. Really a baby--only 40 yrs since an independence was given them...without them asking...and before they were ready to thrive. The mountains, waterfalls & huge shady trees...pockets of beauty. We longed to see more of PNG--the villages & islands--but it was not safe to venture out. Jr & Mindex were our guides, cultural interpreters and body guards...without them, we'd have experienced little of PNG...and probably been robbed...though not put in pots as that has been taboo for almost 40 yrs. We are so appreciative of them!! Our volunteer work was at times so rewarding and other times so frustrating. In many ways it was the same scenario that takes place in all the 3rd world countries we've visited. We formed a special bond with the Tembari teachers & left them with many supplies & books. We taught many lessons & read many books to the kids & teachers. All can sing new songs & play new games. It certainly was our most challenging teaching experience!
Three countries...three worlds...and so far from home. I feel so amazingly lucky to have so many experiences in so many countries...and to have shared it with Roger. Every time I come back home, I appreciate & enjoy my family, friends, home & country even more!
