Saturday plans changed...no surprise...Kay's daughter sick. So when Rog noticed the women doing the wash...out I went. The scene: right behind the bathroom, a mountain of clothes, a young girl (Anna, daughter-in-law of Grace) scrubbing vigorously with bar soap & brush in a tub of water, hose with running water in a basket of washed clothes: Grace sitting crossed legged on a raised platform (probably septic tank) covered with old can, dried paintbrushes & a variety of other junk: looking in a broken triangular shaped mirror propped up with point down on an old paint can where her cell phone sat and cutting her hair with scissors; Grace's sister rocking her naked sleeping child. How could I not jump right into that scene??? Refusing to listen to their protest, I picked up a brush & started scrubbing. Anna looked at me and asked, "In America, you have washing machine." "Yes, but in PNG I have pail & brush." Everyone belly laughed. We had a great time learning more about each other. I heard all about Anna's future wedding party...here the groom's family pays for the bride to her family. (Later heard one guy paid almost $7000 plus pigs, flour etc). Anna also talked about college classes she is taking. Then Grace grabbed the hose, pulled down the top of her muu muu & lathered herself up. She shouted, "Miss Jane, snap (take picture) me!!" And stuck out her tongue & popped out her eyes. Sure wish I'd had my camera!! She is such a nut. After she rinsed off, she opened a bottle of dark dye & applied it with a plastic bag around her hand. Anna evidently was doing was for her extended family. She worked diligently and with much energy. After about an hour, I was tired & hungry. As I was saying goodbye, Grace spoke in her broken English words I will treasure: "Miss Jane. I have memory of you...white girl washing clothes. You smile. You laugh. You share. You Christian. Other whites no smile. Look away."
