Apr-Jul: I'll be in the South Pacific.
She told me, “The mountains come down to the sea”
There is a place where the mountains come down to the sea. Rivers descend from green heights to rush across black and stony beaches. Red-and-green parrots fly high, screaming. Dolphins break the water’s calm surface, and high islands lurk among the horizon’s clouds.
But I’m afraid to talk about the beauty of the place. If I do, you might not understand how hard life can be for the Taupota people. You might not understand what it’s like to go over the mountains in search of timber for a house, or carrying heavy loads of yams. You might not understand what it’s like to attend a church by the sea, but never to hear the Bible in your own language.
You might not understand what it’s like to leave your family for three months out of every year, because you want to translate God’s Word into Taupota. You might not understand what it’s like to depend on your community to support you in your endeavor.
That’s why I’m afraid.
I left Alotau today, but I won’t forget the place, or its people.
I’m sad to say I cannot keep up TTB regularly as I travel. Internet access is not easy to come by. Please keep me in your prayers. I’ll keep in touch as best I can.
categories papua new guinea
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