A Good Day's Work

(Thursday, 9/16) Yesterday was our first full day in Ukarumpa. It’s hard to believe because it seems like we left home so long ago. It was also a busy day that varied for all of us.

We all gather together for morning devotions. We’ll work through the letter of James while we’re here. Scott led us through the first eighteen verses. Being strengthened in faith by our trials was a major theme.

Before that Marylou and Ingrid joined Paula on her morning walk today and finished up at the marketplace to get fresh fruit and vegetables for our lunch and evening meals. After devotions, Donna and Becky joined them for the meal preparation and other chores. All of the ladies were blessed by a visit from Wetti, pastor Hamm’s wife. She brought them Mariblouses – traditional blouses worn by the women to ensure modest covering. We had kau kau soup for dinner – basically a vegetable soup with kau kau (a form of sweet potato) as the main attraction. Donna also finally met Marlene Schutter, the music director from the International School.

Meanwhile the men got working on the McFarland’s room additions. Scott and Tony completed the floor joists (already underway). Jonathan, Aaron and Mark variously removed windows from the former outside wall, built some solid sawhorses, etc. David worked largely on the inside. Gary worked on the plans and laid out the first wall. We raised that near then end of the day; it was a moment of great excitement. Pastor Hamm paid us a visit, too and also lent a hand.
Bora, Daniel and Casona, local hired hands, occasionally assisted us while also building a rock retainer wall.

For all of us, it was a good day of hard work. Tomorrow, we’ll have our first trip to the native village.