tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71539548938862304222024-03-18T20:29:50.441-07:00Danita In Papua New GuineaDanita Kurtzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03057258081231227783noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153954893886230422.post-78892316298393361702021-03-22T13:44:00.000-07:002021-03-22T13:44:17.039-07:00My Journey to the South Coast Part III<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
morning of the Diaconate Ordination we were devastated by the news that
Bishop Bill passed away the night before of Covid. It was ironic that on the
program for Brother Boniface's ordination, Bishop Bill's favorite song in pidgin
was printed on the back of the program. (Maria, Oh mama...). God is good. I was
looking forward to visiting Bishop Bill in Pennsylvania when I visited my
hometown in Ohio. I planned on taking him to visit my hometown. Shucks,
another opportunity lost... How sad. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
Diaconate Ordination of Brother Boniface was held on another beautiful morning,
Thursday, January 25th, and it was so beautiful to watch. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbETf5ARi_SRmW9nXcMG3X69tse2nHeV9AK4hl_QBVoozg49lX-LyEm09fNl3fGtjUfBNiq54QkkHybz6SU1-5FVlG_I6IXexfGxkT8t-hcxd_I3G3SsQZ6vEgztse2P5fuyowraM0GByC/s960/Journey+6+Ordination.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbETf5ARi_SRmW9nXcMG3X69tse2nHeV9AK4hl_QBVoozg49lX-LyEm09fNl3fGtjUfBNiq54QkkHybz6SU1-5FVlG_I6IXexfGxkT8t-hcxd_I3G3SsQZ6vEgztse2P5fuyowraM0GByC/s320/Journey+6+Ordination.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
sat right behind his parents and family. I didn't have my camera because
electricity was limited and my battery was too low. It was in the priest house
being charged, but I wish I could have taken a picture of the back of Boniface’s
mother and two sisters who were dressed in beautiful bilas made of the various
natural materials of plants and flowers representing their village. I was able
to take a picture of Bonaface’s mother, but a picture of all three was another
lost opportunity. Shucks.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8I8Zvh2ccpwFJW1KLVFBGF3vOcBty6rhwsiWTZ3CgWN3RJ6Uifp1qpQZCsOHq-kxKETb4UFGLa6Ccc_sOfTMqQfYrwpyeaTIDnbrd3qbE9ONMOg5OqUwVRu6x4kj8WmL1ZYUoiwA2IMt/s2578/Journey+9+Boniface+ParentsA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1220" data-original-width="2578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8I8Zvh2ccpwFJW1KLVFBGF3vOcBty6rhwsiWTZ3CgWN3RJ6Uifp1qpQZCsOHq-kxKETb4UFGLa6Ccc_sOfTMqQfYrwpyeaTIDnbrd3qbE9ONMOg5OqUwVRu6x4kj8WmL1ZYUoiwA2IMt/s320/Journey+9+Boniface+ParentsA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtht-Kcyfms1I-EKdnceztzFoa6WEvQNKKBh39gHoxLByRE9xHPgdxjGJOPEdjOKyRye_c2AehJ3o_smnqBHz7NXysboxYOmq8a4vGlu4LFHExgpbnAOXWp6ECPyKIAFPXyF2-rkx5Y2c/s2578/Journey+10+Boniface+ParentsB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2578" data-original-width="1220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtht-Kcyfms1I-EKdnceztzFoa6WEvQNKKBh39gHoxLByRE9xHPgdxjGJOPEdjOKyRye_c2AehJ3o_smnqBHz7NXysboxYOmq8a4vGlu4LFHExgpbnAOXWp6ECPyKIAFPXyF2-rkx5Y2c/s320/Journey+10+Boniface+ParentsB.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">That
Friday we left after mass and breakfast- back on the boats, back to the village
of Turuk. Again, it took us all day as we stopped again at various island
villages along the way for the villages to welcome the Bishop and his
entourage. We were again welcomed with food, sing-sings and introductions
from the villagers themselves. It seemed these villages already knew Fr
Lucas from previous visits because the children welcomed him with exuberant
anticipation. </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsZplkj9Jg2gBW4dGxhZeLe8pksUgH-uFz4LF6VS4eKdqgCvWoAHTt4CfTg_s-J3WgLa85v9McJ4Loyq3X1W5pG2FlgnJX0PQlnoA5ns72FvcES-fO3wOnZNNJYY0tiWr_VAaPX8n7eGl/s2048/Journey+5+Turuk+and+View.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsZplkj9Jg2gBW4dGxhZeLe8pksUgH-uFz4LF6VS4eKdqgCvWoAHTt4CfTg_s-J3WgLa85v9McJ4Loyq3X1W5pG2FlgnJX0PQlnoA5ns72FvcES-fO3wOnZNNJYY0tiWr_VAaPX8n7eGl/s320/Journey+5+Turuk+and+View.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We
made it to Turuk at sundown, just in time to walk to the river for a wash-wash
before going back to the convent for the night. The next morning we were to
travel at 3 am back to Nut (pronounced Noot), but we didn't actually get on the
road till around 6:30 am (PNG time). We then traveled again by boat back to
Garu and then another one and a half hours back to the Diocese of Kimbe. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Overall,
the experience was a rare opportunity to peek into the land of the unexpected,
a paradise so remote that I felt so lucky to have this amazing opportunity to
experience and to meet the wonderful villagers along the way and explore their
lifestyle so unlike my own. I will truly miss these moments, but they will live
in my memory and my heart forever. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On
Wednesday January 27, we celebrated a requiem mass for Bishop Bill, then celebrated
a kai-kai dinner for the first anniversary of Bishop John Bosco Aurums
installation. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJRhD2H0x3bFC8Pf8dO4g8PP7APS34cBNxgcCaTL6SsY7j5r8HKAHLzVVotsrt_vCqxTjPnfN28HyC0_Km313JnkWjreerr_wpBs1Hzl_QANTbahDW2hzKw96-0o8iHMd30KUEb6l2yMK/s1080/Journey+11+Bp+Bill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJRhD2H0x3bFC8Pf8dO4g8PP7APS34cBNxgcCaTL6SsY7j5r8HKAHLzVVotsrt_vCqxTjPnfN28HyC0_Km313JnkWjreerr_wpBs1Hzl_QANTbahDW2hzKw96-0o8iHMd30KUEb6l2yMK/s320/Journey+11+Bp+Bill.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
next week, I visited my 'home' village of Vavua and stayed with Fr
Bennet. I will miss my adopted 'home village' and I thank the villagers,
especially the children for their welcome hospitality. I only had one day
that I could actually go into the water, but then was met with rain every day
that lasted the entire day. Despite the rain, I will always have Vavua in my
heart forever as I prepare to return home.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Now
I am packing and making my final plans for departure on March 3, leaving PNG
behind. It is so hard to say goodbye. (Note – flight was cancelled and
rescheduled for March 10</span><sup style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p>Pl</o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">ease
continue to pray for me as I pray for you. Feel free to leave comments below.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Goodbye for now from Kimbe, PNG. See
you soon at home in the US. </span></p>Danita Kurtzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03057258081231227783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153954893886230422.post-30813835821806785212021-03-09T10:52:00.000-08:002021-03-09T10:52:08.733-08:00My Journey to the South Coast Part II<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On
Monday morning, half of our Diocesen family left for the village of Valanguo
while I stayed in Turuk and accompanied the Bishop to the Island village of
Magiem. This is the island where the Bishop was born and attended his primary
school years. I felt honored to be invited. The village warmly welcomed
their won-tok and their Bishop home. His island is the first island of three
almost identical islands with a clear passage between each island. From a
distance, they look like triplets and some call them chocolate bar islands.
A week later when returning to Turuk, I saw the triplets in the distance and
they actually did look like a chocolate bar - three equal mounds of island
(chocolate). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">While
on the village of Magiem (the Bishop's island), a welcome mass was celebrated
by the Bishop along with a memorial mass for a Sr Mary Rose, a religious Sister
from Australia who was killed in that village in November 1964. There is a
church named after her with a plaque commemorating her and dedicated by Bishop
Bill placed inside the church. She was killed while teaching class and her
students honored her memory by dancing a dance that afternoon that Sr. Mary
Rose taught them those many years ago.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Tuesday,
we said goodbye to Turuk and the FMI Sisters who were going their own separate
ways. We once again got into our boats and took off for the village of
Valanguo. I felt especially lucky to sit next to Sr Gabriel, MSC who grew
up on the south coast and who served as a personal tour guide of the islands we
were passing. It was nice to hear her stories of how her class had picnics on
that island, or how her family grew a garden on that island or how her class
would take field trips to that beautiful island over there. Again - what a
beautiful paradise. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipO4fJSgjD-UEohZPjb5qIrUy60v7PND82LnTLCEEsvwfqqOsbwhpuDJJ74XjN042e4CDBA4S-CSJtUlYq4wd5kTd1yEG2ReSbGWke3p_Bdr2ww-2-ojXsVHz7H3sZDoq2FYtVJBWGR85p/s4160/Journey+4+picturesque+island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipO4fJSgjD-UEohZPjb5qIrUy60v7PND82LnTLCEEsvwfqqOsbwhpuDJJ74XjN042e4CDBA4S-CSJtUlYq4wd5kTd1yEG2ReSbGWke3p_Bdr2ww-2-ojXsVHz7H3sZDoq2FYtVJBWGR85p/s320/Journey+4+picturesque+island.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">It
took us the entire day as we were welcomed at several island villages along the
way where the Bishop was welcomed, food was prepared and a sing-sing was part
of a welcome celebration for the Bishop and his entourage. It felt nice to be a
small part of this celebration- something not very many people have the
opportunity to experience and it was nice to be part of the diocesen family.
The Bishop made it a point to introduce his entourage.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Fr
Lucas, a Polish priest, caught the attention of the children who enjoyed him as
a source of entertainment. He told them stories, showed them how to play
a few games, showed them how to stand on their heads, and made them laugh and
enjoy his company. It was a little funny watching some of the real little ones
who watched in total fascination, but you could almost see their little
minds working away as they didn't really know how to respond- whether to laugh
with the others or to cry in fright at the white man doing his best to
entertain them. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We
finally made it in the evening to Valanguo. In the last stretch, we traveled
through a passage made up of mangrove trees to reach the village. Our boat ran
out of gas just before we reached the parish, so we had to wait awhile until
petrol was found before we could finally reach the parish. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7zwTjyW7v2OIU5Sh_Mijo5nUs6JeMq_ueWXTM9Z11gDwmgQA8H9McBZPT8BVjjPbVPMrnlSzmBlInwykjCJKasu5jzl-AH5Stdz22PZcl9T7T2hGtG2hg5fM2UJJQJJFVzTg2phLQrJi/s2578/Journey+7+Boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1220" data-original-width="2578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7zwTjyW7v2OIU5Sh_Mijo5nUs6JeMq_ueWXTM9Z11gDwmgQA8H9McBZPT8BVjjPbVPMrnlSzmBlInwykjCJKasu5jzl-AH5Stdz22PZcl9T7T2hGtG2hg5fM2UJJQJJFVzTg2phLQrJi/s320/Journey+7+Boat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
parish itself was located on an island. The women were to stay about 15
minutes away on the mainland in a secondary school dormitory. In my
opinion, it was too far away from the parish itself. The accommodations were
very rustic, and even though there was a bathroom, water was extremely
limited at the school and at the parish as well. The water situation was not
planned well and was challenging for all concerned. I walked to a well where
the water was murky and not trusted for anything more than flushing the toilet.
Yuck. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
one redeeming quality was a beautiful wash-wash river located in an actual cave
that we visited for some fresh water. Everyone had a great time exploring the
area, diving into the water and swimming in the cool clean water. I don't
swim, but my Diocese family made sure I also had a tour of the river cave by
riding on the shoulders of Brother Peter. I hung on for dear life while touring
the beauty of the cave on his shoulders, but it was well worth it.
Amazing! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">(To be continued...Diaconate Ordination)</span></p>Danita Kurtzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03057258081231227783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153954893886230422.post-7169518724026278042021-03-02T16:29:00.002-08:002021-03-02T16:29:51.572-08:00My Journey to the South Coast Part I<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
was invited by Bishop John Bosco Aurum to visit the South Coast to attend a
priest and a Diaconate ordination and I enthusiastically accepted. We
began our journey on January 14 and what a trip it was. The South coast is on
the opposite side of the West New Britain island. If there was a freeway
connecting both sides, it would probably have taken us only a few hours, but,
this being PNG, the only road connecting Kimbe to Turuk was too muddy to
travel. There is an actual video of passengers pulling their vehicles through
muddy rivers. Everything and everyone is shown completely caked in mud. That is
something the Bishop did not want us to experience (Thank goodness). So
we traveled by vehicles from the Diocese to Garu (an hour and a half on unpaved
roads) took boats to the village of Nut (pronounced noot), got in another set
of vehicles and traveled across the province on unpaved roads (still muddy in
spots), but supposedly not as bad as the one from Kimbe to the village of
Turuk. It took four and a half hours to reach our destination. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEKfnsGSc-rQ_H4CzsjM-pjR6emMwe4FqyO-uTnb8WTeuPfHJD4Urxo94WF-_mWiT51Bpcawhvw-fc5pPRxX86ljxv7KLFasbBPYeJx2tADrknkIKD_M5NPCbwR0jVORF_HIcrlBMkXtt/s1080/Journey+12+Danita+on+Boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEKfnsGSc-rQ_H4CzsjM-pjR6emMwe4FqyO-uTnb8WTeuPfHJD4Urxo94WF-_mWiT51Bpcawhvw-fc5pPRxX86ljxv7KLFasbBPYeJx2tADrknkIKD_M5NPCbwR0jVORF_HIcrlBMkXtt/s320/Journey+12+Danita+on+Boat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">From
Garu, we traveled on 4 boats, with between 10- 12 persons or so per boat and
off we went. The last time I traveled from Garu was on my very first weekend in
Kimbe (approx. 3 years ago) when we traveled with Bishop Bill, my fellow
missionaries, Karen and Ron and others. On that trip, it was beautiful for
the first few hours, but when the seas got rough and turned from pleasant to a
rocky, wet e-ride, I found myself yelling a silent scream 'Get me off this
thing!' Above the loud splashy waves crashing against the boat and me, I could have
screamed out loud and no one would have heard me anyway. We did make it to the
village of Kaliai, but were very wet and very uncomfortable.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We were warmly welcomed by the villagers and
all was good again. We stayed a few days and experienced a confirmation
in Bariai. (Read one of my first blogs for more details). </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On
this trip, I traveled with the religious and friends from the Diocese and
it felt like I was traveling with family. The boat trip was beautiful and
thankfully calm and uneventful as we traveled past the picturesque Pacific
island villages. We waved back at villagers who were waving their greetings and
watched the children swim or wash-wash in the water until we reached the
village of Nut. On the road between Nut and Turuk, the road was challenging,
but thankfully, not as bad as the supposed muddy conditions of the main
road that starts in Kimbe. Thank goodness we didn't have to get out and pull a
vehicle through the mud. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBP0E2l3w21IBVh9kMIDZrxUzmsSh16qnaj-1-2IROT35cfN61ddz8lRCfXpkCHubHvmxpAMpz1pn7ZbG1KVaxg4H_YPLR-Zzf5adbF6jspLzXog1ub0V51A4PeG58iq7ZCV-trbaakvpW/s2048/Journey+8+Danita+with+Sisters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBP0E2l3w21IBVh9kMIDZrxUzmsSh16qnaj-1-2IROT35cfN61ddz8lRCfXpkCHubHvmxpAMpz1pn7ZbG1KVaxg4H_YPLR-Zzf5adbF6jspLzXog1ub0V51A4PeG58iq7ZCV-trbaakvpW/s320/Journey+8+Danita+with+Sisters.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Turuk
Parish is built on top of a mountain with the village of Kandrian below where
the main bush stores are located. The rivers are also located below and
they could rival any swimming pool found in the US. The river water was
extremely pure and just like in Pomio, each part is designated for certain
wash-wash activities. One part is designated to wash-wash clothes,
another to wash-wash dishes and pots and pans, another is for swimming, while
another is to wash-wash the body and finally there is the actual spring where
fresh water spurts out as it enters the pool and is reserved for the most
delicious drinking water (cold and refreshing).</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
men stayed in the priest house located on top of another hill with its own
million dollar view. The women stayed in the convent where we shared
accommodations with the Religious Sisters from the FMI, MSC and Caritas
Communities along with 5 Caritas candidates. The Bishop's sister and niece and
Mrs Babino and I made up the remaining women experiencing this trip. We made up
a warm and supportive community as we waited for the ordination to begin. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">From
the convent, we could look out over the ocean where many islands speckled the
landscape, each populated with their own villages. A number of canoes were seen
on the water and for some, it was their main mode of transportation. It
was an absolutely gorgeous view. PNG is rich in natural resources and is often
called paradise. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdqhD0Ah1aBvlLn_oENSYFEn11nP-z8vq0_yltW8g98s0aSOmzSD07SyaZVeEJq-1r37yU9SdfBRw7hqKUZfS4_fKxbdD3wJyMeWMXuPfmMw8WO2L6Wn8JHWxNt6ARlqAEc1SWEO6MWmD/s2048/Journey+5+Turuk+and+View.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdqhD0Ah1aBvlLn_oENSYFEn11nP-z8vq0_yltW8g98s0aSOmzSD07SyaZVeEJq-1r37yU9SdfBRw7hqKUZfS4_fKxbdD3wJyMeWMXuPfmMw8WO2L6Wn8JHWxNt6ARlqAEc1SWEO6MWmD/s320/Journey+5+Turuk+and+View.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
ordination took place on a beautiful Saturday morning, January 16 and
because it was to be celebrated outside in a nicely decorated pavilion right
next door to the convent, we had prime seats on the second floor balcony of the
convent. We watched together as the Mass began. The clergy were escorted
by the village warriors. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">A
hut representing the Deacon's home was constructed on the other side of the
field -about a football field away from the pavilion. Deacon Sylvester was
called from inside his hut. His family and village warriors, who tapped their
drums and blew their conchs, escorted him to the stage where the ordination
mass continued. Two priests came down to welcome him to the stage, but before
they could begin, Deacon Sylvester had to take off all his bilas (ceremonial
attire) and then he was ready to be ordained.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
Mass was followed by kai-kai (lunch) followed by a fitting celebration complete
with presentations of gifts, dancing and sing-sings in honor of our new priest
- Fr Sylvester. The next day (Sunday), the newly ordained Fr Sylvester
celebrated his first mass called a Thanksgiving mass. Again, the mass was
followed by kai-kai, and more presentations, dances and sing-sings. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63SosdG6kPTWvap-jzxWXhMrn_rMyGXXzWcDd5YZd9w-1RLjSacKYvCG4Z683OjT90buO28l9hPpLc5Jpw8lJLtdclbiYL60mrpV9pWLdsuScCHO-jK15CRcH6bTLjybBSW342PXtNQSM/s2048/Journey+3+Sylvester+Blessing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63SosdG6kPTWvap-jzxWXhMrn_rMyGXXzWcDd5YZd9w-1RLjSacKYvCG4Z683OjT90buO28l9hPpLc5Jpw8lJLtdclbiYL60mrpV9pWLdsuScCHO-jK15CRcH6bTLjybBSW342PXtNQSM/s320/Journey+3+Sylvester+Blessing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>(To be continued...)<p></p>Danita Kurtzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03057258081231227783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153954893886230422.post-64478842635809750782021-01-06T17:07:00.004-08:002021-01-22T17:34:28.378-08:00Last Holiday In PNG<p>M<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">y
last day of work and my mission was on Dec 11th. The students were abruptly
dismissed roughly two weeks before because of Covid, but the staff still had to
report to do report cards and other end of the year reports. It was so abrupt
that I was unable to give my final exam. I left for my vacation to the Diocese
of Rabaul in another Province and then traveled to a bush village of Pomio
where I was invited to celebrate Fr. Paul's 25 year jubilee. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhweTldvsHOF_u5o9o-nm0508tmlQz8b3tOe_N9U3-pePA4tPfbsC0s0qMG2eO8nFjNzR00H0kmsqYVlW1Bsy-L9txNhdWKsV_TMrxHHuEuDxyXVc_3eG2mym-rPGk1OxFhhdQochT9bhEd/s2048/Christmas2020Blog3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhweTldvsHOF_u5o9o-nm0508tmlQz8b3tOe_N9U3-pePA4tPfbsC0s0qMG2eO8nFjNzR00H0kmsqYVlW1Bsy-L9txNhdWKsV_TMrxHHuEuDxyXVc_3eG2mym-rPGk1OxFhhdQochT9bhEd/s320/Christmas2020Blog3.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Pomio
is known as Paradise for the order of Man and that is so true. It is absolutely
beautiful here. We are in a very remote area and the only way to get here is by
boat or walking. There is a road with no vehicles of any kind. (bicycles- but I
haven't seen one yet). Dinghies with motors and canoes are on the bay, but only
if there is money for fuel. To get to the small town of Palmalmal - you either
walk for 3 hours or take the dinghy and be there in 15 minutes across the bay.
But either way, to get to the actual village, you have to climb a steep
mountain. </span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqn4674bjTOB32d6R_kmoq6_1owDvh6Juf6izGhzqx6JmIAvhieVlX8DAVoxX2GN5HeRIai93o4tv5ecJsOt9TVZoamECaX8xfIPVyoDEf3I_WGYGO3lMGcovELhPKpGGuWU-kO0zFTM51/s1040/Christmas2020Blog8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqn4674bjTOB32d6R_kmoq6_1owDvh6Juf6izGhzqx6JmIAvhieVlX8DAVoxX2GN5HeRIai93o4tv5ecJsOt9TVZoamECaX8xfIPVyoDEf3I_WGYGO3lMGcovELhPKpGGuWU-kO0zFTM51/s320/Christmas2020Blog8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Luckily, Fr.
Paul's house is located closer to the beach, but to attend the various customs
or ceremonies in the village, we had to climb that mountain. Some,
especially children, are used to it - so they can run up and down and usually
the women have their dishes or laundry on their heads and/or carrying small
children to take to the river to wash. Plus, there is, at times, no water
coming from the faucets, so to get water, everything comes from the river. I am
trying to drink from the boiled water, but that can be difficult, too. I just
pray a lot and take my malaria pills. And the best part (so far), my legs are
healthy- no infections. To climb the mountain, I have to inch my way up and
down and one time it poured while up in the village- it was so hard climbing
down - I had a walking stick and had to hold on to someone's hand - but
managed to get down without falling- thank God. I guess if I stayed here, I
would get used to it, but yikes!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwAsiQE2NHKAVtXTmFkWcIvei2R1d3pjY5bVza5br8fot_SHz8x1EUSM2UR4NqIbeWjymDO5yJaQLCTNxAHag' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">One
of the custom ceremonies I was privileged to attend was the initiation of young
boys into their tribe. One of Sr. Bernadette's natural born sisters adopted a
young boy (3 years old) from Pomio who went through the initiation (he was
circumcised). Afterwards, a few men dressed up like dancing bushes or flowers
called Tumbuams come out with taro stems and whip family members and friends of
these young boys so they can share the pain of what these young boys had to
endure. Sort of hard to watch, but couldn't look away. Other customs were of
various dances to commemorate the people who died in their village. </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwPJO3Lw1gI_vMOPkLIGMY4Qso8B472DXO2bJjJ7uNT5Jvr7BOxmMt7QtbXE4dJwaUkUbUlLJeQPIsANCFhxA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Another
interesting custom ceremony was the initiation of the older young men into
their tribe (17-20 year-olds). They spent the previous week in a private place
in the mountains and had to carry their secret items with tribal meanings to
their village and they had to make sure it was dark and that no women were
around to see them. They did this around 6pm when it is dark outside and they
make whooping sounds and various bird calls that tell the women to stay in their
houses and to be quiet as the young men proceed up the mountain to their
village. It was rather eerie but fascinating to hear the sounds and
witness the overall experience.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Christmas
here is celebrated on that day as the birthday of Jesus. No decorations,
no cookies, no Santa, no presents, no Christmas trees. One of my
traditions at home is to go around on Christmas Eve and see Christmas
decorations, so one of Fr. Paul's brothers had a small crystal Christmas tree
that changed colors and one strand of lights. I purposely walked to his place
after Mass on Christmas Eve to see his small display just to fulfill my
tradition. The manger in the church was also nicely decorated. But that
was about it. People were now able to concentrate on their custom ceremonies. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Fr.
Paul's 25th Jubilee of his ordination was celebrated on Sunday December 27th -
Feast Day of the Holy Family. But his actual ordination day was January 2nd
and both days were celebrated with a Mass, dances, gift presentations and
lunch. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYB_fULevgVN_x8x8qtfMRJT_OH3-IrUEUlzF2zNDPfcjLLKL7f_-zMvxbyR_lP_ejjlaOVcnPtWhNhlbPARl4ngcgl72FGbmtELprADoObJFHH5okxr7z4Q6gLeL1zqVDaiz-gq7mjM3j/s2048/Christmas2020Blog4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYB_fULevgVN_x8x8qtfMRJT_OH3-IrUEUlzF2zNDPfcjLLKL7f_-zMvxbyR_lP_ejjlaOVcnPtWhNhlbPARl4ngcgl72FGbmtELprADoObJFHH5okxr7z4Q6gLeL1zqVDaiz-gq7mjM3j/s320/Christmas2020Blog4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QkYEgUJ_Vkr7422fIgvsdMT407wEnlrCJOFS6YVo2L4aK_15EZDF23ONzQmsX77neQSJSkeI_2OBpyK5VntqaHNHXkjgre73bFv2WXG0osR2FfizhZrjbzYZ4JgYHWLsDzUbqauJvOyq/s2048/Christmas2020Blog5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QkYEgUJ_Vkr7422fIgvsdMT407wEnlrCJOFS6YVo2L4aK_15EZDF23ONzQmsX77neQSJSkeI_2OBpyK5VntqaHNHXkjgre73bFv2WXG0osR2FfizhZrjbzYZ4JgYHWLsDzUbqauJvOyq/s320/Christmas2020Blog5.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9m0BezKSHGWUMr5xYjT5wWF0oHMUbIQOdLzrRO0PpXzHg4p6MeJPMNpf5BW8Hl0gMw5fkoN5Fk9TqO0703gviCRWRkD3DM_55kylzP-6GLa5GSTAPwYKcYvJvEruYZPeNsnBX-fEztmq6/s2048/Christmas2020Blog6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9m0BezKSHGWUMr5xYjT5wWF0oHMUbIQOdLzrRO0PpXzHg4p6MeJPMNpf5BW8Hl0gMw5fkoN5Fk9TqO0703gviCRWRkD3DM_55kylzP-6GLa5GSTAPwYKcYvJvEruYZPeNsnBX-fEztmq6/s320/Christmas2020Blog6.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dySZykpFPHlypAK23ixW6-3pHQFMvK5POZ86k3VI5IU03F0-oc5m76uck6ZuNwik9GNAjq9-USriuAsOW59CQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>Dec 27th was celebrated in the parish of Malakur and on Jan 2nd
was celebrated in the village of Ngaval - the village on top of the
mountain. The view on top of the mountain in that remote village is a
million-dollar view of the bay below. It is situated between the mountain on
one side and the beach and bay view on the other side. Remote, but just
beautiful! </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUk8n9O0tqBwpfwYGjYFQMOqOlYABciFz9M0U2AVBzYuJdPhavbObza3tvn0BsFUEUch17PmU6YR57h1QD3kG87uOLh4ZQ0kf56lmYEu_TguWsbDJbfCVfn5PzpilO5QFtcerQhkU8SFnx/s2048/Christmas2020Blog1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUk8n9O0tqBwpfwYGjYFQMOqOlYABciFz9M0U2AVBzYuJdPhavbObza3tvn0BsFUEUch17PmU6YR57h1QD3kG87uOLh4ZQ0kf56lmYEu_TguWsbDJbfCVfn5PzpilO5QFtcerQhkU8SFnx/s320/Christmas2020Blog1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">So
far, 2021 is good - I am in Pomio - paradise, my football team (The Ohio
State Buckeyes) will play Alabama for the National Championship on January 11th
and after the way they played in the playoff - it should be an amazing game. My
professional football team (Cleveland Browns) are in the playoffs for the first
time in 18 years and Biden will be president on January 20th. The virus is the
only negative so far. Prayers are needed that I can return home safely. I plan
to return home sometime before February 14th, the day my visa expires. </span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHuO8wmvPRxBIlRM87gJRXSQM3tUHHxU4VGcAw6T0hjWqeF2kkBc-r2IaXh4vBQYjrOW1pIdvr876UPexG9l_LRwg-RuU3k7bDb2opzOgiZwQYaYezczrRsPGB6TfWUUpIyXQz45MnT6K/s1040/Christmas2020Blog7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHuO8wmvPRxBIlRM87gJRXSQM3tUHHxU4VGcAw6T0hjWqeF2kkBc-r2IaXh4vBQYjrOW1pIdvr876UPexG9l_LRwg-RuU3k7bDb2opzOgiZwQYaYezczrRsPGB6TfWUUpIyXQz45MnT6K/s320/Christmas2020Blog7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
wish all of you a happy and blessed New Year. I will keep you in my prayers,
please keep me in yours. God bless.</span></p></div></div>Danita Kurtzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03057258081231227783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153954893886230422.post-34270001758893997992020-11-04T12:33:00.002-08:002020-11-06T13:04:49.838-08:00A Tale of Two Bishop Installations<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
attended the installation of the Archbishop of Rabaul at the end of September/beginning
of October (Rochus Josef Tatamai, MSC). I couldn't help compare it with the
installation of Bishop John Bosco Aurum in Kimbe. (To read more details about
the Kimbe Bishop installation, read my blog on the Episcopal ordination.) The
differences were truly remarkable.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
installation in Rabaul was a really beautiful experience and very spiritual.
The songs sung, the ceremony and the entrance/recessional processions with a
parade of priests and religious were heartfelt and appropriate for such a
joyous occasion, but in my humble opinion, the one in Kimbe was so much more
alive - the choirs (yes, more than one singing together), the various warriors
dancing up the aisle, angels flying the bible to the alter (yes, flying),
tossing the soon-to- be Bishop into the air three times and again, the sights
and sounds were just so glorious to watch, not to mention the perfect weather
under a dancing sun. So, as you can see, both installations were God's true
Blessing and were executed in two different ways, but ultimately the end result
was the installation of new Bishops.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHX7udZuKWiV46cl4mEz-XMv5JyhCFuuXU7Iz5FtdpY1LWsdFMutPAQX_iixD0Hm7tMeflxGybN58VqzwoQRE-LCTMobn3Q_lU2-AfcJW90OeeYSJrZ33nDTT_firFrK4zyZVAaXPOrA0/s1040/BlogTwoBishops5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHX7udZuKWiV46cl4mEz-XMv5JyhCFuuXU7Iz5FtdpY1LWsdFMutPAQX_iixD0Hm7tMeflxGybN58VqzwoQRE-LCTMobn3Q_lU2-AfcJW90OeeYSJrZ33nDTT_firFrK4zyZVAaXPOrA0/s320/BlogTwoBishops5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The celebrations
afterward were beautiful in both locations with the people dressed in a variety
of bilas (natural decorations - flowers, leaves, etc) all to express their joy
of having a new Bishop as they were both one of their own, born and raised on
New Britain Island (one in the east and the other in the west) in Papua New
Guinea. </span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
Diocese of Kimbe was well represented with about 150 people who either flew,
took boats or traveled on the treacherous highway connecting the two Dioceses
to attend. We dressed in our own purple merriblouses one day and a
multicolor one that represented our Diocese on another day as we joined the
celebratory activities.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbagg6d1Jr4TjO8B4-8KbZaPKqpob_JYc_jHNlMpzChVrMig04GUqcC0fnBkSM0AQ_9l4rl16kx4TZZubWMu70uP5KfBtQDMj2tez_E70LuGSY0YyAt4pAfD-9xWtUjpk0vE9kCPEdYYe/s974/BlogTwoBishops2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="974" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbagg6d1Jr4TjO8B4-8KbZaPKqpob_JYc_jHNlMpzChVrMig04GUqcC0fnBkSM0AQ_9l4rl16kx4TZZubWMu70uP5KfBtQDMj2tez_E70LuGSY0YyAt4pAfD-9xWtUjpk0vE9kCPEdYYe/s320/BlogTwoBishops2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4WjzutCjxJNpjxOdBbYhRE2JpE5P7Z16C4pSzzLEZl74TaiSIC35PZz74dAYrXPxS_HgUgcjNwfqPfZ4CY1ab_PJioMP9AYeQlzdRWZNJn3rSoS6UFR4pZo3zWZP-L_cF38TKfLAHl3I/s1040/BlogTwoBishops3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4WjzutCjxJNpjxOdBbYhRE2JpE5P7Z16C4pSzzLEZl74TaiSIC35PZz74dAYrXPxS_HgUgcjNwfqPfZ4CY1ab_PJioMP9AYeQlzdRWZNJn3rSoS6UFR4pZo3zWZP-L_cF38TKfLAHl3I/s320/BlogTwoBishops3.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5s7XKmaOnCFmc-edfq-NQjP7q1IHBbLS629MNxLE87C7BJANtZiGc8MQ5kZF6sqSu2UNBTC9se_O3gLmcic_QIGQAeN_2B-NgyFOpXQPWIw6ZKaA7MKzqM-9147X_2sIUn8aHotMpEPSr/s2048/BlogTwoBishops6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1532" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5s7XKmaOnCFmc-edfq-NQjP7q1IHBbLS629MNxLE87C7BJANtZiGc8MQ5kZF6sqSu2UNBTC9se_O3gLmcic_QIGQAeN_2B-NgyFOpXQPWIw6ZKaA7MKzqM-9147X_2sIUn8aHotMpEPSr/s320/BlogTwoBishops6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfpIhC9TvITYlwMsN4WBNdWtZBXoCBf0hC96jlFuyNGbsTjzSPkkBIdfD_ZUE73QJPtfBUPHBzlF5Ua_UNbSSWT6U4riLC83zr0RLlo_-xxHtDcjLC3IzCA57KgjJrjoyavNYhsOv2eki/s2048/BlogTwoBishops7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1532" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfpIhC9TvITYlwMsN4WBNdWtZBXoCBf0hC96jlFuyNGbsTjzSPkkBIdfD_ZUE73QJPtfBUPHBzlF5Ua_UNbSSWT6U4riLC83zr0RLlo_-xxHtDcjLC3IzCA57KgjJrjoyavNYhsOv2eki/s320/BlogTwoBishops7.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I
flew out a week earlier to visit Kavieng, New Ireland Province. I was invited
to visit Sr Mary Agnes who used to live in Kimbe and her MSC Sisters. They were
wonderful and gracious hostesses and showed me around Kavieng. Across the
street was a brand new ultramodern Provincial government building made by the
Chinese and opened on their Independence Day (September 16, 2020). It was
nicely built but so modern compared to the buildings surrounding it. I
was honored to be able to tour the building with them - the first time for all
of us. I took them all out for a lobster/crab dinner as a thank you for their
hospitality - something I cannot get in Kimbe and something they seldom have
for themselves. </span></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sr
Mary Agnes and I traveled up a pothole free highway to spend the night in
Namatanai where we met up with our other travel companions.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The next morning we traveled by boat (dinghy)
to Rabaul for the installation. After the installation, I traveled back by boat
with my fellow parishioners from the Diocese of Kimbe to Ulinoma and then by
car back to Kimbe.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYYbfzJcR4wDJTrtBVR_6XXOWhlvu2uI5z0UGVEIUJn1Msu7jIAWhTNsmk9g4cROW1YyTJ1KfvAEEw0_9TW5P2DxKef8ZWDgXb8uO8lelX_3WHgV0dkwVrinmu1Pvaj7IXitkNsJ1r3za/s1040/BlogTwoBishops4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYYbfzJcR4wDJTrtBVR_6XXOWhlvu2uI5z0UGVEIUJn1Msu7jIAWhTNsmk9g4cROW1YyTJ1KfvAEEw0_9TW5P2DxKef8ZWDgXb8uO8lelX_3WHgV0dkwVrinmu1Pvaj7IXitkNsJ1r3za/s320/BlogTwoBishops4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We,
as a Diocese, were able to visit with Karl Hesse, M.S.C., Archbishop
Emeritus who still resides in Rabaul. We sang him a few songs and he
reminisced on how the Diocese of Kimbe became separated from the Diocese of
Rabaul. Some of you veteran missionaries who worked in ENB might remember
him. He had high praise and good memories of the LMH missionaries who worked with
him in the past. </span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhse7m39xlUz4lJ-dv5SUbctWBRyqlvVL2Bnt2lMIFqfbAIDMJPNOMJ68_x2qPaWa-Il-FcNzT5SeqIHkrUf3y0IMAqCwyX9wSlCI40qtB6AI3EkCfJ94um6y7OhxIEQ9N7f4n3c20ckYGO/s1040/BlogTwoBishops1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhse7m39xlUz4lJ-dv5SUbctWBRyqlvVL2Bnt2lMIFqfbAIDMJPNOMJ68_x2qPaWa-Il-FcNzT5SeqIHkrUf3y0IMAqCwyX9wSlCI40qtB6AI3EkCfJ94um6y7OhxIEQ9N7f4n3c20ckYGO/s320/BlogTwoBishops1.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">When
I got back to Kimbe, I again had to fight off another leg infection. I was out
of school until it healed with my leg elevated and mostly in bed. I was on
intense antibiotics as I waited impatiently for it to heal. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Now as I'm coming to the end of my mission with approximately 3 months to go,
I'm trying to soak up as many sights and sounds, culture and experience as
possible as I know this time will fly by much too quickly. Again, please keep
me in your prayers, especially with COVID 19 still playing havoc in our country
(I hope I can return early next year). I, as always, continue to pray for all
of you. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">God bless...</span></p></div>Danita Kurtzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03057258081231227783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153954893886230422.post-74421332455429839312020-07-09T12:39:00.002-07:002020-07-27T09:41:12.432-07:00My Journey to the Bush of PNG<br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">Expect
the unexpected is the latest slogan for PNG and traveling to the bush is one
unexpected breathe-taking beauty of a ride through a land still somewhat
primitive, but what a gorgeous country! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">It was a Wednesday afternoon and I was traveling with our
new Bishop, John Bosco Auram, and team from Kimbe to the bush villages of
Ulamona and Mantanakunai. The road was surprisingly smoother than expected, not
many potholes to slow us down, but each twist and turn revealed a luscious
landscape of a variety of tropical trees lining the road and covering the
fields and mountains along the way. We crossed bridges over fresh blue- green
cold water rivers and at one point, saw a spectacular view of the ocean sparkling
in the distance. There was a sense of wonder and discovery in the unspoiled
wilderness we passed along the way. We arrived in Ulamona to songs of
welcome for the new Bishop who did his pastoral work as a deacon back in 1999
and they honored him as if welcoming back one of their own.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #454545;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">The
next day after mass, we took a dinghy for a two hour trip across the sea to
Mantanakunai- where the Bishop was again welcomed with song by the villagers
who carried him to his place of honor. We were there to open a new parish in
the bush village of Matanakunai (which was a sub-parish of Ulamona.) </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIZxh6MJIimVowVI5ljSGaWH2UeMzjedW5TsSYQCus0AJZ71ibN8Aabxs0BT_Ze-3CeHCRGmNS_BsTXCMq7o1Lv3yEd4ve8WgovgcXciBfZ4zdxh0XnhdSqXbsYRkfDSLLacQel6qzh-l/s1600/BushBlog1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIZxh6MJIimVowVI5ljSGaWH2UeMzjedW5TsSYQCus0AJZ71ibN8Aabxs0BT_Ze-3CeHCRGmNS_BsTXCMq7o1Lv3yEd4ve8WgovgcXciBfZ4zdxh0XnhdSqXbsYRkfDSLLacQel6qzh-l/s320/BushBlog1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">The
bush conjures up an image of a wild, uncultivated and rustic land and
certainly, Mantanakunai did not disappoint. Matanakunai is situated
right on the water with palm trees swaying in the breeze and vegetation
blooming everywhere right on the border of East and West New Britain Provinces.
It shares politics with East New Britain while the parish itself is under the
Diocese of Kimbe. Was it rustic? I’ll let you decide- - no electricity (a
generator powered the stage and church area), pit toilets (yikes - take a deep
breath of fresh air before...) </span><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "segoe ui symbol", sans-serif;">😃</span><span style="color: #454545;"> and bush houses that look more like cabins- no real
furniture, no kitchen, no bathroom (pit toilet) , no glass in the windows, but
it looked sturdy enough to withstand the numerous rain storms that often
frequent a tropical paradise like Matanakunai. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">The
village would be any artists dream with its unspoiled landscape and friendly
people. The surroundings are equal to a tropical resort reminding me of what
some northern countries have to recreate inside greenhouses or indoor botanical
gardens that can only provide a glimpse into the natural beauty that inhabits
such a place. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">Mitchel,
a friend I met in Kimbe and lives in Ulamona found me and I asked her to
accompany me to Mantanakunai and I’m so glad she agreed. She introduced me to
the bush life. One example was the wash-wash in the pristine, but cold river
only a few minutes walk from the village. I was totally unprepared for the
splash of cold water being poured over me as the (all female) audience on shore
looked on - some were amused at my shock and I’m sure for some it was their
first time seeing a white meri (woman) experiencing such a wash-wash in the
bush. Camping is what comes to mind, but I don’t think I ever had to wash- wash
in a river before. Refreshing? - haha- well - okay, I’ll admit - it was
refreshing, (after the initial shock wore off...) but brrrrrr - the water was
just too cold, even on a humid day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExKY782sP-cI8q7BuVYHBlRg5oEI-yqC85VlCehLD_HhTg-lxqdp6-NQGxwqWK7K8DrbbspVJickjriwJMGOTH9FRxfWvv-biBSIA_KMZQfUk2agLuga-6kLQZSVE_iXGtxp7Xw1plxUO/s1600/BushBlog2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExKY782sP-cI8q7BuVYHBlRg5oEI-yqC85VlCehLD_HhTg-lxqdp6-NQGxwqWK7K8DrbbspVJickjriwJMGOTH9FRxfWvv-biBSIA_KMZQfUk2agLuga-6kLQZSVE_iXGtxp7Xw1plxUO/s320/BushBlog2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">The
opening of the new parish began with mass on both Friday (to honor the Bishop)
and Saturday to install the new parish, Fr Cleofas as the parish priest, as
well as the Catechists and the parishioners. There was an undeniable sense of
something exceptional about to happen when the drums started beating and all
made way for the warriors, both women and men, dressed in bilas (adornment of
their bodies with leaves, feathers and other bush material and natural paint)
spears in hand as they danced, escorting the Bible into the church. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxirS-oOK13fjz-TkMSrGgq0HANCAEsajWW1oP311e-PtUOojf4CHe7DPbCjqxzn_GV4BQUTYmCp1ffY2PWZQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dya2xP1QWpoiYXFlT04-Zlub4WT5ZHjZF_MMowVVTJeV1bni2zvM12kiNpmUU-pE687xtU2FnKDbCBMIhSIfw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><span style="color: #454545; text-align: center;">Lunch
followed by celebrations and gifts began in the afternoon of both days with both East and West New Britain well represented by tribes and clans from both provinces as each group dressed in
their own unique bilas and danced their ceremonial dances. Gifts included pigs
(poor things), food items like taro, money and other honorable contributions.
Friday was to honor our new Bishop while Saturday honored the new Parish priest
Fr Cleofas. The stage was the main focal point of each afternoon and it looked
newly built as it was dedicated on the 13 of June to the St. Mary’s Assumption
Parish. There was an area already roped off and designated for the new church
that will be built as well as a new priest house (I hope it has a real
bathroom).</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJALXju2PlhfKTTOax2r-Hzk40RMjLwFrcKJKZuK_3i4LPjMxlbe2WX49vw34CksyZFLaTzCZBQt_R1ddiw44r5eWyk1yeBMlD-mbDURKEPN6kV1ASi7CfqhIbpylh6TICS96m-UY4YDO/s1600/BushBlog6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJALXju2PlhfKTTOax2r-Hzk40RMjLwFrcKJKZuK_3i4LPjMxlbe2WX49vw34CksyZFLaTzCZBQt_R1ddiw44r5eWyk1yeBMlD-mbDURKEPN6kV1ASi7CfqhIbpylh6TICS96m-UY4YDO/s320/BushBlog6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">The
church will be surrounded by a tropical landscape of beautiful palm trees
swaying in the wind built along dirt roads that lead back to Kimbe or onward to
Rabaul. The mountains seen from the village are part of the jungles where many
of its people have already moved down into the village area to work or go to
school. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">Returning
across the water back to Ulamona on Saturday was amazing. My dinghy left at
sundown. As we watched the sun melt into the water, a ray of pure blue
streaked across the sky. Mitchel called it the Ray of Divine Mercy and I never
saw something so spectacular. It was in the shape of a rainbow but was only a
deep beautiful color of blue. After the sun disappeared, a pitch dark
night displayed an amazing array of stars that were reflected off the water as
we followed the shoreline. We arrived back to Ulamona with an unbelievable star
lineup taking place before us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">The
same room I occupied two nights earlier in the convent awaited my return, and
even though there was no electricity, no hot water, a wet and chipped cement
floor and fixtures and no real shower, there was a real toilet that flushed and
a faucet to wash my hands and to me, it might as well of been the Ritz.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">A volcano
stands overlooking Ulamona as an ominous reminder of its three eruptions
during the past year (2019) that evacuated the entire village- only now people
are brave enough to return and rebuild their lives. I was told that the first
and second eruptions created a new smaller volcano standing right next to the
original while the third eruption mostly flowed underneath both volcanos
birthed a baby peak. I prayed that they all remained asleep while we visited the
area. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">Sunday
mass began with a confirmation class of around 500 youths. The last
confirmation took place 4 years earlier. This was one of the Bishop’s
first confirmations since his installation and luckily he was comfortable
enough to delegate the task to two of his senior priests. With 500 youths, it
could have been a very long mass. Again that afternoon was filled with lunch,
followed by a celebration that included singing, dancing and gift
presentations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">In the
past, Ulanoma welcomed both the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC) priests
and religious sisters who operated a saw-mill providing the surrounding
villages lumber for many years. Unfortunately, the mill burned and all was
eventually abandoned. But the church remains and it was almost a replica of the
old cathedral in Kimbe. The missionaries are long gone, but they
left behind their buildings and their faith that the villagers embrace and will
pass on to the new generation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">Overall,
traveling to the bush was an amazing experience- something truly unexpected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to end my blog on a cute note. I walk
to school and it’s about a thirty minute walk. On the corner of the main road
and the long road leading to Ruango Junior High is a house with a lot of little
children who wave to me every morning and again in the afternoon when I return
home. I must have blown them a kiss at one point because now they throw those
kisses back at me. It always makes my day in such a cute way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin: 0in; min-height: 20.3px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">Please know that I continue to pray for you as I hope you
continue to pray for me. I am discerning whether I should leave at the end of
the year or stay for one more year. Please pray with me for God to reveal how
long I should stay here in PNG. God bless all of you and - please leave comments.
Bye until next time...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Danita Kurtzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03057258081231227783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153954893886230422.post-30190934091263411952020-05-11T15:48:00.000-07:002020-05-18T15:30:06.254-07:00My Experience with COVID-19 in PNG<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">I decided
to stay in mission in Kimbe, Papua New Guinea during the COVID-19
pandemic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prayed about staying or leaving,
and I chose to stay in mission knowing full well of all the complications that
came with making that decision. My new assignment this year is to teach Grade 9
English at Ruango Junior High School in the Diocese of Kimbe, PNG. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">After I
decided to stay, the country followed the example of other countries by going
on lockdown and closing all schools. Schools were canceled for about five weeks
and reopened on May 4 for grades 7 and up. Lower grades will resume sometime in
the near future. Classes opened on a trial basis and will be closely monitored
throughout the month of May. If there are any new cases, schools might be
closed again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">Lockdown
looks a bit different here in PNG than what I see on TV of what’s happening in
the United States and other parts of the world. We still have daily and Sunday
Mass in the church in the Diocese of Kimbe. Bishop John Bosco felt confident
that his parishioners would defend him if anything should happen to him. The
stores shortened their hours and their shelves are stocked with most
essentials, however, products coming from other countries are in somewhat short
supply. People are required to wash their hands before entering stores and the
sale of alcohol is prohibited. The central market is slowly opening but with
limited hours. A curfew was put in place from 7pm till 5 am every night, but
now the curfew starts at 9pm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">Unlike
many other countries, Papua New Guinea has not felt the full effects of
COVID-19. There are only eight reported cases as of today and they all
eventually tested negative and also as of today - there are 0 deaths. Some say
it’s because PNG is a Christian country that prays together and God has
answered their prayers of preventing this virus from entering PNG. Others are
saying that it is only a matter of time before it’s PNG ‘s turn to feel the full
effects of this dreaded disease, while still others say that it’s the hot
climate that kills the virus before it can spread to others. Only time will
tell which theory is true or who knows, maybe it’s a combination of all three.
Whatever you believe, please continue to pray for a cure and erase COVID -19
pandemic from the world.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">School
did start on Monday, May 4 with only 79 students out of 190 in Grade 9 in
attendance. We had a short orientation for them about Covid-19 and dismissed
them at 10:30 am. Tuesday through Friday, we only had around 100 students and
we don’t know what to expect for the next few weeks. Will all students show up
or will we continue to have low attendance - which would be nice for the sake
of the teachers. As far as face masks are concerned, on Monday, only half of
the students and staff wore face masks, but by Friday, only about a handful of
students wore them. We have water jugs instead of sinks for students to wash
their hands and that is a major problem- the health department told us it was a
violation of one of the COVID-19 codes, so male students had to dig ditches to
install a water line and hopefully soon we will have sinks installed as well.
As we begin this ‘new normal’ of school life up until the State of Emergency is
finally lifted and everything turns back to ‘normal’ - whatever that will mean,
it is a new and most interesting experience for both students and staff
alike. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">Church
has never really changed except the grand attempt to practice social distancing,
prohibit shaking of hands during blessings and greetings and not taking holy communion
on the tongue, etc. It is sort of bittersweet to watch St. Bartholomew, my
church in Long Beach, California hold their mass on the internet. It’s nice for
me being so far away, but my heart aches for my fellow parishioners denied the
opportunity to share in the experience, especially during Holy Week and Easter
Sunday- and every Sunday for that matter. </span></div>
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<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxX5HMTxiDNNg4ZmwOA2WVKFhxRLx-tqiNXkRaMcy2darEd_aa1CtEXDvaEoUYb3ItDeOk-VH_A3AMTOg5I9Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="color: #454545;">My Holy
Week and Easter here in ‘my’ village of Vavua was not celebrated as gloriously
as it was celebrated last year (see my blog about my Easter experience last
year, 2019) but we did celebrate the vigil mass on Saturday evening in Vavua. I
was able to attend the last mass on Easter Sunday which was beautifully celebrated
in the village of KoiMumu, a sub parish of Vavua. To avoid social distancing
inside the village church, the mass was celebrated at a specially built grotto
in the bush right on the beach. The grotto was originally built to celebrate
the arrival of the Statue of the Lady of Fatima as it was brought in a boat
across the water back in 2015. It was escorted by a flotilla of boats as it
made its way to the specially made grotto built in her honor. I can only
imagine how beautiful that sight must have been to see and experience. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">So now
PNG is trying to slowly lift its lockdown restrictions - joining with other
countries to try to keep this virus away as the world fights for an eventual
cure- let us all pray together and to embrace only the positive parts of the
‘new normal’ (for me - I like the idea of washing hands and would not mind if
this was done on a permanent basis). Social distancing, however, is really not
part of the PNG culture and hopefully, will be one restriction that comes to an
end. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">Please
continue to pray for me as I continue my mission here in PNG and I will pray
for you in return as America and the rest of the world begins to lift the many
forced restrictions and as a cure is ultimately found to end COVID-19. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">Until
next time- God Bless...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Special Note:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have had a
special honor by one of my previous co- workers, Mrs, Mangmial. She asked me to
help name her newborn son. I told her my name is Danita and I was named after
my Dad, Daniel. My parents were expecting a big boy, but boy were they
surprised when they had twin daughters instead. My twin sister is Debra (or
Debbie). I was especially honored when she named her son Junior Daniel Mangmial.
Pray with me that he grows up healthy and successfully. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Danita Kurtzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03057258081231227783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153954893886230422.post-23542432762967104432020-02-04T13:32:00.000-08:002020-02-04T15:28:58.345-08:00Episcopal Ordination<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
is February 2020 following a fast pace holiday that began in December. I had
the opportunity to return home to rest from the challenges of my first two
years here in PNG and prepare for my new assignment this year. I had an amazing
time visiting with as many family members, friends as well as my fellow St.
Bartholomew parishioners. I wish to thank everyone who made my visit home
special. I am truly blessed by your compassion, support, prayers and visits
while at home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">It
was only a day after arriving back to Kimbe that the Episcopal Ordination of
our new Bishop, John Bosco Auram, was about to begin. Jet lag was not going to
stop me from attending and the excitement taking place around me was enough to
keep me awake. The ordination itself took place outside in a recreational park
in the middle of town. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Saturday,
January 25, turned out to be a glorious day - filled with warm sunshine, tribal
drum beats from various locations, a large choir rehearsed while parishioners
and participants alike anticipated the blessings the day would bring. Many
dressed in their decorative bilas (traditional dress) to fulfill their role
within the ceremony that was about to take place. It all began on time at 8:30
am with an escort by the warriors who, with their spears dancing joyously,
cleared the path for the clergy to slowly meander their way through the wet
grass and the gathered crowd toward an authentic stage decorated in the
traditional style of PNG. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The priests
and Bishops, many visiting from other provinces and countries, Bishop William
Fey who can now officially retire, the Archbishop of Rabaul, and the one and
only Cardinal of PNG, Cardinal John Ribat were accompanied by the sing-sing of
the choir as they sang the entrance hymns.</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy3us_qPydes6pMTRGWpQ1hStQR4UxoFCTzSBA1GmsxwSXtkZwe9KVfTgvM6W52yri_4OgWpoWCL3us8K1nmg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Each
village within the Diocese of Kimbe was well represented, as warriors and/or
dancers brought their assigned item(s) to the altar to present to the mass or
to the Bishop. Then it came that moment when Bishop-to-be John Bosco Auram was
hoisted into the air three times before he was led to the altar to begin his
ordination. He was properly ordained during the mass with all the pageantry
expected for such an occasion that announced to all that a new Bishop was ready
to shepherd his flock in the Diocese of Kimbe. The mass began at 8:30 a.m. and
ended at 12:10 p.m. Those of us sitting in the stands, or standing under
makeshift palm trees specially placed inside the park, were truly blessed by
the mass and the jubilance of all who participated in the mass. </span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyg3ueYmwaZKokzbiRCshPwdMHpWqUdzzEMpujRpS4b2RlocWhjkP49pLbr374LR_CaHwC1u3cfcwpeNQEGJQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Prayers
must have been continuous by everyone associated with the event as it turned
out to be a beautiful day, especially for an outdoor event. I was told that
thunderstorms occurred on a daily basis leading up to this blessed day. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sunday
began just as beautiful too as the installation mass was celebrated again in
the park. It was a little sad for me as I said good-bye to Sr Bernadette who
had to leave for the airport. She was transferred back to her beloved home of
Rabaul. I look forward to visiting her sometime soon as she begins her new
assignment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">On
both days, a true PNG lunch and dinner followed both masses with the Religious
sharing in the celebration of our new Bishop. I sat with the MSC Sisters and
was warmly welcomed back by many who knew I just returned from my holiday. It
is so nice to be back. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Both
days continued into the afternoon with speeches from the religious dignitaries,
the Bishops, the Archbishop, the Cardinal and prominent religious and village
leaders. Of course there were gifts, presentations, and song and dance to
finish out the day. Only on Sunday around 5 pm did it decide to rain, but that
didn’t stop the dancers who had waited patiently the whole day for their turn to
honor the new Bishop. They danced despite the rain and the thunder taking place
around them. I was also honored to finally have my opportunity to dance with
the Mammas Group at dinner on Sunday night. Cameras were rolling, but
unfortunately mine was not one of them. I also had the opportunity to visit
with Cardinal John Ribat (Cardinal of PNG and also the uncle to Sr Bernadette).
I thanked him for allowing us to stay at his place in Rabaul my first year in
PNG and for the opportunity to meet and stay with his family. We also
talked about his visit to the USA the year before. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bishop
Bill will sadly be leaving PNG at the end of February. I will truly miss our
conversations and visits as I say good-bye to my Won-tok (someone who speaks
the same language). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
will hopefully tell you about my new assignment in my next blog as well as my
new home on the grounds of the Diocese. So far so good. This is also a great
time to finally learn the language of Tok-Pidgin. Again, I thank you for
your support, prayers and encouragement during my visit home and as I continue
my mission in PNG and I, in return, will pray for you, too. Your comments are
always appreciated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank
you and God bless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Danita Kurtzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03057258081231227783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153954893886230422.post-91723360415372414682019-11-13T14:37:00.001-08:002019-11-20T10:38:30.164-08:00Good Eats (of PNG)<br />
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<span style="color: #454545;">I’m
borrowing a title from a popular TV show on Food Network for this blog. I
wanted to call it ‘Fast food of PNG’, but that doesn’t really exist here. There
are no McDonalds or Pizza Hut or Starbucks or any of the fast food chains (sort
of funny because of the joke in the USA about how they exist on every street
corner and maybe even on the moon - ha- not here in PNG). There are a few
Chinese restaurants that try cooking fast food, but I got sick the first time I
tried it and that was it. Now I will attempt to describe a few of the more
popular cooking techniques used here in Papua New Guinea. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">The most popular cooking technique in PNG is the MUMU,
but first I’ll introduce the AIGIR cooking technique - often described as
PNG’s “fast food” method, then I’ll share how they ‘bake’ in a remote village
and I will finally end with the most popular one of all, the mumu. Now,
let’s get started:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">AIGIR: Cooking Bananas and Greens:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">We begin in the PNG ‘kitchen’ making bananas. These are
not the sweet Chiquita type bananas, but a more savory cooking type banana.
They might be compared to plantains, but PNG has a rich genetic diversity of
edible banana species and is home to about 10 wild banana species that range
anywhere from the sweet to the savory cooking bananas. </span><span style="color: #454545;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">The AIGIR technique (‘fast food‘) begins with coconuts.
Coconuts are first husked using a spear type knife and the outside skin is
tossed aside to be used for other purposes. Secondly, the milk is poured out
and the meat of the coconut is scraped using a special stool with a knife type
scraper at the end. (I kept hearing people scraping coconuts, but it can sound
like a washing machine- so the first time I actually saw what they were doing
and heard the sound, I had to laugh to myself- nope, they are definitely not
washing clothes, but instead- scraping coconuts.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">Hendricka is scrapping the
coconuts while Sr Bernadette prepares a fire inside the ‘kitchen’. The whole
process is fascinating to watch, especially when they call it ‘fast’ food
cooking. I guess fast is a relative term when it comes to the different cooking
methods found in PNG. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">The coconuts are husked, then scraped. The ‘meat’ of the
coconut is separated from the milk. The greens and the coconut are then boiled
together on the outside fire - located outside the inside ‘kitchen’.</span><span style="color: #454545;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">Greens called iaibica and another called Kumu Mosum in
pidgin are first rolled by hand to soften them. The stones from the outdoor
‘kitchen’ are brought inside and put into water to release the steam,
then the hot stones are placed in the coconut milk. The iaibica is placed on
top of the hot stones that ends up cooking them- then more coconut milk is
poured on top. Canned fish (or any protein- fresh of course is better, but
canned if there is nothing else) is stirred inside the greens. </span><span style="color: #454545;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Meanwhile, the bananas are boiled inside the coconut milk
until they are done.<br />
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<span style="color: #454545;">When the stones cool, they are replaced by hot ones. The
greens are then covered for about 5 minutes or so- then the bananas are put on
a plate or in a dish, topped with the greens, the coconut cream is poured over
all of it and it is ready to eat. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJeJN1970ee0WcH3xoP4JLUDvog4i40wp0MGq5cqmIIXIM0o8Gq-J0Lj5kEZijQ0ZIHT957-Ba_4Nc_KV5KnXTTdPZ7k5y4C3bXy5oQaa8cJ9hqKR7nizvJKLPb1r2uifmkFNUwq94euJQ/s1600/GoodEats9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJeJN1970ee0WcH3xoP4JLUDvog4i40wp0MGq5cqmIIXIM0o8Gq-J0Lj5kEZijQ0ZIHT957-Ba_4Nc_KV5KnXTTdPZ7k5y4C3bXy5oQaa8cJ9hqKR7nizvJKLPb1r2uifmkFNUwq94euJQ/s320/GoodEats9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">It is a savory dish despite the bananas and coconut- the
greens are similar to spinach and the entire combination is just plain Yum!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">‘Baking’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">In ‘my’ village of Vavua, Fr Bennet began two projects
that should assist his parish to survive financially. He built a shelter
for pigs and it’s the parishioners’ job to take care of them. He then bought
special outdoor ovens and converted one of his buildings on the
parish grounds as the ‘baking’ house. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">In the
morning of the designated baking day (at this point it’s either Tuesday or
Saturday), Pricilla, his cook, will mix the flour and yeast and let it rise on
a baking table. Each village in his parish is assigned either a Tuesday or
Saturday. These women come to the baking house in the morning and roll the
dough into individual rolls, put them on large baking sheets and then they are
ready to bake. They are put inside the outdoor ovens until baked, then sold for
50 toya each. Some are taken to the small stores within the village and all
the money earned is given to the parish. People look forward to buying these
rolls, especially when they are still warm right out of the oven. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4IBA8On30obfkD0wHQq8uthBdkwLUSGpMxTtzyk4_Ut02iP5P_haHGWCNqOeKJ3rkjTkfYmg2VpiTwozsDG82TcaeeiK6goTvCUwDjRWypP6BlDlC988bC0aHQZpnwbMolMaNrpFOAjb/s1600/GoodEats13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4IBA8On30obfkD0wHQq8uthBdkwLUSGpMxTtzyk4_Ut02iP5P_haHGWCNqOeKJ3rkjTkfYmg2VpiTwozsDG82TcaeeiK6goTvCUwDjRWypP6BlDlC988bC0aHQZpnwbMolMaNrpFOAjb/s320/GoodEats13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">I had the opportunity to join the bakers on Tuesday and
met some beautiful women who introduced themselves and shared stories of their
lives in the village. One woman was from the Island of Bougainville. I showed
her a video of me dancing with the Buka students during cultural day at Caritas
and it brought tears to her eyes. The stories and the friendly conversation
made the time fly and soon the rolls were baked and ready to sell. The baking
house and tables were cleaned and made ready for the next baking day. I felt
honored to join them as a baker for a day.</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzn2aq4ok3IljcVk3GaU5K_cZB3u1wWImExzmACPI5wSuPpknPcCFuBloyBLY6IK3mBfEjmUJNFHbmSJzos1w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #454545;">The Mumu</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">A mumu is when a protein (pig, chicken, fish, etc.) and
vegetables such as taro, potatoes - both white and sweet, bananas, etc. are
roasted in a ground oven. It is a traditional method of cooking large
quantities of food for celebrations in Papua New Guinea. It involves digging a
pit, filling it with hot rocks, adding food, then burying the whole lot for
hours so it can cook and be ready to eat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10SdhDmIXw8lfcauDcWThQRY2_GoVJMYdmM9pKFO1m_jG9GLqLzK9a7ijdBO-Z1XJAAHkNRhJdtMJ3PkBXIWqSEuZFxZp9n1x6eJhRJmXxwiVr75iSZz6VGNU498vwoxRM2EAv9pWNrxp/s1600/GoodEats18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10SdhDmIXw8lfcauDcWThQRY2_GoVJMYdmM9pKFO1m_jG9GLqLzK9a7ijdBO-Z1XJAAHkNRhJdtMJ3PkBXIWqSEuZFxZp9n1x6eJhRJmXxwiVr75iSZz6VGNU498vwoxRM2EAv9pWNrxp/s320/GoodEats18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="color: #454545;">The mumu is similar to roasting, but that is where the
similarities end. The food can either be mumued dry or soaked in coconut
milk. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">While the hot stones are heated, the food can be prepared
with coconut cream scraped from coconuts, once again by using the special stool
with the scraping knife at the end, and the food is then wrapped in large
banana leaves that are usually prepared over the same fire that is heating the
stones. The banana wrapped food is placed on top of a few hot stones, then the
remaining stones are placed on top and covered with more banana leaves.
The mumu is usually left for about four hours or, depending on what’s cooking,
may sometimes be left overnight. All the food is cooked together while the
steam helps keeps the leaves and food moist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">Mumu is a rich and cherished part of the culture in PNG.
'Mumurised' food is rich in flavor and this makes it preferable to food baked
in a conventional oven. Cooking food using the mumu technique seems convenient
to the people of PNG, but can be labor intensive, especially to someone like
me, but the flavor is unbelievably delicious. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">As you can see, the Good Eats of PNG is something quite
different than what we are used to in America, but the results are yummy and I
look forward to the next occasion to have a mumu. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">I had my students put on the board their favorite foods.
Look at the picture and enlarge it. How many can you recognize and how is it
different than what you might see on an American chalkboard. No McDonalds
here and because I baked a few cakes for my class- it was written on the board.
Interesting!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #454545;">I want to thank you again for your prayers and support.
Please know that I will be leaving Caritas and venturing out to the villages
for the next school year. More details of my new assignment will come in my
next blog - so stay tuned till next time and feel free to leave comments. I’ll
pray for you as I hope you are praying for me. Happy Thanksgiving back home. No turkey here, but I’ll pass you the greens and bananas
soaked in coconut- yum...</span></div>
<br />Danita Kurtzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03057258081231227783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153954893886230422.post-4393835057517759012019-07-31T14:26:00.000-07:002019-07-31T14:26:11.944-07:00Return to Vavua for a Special Celebration<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">On
the weekend of July 20 - 21, 2019, Fr Bernard (Fr Bennet) the parish priest of
The Village of Vavua celebrated his 6th Anniversary of his ordination as a
priest and I was honored to be invited to join him on his special day. I was
also invited to dance with the Mommas Group from the Diocese of Kimbe. What an
honor. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On Friday night, we met at Momma Helens
house in Section 15 in Kimbe where I was shown the dance routines and we
practiced together. We ate a delicious fish dinner made with greens and coconut
milk and cooked over an open fire. Yum!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We then proceeded to another Mommas home
where we, once again, practiced the dances and the songs we would sing on Sunday.
There were between 20-25 of us and it was so much fun to be part of this
event. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Saturday, I waited the entire day for
transportation, something that is a true problem here in PNG. I finally got on
the last truck traveling to Vavua. One group went in the morning, another in
the afternoon and my group didn’t leave till 8 pm. We basically traveled at
night and made it to Vavua in 3 hours. The ride was slow due to the many
potholes and the truck itself was loaded with people riding in the back. We
were warmly greeted at 11 pm by Fr Bennet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On Sunday, I dressed in my Mommas
meri-blouse and was dressed by the Mommas group in my PNG ‘jewelry’. In other
words, leaves, flowers and face paint. I felt honored and accepted by this
group. We danced up the isle during offertory and sang songs for half of the
liturgy. After mass, I was invited to sit on the stage and was wonderfully
overwhelmed as I watched the various communities of his parish preparing
themselves for their dance, song and gift presentations for Fr Bennet’s
Anniversary. The communities were marching and practicing in various places
around the church and spilling out to the roadway. The songs, the colors, the
pageantry taking place spoke to the popularity of Fr Bennet and how he makes a
difference in their lives. He is very well liked and it showed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Each community took their turn at their
presentations and finally it was my turn to dance with the Mommas of the
Diocese of Kimbe. We sang him two songs and then danced two dances. How fun!! I
loved it!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThoXfZOhpFR4s9rdQseIYXtIZGxu7ZGxHMsGhifi3J_8zKqTqZOGjtl3L4oQAlN1S3T7LEmVbUIF0C-AS-SewXeiVciFMJW2umROjoOprAAGNe2SsIU3iQH5seZ0RAWhAsz281Z3AZ326/s1600/Vavua2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThoXfZOhpFR4s9rdQseIYXtIZGxu7ZGxHMsGhifi3J_8zKqTqZOGjtl3L4oQAlN1S3T7LEmVbUIF0C-AS-SewXeiVciFMJW2umROjoOprAAGNe2SsIU3iQH5seZ0RAWhAsz281Z3AZ326/s320/Vavua2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">After the dance, there was just enough
time to go swimming in the ocean and I did just that. I was joined by a few
pikininis (children) from the village and the water was warm and inviting. But
too soon, transportation was available to take us home- back to Kimbe. We said
our final congratulations and good byes to Fr Bennet and off we went. This
time, it took two in a half hours to get home.</span></div>
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwmDlDdbN6gyYBZDY526uWZk7yKR0WPgnewBAhB9-f67WtmXa6-zKoHJyrR8Plb8LO0L7JVIHqlR0fJE0801w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">A few other notes: </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-stretch: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My Director, Janice England, visited Maria
and I here in Kimbe. It was nice to see her and to receive a few goodies from
home. We thank her for her visit. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">After his two month holiday, Bishop Bill
returns to Kimbe. Hopefully, the cathedral will begin to be built now that he
is finally home here in Kimbe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-stretch: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Please pray for me as I continue my mission
here in Kimbe. Please pray for the Sisters of Caritas as well as the staff and
students. I will also be praying for you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
July we had a two week break, but couldn’t go anywhere because of a volcano
that erupted in the village of Ulamona- about 2-3 hours away and it played
havoc here in Kimbe where we got showered with ash - everything had to be
cleaned. The people of Ulamona had to be evacuated and we felt the aftermath
here in Kumbe. Fr Gabriel, our parish priest here in Kimbe grew up in
Ulamona and has been back and forth assisting his own family as they face this
tragedy. Please pray for the village of Ulamona and the surrounding area as
they continue to recover. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Feel free to leave
comments. Have a wonderful day... until next time... God bless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Danita Kurtzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03057258081231227783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153954893886230422.post-20360671450291761192019-05-30T17:17:00.001-07:002019-05-30T17:17:53.949-07:00Holy Week and Easter<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">Holy
Week is always a special week for me and I can’t believe this is my second year
already in Papua New Guinea. Last year, I had just arrived along with Ron and Karen
when we were initiated into the West New Britain culture of PNG as we boarded
onto the Bishop’s dinghy, the Vatican flag waving away and 5 hours later
arriving in Kahlia where we spent The Passion Sunday weekend. We attended
Saturday Mass where over 200 people were confirmed in Bariai and celebrated
Palm Sunday in Kahlia. Then spent Holy Week beginning with the chrism mass on
Wednesday night through Easter Sunday in Kimbe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; min-height: 20.3px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">This year did not disappoint. On The Feast Day of St
Joseph, Maria, my fellow American missionary, and I went to the village of
Valipai. This was on a Tuesday, where we received special permission in advance
from the Sisters to attend the confirmation of about 100 youth. I was able to
get to know Fr Joseck, the Parish Priest, better while attending the Melanesian
Institute together in Goroka in January and it was an honor to support him in
his mission at his parish in Valapai. On the way home, it rained so hard and
the roads were so muddy that the Bishop’s truck rolled into a ditch. Maria and
I along with the two Brothers and the villagers traveling with us had to vacate
the truck and walk up that road in pouring rain until the truck could pick us
up again on top of the hill. We were wet, we were muddy, but, oh, what an
adventure (especially now that I’m clean and dry).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">The weekend before Passion Weekend, I was asked by Fr
Bennet to facilitate a one day workshop in ‘my’ village of Vavua. I was greeted
on Friday night by the student leaders dressed in their ceremonial outfits and
escorted by the villagers to the parish hall where I was warmly welcomed.
Saturday, I facilitated the youth workshop to over 100 youths representing 5
villages in the Vavua Parish. My workshop centered on how setting Goals are
very important in each of their young lives. GOALS - G- God, O- Opportunities,
A- Achievement, L- Love = S- Success. On Saturday night, the youth were joined
by about another 100+ children and a few adults to watch a movie,
unfortunately, the movie did not play correctly - the disappointment was felt
throughout that entire hall. Other than the movie and Maria, my fellow American
missionary who was to be our other facilitator, but who could not make it, the
youth weekend was a success and ended on Sunday with a thank you celebration.
Again, I felt so honored. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">Wednesday of Holy Week, I was picked up by Fr Bennet and
taken back to Vavua to spend Easter again in ‘my’ village. The villagers
welcomed me warmly. I was able to walk and visit a few of the communities in
the Vavua Parish, pick and eat fresh fruit right off the trees and swim in the
ocean. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">I attended Holy Thursday Mass in the packed church, once
again, many people were outside looking through the windows. On Good Friday, we
began the Stations of the Cross processional beginning in one village and ended
up at the church in Vavua. It was simply beautiful to participate while the
crowd swelled with at least 500 or more parishioners joining our processional
along that potholed road with very few vehicles (I think only one or two at the
most) who waited patiently until we passed. Friday at 3, the church was packed
and as if on cue, the heavens opened with a major storm complete with all the
theatrics of thunder and lightening that truly proved it was Good Friday. That
night ended with the full moon over the ocean and the Southern Cross shining
beautifully in all its glory. It was the first time I was finally able to see
it and it was visible enough that I had to bring Fr Bennet outside for him to
see it for himself. I think it was the first time he saw it as well. On Good
Friday yet! God is so awesome! Just Beautiful!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">For the Saturday Vigil, I was again honored by ‘my’
village when I was asked to dance up the isle at the beginning of the Mass with
the women while wearing traditional village attire and face paint. The leaves
and flowers added an additional aromatic fragrance to the almost 4 hour Mass
that night. The Easter vigil is my most favorite Mass of the liturgical year
and this Mass was just beautiful. The songs sung by the different villages made
it extra special. </span><span style="color: #454545;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">The Caritas Sisters, Beatrice, a Korean volunteer, along
with my fellow American missionary, Maria and a visiting American missionary,
Matthew, who is stationed in Rabaul were able to join us in Vavua for the
Sunday Easter Mass. I think they were surprised to find how warm the villagers
were as they were greeted upon arrival. Fr Bennet invited them to attend a
second mass in a neighboring village where they were again warmly welcomed.
That village prepared a lunch for them that they were able to enjoy while
overlooking the ocean. </span><span style="color: #454545;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJmcbWPK46Uy2A-_VwuVGqofa4Pgd9ab_Rw8SoxJuMr42Q17qB25qDw95GoxbVMhC3UBuHoCIGxuvT5QwGukhzPMQf4ABQ-SkbgunLSfIAm1K551n54A_LZj5i-WzGqScB-dF1J-inYCA/s1600/EasterBlogAmericanMissionary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJmcbWPK46Uy2A-_VwuVGqofa4Pgd9ab_Rw8SoxJuMr42Q17qB25qDw95GoxbVMhC3UBuHoCIGxuvT5QwGukhzPMQf4ABQ-SkbgunLSfIAm1K551n54A_LZj5i-WzGqScB-dF1J-inYCA/s320/EasterBlogAmericanMissionary.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">I was supposed to join them in the next village, but
ended up walking with a group of women in PNG style. I met Margret, one of the
teachers at the primary school across the street. I met her husband, the
director of the school, and her family. They prepared chicken and taro for a
small snack as we visited. Then we finally got on our way down the street,
picking up other women along the way. Of course, we had to stop along the way
to wait for some beetle nut, some mustard greens and lime. By the time we made
it to the next village, Mass was over and Fr Bennet and the Caritas caravan was
on their way back to Vavua. I heard that everyone enjoyed themselves that fine
Easter Sunday. </span><span style="color: #454545;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWj8CFylCZUcpx5ukbmo87w-JCmSBPqs-UDFyJW7G7T9fvSMK4ein6d743Vhi49GSm1ZofE0_shNkzdrOlU01MP_0q26U5tah12AIQIreLW1w138Wak8tl2eu4dwJulV4c8JrxGn-ehZZ/s1600/EasterBlogOutfit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWj8CFylCZUcpx5ukbmo87w-JCmSBPqs-UDFyJW7G7T9fvSMK4ein6d743Vhi49GSm1ZofE0_shNkzdrOlU01MP_0q26U5tah12AIQIreLW1w138Wak8tl2eu4dwJulV4c8JrxGn-ehZZ/s320/EasterBlogOutfit2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">In PNG, Easter is followed by Easter Monday when most all
the stores are closed and it is a day of rest. It was nice to have one last day
in ‘my’ village before beginning another school week. I enjoyed swimming in the
ocean. One of the biggest honors for me is that ‘my’ village gave me a village
name. At first, they were going to name me after their river, but when I found
out that it meant Jump in English, I persuaded them to name me after a
flower instead. So my name is Gili-Gili which means Hibiscus, a more
appropriate name after all. I like the Hibiscus flowers and they remind me of
Florida. The name Vavua itself means small seed- yup, that’s what I am. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wzyneCEZOAy10pkmKWRrbJLt5XHDpuCmL-H8IrCRJ6-sVuw26CTxW6gNXHaXRtusAXKFa5JHz9j-UXRVUoGofP3bIRbo7eVaUzTuREqBvQ0ipOXP0otTtf6UsjjKA2Vn4vzIOyMbYVoy/s1600/EasterBlogGifts1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wzyneCEZOAy10pkmKWRrbJLt5XHDpuCmL-H8IrCRJ6-sVuw26CTxW6gNXHaXRtusAXKFa5JHz9j-UXRVUoGofP3bIRbo7eVaUzTuREqBvQ0ipOXP0otTtf6UsjjKA2Vn4vzIOyMbYVoy/s320/EasterBlogGifts1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">So again, this year, Easter was an enjoyable time and the
opportunity to celebrate in ‘my’ village made it extra special. I continue to
pray for all of you as I hope you are praying for me. At this time, I am asking
for extra prayers of support as I continue to volunteer as a teacher. It’s very
challenging for me as many of my students don’t have the textbooks needed to teach
them properly. Please pray for the Sisters, my students, my staff and the
Diocese of Kimbe. I welcome your comments.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">Until
next time, God Bless...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Danita Kurtzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03057258081231227783noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153954893886230422.post-4426893183228954402019-03-29T15:58:00.000-07:002019-03-29T15:58:02.389-07:00Melanesian Institute Part 1: The Good<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">The
Melanesian Institute was a wonderful experience. There were 13 priests, 4
Religious Sisters, 4 Religious Brothers and two Lay Missionaries. They all represented
the world and I was the only American. Goroka was so nice and the weather was
cool and refreshing. We had three weeks of training (beginning January 7) and I
developed great new friendships. </span><span style="color: #454545;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhws6mgNiv_9HLnLGo3KKC0NxMsqzWyza19gIkgZEeT0HRabCeOGX41HqLMo_RkFwVj6pASovstuAetxdezwvwZE8GTKQt4IloPRgAUa1JCfSCyHhhyphenhyphenlIwhm8dKgQ_QgWHqrHVWqA_nLQuw/s1600/VacationPart2c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1080" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhws6mgNiv_9HLnLGo3KKC0NxMsqzWyza19gIkgZEeT0HRabCeOGX41HqLMo_RkFwVj6pASovstuAetxdezwvwZE8GTKQt4IloPRgAUa1JCfSCyHhhyphenhyphenlIwhm8dKgQ_QgWHqrHVWqA_nLQuw/s320/VacationPart2c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">The seminar itself was very good. It answered questions
about my mission and helped to put my almost first year experiences into
perspective. We had many opportunities to share our various experiences and
received many great suggestions and ideas on how to help us move forward in our
mission. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEMiksKuLjCG5eYNr0IuYWvKVJ3EvhbDxOSoXZOtF2IwOVyB5XT_sIk21GPHj41mCGo2hdYjCdKahGATfZEXZ1gTqZVc6he0DBr7Rpw6fxt2scCe0dkUsfK9hseahCCd2WwZ76BiDNYfU/s1600/VacationPart2g1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisEMiksKuLjCG5eYNr0IuYWvKVJ3EvhbDxOSoXZOtF2IwOVyB5XT_sIk21GPHj41mCGo2hdYjCdKahGATfZEXZ1gTqZVc6he0DBr7Rpw6fxt2scCe0dkUsfK9hseahCCd2WwZ76BiDNYfU/s320/VacationPart2g1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #454545;">We were put into groups and had to come up with a few
dances and mini plays for our Saturday night get-togethers. My group had a
Priest from China, a Priest from Mawai, a Priest from Kenya, a Sister from
Nigeria, a Brother from India and me. We actually won one of the cultural
competitions. I was so proud of my group and we had so much fun together. We
left with some great memories. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UgMs6gvQlLl97X99IJJyszduS7oRUS6fvK4lVLkWoGwEgZCfpBHLrqt2nb4BjbP30ZiVbCXZWTgKsC6gEmJxftAt_HlcZ0eBrme8-p4G0lTWVAzo3p36Wsm1t0uGSnHscPl0st2WHhu2/s1600/VacationPart2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UgMs6gvQlLl97X99IJJyszduS7oRUS6fvK4lVLkWoGwEgZCfpBHLrqt2nb4BjbP30ZiVbCXZWTgKsC6gEmJxftAt_HlcZ0eBrme8-p4G0lTWVAzo3p36Wsm1t0uGSnHscPl0st2WHhu2/s320/VacationPart2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="color: #454545;">A few of us had a chance to visit the Don Bosco School in
Shindu Province as a side field trip. It took us 3.5 hours to get there, but a
beautiful drive through the mountains. That was a special day with a few of my
fellow missionaries who were associated with St. Don Bosco. The church was very
nicely decorated and the community spirit was warm. </span><span style="color: #454545;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguirisizuo_sd8N2bIsPP2O5xEVlQpJ3kSGpNs_pSp2P0tJ84QwBKtohj2rooY4VI1mEkESkECqu7Zv4UU1Bf9oaHqAA4t6YoyMlBO8mYYIm-6yFV2rL2k7VkHhcWa3QIw_qKNJ_3t0dKq/s1600/VacationPart2b1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguirisizuo_sd8N2bIsPP2O5xEVlQpJ3kSGpNs_pSp2P0tJ84QwBKtohj2rooY4VI1mEkESkECqu7Zv4UU1Bf9oaHqAA4t6YoyMlBO8mYYIm-6yFV2rL2k7VkHhcWa3QIw_qKNJ_3t0dKq/s320/VacationPart2b1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">A few of us took another e- ride adventure as we drove to
the top of one of the Goroka mountains (the 4 wheel drive was necessary) where
we toured an outhouse commode and shower making factory. We saw how they
manufacture and install them under sanitation regulations. The ones they had
completed were locked and we could not see inside, but was told there was a
small sink to wash your hands. ???? Would have liked to see proof of that.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZHjGuu_0tUPsdLh-rLSZ0U6oLT6XLigmRfGiK-nmCO-kXz2oY07rTIAqnGxksgQeRi9gXqMFm9FoBAP8sRsEHfSYz8PHcT9ikn2ZpuxzGlEQY5KuNX4w4gQO4o4qHWSDTLYUqQ5FUwzW/s1600/VacationPart2h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZHjGuu_0tUPsdLh-rLSZ0U6oLT6XLigmRfGiK-nmCO-kXz2oY07rTIAqnGxksgQeRi9gXqMFm9FoBAP8sRsEHfSYz8PHcT9ikn2ZpuxzGlEQY5KuNX4w4gQO4o4qHWSDTLYUqQ5FUwzW/s320/VacationPart2h.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">The
grounds were beautifully landscaped and lush with flowers, trees, fruit, a
waterfall and other beautiful vegetation. There were animals there as well and
the view was awesome. The clouds parted and the mountains and valleys opened
up. But again the road was a dirt road filled with potholes where a four wheel
drive was necessary, especially after the continuous rains during the rainy
season in PNG. This e-ride adventure took about two hours. The countryside, the
village huts along the way were always nice to see. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="color: #454545;">The meals were really good and very tasty and nourishing.
But what was truly interesting, no dessert besides fresh fruit. Nothing. At an
American seminar, there would be all kinds of goodies - cakes, cookies, ice
cream, candy of all varieties, etc.</span><span style="color: #454545;"> </span><span style="color: #454545;">Here
- no sweets except ice cream and cake for feast days and special occasions (a
birthday or two). </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">Our last day in Goroka, we had an international food
fest where we made a dish representing our culture. Fr Jacek, a Polish Priest
from my own diocese of Kimbe helped me make stuffed cabbage representing
my Polish background and his country of Poland. I can’t believe I made this
dish, but the cabbage was just so beautiful in the market place and I was so
hungry for it, too. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Fr Jacek wasn’t
here, I probably would have kept with something really simple, like guacamole-
the avocados were nice too. There was a variety of food to sample from
different countries. It was especially fun going from kitchen to kitchen with
others making dishes representing their countries and sampling the food they
were making. Everyone was joyful and proud of their cultures and were eager to
share what they had. Everyone who tried our stuffed cabbage, some eating it for
the first time, enjoyed it and it was yummy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; min-height: 20.3px;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPneoBw1x3VXSFXv3GBCSgxSU8JZ56irbs-29i419rXqNEQJA_ZoXispnaTdY75-kHvdLRUX_zpvrW-EvBQ9SwUF8mQIdzLMyT7hTnXK1rf1B6Yf1E7Vx23xBqv_V1zCmAWI_pYfdCqFZH/s1600/VacationPart2d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPneoBw1x3VXSFXv3GBCSgxSU8JZ56irbs-29i419rXqNEQJA_ZoXispnaTdY75-kHvdLRUX_zpvrW-EvBQ9SwUF8mQIdzLMyT7hTnXK1rf1B6Yf1E7Vx23xBqv_V1zCmAWI_pYfdCqFZH/s320/VacationPart2d.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmd_djGZvpGy-xAp7x5hBc7qyXy4WSIMMW-YUJr6ZqkVUtyU6TPefuQAuPFJPeHAy0OT5zx07oru_TqxTiY5tNdBOP-SWo4c5T7HoblFDQybcoFS-9PVLXqS2ef7LmlsEem2ChuG4WeME/s1600/VacationPart2f1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmd_djGZvpGy-xAp7x5hBc7qyXy4WSIMMW-YUJr6ZqkVUtyU6TPefuQAuPFJPeHAy0OT5zx07oru_TqxTiY5tNdBOP-SWo4c5T7HoblFDQybcoFS-9PVLXqS2ef7LmlsEem2ChuG4WeME/s320/VacationPart2f1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #454545;">I just wish I could have taken the weather of Goroka and
transport it to Kimbe. I bought lettuce to take back with me to Kimbe,
something you cannot always get in Kimbe. </span><br />
<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; min-height: 20.3px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">This is the end of part one (the good...) of my
Melanesian Institute experience. Thank you again for your support and prayers.
God bless you all and I welcome your comments. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Danita Kurtzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03057258081231227783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153954893886230422.post-42744164426172550032019-02-22T10:56:00.000-08:002019-02-22T13:28:54.270-08:00My Summer Vacation Part 3: Rabaul<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">Debbie and I went to Rabaul after Christmas on the Chimbu Passenger Ship. The
ship was dirty and I think that is where I got bitten by a bed bug. More on
that in the next section of my summer vacation. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">Fr Paul picked us up and took us to
the MSC Sisters Convent in Vunapope, the Archdiocese of Rabaul. The Sisters
were very hospitable and Fr Paul showed us around Rabaul. We went to the
market. We visited Rakunai, the place made famous by Blessed Peter Torot, his
martyrdom came when the Japanese killed him for doing the work for the church.
PNG wants to make him a saint of PNG. We also passed the Don Bosco School,
visited seminary schools for the women and the men. Their locations seemed
rather isolated, but self contained and peaceful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2jAkI2GANgQNW1QtEey08vt4F2Q4WvRD7hrqQqUXb69O7MdDkvgszvUHmoY-ja87PccfbZ55m2fG5DvmT0RmydoFOxBJ6UIhmHSyoSe48XO7OlDi28wtu7YRDxQwA9LHqR6lobJ7ixmc/s1600/SummerVacation1L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2jAkI2GANgQNW1QtEey08vt4F2Q4WvRD7hrqQqUXb69O7MdDkvgszvUHmoY-ja87PccfbZ55m2fG5DvmT0RmydoFOxBJ6UIhmHSyoSe48XO7OlDi28wtu7YRDxQwA9LHqR6lobJ7ixmc/s320/SummerVacation1L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4DwIjKMq2w1HT5uvZlt7jgMO_pMwN5B0Rj3jwdcZJ5OYl499r-X82MNRi8J2IvuBqGhZhflK8Mls0yh23qBxvulccGghL4CxAzvyn5m4W-7EwygdpaW2R7zXjCX04NVuyzEMoKPgH7tlZ/s1600/SummerVacation1J.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4DwIjKMq2w1HT5uvZlt7jgMO_pMwN5B0Rj3jwdcZJ5OYl499r-X82MNRi8J2IvuBqGhZhflK8Mls0yh23qBxvulccGghL4CxAzvyn5m4W-7EwygdpaW2R7zXjCX04NVuyzEMoKPgH7tlZ/s320/SummerVacation1J.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Bartholomew</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3itz2tlZLCDuZOQEuic5quccOnAwMxNpobHpeTeWzPfhtgbyb4Fz1ONusrKYAE0BwvN4Jgmnv0w0u9EUhmvGUc0bF8WOWNrD7qBdCyCYsgwEEZMcZy-R3clgLSMUeSmPb2KFdm6EkHV-/s1600/SummerVacation1I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3itz2tlZLCDuZOQEuic5quccOnAwMxNpobHpeTeWzPfhtgbyb4Fz1ONusrKYAE0BwvN4Jgmnv0w0u9EUhmvGUc0bF8WOWNrD7qBdCyCYsgwEEZMcZy-R3clgLSMUeSmPb2KFdm6EkHV-/s320/SummerVacation1I.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">The day
we were to leave Rabaul, we got to the airport at 6 am and remained there till
5 pm that night only to find out our flight was canceled and we were only on
standby for the next morning. What a boring long day at the airport. That
night, being one of Debbie’s last in PNG, we took Fr Paul to dinner at a resort
down the street from the Archdiocese.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">Then,
we had another big ordeal at the airport that morning. The airlines confirmed
our flight for Sunday! (The day was Thursday) Debbie is leaving the next day
(Friday) for America, so there was no way that was okay! Even up to the
very last minute- we were told they did all they could do, but couldn’t get us
on the full flight. Almost panicking, I asked to see the supervisor who said
the same thing. At that point, I was literally begging- asking if anyone could
give up their seats or we can pay extra or anything to get us back to Kimbe.
She finally saw one possibility and we had two seats on that plane!! What an
ordeal. Then they were scrambling to get our seats, make our tickets and told
us our luggage we wanted checked would now be carried on. All in all, we made
it back to Kimbe. Debbie’s last night was celebrated with the
Caritas Sisters who prepared a delicious dinner for us. The Bishop joined us
and the Sisters that last night. Debbie sadly did make her flight the next day
for the US. Sr. Sara took her to the airport that morning. I felt the prayers
of everyone working at that moment. Thanks and Praise be to God!! </span><span style="color: #454545; font-family: "segoe ui symbol" , sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Symbol";">🙏🙏</span><span style="color: #454545;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">This is the end of Part 3 of how I spent my summer vacation. Stay tuned for Part 4 when I tell you about my Missionary Seminar in Goroka in January. </span><br />
<span style="color: #454545;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">Thank
you for your prayers and support and I, in return, pray for you as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">Please
comment, I’d love to hear from you. Thank you and God bless. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Danita Kurtzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03057258081231227783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153954893886230422.post-3094054793096879232019-02-14T15:17:00.000-08:002019-02-14T15:17:37.059-08:00My Summer Vacation Part 2: Christmas and Vavua<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">Christmas
in Kimbe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">Debbie
and I spent Christmas in Kimbe. We walked to all the stores, went to the
market, ate at the Apple Mango Cafe and the Llamo as she discovered my home in
Kimbe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">Christmas
Eve and Christmas Day we went to the temporary site for the Mass held at a
large Government Building while the new cathedral was being built. It
unfortunately rained on Christmas Eve, but the choir was beautiful and plenty
of people showed up. Christmas Day, Debbie and I helped the Bishop make Steak
Diane, mashed potatoes and salad with real lettuce from the Highlands for about
14 or so guests. The Caritas Sisters brought cake and ice cream for dessert. The
company was wonderful, the food delicious and it was a nice Christmas
Day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAE7RpeOFosUgNSlDJR0xF1UNXgB2-jnSoD_sD5iD32yyI49QAPTf41n_rJ8wTl1SEJiiPbVaQ7-DQsIglTLntQOGha3-GvRBUhMVKr5hrfDb4Lq3Ajixxb-XJBC1Ea8I_zS7YIoHOwqH/s1600/SummerVacation1F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAE7RpeOFosUgNSlDJR0xF1UNXgB2-jnSoD_sD5iD32yyI49QAPTf41n_rJ8wTl1SEJiiPbVaQ7-DQsIglTLntQOGha3-GvRBUhMVKr5hrfDb4Lq3Ajixxb-XJBC1Ea8I_zS7YIoHOwqH/s320/SummerVacation1F.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
‘My’
village of Vavua:<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">Debbie
and I along with Sr Bernadette were met by Fr Bernard, an African Priest who
resides in the parish of Vavua. We drove past Valoka and continued on the
potholed road to the village of Vavua where we were met by a group of children
and a few adults who welcomed us with song, a welcome sign, headdresses, warm
hearts and smiles. Adorable! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AL_pf5ntrfC4fasRBNhBIuHkhPN8lKDK6c91GSQAOcx1p2J2BAQQMIPBs3XqTiw5NpFMwiohXzNq46n8vQEYg-cGaevObXDc9ida1rGcJ612m2KFb0saMYGpwIYkvVasRSZ3s4KxMOcz/s1600/SummerVacation1E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AL_pf5ntrfC4fasRBNhBIuHkhPN8lKDK6c91GSQAOcx1p2J2BAQQMIPBs3XqTiw5NpFMwiohXzNq46n8vQEYg-cGaevObXDc9ida1rGcJ612m2KFb0saMYGpwIYkvVasRSZ3s4KxMOcz/s320/SummerVacation1E.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">We
attended the evening mass where Fr Bernard told the villagers about my mission.
Then he told his village to make us part of them. And they did just that! The
village escorted us to a house cry - a woman’s husband died on Christmas Day.
For a house cry, they set up a special tent where relatives keep the widow and
family company as they go through the grieving process. We were escorted into
the tent. I was asked to introduce myself and then one of the village women led
everyone in that tent into a song in their village language (not pidgin). I
loved her, she kept the people in the tent lively and well entertained. We were
offered some leaves made in a special way (delicious) and some tea. We were
made to feel right at home during a sad occasion. It’s not something often
experienced by outsiders. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">One
thing that Fr Bernard wanted was for me (and Maria when she arrived) to adopt
his village as my own. When others say “I’m going to my village for break, I
can say that I’m going to my village of Vavua too.” It was nice to be so warmly
welcomed. </span><span style="color: #454545;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWUEFZHHNsXVqkiKonoOpVpTHtYKoMgjc8Ae3tgSwi72zQQzNnpcg7XFpYUbO7qWWptUmFz7nc50IDSxViS3ism4bOJP2wyNGVlCWXwb3oLBs-4ewTsiUmf3EhSqFdsY70vKK9eBO9__p/s1600/SummerVacation1G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWUEFZHHNsXVqkiKonoOpVpTHtYKoMgjc8Ae3tgSwi72zQQzNnpcg7XFpYUbO7qWWptUmFz7nc50IDSxViS3ism4bOJP2wyNGVlCWXwb3oLBs-4ewTsiUmf3EhSqFdsY70vKK9eBO9__p/s320/SummerVacation1G.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">That
night, we should have taken advantage of the calm ocean and beautiful night to
go swimming, but we had a big day planned for the next day. We had plans to go
on a dingy to an island close by, go swimming and fishing and just have a
wonderful lazy day. But the weather had other plans. Due to a volcano eruption
in Indonesia and a small tsunami, the waves were too rough and it was raining
too hard. Shucks!! So we spent the day inside with warm conversation, good food
and rain falling outside from all directions. We traveled back to Kimbe the
next day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">To be continued...</span></div>
<br />Danita Kurtzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03057258081231227783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153954893886230422.post-17698795370031952332019-02-05T17:06:00.001-08:002019-02-11T16:02:30.778-08:00My Summer Vacation Part 1: Highlands<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">Hello
everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It might be winter in the
northern hemisphere, but it was summer here in PNG and school was finally out,
Christmas was coming and my twin sister, Debbie, was coming to visit. </span><span style="color: #454545;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="color: #454545;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">I left Kimbe on Dec 16, 2018, to meet Debbie in Port
Moresby (POM). I arrived and was met by Fr Jonathan- a Capuchin. We stayed at
the Capuchin College for two nights. We met Debbie off her international flight
from Brisbane and the US and returned to the Capuchin College. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; min-height: 20.3px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">December 17, we met Mel (my old principal) and two of her
family members who showed us around POM. We went to the Vision City Mall, the
Waterfront Mall where the grocery store had just about everything that we don’t
have here in Kimbe. We visited the PNG Art and Cultural Museum that was being
renovated when I arrived last March. It had representations and exhibits from
all provinces and it gave us a real sense of the PNG culture and history. We
ended our day having lunch at the Airway Hotel overlooking the airport. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG54ZLfzAZZhAZv0DZcZ2BgeMAZyG5urXR-wNnZBodm18RlSPrkCJYDHZ5iVe-NzuTEhawKfi_v5X5W79Wbg0S3DY-IwjZPWb_BCxWvsyi_ZMB85pE2pfg_78DUz8RHMTFvcauRRC02ilX/s1600/SummerVacation1D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG54ZLfzAZZhAZv0DZcZ2BgeMAZyG5urXR-wNnZBodm18RlSPrkCJYDHZ5iVe-NzuTEhawKfi_v5X5W79Wbg0S3DY-IwjZPWb_BCxWvsyi_ZMB85pE2pfg_78DUz8RHMTFvcauRRC02ilX/s320/SummerVacation1D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">December 19-22: Highlands </span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">Debbie and I took off to Mt Hagen where we were picked up
by Sr Lilian a Notre Dame Sister who housed us at her convent while we were
visiting the Highlands. The Highlands are given a bad reputation, but we found
the people friendly and willing to help when they can. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">Judith, a mother of one of the brightest students in my
Grade 9, picked us up and we took a round trip to Mendi. The countryside was
beautiful with round huts (different type of huts than the ones found in
Kimbe). The villages are made of several of these round huts and were charming-
making me want to explore, but the trip was long and we still had a ways to go. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsd6fnCtrK0NlTZMg33BA0m9G9Pk-pyJhukB5v5D7jRBTkFtVluDZxO_ZIY2YRWU98qi6ObZNkk02Qi-mFev3Jcp-9r6guzSEc80TuEpsdkOGGbp8yDpM8NiKNZuTK2WRvFOvMxOr7JpbM/s1600/SummerVacation1C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsd6fnCtrK0NlTZMg33BA0m9G9Pk-pyJhukB5v5D7jRBTkFtVluDZxO_ZIY2YRWU98qi6ObZNkk02Qi-mFev3Jcp-9r6guzSEc80TuEpsdkOGGbp8yDpM8NiKNZuTK2WRvFOvMxOr7JpbM/s320/SummerVacation1C.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">We had the opportunity to meet Bishop Don, the Bishop of Mendi while in POM at
the Capuchin College. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to meet him. We did
stop by to see his cathedral in Mendi; hopefully our new cathedral, when
renovated, will also be a much nicer place to worship. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNPDtpy3fNTYWgBgztv0WZjMaR4bOglbUnveQabJP6pX79N34-6FlmUQos6RZ-kwL-6Kl6VjRCHufafISrTG5zFtijctd7Tu42HSs7gn953MC752MJCY_x7W1g_kNU5Fl-PkuHnJjOpCD/s1600/SummerVacation1G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNPDtpy3fNTYWgBgztv0WZjMaR4bOglbUnveQabJP6pX79N34-6FlmUQos6RZ-kwL-6Kl6VjRCHufafISrTG5zFtijctd7Tu42HSs7gn953MC752MJCY_x7W1g_kNU5Fl-PkuHnJjOpCD/s320/SummerVacation1G.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">Mendi was like many PNG cities, crowded with people going
to and from the market. I believe the ride through the countryside was the true
highlight. Another highlight was being interviewed on Sr Lilian’s Trinity radio
station out of Mt Hagen. Debbie and I were interviewed about my mission, how I
came to be in PNG and life in general. I felt honored to be put on radio. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">We had an opportunity to attend a family wedding, a
relation to Judith. It was to begin at 10 am, but once again, it was PNG time
and finally by around 12:30, the wedding began. The church was crowded, and to
Debbie and I, it was a typical wedding, but what we didn’t realize is that it
was the first time the bride and groom kissed in public in a church wedding.
Everyone clapped and the bride and groom were a bit embarrassed. Something so
normal for us was something new to PNG. Cute. </span> </div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">Our last day in the Highlands was a long drive from Mt
Hagen to Lae. Like every other road outside of POM, potholes were just part of
the journey making a long trip a few hours longer. The slow ride was beautiful through
Mt Hagen, then through the Shimbu Mountains. The scenery was beautiful and
again, we passed several hut villages along the way. People walked on the road
and that along with the potholes made the journey much slower. We made it to
Goroka right as the sun was going down and had a brief tour. Then it was the
long ride to Lae, in the dark and then it began to rain. That trip seemed to
take a lot longer than expected. All in all, the entire trip that day to Lae
was about a 13 hour trip. We stayed that night in a hotel next to the airport
for an early flight the next morning. We were met in Kimbe by Bishop Bill.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">To be continued...</span></div>
<br />Danita Kurtzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03057258081231227783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153954893886230422.post-43739708727041983822018-12-14T15:05:00.001-08:002018-12-14T15:05:53.527-08:00Ordinations, Funeral and Christmas in PNG<br />
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<span style="color: #454545;">On Saturday,
November 24, 2018, the ordination from Brothers to Deacons Chris, Boniface
and Joseph took place at around 9 am. Their individual villages constructed a
small hut in the unique style of their home village for each of the three
Deacons to be. They were escorted from that small hut into the church to be
presented to the Bishop. The warriors from their villages accompanied them into
the church. It was just beautiful to watch. The sight, the sounds, the
pageantry the actual Mass and ritual of ordination was very beautiful to
watch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH44lyzY8ZLubgk0qmMoyRbZU7F76GpsZYbbhQmZHESW1QjvfJwVLNr6omaw3Nhb1YBVxj6xCm9G-zpDA0hrBpULeFD6v-9qavuNJvXTB3jl2Q92YZhjotN40eH5w42QNNS90HPJpNGsMC/s1600/Funeral10.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH44lyzY8ZLubgk0qmMoyRbZU7F76GpsZYbbhQmZHESW1QjvfJwVLNr6omaw3Nhb1YBVxj6xCm9G-zpDA0hrBpULeFD6v-9qavuNJvXTB3jl2Q92YZhjotN40eH5w42QNNS90HPJpNGsMC/s200/Funeral10.jpeg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIvNVYaWv4irJn2LA-5sccWocjCjSnXEUKZ1IfeTuPpZRoCrdG-NSLkVAiBhQY4ky61T4q3ZQB4jCk1_qoXkNADHxFc_YRs_Ohyphenhyphen7kOy3OvXk54Q8i9wBvkbfHmqygvCiKAGDlAl1hA2c9/s1600/Funeral8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIvNVYaWv4irJn2LA-5sccWocjCjSnXEUKZ1IfeTuPpZRoCrdG-NSLkVAiBhQY4ky61T4q3ZQB4jCk1_qoXkNADHxFc_YRs_Ohyphenhyphen7kOy3OvXk54Q8i9wBvkbfHmqygvCiKAGDlAl1hA2c9/s200/Funeral8.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">On Sunday, November 25, 2018, the anticipation was
growing for the Deacons to Priest ordination. The warriors were beating their
drums outside the church while they prepared the three soon to be priests to be
carried into the church and presented to the Bishop. Yesterday, the Deacons
were brought out of their huts, today the Priests will be carried into the
church. (apparently they were brought out of their huts last year).</span><span style="color: #454545;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsfKxJoTr1UtoxSJf_cQIS-p_FEIOeM0v-Bu3igfQGAFfIjhDgy3XIHTs4xXqFXG4ZkRPnG7T4xO34Hhp_saTYswbGU9o1eQP803XMSP_5CBc19ywGoyGvZOkV4Ojmz2qK1nDqXcDn-II/s1600/Funeral11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsfKxJoTr1UtoxSJf_cQIS-p_FEIOeM0v-Bu3igfQGAFfIjhDgy3XIHTs4xXqFXG4ZkRPnG7T4xO34Hhp_saTYswbGU9o1eQP803XMSP_5CBc19ywGoyGvZOkV4Ojmz2qK1nDqXcDn-II/s320/Funeral11.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">Out of the two ordinations, both Masses were beautiful to
watch, but it seemed the Deacons ordination was more lavish, almost more formal
(if there is such a thing in PNG), with a well- organized choir, outside
presentation with the huts, village warriors representing each Deacons
community and a large contingency of community support. The hall was very
nicely decorated by their communities (table clothes on the table, nice
napkins, flowers on the tables, more food and a wider variety- PNG style) and
more ceremony presentations (dances) and an abundance of gifts afterwards.
(Couldn’t quite figure out if the gifts were for the Bishop or the Deacons or
both but they were more lavish than the priests’ gifts). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nAl_Q_LX46XFAWCqhzV4NfRifc0HMn5Nx91UVYfg1D10K6gwKk0B9o9fMs80cHUsKSUhsRnzoejnkvrEkBC1x23QgogX8w54fiTpK2Sec6MHodHxJOqHrYZZAo3Xyqf2y4VIU2QNx1G_/s1600/Funeral9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nAl_Q_LX46XFAWCqhzV4NfRifc0HMn5Nx91UVYfg1D10K6gwKk0B9o9fMs80cHUsKSUhsRnzoejnkvrEkBC1x23QgogX8w54fiTpK2Sec6MHodHxJOqHrYZZAo3Xyqf2y4VIU2QNx1G_/s320/Funeral9.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">The Priest Ordination Mass on Sunday was beautiful as
well, with the Kimbe warriors and choir. The reception hall was decorated, but
a little more simple than the day before and not as much food and ceremonial
presentations (dances and gift wise) as the day before. What I really liked (it
was my first ordination ever, so not sure if done at other ordinations) were
the blessings the new priests gave for the parishioners immediately following
the Mass. All in all, the two days were very nice and a truly blessed
experience for me, especially since I knew all three Deacons, who were the
religious education teachers here at Caritas and at least one new priest, Fr
Chris who accompanied Ron and Karen, the Bishop and I to Kahlia the second
weekend after arriving in PNG. Fr Chris will remain in Kahlia for another year
or so to complete a few projects he started, then will be assigned his own
parish. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">One interesting story: The Caritas Sisters now have 4
candidates. All were invited to the Mass and reception afterwards. Two candidates
were too intimidated to come to the reception (held only for the religious
priests, Brothers, Deacons, Sisters and Deacon’s immediate family and me, the
missionary). It took a while, but Sr. Florentina noticed their absence
and went out, found them and escorted them into the hall letting them know they
are now part of the religious family. They were a little intimidated to come
in, but were happy to be included. (I know how they felt because I was a little
intimidated too in the beginning, but now know I’m accepted in the religious
community. It feels nice to be included.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">It was with sadness that I learned that Deacon Boniface
's father passed away the following Thursday after his ordination in his
village of Silanga. How sad! I'm so glad he was able to witness his son
becoming a Deacon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">I was in tears when I heard the news. I walked to the
dormitory to share the sad news with the dorm students and housekeeper. We
cried together. I met Sr. Sara while walking and shared with her the sad news
who shared it with her Sisters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">On Friday, I found out that Sr. Bernadette and Sr.
Benedict were going to Silanga and I packed my bag and joined them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">We spent the night in Silanga with one of the school
teachers who teaches in Silanga that I met in Kimbe. Her home is charming- but
no bathroom (an outhouse) and an outdoor kitchen. No electricity - but I had at
least a thin mattress to sleep on. This is considered a bush village. We went
to visit Deacon Boniface and he was surprised to see all three of us. It was
really sad - his father died the day before and was already buried the very
next day (Friday). We were thinking maybe on Saturday, but he was buried on
Friday instead. His mother broke down in front of us - (her grief was fresh and
it always seems to come in waves). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span style="color: #454545;">His bush village was very simple too. So quiet and in the
middle of nowhere somewhat in the mountains. Just beautiful! Pigs and dogs and
chickens and roosters (and children) roamed freely throughout the village</span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">We stayed in a blue and white ‘staff house’ which was the
school teachers’ simple house. Inside were two bedrooms, one big room that
passed as a living/dining/praying etc. room. She had three simple plastic
chairs, an altar for prayers, a table and that’s it. Nothing ‘comfortable’ - no
couch, or soft chair, no pillows - her bedroom had a bed, with a very,
too thin of a mattress, (I had to take out a few clothes out of my bag to add a
little cushion around me). She gave me her bed, the other bed was for another Sister
and the third Sister and the school teacher slept on a simple blanket on her
concrete floor. A building outside served as a simple kitchen (no stove, no
oven, no appliances, no counters, no kitchen sink, no stainless steel, ) only
firewood and a few pots, cups, plates, etc. We ate outside on long bamboo
benches and a water tank that caught rain water was the only source of water
and again- no bathroom. Just a very simple house, no luxury at all. But she has
community- the other teachers all shared their resources and companionship. Her
house was typical of what I saw throughout the village. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPfVsoHudYojmVyZjklF-YvzBDqE6tJ9BfF0mXKH20zTHmG3gkcE-RekTEVXi6dnWzUu0s9MOrtqI7jzuv0TaH0jRgqY8zpkAhRT_r5orl99Lvq669Mz6tx0fxJkKOdMzr8hQZ98oJxQx/s1600/Funeral5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPfVsoHudYojmVyZjklF-YvzBDqE6tJ9BfF0mXKH20zTHmG3gkcE-RekTEVXi6dnWzUu0s9MOrtqI7jzuv0TaH0jRgqY8zpkAhRT_r5orl99Lvq669Mz6tx0fxJkKOdMzr8hQZ98oJxQx/s320/Funeral5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">Then, I felt very grateful when I returned to my ‘simple’
place with a few ‘comfortable’ luxuries. I guess Americans are just used to so
much and we take it for granted that it makes one thankful when I see someone
happy without almost anything. We walked from one village to the next, not many
vehicles. Thinking about the two days, the people really have nothing
‘comfortable ‘ here, transportation, housing, etc. but have loyal families and
company, etc. and yes, a luscious paradise filled with gardens, fruit trees,
palm trees, luscious vegetation to live in. God is so awesome. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">On Saturday, exactly one week after Brother Boniface
became Deacon Boniface, we were at his father’s grave. He said that as of the
Saturday after being ordained, he can now perform funerals - he didn’t know his
first funeral would be for his own Dad. That hit me sitting at church on Sunday
morning and I had to fight the tears. Please say a prayer for Deacon Boniface
and his family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">School is out for the students, this week is staff week
and we have all the paperwork that needs to be completed before the end of the
week. I’d rather just teach. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">My sister, Debbie, is joining me here in PNG for
Christmas. She will arrive in Port Moresby on Dec 16 where I will meet her. We
will fly to Mt. Hagen on Dec 18 and be in the Highlands till Dec 22 where we
will travel from Lae to Haskins. The Momma’s of the Diocese are planning on
dancing for her arrival and I will hopefully join them. We will spend Christmas
in Kimbe, then after Christmas we plan to go to Rabaul. Debbie will leave PNG
on Jan 4 and I will go to my Missionary Seminar in Goroka from January 7-25.
Then the new term will begin on January 28, 2019. I know the time will go fast.
I look forward to telling you all about it next year. </span><span style="color: #454545;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXPGs5gBR0SI7xbQ10K_hNIutgcS7F9-g856dbQNRLbd23_T4pFnNgnNtFdqHJ05kAZvOIZ6vVNRtICKwXmi_yeYNZp3TsaGjNUJ_tv7TTRhvofY1zpnBUDb_rAJVSJjEydEshpASpB_1/s1600/Funeral3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXPGs5gBR0SI7xbQ10K_hNIutgcS7F9-g856dbQNRLbd23_T4pFnNgnNtFdqHJ05kAZvOIZ6vVNRtICKwXmi_yeYNZp3TsaGjNUJ_tv7TTRhvofY1zpnBUDb_rAJVSJjEydEshpASpB_1/s320/Funeral3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Please pray for me as I pray for you. Thank you again for your support and
prayers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">God bless <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Danita Kurtzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03057258081231227783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153954893886230422.post-44861387156243338662018-11-16T13:53:00.001-08:002018-11-16T13:53:54.155-08:00Fr. Casper and Return to Valoka<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">I
returned to Valoka last Sunday, but this time I traveled with the Caritas
Sisters, their candidates, the dormitory ladies, and Father Casper a Salesian
Father who is originally from India, but resides now in Rabaul. We started from
the school at 6 am with the dorm ladies altogether in the back of a truck
decorated with pink balloons. The Sisters, Father, the candidates and I
followed behind in the school bus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">We sang along the way. What a beautiful sight we were
that Sunday morning. Again, we traveled down that beautifully awful pothole
road at about 10 miles an hour. </span><span style="color: #454545;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfLMul8BDNIiT9qcmR1XMPwkPbmn1VkKDRrbeePTXhYe1cqvj4YhMqOKwnJcSkxIOJdbSXiJVEhl5pHOeIVKcQKxO5k4W33wTXrLf6GamuAYrazIxMqfftBTWliqW8iF5RviVOX8CUcjp/s1600/Valoka2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfLMul8BDNIiT9qcmR1XMPwkPbmn1VkKDRrbeePTXhYe1cqvj4YhMqOKwnJcSkxIOJdbSXiJVEhl5pHOeIVKcQKxO5k4W33wTXrLf6GamuAYrazIxMqfftBTWliqW8iF5RviVOX8CUcjp/s320/Valoka2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">We made it to the church where we were warmly welcomed by
the MSC Sisters with refreshments before mass. The mass was celebrated by Fr
Casper and Father Joseph, a priest from Uganda who has a very welcoming
positive personality- very warm. The church was packed and both the church
choir and the dorm ladies sang their assigned music. The church choir sang a
beautiful rendition of “I believe”. I was told that it is an African version,
which would make sense having an African parish priest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">The night before, the Assembly of God (AOG) Church was
celebrating their 50th anniversary in Kimbe. They were celebrating in a park
nearby on microphones loud enough to hear from my place. I had to be part of
the action, so I went to listen to their music. When I arrived, I was
immediately surrounded by my AOG Caritas students- a welcoming sight to see.
The preacher was white and preached in Pidgin, but I’ve heard several in my
lifetime to know what he was saying, even though I didn’t understand every word.
But I was thinking- why can’t our priests preach like that. Then surprise,
surprise, God seemed to answer my question, because when Fr Casper said the
homily on Sunday morning, he really engaged the congregation and especially the
students. He also preached in Pidgin, but again, though I didn’t understand
every word, I understood the message. Our dorm students danced up the aisle for
the offertory. Very nice!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXfdcAoWgQcafzbIm_j4zVjt5h1OqleGehLqF12AMf6mD13jGIkNHCGCkPAaISUvhiX1TGEQeYowoiUgB2UXwNiAQgvdvApmZBIe1daZH8BNPQt2REeNfimYWCagqbiiPlwVjEw2oPYsW/s1600/Valoka3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXfdcAoWgQcafzbIm_j4zVjt5h1OqleGehLqF12AMf6mD13jGIkNHCGCkPAaISUvhiX1TGEQeYowoiUgB2UXwNiAQgvdvApmZBIe1daZH8BNPQt2REeNfimYWCagqbiiPlwVjEw2oPYsW/s320/Valoka3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">After mass, the young people and parents gathered around
and a few groups danced to music in honor of their guests - and again I had a
front row seat along with the Sisters and students. After the dance
celebration, Sr Florentina and Fr Casper spoke on living a religious vocation.
An interesting concept during their speeches and expressed by the parents who
stayed to listen, especially for large families, was to ‘sacrifice’ one of
their sons and daughters to the religious life. So that was a word or question
I had stuck in the back of my mind and I’ll address that word later in this
blog. Now back to the fun stuff. </span><span style="color: #454545;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEili7cLWJURu3WfGziNOuOkFGQE_5Ni_CyGCkZZP6M9aK6pI9iVxIeQTn27XzQOUY65X7qk-5OssT_j_sFjS3FDWO8iPDCjM1UtBNA8O8pdfIT7qurVfRJFm9jAWKM9j28Jrk3OEvSXkqj_/s1600/Valoka1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEili7cLWJURu3WfGziNOuOkFGQE_5Ni_CyGCkZZP6M9aK6pI9iVxIeQTn27XzQOUY65X7qk-5OssT_j_sFjS3FDWO8iPDCjM1UtBNA8O8pdfIT7qurVfRJFm9jAWKM9j28Jrk3OEvSXkqj_/s320/Valoka1.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">After the vocation talk, we went inside where we were
served a delicious buffet of food made by the MSC Sisters and the friendly
conversation continued inside while the dancing including our ladies continued
outside. Our students were enjoying themselves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">After lunch, it was time to say goodbye- our students
left - riding in the back of the truck - this time without the pink
balloons. We followed close behind, saying our Thank you’s and goodbyes to the
MSC Sisters and Fr Joseph and the remaining congregation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">Fr Casper stayed with us on Monday and celebrated the
6:30 am mass in our chapel. Then our classes were reduced to 30 minutes so we
could end the day with an inspirational talk by Fr Casper. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">He also had a separate meeting with the teaching staff on
the proper way to discipline- Salesian style. The secret is punishment vs
consequences and the positive approach to discipline. A very interesting
concept. Instead of yelling at students for doing something against the rules,
you almost apologize for having to discipline them. ‘I’m sorry, my daughter,
but you leave me no choice but to discipline you, I so wish I didn’t have to do
it, but sorry, you leave me no choice.’ Something like that - I think I’m a
natural at that, but it will take practice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">That night, I talked to Fr Casper about the word
‘sacrifice’ mentioned earlier. He said he didn’t like that word either, but
thought of it more as discernment of God’s calling and/or God’s grace to be
chosen for the religious life. The ‘sacrifice’ is not having a family of your
own, but gaining so much more in the long run. I also mentioned my visit to the
AOG church the night before and asking why we don’t have priests that preach
like they do, but then he came along and preached like they did and with
positive enthusiasm. He said that homilies are not stressed in the Seminary the
way it should be, but he is trying wherever he is assigned to teach others to
open up. Everyone enjoyed his positive personality and wished he could become
our school priest. But, sadly, he left early Tuesday morning for Port Moresby
for a meeting, then back to Rabaul. We all hope he visits us again soon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">On a sad note, my two fellow missionaries, Ron and Karen,
left Kimbe and returned to the United States. My ‘wontoks’ (we speak the same
language) and community left me behind. A new Bishop will be announced soon,
therefore, Bishop Bill is letting all his staff go in anticipation of the new
Bishop wanting to pick his own staff. Because I teach at Caritas, I’m not considered
part of his staff, but my mission is still his responsibility. Thank goodness,
because I like it here and I’m not ready to leave yet. I feel sort of numb
since they left and now my only ‘wontok’ is Bishop Bill. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">The good news is that another Lay-Mission-Helper teacher
will arrive next year (hopefully in January - depending on visa). Her name is
Maria Luisa Garcia. She is currently in formation classes in Los Angeles and
will be commissioned on her birthday (Dec 9, 2018) as I was commissioned last
year on my birthday (Dec 10). She is exactly one day older than me... how is
that for a coincidence! I am looking forward to having another ‘wontok’ here
soon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="font-stretch: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #454545;">My school year is winding down fast. One more week of
instruction, one week of final exams and the last week I’ll call ‘play-week’ a
week of closing school activities. A class party, a school Christmas event and
competition and a recognition day as the last day for students. (Nov 30). The
last day for staff is December 7. Then my sister, Debbie comes to PNG for
Christmas on Dec 16 and that will be another blog altogether. Stay tuned. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">I thank you again for your prayers and support. You are in
my prayers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Happy Thanksgiving. Please
feel free to comment and leave a message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God bless you all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Danita Kurtzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03057258081231227783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153954893886230422.post-30540731606556389802018-10-10T17:56:00.000-07:002018-10-10T17:56:11.017-07:00Road To Valoka<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Term
three has ended and I had a free week off and no real plans. I wasn’t looking
forward to a week alone, but surprises were in store. The week started on
Sunday when I was finally able to get Sr. Benedict, one of the first PNG
Sisters of Caritas, out of the convent. She finally got the permission she
needed to go swimming on Sunday and from her happy dance and ear to ear smile,
she was looking forward to it. We planned to swim and have a mumu lunch at the Franciscan
Retreat House with Sr. Benedict, the candidates, my fellow missionaries, the
MSC Sisters and the Brothers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But,
sadly, it was not meant to be as planned- it rained throughout the night and
into the morning and not the quick thunderstorm that comes, blows its fury and
leaves, oh no, it had to be the California downpour that goes on forever. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
walked to church in the rain not very happy with God – Sr. Benedict’s one day
off and it just had to rain? Really? We all decided to wait till noon. The mumu
was ready despite the rain- so instead of gathering on the beach (at the
retreat house) - we ate at the convent at the Diocese - not my choice of venue.
It finally decided to stop raining and we all piled in the truck and went
swimming anyway. It was for a short time before nightfall, but Sr. Benedict was
very happy and that’s what counted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
was probably a good thing that I didn’t go away for the week. I adopted a
kitten and named it Kimbe. That same Sunday evening, trying to avoid the
security dog, one of the Sister candidates picked Kimbe up. Scared, Kimbe
jumped down onto the rocks below and hurt itself. I had to carry it inside. It
was injured- could not walk and was crying like a kitten. For the majority of
the week, I had to baby it -bring the food and water to him and very
delicately, pick it up and lay it down on a tray to do its business- the poor
thing was crying the whole time. I could find no veterinarian anywhere in Kimbe
and was told that cats are resilient and have 9 lives. By the end of the week,
it was walking again - slowly - carefully. If a cat has 9 lives, I think this
kitten is on life number 4. It is almost running again- I think I can breathe
again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But
it was my week off and if I didn’t get out of Kimbe, I might be on life 4 myself!
At last, Sr. Bernadette invited me for an overnight trip to Valoka and I
happily said yes and thank you! On Thursday after morning Mass, I had breakfast
with Sr. Mary Agnes and her niece, my grade 11 student, Veronica. I was then
escorted to the public motor vehicle (pmv) and I was on my way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9YgrPy0MU8pC5J8P7_HMPkI5wIxjAw3YZpasvoZgz8k1HrNyA7ugnWqIPpr3HyFH5kilnYmQMoipRFUQC87q-S_f5Q5X3GtRndSZXvB7RE7ZkBbYRTI9wAK9UKg5eBqTP0wy3sOuBNpn/s1600/RoadToValoka3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9YgrPy0MU8pC5J8P7_HMPkI5wIxjAw3YZpasvoZgz8k1HrNyA7ugnWqIPpr3HyFH5kilnYmQMoipRFUQC87q-S_f5Q5X3GtRndSZXvB7RE7ZkBbYRTI9wAK9UKg5eBqTP0wy3sOuBNpn/s320/RoadToValoka3.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Valoka
is so close to Kimbe but yet so far down a road so full of potholes and uneven
pavement and still flooded from recent rains. The lurch of the public motor
vehicle (usually vans that pack people inside - the original Uber without
bottled water or a/c or comfort) made my stomach queazy with the stop and go as
the driver tried avoiding whatever is or is not on the road. The ocean peaked
every so often through the abundance of trees and bush houses built on stilts
along the way. We made it to the convent situated conveniently next to the
church and across the street from the Catholic hospital. Electric poles were
piled in a neat bundle along the tree line waiting for their turn to be wired
and attached to the village. The village apparently has been waiting for about
two years- or the job will be finished within two years - not sure which, but
it still means no electricity. The town generators come on every night between
6</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">- 9 pm and anything that needs electricity
must be done within that 3 hour time period.</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sr.
Bernadette, Sr. Anita and Sr. Martha warmly welcomed me with fresh ripe mangoes
from their own tree. Yum! Behind their newer convent is an older cookhouse left
behind by the German Sisters and filled with antiques. It would make a really
nice museum- but the roof needs to be fixed and the building could be used
again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sr.
Bernadette and I walked the quiet roadway where a car every so often broke the
unique sounds of the countryside- trees swaying in the breeze, ocean waves
lapping against the shore, birds singing their daily tune and insects buzzing
away. We visited families she knew and met many school children along the way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Fr.
Joe, an African priest from Ghana, welcomed me on Friday and offered Sr. Bernadette
and I a ride back to Kimbe. The decision was easy - either Fr. Joe or a PMV -
so I gave up the idea of swimming in the ocean across the street and took the
ride home instead. Fr. Joe is delightful, open and warm and navigated that
horrible road rather well. We visited Hoskins Secondary School on the way where
Fr. Joe said Mass for the 10th and 12th Grade students taking their final exams
the next week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Saturday,
we went to the small village of Dagi where we celebrated the feast day of
Archangel Michael. We had Mass in the cutest church I’ve seen yet here in The
Kimbe area. The Mass had dancing participants up the aisle, followed by a
celebration of dance, songs, a mumu lunch (yum) and all the trimmings and other
festivities. Sr. Bernadette was surrounded, like always, by extended family
that I enjoyed meeting. We were given a place of honor to sit up on the
announcer’s platform. All in all, an enjoyable day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
am now currently teaching during term 4 which is heading fast toward my own
long holiday in December when my twin sister, Debbie, will join me. Please pray
for safety as we journey forward.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bishop
Bill is expected back at the end of October. Thank you for all your prayers- it
seems he is recovering well from his stroke. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now
I say so-long until my next blog. Thank you for your continued support and
prayers. Please know that I am praying for you in return. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Love
and God bless from PNG. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Danita Kurtzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03057258081231227783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153954893886230422.post-51275621838838095282018-09-18T16:49:00.001-07:002018-09-18T16:49:33.723-07:00Independence Day (PNG)<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">September
16 is PNG’s 43rd birthday- Happy Birthday PNG and Happy Independence Day. The
people are just as patriotic as in the States, but it’s hard not to say ‘Happy
4th. It’s not the fourth and it’s not America. September 16 also marks my 6
month anniversary since I arrived in PNG. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
town of Kimbe is so colorful with flags waving from stores, from cars and
trucks and from people’s hair. They wore colorful clothes or traditional
outfits, danced up the aisle at church and had a parade of people and vehicles
cruise up and down the streets of Kimbe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unfortunately, there were no fireworks at night to mark the occasion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
children were especially adorable dressed in Independence Day clothing. Our
Caritas students marched this morning at 6am in a school parade - I guess the
students wore their school uniforms. I didn’t go watch them, got up a little
later and went to church instead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">September
17 is Monday and a holiday due to Independence Day on Sunday. Unlike the US,
all the stores are closed- I guess they don’t capitalize on Independence Day
sales so it is very quiet in town.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Term
three ends next week, then we have a week vacation and term four begins in
October. We had finals last week and have a day off for Independence Day on
Monday and a short day next Friday. So it will be a short week and then a week
off. Yeah! I’m not sure what to do for my week off. I wanted to go back to Rabaul,
but might save my money for when Debbie (my sister) visits. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">After
term four ends in Nov/Dec, then it will be summer break. For those who may not
know, our seasons are switched - summertime in the US is wintertime here and
wintertime in the US is summertime here. So Christmas is during the summer and
therefore, school break is during the summer also. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Debbie
is coming to visit me in Dec/Jan and I’m starting to plan our agenda. We are
planning to maybe go to the Highlands and maybe to Rabaul- depending on schedules,
travel warnings and budget. It will be nice to have her visit no matter what we
do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank
you again for your prayers and support. As I am phasing out of my honeymoon
phase of mission, I really need your prayers as I encounter ordinary life here
in Kimbe. After six months, I am still struggling with the language and really
want to break out and join a group or two to become more acquainted with the
people of PNG. (Beyond the Sisters, the staff and students and church) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
will continue to pray for you as you hopefully pray for me and my mission.
Please leave a comment with suggestions or ideas on what you would like me to
write about and I’ll do my best to write about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or just say hello... <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank
you and God bless <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Danita Kurtzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03057258081231227783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153954893886230422.post-91856708929374225142018-08-06T13:25:00.000-07:002018-08-06T13:25:27.050-07:00Technical Day<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Welcome
to Caritas Technical Secondary School First Technical Day - Open House in
Kimbe, PNG, July 29, 2018<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
day showcased the Technical skills of our students, or I should say, the
potential skills. It did not magically happen. The first Caritas Technical
Secondary School in PNG is in the Capital city of Port Moresby (POM for short)
and they just completed their 26th year while Kimbe is only 2 years old and
this was our first. The students really didn’t have a real idea what they were
doing. A video presentation was given to them of the POM Technical Day held a few
weeks earlier and two teachers were flown in from POM to help teach the
Technical skills in one week- then the students were supposed to practice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">They
learned such skills as how to set a table, how to decorate a table, napkin
folding, cake decorating, fruit carving, floral arrangement and dress me up.
Then competitions were held to find the best students and then they performed
such tasks on stage in front of their peers and parents and, of course, the
judges. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Dress
me up was the most interesting. There was one bolt of fabric and using only
pins, they were to pin it on the student model in less than 15 minutes. They
were beautiful. Not sure who won the competitions, but it really didn’t matter,
what mattered was that both parents and fellow students were amazed to see such
activities on stage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Besides
the competitions, we also had our student choir, dance group, drama, and my
favorite part was the Queen walk, students representing their village by
wearing and describing their tribal outfits. I was in charge of drama and my
grade 11 students put on a play called ‘Love Letter to the World’ about St.
Mother Teresa’s life. It was good and Brother Boniface wrote an original song,
but in the future, the drama will be a comedy. It would seem more fitting for
an open house.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We
held this event in our brand new gymnasium that is still not complete - but
worked well for our venue. The first two weeks of term 3 were set aside for
Technical Day activities and no real academics were taught. Some teachers
tried, but soon gave up because the students’ minds were on their activities. I
just decided to make my activities fun while still teaching the English
language- just not using their textbooks. I had each class write a fourth verse
of their Caritas hymn to represent their individual classes. And had them find
words using each letter in CARITAS that would describe their class. Then had
them design something around the words. I just thought of the first two
weeks as play weeks. Each class displayed their class projects around the
perimeter of the gym.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Overall
the day was successful because the parents and students were amazed. Many never
saw a production like it and I’m sure these same parents will promote Caritas
to potential students and our school will grow. Now it’s back to academics.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">One
sad note, Bishop Bill had a relapse of his stoke and had to be airlifted to
POM. From there, he will be airlifted to Australia, then back to America for a
complete recovery. I want him to return - I have 2 and1/2 years left... <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please keep him in your prayers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank
you again for your prayers and support. I pray for you in return. Please
comment and let me know about you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">God
bless. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Danita Kurtzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03057258081231227783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153954893886230422.post-16176701565305730102018-07-17T14:10:00.001-07:002018-07-17T14:10:59.595-07:00Pilgrimage to Rabaul<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
just returned from an amazing 6 day pilgrimage to Rabaul. Karen and I were
invited to join Sr Bernadette for her 50th year jubilee of her MSA novitiate
community Sisters. Ron was invited to but did not come. We left on the 4th of
July with Ron taking us to Ullamona to meet the boat. We stayed overnight in an
old convent. No electricity and no running water. There was a youth retreat
there also and they were singing beautifully in many of the 800 languages that
represent PNG.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
next morning we got on a dinghy at 4:30 am and took off. There were 11 adults
and one child. We stopped at an island for some fish and another island to meet
Sr Bernadette’s mother then off to Rabaul. The water was choppy and wet and the
dinghy so uncomfortable, but we made it. We were met by Fr Paul who showed us Rabaul
and it was clean. Very nice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sr
Bernadette is the niece of the Cardinal of PNG, so we stayed at his family
residence in Rabaul and met his family. His home was somewhat modern by PNG
standards and somewhat comfortable. His family lives in their own homes on his property
and their homes would be considered primitive vs American houses, but located
in a beautiful spot near the ocean with lush vegetation and the family were
very charming.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Friday
we went to the Sisters of Mercy 50 year jubilee of their novitiate community.
It began with a Mass, then lunch, then speeches and then dances and boy did
those Sisters have fun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Saturday
we went on our pilgrimage to celebrate the Feast of Blessed Peter To Rot - he
was a catechist who was martyred for his faith in the 40's. We saw the cave
where he got the holy water for baptisms and we visited his burial site. Again
we began with a Mass and lunch and dances. Also there were at least 5,000 youth
there for a youth conference. The church is located on a hill so we watched as
the youth streamed into the church property from 3 different directions. The
numbers were incredible. One group from <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kimbe walked all the way to Rabaul from
Ullamona.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took us 5-6 hours to get to
Rabaul, it took them 3-4 days and they were going to walk back. There were
three of our students among them and they enjoyed the walk. They have a very
enthusiastic Polish priest who walked with them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sunday,
Fr Paul took us to the cathedral where he officiated Mass and then we walked
around the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>grounds. After Mass, we
joined the MSA Sisters for prayers and lunch. Delightful. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fr Paul took us to the hot springs located
beneath an active volcano that still has steam coming out its top. The place
was very remote and not many people who lived there all their lives have ever
visited.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Fr
Paul described the difference between the tribal system, the clan, the family
from his perspective. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He enjoyed
explaining his culture and his laugh was infectious, especially when we brought
up a few customs from the past (for example: eating missionaries - before we
left America, some people were worried about us becoming victims to that
particular custom.) He assured us that it is in the past. I'm glad to hear
that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Monday
we got up to catch the boat at 4 am, but no boat. No boat at 5 am , or 6 or
7,8,9,10 or 11. By 12 noon the water was already too rough- so we cancelled. I
didn't mind, we had an in-service training that week- so I called Sr Florentina
and let her know. I had a relaxing Monday at the Cardinals residence with his
family (lots of children).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their uncle
even called from Rome to make sure we were well taken care of. Can you imagine??<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
got home today after getting up at 4 am again and leaving before daylight.
Beautiful! Got back to Kimbe in time for in-service training on Wednesday and
went to a staff retreat on Friday at a local hotel with lunch and a swimming
pool. How nice. Term three started on Monday, July 16.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bishop
Bill was in LA in July and had the opportunity to meet my sister Debbie and my
priest, Fr Michael, of St Bartholomew church. I'm so glad they met. We look
forward to having the Bishop return to Kimbe on or around July 25.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">At
Caritas Technical Secondary School, we are busy putting together a Technical
day open house on July 29. It will be held in our new gymnasium on a real
stage. My class will be doing a drama called "Love Letter to the World ' -
a story of Mother Teresa. It will be a musical play. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">God
bless every one of you and know you are in my prayers. Please comment- I'd love
to read words of encouragement, questions you might have or friendly
suggestions are encouraged too. Ok - Bye till next time...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Danita Kurtzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03057258081231227783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153954893886230422.post-32997627673191935722018-06-26T13:18:00.000-07:002018-06-26T13:18:55.132-07:00Vocation Talks<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">There
is a shortage of religious around the world and it is the same here in Kimbe.
There are not enough Priests or religious for the entire parish <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Caritas Sisters want to share their message of a religious vocation with all
the young women of the Diocese of Kimbe. They started at the Cathedral and the
turnout was big. A video was shown followed by personal testimonies from the
Sisters. Did you know that Sister Sara wanted 10 children before becoming a
Sister- now she has 213+. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">May
19 - A royal wedding was taking place in England and since I didn't have a TV
to watch the event, I was trying to find an alternative. I was even thinking of
crashing on the Bishop's couch - since he was in America- and watch it there.
(Bishop, if you are reading this, it was only a thought), but God is truly
awesome and a better offer came along. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Early
Sunday morning (5:30 am PNG time) at about the same time as the Royal Wedding
of Harry and Meghan, I traveled with the Sisters two hours away to the village
of Salango. The countryside of PNG is really beautiful with its palm trees,
rivers, lakes and mountains in the background. We passed grass huts, houses on
stilts, and small villages of huts similar to what we saw traveling on the
water with the Bishop when we first arrived. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
arrived at the church. Prince Harry and Meghan might have gotten married in
front of millions, but we were also given a celebrity welcome. Fr Gabriel met
us and we were escorted to our seats. Fr Gabriel was very passionate in his
sermon on this Pentecostal Sunday- something we don't see in Kimbe where he is
very soft spoken. We were all a little surprised to hear his passionate homily.
It was wonderful. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn't know every
word he said - 90% was in Pidgin, but I heard his message perfectly. Strange
how that is...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">After
mass, the Sisters invited all the young ladies starting in the 9th grade up to
the age of 30 to hear their vocation speech. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
the meantime, I was surrounded by children who smiled, their eyes wide and
friendly. Some wanted to touch me, my hair and some even wanted to hug me.
Sister Lamaro was just as popular with her camera and friendly personality. She
took pictures and they loved it. I felt a little like a celebrity in that village
of PNG.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">What
made this trip so special is that it is the home village of our own Brother
Boniface. His Aunties and nephew and nieces wanted their pictures taken and I
showed them to him on Tuesday morning. I guess there are nine villages with the
church in the middle. I didn't visit his actual village, but only the church. I
guess I need to take another trip soon with him and my fellow missionaries. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
made it back to Kimbe despite a tire that was threatening to blow at any
minute. Traveling with the Sisters was a nice experience- all to do the Lords'
work. We had egg and cheese sandwiches in the morning and Korean noodles soup
for lunch. They sang their morning prayers comfortably in Korean - I didn't
mind - I prayed along with them. They slept on the way home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
next Sunday, we traveled beyond Salango to the town of Biala. The priest didn't
know we were coming, but welcomed us. There were only a handful of people when
we arrived, but was again packed when mass began. They danced up the aisle with
the Holy Bible before the gospel was read and again for the offertory.
Beautiful!</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Biala
is located near the ocean. After the vocational talk, we went to the
international school and picked up some of our traveling companions at their
staff house. It was a house I had in mind before I arrived in Kimbe. Beautiful
vegetation surrounded each house with a porch and pathways leading to the
school and a nice view of the ocean. Sister Sara said that sometime in the
future the housing at Caritas will be similar. (Sigh - someday) We ended our
day with lunch at a Korean friend’s who happens to own a grocery store in that
town. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
only downside to the trip was the transportation. The school bus was not
working right so the Sisters asked a District School Official to take us. He
rented a land cruiser and took his family who sat up front. The car was big
enough but the seats in back were so uncomfortable and the roads were full of
potholes. So we were jostled around and arrived home aching and exhausted. But,
the journey was successful and the company delightful. I'm now ready for my
next adventure. God, we pray for more young people to join the religious
community in PNG. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
vocation Saturday was held on June 8 at Caritas Technical Secondary School for
all interested girls from Kimbe, Solanga and Biala and about 60 girls attended.
Ten came from Biala and stayed overnight. Hopefully a few may pursue a vocation
with the Sisters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Today,
June 23, the Provincial Mother of the Caritas Convent is coming from Korea to
visit the Sisters in Kimbe. There are three lovely PNG candidates who are
interested in becoming a Sister and the Provincial Mother will help decide
their future. Their names are Ester, Ada and Rose - please keep them in your
prayers as they continue to discern their futures. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Thank
you again for your support and prayers for my mission. God is helping me enjoy
my mission here and I am lucky and blessed to be surrounded by supportive
people here in Kimbe, from my church, and around the world. I pray for you
daily.</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">God
bless till my next message. Bye.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Danita Kurtzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03057258081231227783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153954893886230422.post-80825260901117623192018-06-06T14:26:00.001-07:002018-06-13T16:19:44.268-07:00National Catholic Teachers' Day<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">National
Catholic Teachers’ Day celebrating St. John Baptist De La Salle, the Patron
Saint of teachers, is on May 15. The Diocese celebrated the day on Friday May
18<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our staff were given
special yellow t-shirts to commentate the special day.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mass
was to begin at 8am at the cathedral. We were to meet at 7:30 in the staff room
and walk over together. At 5 minutes to 8 - we were still in the staff room and
the cathedral is at least a 15 minute walk. No one was in any hurry, but my
American mind is going crazy because mass begins in 5 minutes and no one was
going anywhere. Finally, the school bus pulls up (small 12 passenger van in the
US) and takes a few teachers and half of the school choir who were going with
us to sing their designated songs. The bus dropped us off and went back for the
second half. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Everyone
from Caritas showed up, as well as students and teachers from other schools,
but no priest. Evidently, the priest assigned forgot and was not even in the
area. The parish priests already said the 6:30 mass, someone from another
sub-parish was called and we had to wait for his arrival. The 8 am mass began
at around 9:15 - normal PNG time. His message was very good despite his late
arrival.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">After
mass, we headed back to the school where the students had special plans in
store for us. I was escorted to my home room where my students presented me
with my first merriblouse- a dress and undercloth typical of what women of PNG
wear in this day and age. The merriblouse is really pretty with purple flowers
on white fabric. The undercloth was a purple lap lap.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAsqgk_2evaJDooyM5kqZEhJ23OFMcQhVpr9WtH9G1AEcxJejaASsjmICABJrDG0CnPMkpGuRvzbi51DpfhTNNRWzrF9vd5RqjxG0A-RU4zAGEiqWYl01lAIqyRePs6KrShbJ30DEn-gZ/s1600/TeachersDay5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAsqgk_2evaJDooyM5kqZEhJ23OFMcQhVpr9WtH9G1AEcxJejaASsjmICABJrDG0CnPMkpGuRvzbi51DpfhTNNRWzrF9vd5RqjxG0A-RU4zAGEiqWYl01lAIqyRePs6KrShbJ30DEn-gZ/s320/TeachersDay5.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
were escorted by our students to the chapel for a variety of dances from each
class. The day included gifts presented
to the teachers by their students. Each homeroom provided food for their class
matron and students and my class did not disappoint. Chicken and rice,
sausages, fried sago, fruit and chocolate cake for dessert. Yum!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
day ended with another cake presented to us by Sister Sara. Nice!</span></div>
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">All
in all, it was a wonderful day and I'm already looking forward to celebrating
it again next year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank
you to all for your support and prayers for my mission. I feel lucky to work
with a great staff and wonderful students. I pray for you daily too. God bless
until the next message. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Danita Kurtzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03057258081231227783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153954893886230422.post-74167712725152644372018-05-23T11:24:00.001-07:002018-05-29T11:22:17.656-07:00Two Bishops<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Happy
Mothers’ Day was celebrated here in Kimbe on Sunday May 13, but Kimbe had
another celebration that day at the Diocese. Mass was celebrated by two Bishops
that morning. Our own Bishop Bill Fey and a newly ordained Bishop Frances Meli,
J.C.L, D.D. who was initially ordained as a priest in the Kimbe Diocese and
returned to Kimbe for a mass and a huge celebration in his honor that took up
most of the day. The celebration included traditional dances that were lively
and joyous and I know God was present for this glorious occasion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
day began with the 8 a.m. mass that started outside. The clergy and Bishops
were escorted by warriors in traditional dress, women in both native and
traditional Kimbe dress, drums drumming away, spears present ( yes, real
spears) making the progression worth standing in the already hot sun. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">There
were way over a thousand people - from all parts of the Kimbe Diocese there to
celebrate this special day. The cathedral was packed and every window occupied
by hundreds more who were outside looking in. I was lucky enough to follow the
Sisters to a designated area up front reserved especially for the Sisters and
the three missionaries. The sing-sing (music) was harmonized by all and the
offertory was again accompanied by another set of warriors who danced (not sure
this is the right word) their way to the altar, the offertory gifts following
behind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">After
mass, a buffet was laid out in honor of the new Bishop. The table had taro,
coconut, both eating and sweet bananas, chicken, rice, other vegetables,
cucumbers, sausages, fruit, and again some mummu pig and so much more. I will
describe the mummu pig in my food blog coming soon. Yum! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">There
was a special cake decorated by the students and the Sisters of Caritas (my
school) for the Bishop with a special song sang to him by the different
congregation of Sisters from the Kimbe Diocese. They were led by my student, Sr
Bernadette. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
buffet was followed by celebrations representing almost every parish in the
diocese who either sang, said a prayer or danced in celebration of the new
Bishop. Gifts were given as well which included money, food, and other
traditional items the Bishop may need. (Bishop Fey left after the buffet to do
some last minute work before leaving for the US the next day.) I loved it- it
is so different and so traditional. I stayed to almost the end. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bishop
Frances will be over one of the most difficult diocese to work at in PNG. His
diocese is on and in the surrounding area of the PNG-Indonesia border and can
only be accessed comfortably by air. I'm sure you can hike through the jungle,
but I did say comfortably. I'm expecting the people of that area will welcome
him with as much pageantry as he received in Kimbe. It would be interesting to
visit him sometime and his diocese. Please pray for him as he begins his
Service in that area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank
you for your support and prayers. I feel very comfortable here. I really enjoy
my students, my fellow teachers, the religious community and everyone
in-between. God bless each and every one of you. I will pray for you in
return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Danita Kurtzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03057258081231227783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7153954893886230422.post-48798369316318372562018-04-18T16:19:00.000-07:002018-04-18T16:19:03.164-07:00Culture Day at School<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Caritas
Technical Secondary School is run by the Caritas Sisters whose order originated
in South Korea under the founder Don Bosco. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNP6Afnd-NDUR3rafU6gtVV6_MhjIygIKKEbuprvFOlx8pWbqzAIJIGElqgmh27et5hyphenhyphen5qfs1iZK-zhKWA0eZxZi2wb4-8x48QKZlTHjtJqHvKe2Q6PrIy5zRUy4HLhUitrNLQh-ZZj4m/s1600/SrSarah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNP6Afnd-NDUR3rafU6gtVV6_MhjIygIKKEbuprvFOlx8pWbqzAIJIGElqgmh27et5hyphenhyphen5qfs1iZK-zhKWA0eZxZi2wb4-8x48QKZlTHjtJqHvKe2Q6PrIy5zRUy4HLhUitrNLQh-ZZj4m/s320/SrSarah.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Danita and Sr. Sarah</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I am teaching English to 9th
graders and literature to 11th graders. I am also temporarily teaching Personal
Development, but a new science teacher will be taking over that class. Because
I am temporarily teaching that class, I was at liberty to teach any chapter- so
I naturally found the New Guinea Culture Identity and am asking the students to
teach me about their culture. Fascinating!! For those who know my background, I
remember being in school and writing and presenting about the Amish for
teachers who knew nothing about them. No wonder I would get "A's" and
now I know how those teachers felt.</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
asked the class to present 5 items that represent their culture. They naturally
formed groups with others who come from the same region of PNG and have a
similar culture. Their presentation was on Friday and both of my 9th grade
classes joined together for their presentations. We were able to reserve the
chapel room and a few other classes joined us. My fellow missionary, Karen
Srajer, was able to join me and take pictures.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">There
is a school mass every Wednesday morning at 7:40 (the only day I can sleep in a
little bit). Fr. Michael and my fellow St. Bartholomew parishioners, can you
believe I attend mass at 6:30 am almost every morning? It's actually a
highlight of my day. Mayra- there is even singing at all the masses here.
(English on Monday and Friday and 6:30 Sunday morning) (Pidgin on Tuesday and
Thursday and 8 am Sunday morning). English at the school mass on Wednesday. On
Wednesday, my home room class were responsible for the songs sung and prayers
said during the mass. During the offertory, they did a native dance to music up
the aisle led by Sister Bernadette, a student in my class. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Saturday,
the school students and their parents and other volunteers helped clean up the
city of Kimbe. The cleanathon began at 6 am. (To take advantage of a 'cooler '
morning and finished with a sausage sizzler fundraiser at the school. It was
successful (but 6 am on a Saturday?) Oh well. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Next
week is a week vacation for the students, the staff have to be here to plan our
next term. The next term begins April 23 and lasts for 10 weeks. The students
will then have a two week break.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
like my classes. The students are respectful. They stand and greet me when I
enter the room. I'm known here as Ms. Danita. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Bishop
Bill is in Port Morseby this week attending a Bishop Conference for PNG.
Sisters Sara and Florentina were able to go and decorate the hall where 70
Bishops representing PNG and the Solomon Islands will have mass and have
meetings. The pictures they took are remarkable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
encourage you to check out my fellow missionaries blog (Ron and Karen Srajer)
as well to get another view of our mission journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their blog address is: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://srajersinpng.blogspot.com/">http://srajersinpng.blogspot.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">If
you want to send me anything, please send it to the following address:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Danita
Kurtz <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Catholic
Diocese of Kimbe <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">P.O.Box
182<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Kimbe
621 West New Britain <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Papua
New Guinea.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Have
a wonderful day and I will be back to you soon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">God
Bless all of you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Danita Kurtzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03057258081231227783noreply@blogger.com1