Banz and Minj

Saturday morning found us headed to Banz for a look about. Dr. Erin, Cassie, Kristen, and Pam were also in on the adventure. We drove north out of Kudjip for 10 miles. The drive was beautiful with trees and flowers lining the highway. We drove by the Carpenters Coffee and Tea Plantation. This plantation is the largest plantation in Papua New Guinea. Kristen informed us that she, Jeff, and Susan do one of their 5 mile runs up this road in the mornings.

When we arrived in Banz we stopped at the Bible Book Store. The store had tappa wood signs and cards. I purchased some cards and couple of signs. Mike was looking for Work and Witness materials but decided to wait until a later date to purchase. From the Bible Book Store we went to the market. We were looking for Mary blouses and skirts. Kristen and Erin found some they liked and purchased them. Now when they attend church or social events they will fit into the culture. We then walked up the street through the market. You can find some very interesting items in the market. Everyone is selling something and trying to make money. After leaving the market we stopped at the grocery store to buy ice cream cones and drinks.

We then headed for Minj to see the other Bible Book Store. We drove back to Kudjip and turned east from the station driving another 15 miles. At the Bible Book Store in Minj I found a coconut house. It is made out of a half of a coconut. It is sitting on the mantle in the house right now. The store also had tappa signs and cards. The two Bible Book Stores are operated by the Swiss EBC Mission.

From Minj we went to Timil Waghi to visit the Strasslers. Joas and Remo are in my classroom at school. Erin, Kristen, and Pam hadn’t been there before. Joas and Remo had fun showing the tree monkey, kaskas, and rabbits to everyone. Ruth has a beautiful garden and flowers. Ruth sent lettuce for everyone on the station with us. She also gave me lemon grass to plant here at home. We arrived back on station at 12:30 p.m.

The lemon grass is planted and the lettuce was enjoyed. I need lemon grass drink - lemon grass, sugar, lemon juice, and water. It is a concentrated drink that you add to water. It is very tasty.