Mumu at Avi

Sunday afternoon, Mike and I left the station with Sailas, Baru, and the Brothwell Team for Avi Orchid Garden and mumu. Baru drove his coaster (25 passenger bus) with 20 of us as passengers. Mike and Sailas drove the land cruiser with the rest of the team. On the way Baru and Sailas answered questions and explained about the area we were traveling through. As you travel down the road you see lots of people walking along the side of the road headed to their destination.

Ruben’s family owns the Avi Orchic Gardens. We were greeted with music from traditional dress men and a tour of the Orchid Garden. As the women began to prepare the fire pit for the mumu everyone was invited to watch the loading procedure of hot rocks, chicken, greens, potatoes and baking bananas. The pit was lined with banana leaves and then covered after the food was loaded. Everyone had the opportunity to ask questions about the traditions and cultural customs of the mumu. As the kiki steamed and cooked, everyone walked around to see the birds of paridise, horn bills, PNG eagle, parrots, kaskas, and the orchid gardens. After eating, enjoying stories, songs and devotions, we headed back to the mission station. Ruben’s family provided an experience that will be always remembered in our hearts.

Thank you, Ruben and family for inviting us to the beautiful Orchid Garden. The afternoon was absolutely outstanding.