Church in Veifaa

 Bright and early we had to get on the road, since about a four hour drive was ahead of us! We had breakfast and coffee on the road. We had one delay, about ten minutes where we had to stop for roadwork. Since they were paving, we decided not to complain. At least they are improving the roads--which certainly need it!

 Whenever we came into a settled area, stands on the side of the road appear. Any chance to sell goods is made use of in PNG! Some settlements had big speed bumps just before the markets. This is certainly a good idea, as we go from cruising to a safe speed to get over those humps.

 About halfway was the "official bathroom stop". It was nice to get out of the Landie, if not just to stretch your legs, and to catch a slight breath of slightly less hot fresh air. The roads between the bible college campus and the off road to Veifaa all seemed pretty good. There were stretches where gaping potholes lurked and we'd lurch to an almost complete stop if we couldn't swerve around them by going in the opposite "lane" or even in the ditch...in fact, the opposite ditch was also fair game...anything to avoid slowing down. If unavoidable, we'd brake very quickly and drive through the deep potholes at a speed that was comfortable for the vehicle's integrity.

 Veifaa at last! The last stretch of road was almost bone rattling. I bet it'd be great fun to drive it, and going slipping through the mud would be a hoot. Being a passenger squished in the back and stifling hot (the slower you go, the less breeze, and there was no air conditioning!) you just try to ride the bumps as smoothly as you can. Hang on the seat so you don't land on anyone else's lap by accident. The PNGers are much better at this, and even in the PMVs (public motor vehicles = a sort of bus) they make it look smooth and comfortable, none of our desperate gripping of seats and flopping sideways.

 The church service started shortly after we showed up. Apparently our vehicle arriving and driving slowly through town is the signal that the service will start soon, so the atttendess all meandered in shortly after we arrived.

 We were a bit of a sight to behold, and got many looks as special guests.

 We were introduced and welcomed very kindly.

 Pastor Peter led the worship service in English. Veifaa is known for being better off financially as well as educationally. They go together. It was nice for all of us to be able to follow along.

 We could see our vehicle from the church during the worship service...having an open walled service took a bit of getting used to. Seeing your parked car isn't nearly as distracting as the neighbours and wildlife. You can see that we picked up a branch or something on the last muddy stretch of road.

 The building on the left is a place for the Kleyn's to stay when they come for a worship service. It is easier on them as a family to do the trip in two days, plus that gives time for pastoral care and visiting which would otherwise be rushed.

 Our food was cooking nice and hot (if you like that on a very hot day) on the side.

 Shirts were handed out to the children, and they posed. Such a lot of beautiful kids!

 We had a big meal served up for us. Red sausages and all. A feast! I regretted drinking the hot tea. I was sooo hot already!

 The tradition in Veifaa is for the visitors to sit separately up on this platform and be served a meal. It makes for an awkward arrangement, I felt, and wasn't conducive to mingling. The purpose was to show us honour, I suppose.

 What a lot of food! We tried our best to do justice to all the food. But it is hard to feel hungry when you are so hot.

 Before we drove home Joe, who grew up in this village and is now studying on the bible college campus, showed us a bit of his hometown, and gave us a tour of his place.

 It is hard to imagine growing up in a place like this. Remember it's considered relatively well to do, compared to other villages.

 It is amazing how every conceivable scrap is turned into building material .

 The children seem to be able to play in the heat. Resilient.

 We need to stop and be introduced to, and welcomed by, a lot of family members of Joe on our way through.

 Most of the adults are asleep or resting under their houses, where it is cooler. I wish I was too.

 Or in this river cooling off. But Joe tells us his son drowned here. And there are crocodiles that come up sometimes. They usually catch and kill them before there is trouble though. Too bad we only brought our Sunday best.

 We get a chance to ask questions. Most of us hang around in the shade politely.

 A view of Joe's family's place. A house had just been built for Joe and his wife so they could have their own place, and then they moved away so Joe could study to be a minister.

 What a sign. Can you imagine living here?

 We are a curious site, and while we look at everything so curiously, we in turn, are being looked at.

 We pass a small shop on our way back to the truck. Better keep the goods safe! It is certainly interesting to see what is up for sale in the village. Candy, oil, matches and lots of bullion. Probably betel nuts too, and the lime, etc needed for chewing it.

We pass more adults resting in the shade. If the locals think it is hot, what sort of signals do you think my body is sending me by now?

 It's time to get back on the road. Here come the potholes again. 

Apparently, the main reason for Veifaa's affluence is the betel nut market.  I noticed there were a lot of bikes around here. A lot of young guys on bikes. We didn't see that wealth in the area near Port Moresby, just a few occasional bikes here and there.

The drive home was just as beautiful as the ride out. I sat in the front of the vehicle but I was no longer in any shape to appreciate the kaleidoscope of scenes. The bigger breeze from the wide open window helped a bit, but my head felt awful and all I could do was look longingly at the water as we drove over it. Wishing I could dive in and cool off. We got home by 5 or 6, I think. I was in no state to remember details. I only remember having the coolest shower I could make while using up minimal water. Oh, it felt so good! And going to bed. I was not interested in food or fellowship.