Desipite the Cockroaches...

Katherine's graduation Thursday night was really nice. I'm so glad that I came. What a great group of kids.

The Senior boys sang two specials - the 2nd was a surprise to the girls of the class. I hope somebody video taped it. I took pictures but there were so many others with better cameras that I think we should have plenty to choose from eventually. I wore out before the reception was over and Clive Grey caught it on camera - I don’t know maybe he has already posted it - stinker!

We ended up not getting to inside beach today - just too much to do around here. I think I've been a big help to D and T by doing mundane jobs of sorting and labeling - just fine by me. Katherine, Zoe, Elisa and I went to the “pashir” (market) today - cool. Then we met 3 other girls and went up to the cross and hung out for awhile .Fun to be with them and to see the view and know what Katherine is talking about when she makes reference to it. Tomorrow we will hike up to the waterfall.

I've had a couple little experiences with some rather large roaches. One on the floor when I woke up, just 2 feet away from my mattress which was also on the floor - probably at least 2 inches. Another in the linens I was sorting through, just as big. Both went scurrying.

Mommys Arrived

When Katherine left for HIS for her final semester of high school, it was with the understanding that she would be graduating and ending her year without any family to see her receive her diploma. It was the price she was willing to pay to return and be a part of this special community.

Our hearts were desirous of Deanna to be able to go out and visit but the price of the flight was so expensive that we just couldn't justify her going. I tracked the flights and low and behold one day JAL had a huge sale and it didn't take us long to say, "let's go for it!"


So yesterday morning Deanna departed Chicago on a trip that would involve four flights and a total of 23 hours of flying. A quick stop in Narita, Japan and then on to Bali where she'd wait almost four hours for her next two flights. The first to Timiko, Papua and then on to Sentani.


Her JAL flight was interesting with flight attendants wearing face masks for fear of catching Swine flu. Between their accents and talking through a thick face mask it made it difficult to understand.


She landed safely Monday morning (Papua time) and was greeted by Katherine who came out on to the runway and met the plane! Yeah, never mind security keeping people inside the terminal building to wait for the arriving guests!


Deanna went to the school, where the kids were in the midst of finals. One by one the kids came to meet Deanna, who Katherine has been telling people about ever since she learned of her mothers coming. I chatted with her on Facebook but had to wait five minutes between questions as kids kept coming in and talking to her.


Deanna only had four hours of sleep in the last 36 hours before arriving! But she'll be up the remainder of the day getting settled in, having lunch with the kids, handing out all the gifts she brought for the kids and families.