Easter

This past Sunday was Palm Sunday, with the week leading into Easter Sunday. I thought I would take some time to share about the beauty of this place. Please take a moment to study the picture I have taken of the "resurrection flower." Look carefully at the cross and you will see the tiny face in God's creation, to act as a reminder of why we are so privileged to serve in his name.
This country is so diverse in both its climate and topography that allowances have been made for many different species of plants and animals. The elevation varies from sea level to 14,780 feet, the top of Mt. Wilhelm.
Beginning at the sea, Papua New Guinea is well known for its coral and beautiful fish and sea life. There are over 60 species of colorful parrot fish, along with many shades of star fish and sponges. Tyronza and I are hoping to go on a short scuba trip before we return, but that depends a great deal on the call schedule. We don't have that worked out yet. (We will definitely plan for scuba on our return trips.)
Inland from the coast is a vast network on marshes and swamps that are inhabited by monkeys and other swamp life. Not many humans live it this area because of the mosquitoes. This area is fed by multiple streams that drain down from the mountains. The largest of these streams is the mighty Sepik River, which allows for navigation far inland from the north coast. Most of the swamps are mangroves which act as a breeding ground for various marine life, including the salt water crocodile.
Along the rivers are the tropical rainforests with towering mahogany and other rainforest trees. Some of the world's largest ferns grow in these areas. There are even some humans that live in the tops of these trees, though they are mostly on the Indonesia side of the island.
The rainforests continue up the mountains so thick that land navigation is nearly impossible, until you get to the high valleys at about 3,000 feet. These high valleys continue up to 8,000 feet and act as the perfect living area for over half of the population of New Guinea.
It is in one of the valleys that the Kudjip Nazarene Hospital is situated. We are at 5-6,000 feet, and are surrounded by vast areas of coffee and tea plantations. Both the coffee and tea grown in this area are very tasty. Every morning I have a big mug of PNG #1 black tea. It is very strong with caffeine and the first brewing is darker than most cups of coffee! Most of the people live in this area, because the climate is so perfect, 60 degrees each night and 80-85 degrees each day. The sun shines most days and it usually rains only at night. This valley is beautiful with all of the tropical foliage and vegetable and flower gardens of the native folks. It is called the Wagi Valley and it was first discovered by explorers in 1930. If you are interested in more information, you can read about it in the book, "First Contact". There are still a few elderly people around who remember that first contact.
Further up the mountainsides, the foliage thins out. The mountains are covered with many small streams of clear, very cold water. At about 10,000 feet, the trees change to evergreen conifers. It occasionally freezes above 10,000 feet and at higher elevations there is a chance of snow. It is rare to see the peaks, as most are cloud or fog covered.
Animals are few and far between here in the Wagi Valley. A tree opossum called a cuscus is common and is eaten or kept as a pet by the natives. There is also a very large bird in the area called a cassowary. It lives in the forest and has been known to attack and kill humans with its sharp talons.
The rain forests are alive with both large and small insects. The butterflies are spectacular. One species is an iridescent blue and about the size of the palm of your hand. This is the home of some 50 different species of the Bird of Paradise. Tyronza was able to get some good pictures of several of these birds and one video of their courtship dance.
This entry began with my desire to share the beauty of the "resurrection flower" with you. Please take time to acknowledge Christ and His great gift to you during this Easter season.
That's all for now. See you soon.

Dr. P


to view pictures go to:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.114388571969856.19532.100001961413037&l=0b5634e363