Schooling the boys

After our move to Lae, PNG, we will be homeschooling our boys!  At the present moment we are researching the different homeschool curriculum and programs that are available, in hopes to find something that we can work with.

 
We are leaning towards the programs offered by Sonlight, as that is what other families in the area are already using, making it easier to share ideas and resources together, to make the homeschooling journey easier!


For now, the boys are getting used to the idea that school will be held at home with Mum as their teacher.

In the meantime, we have started teaching some common Pidgin words to the boys, which they are picking up very fast! Their favourites are:

Pikinini man = BOY

Pikinini meri = GIRL

Liklik = LITTLE, SMALL

Bikpela = BIG

Bagarap = BROKEN

Haus sik = HOSPITAL

Skul = SCHOOL



If you want to join us in our new language adventures, join the course 'TOK PISIN" on the website 'MEMRISE'- it's a great learning tool!

The beginnings of our new home!

Rev Ian Wildeboer kindly sent us some photos of the progress of our house!

It is in one corner of the compound where the Reformed Ministries mission workers live.

Outer frames are up!

Inside walls getting ready to go up, with family Wildeboer's house in the background

Our view (this is the field where the youth play a lot of their sports).

A little bit about Suambu Plantation

Lae City Mission opened its doors in Lae in January 2006. Lae is the second most populated city in PNG, with an escalating law and order problem.  Lae City Mission (LCM) purchased Suambu Plantation at 11 Mile Lae. It is an 150 acre fruit plantation that has become the home for up to 150 homeless or underprivileged youth between the ages of 16-23. 

Many of the youth that come to the Mission for help have been rejected by family and society and have been forced on the streets and join criminal gangs to survive. They have had little protein in their diet and many come covered in sores, scabies and grille, wearing their only possessions.

The Mission feeds, accommodates, clothes and provides medical treatment for these youth free of charge.  It is remarkable to see the difference that a clean bed and clothing, medical treatment and a healthy diet does to improve these young men.  They are then put through the same four phases as the Port Moresby City Mission youth.

The first phase is physical rehabilitation, which consists of introducing the youth to Jesus Christ, and working in the fields and gardens.  In this phase the focus is on structure, discipline and work ethic. 

One of the many gardens at the Suambu Plantation

The second phase focuses on building mental capacity through literacy, numeracy and vocational training. We offer vocational training in carpentry, welding, cooking, hospitality, security, animal husbandry and screen printing.  
(Dave will mainly be involved in the vocational training in carpentry).

Some of the youth in the literacy and numeracy program.

The third phase places each participant in on the job training in a field of interest, while still living at the farm.

Working at the plantation as part of the vocational training.

Some of the youth preparing food for themselves and others who live on the plantation.

The fourth phase helps them find permanent employment as well as mentors to help them on budgeting money and continuing to live a Godly lifestyle. 




The Mission is Christian based and the young men are encouraged to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ. The youth also attend church services and morning devotional times on the plantation, as this helps them to develop a healthy life style.  The hope is to turn young men who were previously a burden on society into quality, engaged citizens of PNG.

Buablung Haus, which accommodate up to 70 young men that have come through the Mission program and have been assisted in locating permanent employment in the city.

News of a Move

We are now in the beginning stages of preparing for move to Papua New Guinea, D.V. January 2016, where we hope to join Lae City Mission, on the Suambu Plantation.  (for more details about City Mission, visit http://www.citymission.com.pg/)

We are excited for the move, yet at the same time it is daunting – the unknowns of life in PNG, the change in culture, in language, a move overseas, knowing we will be away from family and friends etc.

We know it can only be done with Gods Blessings and your support.