O {Orientation}

A popular question asked is "When will you learn the language?"

A year from now we will head to PNG and the first thing we will do is head straight to a 14 week course on the coast called Pacific Orientation Course (POC).

Things we'll do besides learn Tok Pisin:

-Sleep under mosquito nets. We will initially be on the coast where malaria is more prevelent than when we move into the Highlands after POC.

-Watch 2 out of 3 of my kids play in the mud. Mo will turn her nose up at the idea of getting filthy.

-Learn to adapt to a different culture which will include 5 weeks of living in a village with a family and learning about them and how they live day to day. (note: I am SO excited about this!!)

-There's talk of learning how to start a fire similar to Tom Hanks in "Castaway". We'll be re-watching this movie before we leave the country just to make sure we know what we're doing. Although Wilson will be replaced by D, Mo and Mal. They are cuter and more practical than a volleyball for this part of the journey. Sorry Wilson. J even purchased some kind of "fire starter" on a recent trip. I truly believe this is cheating and his "tool" will probably confiscated if not at the airport, once we arrive. He thinks it's legal...again...let me reinterate: I will watch the movie to ensure we pass this section of the course. I might even practice before we go if the burn ban ever lets up around here!

-At some point during POC, we will have to complete a 3 mile hike...and a 1 mile swim...in the sea. I hike just fine with the right shoes, but swim in the sea?? Can I doggy paddle? Dead man float? Bring goggles? Arm floaties? I foresee some hard core training at the JAARS pool next Spring...

-I have already prepped some of you for this, but we will have very limited communication during those 14 weeks. The internet is slow, expensive and there is apparently very limited time to do anything "extra". As SOON as I have a decent connection and email the grandparents to update them on their grandchildren, I'll make sure to update this dear piece of cyberspace...and hopefully with pics!!

-We've heard several things about POC...kids apparently *love* it, it's challenging, informative and adults either love it or hate it. I would say J and I are pretty adventurous (???), but I'm sure this is going to put that spirit to the test!

-The kids will have their own POC training although I'm pretty sure the swim and hike are out of the question. I'm thankful they'll have some training on a level they can understand and I'm sure they'll be teaching us a thing or two before it's all said and done!