As a show of appreciation for the manner in which others have cared for them since birth, hobbits give presents on their birthday rather than receiving presents. Brian and I have decided to incorporate that practice into our children’s birthday celebrations, so this year Ray and Willa’s friends brought books and toys that we’ll give […]

I’ve never had a strong stomach, so when I got sick just before we headed to Australia, I wasn’t worried. Stomach aches and bad nights have always been a part of me. What I didn’t know then was how this stomach ache would crash the better part of our vacation, stealing my joy and rest. […]

I could hear him mumbling as I closed my computer for the night. I had just finished binge watching Lost and it was very late. You know how “just one” episode turns into four, and then it’s technically morning. Oops. I had been living with my grandparents for several months and occasionally I would hear […]

I’m not entirely certain what happened to the past eleven months, but somehow or other we slammed into December. Since it’s perpetually the hottest day of summer in Madang I don’t feel like real time passes until it passes. Another year gone… just like that. Pretty sure I was pregnant last week, so, um, what?!? […]

The Hot. It comes quickly and sits oppressively on top of us for too long. This is the name I’ve given our summer months in PNG (October-February), and I’ve been bracing myself for it since June. Despite my stewing, when The Hot arrived three weeks ago I was ill prepared. Last year Ray tolerated The […]