We Ain’t in Wabuku Anymore

Arriving in Cairns, Australia over a month ago was an absolute whirlwind. My (Ashlyn’s) crazy medevac and hospital visit combined with Clint trying to handle two squirming toddlers through busy international airports left us exhausted and disoriented in an unfamiliar country. At least Australians speak English! 

Kyler and Brooke's first time back in a grocery cart

Reverse culture shock was crazy. We literally wandered around the grocery store, trying to remember what kinds of things we could buy in a first world country. Even driving was a shock. Not just because they drive on the left side of the road, which we’re somewhat used to in PNG, but because the roads were straight and paved! 

Notice the kangaroo burger? :)

Our kids thought it was all crazy too, and they had a hard time adjusting at first. Kyler kept crying and asking to go back to “Kyler’s house”. Poor guy! But eventually, they adjusted, and they now seem fairly used to life in a Western culture.

We’re thankful for the place where we’re staying! It’s made the transition SO much easier. It’s almost like a motel for missionaries. Our apartment is fully furnished and has a kitchen with appliances. Such a huge blessing! There are laundry facilities on site, and they have a pool and playground, which the kids love. They also have cars that you can rent on an hourly basis, and they even have car seats for the kids! We’re so thankful for God’s provision! 

The view from our apartment

The kids love the playground

We’ve had fun doing some “touristy” things, especially now that my parents and youngest sister are here. And it’s been enjoyable having some of the modern conveniences and foods that we can’t get when we’re in the tribe. But we do miss PNG a lot, and we look forward to getting back to Wabuku in the next few months.

We have really missed pizza, good salads, and burgers! :)

The pool has been a huge hit with the kids!

We definitely aren't in Wabuku anymore. Australia is a very different place, but we're thankful to be here while we wait for Baby #3 to arrive. Hopefully he or she will be here any day now! :)