5 December We bought coffee and hopped on the 7am shuttle bus to Jackson Airport. Checking in our luggage we declared, like we did on our other flights, that we had inflatable life jackets containing gas canisters. We had already been advised by an Air Niugini customer support staff by email before we left Australia…

4 December Jacinta We caught a cab to the former Korobosea Medical Clinic, where Eva and the kids are. I finally got to see the building and the neighbourhood that I have heard endless stories about. PJ, with the help of family, friends and community built the clinic from the ground up. The feat that…

3 December PJ It was a bit of a rough night but we did manage to get a bit of sleep. We were up by 6am to finalise our packing before our ride arrived at 7:30. We almost left our passports behind which would have been a bit of an inconvenience but luckily one of…

2 December Jacinta We left with a plan to find Mula and go to the block that the family own. His phone connection has been sketchy so we were hoping to bump into him on the road somewhere. Sure enough as soon as we stepped out there he was on the corner chewing his favourite…

1 December Jacinta I had the (probably very obvious) realisation that I likely did not have stomach flu. I might have the flu as well as a bug from eating exciting new bacteria here my gut is not used to.. We have eaten all the same things but PJ probably got immunity as a kid.…

30 November Jacinta M’Buke departure day today. We had no power so no photos! As we tried to get a photo of Kiteni, Lancer and I, first the camera died, then PJ’s phone died, then finally, Chakumai’s phone came through. Lancer just started to like me the night before and now we are leaving! I…

29 November PJ The day started with another early morning fishing trip with Chakumai and Kiliwi. We managed to get a few before a storm set in so we turned back to shore. I Joined Jacinta for breakfast then we lounged on the verandah watching the storm pass through. J was slowly recovering from her…

27 November (Happy birthday Emily) PJ We set our alarm for 4:40am. 1st activity for the day was trawling for some fish just off Chompoin Island where the resort is. Tuna were in abundance and it is not unusual to look out from the beach and see a frenzy of activity on the sea surface…

26 November PJ and Jacinta, we’ve shared this is in  chunks. The day started a little bit chaotic, tumultuous, upsetting, rocky… And ended in bliss. We had an early start packing our own gear for the trip to M’Buke Island. For Australian friends, this is pronounced mBu-keh (not MmmBouquet, as Leah playing a terrible tourist…

25 November Jacinta There are days and then there are days where so much happens that it’s hard to believe some of these pictures were taken just this morning. It’s only 6.30pm! I’m sitting on the floor of the guesthouse room surrounded by a pile of beautiful bilums gifted by various people for various reasons.…