Birthday party presents opportunity
Around 200 people showed up for the birthday of a 2-year-old in Papua New Guinea.
Many people in Papua New Guinea don’t know their birthdays or their own age, and so there’s no celebration unless you’re young.
Missionary aviator Mike McGregor, serving with his wife Kelly, wrote, “On their first or second birthday, children are given one big birthday party. This is usually the only birthday that will be celebrated for the life of that person.”
They were invited to the party of the daughter of one of their language helpers; she was about to be 2.
“We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into,” wrote Mike. “Every day we are thrown into new situations that involve tactfulness and sensitivity. When we accepted the invitation to the birthday party we knew that there was a good chance there would be some sort of expectation of us.”
“One of the biggest cultural things that takes adjustment here in Papua New Guinea is the Wan Tok system. Translated, this means ‘friend’ system. When somebody needs something or has a big event, they go to all of their friends.”
Animals are often raised just for special events like this.
Mike wrote, “I realized I needed to contribute some meat to this part, but I had no idea what was expected. My language helper told me that one chicken (preferably alive) would be a good addition to the meal.”
So after Mike made a trip to a local market for a chicken and his wife made a birthday cake (something not traditional in Papua New Guinea, which thrilled the celebrating family), they were ready for the party.
“The next morning I got up early so I could catch the chicken again and tie up its legs for the hike over to my friend’s house. The morning was filled with preparation for the main event.”
By the time the food was ready there were more than 200 people at the party, all ready to feast and fellowship. The celebration went well, and the McGregors had a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the culture and language of Papua New Guinea first-hand.
Please pray for Mike and Kelly McGregor, that they continue to enjoy learning the culture and language of the country they’re serving in.
Many people in Papua New Guinea don’t know their birthdays or their own age, and so there’s no celebration unless you’re young.
Missionary aviator Mike McGregor, serving with his wife Kelly, wrote, “On their first or second birthday, children are given one big birthday party. This is usually the only birthday that will be celebrated for the life of that person.”
They were invited to the party of the daughter of one of their language helpers; she was about to be 2.
“We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into,” wrote Mike. “Every day we are thrown into new situations that involve tactfulness and sensitivity. When we accepted the invitation to the birthday party we knew that there was a good chance there would be some sort of expectation of us.”
“One of the biggest cultural things that takes adjustment here in Papua New Guinea is the Wan Tok system. Translated, this means ‘friend’ system. When somebody needs something or has a big event, they go to all of their friends.”
Animals are often raised just for special events like this.
Mike wrote, “I realized I needed to contribute some meat to this part, but I had no idea what was expected. My language helper told me that one chicken (preferably alive) would be a good addition to the meal.”
So after Mike made a trip to a local market for a chicken and his wife made a birthday cake (something not traditional in Papua New Guinea, which thrilled the celebrating family), they were ready for the party.
“The next morning I got up early so I could catch the chicken again and tie up its legs for the hike over to my friend’s house. The morning was filled with preparation for the main event.”
By the time the food was ready there were more than 200 people at the party, all ready to feast and fellowship. The celebration went well, and the McGregors had a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the culture and language of Papua New Guinea first-hand.
Please pray for Mike and Kelly McGregor, that they continue to enjoy learning the culture and language of the country they’re serving in.