Polly Parrot

I'm pleased to say that all four girls have now conquered the cold showers and have also learnt how to swallow their malarone (malaria prevention) tablets. Pretty good considering we have only been here one week! I must say the girls have followed Brianna's lead with the cold showers - she has been a champion in that area, and Elora has been the best at swallowing tablets - she can even swallow hers without water! It's great to see the girls adjusting so well to a different way of living. Having said that, Elora had a melt down tonight because she left Teddy at Lovelyn's house (see below). Teddy is Elora's security, so she didn't cope too well, but Brianna very kindly gave her Pivot (her special beanie kid), and that was a big help.

This afternoon we drove to the airport (only a ten minute drive at the most) to pick up Kevin and Machi. It is great here - there is an open-air viewing platform on top of the airport building where everyone can watch the planes land. So we watched Pacific Blue land right in front of us, and then waved excitedly at Kevin and Machi as they hopped off the plane and walked across the tarmac. We then waited for them to get through customs, then after all the hugs and kisses, piled their suitcases on the back of the truck for the short drive home.

Later on in the afternoon we went for a drive to the Disability Centre (which is very close to the airport). Michael (Geoff's cousin) and Salome (K & M's son and daughter in law) run the Centre which is still being set up. The plan is to provide a place where people with disabilities can be trained in one way or another so that they can participate in a more meaningful way and help contribute to their family's life and income. It is fairly innovative for the Solomon's.

Geoff was pleased to see the progress at the Disability Centre, particularly as the generator (donated by Eddie Phillips) has been extremely well received in powering the tools for the building work. Everyone there lives without power, except for the generator which is on for four hours a day.

Lovelyn (M & S's daughter) enjoyed showing the girls where she lived, especially Polly and Polly 2, the two beautiful talking parrots. Lovelyn and Brianna are the same age, and have already started to become friends.

Polly can speak in English, Pigin and Lovelyn's tribal language!

Our girls will be going to the same school as Lovelyn (Florence Young Christian School), and Bri will be in Loveyn's class. It is great for Bri that she already knows someone before she starts school - it is a big thing starting school in a different country where you look different and speak differently too. Brianna is very nervous about it. But we are praying that the school experience will be one of the most meaningful ones for the girls.