This date marks the Independence Day for Papua New Guinea. The 36th year of Independence from the Commonwealth of Australia. As PNG still remains a young, and developing country it has placed precedent on being called a Christian nation.
On Friday, I attend the Madang Technical School’s Cultural Show. It was very similar to the cultural show that I attend last month. However, this show was not as well organized. It was neat to observe how local people here celebrate their independence day. On Thursday, I saw many small PNG flags around town. Some were on car antennas, others on bikes, and some even stuck in the ladies thick black hair. I wanted to get a small flag so I went to Papindo the store apparently selling the flags. When I got there, they told me they just sold out. I went to two other stories and the same thing. No flags.
As I walked the streets, many of the businesses were flying flags, some had balloons and independence day sales. On Friday, as suspected businesses and the market was closed in observance. It seemed to me that people were taking time to celebrate and were proudly displaying their country colors (yellow, red, and black).
As I reflect, being outside the confines of the USA, you come to realize pretty fast that USA holidays that you once celebrated are not celebrated here. It gives you a sense of loneliness or abandonment. However, I strive to embrace the local culture and the host country’s national holidays.
Continue to pray for this country and for the national leaders. Currently we are in limbo between Prime Minister’s and next year is an election year. Pray for God to raise up Christian leaders who will stand strong against deceit and corruption.
Extras:
For your viewing pleasure: Wan Kantri. This is a hit song about PNG becoming one country, one nation, one family, one people. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEMBUrczQGs
US Dept of State releases diplomacy statement: http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2011/09/172465.htm
Tyler and Emily in PNG 
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