Tyler and Emily in PNG

If there is one thing that does not belong in Madang, it would be covers or blankets. Madang is located on the ocean just 6 degrees south of the Equator. Temperatures rarely go below the mid-70s, ever. I might use a light sheet to cover up with overnight but never have a need for a blanket or heavy cover.

This past weekend I attend the PBTPNG branch spiritual retreat at Madang Lodge. I opted to stay at the hotel and enjoy the comforts of using air conditioning as I wish. Being in a third world country, you experience and witness a lack of development and amenities everyday. Once I stepped in that hotel room, I had visions of stepping back into America. Nice clean tile floors, big beds with real mattresses, curtains, balcony, white towels, a small sink, refrigerator, and microwave. I felt like I was staying at Hilton. Then I looked out the window and saw I was still in Papua New Guinea. I quickly turned around to step back into America.

That night as I ran the air conditioning to the lowest setting of 18 degrees Celsius or about 65 degrees Fahrenheit, I joyfully slipped under my covers. As I got up during the night and then came back to bed I had a very weird feeling that I have not felt in over 9 months. My bed was warm. The temperature from my body was warming me under the covers. Wow…what a sensation and awkward feeling. On a normal night, I lay there without a bed sheet and I am still warm as I lay under a fan.

Even though the spiritual retreat was a great blessing to the branch, I enjoyed the small comforts of a hotel room. From the covers of a bed to the glass doors of a shower. Has it really been that long since I have experienced common amenities of home? Even having hot water on demand is another small token that one can appreciate. It may also be that factor that I can use such amenities and not have a guilty conscience as I would at my own flat. No water to worry about running out or electricity that I have to monitor and pay for every unit.

PS – Sorry I did not get this posted yesterday on the normal blog post update. The retreat spilled over onto Monday as the branch had extended meetings which were very profitable.