Do You Hear What I Hear?

Any community has a certain set of noises or sounds that are “normal” and expected. At some point after you've lived in one place for a number of months or years, you may not really hear or notice those sounds anymore. Maybe it’s the sound of birds chirping outside the kitchen window, traffic going passed the window in your office, or even the sounds that your house makes. Ukarumpa is no different; there are several sounds that, to me, emphasize where I am and why I’m here.

1. 

   Two of my students working on their
   "What's in an Egg?" mini-books

   Kids playing on the playground near my house.
2. Planes flying overhead, taking people and cargo to remote locations.
3. Neighbour kids practicing their band music.
4. The shouts of barefoot children playing capture the flag at recess.
5. Students singing the Papua New Guinea national anthem during Monday’s chapel.
6. One of the classes next door singing the books of the Bible or their multiplication tables.
7. The youth band practicing for their Sunday evening youth ministry meeting.
8. Rain on a tin roof.
9. The neighbour kids running through my yard, laughing and chattering as they play.
10. Sunday morning worship, as the people of God gather to praise and glorify His holy name.

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into His presence with singing!

Know that the Lord, He is God!
It is He who made us, and we are His;
we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving,
and His courts with praise!
Give thanks to Him; bless His name!

For the Lord is good;
His steadfast love endures forever,
and His faithfulness to all generations.

~Psalm 100