Ukarumpa, SIL Compound, PNG

Sunday, March 30, 08
Up early, I take a walk to the top of the hill and around. This place is large enough to get lost. Services will be from 10:30-12:00. I have plenty of time to roam. This is not a jungle as I experienced in Papua. That is partly because of a higher population density and also because this area was grassland. There are a tremendous number of clans in close proximity which creates an atmosphere of conflict. Bush knives come out at the slightest provocation, as in Papua. Further, toward Papua, the terrain becomes more rugged and the jungle does increase as the population drops dramatically.
Service follows much the same format as Evangelical Fundamentalist services in the US. SIL is non-denominational. One striking sight is all the young children 0-10. A large elementary and high school services various missions with boarding facilities. The schools have around 350 enrollment. On site are many young families, most in translation of highland languages into the Bible. It takes between 10 to 30 years to translate one language with there being 850 languages in PNG. Few have a completed Bible.
Staff can either rent or buy a house. Electricity is constant with either power from the Yonki Dam or an on site generator. Water is split into rain water, which is for drinking and otherwise used as available. Also, grey water is from a source in a stream very nearby. This stream is the problem source with locals who want to be more highly compensated. The Simpson house has a total capacity of 35oo gallons stored from rain water, plus grey water. Roads are gravel, well drained, and well maintained. A high chain link fence with razor wire surrounds the property with armed guards on internal and outer patrol. On site are a Joinery, Auto Shop, Aviation, Store, Clinic, Construction, Finance, Schools, Industrial, Maintenance. Library, Languages and Linguistic Center and Translation Support, Print Shop, and lots more.
Lunch is mid-afternoon following a 15 minute drive to Sam's village. Sam is a PNG local who works at the compound in a department which works with conflict resolution between SIL and locals. He is near 50, I would judge. Without the 4X4 working we get stuck in the mud holes. There is great excitement, high point of the day, as we are pushed out by helpful hands. Sam's house is a mat house with sleeping platforms along 3 sides and a constant fire burning slowly in the center. Bill and he discuss an episode from last Friday which landed an SIL local worker in serious danger. He was beaten and slashed on the head with a bush knife. The SIL vehicle, he was driving, had all its windows and lights broken out. He will most likely be fire since the vehicle usage was unauthorized and he was attempting to gather others to join him in intimidating an adjacent clan. Warfare is never far from the surface. The three of us drive into Kainantu while a horrendous rain drenches the compound. Nothing on Kainantu 15 km away.
Dinner and computer time finish the afternoon. A card game had been scheduled but Bill and I are too tired. At a mile high, I am feeling tired early and will find my comfortable bed.
SIL compound pictures: http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/musungi/SILCompoundPNG