While I am super excited about getting to live in the Jungle, I also realize I have to be realistic with my expectations. Sure, we get to live in a tropical near-paradise, with scenic views and most importantly a complete lack of snow, but every place has its down sides as well. While I don't foresee any of these things becoming an actual problem, they very well may be annoying. Looking forward from where I am now, these are a few of the things that I'm really not looking forward to about living in the jungle.
1. Lack of Privacy-
While I do love spending time with people as much as the next person, I also know my limitations. I am an introvert. Every once in a while, I just need to pull back away from everyone around me and immerse myself in some alone time, just to keep myself sane. Here in the States that's fairly easily done, but in Papua New Guinea our walls will be thin. Actually, our exterior walls may end up being screens, since we'll be using the cross wind to keep our house cool. That means that I'll be able to hear whenever anyone walks by our house, which is just enough to keep me from feeling all the way alone. Add to that the fact that it's so quiet in the village that people on the other side will probably be able to hear any of our conversations, and you can see how someone could feel a little bit claustrophobic even in the bush.
2. Bugs
Sure, we have bugs here in the States! And yes, they can be quite a pest. (I'm most definitely not a fan of fire ants) But there are two things that bug me about bugs overseas. Firstly, that they're just so pervasive, and secondly that they can cause a good deal of misery. I don't know if you've ever had malaria, but it is undeniably miserable. Granted, it is also fairly easily curable, even with fairly cheap medicines, but while you are waiting for the medicine to take effect it can still be a trial. Add on to that the large number of flies, spiders, and roaches find out in the bush, and you can see that bugs can be rather more of a problem than they are here in the States. At least for our first term in PNG I know we are planning on bringing our mosquito nets in order to create a little sanctuary from the critters, so at least there's that.
3. Rain
You'd think that I would have seen this coming, but it turns out that it rains a whole lot in the Jungle, especially during rainy season! Turns out, I don't like being wet! Still, simply being wet is one of the lesser inconveniences that the rains can bring. Even in the States the rain can cause problems, but in many parts of the world, PNG included, rain can do a real number on the roads. It becomes difficult to travel, and a trip that would only take a few hours in the dry season can become a real hassle. Rain does, of course, have its upsides as well. For one thing it is important for the gardens in PNG, which are how most of the people feed their families. That brings me to the next thing on my list,
4. Dirt
I don't like being dirty. Not that out of the ordinary, I suppose, but still true. When I talk about the reasons I'm proud to be part of PBT, the fact that we are "down in the dirt" missionaries is one of the first things I'll talk about. I've seen it modeled for me by experienced missionaries, and I'm not afraid to get dirty myself when needed, but it can still be an irritation. Just a little thing, but those little things have a way of adding up, if you're not careful. All that leaves is my last item on my list, and probably one of the things I'm least looking forward to....
5. Chamber Pots
I hate for this post to simply become a poop joke, but really, at the very least for our first term, this is something I'll have to deal with. Until we build a more Americanized house, and a septic tank, chamber pots will just have to be part of our lives. And really, I'm thankful for that option, since being able to answer "nature's call" within the comfort of our own home could be a life saver. They are also the easiest way for us to avoid numbers 1-4, since outhouses would involve leaving our house every time.
In all seriousness, though, I am extremely excited to get the opportunity to work as a missionary in Papua New Guinea. Yes, there are things that I will have to deal with that I may not like, whether it be sickness, irritations, inconveniences, or any number of other issues. And maybe I'm not going to win any awards for the most "normal" of lives. But I sorta like that. Besides, the opportunities we'll have and the things we'll be a part of will last for eternity, and affect the lives of people far beyond ourselves. So a little rain is worth it. Trust me.
