Each year here at the Ukarumpa center, the parents put on a special banquet for the 11th and 12th graders, kind of like prom. This was our first year being involved, as Kaitlyn was an 11th grader. The theme this year was “Time Travel”, and the banquet night included a fancy dinner, an area decorated like the Old West (including wood branding and a BB gun shooting gallery), and a giant slide. It’s always amazing to see how creative people can be, especially when living here in PNG means that options are quite limited. Kaitlyn and her friends had a wonderful time and made many special memories. In addition to helping with all the decorating, Christy prepared drinks and appetizers, and Matt waited on tables during the dinner.
Kaitlyn just began her senior year (where has the time gone?!) and has joined the Ukarumpa Pony Club, where she cares for and rides horses each Saturday morning. Nathan and Justin were part of the track team at school, with Christy as one of their coaches! Justin also performed in his first percussion recital, with Nathan accompanying him on the piano. Elijah just started in 2nd grade, and Julianne in 5th grade. She’s joined the beginning band and is learning to play the baritone. Christy continues to volunteer as clinic receptionist, 1st grade teacher’s assistant and 12th grade youth group leader. Matt has become a youth group leader for the 6th and 7th grade boys.
at the Eastern Highlands track meet (our school won!)