Relate

This beautiful boy and his sister were brought into the Aid post where our primary health care team were working for the day in the village of Akoma in the Gulf Province of Papua New Guinea . His whole family came in together — Dad, Mum, eldest son, sister and baby. They came to get their vaccinations updated. Otherwise healthy, I was struck by their sombre, almost fearful demeanor towards me. Try as I might, I could not get them to smile. I even gave them a loom band each — they were unmoved.  Their parents were jovial and chatty and this discord struck me. I got to thinking what it must feel like to be taken to some weird looking foreign people whom you don't even understand, to have needles jabbed into you and be told that this was good! I think me personally, I would be running, screaming and making a fuss. This was not the case with these beautiful children. They have a stoical strength that is much to be admired.  So many, many times on this trip where my function was to minister to others — I was indeed ministered to. I was reminded countless times of where the  real value in life resides.