Mijts Blog

Last Saturday was Kayline’s second birthday and Toshi will turn 4 in a few weeks time. We will be in Australia when Toshi has his birthday so told Stephanie (our housemary – and their mother) that we’d fund a combined birthday party for them. We view Stephanie and the children as part of our PNG family and we are very fond of them all!

The party was held last Saturday on Kayline’s birthday. Stephanie did all the planning (she is a great organiser!)and we took her shopping at the market and a couple of tradestores. Nick paid and I crossed items off the list. Masses of food ingredients were purchased and we only bought lollies, balloons, party hats etc at my suggestion. I had previously asked Stephanie how many were attending – response ‘Not too many”, next question from me – ‘Maybe 15 or 20?’ – response ‘Yes!’ (with a smile). It was obvious by the food we purchased that we were feeding many more than this -but no worries! It quickly became apparent that this was not a children’s birthday party as we know it! It was a feast for the neighbours and villagers, children and adults alike! And boy do they know how to put on a feast!

Several girls from the village arrived early to help prepare the food

Some of ‘the boys’ came early too – but they typically just lazed around for about five hours until the food was on then they came in!

The birthday kids had new outfits (from the Chinese tradestore!)

Stephanie had a written program and there was a process to follow – obviously following local customs! Another village truck arrived, Nick’s Office staff turned up and the neighbours came until there was close to 100 people under our house – many more adults than children!

The food was put onto the tables (where it sat for an hour or so – they don’t mind eating it cold!)

Then Stephanie officially welcomed everyone (and asked me to do the same!)

Next everyone gathered around the cake and sang Happy Birthday – and May God Bless You (imagine that at an Aussie kids’ party!!!)

I’ll digress slightly here with a story about the cake – a local store has a bakery section and does cakes. I ordered one and requested just Happy Birthday and the kids’ names to be on it. When I went to collect it this is what it looked like (they obviously needed to fill the cake with writing!) – don’t you just love the ‘cheers’ at the end! I might add that the cake inside was three layers of VERY dark red, green and brown! One lady I know ordered a cake and on the order form where you had to write the message she wrote ‘No message’ – and that’s what was written on her cake – so I didn’t fare too badly!

After they sang Happy Birthday, there was the ‘presentation of gifts’ – everyone lined up (and it was a long line!) and little Kayline and Toshi shook hands with each person and said thank you – without being allowed to open any gifts yet – had to wait until the end of the day! – can’t see many children at home managing that!

Next, one of the elders from the village said a prayer before Kai Kai (food!) then the feasting began. The kids lined up

and plates were piled high with food! Even this little two and a half year old neighbour helped herself – and she ate that whole plate full! Many of the Nationals only eat breakfast and one main meal a day – often rice based.

After some time, there was the cutting of the cake

and my cupcakes were allowed to come downstairs – they were popular – and for many of them – never seen before!

The lollies and whistles were handed out and in line with tradition, Stephanie, as the hostess, had icing from the cake rubbed through her hair!

Nick and I had to leave late afternoon as we were going out to a curry night. We took plenty of photos so here are some more favourites!

I’m a sucker for those big brown eyes!!!

one of several favourite photos of the day! love that hair!

The funniest moment of the afternoon – I was taking a photo of Kayline and Toshi and went to straighten Kayline’s dress – she pushed my hand away and said ‘Heh!’. I then realised she had commandeered the bag of balloons and was hiding them in her pants. She then went over by the fence to finish the job!!! I love this little girl – so full of personality!

Kayline with her great uncle – one of the elder men of the village – typically wearing his laplap as most of the older folk do!

All in all – a very different kids’ party – but a great local experience for us!