Off the beaten road

This is another view of the country side. We were able to go on a short hike into the "bush". Loving the outdoors, it was a very welcome opportunity for me to see more of this earth that God has created.
This whole day, mumu and all has been totally amazing to me. To see the handi-work of God and to see the understanding and wisdom He has given man to be able to cook food (whether they acknowledge/know Him or not).

Chow time

There it is! Now it is lunch time. The girls (with ITF) that were with us sat at this table/plate area. The guys sat at another one next to them and the Benabena people sat at their own locations (also separated in groups of men only and women only). We did use salt this time and I have to say, this was definitely the most unique lunch I have ever had. It was good.

No Chinaware today!

This is our plate. Banana leaves that were used in the cooking process. Uh...just like we would not eat our plates at home, we don't eat our plates here. :)

Gigantic steamer

The purpose of the water being poured into the mumu is to help steam the food. It works incredible well!

Perfect water pipe!

Yup, water is being poured down the bamboo into the mumu. They will be taken out as soon as enough water is put in.

Whats this?

This is one of 4 bamboo poles sticking out of the mumu. This one is venting smoke from the coals below. Check the next blog to see why this is here!

The finishing touches

The finishing touches are being put on the mumu. Soon, the work of putting everything together will be done and we will wait for 2 to 2 1/2 hours for everything to get done. Meanwhile, we talk....well, some of us...and listen to stories. :)

Check it out!

What do we all have in common with each other? Food! I attended another mumu yesterday that was being held for us at ITF and those among the Benabena who have been helping us to abit of Tok Pigin.
It was totally amazing to see how they put/layered everything together! Greens, kau kau, lamb and cooking bananas.

Something in Common!

What is the one thing that as people, we like to do? We all like to eat! A group of us went to a village for a mumu with the Benabena who we have gotten to know and who have helped us abit in learning Tok Pigin.
I learned that mumus are held for weddings, funerals, coming of age for girls and for get togethers....similar to potlucks!