Pit Pit and Belums

July 2, 2010


The houses are made from cut and smashed bamboo. They use a sharp stick, knife, or a piece of glass to cut the bamboo and then flatten it with a rock. We spent the morning learning how to weave the bamboo to make pit-pit, which is what their houses are partly made out of. Once the weaving started things became really crowded so a few of us played with the kids nearby learning how to make images using rubber bands. I learned how to make a butterfly, airplane, and star. The time spent with the children is so enjoyable and the hard life that they have makes them lay heavy on my heart. These are God’s children and they are very special and important to me.

Later that afternoon some of us girls tried to make belums, which was extremely hard for me. Everything I did without Wati helping she would undo and redo for me. It was quite hilarious. There was no disappointment on my heart because it’s something they have been doing since they were young girls and takes awhile to perfect. Mary and Dunc’s daughter Leah bought some gifts for Wati’s daughter Leah (who was named after Leah Pfantz) and she also bought some gifts for Wimai. Wimai became very sad because she misses Leah and Megan, Emily, and I all reminded her of Leah because of our long dark hair and around the same age. It was really touching to see how much Leah and her care about each other despite their differences. They had become family, forever connected.

That evening we didn’t walk back until after dark and Young Paul held my hand the whole way to make sure I made it back safely without falling. I love how everyone here always wants to help without being asked. It is because they care about us and are living the way a true Christian should just as Jesus did.