Mt. Hagen

Yesterday we went into town to do a bit of shopping. The girls had went down last monday, but ben and I hadn't had a chance to go yet because we have been working in the hospital. Hagen, as the natives call it (pronounced like Haagen Daz(?) ice cream), was such a neat place. We started off at bestbuy as sarah had previously posted about, and then went to the open air market. Everything was so cheap and fresh. We ended the morning there with lunch at the highlander hotel, a nice place with a pool and salad that's safe to eat!

When we came back to the house yesterday afternoon we heard lots of shouting and singing in the distance. We are pretty close to a local market/intersection for the area. The hospital is situated historically between two different tribal lands, and it just so happens that these tribes have a long history of not getting along. When we first heard the shouting and whistles and such we assumed it was a wedding or someone naming a bride-price (which is a common occurence here). But then we heard the gunshots and we started to have our doubts. Apparently these two tribes, whose names elude me at the moment, were rioting and fighting with one another. Keep in mind this is probably a few hundred yards from where we're staying (we have been told we are safe on the hospital station compound, as there is a fence up and they have security). The rioters (who are young, drunk, men for the most part) aren't really representing their tribal leadership and the missionaries here were telling us that they will be in trouble for starting a mess. And for your peace of mind know that it wasn't the rioters shooting guns- the police were trying to disperse the crowds- the rioters were just throwing rocks and wielding the occassional bush-knife. One of the tribal leaders told a missionary doctor if any of his young men came into the hospital hurt to not treat them for a while and let them suffer a bit so that they'll remember next time.

We were up early for a wonderful easter sunrise service with the missionaries here. Best time i've had in a while as these truly are people who've left their families, homes and lives to come and bring the gospel and health care to such a needy place. Sarah and I are off to a bush church this morning with a missionary and his family where he will be preaching. Take care and know we love you all very much and cherish your prayers. We are doing well and are safe!! Pictures will be posted soon.