During the rainy season at May River, it rains every night and sometimes during the day. I was in my house cooking lunch when I heard the roar of rain and saw the grey downpour approaching our village. As the drops began to fall, I looked out our kitchen window and saw a woman, one of our church members, washing sak sak for her family’s evening meal. I kept watching to see if she would stop her work and go inside to escape the rain. But no, she continued working as if the rain wasn’t pouring down on her. If she didn’t crush and squeeze the palm fibers in the water to extract the starch, her family would go hungry. Such is the role of women here. I felt compassion for her as I watched her struggle to prepare food in the rain. I wanted to run out and help her, but I’m not good at swinging the tool to crush the fibers. I would be more of a hindrance than a help.

My thoughts turned to praising God for the little things around me that I am thankful for; things I would probably take for granted if I didn’t live here in PNG. Things like the dry kitchen where I prepare food, and the indoor flushing toilet down the hall. There is no need for me to worry about snakes in the dark when I get up during the night. The rain fills a tank that gives me rainwater for drinking and showering. Also, I’m blessed to have solar electricity that powers lights at the flip of a switch. These things help me feel secure and at home.

I am thankful to be able to travel by motor canoe to town even if I must endure sunburn or cold rain along the way. While in town I Skype with family and friends and get to see their faces. We have spiritual books to read and sermons to watch. How thankful I am to know how to read! I am teaching my neighbor—who is now soaking wet as she works on her sak sak—how to read and write. Soon she will get her own Bible.

Lord, I am thankful You sent someone to tell my family about Jesus. Now help me to be effective in teaching the women here about You. And help me always to remain thankful and content with the blessings You have given me. Amen.

• Twitter