Lake Sentani

We've often heard about time spent at the lake

but never imagined the size, nor the beauty of this place.

So it was nice to finally see and experience a relaxing afternoon out here ourselves.

I hope the pictures say more than I can explain in words at this time.

Chris and some friends refurbished an old boat for their families to use

and I'm sure some of the locals have had some entertainment watching these families

on their skis and knee boards. 

We rode across the lake to their favorite dock.

as my eyes were continually drawn to the lakeside homes . . .

and scenes of a much simpler but harder way of life.

At the dock we enjoyed the peaceful scene, watching the kids have fun

and the lush untouched, natural growth along the banks,

Okay . . . mostly untouched. This rope swing has been added.

and mango trees may have been planted or maybe not ... but mangoes hang over the water,

never to be enjoyed by anyone.

When I mentioned that it was too bad the water lilies along the shore were closed, 

I was told that they open in the morning.

It didn't take long, however, and Paeton had one open and brought it to me ...

with a "Here, Grammy. Here's a waterlily for you." 

Makenna impressed us with her cartwheels off the dock.

On the way back across the lake we stopped in at this small local church

that we could see from the shore.

Chris and Julene have some connection to it as they are using

Sunday School material Julene has illustrated.

Imagine the humidity, simplicity, birds chirping and

mosquitoes to be aware of ...

and you have a small window into a lakeside experience in Papua.