Gifts are usually from family or friends for Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, going away, retirement, etc. Usually they are given with love, and received well. Getting a gift in PNG isn't always this straightforward. I have received a lot of gifts of vegetables and bilums from patients, and haven't thought much about it. Trying to give back or not receive a gift
from a patient
would be offensive to them. However, when a gift comes from a single guy, to a single girl then gifts take on a whole new meaning. For PNGers who are giving gifts to Americans or others, giving a gift is saying they like you. Receiving the gift is saying back to them, I like you also. I wish I knew this yesterday when someone gave me a gift. I didn't think much of it, thought it was really nice of them and took it. It happened to be a tapa cloth - a bark carving with a verse on it. These are common house decorations for the missionaries and others here. I told the McCoys about it, and they quickly said it needed to be returned so the guy didn't get the wrong message. I am thankful that one of the missionary doctors will be doing this and will discuss this with the person who gave it to me. So just remember wherever you are that a gift isn't always just a gift.
from a patient 
would be offensive to them. However, when a gift comes from a single guy, to a single girl then gifts take on a whole new meaning. For PNGers who are giving gifts to Americans or others, giving a gift is saying they like you. Receiving the gift is saying back to them, I like you also. I wish I knew this yesterday when someone gave me a gift. I didn't think much of it, thought it was really nice of them and took it. It happened to be a tapa cloth - a bark carving with a verse on it. These are common house decorations for the missionaries and others here. I told the McCoys about it, and they quickly said it needed to be returned so the guy didn't get the wrong message. I am thankful that one of the missionary doctors will be doing this and will discuss this with the person who gave it to me. So just remember wherever you are that a gift isn't always just a gift.
