from Tim

While Martha has been hanging out in Papua New Guinea, I’ve been spending a few days near Melbourne, Australia. I’m here getting acquainted with colleagues in partner organizations here. And I’ve also had opportunity to catch up with some friends I haven’t seen in a while.

This past weekend I spent some time with Gerry and Melinda Beimers. Gerry was the director of our work in the Solomon Islands when we first went there back in 1998. And Martha and I had taught their three oldest daughters when we were all in Papua New Guinea back in the early 90s. So it was fun to see them again and catch up.

We had a nice time together, not only reconnecting, but getting a chance to see of the the beautiful countryside outside of Melbourne.

Thanks Gerry and Melinda for a nice weekend.

from Martha

This morning I visited the high school on our center here in Papua New Guinea to find out what we need to know about Sarah attending next year. It was great! Everyone was so helpful and welcoming. When I was introduced to the 10th grade class and they were told another girl was coming to be with them, the girls spontaneously said, “Oh, niiiiiiice!!!!”. Sarah is going to enjoy this amazing place and the great school.

After lunch I logged on to my email to find out that my flight on the mission plane from here to the capital city on Wednesday had been cancelled. There were not enough passengers. They suggested I catch a flight to the coastal town of Madang and overnight there before catching a commercial flight to the capital city.

So, now I am scheduled to leave in the morning on the flight to Madang. It’s actually kind of fun because I will be staying overnight in the place where Tim and I served from 1991-1995 at the Pacific Orientation Course. It’s been about 15 years since we last visited and it will be fun to be back again and see some of our old friends.

On Wednesday, I will fly to Port Moresby, the capital city and overnight in a guesthouse. On Thursday I fly to Brisbane, Australia where I will board a direct flight to Dallas.

Papua New Guinea, Land of the Unexpected, is living up to its reputation!