Early May we said our final good-byes and boarded our first of 4 flights to get us back to PNG. The 16+ hour flight from Dallas to Brisbane was a piece of cake compared to the 50 minute flight from Port Moresby to Goroka. Phoebe (and Mom and Dad) were done being in the air. But the Lord had extra help along the way…like two fellow co-workers who we just happened to run into in Brisbane. They traveled with us all the way to Goroka (and helped with our 6 checked bags, 3 carry-ons, car seat and one wiggly baby girl). They even just happened to have the extra 10 kina we need to pay our overweight baggage fee. (No…we weren’t overweight….oh, it is a long story!!!) Anyways, it was so neat to see how the Lord provided in the big and the small things.
We have now settled back into our home here. After taking a few days to help set up house Paul returned to work at the hangar while Andrea began to settle into her new full-time ministry as mom…which Paul insists is a promotion. :^)
It’s Official….Paul is a Fit & Proper Person!
Since returning to work at the hangar, Paul has taken over the role as maintenance manager which is by Papua New Guinea (PNG) aviation rules a “senior person”. Such positions require an interview with the PNG aviation authority (CASA). I was granted an appointment for the interview after our three day class concluded on Weight & Balance. It was an answer to prayer to get this interview accomplished while in the capital city for the CASA class…and a small miracle I might add as the last minute appointment was for 3pm on Friday. I was given a marginal pass because I did not demonstrate an acceptable knowledge of the PNG aviation rules…like knowing exact chapter and verse for any rules I used in my answers. This means I will be quizzed again when they come up to audit our operation in August. What fun! An audit and a re-interview. :^)
It was a blessing to be able to pass as I am now officially placed into the Maintenance Manager role, we as NTMA are able to better meet the PNG CASA expectations.
Something’s Blowing in the Wind
No, it’s not the answer that is blowing in the wind….unless the question is: How do you diaper your baby in Papua New Guinea without going broke? The answer is cloth diapers! With disposable diapers and wipes costing up to 5 times more here, cloth diapers & wipes are a must. We are so blessed to have been given a bunch from some dear friends. We also got a diaper grant from a company that gives diapers (and cotton wipes too) away to missionaries.
We are both becoming pros at washing and stuffing the diapers…while Phoebe has already mastered the job of messing them up! And Phoebe has learned to crawl!! Pray we can keep up.
Praise & Prayer Requests
- Praise — a safe trip back and all those who helped and gave to make it possible!
- Pray — soon Bible teaching will start amongst the Biem people!!
- Pray — finances needed to cover Paul’s recent trip and class in Port Moresby.
- Pray — wisdom as we raise Phoebe.
- Pray — safety during this election time in Papua New Guinea.