This is the first time that I’ve had internet since we got
here, so this blog post is a week late. I’ve been writing and saving them on my
computer, so there is plenty of stuff to share about. I’ll try not to post them
all at once.
Last I wrote Josh and I were in Singapore, enjoying a
3-day rest period before we arrived in Papua New Guinea. I was fighting jetlag
and losing miserably. I’m happy to report that I eventually conquered the beast
– although it took me several days longer than it did Josh.
Flights numbers 4 and 5 to our new home were both
uneventful and we were extremely blessed with no extra fees! I know it was
because of your prayers. Thank you!
|
Boarding our last flight! |
It was dark-thirty in the morning when we first landed in
the capital of Papua New Guinea. We were able to transfer our bags with no
hassles, and even picked up some phone cards so we could call/text our families
and let them know that we made it safely.
From there we walk outside of the international terminal
and down to the domestic one. A wave of heat greets you at the door, but it
felt nice after being in a chilly airplane for 6 hours.
It seemed like Josh made friends with everyone he met.
“Oh, I’m a Highland’s kid from Goroka. Went to America, got a wife, and now
come back. It’s been 6 years.” All of them laugh and make jokes with him,
congratulating and welcoming him back.
We boarded our last flight that would carry us to our new
home. The views from the air are spectacular. Bright blue skies. Deep green
mountains. Red clay. Huts and farms dotted across it all. Black char marks and
trails of smoke where the nationals are “making clouds” to water their crops.
Josh’s parents met
us at the gate – their white noses standing out amidst the sea of brown ones as
everyone waits to see who the plane brings. Once the bags were loaded up, we
had time for a quick coffee and catch up at “The Steakhouse” before we toured
the hangar where Josh will be working and then made the short (but oh so busy!)
drive to our new home.
Our house is a three bedroom, one bath duplex that is
absolutely precious! My in-laws worked very hard to clean, repaint, and set up
our home for our first days in the country. I can’t even describe what a
blessing that still is to me! I feel quite spoiled, really, as I have many things
here that I would have loved to have in the states. So much for “suffering for
the Lord.”
|
All of our luggage made it in one piece. This was the necessary photo for posterity of our arrival. :) |
I’ve found that everything takes a lot more time and
energy to do here. There are a lot more steps involved for each thing you do,
and sometimes it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day. But at the
same time, it feels good… like home. And even though everything requires more here, the living feels pretty easy.
I haven’t felt much culture shock yet (although I’m sure
it will come eventually), but I think that because we’ve been heading to PNG
for so long, that now that we’re finally here it just seems right.
|
I can't get enough of that view. Gorgeous! |
Labels: adventures, home, husband, josh and erin verdonck, missionary aviation, missionary life, new tribes mission, new tribes mission aviation, ntma, packing, papua new guinea, travel