At the beginning of this blog, we are flying across the Pacific at
about 3:30 in the morning back in TN. I have had an awesome time in PNG.
To think that God gave me this opportunity to come, that I was able to
visit with a pilot, and also that two of my closest friends were also
able to come. I have learned many things on this trip that will help
fine time my long term goals of flying, school, Bible training, etc... in
preparation for the mission field if God should call me. But that's
another story for another time... Here is a rundown of our return to the
states.
On Sunday we had our last service in
Kotidonga. It was a bitter-sweet service. We said our "good byes" to
everyone that evening because the "plan" was to leave at 5 the next
morning for the airstrip so at dawn we could depart. We ate supper with
all the Allen's and fellowshipped with them until 9 o'clock that night.
On
Monday, we got up and loaded up in the Kawasaki Mule and then we
realized that one of the tires had a massive bulge in it. Not wanting to
risk a blowout, we borrowed Bro. Jon's little Toyota. The Toyota fired
right up and we loaded everything from the mule into it, and then Bro.
Matt turned off the engine. Bad idea!!! Every time that truck got used
while I was there, it didn't function properly! They think the fuel
filter was clogged up and so Andrew and Matt are laying in the dark with
flashlights trying to take apart the fuel filter on the soaking wet
ground. Finally we just loaded everything in the back of the little mule
(the first one they had in PNG) and took off. There was only one
problem, only two people could ride on that mule! So four of us walked.
Matt and Connor took the mule and went to preflight the plane and take
some fuel out (due to weight restrictions) and Mrs. Becky, the girls,
and I walked. Actually it was more like ran! Bro. Jon held the record
for "fastest missionary to get to the airstrip walking". I think they
said he did it in one hour and 20 minutes. The whole reason I walked
instead of Connor was to see if I could beat that record! It seemed that
the girls had planned to try to wear me out on the first part by power
walking at almost a jog. Hannah (the 11 year old) is VERY competitive
and had to make everything that happened a competition with both Connor
and me. I just couldn't let myself get beaten by a girl. So I cheated...
Sorta! I lagged just enough to make them slow down for me and then on
the hill I took off running. Then they ran and we went back and forth; I
would run out ahead and then they would run out ahead. I ended up
beating Bro. Jon's record by less than 10 minutes! The girls were not
far behind. We loaded up in the plane and headed for the coast where we
refueled before the leg to Moresby. On the way to Moresby, Matt pointed
out a World War II plane that had been crashed in the swamp lands. Once
we finally made it into Moresby, we headed to the Mapang guest house. It
was a nice, little place that was a LOT cheaper than the hotels! The
rest of Monday was spent shopping supplies (mainly groceries) with the
Allens. I was shocked at some of the prices of certain foods that in the
states I take for granted. I also was surprised by some of the items
for sale! We saw lambs heart, assorted fish heads, and a can of pure
MSG. I'm not kidding.
Then on Tuesday, Drew
flew back in to meet up with us. Now I need to stop here and explain
some things for you. Bro. Matt rented a Toyota car. So there are seven
people riding around in this Corolla. The four oldest in the back with
Matt driving and Mrs. Becky holding Hannah. I thought we were
crowded till they told me that they rode in a car the same size with Faith and the three that came on a trip! That had to be tight! So
when there are roadblocks, we shuttled people, making two trips tiger
us all there. On one of the shuttles or maybe when they went to pick
Drew up, I can't remember, Bro. Matt asked me to go with the girls into
this grocery store. I thought that was strange but he said he would
explain later. I soon found out that it was a very rough area and he
wanted me there just in case someone tried to mug us. That wasn't the
mostt encouraging thing I had heard that day! Anyways, we were okay
and had no problems. After we dropped Drew's bag off at the guest house, we
had some pizza and headed for the market. That was a very interesting
event. Just imagine a 100 people wanting to well their stuff to you and
your two buddies and that's what it was! We had bags and masks and bows
and baskets all over the place. We got a few things and then,
thankfully, got out of there. After we got back to the Mapang, we left
to meet missionary John Gray and a Jim Green for supper. We had a nice
time and the food was awesome. We ate in the mall at Port Moresby called
Vision City. It was a little pricy but really good. After we left
there; we headed back to the house and packed up for today.
This
morning (Wednesday), we left for the airport at around 4:10. Ever sense
then we have been in an airport or the air. By the time you read this,
we will be on the state-side of the pond with a juicy, greasy, BK
whopper!!! No more airplane lamb for us, thank goodness! Once again, I
would just like to say thanks to all who have prayed for this trip, to
my church that loves missions, and to my God for giving me the desires
of my heart! I can't wait to get back and share the stories. God's been
good.
I meant to send the previous blog in LAX but the wifi there was terrible. So the next part was written between LAX and Dallas.
We
have had a smooth trip so far. Everybody's bags showed up in LAX so
that was good. I was nervous about my bow and arrows coming through. I
used about half a role of tape on it and the box I wrapped it in was
still holding up so hopefully it'll hold together to Nashville. The one
guy that asked me about it didn't seem to have a problem. My cell phone
had one bar of battery left on it after being shut off for almost a
month so we called our parents for a quick update and to talk with them.
After we go up to altitude, Drew pulled out his laptop and we watched
some preaching since we missed the services tonight. Bro. Dick gave him
a bunch of Shady Acres Camp Meeting DVDs. Some of the things on them
are hilarious! If everything goes right, we will be landing at BNA just
after 11:00 to tonight.
-Collin
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