Flight to Kirimu

Early Monday morning we took off on a flight to an interior village in the mountains.

We had had a big thunderstorm late into the night and it was

still raining when we woke up.

Even as we left for the airport, the sky was overcast, 

but we were told it could change very quickly. 

The pilot assured us that if conditions would not be right to land,

we would simply turn around.

Not far into the one hour flight, we saw the sun.

In Papua, alone, MAF flies into about 180 remote villages

who, without air transport, would not be able to get outside help.

It would mean weeks of treacherous hiking over mountain passes.

On this trip the plane was loaded with rice and noodles.

The landing strips are prepared by the locals by clearing a patch of land.

The pilot can face many challenges in these landings,

but they are very well trained
and we have reason to be proud of Chris and all of them.

I have to say that I had not put much thought about going on this trip

and was rather unprepared for what I saw and experienced.

Of course we have heard of children running to see the plane come in,

but I guess I had not expected to see it for myself.

As soon as we stepped out of the plane, 

a small tribal man came and put a nokan

around our necks, a symbol of welcome

such as a leis would be in Hawaii.

I was overwhelmed with emotion,

tears brimming as I looked and saw what appeared to 

be half the village come out to see us. 

I had not expected this kind of a greeting.

Here is a better look at my purse, made of bark and
decorated with bird of paradise feathers.

For years we have supported our kids and heard stories,

but to see these people takes it to a more personal level.

Through translation, I asked how they get their clothing,

and the gentleman who appeared to be a leader,

told me that it was the gospel that changed their lives.

The answer surprised me.

It seemed too simple but I got what he meant.

God's love shown to them through Bible translation and

providing for their needs

gave them a way out of their idol fetishes and warring.

We had about an hour to interact with them as best we could,

and they became surprisingly dear to us in such a short time.

Small groups sat on hillsides ...

Others came close.

Some happy to pose.

In my desire to communicate with them, I went to a mother with a small child in her arms 

to show her a picture of my most recent grandchild.

Immediately others eagerly crowded in to look

as I scrolled through photos of grandchildren on swings, playing or eating.

They smiled and chatted among themselves and we felt a small connection.

We're all the same, loving our kids and grandchildren.

It was hard to think of leaving, 

feeling so helpless in being able to communicate,

but one man came to me just as we were saying good bye and, with a smile, 

pointed upward and said something that I understood as, 

"One day we will meet in heaven."

What a day that will be!

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language,standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.

Revelation 7:9