We Made It!

…and I don’t think the trip could have gone any smoother.  We made all our flight connections (as did all our baggage) without complications of ANY kind.  The kids found ways to entertain themselves during the flights and layovers, and really seemed to enjoy the journey.  We all found opportunities to rest and sleep—making it so much easier to think clearly, make good decisions and exercise patience.  God arranged a number of little “extra” blessings that have shown us His perfect love and provision:

• Airline staff were very gracious and generous in their assessment of our “excess” baggage.
• The trans-Pacific flight had fun kids’ meals for Claire and Isaiah even though we didn’t arrange for them.
• That same flight was showing “Cars 2”—Isaiah’s current favorite movie.
• We spent three fun and relaxing days in Cairns, Australia in a familiar place with friends we know from PNG.
• We had air-conditioning for our one night in hot and dry Port Moresby, PNG.
• We were able to fly in the Kodiak (for the first time) from Port Moresby to Ukarumpa.
• Friends provided all our meals for our first 3 days in Ukarumpa.
• Priscilla, a local friend who helped me with housework in the past, had been working for the previous renters of the house we’re living in.  It was wonderful to see her again, and her prior knowledge about this house is a big blessing as we adjust to life in PNG again.
• We’ve been able to spend much of our first few days here with friends that have children Claire and Isaiah’s ages.  Some they remember from visits in the US, and some we haven’t seen in 3+ years.  Doesn’t seem to matter though, it hasn’t taken them long to enjoy playing together!

This list could go on and on and on…!