After nearly eight months of being here, we finally have our first visit from our family–my mom! It took four planes and about 29 hours, but she made it….traveling by herself…with every flight but one delayed. Praise God!

This is what her arrival looked like:

 

 

 

Here are some of her initial thoughts of her arrival here in Papua New Guinea:

“I’ve searched for a way to make coffee while Cameron was still asleep-and was so grateful for the Starbucks Via packets I brought with me. I’ve waited for the guard on Matt and Cameron’s property to open the gate so we could drive out. I’ve waited in line for an Internet card (something I wasn’t even familiar with until now). Already, I’ve used almost the entire 800 MB.

I’ve gone to a grocery store with guards throughout the parking lot guarding the vehicles. I’ve gone to the “post office”. I’ve gone to the Butchery (The only air conditioned building I’ve been in so far).

I hung two loads of laundry on the clothesline. I’ve quickly taken the damp laundry down when the rain came and hung it up all over the inside of the house to dry. I’ve washed two loads of dishes. I’ve read stories at nap time. I’ve scratched little backs as the littles went to sleep.

I’ve chopped up chicken and onions. I’ve grated cheese. I’ve chopped up tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce. I’ve watched Cameron make homemade ranch dressing. I’ve taken two showers. I’ve helped 4 littles take their showers….

I’ve been here 24 hours!

“…Today, I woke to and experienced an amazingly beautiful thunderstorm that filled the water tanks (always a blessing here!!). I made toast with butter and Australian jelly for breakfast for everyone while Cameron and Cass left to make arrangements at the dock to return the empty jet fuel barrels. I know. You’re asking, what?? Jet fuel barrels?? That’s just some of what goes on.

I made a ground beef, onion, potato and garlic goulash for lunch with pears.

I made 32 flour tortillas. From scratch. It took 2 1/2 hours!

I met two local families who have been vital in helping Matt, Cameron, and the whole team learn the local language and customs. They welcomed me warmly and spent time talking with me about their beautiful country. I’ve learned several key words and phrases in Tok Pisin.
I’ve now been here 48 hours!”—Diane Fine

She has now been here a week and could probably share much more. But even I was overwhelmed a bit reading about the first 48 so we’ll leave it at that for now. Matt was not able to be here to see her–something about needing to go to the jungle to build a house for us to live in for the next eight years.

But today I am praising God for visits from the ones we love dearly!