Destination Middle Earth!

From 1967 to 1969 I lived in, New Zealand while serving in the USAF, during which time I have so many fond memories. Now, 45 years later, it looks like I will be able to return to “Middle Earth.”

When I was trying to make flight reservations for my Reverse Furlough in Papua New Guinea, the travel agent happened to mention that Air New Zealand was having a sale on some of their their flights. Normally, the route I would have taken would have me fly from the US to Australia and then from there to Papua New Guinea. However, now with this sale, I can have a lay-over in New Zealand before continuing on to Australia and Papua New Guinea, for no additional charge in airfare.

While stationed in New Zealand, I lived in this house in Blenheim, along with 3 other guys, who were also in the Air Force. During that time, I bought my first car - a brand new 1967 MGB for $1800.

Some of the GIs returned to New Zealand after their time in the military was up, and so I have several friends who are living there now, and it will be a wonderful opportunity to spend a few days and visit with them after 45 years.

On the return flight in August, 2015, I am hoping to spend a few days in Melbourne, Australia, as that is where Wycliffe Australia is located. I have been told that they have the best “member care” system in all of Wycliffe and it would be a great opportunity for me to learn some of how they do that so well.

Check List

I was never good at planning for things ahead of time—that was Elise’s strong point. She would make up a comprehensive list of everything we needed to bring on a trip, and then check them off, one at a time. In fact, there have been times when I did not follow her list, and I ended up on a trip without a suit jacket or with the wrong color socks or at least forgetting something. So, that is what I am going to try doing now in preparation of my trip to PNG—create a packing list. Elise would be proud of me!

Recently I checked with a colleague, who does allot of traveling, about tips for preparing to travel. She keeps a small suitcase ready to go, packed with some of the essential things she always uses. I don’t need to do that, but she did refer me to a great video on YouTube that shows how to pack a 22-inch carry-on with enough clothes for 60 days—sixteen garments into this carry-on (21 lbs).

After referring to the recommended packing list given me from SIL in Papua New Guinea, here goes my list for staying 6 months in PNG!

•    4 pairs of pants... ☑  ☑  ☑  ☑
•    5 short sleeve shirts... ☑  ☑  ☑  ☑  ☑
•    4 pairs of shorts... ☑  ☑  ☑  ☑
•    4 t-shirts... ☑  ☑  ☑  ☑
•    Underwear and socks (dark colored)... ☑  ☑
•    Light jacket, rain poncho, umbrella... ☑  ☑  ☑
•    Sandals... ☑
•    Hiking shoes... ☑
•    Good shoes... ☑
•    Flashlight... ☑
•    Hat with brim... ☑
•    Sunscreen... ☑
•    Medications... ☑
•    Dryer sheets... ☑
•    Shaving gear, tooth brush, etc... ☑  ☑  ☑
•    Most importantly, two jars of peanut butter... ☑  ☑

Reverse Furlough to PNG

In 2006 Elise, our son John and I were preparing for a 3 year assignment in Papua New Guinea. However, at the last minute our plans to travel to PNG had to be canceled, as medical problems surfaced.

Several months later, after much prayer and soul searching, we took assignments in Orlando with Wycliffe USA. Even though we only wanted to be where God wanted us to be, our hearts were in PNG.

The past three years have been challenging as I went through my own cancer journey, and then God took Elise home to be with Him this past January when her cancer returned. So many things have happened to us since 2006, but I still have a heart for PNG and their people. I still feel that God was leading us, but maybe the timing just wasn't right last time. When God promised a son to Abraham, he had to wait 10 years before the birth of Isaac.

Several months ago, I asked Wycliffe if it would be possible for me to do some sort of short term assignment in Papua New Guinea. Elise and I had talked about the possibility of us doing something like that, but it just never worked out for us. Last month, I received my official invitation from SIL in Papua New Guinea to come to Ukarumpa and serve there for six months. I am excited about this but at the same time a little sad because Elise will not be with me. However, I'm sure that Elise is giving me her blessing to do this.

What Elise Does Matters!

How Elise "tasted" and "saw" God's goodness!