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Joel, 1981 -
Shortly after we arrived in Papua New Guinea we were leaving the airport. Our senses were
mesmerized by all the new sights and sounds. About to cross the busy road in front of the
airport, we instinctively looked to the left to see if any traffic was coming before
heading for the island in the middle of the road. However, in Papua New Guinea (Like
Australia) drivers drive on the left hand side. Our senses were fooled by our cultural
background. We should have been looking to the right instead. Joel, sensing that we were
about to head for the island in the middle of the road and sensing that Mom and Dad
thought the way was clear, started to dart out ahead of us and be the first one to claim
that little island. However, there was a taxi racing at high speed down our road about to
cross our intended pathway. In a split second something told me to grab Joel. I reached
out and caught him by the arm and yanked him back just as the taxi sped past us. Although
we didn't know just who, we are convinced that someone was praying for us at that moment. |
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Whole family, various times - In Papua New
Guinea there aren't many roads. Where they exist most people travel by PMV ("Public
Motor Vehicle). These are usually 9 or 15 seat vans owned by people who make it their
business to provide transport for a fee. Most PMV drivers are good drivers. However, some
travel at notoriously high speed. When we have a chance we like to drive to one of the
towns that are accessible by road from our Ukarumpa center to do some shopping or to take
a break. On several occasions we have been going around a curve on a gravel road, when
suddenly a PMV is approaching from the opposite direction at high speed, wheels slipping
on the gravel, and sliding nearly sideways partly on our side of the road. At such times
we praise the Lord for those prayer partners that pray regularly for us! |