Monday, May 28, 2018

Well, it’s time.  The final full day in Kudjip.  The past 12 days have flown by.   It seems we just arrived here and now it’s time to leave.  This was a good day.  Hadyn and Sadie spent the day in different areas of the hospital making memories  and building relationships that will never be forgotten and gaining experience and insight into what God may have in store for their futures.  Barbara drew and painted multiple pictures on wood that will be made into puzzles for the kids and watchmen who have to spend time in the hospital.  Wonda and I, with help from several of the team at different times, cooked 26 meals for 17+ people.  At different times throughout the week Steph, Sam, Hadyn, and Sadie counted and repackaged thousands of pills in the pharmacy.  Brookelyn shadowed the hospital chaplains as she continues in her goal of chaplaincy ministry.  Steve spent valuable time with his daughter before she moves on to a new missionary assignment.  And, the work team exceeded what was expected of them and completed the first phase of the school project by finishing gutting the building, doing hours of prep for the new floor, and getting the new floor installed.  The missionary staff and national workers at Kudjip Nazarene Mission Hospital are exceptional and were a joy to work with and we have grown to love them and will keep them in our prayers.   As I’ve often said…..God puts the team together.  He chooses and calls those He needs to serve Him in the work that needs to be done, whether it be preaching, teaching, cooking, medical, building relationships or constructing buildings.  This team was exceptional and definitely God called.  It has been a joy to be their team leader.

After dinner tonight we had a great devotional time led by Brookelyn and finished with a heartfelt and emotional prayer by Tim.  Then, of course, some time spent around the fire pit one last time.  Packing must continue on as we are to leave here at 7 a.m. in the morning for some R&R in Australia before we head on home to Texas at the end of the week. Andy and Steph will be staying here for another week to visit with friends from their previous years of service here in PNG.  So, for now, good night and beginning tomorrow……g’day, mate!