I trust each one of you had a special Thanksgiving with family and friends and took time to reflect on God’s goodness to us. I know I often take my blessings for granted even when I am surrounded by poverty. I have so much for which to be thankful for! Holidays are one of the times we miss “home” and family the most. In the mission field your fellow missionaries become your new family. We celebrated a delicious Thanksgiving dinner with the wives creatively putting together a very traditional meal in spite of “missing ingredients.”
I confess that the longer I remain here the more difficult it becomes to blog. Mainly because life becomes routine and there seems nothing new or of interest to report on. At yet I am sure that there must be many things of interest that happen around me on a daily basis. It has just become too familiar.
Probably the biggest event going on in the past month has been the Union and Mission Sessions, which take place every 5 years. The week long Union Session was held here at Kabiufa so we had a lot of visitors on campus. We enjoyed hosting two delegates from Australia in our home and making new friends.
Now the Mission Sessions are all taking place and our pilots have been flat out busy flying delegates from here to there. Once the Sessions are over there will be the big job of flying mission personnel, pastors, teachers, and their families to their new assignments and homes.The year-end is always an extremely busy time for AAS.
Several weeks ago I had the privilege of attending the baptism of some friends from the Asaro village. (The mudman tribe) It was held down by the river – a beautiful location.
I have always loved the custom here of showering the baptismal candidates with flowers.
These children wanted a front seat view so they joined the candidates in the water.
This spot is obviously a favorite swimming hole of the children. I found it amusing that as soon as the baptism was over the children leaped in for a good swim and cooling off. It looked terribly inviting but I decided to refrain from making a spectacle of myself.
Roger and Carol Millist’s night watchman and wife were among those baptized.
This is the lovely little Asaro village SDA church where the baptism took place.
Even a small pharmacy and limited clinical skills can still make a huge difference in saving lives.
Briana and I returned to the states on December 13. Bill will follow in January after the heavy flying schedule is completed. On our last Sabbath in PNG Bill flew our team out to the village of Maimafu to spend Sabbath with our church members. This was a bit of a home coming for Briana and I. Almost 9 years ago, the girls and I spent some time living in this village in an attempt to learn the language. This was our first time back!
Maimafu is perched on the side of a mountain and has incredible views.
This little boy delighted in demonstrating to us his skill on stilts.
The humble little Maimafu church.
Dalena and Shelley had Sabbath School for the children.
Bennett bravely preached a sermon in Pidgin. After only being in PNG one year I was very impressed with his ability.
These church members rarely get outside visitors and were so excited to have us join them for the Sabbath.
After church we all had a potluck lunch together.
Briana and I enjoyed catching up with old friends. When we lived in this village they gave the girls and I new names. I think they found our English names difficult to pronounce and remember. We were touched that they all remembered us and greeted us by our PNG names. (Tiruba and Tenepone)
Daniel and his wife, Wemoni, were our host family years ago.
My friend Tiruba, whom they named me after.
It was a lovely Sabbath and fitting end to our second term in PNG.
I want to introduce you to our newest members at AAS. Kyle, Shelley, and their children Nova and Cameron, joined us in August. Kyle is our new A&P mechanic. We are really happy to have them on board.
Little Adella Grace joined the Spencer family and our AAS team on September 29, Bill's birthday! She is a little beauty and joyful new addition.
It is so good to be home again with my children, parents, and many good friends. I am eagerly counting the days until Bill can join me. We want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Meet the famous Asaro Mudmen from the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea.
Observe local men and women prepare a mumu for your lunch (Traditional food cooked on hot stones in the ground) with your choice of a:
(Huts perched on ridge)
(Spectacular views from huts) 
(Enjoy your own private hut) 
(Huts sleep maximum of three)
(Outhouse has raised toilet seat)
(Shower) 
Discover World War II lookout points.
Hear exciting stories of tribal rituals and warfare from the past.
Hear exciting stories of tribal rituals and warfare from the past.
