Changes

We had an uneventful trip back to PNG. The highlight of the trip was having a 24 hour layover in Brisbane where we got to spend some time with our niece and her husband of one year whom we hadn't had the privilege of meeting yet. Thank you Katrina and Jerrod for showing us such a lovey time.

The new year has brought many changes to our program. We are delighted that Bennett Spencer, along with his wife Dalena and daughter Annah, has joined AAS as our new pilot. Bennett is a highly experienced and skilled pilot and we just feel so blessed to have him join our team. Dalena already comes with a missionary background as she grew up in Taiwan. We enjoy her fun spirit and she has been quick to adapt to the culture.

As for little Annah... she is doing her part to try to understand the culture as well. (-:

While we were gaining new team members, we were also loosing some. Brooks Payne, our airplane mechanic, and his wife Susan have returned to the States. They will be greatly missed in PNG.

Another sad loss to our team is Willie. Willie was a young national who always had a sparkle in his eyes and a great big smile. I never saw Willie when he didn't look like he was just enjoying life to the fullest. He was a carpenter who for many years (dating back to our first term here) did odd jobs for AAS. While we were home on furlough we received the shocking news that Willie had died from Hepatitis. He left behind a lovey wife and 6 month old baby girl.

This past week Carol, Dalena, and I went to visit Willie's widow, Diane, and baby Carol.

Here is Carol Millist holding her namesake, baby Carol.

Annah brought several of her toys and clothes to share with the baby.

Baby Carol enjoying her new stuffed kitty.

Willie's grandmother, parents, wife and daughter with Carol Millist. Willie will be missed by all.