I just wanted to post a few pictures of my time in Papua New Guinea and Australia this past October-April 2012. I will post another blog soon on recent events in my life, but for now, let's go into the past just a bit!

 We had wonderful fresh fruit to eat in abundance!!

                           Typical homes we would see along the river on the way to Kotale village

 This was the "good well" that the villagers drank from. They really need a hand pump so they can have good, safe water to drink.

 Church. Men sit on one side, women on the other

 one of my new friends

 They have beautiful children

 They have many gorgeous birds in New Guinea, this one visited during church

 Esta took me under her wing and taught me many things

 I was adopted into 2 different clans. This is a paddle with one of my clan symbols on it. My name for this clan was "Ibowato". It means 'strong wind' for a 'strong woman' according to Esta!

 Australia also has some of the most beautiful birds I have ever seen. God is so creative in His creations!

 Man-O-War jelly fish. Aussies call it a blue bottle, so didn't know what it was for a while

 Kanga and Roo!

  A cute Wombat!!

 Ocean

 Gang Gang Bird, a rare sighting in Australia!

 "Please don't catch me"

 A beautiful view of the Bombala river from "Wirrahwonaby"!!

 Some very special people  I met in New Guinea and was able to meet up with in Australia as well

 The very special Australian family I stayed with and became quite attached to during my stay there

 "Marco"

Touring Sydney with "my" family before heading home

The memories  I made in PNG and Australia are not some that will quickly fade. I met some of the most honest, sincere people I have ever met, on the other side of the world. The direction my life was heading has been changed by the people and experiences I had in the bush of Papua New Guinea and the love, support and excitement for my new calling by my Aussie family has encouraged me as I strive to follow God's leading in my life.

I believe God puts people in our life for a reason, at just the time that we need them. Throughout my life, I have been blessed with the most wonderful friends anyone could ever ask for, this time has been no exception. Whether we stay in each others' life is up to us, but God brought us together for a purpose. I pray that we will choose to stay in each other's life and bless one another as we continue to work together around the globe,  to hasten Jesus's soon return.