And the journey continues. We are now at gate 33 along with probably 50+ other people from several different missions, all waiting to board the World Food Programme, special Malaysia Air Charter Flight 8796. This flight has been arranged so that there is a reliable way of reaching Papua New Guinea.
We arrived shortly after 8am local time here in Kuala Lumpur, some 35 hours after departing Boise. We have been so blessed as the flights have been smooth and we have had minimal issues at the transfers. So very thankful to Jan Bell (Journey’s by Jan), Sonali Ghosh (MAF PNG HR Manager) and Rachel Green (MAF Ashford Admin) who have been working tickets and paperwork all along the way. We are also so thankful for the many others who have been praying and paying the price for this return trip to PNG.
In about five minutes, we will be boarding for the final day (Lord Willing) of the trip. This will take us from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Kuching, Malaysia, to Port Moresby where we will be arriving sometime around 11 in the morning, Port Moresby time. We will then board a MAF plane (if the weather holds) for the flight from Port Moresby to our main base in the Highlands, Mount Hagen.
There are still some unknowns: 1) The weather has been very marginal in the highlands lately. If it is bad, we will need to quarantine for one night in Port Moresby before continuing to Mt. Hagen. 2) A new order has been issued by the Government of PNG, requiring GPS tracking devices to be worn by all persons arriving internationally for the duration of the required 14 day quarantine. This is something totally new and it is unknown if it will allow us to quarantine at our base in the Highlands as was the original plan. The alternative is to quarantine at a hotel in Port Moresby for the 14 days at a significant cost. Please continue to pray.
And for those who love aviation – here are some pictures taken from the flight cameras on the plane as we arrived to Kuala Lumpur.
Todd & Connie Lou...from Papua New Guinea...to you! 
Praying for your journey and safety.
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Robert – thank you so very much for the prayers. The Lord has answered as we are safely here!!!
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Prayers going up for you from RC Naz, Ridgecrest Ca!
Rick and Donna David
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Donna and Rick, warmest greetings from Mt. Hagen. Thanks so much for the years of prayers and encouragement that have come out of the Ridgecrest CoN Family! We are so very blessed. Quarantining here in our home in Mt. Hagen – so thankful that we do not have to be staying in a small hotel. May you have a very blessed and Spirit-filled Christmas!
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Oh how good to get your message today and knowing how the Lord is leading every step of your journey. If you have to stay 14 days in quarantine in a hotel sounds somewhat difficult, but as we know for sure, God’s plans for our lives each day become our challenges to use for Him. Who knows how many you will meet that are having needs that only you can share with them. Why am I telling you this? I don’t know 🤷♀️ but I think the Lord led me to share the way I feel about my so very special ones sent to share the Gospel in unknown places. My parents were missionaries in Japan 🇯🇵 so my whole life has been involved in Missions. No, I wasn’t in Japan as they had to return home in 1922 and I was born 12/16/24. Daddy returned to Japan for 2 years in ‘47 when General McArthur called for missionaries at the end of WWII. Daddy’s hand went up, he was accepted and had to leave Mother behind. In 2 years, guess who replaced—yes—Jake DeShazer!!! This is getting long and I can hardly wait for each message. In the meantime it’s pray and love 💕💕❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏☝️📖🤗🥰🦅🗽🇺🇸👋😷Grandma Irene XOXO
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Gramma Irene – so thankful for your ongoing encouragement and prayers. We are very blessed to be able to quarantine in our home in Mt. Hagen – so very thankful that we are not in a hotel. We are so appreciative of your years of encouragement and support. May you have a very blessed and Spirit-filled Christmas!
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God is Able and we continue to plead His Hand of Providence over you!! Appreciate the update! 💞
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Thanks so much Gwen for the encouragement. So sorry we didn’t get a chance to catch up with you personally this year. Covid sort of derailed many travel plans! May you have a blessed and Spirit-filled Christmas!!!
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