the 411, part 1

A lot of people have asked, so I wanted to try to include more details about the trip: what we are doing and when we are doing it.  All dates listed are local time, so most of them will be a day ahead for most of you reading this.  (The time zone is 17 hours ahead of AZ time). 

We don't want to presume on God, so, of course, all of this information is with the caveat of God willing it to be so.

The first few days are essentially travel days.  We leave 9/18 in the evening.  We skip 9/19 because of the International Dateline, and then have a few different connections until we get to Geoff and Shannon's house in Mibu on 9/21. 

Please pray for Kris Husa in particular for the opening part of the trip, as she does not enjoy flying.

Most of us will be in Mibu for 9/22 and 9/23, flying out to prepare for the conference on 9/24.  Gary and Kris Husa have opted not to travel into Mibu (they have been here before, and thought perhaps this would save some finances and energy).  Instead, they will be in Madang earlier to settle in and prepare for the conference. 

Joey and Shiloh Tartaglia will accompany our team to Mibu, and then work alongside us to minister to those attending the conference. 

While we are in Mibu, our main purpose is to encourage Geoff and Shannon and their family, as well as the Mibu people.  As a church, we have been in partnership with the Husas for about a decade.  God willing, we will be able to meet with the Mibu people, perhaps even stay a night in a house in the village, and be part of their church service on Sunday.  Our hope also is to have a better understanding of the Husas' everyday life so we can be more effective at partnering with them in ministry, praying on their behalf, discussing their needs with others more knowledgeably, and just "getting it" more for them when they share something. 

One of the special aspects of this part of the trip is that each one of us is friends with the Husas.  Actually, Dennis has known Geoff for most of Geoff's life.  I think we are all looking forward to doing normal life with them in their house, which just happens to be 1/2 way around the world from us.  I know Dennis has this image of being on the porch with Geoff and Joey enjoying time together.  I wouldn't mind enjoying some cooler weather sipping chai with Shannon. 

Apparently it is quite the hike to the village for those who are not used to it.  We are expected to slip and fall on the way, even as the Mibu people manage it with bare feet and carrying huge loads. 

We hope for some meaningful interaction with the Mibu people, with translators to help (Geoff, Shannon, Joey, and perhaps Shiloh), lots of smiles, some pictures, and perhaps a charade or two.