Police escort to the Port Moresby airpjort

My travels from my home area in PNG, Finschhafen, to my  hometown in the US, Pullman, had many bumps, but all worked out well.  The most dramatic episode was my time in Port Moresby, the capital city of Papua New Guinea.  I needed to spent some time there to make sure I had my updated passport.  It was time to renew my work permit and visa.  

 Fortunately, the guy in charge of these things for Lutheran missionaries, Reinhardt, was able to get my paperwork through a bit early so I could leave the country (and get back in).  When Reinhardt picked me up at the airport Thursday morning he mentioned that the van at the Lutheran Guest House was running again so I should have no trouble getting my early Friday morning flight.

Well, it turned out the van wasn't really fixed yet, but I was told not to worry, the night manager would order a taxi and ride with me to the airport to make sure I got there safely (Port Moresby is that kind of city).So, at 4 a.m. I was ready as promised, however there was no taxi and the night manager had fallen asleep.  He woke up quickly and but found there were no taxis that morning. For some reason they had been banned in the city.  Then the night guard said he had an idea and took off down the street.  He came back with two people and a van that gave the night manager and me a ride to the airport.  I was allowed to sit in the front seat.  

I had assumed they were neighbors on their way to work.  However, after we got out of the car I was told they were the local undercover police.  I assume they don't give everyone rides, but treating guests well is important in Papua New Guinea.  The fact I was with the Lutheran Church may also have helped. I am not sure what this was all about, but I am thankful for the police escort. 

Death of my father

I am writing this blog from the US as I have come back for my Father's funeral.  My family warned that he was failing and I received permission to come back to say Goodbye to him.  He died before I left PNG, but the rest of the family held the funeral until July 2 so I could be here for it.  I am currently in Puyallup WA staying with Bob and Byrna.  I am visiting family and getting some shopping done.

HIs death hit me harder than I had expected it to.  He was 95 and  had been failing the last year, so it wasn't a surprise, but it is still a loss.  Grieving is done elaborately in PNG, so that may have encouraged me to express my emotions more. I went ahead and taught my classes but did not feel the need to hide my tears during church. Generally when a family member dies, a staff member or student are gone about a week as they attend the mourning or "haus krai"  I did have a nice visit from the students from the Highlands area, which is several days journey from the campus.  Several of them had not been able to go home for funerals, so had sympathy for my situation.

I did miss much of the last week of classes but got my grades turned in before I left.  This is semester break, but I will miss the first week of classes traveling back to PNG.  I am teaching a  class on World Religions for the first time, so have been glad to have the chance to buy some books and videos.  I was able to go to a used bookstore here in Tacoma and get some nice books.

My dad, Paul Klavano, was a strong supporter of my work in Papua New Guinea.  Even though It meant I saw him less often, he pleased about the work I was doing.  I am very please I had home leave last  summer so was able to spend some time with him.  We had communion during the funeral, which for me was a nice reminder that the past, present and future are all tied together in God's hands.