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.
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