It's been five weeks already...

It’s hard to believe it’s already been five weeks since we left Scotland. A lot has happened in that time. Thankful to all of you who have been praying for us on this new adventure - we appreciate you all.

Many of you knew that our plan to go to the States was so I could complete security training for PNG and Simon was to be part of the MAF Disaster Response conference.  Unfortunately, the conference was cancelled for various reasons but I was able to complete security training.  It was intense at times with different scenarios played out which felt very real - car jacking, shoot outs to name a few.  Thankful for those who invest in offering this training and preparing people for going into countries where security can be an issue.

We were also able to catch up supporters, friends, and those who feel like family. After such a long time apart, it was really good to reconnect face-to-face. There were lots of meaningful conversations, shared meals, and moments that reminded us just how valuable those relationships are. We are thankful for the many who have walked with us on our MAF journey over the past 24 years. 

See below a few photos of the folks we bumped into along the way - some planned and some surprises. 

On June 3rd, we arrived in Australia after quite the journey—Dallas to Los Angeles, then Fiji, and finally Brisbane. It was a relief to unpack and settle in for a bit.

Just two days after landing, Joshua headed off to New Zealand with some friends. It was a last-minute opportunity that was too good to miss, but he’s due back tomorrow.

Since arriving in Australia, we’ve spent the past ten days settling into our new place and getting our bearings in the area. Slowly but surely, things are coming together. We were able to find a car for Zara, which has made a big difference. For now, we’re sharing between J’s motorbike and Zara’s car—oh, how things have changed! 😄

Zara’s been connecting with a few of Joshua’s church friends, which has helped her feel a bit more at home. We also had a few of the young folks over for dinner the other night—a fun evening full of laughter and good chats.

Zara has applied for her course in Veterinary Nursing and we’re hoping to hear back this week if she has been accepted. If she is, she’ll be starting in July. Meanwhile, J is on Uni break, so it’ll be nice to have some time with him without the usual assignment deadlines hanging over his head.

For Simon and I we are beginning to think more about our move to PNG. Simon has some medical checks to complete amongst other things. We are also planning to spend time studying Tok Pisin. Simon has a head start from growing up in PNG, so I’ve got a bit of catching up to do. 🙂

We would value your prayers for the coming months that it would be good preparation time for our move to PNG and that Zara, particularly, will find her feet here in Australia again.

Joshua is also coming to the end of his studies and so pray that he finishes well and that God would clearly guide the next steps for him. 

 

The view from the 95th Floor John Hancock Building in Chicago

View from MBI of John Hancock

Where our journey started....

Can't stop in Chicago without a wee visit to the Cheesecake Factory

Beautiful city and amazing to think that we lived there for a few years

A wonderful surprise to catch up with Denise (MBI roommate) and Chris in Chicago - so glad it worked out and to meet some of their children.

Excuse my face in this photo - a fly flew into me just as the photo was taken.:)..Cydil and Nathan have been friends from way back.  The number plate is significant as it belonged to the van that Simon and I drove into Albania from Switzerland for their mission, almost 25 years ago.  Thank you for your hospitality - Waggoner's and VanOrman's.

Catching up with Mark and Amy in Washington State.  We were all at MBI together.  Simon and Mark were housemates for a while in Tennessee - thank you for your warm welcome.

On a hike in Idaho and we bumped into another MAFer on the trail - Thanks to the Gorenflo's for their hospitality.

Mike and Sharol Shutts were with us in Uganda.  Fun to catch up with them in Boise, Idaho before security training started.

We definitely feel old - Lukas and Dara were at school with Joshua and Zara in Uganda.  Now they are married, living in Dallas and have a wee girl, Charlotte - such a cutie! So good to catch up with them.

In Dallas visiting more friends and getting a historical tour of the Alamo - fun times together and more memories made.

Zara's first car - woohoo!

Living near the beach!

Where Joshua and Zara are living and where we will be for the next 2.5 months before heading to PNG. Thank you Thomson family!

 

End of a season

We’re quickly approaching the end of our time in Scotland. The past few months have flown by as we've worked through endless to-do lists, both in our heads and on paper. Now, with suitcases taking over the living room, the move is starting to feel very real.

To give you a brief update on the last couple of months:

• Simon did a three-week stint in Liberia at the end of February.  Amongst other things he was completing training with a new pilot who is now signed off and flying solo and serving the people of Liberia. 🥳

• At the end of March Simon was preparing to fly a new caravan destined for PNG to a celebration in London.  This celebration marked 80 years of MAF and 50 years of PNG independence.  King Charles and other VIP’s were present at the event and I’m sure most of you reading this will have seen the photos and video on Facebook, Instagram and through MAF’s communications.  If not and you are interested let me know.
  

• After the event in London Simon flew the aircraft to Denmark where another PR event took place.  We are thankful for all those who worked hard to make these events happen and all those involved in helping Simon with the aircraft logistics.

An update on the next few months:

• ·       We leave Scotland on the 8^th May and fly to the States whereby we will meet up with various supporters and friends in 4 states.  It has been 20 plus years since we have seen many of these folks, so we are looking forward to reconnect.

• ·       On the 3^rd June we arrive in Brisbane where we will stay for three months.  Thankfully, we will get to live where Joshua is and enjoy some quality time with him.  This will be our sabbatical, and we look forward to re-charging our batteries and being together as a family for a longer period of time.

• ·       In September (if all goes according to plan) Simon and I will move to PNG and serve MAF there.  At this point Simon will serve as a programme and training pilot and I will continue in my role in People Care supporting our staff around the world.

• ·       Zara will commence her studies in veterinary nursing in July.  We are glad that we can be around for her as she settles and adjusts to a new place and way of life.

• ·       Joshua is continuing his studies in Digital Design.  He graduates from university later this year.  We are proud of what he has achieved especially when we couldn’t be there to support him in person.

As you can imagine, saying goodbye to family and friends here in Scotland—especially my Mum—won’t be easy. We’d really appreciate your prayers as we make this transition. It’s a big change for us, but just as hard for those we’re leaving behind.

Thank you to all of you who have supported us whilst we have been in Scotland.  It hasn’t always been easy but having people share the load with has been a blessing – you know who you are 😊

First update of 2025

The beginning of 2025 has not been an easy one, marked by various tragic events in our MAF family. Please continue to pray for each family as they go through this time of grief and loss. Our hearts are heavy for them, but we pray they may continue to know God’s love, comfort and peace.

Amid the sadness there was also joy as Joshua travelled from Australia to visit us here in Scotland for Christmas.  Joshua and Zara also had the fun opportunity to go snowboarding in Finland with MAF friends from their Uganda/Australia time.  They had a lot of fun together and I was glad I only heard some of the stories when they returned 😊 Amazing memories for them all and they are already talking about planning another trip sometime in the future

It has been a busy time of travel for our family in recent months.  Two weeks ago, we travelled to Switzerland to say our goodbyes to Simon’s family and to share at Simon’s home church. More memories were made, and we were thankful for the opportunity to see everyone again.  It snowed where we were staying which created a lot of fun times on the hills and mountains with the sleds.  We even have the bruises to prove it. 😃

The day after we returned from Switzerland we had the privilege of sharing with the fellowship at Dunbar Parish Church.  We were able to share about our ministry with MAF and our upcoming move to PNG. It was an encouraging experience to connect with the folks there and learn about their faithful ministry in and around Dunbar.

Last weekend MAF Scotland held an event at our home church (Wester Hailes Baptist Church).  Andy Martin did a great job in leading the quiz night and sharing about MAF.  It was a great time of fun and fellowship.

This week, Simon flew to Liberia, where he will spend the next 3.5 weeks flying and training. It is great for him to be back in the air, doing what he loves and continuing to share his skills and experience with new pilots coming into MAF.

Our future plans have shifted slightly in the past few days due to flying commitments for Simon in April and trying to make it a bit easier on us as a family in terms of travel.  At the beginning of May, we will begin our journey back to Australia.  We will go via the US as Simon has a Disaster Response Conference to attend and I need to undergo security training for PNG.  It has been around 20 years since I last did it so its time for a refresher. Additionally, we will take the opportunity to visit with supporters and friends, as it has been several years since we last connected with many of them in person.

Following our time in the US, we will travel to Australia, where we plan to spend three months in Brisbane. This period will allow us to settle Zara into her new life there, spend some quality time with Joshua and take a breather to prepare ourselves for the next chapter in PNG.

As we prepare for these transitions, we would value your prayers, especially as we say goodbye to family and friends. Leaving Mum in Scotland will be difficult, but we are grateful that she seems content and well cared for in the care home. We are thankful to many of you who have faithfully walked with us over the years and continue to do so – it is definitely a team effort.

The Wunderli's are on the move again

 

After two years in Scotland caring for Mum, we’re now preparing for the next chapter in our journey. These past years have been challenging but there have been many special moments too.  We are thankful that Mum has, for the most part, settled into the care home which has given us the opportunity to consider what is next.  As you can imagine making this decision hasn’t been easy but we believe it’s the right one for our family.  So, what is next for us?

Simon and I have a heart to be back in a programme again but together.  For the past two years Simon has been doing fly in and fly out to Africa, but we both don’t want to do this long term.  After prayer and consultation with MAFI our plan is to move to Papua New Guinea in September 2025.  Simon will be a programme/training pilot and I will continue my role in People Care.

Zara will also be leaving Scotland and will head back to Australia where she will pursue studies in veterinary nursing.  This is not a huge surprise to us because of her love for animals.  We will see where this leads her in the future as she also has a love for travel.  Welcome to the world of third culture kids’s 😊.  Joshua is set to complete his degree in digital design in 2025, and we couldn’t be prouder of all his hard work and creativity and managing life in Australia while we were in Scotland.

There’s a lot to do before our move to PNG—logistics, preparations, farewells, and stepping into the unknown once again. It’s both exciting and daunting, but we trust in God’s provision and timing. We would deeply appreciate your prayers as we transition into this new phase of life. Pray for clarity, strength, and peace as we tackle all that needs to be done.

Thank you for journeying with us through our years with MAFI. Your support and care are appreciated as we prepare for this next adventure.