Trip to Arnhem Land

Simon and I recently did trips to visit our MAF Arnhem Land programme in the Northern Territories.  It was great to finally visit this place I had heard so much about.  Simon's project was to help out in the Operations Department and to give some insight where required.  Working in a different culture has its unique challenges and so it was interesting for him to get to know what they were in Arnhem Land.  He was able to give some insight from his time in the Uganda programme and give recommendations where necessary.  We will see what happens next.

A week later it was my turn to go up to Arnhem Land.  For me it was in the capacity of HR which is has a broad remit..  It was great to meet many of the families in the programme and get to know them better.  It is quite a multi cultural team and so reminded me a lot of Uganda.  There were folks from the Netherlands, Switzerland, PNG, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, England, India and more.

On Wednesday evening we had a fellowship time.  It was helpful to get to know some of the ladies in a relaxed environment playing a game and worshipping together.  Also good just to laugh and relax for a while.

I also had the privilege of flying out to one of the islands where two MAF families minister in the communities.  The photos below show how beautiful this area is.

Unfortunately, one of the families had experienced a break in and some of their belongings were damaged which are still in the process of being fixed and replaced.  However, it was good that no-one entered the house or threatened the family.

Please pray for those who work amongst our aboriginal communities.   Pray that they would be able to navigate the cultural divide and be able to share the love of Jesus and bring them hope where there is none.

If you can find Nhulumbuy then you found where I stayed for the week. :)

Opposite our MAF base in Gove is a control tower and a plane that have seen better days.  I was told that the control tower was never used but might now be turned into a museum

Not a bad office view.  I could get used to that!

 

One of our many Airvans that are vital to the operations in Arnhem Land

A few more waiting their turn to go fly

One of the buildings used for operations

Our MAF hangar with the Cessna 208 inside

Flying over the "broccoli"

What a stunning coastline - shame about the crocs

On my way to Elcho Island

The airstrip and community at Elcho Island

Standing guard over the food, mail and other goods going to the MAF families who are ministering in this community

A bit of a traffic jam at Elcho Island

The community at Elcho Island

More stunning views on the way home

Back home in "Gove"