WUNDERLI WANDERINGS

 Simon has just completed a flight today from PNG to our programme in Arnhem Land, Australia.  It was a 5 hour trip with a stop in Horn Island to do immigration.  As you will see below not a bad day in the "office". Simon on his way with additional support - Oxgyen, life vest and raft. Thankfully, he arrived safely and they weren't needed. He is approaching the Australian border at this point. A lovely welcome from Mel Barclay, our Family Support Worker in programme. An amazing asset to MAF and the team in Arnhem Land.  

Simon flew the Governor to Yenkisa, where a joyful welcome celebration awaited. The community welcomed the Governor with music, dancing and a wonderful display of colour. Adding to the celebration were eight cooked pigs, prepared and waiting to be shared as part of the feast. Simon said it was a surreal moment as he was asked to sit on the podium and enjoy some pork back strap along with everyone else - more memories made in PNG.    

Simon had the privilege of flying into Mogulu, Western Province of PNG where he met up with Sally and Ian Lloyd.  They are Australian missionaries and community development workers.  They established the Nomad Mogulu High School and provide life skills to local communities.  They do an amazing work and Simon was able to chat briefly about their work in the video below.    

Please keep this lady in your prayers as she recovers in hospital from a snake bite. Pray also for her family during this difficult time. May God grant wisdom, skill, and compassion to the medical team and all those caring for her, and may He bring her healing, strength, and peace throughout her recovery.

On 30 May, we celebrated the marriage of Joshua and Georgia. It was a truly wonderful day spent with family and friends, many of whom travelled from near and far to share this special occasion with us. While we missed those who were unable to be there, you were certainly in our thoughts. For those who aren't on social media, we've included a few photos from the day below. Thank you to everyone who made the journey to celebrate with us—we're so grateful for your love, support, and the memories we created together.                   

Simon is back in PNG for a month.  This time he is being checked out to fly IFR (instrument flight rating)  with Volkher Jacobson.  He was also doing some training with Ricky Poki whilst he was in Balimo and celebrate Ricky's first solo flight for MAF.   Simon and Volkher take to the skies for some IFR training    Beautiful landscape   Well done Ricky!      

Simon and Joseph ended up at the same airstrip together and Joseph took the video below of Simon coming into land. (Thanks Joseph :) Simon did training with Joseph a few years ago and its good to see  them catch up again in PNG. These two have fun together.  Can you tell? Simon flying Joel and his family back to their MAF base in PNG.  Here’s the short version of a much longer story and thanks for the reminder Andrea :) Twenty-one years ago, Simon and I were in Bern, Switzerland for MAF Tag (Day). While we were there, Joel reached out to Simon. It didn’t seem like a big moment at the time, but it turned out to be significant. That connection (among others) led Joel to volunteer with MAF in Madagascar for four months. From there, the journey continued, eventually leading both Joel and Andrea to join MAF. We are glad they did :) Simon later played a role in some of Joel’s training in PNG, and now, years on, they’ve been able to continue that connection in person in PNG...

We are so thankful that Joshua finally has a job. He applied for around 250 roles without much success, which was tough at times. In the middle of that, he offered to help MAF on a short-term basis but in the end it wasn't needed. However, his CV was in the system and matched a new role that was coming out and the rest is history.  He had an interview a couple of weeks ago and was offered the position. He started this week and is currently in Cairns for an induction.  The role is Digital Learning and Content Coordinator and is under the Learning and Organisational Development Department. We’re really thankful to those who have been praying. It is a big answer to prayer, and a reminder that things don’t always come together in the way—or timing—we expect. It’s also pretty special that his first job after university is with MAF.  Who would have thought?

Last week I had the opportunity to fly up to PNG with Simon and see where he lives and works.  It was good to be there and have some context. Also great to meet old and new friends.  I am thankful for the time spent there and to get a glimpse of the impact that MAF has in PNG. Arriving in Mount Hagen   Kagamuga compound where we are staying "Home"!   View of the compound Simon picking up his manifest and getting ready for the day. MAF Hangar in Mount Hagen Wee chicks on their first flight - so cute! Freight ready to be loaded Anyone for noodles? Two non paying passengers :) What an office view Simon has when the weather is clear. Mount Hagen town - nice road (fairly new) It wasn't sunny all week and when it rained it rained in buckets!  

Simon had the incredible opportunity to fly into a newly opened airstrip and witness firsthand the joy and celebration that comes after a year of dedication and hard work resulting in this brand-new airstrip.

Simon is currently in Papua New Guinea and has been spending some time in Telefomin to get checked out in that area. I’ve included two videos below so you can get a feel for what it’s like where he is, along with some photos. There’s also a map showing roughly where he is in the videos compared to one of our main bases, Mount Hagen.    Later start out of Telefomin due to fog  

Joshua and Georgia were engaged just before Christmas. Enjoy the photos of their special moment.  We are looking forward to the big day - 30th May 2026 here in Australia.