Let's Go Wokabaut

Kelly McMullen

I joined a team of 7 who went for a 26 day 'Wokabaut' trip to Papua New Guinea from 26th Nov to 21st Dec '06. It was a time of many challenges ("expecting the unexpected") and a lot of learning about the mission field in PNG. We not only shared the Good News about Jesus with the people, but also received a great deal from the people at each of the villages. People who place far greater value on spiritual wealth and relationships rather than material wealth.

We were constantly shown the generosity, love and humility of the local people - giving up their homes for us; cooking for us; people running out of their homes to give us pineapples and pawpaw; a stranger in a PMV (Public Motor Vehicle) picking grass seeds off your clothes. And not only was it very humbling to have the locals serving us in such practical ways, but it reinforced our need to be good ambassadors for Christ. It was also exciting and encouraging to see both the children and adults sitting in awe as they listened to Bible stories in their mother tongue for the first time.

For me personally, as it was my first Wokabaut and first overseas trip, there were the challenges of living in a new culture, being away from family and friends, adjusting to new foods and without ready access to toilets, showers, shops (and many other western conveniences that we so easily take for granted), travelling in a dinghy across open waters, and waiting for over a day to catch a PMV to the next village. But God is very good and He never failed to bless us throughout the trip - He provided all we needed at His perfect timing and taught us many things that will change each of us for life.

Although I'm pleased to be home, I'm very thankful for my time in PNG - a time of serving God and focusing on His will for each of us.