Tag Archives: Popondetta

Wednesday 2nd September:
Eucharist at Martyr’s School, Popondetta

Our police escort led us to the Martyr’s School out in the country, about 30 minutes from the Birdwing Butterfly Lodge.

A welcome dance...
A welcome dance…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The campus was huge and our greeting was in traditional warrior dance welcome, which led us to the staff room at the school.

The Eucharist was celebrated in real style and dedication, about 1000 people attending, 800 of which were school students. The Papua New Guinea Martyrs were remembered and candles lit for each of them.

Joined for celebration...
Joined for celebration…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A whole afternoon of dances and speeches followed with gifts for us all.

In the evening we had a farewell dinner with Bishop Lynsley and his wife, Felicity and the team. We were presented with gifts, hats, large wood carvings. The bishops gave gifts from our dioceses too and all pilgrims left small gifts for the school and the women.

Reverend Sue Martin

Papua New Guinea 2015
Papua New Guinea 2015 – some farewells

Thursday 3rd September:
Taking leave of friends…

Farewell party at Butterfly Lodge...
Farewell party at Butterfly Lodge…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Planning in PNG time meant that this morning we had plenty of time to sit and wait and talk. At 10.00am Bishop Lynsley arrived to take us into the town.

Lots of people around sitting and waiting in the streets. Some had walked since 1.00 am to get there and would be walking home in the evening. The supermarket was full of goods, many from China.

We went on to the Diocesan offices and Anglicare, a centre for HIV and AIDS, which is a big problem.

Some of us also visited The Girls Friendly Society, and met with Val and her team.

airportfarewellImageAfter lunch at Birdwing Butterfly Lodge we said farewells and went to the airport. It was a two hour check in and so in the one shed we had plenty of time! With Sister Anne, Polycarp, and other friends.

The young boys spotted the plane for the day and we set off for the 30 minute journey.
Arrived back at Lutheran Guest House for supper.

 

Image: Popondetta airport – Bishop Andrew and Father Benstead, Bibira and the boys…

Reverend Sue Martin

Papua New Guinea 2015
Papua New Guinea 2015 – beginning the return…