Date: 6/21/04
Location: En route to Ukarumpa, Papua New Guinea
Ukarumpa is really nice! We flew here from Madang on the King Air airplane - about a twenty minute flight. The airstrip in Ukarumpa is dirt, and we skidded a little on the landing. The King Air seats about twelve people. My guitar was out in the storage container in one of the wings! Some people were waiting for us at the airport, and we drove with all our stuff to Nipa children's home. We met so many people today! I met Sarah Graham's friend, Brenna, at lunchtime, and Judith from POC was also at lunch. Everyone was interested to hear where we were from, what we would be doing, and various connections we have.
After lunch, we had orientation (safety, etc.) and a tour of many of the buildings. I was amazed and surprised at the extent of all the support work and the complete community that SIL has set up here in Ukarumpa! We also drove around and I saw the horse paddocks and the VanDorens' house! That was fun. Right before lunch, I got to see Mandy and Ruth (who I know from college) and talk to them both a bit 
. And get hugged - once from Ruth and twice from Mandy (one was from Tabitha ). We also saw some translation checking taking place. I could live here in Ukarumpa!
Pictures:
- Driving to Madang airport
- Madang aiport terminal
- Driving to Madang airport
- SIL's King Air (best)
- Madang airport signs
- Inside King Air
- Madang airport signs
- MAB plane, Madang
- Inside King Air
- Sky scenery
- Mount Wilhelm
- Ukarumpa from air
- Ukarumpa airstrip from sky
- Ukarumpa from air
- Ukarumpa from air
- Ukarumpa landing
- Ukarumpa hangers (best)
- Guitar in plane wing
- Inside Nipa
- VanDoren House, outside
- VanDoren House, outside
- Horse Paddocks
- Horse Paddocks again