Arriving in Lapoc.......
So.......as dusk was approaching our laden down 4WD weaved its way up the dusty track (that is dust you can see in this picture, not fog!).
On board was Mrs. B and Mrs. Pems and all of our belongings as well as groceries and supplies enough to last a couple of months.
As we pulled up near the top of the road leading into the driveway to our house, we saw crowds of people waving and cheering.
You probably know what happened then – our eyes began to fill with tears and we had this great sense of being back amongst loved ones.
Feet back on Lapoc ground......
We hardly had time to put our feet on the ground and we were surrounded by our friends and family in the Lord Jesus!!
Paul almost disappeared in hugs and handshakes – a lot of the children had grown so much in the 15 months we were away that we could hardly recognize them!
Jubab’s dog Sparky was jumping all over us! People were crying – so were we!
Jubab disappeared amongst his friends.
Babies......
While we’ve been gone, there were new babies born to our friends who we’d never seen!
Their chubby little arms and soft cuddles were something I had been looking forward to!
And in the midst of all the reunion and excitement and hugs and tears......
........there was another surprise for us!
A party.....
Our neighbours and friends had been cooking and preparing all afternoon for a surprise party for us when we arrived!
There were special songs - in this photo, the women scripture teachers were singing to us! After this the Bible Teachers sang a song as well and then there was a short message and welcome address to us from our co-worker Rodil.
And then the ladies served a beautiful meal to everyone who had gathered and the time of fellowship and laughing and cuddling babies went on well into the evening.
We had lots of help after the party with the unpacking and that went late into the night and we finally got to bed absolutely exhausted but soooooooo happy to be back with our precious friends and brothers and sisters in the Lord here in Lapoc.
So that was our first evening back home here in Lapoc, and since that evening many more exciting things have happened and are happening as God continues to walk with us on this missionary journey here in this place. The things our God is doing are more amazing then words and emails can do justice to.
Love Paul, Deb and Jubab XXXXXXX
