Connections

Six years ago Gena visited Papua New Guinea with her father. It was the first time they returned to PNG after departing in 1983 for the US. During her visit, while at an outstation in the Highlands, Gena was befriended by Bella, a 16-year old PNG girl. She tried to teach Gena some pidgin, the national language, and otherwise just hung out with her for the better part of a day or two.

The two remained in contact, thanks to the miracle (both good and bad) of social media and the Internet. When Bella started pursuing her college education, we decided to help out with some of her tuition fees. She completed a two-year program in accounting and paused her education in order to work and save up money to continue. Still she remained in contact. And when she heard we were actually coming to PNG, she was ecstatic.

So it was no surprise she was at our hotel this evening with a friend. They took us out to dinner at the new mall in Port Moresy and we chatted. But a lot of the time Bella was obviously just thrilled to be together with Gena again.

Bella is a strong Christian, and her faith is obvious in how she treats those around her. Now she has the opportunity to live out her life of faith in the professional world as well, utilizing the gifts and skills God has given her.

I hope someday, in eternity, to see the web of relationships spun through my life. Individuals with long or short threads. To see how all of those connections and relationships play out in the grand scheme of things. But sometimes we’re privileged to see the work of the Holy Spirit in the strands that link us here and now. What a blessing it is for me to meet Bella for the first time, and feel the love and gratitude she has for us as well as her joy at being able to introduce us to her homeland.

I think it’s going to be a good trip!