The Agarabi Quartet returns - Part 2

This chapter of our journey to Papua New Guinea is the actual return to Agarabi. It has been a huge experience and together with other Highland moments will need to be covered by more than one chapter. As I wrote to our good friends, Ron & Michelle - Bible Translators, "Our time in Kainantu/Ukarumpa/AGARABI was truly remarkable. While Brenda enjoyed meeting you in early 2005, the complete Agarabi Quartet was delighted to spend time with you both and your family. They all received a new insight into the lives and work of Translators in PNG and were thrilled to share in the occasion of the opening of the ABLE Centre. They (and me too) were overwhelmed by the occasion and realised in a special way how important the work is that you are doing in the name of Christ."

Equally, they received a better understanding of why the PNG people - and especially the Agarabi people, are so special to Carol and I. While we also enjoyed working in other parts of the country, it was Agarabi that left the most indelible impression. Perhaps this in part due to it being our first proper posting as a couple after we married. Certainly, it had a lot to do with the family that came quickly and became part of the Agarabi people, but also because we just endeared ourselves to them. Ultimately, we were full of confidence that God brought us there to serve Him. To return again and meet up with some of my former students and see them walk in the ways of God is very special. For one of them now to be a Bible Translator is especially an honour."

We left Port Moresby by SIL's own King Air direct to Aiyura and we were all in a state of great excitement.The family boarding their aircraft in Port Moresby.Ann & Vicki were able to enjoy the views through the front windows:Our first glimpse of SIL's headquarters, Ukarumpa:Rob & June Head plus Ron Olsen were at the airstrip awaiting our arrival. Rob captured this emotional return in the following photos:The next morning we were quick off the mark to get to Agarabi and try and make contact with our people.The Agarabi area as we arrived.

We were not disappointed when we stopped at the school at the same time as a former student turned up. It was Taunampi, now known as Tau. He is regarded as one of the leaders in Agarabi and was only just defeated at the recent national election. He was soon followed by others including Kusap who I had not met since 1964!Ann taking her first peep at the place where she was born. It was all securely locked - quite a contrast to when we lived here in the sixties!Our house in 1964 with the school in the background.The first Head Teacher in front of the Agarabi Primary School sign. A much older and, hopefully, a wiser man!With Taunampi who is now seen by the people as a 'big man' and who has ambitions for high office.Soon another student joined in the reunion!And more followed. This time we included the Agarabi twins in the photo take.The country side is just beautiful and I remembered how very blessed Carol & I were to have worked in this area among these wonderful people:Travelling a few kilometers on, we had the joy of seeing Pasin and his family. If we were touched by our reconnecting with the Agarabi people, so were the people themselves. They were glad to welcome the family back among them and told them how they carried them when they were babies and toddlers. It was a delight to hear stories of how they remembered the Petrusmas, including stories of how they could get into trouble with the Head Teacher. We all laugh about these little gems so many years after the event.

The people generously gave the family gifts that the women had made. The BILLUM is very traditional and all Agarabi people use it for a variety of purposes, including carrying their garden crop, their babies and whatever else, like the lady in the following photo taken near the school:The people gave several billums to the family as the following photos show:The family and their gifts with Pasin and his wife:The Pasin Dafari family:Mark with Pasin:Agarabi children meet 'Agarabi children' from the nineteen sixties:And how it was long ago in 1963!Meeting the local government Councillor:

The day was not complete without a visit to the Cultural centre and look for some locally made bargains. Pottery was high on the agenda:The people at the centre were delighted with our enthusiastic buying frenzie. When Ann was the last to leave the centre she heard the reaction by the staff, "Whoopy!!" It has been great day of trading for them.Well, that was the first day. There is so much more that I could have included, but I am sure the above will give you the feeling that it was a very special start to an amazing few days.