Strange Last Day…
Today was supposed to be Ryan’s last day flying before we go on Sabbatical, but unfortunately, for the first time in 10 years of flying in PNG, Ryan was rostered to fly, but smoke stopped him from getting off the ground the whole day! A disappointing farewell, as we are very aware of the huge need for MAF’s service, and Ryan was looking forward to his last few flights…
Fake Autumn…
The dry season and bush fires have changed our scenery unexpectedly. But this is a minor impact compared to our local friends who’s gardens have been destroyed by the bush fires!
Mass Drug Administration Program
Ryan flew Shiv’s friend, Alice and her health-worker colleagues, out to Tumolbil near the Indonesian border. They were providing training for local health workers and volunteers in preparation for the distribution of drugs to deal with tropical diseases, alongside a childhood vaccination program, planned across the province later this month. Without the MAF plane this health program would not be possible.
Pray for Rain!
The lack of rain due to El Niño, has left water tanks empty, the air full of smoke and the land scorched by bush fires. Like the rest of our community, we rely on the rain for our drinking water!
Shiv Helping a Customer
Nerinda is a friend, a neighbour and sometimes a customer too, often flying to Vanimo, the Provincial Capital of Sandaun Province. She recently had some trouble confirming her seat on Ryan’s flight from Vanimo back home to Telefomin, so Shiv stepped in and sorted it out for her. She was so grateful to get home that she popped round to our house to say thanks!
Distributing more Sanitary Kits
Thanks to wonderful donors in Australia, we received more Reusable Sanitary Kits, so I was able to give them out to all the students in Grades 8 & 9 at Telefomin Junior High School. There were even enough to bless their teachers and all the hard working female staff at Telefomin Hospital.
World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026
We went to the High School to give a lesson in Menstrual Health and making good choices for your body and your future. Then we gave out Reusable Sanitary Kits.
Things a pilot does when he lives remotely
Ryan’s day job is flying his plane, but being a bush pilot, living in Telefomin, with very little daily support, means he has to do so much much to support MAF in this remote community. Having a road from the mine town of Tabubil has not connected us with our colleagues at the HQ in Mt Hagen yet…
Development - Both Good & Bad
The road to Telefomin is bringing development, but also problems. To improve the roads there are diggers and dump trucks, which make noise day and night. There have been increased law and order issues too, but we hope, once the dust settles, by the end of the year, hopefully the road will be an overall positive!?
“Bilum Books” Training Teachers
Ryan brought Ray, Grace & Eamon to Telefomin to run a training course for early grade teachers from remote communities around the Telefomin area. They work for “Bilum Books”, providing professional training and sorely needed resources which these teachers would otherwise not have access to.
Easter Weekend Remote Community Church Outreach
Over the Easter weekend Ryan took Pastor Christine and her friends to Ibil. She was so grateful, without the MAF plane, her outreach trip would not have been possible!
Adjusting the Cone Markers on Telefomin Airstrip
In order to help our local community in Telefomin, after the grass was cut on the airstrip, we spent a few hours re-positioning all the cone markers so they were in line and serving their correct function. A lovely morning’s activity for the 3 of us on Ryan’s day off. Watch the video…
Update on PNG Fuel Situation
We are so grateful to God that MAF PNG Management have been able to source fuel drums from a local PNG supplier again, reducing MAF's costs, which means we can remove the fuel surcharge at Easter and reduce our flying costs for the people we serve…
Enjoying a walk…
Such a beautiful sight of all the cobwebs covered in dew, as the sun rose shining on them. I couldn’t help but stop and marvel at the beauty of creation all around our home in Telefomin, PNG.
Getting Rid of the Rubbish
Sometimes life is not glamorous, such as when the rubbish needs to be taken out!
Join Shiv and watch the video, yes, a video about taking out the trash!? :-D
Mouldy Kitchen
As well as being a capable pilot and a dog-lover, Ryan is also very handy, which is useful as there’s no electricians, plumbers or carpenters with shops in Telefomin.
Fun with Telefomin Friends
The Christmas Party for my Telefomin Church Fellowship Group. We had such fun and shared lots of food together. I am blessed to have these friends & neighbours!
Click on the picture, left, to watch a video of our friend, Nurse Rhema, one of the local health care workers who MAF supports and we fly out of Telefomin.