I arrived to Madang 8:55 AM local time with all baggage undamaged. My Trans-Pacific flight went without error or delay. My day started at waking up at 5 AM (Fri Jan 21) in Anchorage, AK. My first flight of 4 departed at 7:30 AM for Seattle. I had a one hour layover and by the time I disembarked the first flight and took 3 trams at Sea-Tac Intl Airport I arrived to the gate during pre-boarding. I had to go to the ticket counter to get a Delta ticket and they asked for return ticket which I had a one way ticket. Fortunately I had documentation stating that I was continuing on by way Tokyo to Papua New Guinea. The flight left on time (A330-300) for the 5,000 mile journey to Japan. I originally had a window seat and the seat arrangement for (2-4-2). Since there were approx 60 open seats, I preferred to find a open seat for comfort. I found a seat near the rear of the aircraft for the long 10 hr journey. Every seat had a TV monitor. Everything was free: drinks, movies, meals, etc. The first meal included a shrimp cocktail, salad, roll, and beef/noodle with sauce entrée. My first movie was The Social Network, then Grown Ups, and finally Despicable Me. The mid-flight snack was a pleasant ice cream sandwich and drink. The pre-arrival meal was a simple sandwich wrap and fruit. Overall, the flight went smooth. The wide arrangement of movies and viewing made the pleasurable flight easier.
Upon arrival to the gate in Tokyo (Narita), I heard a familiar name over the aircraft PA system. I assumed it was my name and my mind started to wonder what could be wrong. Once I walked off the plane, I found a gate agent holding a piece of paper titled, Mr Tyler Hewitt. The woman told me, that my connection with Air Nuigini will be out of Terminal 1 not Terminal 2. I was also confused with should I go to the final destination immigration line or connection immigration line. My problem was Japan is not my final destination but it was my Delta flight final destination. So where do I go? I was instructed to follow the yellow signs for connection immigration. I made it to the immigration counter and asked for my documentation which Delta did not give me on the flight. So I had to fill out a document which I did not know what information was needed. It asked how long is my stay in Japan. I was thinking I am staying 4 hrs, I am in transit. The immigration agent properly stamp my passport with a 90 day stay. I picked up my baggage, cleared customs without hassle. Now I am standing outside the airport and free to roam the country of Japan. Now back to where is my gate, terminal 1 or 2. I have no idea where anything is plus this huge TV projection of Sumo wrestling was distracting along with the Japanese language signs. I found an information counter which I find no help in the USA but traveling internationally they are great help. They told me conflicting information about my next flight. They told me Terminal 2 is where my flight is located and I need to take Bus 6 to Terminal 2. So, I did what the information agent told me. I found Bus 6 stop and got on the bus when it stopped. I arrived to Terminal 2 international departure bus stop. Now I need to find out where to go next. I go inside and I don’t see any ticket counter. Once again I have to ask the friendly information counter where is the Air Nuigini ticket counter. All they could communicate to a non-speaking Japanese speaker was 3 fingers and pointing up. So I quickly gathered it was on the 3rd floor. Nonetheless, I finally made it to the Air Nuigini flight counter at 6 pm and it didn’t open until 6:30 pm. I waited patiently begin a group of surfers with 10 surf boards on baggage carts. I checked both bags to Port Moresby and worked my way to the security checkpoint. Again immigration stamped my passport thus leaving the country. I found a wireless internet cafe and was able to quickly check email, Facebook, etc. My flight was delayed 1 hr and by this time my body is thinking it is 2-3 am Alaska time. I was fearful to take a nap and miss my connection to PNG. I stayed awake and finally boarded my flight to Port Moresby. The 6.5 hr flight on the 767 was about to begin.
My thinking was a good redeye flight and a chance to catch some sleep before I arrived in Madang to see bright-eyed folks eager to greet me. Two American guys sat cross aisle from me and every talkative and excited. I sensed an alcohol induced state and I was right. I wanted to sleep so I fell asleep soon after take off. I missed the dinner served however cherishing my rest. During my three-hour nap I remember waking every few hours to these two gentleman ordering alcohol. I was finally awakened by these two gentleman swearing, talking loud, and getting up and down very frequent. My nightmare has come true. Two drunk guys are on my flight that I am seating next too. One of them was harassing the woman in front of him and the flight attendant demanded the drunk to seat down and put on seat belt. The captain was notified and is aware of this incident. As I looked at our location we were 36,000′ and flying over Guam. I thought if this gets out of hand where in the world would the captain put this plane down? Make the long story longer, the two guys finally passed out and one of them rolled out of his seat and ended up on the floor spawned out. One of the male flight attendants had to pick the man up off the floor himself. The drunk had no functionality or motor skills at this time. The plane landed safely and without further incident. Overall, I slept 3 of the 6 hrs.
I had no problems once again at immigration in Port Moresby, gathered my baggage and cleared customs. I was able to check my baggage at the transit domestic counter to Madang. I had 2 hr layover before my 8:00 am flight to Madang. The short 1 hr flight to Madang was nice and easy and quick comparable to the previous 3 flights. We landed 5 mins early to partly sunny skies and a very warm 80+ degree day at 8:55 am. I was greeted with 6 white skinned PBT staff. One of them brought me hot coffee which I accepted. I knew I would get along good with this person.
I wasn’t too tired but my brain and mental capacity was waning. I got a shower, snack, and a greeting. There was a commitment at 1:30 pm for a welcome / BBQ party with all staff. We had hamburgers, chicken, baked beans, fruit, desserts, etc. All the necessary items of a traditional American BBQ. It was a great welcome even though my mind was near capacity or mental functionality. I finally made it to 6 pm and crashed. The place I am staying does not have A/C so it is very hot for my standard. It was 91 degrees when I went to bed with the ceiling fan on high. My God’s power I got a good 11 hr sleep. I woke once at 1 am to check the clock.
This week is the PBTPNG Annual General Meeting. It runs Monday – Friday 8:30 – 4:30. I am learning lots about the branch and the challenges that are ahead. The branch is facing transition and change. I know God is in control and I know the plans and future are in his amazing hands.
Prayer Requests:
Adjustment to PNG
POC – starting Friday I will be engaged in culture, language, and custom learning for the next 14 weeks
Praise:
Safe arrival in country
Tyler and Emily in PNG 