Having seen the great transformation of slum areas in the Philippines, I was keen to see how GK was progressing in Papua New Guinea so I planned to join PNG GAT’08. However, my PNG GAT experience started off somewhat dramatic and for me unbelievable but I guess with God, anything is possible. The night before our flight I found out that my passport was expired! I sat in my room for about 5 minutes in disbelief!!
This was my 4th GKYGAT, having led last year’s and in my busyness post WYD, I didn’t check my passport expiry date – this can’t be happening!! I broke out of my trance and immediately called our leader, JoeKarl who calmed me down and told me to just rest and see what the best options are the next day. I prayed myself to sleep – I said “God I know I’ve been neglecting my prayer life and relationship with you but if you really want me to go then please perform a miracle!” The next day, I was told that my only option is to go to the passport office and try to get my passport renewed. Usually, it takes 10 days to renew a passport. As if answering my prayer, Libby another team member knew a family friend who worked in the passport office. We rang her up at 6:30am and she instructed me on what to say when I get there at 8:30am since she wasn’t working that day. HOPE started to fill my mind but at the same time I was preparing myself for the worst – I planned to stay at my brother’s place as I couldn’t bear to go home and tell my family what had happened. As the team left me, I kept repeating Libby’s parting words “Corina, tomorrow we will see you at PNG!”
Then 3 more angels came to my rescue, Cheryl, Frenzel and Trina came to send us off and went with me to the passport office. After waiting for over 2 hours I was told that I needed a confirmed flight to PNG faxed to the passport office in order for them to consider an emergency renewal. I called our travel agent – there were no more direct flights to PNG for the day, however there was a connecting flight early next morning from Cairns. That was my only option – I booked it, and the rest of the day was spent at internet café’s trying to get flights to Cairns with my frequent flyer points, praying that my passport will be renewed.
I received a call – I can pick up my passport at 3pm!!! Now for my flight and accommodation overnight at Cairns. The frequent flyer web page wouldn’t allow me to book on the same day and I kept being put on-hold for over 30minutes every time I called the hotline. Come on God, please help me. I tried the webpage again after lunch and I managed to go to a link where any date could be selected – a 7:30pm flight was available later that day – I went for it! Praise God! Thanks to Cheryl for calming me down and remaining focused. I flew to Cairns, spent the night there and went to the airport early the next day.
While waiting, I saw some postcards for a place called “Cape Tribulation”. I thought to myself how appropriate! Cape Tribulation – where the reef and the rainforest meets. Cape Tribulation – where Corina finally took time to meet God and be still. Reflecting back, post WYD, I had all these plans and intentions to really concentrate on my prayer life, to be still and reflect but the busyness of post WYD planning, travelling for work and everything else never left me anytime or energy to go ahead with it.
This set my expectations of my first PNG GAT - to be in the moment as much as I can, to be with the people we were going to meet and discover ways to encourage them, to see God in every situation and reflect on what he is trying to reveal to me, to be PATIENT, instead of constantly planning and thinking ahead of the next task or how time can be most spent efficiently. I guess my initial ordeal made this GAT not only unforgettable but also very meaningful – I was more open, responsive and reliant on God.
The wonderful experiences that my team mates went through from the welcoming, the build, the immersion, experiencing PNG culture, the fun and games, the emotional farewell taught me to go back to basics. I can only really give love and be a bearer of hope to the poor if I allow GOD to fill me with love and hope to share. And in the two weeks, I did find HOPE and LOVE within the team and the community and tried my best to share it. I saw the great potential for the tribe in GK Gerehu Stage 6. With perseverance and love, I know exciting times are coming to this community!
For me, the work of GK will always be full of challenges and joys and I know God will always be there but I just need to remember to rely on Him because He is the one who strengthens me.
This set my expectations of my first PNG GAT - to be in the moment as much as I can, to be with the people we were going to meet and discover ways to encourage them, to see God in every situation and reflect on what he is trying to reveal to me, to be PATIENT, instead of constantly planning and thinking ahead of the next task or how time can be most spent efficiently. I guess my initial ordeal made this GAT not only unforgettable but also very meaningful – I was more open, responsive and reliant on God.
