We arrived at Popondetta airport to an overwhelming welcome from Bishop Lyndsley, the warriors and dancers. the evening before. There was much celebration and feasting and the evensong service in Popondetta Cathedral was wonderful. An open sided building in a community square.
We stayed at the Birdwing Butterfly Lodge, which was quite splendid and even had air conditioning. Polycarp and his family made us most welcome throughout the trip.
On Tuesday we visited Newton Theological College, to celebrate the Eucharist & Bishop David preached to sounds of gentle rain, and bird songs from the rain forest. We had chance for a tour of the college, where the students and their families live and learn and our first refreshments of the day.
Our police escort stayed with us all day and in the heat of the day we went to St Andrews church, where the whole village of Eroror had been flooded severely five years ago.
Further on we visited St Margaret’s Anglican hospital in Oro Bay, in much need of resources and help, and the staff were great. 
Finally we made it, two hours late, to the Franciscan brothers and CV sisters, for evening prayer in the dark and refreshments, speeches and welcome.
By 7pm the police escort saw us back to the Birdwing Butterfly lodge.
Rev’d Sue Martin
