Bart and Emily Allen Tribal Church Planters in Papua New Guinea By far, the most common way to get around here in PNG is to walk. We don’t know any statistics, but privately owned vehicles are a rarity as far as we can tell. The road to town is lined with people walking. And they are often carrying heavy loads.
Another common form of transportation for longer distances or into town is the public motor vehicle (PMV). A PMV can be any type of vehicle – van, open bed truck, covered truck… And there doesn’t seem to be a limit as to the number of people who can jump on board!
So, how do we get around? Well, so far we have used a combination of modes of transportation. When we are visiting nearby villages, we walk. If Bart is visiting a village that is farther away, he often walks part way and then catches a PMV. He has also gone into town several times that way. We’re hoping to try the PMV with the whole family soon. If we are going in to town for church or to get groceries, we usually try to carpool with another family to share the cost of renting one of the vans here on the center.
Our latest mode of transportation is by far the most exciting – airplane! Last week we had an orientation at the main New Tribes center up in the Highlands and the best way (quickest and safest too) to get across the mountains is by airplane. On the way there we flew with another family in the larger C-90 (this plane is also used by NTM for medivacs to Australia when the need arises). Then on the way back we flew in a little Cessna 206 (this is the one that can land on the airstrips out in the bush). We enjoyed the incredible views of the countryside as we flew over the mountains. In the months and years ahead, we will probably be on these planes a good bit!
Ready to board the C-90
Just off the 206
Bart finally was able to get his PNG driver’s license so now we’re ready to brave the roads by ourselves. Just a few things to remember -
1) drive on the left side of the road!!!
2) when you come upon a one lane bridge (the yellow stripes on the road warn you that you are approaching one), the right of way goes to the traffic going toward town.
3) if you hit someone or something (like a pig), whatever you do, don’t stop! Â Drive to the nearest police station.
4) did I mention, drive on the left side of the road!!
One lane bridge ahead
No AAA here - better hope a friend comes along!
I love your updates and pictures!!!! Thank you!
Dear Bart and Emily,
I love reading your blogs. This is such a wonderful way of giving us a look at your lives. I have prayed for your friends and for you. I just returned from a three day Bible Study Fellowship retreat in KY. It was a spirit filled weekend and although I am drained it was a refreshment to the soul and renewed the vision of serving without reserve in the cause of Christ. BSF has just been given permission to open classes anywhere they choose in China and will be allowed to open the classes to Chinese nationals. This is huge. There is such a pent up demand. BSF is recruiting Chinese nationals to go back and lead. Westerners will not be leading since there is a government sensitivity toward cultural influences. We are amazed at these change of events. To me it seems akin to the magnitude of the Berlin Wall coming down. There is much anticipation and much need for added resources to see this come to pass in a timely manner. Now that the doors have been thrown open, no one can doubt that it is God who holds the king’s heart in his hand. These are exciting times around the world. Portia