Footage and pictures of our arrival to PNG

It's been a crazy busy few days of settling back into life here in PNG.  Actually, life seems like it has not changed at all here.  It is like each time we come back that time has stood still in many ways.  Our lives this time, of course, are drastically different, but the process is still the same.

We had no idea how much attention our arrival to Papua New Guinea would attract!  When we got to Port Moresby, the capital city, journalists from the Post Courier, the national newspaper, were there to take pictures and interview us.  We were accompanied by most of the customs staff out to the sidewalk, since they were so taken by the whole scene.  Papua New Guineans all gathered around to see the sight of quintuplets, likely a unique one in the history of the country!  Camera phones were pointed at us and many smiles and excited yells were seen and heard.

Then when we arrived at Aiyura (our airstrip near Ukarumpa), EmTV, the national TV station (actually the only TV station in the country) was there as well.  I don't think they were there specifically to film us, but did so because the opportunity presented itself.  The Prime Minister was supposed to fly into Aiyura the same day, but did not end up doing so.  I guess we're the next best thing?  :)  Here is the clip they aired on Saturday night.  You'll notice that they mixed up David and Will, but otherwise got things right.



It was wonderful to see the many familiar faces of all our friends and their children waiting for us as we landed.  It was a warm and amazing welcome that we've looked forward to for a few years now.  Not a few tears were shed as we and they looked back at the incredible works God has done to bring us back to this point.  Many thanks to Karen and Esther for these photos and the video footage!  Here's a quick synopsis of our arrival that Esther did for us.

Just before touchdown in the Kodiak

"Presenting" Grace to the onlooking crowd.  James, our Aussie pilot and close friend is on the right.

Isaac eagerly ran to show Seth to everyone

Photo opportunity of the Jones 8 and Aunt Deb

The young girls flocked to see and touch Marcie and Grace.

Piper holding Seth

Us being interviewed by EmTV

Seth happy with dear friend Panti

Marcie with Sinta, Panti's wife, another wonderful friend

The Aiyura welcoming committee!

Will immediately needed to check that our ride was up to snuff.

David content in Jadia's arms

Our "new" house is wonderful and the kids are settling in very well.  They love the house and the yard and the car and everyone else.  They're just happy for the most part.  There is plenty of the standard noise and crying that is to be expected, but now that they are pretty well on a good sleep schedule (as of today), things are a lot better.

Maya helping the kids discover the house

Carrie's first steps into the new house

There is a lot of work to do around the house to make it quintuplet-friendly.  Gates inside, a fence outside, extra slats on the verandah, so they don't fall through the present, too-wide ones, a rail on the concrete, stairway, etc., etc.  I'll be busy for a while.

Though we have spent lots of time unpacking and sorting things, the best part for sure has been the visits with friends and meeting new ones.  Conversations with people walking by the house or pop-ins are a wonderful thing -- we are so grateful for this community!

Seth is doing very well, but please continue to pray for his health and growth.  There are many people around with many new types of germs.  It is also dry season, which means there is a lot of burning going on around us.  The smoky air can be a challenge to people with lung issues.  Praise God, though, the doctor here did a checkup on him today and said his lungs sound fantastic and that he's acting completely normal.  He is certainly charming people left and right with his winsome personality.

It's late.  Love to all.

Gavin