Our team for the trip to PNG.

From the outset of the planning for our return to Papua New Guinea, we knew we would need a 1:1 adult to baby ratio.  We asked for volunteers, and the Lord has provided, as always!  We have six adults and Isaac and 5 toddlers-- that's a pretty good ratio!

Who are these brave souls who have volunteered to accompany the Jones 8 on this great adventure across the Pacific Ocean?

"Aunt" Deb Martin

You've seen many pictures of Deb on the blog, since she's been such a big part of our volunteer force.  Before the kids ever came home, she was helping sort and organize clothes and the house.  She spent many overnights here feeding babies and changing diapers so that we could sleep.  She's been helping during the daytime as much as she can, even after double knee replacement surgery.  

Needless to say, she's jumped at the chance to come with us to PNG!  She and her husband, Russ, and  their kids spent six years in PNG, so she is excited to get a chance to go back and help us settle in.  She will be spending about a month there with us before returning to the US.  

We (and she, of course) are very thankful to her many generous friends who made it financially possible for her to make this trip with us.  If you are one of them, thank you!  You are a blessing to us!

Ray and Dee Stegeman

Ray and Dee Stegeman are home on furlough from PNG and were planning on returning in June already.  When they heard we were going at the same time, they asked if they could help us on the trip.  After about a millisecond of consideration, we accepted their offer.  

Ray and Dee with kids Hannah and Lucas

They have already spent several years in Guyana, where they completed the Akawaio New Testament translation.  For the past several years, they and their kids have been in PNG serving in several roles there in linguistics.  They are returning by themselves to PNG, since Lucas and Hannah are in college now.  

We are excited to have them with us!  They have also volunteered several times with the kids when they spent a few months in Dallas.  They are calm and unruffled by the chaos of the kids, so for that reason, among many others, we're more than happy to have them along for the ride.

Team Member 4

For privacy reasons, he would like to remain un-named, but the fourth member of our supplemental "team" is the father in the picture below.  We are thankful that he, too has experience with young children, as you can see!

He and his wife served with us in PNG for several years, too.  He was a colleague of Gavin's in the Aviation department there.  He and his family would appreciate your prayers while he is gone.  It will be a five week separation as he finishes up several items of business in PNG.  The time will be challenging for the mother and kids as he is gone, so please lift them up!

Altogether, that makes 12 of us!  Five babies, one 10 year-old, and six adults.  Brace yourselves passengers, here we come!

Next, we'll share all the details about our itinerary and other prayer requests for the big trip.