Going with the Flow!

We were to have been in the Marshall Islands by now. Air Kiribati rescinded our tickets to Tarawa yesterday, so we were unable to make the flight to Majuro; and flights to/from there occur only once every two weeks.

There are two airlines here: Air Kiribati, and Coral Sun (see photo) Coral Sun ran out of aviation fuel last week and has been grounded until the boat with their fuel arrives. Air Kiribati (who must use a different type of fuel?) has two planes, a 17 seater, and a 22 seater. Their larger one has been having mechanical difficulties for quite awhile, so the smaller one is their workhorse. They fly to our outer atoll three times a week: Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays.

Well, it just so happens that there was a very large celebration here on Abemama last weekend, with scores of people visiting from Tarawa, for the special ordination of a Catholic priest. They have all been trying to get back to Tarawa, and what with the one airline not flying, this has made it very difficult to find a seat on Air Kiribati. Plus, the weather has been poor with torrential rains lately.

We were confirmed passengers #21 and #22 on the larger plane to have flown out yesterday. They had to switch to the smaller airplane, and that is why we didn't make it to Tarawa in time for out Majuro flight. Thankfully, though we had reservations on the Marshall Island flight, we were to pay for the tickets just prior to leaving (no credit cards or e tickets used!), and so we were not out any money.

Plan B: we're going to Fiji on the 22nd, next Tuesday. That is if we can get off Abemama! The back-up of people trying to get off Abemama is still long, and the flight Sunday is full from people waiting all week to leave. There may be a 'special' (extra?) flight tomorrow. Emphasis on the word 'may'........just frequently ride the motorbike out to the airport to keep checking (no phones here at the school, or at the airport). That would put us in Tarawa four days before the Fiji flight, but at least we'd be there for sure! So, we will see what happens. Going with the flow! Will keep you posted on our holiday whereabouts!

By the way, the US Peace Corp had workers here for decades, but pulled out September of 2008. We were told the reason why is they could not guarantee the safety of their workers in case a health (or other) crisis should arise during their work in the outer islands. And that is because the air transportation is so erratic, and frequently the planes are not functioning. In addition, Coral Sun Airline had not yet been birthed, so Air Kiribati was the only option at that time.

It is sobering to realize that you may not be able to get to help in time......Just this week, a lady came to see Drue, who was in great pain. Her history sounded quite a bit like an acute appendicitis. We were fearful that she might die out here if she couldn't get off the island for surgery. I'll let him report on the particulars. Suffice it to say, that she 'turned the corner' and did not have to try to get to Tarawa. Thank God!

We know that we are in His care and keeping. He knows our needs and will provide, come what may!