A school trip to remember
Grace Holsten, daughter of an MAF couple, grew up in Papua, Indonesia. During her time there, she went to a small international secondary school, which had a big impact on her.
‘One of the most fun events my school took part in,’ Grace says, ‘was called Outdoor Education (OE). Every year, my school takes a two-week trip into remote villages deep in the heart of mountainous Papua. Its main purpose is to educate the students on the vibrant of the people living there.
‘We go on OE to learn from and interact with local people, but we also go to serve. We help install water tanks, dig ditches for airstrips, and fix roads. We also run kids’ clubs, set up medical clinics, and show the Jesus film!
‘I went on OE four times during my time in Papua, and MAF played a significant role in each one. Without MAF flights, we couldn’t have gone to most of the villages we visited. MAF was key in transporting my school friends – and other volunteers – in and out of the villages, as well as carrying the vital supplies we needed for the trips.
‘Through MAF, I was able to meet people and experience cultures with which I’d never have had the chance to connect. I came face-to-face with the harsh conditions that thousands of Papuans live in, and at the same time experienced joy as the villagers kindly welcomed us into their lives.’