Faith and Adventure: A Family’s Journey from the UK to Papua New Guinea
(Photo: Mission Aviation Fellowship)
Leaving behind the familiar comforts of home to venture into the unknown requires a profound conviction. For Nicki Duncalfe and her family, this conviction stemmed from a strong sense of divine calling. Trading the UK for Papua New Guinea, Nicki and her husband, Michael, embraced a life of service with the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), a journey defined by faith and resilience.
In 1987, a pivotal moment arrived when the couple attended a friend’s commissioning service for MAF, a Christian humanitarian aviation charity celebrating 80 years of service. Michael’s dormant dream of flying found new life as the couple felt compelled to join MAF, despite the challenges of uprooting their four sons and leaving a stable life in the UK.
The transition to life in Papua New Guinea in 1994 was marked by both excitement and cultural adaptation. The Duncalfe children, ages 10, 8, 7, and 3, viewed the move as an adventure, quickly adjusting to new environments in the USA and Australia during Michael’s flight training. Throughout, the family found support from new friends and maintained financial stability, bolstering their journey.
Adapting to New Challenges and Embracing Spiritual Growth
Despite initial preparations, the family encountered culture shock in Papua New Guinea. The blending of spiritual and physical beliefs in local culture presented unique challenges, as seen through Nicki’s interactions with a fellowship group of local women.
To maintain their spiritual well-being, the family relied on Christian resources from the UK. They adapted to the local church’s Tok Pisin language and found new ways to connect with their faith. The kindness and hospitality of the Papua New Guineans were invaluable, although resilience was necessary to navigate occasional security incidents.
Michael’s role as a pilot for MAF involved transporting essential supplies, conducting medical evacuations, and supporting educational and pastoral missions in remote areas. Concurrently, Nicki found fulfillment in various roles, including teaching, cultural orientation, and safety administration within MAF-PNG.
Their sons benefited from these cross-cultural experiences, attending local and international schools before pursuing further education in the UK and US. One son followed in Michael’s footsteps, becoming a veterinarian.
In 2019, after 25 years of service, the Duncalfes returned to the UK. They were honored to meet the King during the commissioning of a new MAF aircraft, celebrating the organization’s 80th anniversary and Papua New Guinea’s 50th year of independence.
The Duncalfes’ story exemplifies the profound impact of following a divine calling, emphasizing that with faith and courage, extraordinary achievements are possible. As Nicki reflects, “The best place to be is where God has put you, and He will use you to do incredible things. It just takes a leap of faith.”
Nicki Duncalfe is a retired member of the MAF staff. To find out more about Mission Aviation Fellowship’s Future Pilot Programme, visit: www.maf-uk.org/maf-future-pilot-programme.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
