10 Reasons why the past week has been the hardest

This past week has been the hardest week by far since arriving in PNG, April 2005. Right now I feel both exhausted and relieved. Exhausted due to the quantity and intensity of issues and experiences that I have had to face. Relieved because the worst is behind me.

In the past seven days the following unfolded:

1) My dear friend Jerry’s son dies.

2) I travel with Jerry and his father to their village : “Bamata” (near Finschhafen)
leaving Lae early Friday morning and returning late Saturday afternoon. The
walk up the mountain and through jungle terrain barefoot took me to near
physical exhaustion.

3) On return to Lae I start to develop malaria symptoms with temperatures running
into the mid 38’s for two days running.

4) Had a “blue” with Eli.

5) Late Monday I realize my spare keys to the house have gone missing. Make a mental note to call locksmiths 1^st thing in the morning and get gate and front door locks changed.

6) Find out that my housekeeper had “accidentally” taken the keys with her after working
at my home on the Friday. Nevertheless – I feel very angry with her and decide that I need some days to work out how to handle this sensitive situation.

7) The locksmith turns up on time and does a great job. Then proceeds to quote me an  exorbitant amount for his work. In the end his price did come down to an acceptable level.
After he left I contacted the owner of the business and made an appointment to see him the next day to discuss this sly behavior by one of his workmen.

8) In the middle of a continuing argument with the lawnmower man for not raking up the grass the cuttings after he mows the lawn.

9) Decide to terminate the employment of my housekeeper..

10) Witnessed and found myself at the receiving end of some very spiteful, childish and immature communications within my work environment.

What did this all feel like? Like I was buried in a big pile of shit, not just up to my neck but all the way up to my lower lip.

What did I do? Well I went into damage control – the spade, the shovel and broom come out and the big pile of poo slowly got cleaned up.

The situation with Rondi (housekeeper) was the most difficult situation to resolve. We sat down last night… she no longer has work but we are still friends. Win win. This particular experience will be the subject of another post.

All other items in the above list (except for #10) have been worked through, resolved and without making any new enemies or upsetting someone.

In summary…

The past week has certainly been a character building experience but right now I feel mentally and emotionally exhausted.