Tomorrow I head out to the village with Richard, a volunteer from NZ currently in Goroka about to do some “water” work at a remote village in the Lufa District. Uncle Joel and Bruce from Kaubasis will also be joining us after they rocked up at home last night. The last batch of building materials needs to be purchased and carried back to the village. Louvres, mesh wire and fly screen for the windows.
The other item I will be taking with me are some medicines for Papa Kerema, the old man that has been a great help during the building of the “Hut”. Due to his old age he wasn’t able to do any heavy work but he as been helping out with a bit of gardening, general tidying and also security. For many weeks he would build himself a fire inside the house and sleep. He’s been great help and I have grown rather fond of the old man. The clan thing has been interesting for me when it comes to the old folk – especially when they fall sick or even die. It’s like I’m looking at my own Dad or holding my own Pops.
Papa Kerema…
(Wish I could squat like the old man!)
News came back from the village that Papa Kerema had fallen ill. His legs, arms and face had become swollen – a sign I am told by Eli and Uncles that death for the old and frail is just around the corner. When I heard the story about the old man I made a mental note to speak with a doctor the next morning (Friday) and find out whether Papa’s condition is common and whether there might be any medicines readily available to treat his symptoms.
Bingo! (It’s not always what one knows – but rather – who one knows!!)
This morning I spoke with one of the doctors and after I described the old man’s symptoms he prescribed three medicines. According the the Doctor from Goroka General Hospital – Papa’s condition is a lung condition that is brought on by the smoke from the cooking fires inside the village huts. All those years of breathing smoke fumes I suppose. I managed to pick up the prescription in the PM from the Hospital’s pharmacy.
When I give the medicines to Papa tomorrow I will tell him how very much I would like for him to still be around when Mum gets here late August early September. I’m also going to tell how he needs to get better and kick on for a while yet – see he’s one of the full-time “crew” that have worked on Hut and needs to be at the housewarming so that I can thank him and acknowledge him in front of his fellow clansmen.
Don’t die yet Papa – please!
NB: By the way – voting started today in PNG!!
NB2: The circus and the bullshit is almost over!!!
Hi! I was once a volunteer for the Salesians of Don Bosco in Papua New Guinea (Gulf Province to be exact). I was there from 2001 to 2004.
I was browsing the net when I chanced upon your site. Your writings reminded of the place and the people that became part of the simple but beautiful and fruitful life i spent in the bush… forever they will have a special place in my heart.
Thanks for bringing back the sweet memories…
Rica,
PNG can be a mixed place. That special something you mention that some of us find in this land. There is also another side (for me) a side of frustration and angst.
Thank you for reminding me how special PNG can be. After you left your comment I re read the above story about Papa Kerema and tuned in the that special side.
Regards,
R
Robert,
I did not expect that i will get a reply from you… THANK YOU!
Yes, it’s true that sometimes “frustration” do set in but i just look at the brighter side of life like the many ‘papa’s, mama’s, ‘liklik meri’s’ and ‘mangi’s’ who have touched my heart and made my missionary life in PNG a very meaningful one.
Rica