Robert@PNG

Thanks to the generosity and effort from my dearest Mum another box full of goodies has arrived in Goroka, Papua New Guinea. Some of you will relate to the anticipation I feel between the time that I know a parcel is on its way and that moment when the PO Box is opened and there’s a little card that says to collect from the Post Office counter.

On top of the joy of actually receiving something from the family downunder there is also the reward that comes with giving. Although I’m not a devout christian I certainly subscribe to the notion that giving is receiving or give and you shall receive. Only those folks that have travelled, lived or worked in a developing country will ever truly understand the needs experienced by the average Papua New Guineans.

I read an article once that was titled “From Tribalism to Poverty”. This is very much the case here in PNG. As folks move away from villages and rural settings what most end up finding is far from the bright lights that many hope for but an existence that is riddled with hunger, disease and a loss of what makes village life so enticing: simplicity. To these newly settled town folks life becomes a struggle and an exercise in human survival.

The parcels sent to me by family and friends from home are truly appreciated - in fact more than what you will ever know. When I give something from one of these gift boxes and I see the look on peoples faces and their gratitude - I feel deep down that I am living my dream and fulfilling a higher purpose.

A couple of weeks ago this parcel arrived…

(Parcel from Mum that I picked up from the Post Office a couple of weeks ago)

With this inside…

(The contents: torches, ponchos, lots of clothes and some wallets amongst other things)

And here’s that look of gratitude on peoples faces as they are given something…

(Mama Maria and Mama Olgan receive some clothes and a torch each)

And my sweetheart commandeers a few of the shirts from Mum…

(Eli in one of the shirts that Mum sent)

The rest of the stuff in this box from Mum and other parcels sent by family and friends from Oz will slowly be distributed and given away over time. Initially, I would give everything away in one go - nowadays I wait for the right moment and then go to my cupboard and pull out something from one of the parcels and give it to someone in exchange for one of those special smiles.

Thanks a million Mum!!

As with all of the parcels I receive from the folks downunder I maintain a log/record of what is sent. This records and other information on the wishlist/give-away gig you can click here.

Also, for photos of this Give-Away and other donations in kind you can click here.