After more than four years of going out “steady”, we formally exchanged vows in the eye of the Bolku Clan.
The weekend unfolded in true Simbu village style and culminated in a tribal ceremony during which Eli and myself openly committed to each other in front of her family, clan and other members of the Keto-Tapasi community.
Magnificence, belonging, privilege, love, family, bridge, home, exchange, surrender and joy are some of the words I would use to describe the experience of last weekend.
Let the photos speak for themselves…
On the way into the village an unexpected “hold-up” by this gang of raskols (photo courtesy Sebastian):
The moment two cultures and two people came together (photo courtesy Sebastian):
A nice surpise when the WTYSL team decided to join us for the weekend. Left to Right: Sofie, Rowan, Sebastian, Chau, Alicia and Evan :
The job of uploading 400 odd photos and sharing some of the stories is going to take me a post or two. Here’s the first batch courtesy Sebastian from the WTYSL Foundation.
A full ceremonial Simbu tribal wedding scheduled for xmas 2010!
Congratulation to you and Eli.
thanks for sharing your volunteer experience with me (us). It has been an eye opener to read your experiences over the past few years. your reasons for staying in png are the very ones that make me home sick for the place and the people.
i admire your passion for png and the desire to give. You have provided me with plenty motivation to do a volunteer service in another country. .
thanks and look forward to more stories and opinions
Weast
Weast,
Thanks for your kind words of encouragement, understanding and support. In your case I certainly hope that the adage “the world is getting smaller” will prove true and allow us to meet up one day for a coffee and a chin-wag. Your regular input and comments over the past two years have certainly been appreciated. The “best-est” of fortune to you too my dear friend.
Robert
many, many congratulations to you. I hope you have many more happy years together which only serve to strengthen your bond of love.
Arukiyomi,
May your words of wisdom prove to be true in the long term.
Warmest regards,
Robert
Congradulations to you and Eli
True pela tambu. You have been initiated into the clan. welcome. Your committment also starts a new chapter in the lives of our people (Keto-Tapasi Association) whom I trust will have a chance of having access to opportunities through you who will make connections with some of the countless number of international bodies and private institutions who have programmes of reaching the unreached and the disadvantaged.
cheers
nana
Nana,
The setting up of the Association has not been an easy job. Yep… there are many opportunities out there for funding and the like. And many NGO’s and other people willing to contribute and help the locals. However, there is an energy and force emerging within the village itself that would see all efforts hindered. Sometimes it feels like we are taking two steps forward and then three backwards. This situation is not isolated to Kaubasis alone but is fairly typical in the Highlands. Leadership in PNG is severely messed up.
Robert
Awesome pictures Sebastian. What Took You So Long?
Robert,
There was an attempt to start an association back in 2001 in relations to the conflict arising regarding the rentals of Mt Kerekonoma by Telecom..Many tribes including, Ona (Kenagi), Koningi,Fatao, Keto-Wapoku, Logiku, Iraupawe, Basis, Asaro, Koriro, Rongiku,Nonodoku, Notofana etc. nearly every tribe that uses that mountain as a hunting ground or if their ancestors did walk on it. Telecom was to only deal with a registered land owner association,,nothing got off as they needed some professional help and a mentor to see this through..it was also difficult trying to reach an agreement with so many tribes differences…..Dispela… toktok lo leadership em turu turu,,,,I wouldnt agree more…There are many respected leaders in every community in the highlands however, times have changed with the trend and command of respect demanded for the village leaders which is not there anymore…people dont respect their politicians anymore…everything is based on the cargoe cult mentality, especially the younger male population using force to get what they want and what they claim is rightfully theirs which is not true in most cases. Im very glad that the association has gotten off the ground. You are lucky to have Russell Poka as the chairman of the association who still comands enough respect from within all the other tribes. Those who creates opposition have a general view that the association is there to serve the interest of the leaders and their families. These young people are easily emotionally charged up and can easily cool off with something else or if their attention is diverted. (Land of the unexpected, whats new)Therefore hand outs are to be discouraged however community based projects are good, you know better then what I am to descirbe since you have been in this business for a long time. Wish you all the very best in your work.
nana
Nana,
The court case for Mt Kerekomna is currently in full swing with mediation between contesting parties expected to take place this week at the top of the mountain. The Keto-Iraupa team split about one and a half years ago. The situation is currently very volatile as you would appreciate and has the potential to do irreparable damage to the Keto people. Many expect a resolution shortly but it is my view that the court case will drag on for many years yet. Who ever loses in the first round will appeal and take the case to higher courts. I am very much neutral in terms of who I want to win or not win.
I sent you and email to which you have not yet responded. Did you receive it?
R