Robert@PNG

Why did I become a volunteer?

This is a question that I first asked myself late 2000 early 2001 when I first applied to become a volunteer with Australian Volunteers International (AVI). I put the application on hold in May 2001 due to my Dad passing away. Then again in the middle of 2004 when I re-applied, I pondered this question again.

Today, some two years after first arriving in PNG I still ask myself this very same question!

At a level I wanted to “escape” and be free from the nine to five drone and suburban Sydney. I knew deep down that there is no escaping. The “I and me” follow! I therefore had to search for genuine reasons.

I have thought about this question over and over and there are times, especially during frustration, when I question the whole gig. Nevertheless, nowadays and during times of reflection I am able to dig up a few reasons as to why I do what I do:

- The successful “escape” from the corporate machine and from the stresses that go along with middle management, still remain a very valid reason in my books.

- It’s been a dream of mine for many years (since 1988) to live and work with indigenous people. There has been many a time in PNG when I reflect on this and realise that living and working here is in fact a dream come true.

- The process of exchange is very much a part of PNG culture and this aspect of living, working and interacting in Papua New Guinea is very dear to my heart. I feel that I have received much more than what I have given. The truth is that the exchange has probably been fairly even.

- My life has become very much a journey into the unknown. Whilst this can create a great deal of mental turmoil at times, at a spiritual level the “unknowningness” of it all has enabled inner growth.

- There is certainly a shortage of experienced IT and Project Management professionals in PNG and I am able to contribute to business and organisations through my skill set. .

- Two years down the track I still live with the hope that somehow… I can make a difference. Tasks not happening in a structured and ordered manner remain a source of frustration and stress, thankfully not very often. I have what I call: “PNG days”. Just like everything else… it all passes.

- My role as a volunteer has never been restricted to just working hours. I see the volunteer role as being a 365×24x7 affair, at times this can be taxing but overall an extremely rewarding experience. Many opportunities present themselves outside of the work environment to help and assist others. Perhaps the aspect of volunteering that has most tickled me has been the giving component. Having said that, at the end of the day, giving must be complimented with receiving or some where along the line the energy and flow are stifled. So for me PNG has been very much about learning the art of giving and also receiving. I shall forever remain a student of both arts.

- Above all else, PNG has been a learning experience for me, at many levels. At a personal level I confront fear on a regular basis and this has involved a lot of letting go. Letting go has never been an easy choir for me and PNG continues to teach me the art and science of surrender. I continue to practice meditation on a daily basis and this has helped me make it through some of the more difficult times. At a social level I have had to learn community living and sharing. I came to PNG two years ago as a resigned bachelor and PNG has challenged many aspects of my “aloneness” and isolation. Communal living is something the Highlanders are naturals at and this is another area where I very much remain the student.

Where to from here?

This remains a dilemma. I will see out my two year assignment here in Goroka at the Hospital. I would dearly like to continue living and working in PNG for some time yet but not as a volunteer. Perhaps I need to take a closer look at business opportunities or maybe some sort of consultancy work. Who knows?

When I left Sydney two years ago the direction of my life changed for good. I remember Mum saying back in April 2005, a few days before leaving, that she sensed that it would be many years before I returned to Australia full-time. I dream of a simple life, one devoid of the complexities and burdens of modern day living, perhaps the future lies somewhere within a traditional PNG village?

Stay tuned!!

Rob