Kimbe

The WNBPAC office here managed to find me unbelievable accommodation which is well beyond my expectations.

My place

Considering that I was unsure whether I would even have electricity or running water, I was in awe that this would be my home for the next six months. Apparently, Simon (the long-term Capacity Building Volunteer) and Maryanne (the HIV Response Coordinator) had a multi-day negotiation session with the landlord who normally rents the house out to shorter term visitors at double or triple the price. But, in a great show of advocacy in action, they convinced him that he had a social responsibility to tackle HIV/AIDS in his community by supporting my stay here....well done team!

Ellen, the M&E Officer for WNBPAC, is a Papua New Guinean girl near my age. We get along fantastically, and for two girls coming from opposite ends of the world, we have a lot in common. Ellen has been staying with me for the last couple weeks to help me get acquainted with the town, and, just as importantly for security and other reasons, to let the town get acquainted with me. The plan seems to be working out as she hoped – from what she tells me, most locals are already familiar with my presence.Simon had a similar experience. He told me that when he arrived, he thought that, because of his darker skin, he would blend in quite well.

Simon and Ellen in town

But in reality, the Kimbe locals quickly recognized this 6’5” Ugandan fellow and he was soon known as ‘the other African’ of the two currently on the island.People in town would know and greet him by name, and he was astounded at how much he must stand out for being new. Not surprisingly the same thing is happening me, going from an unknown face to one who is being quickly associated with Ellen, with Simon, with the WNBPAC etc. Already her friends of friends have been asking who this girl is she is hanging out with, or if I am walking around without her they all ask me where she had disappeared to.

It is a funny situation to wrap my head around to realize that there is this whole social network going on beyond my recognition. This is just one of the things that make Papua New Guineans so special and known for, and in practice, makes for a wonderful social setting where everyone fits into the net in one way or another.