I apologize for not communicating with you this past month, but I took a few weeks off in Chimoio to begin assimilating back into a Western environment in a quite and reflective manner.
It has been a long-year; and while I believe we accomplished much, there is much more that OSLC can do. I am confident that Misheck and Mrs. Ruwa’s visit will help with the fund raising.
I spent a week in Pretoria, South Africa so the Australian Consulate could process my work permit in Papua New Guinea. I just landed in Papua New Guinea yesterday morning after a quick two-day visit in Dubai and Singapore. Complicating things was a nasty fall down an outside flight of stairs that were wet from rainfall. Three cracked ribs and badly sprained hand, the flights were painful. I have to admit, it was enjoyable to have food that I have longed for over the year.
As for what is next for me, I am going to work for the Bank of Papua New Guinea for the next three months serving as an advisor to the bank’s executive team on how to leverage and optimize their human capital. The nice thing about this is timing works well as I have pretty much depleated my finances. Working in Papau New Guinea also allows me to set the ground work for employment upon return as this is a senior level assignment; and shows my ability to make the transition back into the corporate world.
Grace is living at the house, and Armondo watches after her in the evening. The three of us got along so well, and I know Armando will do anything to protect Grace. I have paid rent for the next few months, and will decide later on whether to continue that arrangement.
Grace, Rebecca, and Mrs. Ruwa have become incredibly close friends and Grace walks to Vida Humana every day and has shown great financial discernment with respect to VH’s finances (as well as my contributions). Grace knows about all of the money I have given to VH, and Misheck/Willard have been open about the finances with Grace as a result. It is good for he and Willard to get her perspective on certain expenditures in the market as she can put her arms around the value of OSLC contributions to the cause.
Sadly, the week before I left Chimoio, five more people tried to break into the house again. This time they were more aggressive and and tried to break in at 9:30 P.M. on a Friday night. Fortunately, all doors were locked and we were able to call the other neighborhood guards to fend them off. Recall the Chief of Police lives around the corner. Grace called him, and he was there within minutes and offered a tremendouse asset by now having the Police circle the property on a regular basis for Grace’s safety.
Well, I have not slept since yesterday morning so I am going to go have breakfast and then go to bed for the day. I start the bank tomorrow.
Peace for now. With genuine gratitude to serve OSLC and Vida Humana, you all remain warmly in my thoughts!
Respectfully, James.
