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Thirty-Six Years in Papua New Guinea: A Retrospective on My Life as a Teacher, Missionary, and Advocate

Dakota Powell

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Published in A Dimdim In Paradise: Thirty Six Years In Papua New Guinea

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I first arrived in Papua New Guinea in 1984 as a young teacher. I had just graduated from college and was eager to make a difference in the world. I was assigned to a remote village in the Highlands, where I taught English and math to primary school students.

A Dimdim in Paradise: Thirty Six Years in Papua New Guinea

by Andy Fletcher

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3303 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	217 pages

The experience was both challenging and rewarding. The students were eager to learn, but they often lacked the resources they needed to succeed. I also had to adjust to a new culture and way of life. But through it all, I was supported by the local community and my fellow teachers.

After a few years, I left teaching to become a missionary. I worked with a local church to provide food, clothing, and shelter to the poor and needy. I also worked to promote education and healthcare in the community.

My experiences as a missionary opened my eyes to the social injustices that existed in Papua New Guinea. I saw firsthand how poverty, disease, and violence affected the lives of ordinary people. I also saw how the government was often unable or unwilling to address these problems.

In response, I became an advocate for social justice. I worked with local organizations to promote human rights, environmental protection, and economic development. I also spoke out against corruption and injustice.

My work as an advocate has not always been easy. I have faced threats and intimidation from those who oppose my views. But I have also seen firsthand the power of ordinary people to make a difference.

I have now lived in Papua New Guinea for over 36 years. I have seen the country change dramatically over that time. But one thing has remained constant: the resilience and spirit of the Papua New Guinean people.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have lived and worked in Papua New Guinea. I have learned so much from the people of this country. I have also been inspired by their courage and determination.

I believe that Papua New Guinea has a bright future. The country has abundant natural resources and a talented and hardworking population. But the country also faces many challenges, including poverty, inequality, and corruption.

I am confident that Papua New Guinea can overcome these challenges and build a better future for all its citizens. I am committed to continuing to work with the people of this country to make that happen.

Here are some of the highlights of my time in Papua New Guinea:

Teaching in a remote village in the Highlands
Working with a local church to provide food, clothing, and shelter to the poor and needy
Promoting education and healthcare in the community
Becoming an advocate for social justice
Working with local organizations to promote human rights, environmental protection, and economic development
Speaking out against corruption and injustice
Seeing firsthand the power of ordinary people to make a difference

I have also learned a lot about myself during my time in Papua New Guinea. I have learned that I am more resilient than I thought I was. I have also learned that I am capable of making a difference in the world.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have lived and worked in Papua New Guinea. I have learned so much from the people of this country. I have also been inspired by their courage and determination.

A Dimdim in Paradise: Thirty Six Years in Papua New Guinea

by Andy Fletcher

4 out of 5