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We've been home for a few days and starting to get back into the routine of life back at home.
Our return trip was uneventful but tiring because of two early starts.

Its been interesting to reflect on things in PNG and life in NZ as we come back into it after 6 months away.
After returning home we realised how tired we both were; a combination of heat, constantly being on edge, as well as being disturbed at night.  While its safe in Kokopo, stuff happens and you develop wariness and vigilance about who is near you and what is happening around about. Its quiet here in NZ; in our PNG compound there was constant noise, from the dogs, cars driving in and out, the guard moving around. People living in the compound didn't appear to care when they were leaving, that others were sleeping and still made lots of noise; peeping horns, slamming car doors, revving car motors. It wasn't unusual to woken up a couple of times in the night.

Its taken us about a week to get over the lack of sleep and start feeling like we have some energy to get on and get stuff done. The lack of physical exercise in PNG, not doing normal stuff like gardening, mowing the lawn and hobbies, etc has taken its toll; I'm not as physically fit as a I was when we left.
The thing I noticed most returning to NZ is the way people talk, not as softly as PNG'ians. Also the lack of modesty in some people's dress habits; in PNG everybody dresses modestly. In PNG you walk down the streets and say hello to nearly everybody and get an acknowledgement back, here in NZ hardly anybody says hello. In PNG people stop in the street and chat, here not as common. Just a difference in culture, but it takes a bit of adjusting to.
One thing I like is the smooth roads, with no potholes here in NZ. The cars aren't beaten up and falling apart (mostly). Its good to have our own transport, so we can do as we please.
Another thing I've noticed is the large number of older people walking  the streets in NZ. In PNG, you see older people but not very many, certainly not many walking in the street. This reflects the high death rate in PNG; you're luck to reach 60.

I'm cant say for sure what effect our stay in PNG had; we'll probably only see that in the longer term.
The good byes were hard, you end up leaving a bit of your heart behind. Some of the frustrations  I experienced are common to all aid workers; things in other countries just don't work the same as in NZ. Its given me a new appreciate of how things work in NZ.
I'm starting to think about what I do in the coming months. We've offered to go to PNG for a shorter assignment, we'll see whether it eventuates. I feel as if the work has only just started; building relationships is the first step. Of course in the end, its up to VSA.

Christine.
I wore my Mari-blouse and lap lap on leaving Kokopo. There was pride and delight on the faces of some PNG people and in Port Moresby, one of the airport staff asked if they could take my photo!! I was a bit surprised at their reactions and wondered if 'pale faces' don't wear those clothes. Pity because they are very comfortable.
Modest clothing is why PNG women can breast feed their babies anywhere in public and no-one gets offended. We could learn a lot from them.
On coming home it was lovely to see family and friends and dear NZ again. At the same time I am aware of the friends we made among the native people, expats and other VSA'ers and sad at leaving them behind. Maybe next year ....
We met with a couple who are going to PNG as aid workers (not VSA) to a hospital. It was a pleasure to spend a couple of hours with them and be able to share something of our experiences as they prepare to go.