Census material is updated every ten years so the census material I relied on in 1982 was fairly recent. After deciding on the basis of census material that the Bundi area would be a fitting research locale I was introduced to a History professor at UPNG who was a Gende from Emegari village. August Kituai told me about his people and advised that I do my work in Yandera, the largest Gende village and the host site of an upcoming pig feast which would be attended and partially financed by Gende migrants. As I was enthusiastic, he told me more about Yandera and its leadership, giving me the names of men and women who would assist my studies and ensure my security and well-being while doing the fieldwork. August also introduced me to other Gende living in Port Moresby so that I had many companions and willing informants over the next few days to fill me in on where I was set on going.
Serendipity plays a part in all fieldwork situations.
The news hit the world media and I left Morobe Province in a state of shock, wanting only to tuck my tail between my legs and run home. Take no one for granted. This advice turned out to be essential in my case. Before leaving Morobe, I phoned my family, my advisors, and the professors I had met at the University when I went around knocking on their doors, taking a few minutes of their busy time to introduce myself. My family told me that as much as they missed me I should stick it out and try another province.