Reflection on My First Day Back at Work – Lessons in Project Risk and Management

By Ivory waki / Solvoice
Today marked my return to work after the festive season and the beginning of 2026. I did not expect the day to bring such an eye-opening experience — one that made me smile, reflect, and learn. I was confronted by five frustrated workers from the appointed contractor for the JCPU Administration Building project. One of the workers had just been released from temporary detention at the police station after the contractor reported them. You can imagine the emotional state of someone who had just come out of detention — stressed, confused, and upset. I took time to talk with them and quickly noticed several failures in the current project management that contributed to this situation. I believe these setbacks are rooted in the early stages of the project, particularly in the following areas: 1. Procurement system of the project 2. Planning phase, including costing and scheduling 3. Lack of written agreements between the main contractor and subcontractors 4. Incompetence and poor leadershi...
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When Blessings, Chaos and Fun Collide: My First Day Back at Work

By Ivory waki / Solvoice
Yesterday felt like a movie — a mix of blessings, chaos, busyness, and pure fun. I never thought I’d end up sleeping at 2 a.m., but that’s exactly how my day turned out!

After weeks of postponed start dates, I finally kicked off my first official day at work. It was long overdue, but the wait was worth it.
🌿 Morning Blessing: A Return to Faith

The day began beautifully. All ACOM staff gathered for morning prayer and Holy Communion. It was deeply uplifting — the kind of peace I had missed for a while.

As an Anglican, taking the Holy Sacrament is more than tradition; it’s a sacred obligation. We took an oath to walk with Christ through this sacrament, and yesterday reminded me how powerful that commitment truly is.

💌 A Surprise Invitation

While working, I heard my phone buzz.
“Sisters! If you’re free after work today, come to this place. It’s my birthday party. I just want us all cousins (sisters) to come together.”
Chinese Restaurant
Front Chinese Restaurant 



















It was from my cousin sister — and I couldn’t say no. Family time always means laughter and good memories.


🎓 Marine School Memories

Another message popped up soon after.


“Ivory! Alfred texted me. Are you going to attend the Project Management class today at 5 p.m.?”

I laughed — I had completely forgotten! My older cousin brother had enrolled me in this 3-week course.

When I called the coordinator, she said the venue was Marine School. The name instantly brought back memories — I had once worked there when it was under construction, a Japanese-funded KOICA project. I was Assistant Project Manager, fresh from Unitech PNG. Though I only worked there for a month before resigning for personal reasons, it was a place that helped shape my early career.
By 4:30 p.m., I was off to class.

Marine school
Marine school Honiara 



















🍜 Birthday Dinner at Town Ground

After class ended around 7 p.m., I rushed home to freshen up before heading to Town Ground for my cousin’s dinner. Buses were running short routes — typical Honiara evening traffic! — but I managed to arrive around 8 p.m.

All my cousin sisters were already there, laughing and chatting. We had delicious (and sometimes funny-tasting!) Chinese dishes, plenty of jokes, and so much laughter. We closed the dinner at 10 p.m. with a short prayer, feeling grateful for one another.

But the night wasn’t over yet. Two cousins suggested, “Let’s go somewhere to end the party properly!”

Chinese Resturant
Inside Chinese Restaurant Honiara












🎤 ATL Nights

We ended up at ATL, a cozy seaside club. The place wasn’t crowded, so we chose the balcony overlooking the shore — the perfect spot to relax and laugh over drinks.

When karaoke time began, we dared our youngest cousin to sing. She did — and we all joined in! We danced in a circle, arms linked, laughing until our sides hurt. By the time the song ended, the entire club clapped and cheered for us. It was such a heartwarming, unexpected moment — one of those little memories that stay with you forever.

ATL Club
ATL Club











💭 Reflection: Family is Everything

We said our goodbyes at around 1:30 a.m. As I rode home, tired but smiling, I thought about how rare and precious moments like this are.

Family isn’t perfect, but it’s the truest blessing we have. So let’s keep our hearts open, forgive quickly, love deeply, and make time for the people who matter.

Life is short — but when shared with love, it becomes something beautiful. 🌺

If you like reading this. Also read The Day Death got confused in the neighborhood. 

https://solvoice.blogspot.com/2025/11/the-day-death-got-confused-in.html?m=1

💬What are your thoughts ? I would love to hear your voice in the comment section below.👇 

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