Monday, July 30, 2012

It was a very hot night of sleeping and a few wild dreams that may be related to the “hallucinations” side effect of my malaria medication.  We went to morning mass, ate breakfast, and prepared for the day.  I walked over to Aligegeo Secondary School with Sr. Loretta.  It was an interesting morning.  First period begins at 8:00.  On Mondays the students have an assembly, which starts at 7:30.  It didn’t get going until 7:50, and by the time it was over, it was 8:20.  There is only one textbook for Form 4 English, so I had to make copies of the lesson for 70 students.  The copy man didn’t arrive until 8:15, so we sorted out the copying after the assembly.  I got to class at 8:45, after the first of the double period was over.  The funny thing about it was administration, faculty, and students aren’t phased at all.  There is a big lack of structure in the school day.  Sr. Loretta said it’s something they are working on.  It’s just completely new to me, since I’m so used to a very strict schedule in high school.  But don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t devastated that I couldn’t spend those 45 minutes sharing the wonders of subject-verb agreement.

I finished the next three periods with some more participation from the shy kids.  At break time, I prepared the lesson for tomorrow.  I joined Sr. Loretta for her Form 2 English class in the afternoon.  After she went over the basics of her lesson, I talked to the students about why I am here and a little bit about my life at home.  I asked if anyone had any questions for me, and they all giggled nervously.  A few brave students raised their hands and asked in Pidgin about sports in the US and life at PC.  Sr. Loretta translated, and I gave thorough answers.  The best question of the day was, “Madame, are you married?”  My “no” reply was quickly followed by “how old are you?”  Dad, don’t worry I don’t plan on coming home with a husband.

My Business Studies minor expertise was also put to work today.  The admin has been collecting school fees and exam fees from the students for the past few weeks.  The cash was stored in a cardboard box.  I helped a fellow teacher count and recount the money.  The Deputy left the box at my table in the teacher’s room and told me I was in charge of it.  She was joking...but not really.  Later, she took a taxi to the bank to deposit  the fees.  It is difficult to collect the money for tuition from the students.  Few parents have steady jobs.  Most sell what they grow in their gardens at the market, and so money earned is immediately spent on food and immediate needs.  Saving isn’t common, making it hard for parents to cover the cost of schooling.

After the visit to Sr. Loretta’s class, I returned home.  Chrisma was waiting for me by the path.  She is in primary school.  Her teacher was absent today so her entire class was sent home.  I fixed lunch for us and we relaxed in the house.  Brother Roger and Brother Rob left Auki today for Honiara, so I saw them off on the ferry with Bishop Chris.

I walked to Kilu’ufi Hospital to pick up Cayla at 3:00.  She had an amazing day - helped deliver a baby girl whose mother named her Cayla!  There are a few patients who have basic needs that can’t be helped.  Two boys have been waiting for crutches for weeks.  Cayla and I are going to attempt to make them for the boys.  We’ll look for some supplies in town and try to make something happen.  

Later, we weeded around the house.  Chrisma kept us company, and Veronica and Patrick provided some background music.  We played jump rope and soccer, getting ourselves nice and dirty.  After evening prayer, Sr. Loretta, Sr. Matilda, Cayla, and I enjoyed dinner together.  We’re watching Sister Act right now, and it’s hilarious to watch with the nuns.  They absolutely love it, and I swear Sr. Loretta is an incarnation of Whoopi Goldberg.  

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Today was the first time since I arrived in the Solomons that I woke up when it was light out.  Sundays we get to “sleep in” until about 7:15.  Sr. Loretta and Sr. Matilda had breakfast prepared when Cayla and I woke up.  We enjoyed toast with pineapple jam (my new favorite) and bananas.  At 8:15 we left the house to walk to the cathedral for mass.  Chrisma was dressed in her best - red and white shirt and skirt with a big white ribbon on her small bun.  She skipped along with us down the road.  We were a half hour early, and this gave me time to take in the artistry in the cathedral.  Paintings and carvings exuded a unique Solomon Islands style.  

The music ministry group that gathered to learn and practice all week sang for the congregation.  Their hard work was evident as their voices and instruments echoed around the church.  Bishop Chris gave many thanks to Bro. Roger and Bro. Rob for their hard work with the music program during his homily, which he delivers in Pidgin.  The most interesting part of the service was the presentation of the gifts.  About ten men dressed like warriors dance up the aisle while the choir sings a chant.  They are followed by several women carrying the gifts.  It was amazing how they incorporated their traditional culture into the mass.  When the mass ended, Cayla and I helped hand out certificates to the participants in the music program.  There were many speeches and thank yous.  The Solomon people value welcoming new people and also sending them off.  It makes me realize how important it is to remind people in your life that you truly appreciate them.  Their small gifts and kind words are incredibly meaningful and serve as inspiration to keep living, loving, and giving.  The mass and ceremony lasted 2 hours, and no one left early to rush to a soccer game or get to the beach.  Mass is the main activity on Sunday, and the congregation was totally involved the entire time.

We walked home from mass in the blistering heat.  Chrisma and Veronica, another girl who lives nearby, came over the house to dance.  The group taught Cayla and me a few popular Solomon dances while we entertained them with the chicken dance and the hokey pokey.  We pushed the table and chairs aside for the festivities and were laughing as we bumped into each other and tried to remember new steps.  Sr. Loretta saved the day and played Shrek 2 for us on the computer.  After the movie, I slipped away to the hammock under the house and read.  Cayla and I have been feeling a little bit lazy because we love to run and haven’t really been able to because of the heat.  We set up a little spot behind the house to do an Insanity workout that she had on her computer.  We mounted the screen on a mat, chair, and box that we stacked up.  We looked slightly ridiculous, and we caught an older woman staring at us from behind a bush.  After 40 minutes we were pouring with sweat, and 6 hours later, I think I’m still sweating.  We took ice cold showers before evening prayer.

Bishop Chris hosted dinner tonight.  I enjoyed the company of the brothers, sisters, and a few members of the community.  The world gets smaller and smaller as the bishop and I make connections with people we know from Long Island.  I’m sitting in the living room of Sr. Loretta and Sr. Matilda’s home right now.  Cayla is busy blogging and Sr. Loretta is using her whole mind, body, and voice to play “bubble pop.”

Every night I seem to think that “today was the best day of my life.”  Then I remember I already said that yesterday, and the day before that, and the day before that.  Cayla and I were reflecting that it is so incredible to be immersed in this community.  We are very lucky that we can go to bed thinking that we lived the day to its fullest.  My friend at school once said to me “today has the potential to be the best day of your life.”  That approach has definitely been working, and I can only look forward to the days to come.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

After morning prayer and breakfast, Cayla and I washed our clothes and hung them on the line behind the house.  Saturday is a relaxing day in Fanualama (“place of peace” - the name of the residences of diocesan staff).  Bishop Chris gave Patrick, a student in my English class, a new soccer ball to bring over the house for me.  It got a lot of use today.  I was playing outside the house and it was a magnet for adorable children.  Cayla and I have a new buddy, Chrisma.  She played with us all morning and was our shadow for the rest of the day.  Chrisma is a beautiful, energetic girl and I’m so happy to have a new friend. 

Cayla and I got a ride from Bishop Chris into town to the Telecom so we could get internet access.  Luckily he passed us again on the road on our return trip so we hopped in the truck.  We munched on Sr. Loretta’s pancakes (different from our version at home but still delicious) and bananas for lunch.  Cayla, Chrisma, and I walked to the game and our team won 3-1!  Spectators were in the shade but the field was directly in the sun.  I give all the players so much credit for surviving the stifling heat.  

Back at home we fell asleep reading in the hammocks hung underneath the house.  I’m actually living in a dream world.  We woke up to Bishop Chris shouting for us to get in the truck for a car wash.  In the Solomons, getting a car wash means cramming a ton of kids in the vehicle, driving it into the river, then cleaning it off with buckets and brushes.  It was quite the event and everyone wanted to come.  Half of the soccer team, Cayla, Chrisma, and I piled into the pickup and drove to the Fiu River.  The water was refreshing as we got to work on the muddy truck.  After the work was complete, we got to swim around and have some fun.  I joined the boys jumping off the bridge into the river.  You had to climb up rock/mud stairs to get to the bridge.  I had a few helping hands to keep my balance as we climbed on the railing, held hands, then jumped into the crystal clear river.  It was an accomplishment to do all this while making sure my skirt didn’t fly up as we flew through the air and plunged in.  It was so much fun, and I volunteered to wash the car everyday but to no avail.  I jumped off a few more times, convinced Cayla to do it, and got to know the boys a little bit.  I swam around with Chrisma for a little while and she worked on blowing bubbles and kicking.  After cooling off we squeezed into the truck and came home.  

Cayla and I went for a jog to the clinic where she will be working on Monday.  It was only a few miles, but we were sweating like crazy when we finished.  The heat and humidity make it difficult to do much activity.  We cleaned up for evening prayer and dinner.  It was the final evening of the music workshop that has been running all week.  After a feast with the whole group, members of the workshop gave thank you speeches and gifts.  We sang a few songs all together.  The young men and women participating in the workshop are incredibly talented musicians.  Their voices, song writing skills, and guitar abilities are outstanding.  I was happy to have gifted singers surrounding me to drone out my very out of tune vocals. 

Friday, July 27, 2012

My first morning in Auki began just like the other days with the sisters in Tenaru and Visale.  Bishop Chris said mass in the chapel at 6:10.  Sr. Loretta and I walked across the road to school for my first day.  Aligegeo Secondary School is a boarding school, so we walked past the student housing before reaching the classrooms and teacher’s room.  I met the Deputy and she instructed me to shadow the Form 4 English classes to prepare to teach them for the next 2 1/2 weeks.  The Form 4 English teacher, John, came over to me with a textbook and some handouts for the students and said, “You will teach today.  Here is where we left off.  Start with this lesson.”  Might as well jump right into things, right?  So I went off to teach a double period English class by myself for both Form 4 sections.  

For the most part, the students are very soft spoken.  I had them go around the room and introduce themselves to me.  I could barely make out what they were saying, but I’ll do this every day and hopefully they will be more confident and assertive.  I taught the students about the incredibly fascinating world of grammar.  We practiced putting the articles a, an, and the into a sentence.  They asked a few questions about my home and I told them all about my family and where I live.  All went well, and I survived my first day.

After school we went to the market and picked up a few fresh vegetables.  Tomorrow the market will be packed with people and products for the weekend rush, so we’ll get most things tomorrow.  The heat was sweltering as we waited for the bus to take us home.  We spent the rest of the afternoon weeding the grounds with Bishop Chris.  It was actually very relaxing and didn’t feel like a chore at all.  Cayla and I got a little exercise in before evening prayer.  We enjoyed dinner with the music ministry group whose program ends on Sunday - lots of delicious fish and vegetables. 

Right now, Sr. Loretta is playing bubble pop on Cayla’s Kindle, and having a great time.  She has been laughing and screaming every time she passes a new level.  We’re all addicted to the game by now.  

Auki at Last

Thursday, July 26, 2012

The night sky sparkled with stars when we left Visale to catch our ferry to Auki from Honiara.  We bought our tickets and actually boarded at 8:00, in atypical Solomons fashion.  Cayla and I sat at a table with two men who act as general contractors for RAMSI.  One was from Scotland, the other from Victoria, Australia.  I got a few cat naps in during the hot, four hour trip...and I didn’t get seasick!  Cayla may or may not have purposely used the soft loaves of bread we bought for the bishop and sisters in town as a pillow.  There was a nice imprint of her face on the white bread.  Bishop Chris, Sr. Matrina, and Brother Roger Poletti welcomed us when we stepped off the boat with beautiful palm necklaces.  Brother Roger was my teacher at Kellenberg, and it is amazing that we are working together on the other side of the world.  

We drove about 2 km up the road to our home for the next three weeks.  Cayla and I will be living with Sr. Loretta and Sr. Matrina.  Bishop Chris lives next door.  There is a beautiful little chapel and homes for several other people who work for the diocese.  We enjoyed lunch before going into town to get internet access.  Cayla and I caught up on emails and blog postings.  

Our small community said evening prayer and the rosary in the chapel.  Cayla and I shook hands with everyone as they exited the chapel.  This is a tradition for welcoming and introducing oneself.  Bishop Chris chatted with us about PC and Long Island things.  We then enjoyed dinner together in a brand new building with our new friends.  Most of the village people here are very shy.  Hopefully they’ll warm up to us in the coming days.  I caught up with Brother Roger during dinner and heard all the recent Kellenberg news.  

It is nice to be settling down in a place for more than a couple of days.  Auki is beautiful, and I’m eager to be in the swing of things!

Library Complete!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

It was a warm, beautiful morning in Visale as we walked to mass.  My friend Dominic was the altar server.  Sr. Vero, Cayla, and I ate a quick breakfast and started our busy day.  I went to the library and began the tedious task of alphabetizing, labeling, and dusting every book.  The job was quite daunting, but many helping hands filtered into and out of the library all day.  Agnes, the English teacher, and her 2 year old son Gerard, were a huge help.  She came in on all her breaks to assist me and even enlisted the aid of her Form 3 class.  The students made the work load a lot lighter.  I was glad that they took part in the improvement of an important aspect of their school. 

Slowly but surely, the books were organized on the shelves.  It was very hot in the room, since there wasn’t much breeze today.  Cayla came in after her morning at the clinic and was an enormous help.  I took a quick break to grab some fruit and a drink for lunch.  Sr. Vero came to the house and asked me to join her in one of the classrooms.  The teaching staff, nurses, and our hiking guides sat at tables around the room.  A separate table in the center was set for Cayla and me.  There was a bountiful buffet of sandwiches, fruits, and drinks.  Again, I was speechless and so happy.  I have only been here for three days, and the people of Visale are so grateful.  They don’t realize that they have given me new perspective and memories that I will treasure forever.

Several people stood up and shared kind words of thanksgiving to Cayla and me - the principal, the head nurse, Agnes, and Sr. Vero.  Agnes started crying when she expressed how much the library means to the school.  Now, they do not have to seek a librarian to come in and organize the books.  The primary and secondary schools will adapt new schedules that incorporate a library period.  English is a third language for the students, so reading is crucial.  If they continue practicing and reading, there is sure to be improvement in the English skills.  Students must pass tests mandated by the state every year or two in order to move on to the next form.  Usually if a student fails, he or she will not continue their schooling.  English is a large portion of the exam, so it is critical for them to get comfortable with the language.  Cayla and I said a few words of thanks to them for their generosity and spirit.  Cayla very insightfully told them that we were so happy to come to Visale and help in the school and clinic, but they way they live is perfect.  After the speeches, we were presented with beautiful shell necklaces on behalf of the school, parish, and clinic.  Then, everyone enjoyed the meal and the company.   

I returned to the library to plug away at the work.  It took a long time to label all the fiction, young adult, and children’s books.  Cayla and I wrote the genre and a number on small labels and taped them to the binding of each book.  This will make it easier to keep track of which books students’ borrow.  They will also be able to return it to the correct place on the shelf when they are finished since it’s in numerical order.  Sr. Vero scooped us up from the hot room, and we went for a walk.  She took us through the area where the sisters of Sacred Heart parish live.  We followed the path to the beach and sat on the shore to watch sunset.  I took an absurd amount of photos.  I never want to forget the beauty and serenity of this tiny island.  One of the sisters was out on the beach and brought us a few coconuts.  When she left, I said dou bongi (goodnight), and she was so surprised I knew some Pidgin.  She started cracking up and shook my shoulders with laughter.   “Dou bongi!” she replied.

The sun went down and I went back to the library with Cayla.  We worked in the darkness using a few flashlights and a lantern.  I had some help finishing up from another teacher, Cidrella.  An adorable baby and a bunch of kids were hanging around outside the door in the dark, very interested in the action.  We invited them inside and got them to cut tape and stick on labels.  Sr. Vero hung the curtains, and I unrolled a few mats to line the floor.  I put signs over each section and left a note on the door.  Cayla and I took a few victory photos in the room and were very satisfied with the work we had done.  I felt like a proud mother seeing the progress we made in such a short time.  I am so excited that I was able to help get the library started.  I think it will be a lasting resource for the school and Visale community.  It was quite a transformation from a dusty, disorganized room with more rat droppings than I have ever seen to a neat, welcoming library.  I hope children and adults will go there to learn and explore their imaginations.   

Cayla and I took showers before our last dinner with Sr. Vero.  She made a delicious meal, and we enjoyed our time together recounting the events of the day, asking questions, and joking around.  We said evening prayers, cleaned the kitchen, exchanged contact information, and went to our rooms to get to bed.  As I sat down to write this blog entry, the house started shaking - earthquake! Cayla and I froze and looked at each other.  Then we jolted up to get out of the house.  Sr. Vero was about to take a shower (which is underneath the house), and raced inside in her towel, frantic that we’d have to evacuate and she’d be running down the street naked.  At that point, the major vibrations of the earthquake were over, and we spent ten minutes recovering from laughter at the absurdity of the situation.  We listened to the radio and learned that it was a 6.5 earthquake and the epicenter was just south of Guadalcanal.  What a way to end these crazy few days.  Sr. Vero will drive Cayla and me to the ferry at 5:30 tomorrow morning.  We’ll try to get some sleep before another day of travel tomorrow.  I’m very sad to leave Visale.  I wish we had more time here.  I promise myself that I will be returning to this tropical heaven where I have gained so much perspective and made lifetime friends. 

Markets and Mountains

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

We began the day with our usual routine of mass at 6:15 at Sacred Heart Church.  After the service we met Joan, a woman from New Zealand who last visited the Solomons 50 years ago.  She is helping the Daughters of Mary Immaculate nuns with horticulture for six weeks.  For breakfast we had leftover rice, pineapple, and tea.  A hearty meal for a big day. 

Sr. Vero and I went into town right away to buy supplies for the new library!  I was so excited to get a few very necessary items to make the room inviting for the students.  It took about 45 minutes to Honiara, and Sr. and I chatted the whole way.  Sr. Vero is an incredible woman.  She has major responsibilities with the school and is extremely busy, but still manages to laugh all the time.  I really admire her.  We finally reached the school supply store where I purchased a notebook to start a system of recording book borrowing, labels to number the books, and colorful paper and plastic coverings to categorize the sections.  Next stop, we bought liner for the shelves so they will be easy to clean, mats for the open space on the floor, and material for curtains.  I was giddy with the idea of making the room into a library for the primary and secondary school students.  

At the Central Market, we bought a fish for dinner that was caught hours before.  Men stood 20 feet from the shore with huge coolers filled with reef fish - it was quite an interesting smell.  The heat was sweltering at this point, so Sr. Vero and I treated ourselves to an ice cream.  My passion fruit cone was heavenly, and I was pretty much hypnotized by how glorious it was.  We bought an apple for Cayla, and orange soda for the boys who would be our guides to the top of the mountain in the afternoon.  During this long shopping excursion, I must point out that everyone was bewildered by my presence.  I have never been a minority, and now I am outnumbered by the thousands.  The pointing and staring is comical, especially when Sr. Vero translates the Pidgin comments.  We were very amused by the attention, and I assured her that everyone was looking at her, not me.  On the ride back, we talked some more.  It is interesting to learn about the practices here, from marriages, to violence, to the medical system, to abortions.  Sr. Vero, Cayla, and I often talk about how things work in our respective cultures.

I ate a quick lunch of pineapple, mandarin, and muesli bar before walking 100 yards to the library.  A few strapping boys helped me move the library shelves to make the space open and welcoming.  Two teachers kindly helped me line the shelves, so they are ready for the books!  Everything is arranged in precarious piles according to category - fiction, non-fiction, novels, children, science, encyclopedias, religion, etc.  The real challenge with be alphabetizing and labeling them tomorrow.  

I scooted out after finishing the shelves at 3:15 to get ready for my big hike!  I stopped at the clinic to pick up Cayla, and they were having a crisis.  A man came for help by boat this morning.  He was throwing up blood for three days but couldn’t get transportation to a clinic.  The man finally arrived at 9:00 this morning, and they radioed for an emergency vehicle to bring him to the Central Hospital.  Six hours later, help had not arrived.  Cayla was convinced he had liver failure - his skin was yellow and his legs were swollen up to his knees.  It was extremely frustrating because the nurses were not concerned.  They began to worry very late in the game, and Cayla did all she could to encourage them to pursue other methods to get help.  Finally, an ambulance was confirmed.  The systems here are highly inefficient, and in a life or death scenario, it’s not ok to be on “Solomon Island time.”  

Cayla and I changed into hiking gear, refilled our water bottles, and met Jerry and Godric for the hike.  Two girls, Ritalina and Cecilia tagged along.  We were going to hike the mountain that overlooks the village.  The path is visible from the road.  It was quite the event for the village.  People peeked out their windows and trailed us down the road.  Sr. Vero told us when we returned that everyone lined up next to her house to watch our tiny figures to see us reach the top.  The hike was extremely difficult.  It started off at a slight incline, meandering through hike grasses and over little streams.  Then it turned into a full on ladder climb through dirt, rocks and “bush.”  My friend Dominic, who trailed me when I went for a swim yesterday, met us on the trail.  He is adorable, adventurous, and funny.  I called him “Monkey Man” for the hike because he would scramble up the trail way ahead of us then whistle and chant and wait for us to catch up.  Jerry was patient and quite the gentlemanly guide.  Godric brought up the rear and made sure we didn’t roll all the way back down the trail.  When we finally reached the top, we celebrated with pictures and water.  Cayla and I gave our four new friends (Cecilia only went with us for the beginning of the trip) chocolate granola bars, and I passed out Serengetee stickers as a reward for our triumph.  Little did I know the hardest part was yet to come.

Cayla and I opted for the other path down the mountain, because the ascent we took was so steep.  We were nervous about climbing back down that way.  Instead we bush walked through a wild pig’s dwelling, slid down steep muddy drops, and hung on for dear life to vines as we tried to descend.  Jerry, Godric, Ritalina, and Monkey Man were all barefoot, prancing down the mountain making Cayla and I look like fools.  They were very patient and very amused by us.  I loved every second of it.  It was a cross between Tarzan, Where the Wild Things Are, and The Jungle Book.  Ritalina made me a crown of leaves, so I looked the part swinging through the vines.  The trek back took much longer than I anticipated, and Cayla must have inquired 30 times if we were going the right way.  I was just nervous that the sun would set before we were out of the bush.  At long last, we came to the road.  Cayla wasn’t too keen on how the adventure worked out, and starting running when Sr. Vero’s blue house came into view.  We were all laughing when we got back - amused by everything that had happened.  

While Cayla took a shower, I went to get water with Sr. Vero.  My buddy Dominic came along.  He is the same age as John, so I think that’s why I like him so much.  Sr. Vero spoke to him in their language, and told me that he was so happy to have joined us on the hike.  Dominic ran into his house showing his dad the sticker I gave him.  Sr. and I filled a few water jugs at the spigot.  On the walk back in the dark, people were expecting us since they saw us on our trip to the water spigot.  I was prepared with dobogi (goodnight).  To my surprise and amusement, the young children were waiting on the verandah and said goodnight in English.  It was funny and exciting that both sides were eager to communicate in the other language. 

I took the most glorious cold shower and scrubbed my dirty clothing.  We ate the freshest dinner I have every had - fish from the market, papaya just picked from Sr. Vero’s tree, breadfruit, and green vegetables.  The three of us made a racket recounting our day and all the funny things that happened.  We said evening prayers together and cleaned up.  Every night I think this, but today was one of the best days of my life.  I’m sad that tomorrow is my last day in Visale.  There are still so many things to do, people to meet, and mountains to climb here.  I will have to make the most of tomorrow and be super efficient so that I can complete the library!  

The Work Begins

Monday, July 23, 2012

Sr. Vero, Cayla, and I woke up for 6:15 mass this morning.  The church is just across the road, and coincidentally, it is Sacred Heart Church - the same name as my church in Merrick.  It feels like home on the other side of the world.  It was still dark outside when mass began, and there is no electricity in the church.  The readers and the priest used a flashlight so they could deliver the readings.  When we left the church, Visale was bright with sunlight.  We walked through the wet grass back home for breakfast. I can’t get enough of the pineapple and watermelon.  Several people gave Sr. Vero pineapples to welcome us, so they are all over the house.  

Sr. Vero took Cayla and me to the secondary school, where I will be helping for the next few days.  I sat in on the teachers’ assembly, followed by the students’ assembly.  Sr. Vero had Cayla and I introduce ourselves to the students.  The head boy then welcomed us on behalf of his classmates, and we were presented with a gift.  Two girls brought in exquisite and fragrant leis, composed of yellow and white flowers.  I wore mine all day.  I am constantly overwhelmed by the welcoming, hospitable nature of the Solomon culture.  I hope that I can bring this aspect of the Solomon people home with me.  After the assembly, I observed and assisted in a Form 4 English class.  

I had a break following the lesson, and was chatting with a teacher about the room full of donated books that they are planning to turn into a library.  The principal contacted a neighboring school, hoping their librarian could come organize the books.  I said I would gladly help organize the books and make a system for borrowing so the students could utilize the materials.  The staff was so excited that I could help with this project because they have no idea how to go about it.  They unlocked the room, and I got to work by myself.  It was really a sad sight.  Two large bookshelves filled with dusty books randomly thrown on the shelf.  Rat droppings were all over everything and spiderwebs were thick in the dark corners of the room.  I started going through, book by book, and sorting them into piles.  It took a very long time to look through it all.  I took a lunch break with Cayla and Sr. Vero to relax for a little while and get hydrated.  When I returned to the soon to be library, I continued the job.  

By 3:30, I needed to escape the dust and rat droppings.  Rain began to pour, but I decided to go for a swim anyway.  Under my umbrella, I walked across the road, down to the beach.  I followed the shore for a little while and stuck my clothes under a tree in the hopes that they would stay dry.  Two young boys followed at a distance.  We waved to each other and they immediately started giggling.  While I was swimming around, I saw the two darting around in the trees and sand.  My first instinct was “oh no.  They’re going to take my clothes and I’ll have to run through the village with my bathing suit on while everyone is watching out their window.”  Luckily, I was just paranoid.  I swam in and they escorted me back.  The boys, Dominic and Tony, were so cute but there was definitely a mischievous air to their grins.  I was happy to make two new friends.  

I showered at the house and helped Sr. Vero prepare dinner.  I made omelets for the three of us.  Sr. Vero has never had one, so it was exciting to share with her one of my favorite meals.  I went a little overboard since there were so many fresh vegetables to choose from, but it turned out to be a success.  

We prayed evening prayers together, and made intentions especially for my brother John on his birthday.  Then we headed to bed early.  Since there is no electricity, we do everything by the sun.  I’m glad that I can help set up the school’s library.  I am bursting with ideas of how I can set up the room.  Sr. Vero will take me to town tomorrow so I can by some necessary supplies to get things going.  

Arrival in Visale

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Cayla and I woke up early to prepare a thank you breakfast for Sr. Catie and Sr. Stephanie.  We had to work with the ingredients in the cabinet and decided that french toast and fruit was feasible.  Cayla and I had a good system going and soon the table was laden with platters of french toast, chopped bananas, pineapple, watermelon, and tea.  They had never tried french toast before and enjoyed it.  We cleaned up together and were ready for morning mass.  Cayla and I went to the chapel at 8:00 and sat waiting for the service to begin.  The chapel is beautiful and exemplifies their culture.  There are no walls in the chapel and mural behind the altar is vibrant.  The students soon filed in, and a few girls we met yesterday sat down next to us.  The mass was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.  Most prayers are sung, and everyone participates.  The sound of hundreds of voices and a guitar filled the air and gave me chills.  It was an exquisite was to worship.  The young children squeezed onto the front benches and we adorable.

After mass, Cayla and I spent some time in the clinic with Sr. Catie while we waited for Sr. Vero to pick us up.  Sr. Catie is so entertaining and I grew to love her more every minute.  When Sr. Vero came, we hurried to pack our things in the car because we had to leave quickly.  There was a forecast of heavy rain and the roads to Visale often flood so we had to beat the weather.  Although Solomon Island time is slow, our goodbye to Sr. Catie and Sr. Stephanie was quick and we were off again.  We stopped at the other Dominican house in Panatina to bring Sr. Leonie home.  Cayla and I had a quick lunch there and were on our way to Visale.  The weather predictions were luckily inaccurate, and it was a beautiful afternoon.  The road to our new home wound around the edge of the island.  Wide-eyed, I had a spectacular view of the ocean from the car.  The government is repairing many of the small bridges, so we detoured several times through water channels, and did serious off-roading.  

Sr. Vero brought us to her house across the road from the school and clinic.  The other teachers live in the surrounding houses with their families.  We emptied the car then jumped right back in to visit her family.  Sr. Vero grew up in Visale and it seems like she’s related to everybody.  First, she brought us to the place she grew up.  It looked like a place found on the cover of National Geographic.  Right on the water, there is a crystal clear view of the ocean and mountains of Visale.  We met her cousin and her nieces and nephews before dunking in the tropical-temperature ocean.  There was a lot of reef, dead and alive that goes out from shore for hundreds of meters.  I wish I had brought my snorkel, but I did what I could opening my eyes under water.  The water was shallow all around so I paddled about, looking at deep blue starfish, coral with brilliant purple flecks, and some other interesting creatures I made sure I didn’t disturb.  Sr. Vero called to us from down the beach and waved us over.  We gathered our bags and joined her.  Sr. Vero’s cousin had set up a table with a bouquet of flowers on the beach so we could relax and eat fresh fruit.  It was so kind of her, and I was overwhelmed once again by the hospitality of the people here.  Sr. Vero’s nieces and nephews timidly came over and shared the food with us.  Then we learned they had a surprise.  Cayla and I closed our eyes and a necklace was tied around our necks.  The kids were giggling and embarrassed because they do not speak English and because they rarely see white people.  Cayla and I were so happy and speechless at their thoughtfulness.  

We said farewell and went to a village where Sr. Vero’s cousins live together.  It is an unbelievable set up - behind the gate are several huts with grass roofs fifteen steps away from the beach.  The kids were chomping on coconuts, the babies skipping around naked, and hammocks were hung from the trees.  This is the way to live.  We drank tea and ate dinner in this paradise.  Sr. Vero taught us a special way to cut pineapple, so Cayla and I will attempt it tomorrow.  

After meeting the head nurse at the clinic and the priest at the church, Cayla and I took refreshing showers using the spigot of cold water underneath the house.  Sr. Vero led us in evening prayer as we sat around a small shrine in her home.  We bombarded her with questions about life as a Dominican sister, and she happily answered.  We shared stories and laughed before heading to bed.  Solar energy is used in the house, so electricity is sparsely used at night.  We have flashlights available, but we will be rising and setting with the sun.  Today was one of the most incredible days of my life - the people are wonderful and the atmosphere is breathtaking.  It is a such a blessing to be here!  

Tenaru Cont'd

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Sr. Catie and Sr. Stephanie woke me up at 5:45 for mass this morning.  I brought my flashlight this time to guide the way as we trekked down the dirt road.  We ate breakfast using leftovers from dinner and toasted bread.  After a thorough cleanup, Cayla and I joined Sr. Catie at the clinic.  Only one woman came in this morning.  I kept busy making cotton balls, and soon some students came to do chores.  On Saturday mornings the students do maintenance work and help the sisters with cleaning.  Diane, and 18 year old in form 5, and I hung clean curtains in the clinic.  Everyone was working hard in the intense heat and humidity.  

Sr. Stephanie made another trip to the market, so Cayla and I accompanied her.  Brother Vincent was passing through so he kindly drove us.  We bought a few shell bracelets and wraps at the craft tables.  We couldn’t resist the fruit and came home with more bananas, peanuts, catnut, and another fruit that tastes like an orange but has green rind.  On Saturdays flowers are also sold in the central market.  Sr. Catie told us that sometimes she goes to market on the weekend just to look at the beautiful flowers.  We picked out a colorful bouquet for our cheerful companion.  Brother Vincent drove us back home and joined us for lunch.  He returns to Gizo tomorrow morning on a long boat ride.  We all promised to pray for a safe return journey. 

The sisters invited the three boys who cut their grass to eat lunch inside when they finished the work.  They were quiet, polite, and very sweaty as they enjoyed the meal.  I went wandering around the chapel to take photos.  The lush gardens surrounding it are bursting with vibrant colors and exotic flowers that I have never seen before.  Cayla joined me for a walk down the road.  We explored and had fun using our cameras in an attempt to capture the atmosphere of Tenaru.  The thick jungle alongside the road is wild and untouched - mysterious and magnificent.  

We returned to the house and got to work raking the front yard.  I take for granted that lawnmowers pick up the cut grass.  The boys cut the grass but the clippings lay thick on the lawn.  Cayla and I raked endless piles and deposited them on the muddy ditches to help dry out the water.  The rain began to come down lightly and was a great relief from the heat and humidity.  Soon it was down pouring so we heeded Sr. Catie’s call to come back inside.  

We returned to the house and decided to upload our pictures to our laptops.  Cayla and I showed Sr. Catie the photos we took, and she proved to be an eager audience.  Her “oohs” and “ahhs” kept us laughing, and I enjoyed entertaining her.  I showed her pictures of my family and that made her very happy.  She promised to pray for John on his birthday in a few days, and asked when everyone would come to visit Tenaru.  Her favorite photos are the ones of flowers.  Sr. Catie wanted to show me a few in her garden that I forgot to take pictures of.  I gave her the camera and taught her how to use it.  She was giggling and having a great time as she fumbled with the buttons and peeked through the eye piece.  It began to rain heavily so we rushed for shelter inside. 

Sr. Stephanie prepared a wonderful feast for our last dinner in Tenaru.  We munched on Solomon Island sweet potato, pumpkin, green beans, cabbage, and chicken wings, followed by watermelon and pineapple for dessert.  The fresh produce is tasty.  Cayla and I were excited to buy the sisters fruits and vegetables at the market to spice up their usual staple of rice.  They sincerely appreciated it and thanked us continuously.  It is a small gift we can give them in return for their warm hospitality.  Our little family chattered and laughed at the table.  We played a game “best, worst, God moment.”  Each person shared their best moment, worst moment, and moment where they felt God’s presence during the day.  Our collective worst moment was that a few patients at the clinic didn’t come back for their injections today.  Best moments included dinner, shopping in the market, and eating an apple (Sr. Catie is easy to please).  Sr. Stephanie told a few amusing stories during her turn.  Her whole body shakes when she lets out her contagious laugh.  

The sisters gave each of us a “laplap,” or sarong.  Cayla and I thought Sr. Stephanie had bought them for herself, and we were glad that she treated herself.  But in her usual generous fashion, she had bought them as a present for us.  We modeled them and gave the sisters hugs of appreciation.  Sr. Stephanie led us in a song of thanksgiving, and we cleaned the kitchen.  I’m sad to leave the sisters in Tenaru since we have been here for such a short time.  However, there are so many places to visit and more people to meet.  The opportunity to get to know these women has been a blessing.  Sr. Catie and Sr. Stephanie expect us to come back one day, and we intend to keep our promise!  The pair are two of the most wonderful women I have ever met.

Tenaru

Friday, July 20, 2012

I fell asleep to the sweet voices of the students practicing their hymns for mass.  Sr. Catie, Sr. Stephany, Cayla, and I woke up with the roosters.  We dressed in the dark, and Sr. Catie gave Cayla and I flashlights to guide us on our walk to the Marist brother’s chapel just up the road.  We wove through the grass on the side of the road where there with huge ditches full of water.  Frogs hopped around at our feet, and the first signs of light crept up through the trees.  The three of us joined four priests for early morning mass.  Fr. Cybil, a priest from Holland, offered the mass.  We met the other religious after the service then returned to Sr. Catie’s house.

We sipped tea as we prepared a breakfast of oatmeal and toast.  Sr. Catie put a generous amount of salt in the oatmeal, and laughing, realized as we were eating it that she added double the amount she intended.  We cleaned our dishes then went to the Good Samaritan clinic right across the road.  Sr. Catie is a nurse and helps the people in the area who come in for treatment.  She gave us a tour of the few rooms in the small clinic and wasted no time putting us to work.  Within fifteen minutes, Cayla was giving injections and I was cleaning and bandaging wounds.  One woman was hit in the head with a coconut and got her stitches removed on Wednesday.  She will be coming in daily to have the cut cleaned and bandaged with fresh dressings.  Another woman burned her finger and had a swollen, open sore.  Who knew I would actually be putting the first aid skills I learned in lifeguard training class to work.  After the morning rush of patients, Sr. Catie brought us to the school to meet the deputy, but he wasn’t there.  The students were on their break, so I talked to a few of the girls in form 12.  They were vibrant and excited to talk.  They told me about their plans to pass the exam and be admitted to form 13.  After that, they will have an opportunity for university scholarships in places like New Zealand, Australia, and Taiwan.  These are difficult to come by, however.  It would be incredible if one day a Solomon Islands student could come to Providence College for their degree.  The girls were interested in medicine, economics, and teaching.  After chatting for only a few minutes, they asked me for my email and home address so we could keep in touch.  They saw their teacher walking into the classroom and scurried off so they wouldn’t get into trouble.

Sr. Catie, Cayla, and I went home for tea and lunch.  The sisters are persistent and are trying desperately to “fatten us up.”  And I cannot complain... When Sr. Stephany got home from teaching, she took Cayla and I to the Honiara Central Market.  We walked a half mile down the dirt road, carefully avoiding muddy puddles.  A public bus, which is a large white van that has twelve seats (but about 20 people pile in), arrived and we climbed in.  There was a lot of traffic on the main road since it was a Friday afternoon.  On the way, Sr. Vero called Sr. Catie and asked us to come to a government office where Cayla needed to speak to someone in charge about her work helping in the clinics.  We took another bus back to meet Sr. Vero.  She was standing at the gate like a security guard.  Sr. Vero has a permanent smile stretching across her face, and her laughter is so free and uplifting.  She took Cayla and I into an office where a man asked Cayla if she was doing research and gathering data here.  We assured him that it is observation and that we wouldn’t take patients records back to the US.  It was time to jump into another bus and return to the market.  We finally found one with enough room for us, and attempted to get to the market again.  Cayla and I were the only white people among hundreds of Solomon Islanders.  While we took photos of the endless tables of fruits and vegetables, a few took pictures of us.  The market is under an enormous tent adjacent to the shore.  We were excited to help Sr. Stephany shop for food, and even happier to pay for it.  The three of us were loaded down by sweet potatoes, lettuce, watermelon, pineapple, tomato, shallot, and coconuts.  Cayla and I sipped coconut water through straws out of fresh coconuts while balancing the bags full of groceries.  We must have been quite a sight.  Our final purchase was four apples for Sr. Catie.  She told us they were her favorite fruit, and we promised her all day that we would find her a few at the market.  It began to rain while we waited on the curb for Sr. Vero to pick us up in her newly fixed car.  She arrived with Sr. Leonie and the five of us drove home.  

It is so enjoyable to be with the sisters.  They are kind, funny, thoughtful, and loving.  Together, their admirable traits are magnified.  They are happy to be together and their chatter and laughter light up the room.  We all sat together snacking on the vegetables while Sr. Catie prepared dinner.  Cayla and I will be with Sr. Vero in Visale from Sunday evening until Thursday morning.  She spoke to us about things we can expect to be doing there.  After a few failed attempts, we took a photo all together using the self timer feature on my camera.  Sr. Vero and Sr. Leonie left, and Sr. Catie, Sr. Stephany, Cayla, and I sat down to dinner.  Meal times are a wonderful chance for us to talk and enjoy each others company.  Their life stories are fascinating and I am trying to drink up everything they tell me.  

The four of us finally rose from the table to tidy up the kitchen.  Sr. Stephany washed the dishes and I dried them.  As we stood side by side, bumping into each other as we put things away, Sr. Stephany asked me how Cayla and I spelled our names.  Then she said, “Ah. Now I know what to tell the next woman who asks me what to name her twins - Clare and Cayla!”  She told me that often women come to the sisters and ask them to give a name to their child.  Sr. Stephany reminded me to be sure to leave my address so she can write to me when this happens.  I was so flattered by her gesture, I didn’t know what to say.  Every minute, the sisters impress me with how genuine and kind they are.  They embody poise and beauty.

At this point, Sr. Catie had eaten three of the four apples we bought for her.  It was like Christmas morning we gave her the fruit.  Every time I bite into an apple, I’m going to think of Sr. Catie. 

I took a much needed bath out of a bucket of warm water.  I utilized a few handy tactics I acquired during a week at Nazareth Farm in high school to make the most of the precious amount of water.  I managed to wash my entire body and clean my clothing from the day.  It is easy to see how much I take for granted the ease of water access at home.  Here, Cayla and I boil all the water we drink and use the buckets to bathe because the water frequently shuts off.  Fresh and clean at last, I am exhausted and ready to collapse in bed.  

Arrival in the Solomon Islands

Thursday, July 19, 2012

I jolted awake when my alarm rang at 3:45 a.m.  I washed up and carried my backpack and bag downstairs to wait by the door for Sue Bell top pick me up for the airport.  Christine woke up early to give me a hug and kiss goodbye.  Sue pulled up at 4:15 and in a daze, Cayla and I made our way through the Sydney airport.  Our flight to Brisbane went smoothly.  We took the air train to the international terminal and made our way through security without any trouble.  Cayla and I ate a breakfast of muesli, fruit, and yogurt at a cafe before boarding our plane for Honiara.  

Cayla lent me her kindle to read Heaven is for Real on the way.  I read for the entire trip and can’t wait to finish the enlightening and amazing account of 4 year old Colton’s encounter with God.  Cayla and I couldn’t contain ourselves when lush green islands came into view from our tiny plane window.  Tin roofs and small huts were visible from above.  We landed and climbed down the stairs into tropical humidity and warm sunshine - a complete change from the cold temperatures in Canberra we experienced just yesterday.  The airport was tiny and we breezed past the two check in stations.  After converting our money into Solomon Island Dollars, we sat on a bench outside to wait.  We weren’t exactly sure who was picking us up, when they would be there, or what they would be driving in.  Several people told us to remember that Solomon Island time means things will happen as they will.  So we made ourselves comfortable, and I prayed that they didn’t forget about us. 

Lo and behold, and smiling, enthusiastic Sister Catherine (Catie) had half her body out the window of a white pickup truck, waving and calling to us.  She gave us a hug and kiss hello, and welcomed Cayla and I to the Solomon Islands.  Sister Catie saw the plane landing, and realized it was time to get us.  She went out to the road and hailed down the first car she saw and asked for a ride to the airport.  Brother Henry happily picked us up.  I hopped in the bed of the truck with Sr. Catie, and Cayla sat up front with Brother Henry.  We drove along the main road which had various fruit and vegetable stands set up alongside it.  First stop was Panatina, one of the sisters’ houses.  We met several of the nuns and a woman from New Zealand who was their English teacher.  All were extremely kind and welcoming.  We sat around their table and snacked on bananas while Cayla distributed notes sent from Annie Wendel to the friends she made on her fellowship trip last summer.  We didn’t want to hold up Brother Henry, so we only stayed a short while before heading for Sr. Catie and Sr. Stephany’s home at St. Joseph’s School, Tenaru.  

The dirt road made for a bumpy ride in the back of the pick-up.  We passed the teacher’s houses, the chapel, and the school before getting to Sr. Catie’s home.  It is raised above the ground on stilts right next door to the student’s living quarters.  Sr. Stephany met us at the door and invited us inside.  Cayla and I talked with her while Sr. Catie went back to the airport to get her nephew Francis who was arriving from Gizo to return to St. Josephs for the term.  It is evident already that Sr. Stephany is a strong, wise woman.  She told us about her family and a tragic incident that killed her mother.  A coconut tree fell on a car her mother was in and killed her, leaving six children and a husband behind.  It was so humbling to her of Stephany’s difficulties, and I appreciated her opening up to us.

When Sr. Catie returned, we sat down to dinner.  Sr. Stephany said grace and the two broke into a welcome song.  Their eyes sparkled and their smiles grew as they gave Cayla and I a traditional welcome.  It was so heartfelt and joyous, I couldn’t be happier to be here.  We ate chicken, corn, rice, and vegetables for dinner.  I have to be careful with the water here and be sure to boil it before drinking.  The sisters insisted that Cayla and I sleep in their beds tonight.  We tried to persuade them to let us sleep on mats in the main room, but they wouldn’t be swayed.  Their hospitality is incredible.  They sent us to bed because we’ve had a long day.  I’m grateful to have arrived safely and to be in the hands of the Dominican sisters.  

Canberra

Monday, July 16 - Wednesday, July 18, 2012

On Monday morning, Ann and John Gibbins picked me up at the Vosila’s home for a short trip to Canberra, the capital city of Australia.  Cayla and I snoozed during the 3 hour drive.  We made a pitstop for lunch along the way and visited a creepy exhibit at a historic courthouse.  In the dark court room, a voice recording and spotlights reenacted a trial using disintegrated, life size mannequins.  Although thoroughly spooked, we didn’t lose our appetites and enjoyed a quick meal at an outdoor cafe.  The four of us hopped back in the car and made our way to Canberra.  We visited Australian Catholic University and got a tour of the small campus.  It is centered around two main buildings and has a student body of about 1,000.  Following our visit, we checked into the Carotel Motel and made ourselves at home.  Ann and John brought us to an Australian Football Club for dinner.  It was huge, with a bar, dining area, and casino section.  It was quiet Monday night, but Cayla and I appreciated the experience.  

Cayla and I with the Solomon Islands flag

Tuesday was productive and we squeezed in every activity possible.  We went to the new Parliament house at 8:30 and did a self guided tour.  It was a foggy morning, so we couldn’t see the views very well.  The four of us returned to the ACU campus and met with Christine King, who plays an active role with the Indigenous community.  She is Indigenous and told her story of separation from her family as the government attempted to “whiten” her people.  We discussed ongoing issues and also progress that has been made over the years.  Her stories and information were fascinating.  The troubles of the Indigenous people are very similar to that of Native Americans.  All too soon, we had to leave for another meeting.  

Nick Seselja, the campus minister, was waiting for us in his office.  We chatted about the programs at ACU and about what the PC campus ministry center has to offer.  After that we were on the move again, and visited the science center, the national library, and the National Museum of Australia.  All were very informative.  Back at the motel, Cayla and I went for a run before having burgers and beer for dinner in town.  

Bird's Eye View of Canberra

Wednesday we visited the veteran’s memorial and got a beautiful glimpse of the city and monuments from an overlook.  Cayla and I then got to observe presentations at ACU for drama and arts classes.  We spoke to several students who are finishing their certification to become teachers.  Then we were back on the road, and I got home to the Vosila’s at 3:30.  I spent some time packing and doing laundry before enjoying a delicious meal Christine prepared.  Just a few more things to take care of and I’ll be ready for my 4:15 a.m. pickup for the airport.  Tomorrow, Cayla and I finally set out for our highly anticipated four week stay in the Solomon Islands!  

Wrapping up the Weekend

Sunday July 15, 2012

This morning we woke up to a fresh layer of snow on the mountain and clear skies.  We got an early start to make the most of our last day in Thredbo.  Rachel, Rick, Nicole, and I were on the chair lift by 8:30.  The conditions today were great.  The views were gorgeous, and a rainbow was visible as we skied down the slopes.  By the end of the morning I was on the intermediate slopes thanks to the expert guidance of Rick, who was like a private instructor for the weekend.  Considering I haven’t been skiing since I was seven, it was a proud accomplishment for Rick and I.  We all did run after run until we were sore and hungry.  At Merritt’s cafe we grabbed a bite then headed to the lodge to pack up the cars.

Rainbow behind Merritt's Cafe

Although it was a long trek home, time passed quickly as Rachel and I took in the rural Australian landscape, took turns as dj, and chatted away about everything under the sun.  She starts “uni” tomorrow, and I will head to Canberra for two nights. 

More Thredbo

Saturday July 14, 2012

The weather was pretty treacherous for skiing when we woke up this morning.  So naturally, we headed for the mountain.  Christine prepared a filling breakfast, before we braved the wind, rain/hail/snow, and ice.  After a couple of runs and graceful wipeouts, we took a hot chocolate break.  One more trip down the mountain and we were wiped out.  It took a few minutes in a steaming shower to get feeling back in my fingers and toes.  

Bundled up on the summit

Mass at Thredbo Chapel

Rick, Christine, Rachel, Patrick, and I went to mass at the chapel in the village.  It was a small room lined with windows, where we got an up close and personal view of the stormy weather outside.  The sacristan came around asking for help, and I was happy to get the chance to be and Eucharistic minister for the mass.  On our walk back to the lodge, the Saturday night festivities on the mountain began.  We ran up the hill to our room to watch.  There was a “flare run,” in which skiers cruise down the mountain holding flares in a long train, lighting up the slopes.  They form a large circle at the bottom and extinguish their torches together as fireworks go off.  It was so exciting to watch, and since I missed the 4th of July fireworks in the US, it was a very happy compromise.

Everyone had a hand in our last dinner at the lodge.  It was quite an extensive menu, and we spent hours at the table together.  During the meal, it began to snow.  Australians get incredibly excited about snow, and it was the first time some beginner skiers ever saw snow fall.  Everyone hoped it would keep up so we would have good conditions in the morning. 

Thredbo

Although it was Friday the 13th, it was a successful first day on the slopes (more like really big hills) of Thredbo, Australia.  Rick was a calm and patient ski instructor as I got the hang of it.  After three runs on the beginner hills, I was deemed worthy of bigger things.  We met Rachel and Nicole up the mountain and skied a couple of runs in the rain.  The conditions were far from stellar, but I had so much fun anyway.  We ate lunch at a warm and inviting eatery on the mountain.  Our gloves and hats dried out a little bit before we braved the weather again.  After a few more rides down the mountain and back up the chairlift, we were soaked and ready for hot showers.  Rick and I trudged back to the lodge and Rachel and Nicole arrived soon after.  We all dried off, and I indulged in endless cups of tea to warm up.

Hitting the slopes

I relaxed with the girls, watched Chicago, and helped get dinner together.  Some more of the Vosila’s family friends arrived and we spent hours snacking, eating dinner, and enjoying each others company.  I was asked about the Simpsons, college, yellow school buses, and various other American novelties that intrigued my new Australian friends.  I’m so happy to be here spending time with such a great group of people.  We have been joking that so far on my “service trip” I have been on the receiving end of the service.  I promise I will be making up for it on beginning on Thursday, and I really can’t wait for the day to arrive.  

Dinner with my adopted family and friends!

There is a lot of speculation about the weather forecast for the next two days, and I find it all very amusing.  It reminds me of home and the endless discussion about whether or not the waves will be good.  I think we’ll just have to find out when we wake up in the morning.  

Road Tripping

Sr. Rose Mary met with Cayla and me today to discuss more details about the Solomons.  We went over our travel information and looked through slide shows of photos from events in Auki.  A week from today we will finally be there!

Cayla, Sr. Rose Mary, and I at Santa Sabina College

After lunch, Rachel, her friend Nicole, and I set off for a road trip to Thredbo or “the snow.”  We’ll be doing some Australian skiing for the weekend with the Vosila’s and some of their family friends.  We made a few pit stops for snacks and bathroom breaks, but about 6 hours later we arrived.  When it got dark, my head was out the window looking at the sky for most of the drive through rural Australia.  The stars are absolutely incredible here without the city lights.  I have never seen anything like it.

The lodge is cozy and I’m looking forward to the next few days.  We ate another delicious dinner, and sat around the table for a few hours, chatting and making friends with other visitors in the lodge.  

Sightseeing

This morning I woke up to a beautiful sunny day in Sydney.  I ran to Olympic Village which is just a few blocks away from the Vosila’s home.  The stadiums and parks were awesome, and it was fun to explore the area.  The facilities are open to the public now, so athletes and coaches were walking into the different venues for morning training and practices.  It was definitely an inspirational place to go for a run!  After getting lost in the area, I found my way home and was ready for a day touring Sydney.

Rachel took Cayla and I to the store to pick up a few last minute items for the Solomons.  Afterwards, we went to lunch with her friends at a Middle Eastern restaurant in Balmain, a geographic section of Sydney.  The area is right near the harbor and has “heaps” of restaurants and shops.  Following our delicious meal, we sat in a small park that overlooks the bridge and opera house.  The view was gorgeous.  We hopped on a ferry to the main part of the city and walked around the shops that lined the waterside.  Rachel, her friend Laura, Cayla, and I got a drink and sat outside at a table overlooking the boats and bustle of Sydney in the afternoon.  Rachel did a wonderful job planning the day for us and was proud to show off her home.  She took us to the salt water pool, which is literally in the harbor, where she played water polo during school.  We all enjoyed the relaxing afternoon and great company.  Later on, we had dinner with the Bell family, at their cafe.  It was nice for Cayla and me to have dinner together with our home stay families.  

Sydney Opera House from the ferry

Cayla and I enjoying the view from a park in Balmain