"First time for everything"

Hello once again, as the theme suggests, this past few weeks have had many firsts. Like Royce being the chairman and opening a meeting in Bislama, he did well, short and simple. He was nervous as you can imagine but so was I. I also conducted my first bislama study alone, well not really alone I guess....... but it certainly drew on my brain power, Sara,  helped me with my bislama at the same time I was explaining the bible to her. We also went to a little resort, as is our custom on Mondays (today yeh) and paddled in the rockpools, fossicked and relaxed. Royce slept for several hours in the afternoon, on a deck chair as the tide slowly came in. As  we walked along a coconut lined road,  back to the main road, hundreds of little birds darted about us, it was surreal, these tiny black swallow like birds appeared from nowhere, a bit like the scene in snow white.We couldn't capture it on camera but the scene is firmly painted in our minds. At first we thought they might be swooping us but we have sinced told they were feeding, either way it was amazing.  Oh our first, while we walked, we at the same time kept an eye out for a vehicle we could get a ride in. No we have never hitch hiked before.... so with thoughts of Ivan Millat entrenched in my memory, we kept a lookout, assured by local that this is what you do here for transport.  We were 20 km from town so as we prepared for a looooooooong walk a little car appeared around the bend and true to ni-van word he stopped and offered us a ride. He was a lovely young man ( sounding very old)  who discussed the bible and his love of santo with us. Gradually my active imagination relented and I released my grip on my weapon of choice, my umbrella, and enjoyed our forward journey. Now what was it my mother said...."never get into stingers cars" sorry mum........while on the subject of transport, we caught our first bus to the said resort, very cheap to do here but you just have to know which mini bus to hail down. Fortunately our driver lives further up the coast and is a pastor, he was extremely nice and when he found we were witnesses blong Jeova and here as volunteers, he offered us to stay at his beach bungalows, right next to the sea, we can stay for 5000 vatu per night including breakfast. It is a ten minute walk from his beach to champagne beach. Yes yes, what is 5000 vatu in aussie dollars $62 a night, usually 8000 v per night. We took his number and will definitely take up his offer. He has since seen us walking around town and insisted on dropping us home. So it looks like we have another first to look forward to.

Yesterday I got to experience my first bike ride in Vanuatu,  on my bike ( well Michael s bike  but in tru ni-van style , if its family you own it anyway lol) I was going on studies on the Sunday afternoon and at 1.30 it is quite warm, so I dusted off the cobwebs and rode to meet a sista with whom  I was going. At least I brightened the day for the already happy locals, all calling hello as I passed, truck loads of Ni-Vans all called out hello as well, laughing and smiling, no doubt at the 50 something white lady riding a bike in the middle of the day. I must say the suspension was better than most taxis here in Santo and the ride down the hill was exhilarating,  wind gently blowing in my hair, big smiles from the brothas & sistas going to afternoon meeting. ( I had my shorts under my skirt , just in case) The ride back up the hill wasn't quite so exciting, think I need better lungs for that exercise, had tried to convince Royce to take the return journey as he had an elders meeting, but to no avail. By the time I stopped at the market and loaded up fresh veggies, I resembled like a china man out of one of those scenes in the movies.  I really enjoyed my first ride here and sure there will be many more, now need to get a second bike for Royce!!!!!! 

Royce currently has a very painful knee and is hobbling around in pain and I have an infected thumb, which I have visited the doctor about twice, it has been infected and swollen for over a week but salt baths are still the go. It seems to nearly stop aching and then flairs up again. Planning on taking it to solwata today. (The beach- salt water) 

Well there is probably much more I could bore you with but will leave it there for now. From Santo to you, ale ta ta.

We Walk

Yes, we walk And walk, and walk, and walk, we should be pretty fit! Life in Santo, you see no kangaroos or emus, but plenty of chickens and smiley faces. Well hooray, finally have money in our account and my prescription glasses arrived, only took a month!!! There was much rejoicing here. The couple who we share accommodation also went house sitting, so it was great to be alone at last. 

We had 722 at the memorial, with 3 isolated groups still to report attendance! Half an hour before it began the hall was already bursting at the seams, and many were also seated in the outside area. During the memorial the heavens opened and unleashed a huge rain storm, many seated outside would surely have been affected, but they sat despite the rain. 

We went on studies on Saturday as the other 3 out had an arrangement and invited us along, in total 9 studies were conducted, we were out for 6 hrs. Royce was with 1 brother and I was with a sister, we both had to conduct at times, in Bislama...... quite daunting. We were both brain dead by the end. Wqs amazing, 1 after the other, boom, boom , boom! No cuppas, no socializing,  full on!!! Enjoyable but tiring,.

We decided to invite a young family for tea after Sunday meeting,, I asked before "would you like to come for a cuppa after" (so I couldn't change my mind) she told me she would tell me after meeting.  After meeting,  she asked if we could make it Monday instead. No problems, said I. She then told me her house needed cleaning, I realised she thought I wanted to go to her place...... finally I got through that I would never invite myself, that would be rude...... finally convincing her they were to come to our place, phew.....then we waited and waited, finally arriving for "kakae" (food,evening meal) not cuppa. Need to practice more bislama. You can imagine how mortified I was when I realized the mistake. Fortunately I rustled up a meal and they were none the wiser. We had a great night. The family has twin boys, one is disabled and they have to leave him home when they go to meetings as the cant carry him. They have no car, like most here. His mum said he makes much noise and they have no mothers and babies, no disabled toilets, and at 9 they have no other option than put him in a room and leaving him home. How very sad that is!!! They have 3 boys in total and are such a lovely family. They have no special school to send him to, so as mum and dad they share the load. Her mother died when she was 3 and his parents are also dead , so no grandparents to lend a hand!!! 

Sande 12 Eprel:

Well another busy week has past and have 2 more studies. Went to another isolated village yesterday, and after getting permission from the chief we set out, everyone listened intently and the children again followed after seeing the Caleb dvd. Most children school English so really enjoy, many babies still cry at the sight of white fella (me) they call me Missus quite often , which takes me back to a bygone era. I feel & rear they still think white people are higher. Hopefully we are helping to break those barriers. Many stare in amazement when we see a bro or sis in the street and greet them with a hand shake, a hug or a kiss. They are very affectionate as a people but the white people hear are mostly well off. We were invited to a couples home last night for tea, when we arrived I commented that there shed was no longer there, it burnt down 2 weeks ago. ( just after the invitation was extended) but they had not tried to go back on the invite, not said a word. The shed was there kitchen, most are separate from the house, so nowhere tomcook for us but they still had us, and we had a fantastic night. They wanted to hear our stories they said. (Royce was in his element, lol not really) as it turns out they told there stories which were much more interesting. 

Still raining here, but still warm, we thought Warragul rained!!!!! Man this is incredible, but not cold and when it stops, it is quite warm and steamy. 

Yesterday while out I spoke to a lady who operates a cafe at a beautiful blue hole on her land, she prefers to read English and has asked me to come back with English literature,  come swin, pinic. I definitely will be finding away back, but as we have no car and 3/4 hr drive we will have to solve transport issue first!!! 

I received a parcel the other day which included many good things, but I am so enjoying having my morning cuppa , with leaf tea. Sheer opulance as you cant buy here!!! Yes still enjoying the small things, too many to mention. Till next time, ale ta ta . X x

Holding On

Sometimes getting there is Half the Fun

Sunny Selfie

Royce really blends in, you hardly notice him.

Memorial prep

The crow of a rooster marks the beginning of another day in paradise! Although our rooster is only new at his job and it is 4.30am and he sounds like he is yodeling more than crowing, he has a lot to learn. Lol.  Fortunately the other roosters who follow suit , to herald the day are much better at there job. Well we have been busy in the ministry, enjoying imensley each morning. It seems no matter the territory, there is happy faces waiting to hear the good news about their future. Last week we returned home with giant avocados , massive pumplemouse and a happy heart! They really appreciate the fact we have moved from Australia to help, and although our bislama is very basic, they listen intently ( perhaps to TRY and understand us) We are so appreciative of the opportunity we have been given. 

Yesterday Royce helped 2 local brothers erect a big makeshift veranda to side of the haos kingdom, in readiness for the memorial, quite a big job for one day. For the circuit assembly they do the same thing but right around the haos Kingdom ( kingdom hall) Makes us realise how easy we have it in Australia, go do a clean up and we're done! Royce said they were throwing huge rocks the size of besser bricks up to the brother on the roof to catch and put into place. (Lets hope cyclones have finished lol) 

A month in paradise

Well we've past the one month mark! Strange thing is the bank STILL hasnt been able to give us access to any money yet, most days consistof a least 1 visit to the bank and invariably they tell us, " come back tomorrow" , we gather thats the answer to most hard tasks..... island life, no hurry man, plenty coconuts and bananas!!! 

Positives.........most days we are given something by some one in the field or cong. I have learnt to carry a bag with me. Avacado, pomplemous,  all of which are 3 times the size of aussie equivalent. One beautiful sister gave me a bag of huge red passion fruit,  her last for the season ( yep, and triple our size) & a chook, or fowl , as they call them. So here we are carrying 1 said fowl, and 1 bag of fruit as we go out in the ministry, walking of course. That day I'm guessing we walked8- 10 km. Wish I had brought a foot spa with me, but a dish of water does the trick. On Saturday afternoon, as we meandered back from a study on the other side of town, a car whizzed by and a head appeared out the window calling my name, one of the sisters had seen us. It brought a smile to our faces instantly. It's the small things in life that makes you feel special sometimes.  Yesterday a taxi cruised past, checked us out then came to a halt, I told him we were fine walking, he explained that Royce had spoke to him a few days earlier and had recognized us andstopped to see if he could get some new magazines please as he loves reading them!! Little things that make your day!!!!! Change the ordinary into to extrodinary.  Mind you, being here, doing this, NOTHING is ordinary. We are so privileged.

And you thought you had Rurals?

 

Back to the food donations!!!! One young sister tells me she has some bananas for us, 2 huge hands of bananas ( we're talking 30 plus) so home we trott with bananas hanging from us, up the huge hill we climb in 30 degree heat to get home, occasionally feeling a creeping feeling on my neck........ earwigs....... crawl up the bag and across my neck, eventually realizing the bananas were the host. I quickly hand ball the bag to Royce, telling him his 6 week post op is up!!!!! No, he offered to lug them home, cutting off circulation in his fingers along the way.

We have added a shelf to our bedroom, Royce reminded me that as soon as we finish renovations,  we move, so he is concerned our time in this room is comming to an end! We now have 2 shelves and a desk on which to place our belongings, me may need to simplify. Lol

Well its all systems go here for the memorial, clean up day is Friday ( why wait till the last minute, tomorrow.......) 6.00AM★★★★★ start. When I asked if we should bring some thing, the reply, your bush knife, MACHETTE!!!!!! At least we won't wake the neighborhood with lawn mowers and blowers! Our haus Kingdom is in the same street as the Mormon chuch, and that is immaculate.  We will let you know attendance here, all are keen and ready to go. By the way, not one easter egg, seen in shops here! 

Food relief  for the smaller Islands affected by cyclone, has been organised by New Caledonia and will be distributed this week. 

The C.O. Jon Luke & wife Virgini, flew out to island of Banks today, they had been affected by the cyclone,he will visit and have the memorial with them. He only just cme back from Port Vila, as they had gone too the zone talk in New Cal when cyclone struck. 

Well I think I could sart my only news joural! May not be interesting though! No TV or radio, so who knows what happens in the world outside Vanuatu!!!! The only news we hear of is the cyclone!!! 

Till next report, stay safe, thanks for reading, thanks for the comments, ale tata. ♥♡

Life on an island

Over 3 weeks have past since we arrived here in Santo. I can now understand alot more of a conversation and each day we get a little better with the language.  We have become proficient at washing our clothes by hand and getting use to the fact we cant afford to go buy chocolates at the local supermarket.  Starting to find our way around the market and often walk to the one near by  to get fresh fruit and vegetables.  You can only buy fruit in season and some look completely different to what we get in Australia. The cabbage looks and tastes like silverbeet. The grapefuit ( pumplemouse) is much sweeter and makes a delicious drink. The bananas are green but they taste ripe and are delicious.  

There are many geckos and they squeal,  a bit disconcerting at first but getting use to the noise now, was glad the droppings all around are from them and not mice..........Lots of very skinny puppies and dogs, sorry all dog lovers, most are not treated well, very malnourished and dont think they know what desexing is!!!!!!! Many skinny chooks and heaps of fluffy cute chicks. They call ducks , dukduk, how cute....

The children love to say hello to us, many look with there huge brown eyes and plead with them for a hand shake. They are polite and quiet and a little shy. But they seem intrigued with us white people. I went into a shop the other day and a little (5-7) disabled girl was walking in holding her dads hands . She kept pulling back so she could touch me, she grabbed my hand and smiled the biggest smiled, then she drew it to her mouth and kissed it. She was then happy!! I stepped out side as her dad put her in the car, she saw me, her face lit up and she beckoned me over. She again grabbed my hand , squeezed it, kissed it and smiled. I asked her name and she told me and asked mine. As she drove off she waved and beamed from ear to ear. What a darling. And to think she could make me feel so special and make my day was awesome.  Moments like that are hard to put into words! 

If we wanted anominity, we came to the wrong town. Many already recognize us and greet us like locals. Today a Mormon couple introduced themseves and asked if Royce was the new Jehovahs Witness pastor. They had seen us out in our ministry work. They are here for a year from America,  Cheryl & Sherman, they had some words of advice and wished us well. Trying to get a bank account has taken 3 weeks, what a drama and tried to transfer money into it and apparently the BSB doesnt work... They just say come back tomorrow.  Immigration is even worse, sending us back and forth to get photo copies, go to another place to pay fee, back again only to be told we need to get more photocopies.  And thats after you finally get them working, closed for an hour and half at lunch. Closed tuesday because a plane lands Tuesday.  Only open half day friday. Also closed Wednesday,  but who knows why, suppose to be open. Sometimes they are there with door closed and they callout the window, " come back later " or they are sitting down at the water talking. That's life, Santo style...... a lot frustrating.  Anyway we paid for and got a 4 month visa but have to go back every month to get it stamped. To get 12 month up front need to send to Port Vila, but we are guessing that that would be worse at present. Many local businesses rely on PortVila so the cyclone has  had a flow on effect here. 

We shower in cold water which is quite refreshing,  we have town water (hot) but apparently water is contaminated due to cyclone, so probably just as well we have tank water. Safer. We were working up around the hospital emergency the other day, it was so busy with everyone but many families, we spenta bit of time with them and they seemed to appreciate our efforts. The preaching work is so rewarding and all are so happy to see you and want you to spend time, young old, men and womens. The cart work is exceptional. The local brothers and sisters so interested in finding everyone, and when you are in an area you pass people walking , reading what they have been left. They have so so little but all have the biggest smile and want to share what they do have. Today I came home with juice and a pumplemouse.  

Last Saturday we were working a little french community they live on the banks of a azure blue stream,  you could see right through the waist deep water, then at the edge of the village was a blue hole, not a tourist attraction, just sitting there for all to enjoy!!! The people work on a cophra plantation and live off the food they grow. There huts are made  from trees around them, many sitting repairing there roofs with banana leaves they had woven. They are very resourceful. Sadly there are many kava bars in most settlements and that is a big socil problem here.

We are busy preparing for the memorial of Jesus death, the 100 odd congregation expect 800 to attend this year plus numerous isolted groups. Some groups have built special house kingdom huts just for the memorial. They preach with an urgency to get all to come along. Today it was bucketting down , so up with umbrellas and off we headed, the sister with me just put her arm around me and huddled under the cover of the umbrella with me. We trudged merrily through puddles and long grass, smiling all the way. When the rain finally stopped she said, " we have been blessed"Got to love their spirit!!!!

The C.O. Just got back from Vila this week and said the situation is bad there, they have cleaned up and now just starting to rebuild. Our cong of poor brothers donated fruit and vegetables ( a truck full ) to Port Vila. When they went to the wharf to take the truck  there were many trucks waiting in line to biard the ferry, one by one the trucks were being turned away, eventually they got to the brothers truck and he was waved on board!!!!!!! HOW ABOUT THAT.  So all are being cared for. Many volunteers flying in daily from Australia we are told. 

Well if you have reached this point, than you for reading, I hope you weren't bored! Until next time. Ale tata

Sunny and well

Hello again from sunny Santo, the last post was delayed due to no internet. Only one provider operating here still. No phones, no tv and little radio coverage.  We know Santo escaped will little damage compaared to Effate and some of the small islands. Brothers are working hard to get homes built and get food supplies to the brothers. The weather here is back to magnificent.  Since the cyclone many butterflies have appeared, they are beautiful.  As we call on people,  they continue to clean up there homes and do the repairs as needed. The people here are so resiliant and realise how fortunate they have been, but also saddened to hear reports as they come in. The ministry still astounds me daily, today I started a study on the invitation work and go back tomorrow for next study. One girl I met Tuesday in cart work, returned the following day to bring me a coconut (now there is a first) & has invited us to her island to stay , eat and be taken around.  I think she will also study with me. It's amazing,  still pinching my self every day. Missing our family and friends but trying not to dwell on that. Goodfella day to all x x x x

Pam

Friday 13 2015

Well our visitor has arrived!! After much anticipation cyclone Pam arrived in a furry or should I say whirlwind!! As the day passes the rains increase & the winds intensify. At this point, 4.18 pm you hear the thunder of the wind roaring up the hillside.We are near the top of that hill but nestled into a convenient dip, so the gale continues on above us leaving water, leaves and debris in its wake. It so not cold, although I do have on a windcheater. (Not surprising for those who know me) 

The power went off around noon & at that time the weather still allowed for moments of playful folley & removal of debris in between bouts of storms. Now however, it would only be the brave or foolish who venture out.

I spare a thought for those we have already met this week who live beside the river or on the seafront on the various islands. There little huts could hardly stand the forces of Pammys wrath. The dear little children who had so little already, probably now not even having a dry place to sleep.

Most of the day has been spent, learning Bislama for Royce, and I have busied myself with various tasks, scrubbing the veranda,  making a cake, tea, writing in my diary,  listening to music, much of which brings happy memories flooding back. I even had a chance to have alittle dance in the rain and a shower under an overflowing water spout....... its the small things that give so much pleasure.  

Why...... I even found time to sit back and begin a novel I have long desired to read " the shifting fog" by Kate Morgan, oh how decadent & I am so enjoying it.......perhaps I may get to finish it if we are shut in for 3 days as predicted, we'll see. Silver linings as SOMEONE reminded me about.

We have no phones, so am guessing the zone talk for tomorrow will not be hooked up. We will just wait and see, that's how life is here in vanuatu, no stress man!!!!! As I put my thoughts to paper , royce sleeps, not feeling the best due to over exertion,  chopping, digginng,tieing things down at interval............I prefer choc tops!

Well my friends its ale tata from Luganville, the big wet.

Wan a bigfella storm!!

In the space of a few hours the yard has been transformed into a war scene! The sky is dark and the rain relentless.  No crevis is safe from the squalls that continue to come!

The Night Pam came for a Visit.

Amazed

Well life in Vanuatu is a real buzz. So close to Australia but so different. The people are relaxed, happy, inquisitive ( esp of white people) & poor. That being said they are rich in family life and values and are truly spiritual people. We have way too much materially compared to them. They share what little they have and a smile seems to be permanently on their faces. Our living conditions are way below what we are use to. We are trying hard to understand bislama. I think they struggle to understand us!!!!!

Here we are!

Well there are so many moments you need to pinch yourself to see you are not dreaming. At the moment it is 5.30am and I am sitting outside under the verandah , the sky is red (not a bad sign here) roosters crowing in distance properties. A gentle breeze is blowing as Luganville comes to life. The day warms very quickly but there is a need to start early so it doesn't matter.

Yesterday we started the day at a similar time as the group was 7am. We had to be on our way by 6.30. By 7.15 I was on the back of the Ute with many others heading to the boat to Marlo. Everyone you meet along the way gets a witness and everyone wants to listen. Royce sat in the Ute as still quite sore. Just as well as it was a bumpy rough ride, although they laugh and talk all the way, so so much fun. We were on the island for over 10 hours and the only time we stopped was to eat our packed lunch on the beach, where the local people brought us mats (& a chair for Royce) to sit on & then came and sat too. The children played and enjoyed every moment of our time there. They had ran ahead of us landing in our boat to tell their families we were on our way. Every hut, family commune or person we met on the track, listened intently. All invited us in to their tiny humble homes. The entire family sat in and took all we offered. Some were so happy they were thanking Jehovah as they thought they had missed out. Others who we had missed came to find us at the spot where the boat would meet us, to hear our message. I cant put into words how amazing the day was but we felt we were starring in " the best life ever " DVD.

Claudine ( the caretakers wife were we live) stated a study and many more pleaded with us to return. As the children all learn English I used all my english literature on them. They were still walking around with their treasure hours later. They have almost nothing in their homes, a piece of wood to sit on sometimes but mainly grass mats, they wash in water collected in drums outside and have cooking utensils. I took 24 Bislama magazines and came home with none! Claudine placed all 48 she carried. And all the others were much the same. 

While we waited for the other part of the group on the beach for 2 hours (island time) us sistas went swimming in our clothes, by then all the island children were swimming in the crystal clear waters too. They found it hilarious, especially the crazy white lady!!! They called our names and swam with us. The boat came with our french speaking CO sitting on top of roof with his french foreign legion hat on! He lives at the Kingdom Hall and spends one day visiting a Cong and 1 week in Luganville.  

By the way no coffee breaks no toilet stops! 

By the time we arrived back in Luganville and Jon Luke ( the CO ) dropped us all off at our varies location it was well after 7 pm, a long day but so so so rewarding.

MOST PEOPLE ON Marlo and the ones were with wanted to see our family, in particular our boo boos,( grandchildren name here) they love family.  

So bottom line is we are busy , tired but well. We do miss you all and wish you could come to experience this life.........