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