Thursday 1 October
Thursday morning after 6am Mass, we turn our heads for home. The connections we have made have really shown how the Dominican family is a global reality and we have had a sense of home in every location.
What we have noticed more than the huge cultural and geographical differences, are the similarities. Shared joys and hopes and stresses and anticipations…and it was such a great joy to make these links.
We were farewelled from the wharf with the great hospitality and warmth and laughter we have come to know of all the people we have met… And just a few tears.
We all know, when it comes to travel, things don’t always go to plan.
Our predicted 6 hour boat trip back to Honiara turned into 13 hours as we experienced rough seas and a steering problem on the boat. The last 10 nautical miles were particularly slow as we had to be towed back to the port.
Again, the significance of the Dominican family was so apparent as we were welcomed with open arms by Sr Hilda and Sr Maria at the port and taken to their home at Panatina Ridge for a lovely dinner, refreshing showers and a comfortable bed after a very taxing day.
All the students had battled sea sickness valiantly and it only took a short time to recover our land legs, when we were held in community by all the Dominican Sisters.
Our final day in Honiara dawned bright, and after breakfast and final packing, we made a quick trip to Honiara Central Market and a look around for some mementos, as well as our final Solomon Islands pineapple, which tastes like nothing else! We were given fruit from some of the stall holders whom we had met in Visale last week…. A global family indeed!
So, typing from the plane on our last leg, the immersion is over but the learning has just begun. We would like to sincerely thank the students for the spirit in which they engaged in every aspect of this experience. They embraced every opportunity given to them and received so many blessings in return. Every person we met is now woven into the fabric of the story of this immersion, which will continue to grow as the students digest and contemplate all they have experienced and indeed, continue to turn that contemplation into the fabric of their lives.
Each day the students received a quote to reflect upon: and so we conclude this blog. From Thomas Aquinas, ‘Better to illuminate than merely to shine, to deliver to others the truths than merely to contemplate.’
May the students continue to illuminate God’s truth by their lives.
Tania and Dominique
Tuesday 29 September
Our morning began with the usual lovely 6am Mass, however little did we know what this day had in store for us. After a lovely breakfast we were invited to the sisters house where we made coconut bread and helped Sr Saniella with some of her study, Ms Kolar used her scientific knowledge to help out as well. With two months without rain and continuous praying at Fanualama, Auki we finally received some rain which we couldn’t be more happier about. During mid morning we took a ride in Bishop Chris’ truck to the Kilu’ufi hospital where we were able to witness the extremely basic state of the hospital despite being only 3-4 hours away of Brisbane. We spent some time in the children’s ward where we were able to bring some joy in the patients lives as well as adding some colour into the room with educational wall stickers. Bishop Chris also gave a few people communion while we were there. None of us knew that the 30th September after 12pm would be the most eventful day.
Mrs Marturia called us in for an announcement, this was a little unusual as we all knew we were being well behaved & knew the exact program of the day so we were a little confused with what was going on. Her exact words being “Girls we are no longer on Solomon’s time!! Our boat leaves today instead of tomorrow”. Each of us frantically rushed up to our rooms, like never before, packing away everything and organising goodbye speeches and gifts. After getting everything together and organised we went over to Aligegeo high school where we had a farewell lunch. Once seated some teachers spoke from the school and each one of us was presented with a high school shirt which we love. We also had the opportunity to thank the school for their hospitality towards us. A delicious meal was prepared for us where we said our last goodbyes to the school students and spoke to some of the sisters, teachers and other people for the last time before we set of for our boat trip back to Honiara. It was really hard to say goodbye as we had formed the closest relationships with so many people.
With an hour or so to go, we left the school in Bishops’ truck to pick up our bags to set of to the port. Before we knew it, Sr Loretta came down to us and said that the boat has been delayed by one hour and may not leave today. Sitting together, we waited and waited. An hour later, Bishop Chris and Father Moses drove in and told us in great relief that our boat was leaving tomorrow morning (this may not seem so funny but it was an ‘had to be there moment’). At around 5pm Bishop Chris took us to Lilisiana where we received a great welcome by the community and the Warriors (for the third time)!! We walked through the village speaking to the people where we were able to gain friendships that would last in our hearts for a lifetime. Mass was a wonderful celebration where every single child was singing there heart out, it was truly amazing. We had a wonderful local dinner including Koa, from the mangrove tree, before heading back in Bishops’ truck. We truly will all miss Fanualama (the Diocese residence, which means Peace) so so much and we know that this is only the start of many long connections that we will have.
Courtney and Chanel
Monday 28 September
As part of our morning routine, we began both Monday and Tuesday with a beautiful morning mass lead by Father James. After a breakfast of everybody’s favourite coconut biscuit, giving us the energy for the exciting and full day ahead of us, painting Aligegeo High School’s dining hall. Once we entered the school grounds we realised the difficulty of the task ahead of us, seeing the state of the classroom and dormitories. The classrooms, even the newly built ones were under resourced, and lacking a coat of paint for a room that is supposed to fit classes between 70-90 students. The dormitories, too, were over crowded, with bed bunks angled to maximise the number of students in one room and some students apparently preferring to sleep outside because of how cramped it is in there. Sr Loretta also informed us that they don’t even have a mattress to sleep on, most with a very thin mat. But enrolments are not refused because access to education is seen as most important. Once we had reached the dining hall we got more of a glimpse into the reality for the Aligegeo students. The room was small and run down considering it is used as a dining hall, agricultural class room and assembly hall. We eagerly picked up a paint brush, starting with yellow for the walls and posts (which is also the colour of their uniforms) and partnered with one of the Aligegeo students. Soon enough, we were lost in conversation with our new friends. The next day of painting Liborio painted a mural, which was a great representation of the school and Solomon Islands. The detail and combination of colours gave life and a uniqueness to the room. As part of our contribution to the school we stuck stickers on the wall in order to further brighten up the room. The Aligegeo and Santa Sabina painting in partnership meant a great deal to all students involved.
After a refreshing lunch on Monday we headed downtown to the Telekom for Internet access. The idea of having to walk downtown to have Internet access was a foreign concept for all of us, so used to having unlimited access in Australia. The cool air conditioning there was openly welcomed also. Soon after we continued walking towards the markets and a couple stores for a snack and groceries for dinner. To finish off the busy day, we did another energetic round of Zumba lead by Sr Saniella with assistance from Hannah.
Sunday 27 September
Today we had the wonderful opportunity to attend the feast day mass of St Vincent De Paul at a beautiful church in Buma. We woke up bright and early and jumped into
two speed boats at Auki port and headed for Buma, which was 1 hr away by boat. The boat ride was enjoyable, with amazing views of tiny villages situated on the waters edge, and of the huge mountains that towered behind these villages. An occasional splash or two from the water was welcomed by all as the weather was quite hot and humid. When we arrived at Buma, we were greeted by yet another warrior welcome, where men dressed in traditional clothing sprung from the bushes as we approached the masses of people waiting for our arrival. Thankfully we didn’t get as scared this time round! We were also greeted with beautifully sewn lais and serenaded by many of the talented locals. The people of Buma were immediately so welcoming, which seems to be a recurring theme on this trip with everyone we encounter.
We made our way to the Church, which was intricately painted with vibrant coloured murals by Laborio, the carpenter at Fanualama. The Church was packed with over 600 people to celebrate the life and feast day of St Vincent De Paul. A Vincentian priest, Fr Anthony, spoke about the ministry of St Vincent De Paul and encouraged everyone to strive to act with charity in everything they do, which is at the heart of our immersion in the Solomon Islands. The singing was absolutely amazing, with everyone in the Church actively involved in the mass. After the mass ended, we met many of the local children and adults. A huge crowd of children gathered around as we began making balloon dogs and flowers. We later met the sisters of Charity, many of whom were from Croatia, who gave us a tour of Buma. Sr Marta took us to the St Vincent De Paul Clinic, which is the only medical facility in Buma, with the next clinic being 2.5 hours by car and 1 hour by boat at Kilu’ufi hospital in Auki. The hospital was eye opening, with basic medication such as antibiotics and malaria treatment being the only supplies accessible. Sr Marta, a Sister of Charity and a Registered Nurse, said that she treats most injuries in the village, and only emergency medical issues are sent to Kilu’ufi hospital. After the hospital tour, we shared a delicious meal with the sisters at their house before departing the island in our speedboats.
The boats took us 15 minutes away from Buma to a little island called Bauli, which we had all to ourselves. We swam for about half an hour in the clear blue waters before heading back in the boats. However, we soon discovered that the engine of the boat we were in broke down, so we had to be towed for 1km by the other boat to a little village. The boys driving the boats borrowed some tools from the village and soon enough our engine was up and running again! The rest of the trip back to Auki was enjoyable, with even more water splashing into the boat. We had a relaxing night after a huge day, with evening prayer including the Rosary and a delicious meal of tuna, rice, fresh fruit and vegetables and Chanel’s favourite homemade potato chips.
Courtney
Saturday 26 September
Saturday morning we all got woken up at 5:45 for our 6am mass at the church that is in the Fanualama. After the mass we headed down to the leaf house where all meals are served to us, and there we ate our breakfast with the Bishop and the borders from the school that came to the mass that morning. After eating breakfast we walked down to the markets in Auki. The markets down there look and feel like the Sydney markets. As we looked around we ended up buying things. Looking through the markets was a great experience for us as we got to see what it was like catching the bus back from the markets was fun because we got to experience the way they travel by bus.
A little later the Bishop and Borders came on the ute to drive us to a private beach called “sea sound”. The environment was the most amazing thing ever, we had the prettiest view. At the beach they had captured a crocodile and we got to see it in a cage. After having a swim we had a delicious lunch there and went back in the water. After a while of us not wanting to leave, we finally did and left to go to the river to swim again and to wash the Bishops car. Coming back we showered and then was off to the Cathedral down the road for the youth fundraiser. We ate dinner from leaf baskets with our hands. Coming home early and having Sister Saniella teach us some dances and then we did some Zumba which was very entertaining. Then we were off the bed. Our first day in Auki was spent well and we are all excited for what is next to come.
Friday 25 September
Turns out this morning there was an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 and we all slept right through it! No one felt a thing except for Ms Kolar, we must have been so exhausted. It was an early wake up this morning, waking up at 4:30am (3:30 in Sydney!) and driving down to the port at Honiara. Arriving at the port was confronting as it was very busy, however we were also very excited to board the boat and head to Auki in Malaita, where we would be able to meet new people and be immersed within a whole different environment.
Boarding the boat we made ourselves comfortable and headed outside onto the deck and looked out to see an amazing view. The boat trip, for most of it was very calm and we took many photos of what was around us as we went past other islands and through a passage between the Florida islands which was truly breathtaking. Towards the end of our trip, the boat ride became less calm and many of us were a bit sea sick, however we felt instantly better as soon as we arrived in the beautiful island of Malaita and were greeted by Bishop Chris and some of the students from Alegegio High school who warmly welcomed us with Lei’s made of flowers. We hoped of the boat and into the back of Bishop Chris’ ute and made our way up to Fanualama where we would be staying.
We were introduced to some of the students from Allegegio highs school and Ryan who was staying with Bishop Chris for 6 months from Providence College in America. After having a delicious lunch we headed up to where we would be sleeping and relaxed from our exhausting trip. A little while later we headed down to the conference room and watched a movie with the students, it was called The Miracle of Marcelino and we all enjoyed it. To end the day we had a wonderful dinner and enjoyed listening to some of the students play the guitar and sing. It was so wonderful to hear and enabled us to get to know everyone a little better. Even Ms Kolar and Mrs Marturia had a go at singing! After a great night and an even better day we headed of to bed and had our daily meditation with Mrs Marturia, sending us all to sleep within minutes. We’re all so excited to have finally arrived and are looking forward to another fun filled day tomorrow.
Thursday 24 September
Thursday was our last day in Visale as we were headed to Auki early Friday morning. Mrs Marturia let us sleep in this morning and miss the amazing singing at mass as we were all extremely tired and needed to have some extra rest so we could continue to help out that day. After our sleep in, we had breakfast and headed up to the school. Hannah and I were grouped with Form 4 (Year 10). We taught them the rules of touch footy. At first it was hard to explain but Hudson knew the rules and he was able to help us by explain the rules to the students in Langa Langa (local dialects). They were then able to play a game and they were actually really good! Hannah and I also joined in with a team, however, it was unbelievably hot that days and I think I drank at least a 1.5L bottle of water when we finished. It was really memorable to see the students having fun with the skills we had helped to teach them.
Whilst we were outside, Chanel, Courtney, Veronica, Chelsea, Mrs Marturia and Ms Kolar were in the Science lab teaching the Form 2 (Year 8) computer skills. Lucy and Catherine were in the library sorting out the books. After the game of touch, I headed back to the computer class with Hannah to help the others finish up the computer lesson. We were able to teach them basic word processing skills (typing, highlighting, changing colour, size and font and how to copy and paste). After Form 2, we were then able to help out Form 4 and Form 1 (Year 7). When we were finished teaching with computers, we went to the economics room where Sr Veronica had once again prepared delicious watermelon and pineapple for us.
We then went back home to relax, pack and get ready for our departure from Visale to Auki. On the way home though, we were surprised with a picnic set up by Form 4, the teachers and Sr Veronica for our farewell. It was lovely, we sat on the beach talking and sharing many stories with the students. We were also able to play a bit of volleyball with the students, which I had been waiting to do the whole trip, and then we had a farewell presentation. The students gave us gorgeous sarongs, necklaces and bracelets, made out of shells! It was really sad to have to say goodbye to everyone we had met only a few days ago. The rest of the day consisted of packing and sharing many memories created during our stay in Visale!
Another surprise was install for us, Sr Jenny knocked on our door bearing tie-dyed sarongs for each of us made by her students in the training centre! They are all so beautiful and unique! It was a very emotional day as we all feel as though we had become family in the Visale community, however, we were all very excited for our next adventure and the many memories to be made in Auki.
Wednesday 23 September
This morning at 6 am mass, after all the beautiful signing, Sister Veronica told us form 4 would help us paint whilst form 5 would build a house in another area of the school. Today was the first day we painted we were all very excited because we painted the outside of the school (bright blue) which when we finished looked very vibrant from the road. While we painted it was a really good chance to talk to some of the students more personally than we had the past couple of days and we learnt a lot about all of their families and the life at Visale Secondary school. Most of the students have at least more than 5 siblings and walk for over half an hour to school. All of the students were very excited to paint so there wasn’t a shortage of hands so some of us found other jobs around school which needed to be done. Myself, Matilda and Catherine decided to get a start on sorting the books in the library. We found around two dozen boxes of new books which had not been unboxed so we filled and ordered all the shelves.
After we painted we went to the Year 9 Science class where Ms Kolar was scheduled to teach a lesson. The students weren’t as talkative as they are in Australia and asked barely any questions. When we asked some of the girls they said Ms Kolar was very different to their teachers because usually they spend the lesson copying down what is written on the board not asking their teachers questions. We had a nice afternoon at Kolupa beach where we were so warmly welcomed and got given necklaces and helped make a lava lava that we each got to take home. We learnt the coconut game except it was kind of hard to learn a game without rules. Some of the star dancers come from Kolupa beach so we were able to stand around and show their families, they were all very proud. Overall this was an amazing day because we were able to talk to the students and makes some great new friends who we will hopefully stay in touch with.
Tuesday 22 September
Day 2 5:30am wake up call this morning (4:30am actually in Aus)! With darkness all around us we strolled up along the beach up to the parish for 6am mass which was a gorgeous religious celebration!! After some fresh cucumber and watermelon back at where we were staying we walked up to the school, being guided by Hudson (an agriculture teacher). Each of us thought we were in for a peaceful walk, however little did we know some traditional Warriors jumped out at us ( we soon realised that this was part of the school welcoming) The screams from some of us was priceless, being louder then the Warriors. We were led by these fierce Warriors alongside some girls singing. All forms came together to welcome us with speeches, Presentations and dances. Some students danced to one of our new favourite songs (The Star) which we can’t wait to perform when we get back. We even made it to the Solomon Star (local newspaper)! We walked around the pre school, primary school and high school. Looking at the class rooms and the teaching programs made us feel so grateful and privileged for the education that we receive in Aus!
After a quick lunch we went in our first ‘back seat truck ride’ to collect some leaves to build shelter for the teachers homes. On the way back we walked along the side of the road with a few locals learning about their further aspirations, family and goals in life. Later in the afternoon we went over to the Daughters of Mary Immaculate (DMI) retired Sisters and taught them how to finger knit and bead. The smiles on their faces were priceless and we were glad that we could share their joy. To cool off our night we had our first ocean swim, dinner and an relatively early night. Our journey has only just begun but we are so ever grateful for the hospitality of everyone and the connection that we have formed with our Immersion group so far becoming like a mini family.
Lucy and Chanel
Monday 21 September
Our day began with a 5:45am wake up call, excited to know that by the afternoon we would be in the Solomon Islands after months of preparation. We boarded the plane at 9:30am being a little apprehensive as this is the first Solomon’s immersion that Santa Sabina has conducted. After a 3 hour flight we were warmly welcomed by Sr Veronica (Principal of Visale Community High School), Sr Jacqueline, Sr Maria Tom, a couple of teachers & students who attended the school. We couldn’t believe how open and welcoming each person was. We were greeted with lei’s by some of the students from Visale Community High School and we further had the opportunity to speak and get to know one another- already knowing that now we were apart of their big family.
A little celebration was prepared for Mrs Marturia’s Birthday and she received a cake from the Sisters who had kindly baked. Ms Kolar drove us around into the city of Honiara where we were thrown into the true Solomon life, making us appreciate what we really have. After buying supplies for the week we arrived to the village of Visale after an hour drive, being welcomed by Sr Jenny, a DMI Sister. We set up into our place where we would be staying for the week. Before you know it we were all tired with what the day had brought us, knowing that today was the start of many more memories which we would cherish for life.
Lucy and Chanel
Sunday 20 September
Safely in Brisbane for the night before an early flight to Honiara.
All ready to go… Thank you to all the community for the support as we embark on this inaugural immersion.
Solomon Islands Immersion 2015
It has been half a year in preparation and many years in dreaming and planning, and it is with great excitement that on Monday 21st September, we embark on the inaugural immersion experience to the Solomon Islands.
