Our short time in the Solomon Islands so far has enriched and deepened our understanding of the world and cultures that surround us, and the lessons that can be learnt from people we could never of dreamed of meeting before.When we first got off the plane in Honiara we were greeted by the Dominican sisters who showed us the warmth and great kindness that can sometimes get lost in our chaotic lives. This generosity and happiness didn’t end there, everywhere we have visited so far has displayed the same level of this kindness.Our first stop has been in Loga, and as we stepped off the boat we were welcomed by smiling faces, singing and dancing. The Dominican sisters on Loga have made our stay here very welcoming and memorable. As well, the young girls from Gizo and Waghina Parishes, who are here for the ‘come and see’ program, have given us the amazing opportunity to converse with other girls our age who have grown up in a different culture.Our first Sunday mass was beautiful, and even through the heat the wonderful message of peace was understood by us all. This was echoed by the three priests, Father Stephen from The Solomons, Father Angelo from Italy and Father Moses from Congo, that said our first 7am Monday morning mass.Our experience so far is introducing us to a very different new culture. Simple in some ways yet challenging in others. The people are welcoming, warm and kind, and they sure know how to sing and dance!Georgia and Carlin
The past four days spent at Loga has taught us what it means to be part of such a diverse community, like that of our Dominican family. Despite being in another country out of our comfort zone, the community and Sisters of Loga alongside the girls of the Wagina and Gizo Parishes, never made us feel far from home. The friendships we have formed with these people are one of kind.The past couple of days working at the Gizo Primary School library has opened our eyes and allowed us to see the educational opportunity and facilities that we take for granted. It gave us insight into how powerful our actions can be to the wider community. Although we couldn’t offer our new friends the same amazing singing and dancing they showed and taught us, we taught them a few card games that made up for it.From 7-11pm even after the generator went out, we spent our time filling the room with roaring laughter and playing cards with all the girls. Sister Bari and Sister Tabbi joined in on the fun too! Being able to witness this showed us that simple things truly are the best in life!Although not wanting to leave Loga, we are all very excited for the journey ahead and reaching Honiara. Loga was absolutely ekanikan (beautiful) and will be missed. We definitely garem gud time (had a blast)!!Annelise and Brittney
Our arrival in Honiara started a bit bumpy in the back seat of Fr. Peters van going along a pot hole filled road. We were warmly welcomed into the family of the Dominican sisters and novices with a buffet dinner awaiting for us on our arrival. Feeling less than clean, and exhausted from our adventures in Loga we were relieved to know the sisters had showers so we could wash off five days of sweat, dirt and an uninviting smells. Our accommodation was split between the eight of us, four in Jane of Aza and four in Rosiena, only seven houses down the road. When morning came we were off for a day trip to Visale beach with Br. Samson, Sr. Teresa, and Sr. Clausina.We stopped at the Holy Cross Cathedral on the way and met the new Archbishop of Honiara, Chris Cardone OP.Archbishop Chris has been instrumental in facilitating our immersion. We learned much from him in a short time.The journey to Visale was filled with scenic views of the ocean, mountains, road side venders and song (The sound of music was our speciality). A beautiful seaside picnic was laid out for us by Sr. Teresa, as we swam with the little picininis (children in pigeon). We also visited the Daughters of Mary Immaculate sisters in the retirement house which had astonishing views of the water. On the journey home we stopped by the side of the road and brought fresh coconuts from the street stalls. Sr. Teresa took us by the American war memorial site, the highest point in Honiara with views of the whole city. Exhausted but satisfied we made our way back to our accommodation and prepared for our three hour boat trip to Auki, the capital of Malaita.Anna and Ava
When we arrived at Auki, we were welcomed with the most beautiful smiles. The Aligegeo students and Dominican Sisters from Fanualama had made some incredible floral leis to welcome us. We all hopped in the back of the truck and headed to Fanualama, the place we stayed in Auki. Fanualama means a place of peace and a place with such amazing hospitality and welcoming arms.Over the next couple of days we explored the many beauties of Auki Including a boat trip to Buma where we met the Croatian Sisters of Charity. They welcomed us with incredible hospitality. We also visited Dala High School were we learnt some of the everyday struggles for students. We learnt that some students have to walk three hours just to get to school. We were all inspired by their determination and commitment, despite the challenges.We visited a small village named Lilisiana. It is filled with children who followed us around, made paper planes with us and played clapping games. These little children had the most powerful voices we have ever heard, they really filled the Church with happiness. Fanualama very quickly felt like home to all of us, especially with the presence of the Aligegeo students. These students were so welcoming to us and we couldn’t have asked for better friends. We spent 2 days with students from Year 11 and 12 exploring how to use Microsoft Word on laptop computers recently donated. This experience really opened our eyes and made us appreciate our educational opportunities. Fanualama will always be a second home to all of the students who experienced this immersion. We were so sad on our final night to say goodbye to all the familiar faces. They have all taught us to embrace singing and dancing and to appreciate everything we have. We said our goodbyes after mass on Thursday morning and then headed back on the boat for a 3 hour trip to Honiara to join the Sisters who live at Rosiena and Jane of Aza houses again.Ciara and Kirra
