FRANK IN TIMOR LESTE 31. 05. 2014 Early May saw me in Melbourne/Geelong. The meeting in Brisbane at Gregory Terrace (chaired by Bill Sultmann) was significant as it brought together the major supporters of the CER in TL & addressed some of our future planning. While it was difficult to adapt to the cold in Vic it was great to be with family for a few days. The return journey through Brisbane for a meeting in Ipswich with the College & our Foundation to discuss the future of the Gleno program & the building by HELP from Brisbane ER schools in Sept. The Brs in Brisbane & Darwin were very hospitable to their journeying compatriot. Peter attended the Edmund Rice Mass (5th) in the village of Taraco & gave the homily. I attended the AGM (10th) of TaLiHa (peak body of pre-schools) with several teachers & we were proud to have our Delfina elected as the President for the next year. As an adjunct to that she has been invited to a Montessori Conference on Thursday Island in Aug. funded by the E’dn Dep’t. Peter, Norberto, Afonso & Team forged ahead with the Kriac building – rendering, floor tiling, painting, rat proofing, electrics, bathroom & shower facilities – as Bill Lawry would say…… At months end it’s still not quite finished but pretty close. I think the real positive of the building program has been the cooperation & sharing of skills of the Timorese workers, the TTN visitors & the team leaders. The building looks really good. Why does it happen? Why in our highly medicated world that people die of TB? Our dear teacher of grade 1 in Deleso – Teresinha died of TB (20th). In her early 30’s, mother of 4 lovely little ones – eldest 7yold, youngest 7 months. It was devastating for the family, the community & for us. How long had she suffered? -We don’t know. She was rushed to the Dili hospital on the Sunday am, we visited in the pm – she died early Tues. Dave got the call at 2.30am went straight from the hills to Dili. He assisted family with the purchase of a coffin & goods for the funeral & transported her body & family back to the village. The funeral mass, service & burial was very emotional for all of us. So much so that Lucas (husband) so upset could not attend but stayed home to care for his children. Dave has been wonderful in continuing to support the family & village. Paul Robinson (OLT) was with us for 5 days. He is preparing for a possible study program here in TL. He certainly was immersed in a wide range of village life experiences. We also welcomed Bob Neich & his team from Inverell Rotary (IR) who worked on a building program at the orphanage at Hera outside Dili. Always great to interact with Bob & be encouraged by his love of Timor. Concurrent with his visit was the arrival of a container from IR with material for the cards, schools, orphanage, Dr. Dan’s hospital & the Laga Parish. Barry continues his teaching of English at 2 seminaries 5 days a week. He is picking up jobs such as banking & shopping in Dili. Recently Norberto (10 days) was the guest speaker at the Foundation (erf.org.au) fund raising dinner in Brisbane. He also addressed assemblies at 3 of our schools & worked on a building site. Sara Pereira has returned home from the 10 day conference in Geneva with ERI (edmundriceinternational.org). Now here I am sitting in Darwin waiting for the volcanic ash to clear. Frank.
Posted on: Wed, 04 Jun 2014 01:52:40 +0000
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