Announcements

Marilyn writes from Kekesu mission station, Bougainville: 7th September - we are preparing to farewell the team from Hervey Bay  - we have packed a week into three and a half wonderful days.   Keith taught three sessions on "The character of a leader" to the students in the pastor's in-service course. Lindy led two evening classes teaching the students to read with expression in English. Julie took RE at the Kekesu primary school  - a great programme and the kids and teachers loved it - new songs, puppets of Australian animals, drama about the cross and balloons  to teach the memory verse.   On Friday morning David, Julie, Lindy and I piled into an old truck and headed south  to Teao .  It was about a thirty minutes along the road and then we headed straight into the bush on a track that was barely visible  - finally we came to the beach and drove north again driving fast on the damp, black sand.  At last we came to a clearing that contained the school buildings .   The programme at Teao was tight because our driver was very nervous about the in-coming tide  - if we took too long we'd get stuck in the village .     We kept it short but made sure we covered the main points  of our presentation.     Some of the children were rather in awe of having four white skins suddenly appear in their village.  It is quite remote and since the Crisis (civil war of the 1990's) no Australian has visited the area.   Many of the children, however, literally ran out to receive their school bags.  We had a wonderful time and I was so glad that our friends were there to share the experience.    On the way back we stopped at a roadside market to buy some kau kau (sweet potato)  bananas, oranges and gallop nuts.  The stall owners were very surprised and pleased to have Australian customers.    We arrived at Kekesu in time to hear the end of Keith's lecture.   I marked the roll and welcomed three more students to the class.  Later made our way down the hill to the Hospital where we took part in a very moving ceremony - the presentation to the Health Centre Staff of a small generator.    Last year the Matron, Gloria, had told us of the difficulties they faced having to deliver babies at night by torch light.   We promised to return with a generator  (donated by a very good friend from Kingsthorpe - thanks Trevor) .   Gloria was lost for words, and that is a remarkable thing, knowing Gloria.     A lovely meal followed in Gloria and Simeon's  (her husband) dining room.      Now it is Monday 6.45 - the truck has arrived to pick up the team.    Lots of love to you all.   Marilyn.