26 May 2010
The Ostico Visit
Yesterday’s rain did nothing to diminish the smiles on the faces of the kids at Ostico. We were welcomed by the whole school with several songs, sung with gusto! It was a great opportunity to see the school and students for the first time, and it was really satisfying to see such great results for our efforts. I am keen to get the basketball / volleyball court installed as soon as we can, along with the new furniture [some of which has already arrived] and an internet connection, etc. I was struck not only by how enthusiastic the kids were, but also how well behaved they were and how well the principal runs the school. The day was inspiring.
 Graham & Simon arriving at Ostico  Some of the "choir"  With the principal project: OSTICO EAST TIMOR
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25 May 2010
Singing in the rain
I am conscious that all my photos to date have been of fine sunsets, which may have been a little misleading! Rain prevented our first sod-turning today at Lequeracabu’u, due to the roads being out. Undeterred, we went on to visit Ostico [more on that wonderful visit later]. In the interim, I thought you would like to see Simon, always eager to help, surveying the deep puddles on the way to Ostico before crossing!
 Simon has it all under control project: Lequeracabu'u East Timor, OSTICO EAST TIMOR
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24 May 2010
A thank you from Kirsty Sword
While having sundowners with Simon and Mandy, Graham had the pleasure of meeting Kirsty Sword and her children down at the beach in Dili last night. Kirsty once again expressed warm thanks and gratitude to you all, on behalf of the children at Ostico and Lequeracabu’u, for organising &/or attending the White Party or otherwise supporting Spend It Well’s efforts in East Timor. She has followed the progress leading up to and following the White Party, and said she had seen the photos and wished she could have been there. Perhaps next time!
 The end of a Dili weekend project: Lequeracabu'u East Timor, OSTICO EAST TIMOR
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24 May 2010
Independence Restoration Day
Hi all, this is a note from Graham on my continuing travels in Timor-Leste. I’ve been missing in action for the last few days. Last Thursday was Independence Restoration Day, followed by a long weekend. Simon, Mandy and I set off for a long drive to Bacau, Com (where we stayed) and then a trip Jaco Island. Beautiful tranquil surroundings, great beaches and snorkelling … and no internet!! An idyllic haven! The only downside was the potential diners at the beaches [see the photo]. We saw a number of schools on the way and met up with people from the Education Department, who we hope to speak with further this week. We plan to go to Lequeracabu’u and Ostico tomorrow.
 Bacau beach  The diners at Bacau project: Lequeracabu'u East Timor, OSTICO EAST TIMOR
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21 May 2010
Lequeracabu’u village
Lequeracabu’u village is nestled behind some old rice fields in a beautiful valley under one of the highest and most sacred mountains in Timor, Mt Matebian. When Simon and Jenny went to scope the school in January, the roads were impassable and they had to walk for one and a half hours through mud and irrigation streams and dodging water buffalo. Assuming there is no more rain, Graham and Simon will drive in there on Tuesday to meet with the village officials and to turn the first sod for the schoool. I have to say though it would be entertaining to see photos of Graham having to trudge through knee deep mud!
   
project: Lequeracabu'u East Timor
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