It was a three month lead up and I was ready and so excited to be off on what I knew would be a life changing experience. I met Megan and Libby at the airport, they had flown from Melbourne to Adelaide and we were then off to Darwin to meet Ben and get to know each other. We spent the day and night in Darwin, which was absolutely beautiful and it was a great opportunity to get to know each other by the pool. We instantly felt like we had known each other for ages, we were all doing this for similar reasons and all share the same passion and self less attitude to put ourselves out of our comfort zone.
The following morning was a 4am start and we were off to Dili. We had already talked about what we wanted to get out of the trip and that was mainly to get some perspective, some personal growth and to have a challenge. We arrived in Dili and were welcomed with a big hug by Kerry and Jo, we couldn't have asked for greater co-ordinators. We instantly saw a huge difference and a big culture shock, you can tell what a poor country it is and Kerry gave us a brief history of East Timor and pointed out significant buildings. It was a six hour drive to Viqueque with a quick lunch stop in Baucau, the first of PLENTY mee goreng meals. When we arrived there were kids all out the front of what would be our home for the next ten days, which is directly opposite the CFS (child friendly space). They were so excited to see the "malae" (foreigners) and we were equally as excited to see their beautiful, friendly and smiling faces.
The next day after a well needed sleep and to be awoken by the roosters we went for our first kindergarten session at the CFS and the children instantly loved us. Without judging, without verbal conversation (due to the language difference) they accepted us and were so excited to play with us. In the afternoon children of all ages can come to the centre and play games and participate in activities that the volunteers have organised.One day we had 250 kids there, it was so amazing. They love it, that it is a safe place they can come and have fun. Some people walk an hour or two just to come to the centre everyday, its truly mind blowing. There is also an art and English class that runs in the afternoon and one day I sat in on the English class which there was about 15-20 people aged 15+ and they were all so motivated and enthusiastic about learning. Due to the poverty you are lucky if you receive an education and the lucky ones that do don't take it for granted.
One of the boys, Domingos is 26 years old and we were privileged to hear his story. He is married and had two children, one of which has died (which is not uncommon) and he attends the English class everyday after his job to better himself and his families life. On day four we were starting to feel like we belonged in Viqueque, the kids started to recognise us, we were learning the kindy songs (in Tetun), we were picking up some of the language, mainly just saying good morning, good afternoon and good evening to everyone and how to ask "how much?" at the markets. We were all definitely loving the Timor life, so laid back and friendly and connecting with our inner child. It was surprisingly easy to communicate with the kids, language didn't even feel like a barrier. To play, to have fun, to smile, to laugh and be friends is universal, it does not need a spoken language just an understanding and connection.
By day five and six we were already feeling how sad it was going to be to have to leave, to never see these friends we had made again, to go back to our privileged life. One big culture shock was the animals. There are dogs, roosters, chickens, goats, pigs walking around everywhere. The majority of the dogs and horses that you see are badly malnourished, there are live chickens tied by their feet at the markets to be sold and everyday at 6pm there is cock fighting. It is a sad way of life for all of the animals but due to the poverty there is not enough food for the people, let alone excess to feed the animals.East Timor is a very economically poor country but so rich in spirit, friendliness, kindness, generosity, creativity and family. It made me realise what is really important in life and what is just time wasting. Everyday I think about this experience and I know I will never forget it and the few special people that have touched my heart. I have already changed so much in my life since I have been back and try to be grateful everyday for my family, my home, clean water, nutritious good and having a great job.
I am constantly thinking of new ideas of how I could raise funds for the centre, so the children can basic human needs like clean water and food. I have been communicating my story to lots of customers, my friends, family and am hoping to speak in some school assemblies and community groups. I want to thank The Body Shop, Children on the Edge, Kerry, Jo and Rudy, the other volunteers and everyone who helped me with my fundraising and encourage everyone to apply and get out there and see the world. One thing that Kerry said on the first day on the six hour drive to Viqueque still resonates with me today, that is "Wealth is not about what you have, but what you give back."Obrigada (Thankyou)
Sabrina
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