Cook Islands Blog

team 122

2011-07-30T17:04:00.004-10:00

We have just said aere ra (farewell) to the 122nd team that has provided service in the Cook Islands. The team were absolutely amazing in their philosophy of service and how much time and energy they graciously gave to their projects. During their time in Rarotonga they helped teach reading, science, maths, did physiotherapy in the community and at the creative centre, some construction work, rehabilitation work with stroke patients, got down and dirty at the Whale Research Centre, made book shelves, spent time entertaining some of the old Mamas and Papas, and generally helped out with anything and everything they were asked to help with. We can not thank you enough! Kia manuia e meitaki maata James and Debi

'Na'au te rourou, naku te rourou, ka ora te ititangata'
(With your basket, and my basket, the nation will prosper)

Spotlight on Country Manager James

2011-05-10T11:21:00.002-10:00

Our delightful program on Rarotonga is guided by Country Managers Debi and James. Our February 2011 volunteer team was led by James, and we are eager to share his evaluation comments with you today! It is clear that our Country Managers are successful in making the most of the volunteer experience for all Global Volunteers and that they also make team members feel truly welcome in their community!

Bravo to our Cook Islands team, and please enjoy reading a few of James' most recent evaluations:

James is very well organized, easy to talk to and makes your time in the Cook Islands extremely comfortable. Even when we were awakened at 4 a.m. with a tsunami warning I know that James would give us all the direction we needed to stay safe. It was wonderful to work with James again and look forward to seeing him again.

Sensitive to the needs of others; calm; good problem solver; nice.

James was an amazing team leader! He’s reassuring and makes you feel instantly at home. He works with you to ensure a meaningful experience. He really went out of his way to make sure we were comfortable and happy. I loved working with him and hope to return!! Thank you!

James is a HUGE asset to this program. He is welcoming, helpful and very friendly. A fantastic team leader!

James is a very kind man. He seems genuinely concerned about each team members experience.

We hope to hear from you soon and introduce you to the beautiful people of Rarotonga! Please do be in touch.

I Recommend the Cook Islands

2011-04-04T12:32:00.003-10:00

I recently returned from Global Volunteers’ Cook Islands Service Program and want to ask you to consider joining a team in the near future. It’s a personally rewarding volunteer opportunity to use your skills in a way and with people who truly need your help.

My husband, Joe, and I assisted school children with their reading skills, an area that is greatly under-resourced on Rarotonga. The students were attentive, friendly and very grateful for our service. Joe also worked on natural resource preservation, and I assisted at the local historical society library. All of the work projects were of genuine importance to the local people. Our local team leaders were wonderful support and answered all our program and cultural questions. Sharing experiences every morning at our breakfast meeting was extremely helpful. It is not necessary to be a teacher to help in the schools. Or, as one volunteer wrote in our team journal: “Students do not care how much you know, but how much you care.”

After the work day and on weekends, we had plenty of free time to enjoy the many natural and cultural attractions of the islands… swimming, snorkeling, hiking in the beautiful island interior, and attending dance and music performances. The time went by too fast! Please take a moment to read our story in the April issue of International Travel News at this link: http://www.globalvolunteers.org/media/ITN.pdf
-Nancy and Joe Logan, China and Cook Islands Volunteers

Former Volunteer Posts Video Retrospective

2011-03-14T10:45:00.001-10:00

All across the world with Global Volunteers, we're privileged to work with so many wonderful volunteers, partners, and supporters each and every day.

Recently, a frequent volunteer created a Global Volunteers retrospective featuring the travels and experiences of numerous Global Volunteers (particularly one tight-knit group from New Jersey). We invite you to take a look at these exceptional videos by using the link below.

Thank you, Graham!! And for the rest of you... ENJOY!!

Global Volunteer Retrospective Video (Cook Islands): http://www.youtube.com/user/endlessmug#p/u/42/EjDmOdOndCw

World Book Encyclopedia Donation Arrives on Rarotonga!!

2011-03-08T07:53:00.003-10:00

A big thank you to Volunteer Nancy, Global Volunteers' staff & host partners and World Book Encyclopedia for allowing this great donation effort to happen!

Please take a peek at a few photos below of the encyclopedias arriving at a local school and the students diving right into learning!

Here a student takes his first crack at sign language!!

Eyeglasses for Island Children

2011-03-06T06:14:00.005-10:00

This is Sunday morning at the Kii Kii Motel in the beautiful Cook Islands. I'm sitting on a landing coming down the steps from my motel room. I discovered this is the best place to sit to use the internet. I'm in the shade, have a lovely ocean breeze, look out at the mountain that is the center of the island, and line up perfectly with the wifi signal from the motel office.

Sunday mornings are usually a lazy time here. All the locals are in church and no shops are open. But surprisingly, I got a phone call. It was from the mom of one little girl whose eyesight I tested. I had sent the girl home with a note from me (printed on school letterhead to make it look more official). My note to her parents said that based on my testing, the girl might need glasses. Then I gave them information on the steps they needed to take to get glasses at no cost. The reason the mom called me is that the girl already has glasses. The mom had no idea her daughter wasn't wearing them at school.

On an island where very few people wear glases, there is a stigma attached to being the odd one who doesn't have perfect vision. My guess is the little girl will be wearing them in the future. While talking about the little girl, her mom asked about getting glasses for her son. He attends a high school where we have not yet done the screening. He has told his mom that his vision is blurry. and she wondered if he was eligible for our eye glass program. I assured her that he was. She is going to make an appointment with the eye doctor to get a prescription and then order glasses from us.

I got my local Lions' Club to make a donation of $1,000 in 2010 to buy glasses for the kids here, and made a web page on Global Volunteers' site to ask my friends for matching donations. I raised about $3,000 there to buy glasses I brought with me for the students. The children and their parents are very grateful!
- Susan Koralik,Cook Islands volunteer

Volunteer Connection Provides Eyeglasses

2011-02-26T12:32:00.004-10:00

Four-time Global Volunteer Susan Koralik and the Lion’s Club of Park Ridge, Illinois have brought the gift of clearer vision to some fortunate Rarotonga students.

Koralik, who is serving with the current Cook Islands team, is continuing a collaborative effort with local eye nurse specialist Doris Fonorito to screen students at Takitumu, Rutaki, Imanuela Akatemia, St Joseph’s and Te Uki Ou schools on the island.

Last time Koralik served on Rorotonga, she and Fonorito screened 638 students. Those who followed up to obtain eyeglass prescriptions were then eligible to obtain prescription glasses through Koralik's hometown Lion's Club. The Chicago Club shipped eight pairs to Rarotonga.

While she is not an optometrist, Koralik has been trained in vision screening, and brings vision charts – bearing letters and, for kids who can’t yet read, symbols – when she comes to Rarotonga. This year she also brought sample frames so that vision-impaired kids can choose their own frame style. Over the next four weeks Koralik will assist local optometrist Teariki Faireka to screen more students. We look forward to new reports on this very needed project!
-Excerpted from the Cook Islands NEWS

Consider volunteering on Rarotonga in 2011!

2011-02-18T11:27:00.004-10:00

If you're considering volunteering 2011, why not consider the Pacific Island of Rarotonga, the largest island of the Cook Islands?

If volunteering in a warm, mild climate is for you then read on! Below you will find volunteer reflections from a 2010 volunteer. Don't be shy... Join Us!!!

As our first week on the Cook Islands comes to a close, we have all had many thoughts and feelings towards our experience so far.

Candy has felt very satisfied from all of the new books she has put on libraries’ shelves for people to enjoy. She was also surprised by how she felt a sense of belonging after only a few days on the island. Ellen felt awed by the beauty of the island. Jennifer felt nervous when she first started at a school, but if the number of books she and Candy catalogued is any indication of how she feels now, I think it is safe to say she feels quite at home in the libraries!

Chason has realized his perspective of everything has greatly broadened on this trip; and he is glad to experience a new culture. Rob felt flustered on his first day at St. Joseph’s but despite this first day, he was also touched by the affection given by the 2nd graders he worked with. Siu felt very excited for her first day at school. She also felt inspired by Debi’s ability to take care of us with good humor and good grace.

As for me, I felt a little out of place on my first day at school because I am so used to being the student, not teacher. However, I was pleased at how soon that faded because of all of the welcoming and friendly hellos and waves.
Although there was a variety of feelings they will make our experience more interesting and memorable.

Written by ~ Volunteer Sofia

Call (800) 487 - 1074 to become a Global Volunteer!!

Reflections from a Cook Islands Volunteer

2011-01-13T06:50:00.003-10:00

"I find myself thinking of how we will look back on our time on Rarotonga. The warmth of the people and the climate, and the beauty of the island are unforgettable. Our work with the various community partners, James and Debi, our teammates of Vaka 117 and some of our shared activities will probably also stick with us.

And how could we forget the mores of the Cook Islanders? But will we remember the things that made the fabric of our day-to-day lives? Like the deceptively simple-sounding bus system with its hourly clockwise and anti-clockwise schedule that many of us university-graduates are still struggling to grasp… or the regular visits to the Telecom office to maintain at least minimal contact with our lives at home… The endless variety of deep-fried items available with shakes (thickness optional) at take-aways… Beachcombing and snorkeling in deliciously-warm water... The tattoo on a hollow-log drum that signals the start and finish of school day activities, and hundreds of kids’ bare feet… Kia Oranas and Meitakis… Helmetless people riding scooters, accompanied by their untethered kids, pets, friends and/or groceries...

Saturday morning market visits where we strolled, surrounded by a riot of colorful sarongs, jewelry, and tropical fruits and vegetables; sounds of Maori and English talk and music; and the scents of foods, flowers, and perfumes extracted from island flora. We developed new ways of relating to fruit as we picked bananas off of our own giant bunch, and learned to eat oranges island-style from the inside out.

These represent some of the strands of my memories. I know we’ve each had our own unique experiences to remember, so whatever yours may be, I hope they weave a fabric that recalls an enjoyable and meaningful time in your life."

Rachael Bertone, 2010 Cook Islands Volunteer

"Spring into Service" in the Cook Islands!!

2010-12-14T06:45:00.003-10:00

“Spring into Service” with Global Volunteers to receive a special limited discount offer for our March and April teams!

Four or more volunteers who apply by January 31 for any of these 28 teams in 16 countries will receive a discount of $200 off our standard service program fee, per volunteer, for one-, two- or three-week international programs or $100 off our standard service program fee, per volunteer, for USA programs. No other discounts apply.

Please encourage others to volunteer in our five fundamental project areas: education (especially promotion of girls education), labor and community infrastructure, health care, child care, and food and nutrition.

Call us at 800-487-1074 for details and we'll assist you every step of the way. Our worldwide host communities can’t wait to welcome you!!

Check out this link for more details & service program dates: http://globalvolunteer.org/special/springspecial.asp

Cook Islands Service Program Dates, March & April Team:
21-Mar-11 to 9-Apr-11

Vote for Global Volunteers!

2010-11-18T11:14:00.002-10:00

From November 15 - November 21 the Star Tribune newspaper is holding a contest entitled 'Full Page Project' amongst MN non-profits and the winner will receive a free full page ad in the paper!

Please vote for us this week ~ you can vote once per hour!

Here is the link where you can register and then vote for Global Volunteers (please copy and paste the link): http://startribune.upickem.net/engine/Registration.aspx?contestid=22815

We would also encourage you to pass this link along to your family and friends, and post it on your personal Facebook page. Let us know if you have any questions, and remember voting goes until 5 p.m. Sunday!

Thank you for your support.

Final Days of Service... Wrapping Up!

2010-11-09T10:44:00.000-10:00

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Message of the Day from Karen: An ei is worth a thousand words.

Journal Writer – Vernice Jackson

Well, here we are, the self-proclaimed “magnificent seven” in various stages of wrapping up our projects and checking off the last of our “bucket list” items before we jet off to various North American destinations.

Bill makes a few more tweaks in preparation for his final second grade science activity. His fingers are crossed for favorable weather for his rubber match with his local island tennis rival. We predict a victory in his future.

Rachael has not only made herself indispensable with the students at her school (candy serves as great inspirational tool) but with the principal and teachers as well. Now she can add yet another skill to her impressive resume, designing Parents Day Programmes and Christmas holiday cards to send out to the parents. Rachael and I admire David for getting that impressive tattoo but have decided that our courage level will only take us to making a temporary commitment. Friday is our big day for ink decorations.

Karen took a break from listening to yet another student reading “What Is a Reptile?” to share insights on policy and planning with a representative at the office of the Prime Minister. We hope she slipped in a proposal that declares next October Global Volunteer’s Month, inviting all of us back to the island (all expenses paid) to celebrate all our many contributions. One can only dream! And Karen, there is still time for you to complete your inner road journey. Pa would be so proud.

After four weeks on the island, Cathy has declared herself to no longer be a tourist. She is now a semi-local. Take it from me, she studies the island map every night. Just ask her where and when to catch the bus…and don’t look to the local weather man for an accurate reading, our girl is calling the temperatures “spot on”. Except Tuesday’s early morning down pour threw her off a bit. We all abandoned our plans for an afternoon beach trip, thinking that the skies would remain gray all day. Well, you can’t win them all.

Now that Cathy and Dave have achieved the mastery level at responding to their student’s white flags (no that’s the sign for help, not surrender) they are ready to move on to bigger challenges. We believe that their teacher reserves responding to the blue flags as a means of job security.

Dave is itching for two reasons; first, for yet another opportunity to demonstrate his newly acquired snorkeling skills. Whoever said learning is for the young, didn’t know our Dave. His second itch, to get some relief from those blasted mosquitoes that think he is a “walking buffet.”

And then there is our David, continuing to enjoy the “sameness” (his words, not mine) of his Cook Island experience. But we know that he is secretly regretting not being able to see the “Sevens” due to his throbbing leg. Put some Windex on it….that can cure anything.

As for me, I am still looking forward to presenting my creative story activity to the eight year olds. Cartoons made me a distant second as a substitute teacher. Maybe, tomorrow.

Lately dinners in the Vaka lounge have ended with milk and cookies and long conversations on a wide variety of topics. What haven’t we talked about? We have pondered the translations of our school’s names, explored the ethnic backgrounds that produce the wide range of features of the Cook Island population, and shared opinions on who are the best and worst actors, divulged interesting facts about ourselves that won’t be repeated in this journal!

So here we are, the magnificent seven, making the most of our last days on the island, appreciating every moment of our self-fulfilling experience….believing that in some small way, we have made a difference.

Tuesday, Nov 2: Week Two in the Cook Islands

2010-11-02T09:17:00.000-10:00

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Message of the Day from Bill: Start where you are – Use what you have – Do what you can… -Arthur Ashe

Journal Writer: Gevenie Delsol

We started a sunny day (second in a row) with our normal breakfast and meeting.

Karen, Rachael and I loaded up my trusty car – who I have name “Coconut”. We set off for our lovely school, Takitumu. Our day at Takitumu is not very stressful. Our 4th and 5th grade readers come to us for a half hour of reading each. I have one little boy who finally came back to school today after two days out. I asked him if he had been sick but he said “No – I just overslept.” Today at lunch we ate with all of the teachers and the principal (which is our normal pattern).

Today we were asked to vote on the color of material that they are going to use to make dresses for all of the teachers for the big end of term celebration in December. The choice was between orange and blue. The final decision was to use both colors in a sort of stripe pattern. They will all look like tropical fish. One flaw with the material is that it is semi-transparent, so the principal asked if I would send them all thongs with little hearts to wear under their new dresses. So I have orders for 10 thongs (5 extra large)!

At another school – Vernice was presenting a much more educational moment. She prepared and acted the story of Harriet Tubman for her 4th and 5th grade students. It was a huge success and she has been asked to present it to the entire school. This afternoon we went to the museum and then to the island dancing practice. There were some amazing dancing skills demonstrated by the Global Volunteers. Don has signed a contract and will be performing at Island Night at the Edgewater. For the rest of you – blackmail photos will be available on Facebook.

We came back to the Kii Kii Motel for another great dinner provided by Rosie.

First Work Day on Rarotonga!!

2010-10-27T06:35:00.000-10:00

Date: 27 October 2010

Message: “Be the change you wish to see in the world” (Anne Pilmonas)
Journal Entry: 25 October

Name of Writer: Nancy Logan

Monday – October 25, 2010 – Day One Workday

James took us to the various work projects on the island, and introduced us to the principals and administrators. Gevenie, Rachel and Karen went to the Apii Takitumu Elementary School. Each worked with 6-7 students in reading skills. They were pleased to have time to talk with students about their interests.

Kate, Vernice and Bill reported from the Avatea School where they tested reading skills.

Dave went to Imanuela Akatemia School where he worked with about 20 children ages 6-11 in one classroom. The students read to Dave. Later he helped with math skills.
Janet and I went to Apii Rutaki preschool/elementary school of about 70 students.

We arrived at what we would call morning tea, but here it is lunch time as often the children have not had any breakfast, and were warmly welcomed by the principal. All the children were wearing spotless uniforms. We each worked with 2 students and they read several books to us that they selected from the library. Two could read quite well and the other two needed a great deal of help.

Mike and Dave went to the Tereora College and discovered an all-day Field Day going on, with races and other sports competitions being held. So they didn’t have an opportunity to help with reading and other curriculum areas, today was about helping with the school sports day and getting a feel for the school.

Joe, Anne and Don went to St Joseph’s Elementary School. Don tutored 2nd graders. Ann helped individual students in 1st grade and Joe had 4 4th graders. They worked to improve reading skills and sounding out words.

A completely different type of volunteer work was experienced by Cookie at the Te Vaerua Rehab Center. She reported enthusiastically that she had a fantastic time touring the hospital and visiting people at home. “It was so much fun.”

Monday Evening. We hosted a Kia Orana Dinner. Four of the community partners attended and enjoyed interesting conversation and a delicious dinner.

Menu –
• Curried Octopus - Eke e te akari
• Angry bread - Varaoa karo
• Ika Mata - Raw Fish
• Poke - Banana and arrowroot (tapioca) type relish
• Maniota - Root crop

Vaka 117 October 2010

2010-10-25T22:11:00.000-10:00

Date: 25 October 2010

Message: “Together everyone achieves more” (James Puati)

Journal Entry: 22 – 23 – 24 October

Name of Writer: Mike Slade

Arrival Friday from Auckland. Clockwise bus to Muri Beach Sail Club with Cookie, Anne, Kate, Janet. Lovely fish dinner with awesome moon rise over lagoon islands. Night-long concert from resident Kii Kii roosters.

Saturday meeting 14 VAKA 117’s for orientation, then off with James to Punanga Nui Markets for local crafts, food, jewelry, handmade fabrics. I bought some amazing huge bananas which several of us enjoyed. We bought some local cloth, shells and lunch of barbequed lamb and curried chicken which we brought home on the clockwise bus. I admired the shell craft and was invited to tour a crafts factory. People were very friendly.

Back at Kii Kii, Nancy and Joe said the snorkeling was good at Fruits of Rarotonga, so we got our gear and took the bus, had a good time. I saw probably over 100 species of fish, including grouper, moray eel, giant clams, moorish idols and fabulous fish. We were concerned not to miss the bus at 4:18, as it was the last until 6:00 pm and we had a meeting at 5:30. Of course we forgot that the bus did not go past Cook’s Corner. I asked the driver what we could do so we could be on time for the meeting. He said, “We’ll work something out.” And after the bus emptied out, he drove us to Kii Kii, then turned around and went back to town. We will never forget that unexpected act of kindness. The work assignments meeting was followed by a very nice dinner of mahi mahi and broadbill fish by Rosie.

Sunday, a good breakfast and orientation with all 16 team members present. Then many of us went to local church services to experience the music and joy of the members who all thanked us for coming and even made some refreshments for the visitors and explained a bit about the church. It was great to see women dressed in beautiful dresses with fabulous handcrafted hats. Very special, then another snorkel stop, lunch overlooking the lagoon and kite sailors. Then back for second orientation, dinner, work assignments and introduction to Maori language.

Summer 2010 ~ Peace, Justice & Teaching on the Cook Islands!

2010-10-20T11:09:00.002-10:00

Inspiring Messages from Vaka 112

2010-03-21T17:33:00.001-10:00

Monday, February 1, 2010

Message of the day:

DOOR TO LIFE – composed by Todd Canon

“We spend our lives open and closing doors, really, both literally and figuratively. I’ve always liked the ‘door’ analogy of life – it suggests that we go through life conscious, aware, that there is an element of control in regards to our decisions and their outcomes.

“Unlike the ‘road’ or ‘path’ theory on life, which has suggested to me that we move haphazardly through life, hoping and praying that we’ve actually chosen the right path, the ‘door’ analogy is definitive, concrete:

“We chose to close the doors behind us, we chose to open the doors in front of us. We see the potential opportunities that lie ahead and we can choose. We can watch them from a distance through the open door; we can enter and experience the world in front of us, or we can shut the door and search for another.’’

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Message of the Day Dennis Killeen (Mother Teresa)

The fruit of silence is prayer.

The fruit of prayer is faith.

The fruit of faith is love.

The fruit of love is service.

The fruit of service is Peace.

Volunteers Perspective

2010-03-18T07:57:00.002-10:00

Wednesday, August 5th 2009

Today I showed Char around Te Uki Ou School and felt very proud walking around. I am so comfortable there that tomorrow will be a difficult day. Today was my first day back without Iris and it made for a weird day. I expected her gentleness or soft smile throughout the day. My body has adapted to the school routine, morning tea 10-10:30, lunch 12-1 and hop on the bus at 2. The familiar smiling faces of the kids and the beautiful sea background to their playground are scenes that I hope to remember forever. Kids running around barefoot, semmingly without a care in the world. They make me wonder why I worry so much. Today a boy read a story to me about a tadpole that worried so much as he’s undergoing transformations into a frog. Once he became a frog he realized all of his worrying was unnecessary. The night before I came to Rarotonga I cried myself to sleep, worrying and scared I wouldn’t make any friends or have a great time and the first day here I realized how ridiculous that was. As I am growing up to be a big frog the best thing I can do is stay positive and not worry. I have made a major, life altering decision today. I cannot leave this island. I have developed a list of things I can do in order to stay here.
1. Live at the empty, half completed Hilton.
2. Continue to volunteer until broke.
3. Become a consultant to hotels and help their online sites.
4. Bamboozle Nan into letting me stay here
5. Build a bed and breakfast on the sea
6. (Last option) Marry a local fella
Now all these options are just dreams. That is what Rarotonga is to me, a dream that I never want to wake up from. Surely the mountains are too green to be real, the sea too blue and glassy and gorgeous. The people are far too kind and friendly and welcoming they must be plastic. And yet I know I feel more alive here that I ever have before. In some ways I can’t wait to go home and share the love warmth, compassion and kindness I have found here. That way the dream never has to end.
This year has been a difficult one for me. I lost two friends that I’ve basically grown up with. After their deaths I’ve learned to appreciate everyday since it could be your last. I’ve also learned to always appreciate people and learn as much as you can from them. Everybody has something to teach you, its up to you to learn. I’d like to share with you some things I’ve learned from you and wish to take with me on my journey from a tadpole to a frog.
Pat I’d like to take your wisdom along with me. I’d like Doreen’s bubbliness, Rick’s sense of adventure, Iris’s gentleness, Alora’s compassion and Lisa’s incredible kindness to everyone. I’d like to have more dedication that you can see Margaret puts into everything. I’d love to have Karlee’s spunk and Lauren’s awesome strength. I’ll always have Kelli’s laughter and Becca’s ability to ignore any bruises or setbacks she might have. I’d like to have the kind of perseverance Jill has and Wendy’s amazing determination and independence. Most of all I’d like to always remember to build my heart like Char’s as she has a great heart. As we prepare to say goodbye and go our separate ways I know that the memories made here in Rarotonga will last a lifetime.

Kendra Tilbury

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T09:17:00.002-10:00

Kia Orana

Happy new year to everyone, may the year bring you peace, joy, serenity and good health.

We look forward to meeting all the new volunteers signed up for our service program for 2010 and of course renewing our friendships with returning volunteers.

Kia manuia (blessings!)

Debi and James

2009-12-31T09:08:00.000-10:00

2009-12-14T10:08:00.002-10:00

Kia Orana all

have a look at this video of a recent Global Volunteer who did the Cook Islands service program. Its beautiful!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly84ekBQoRg

Enjoy

Kia manuia
Debi and James

2009-12-14T09:58:00.001-10:00

hello from cook islands

Last day of Vaka 105

2009-02-04T16:43:00.000-10:00

November 6, 2008 Reidun

Thought of the Day: “Service to Others Is the Price We Pay For the Place We Occupy” (Joanie)

It is so strange that this is the last week of our program. For me it has been an adventurous 7 weeks. I have learned a lot about the people on these Islands, and with that it also created a lot of insight into my own life.
Life at Takitumu School was always a joy. The kids 9 years old, loved to spend time with us in the reading room, and many times a 20 minute lesson turned into one hour or more.
We allowed part of the lesson for coloring and drawing and discovered that we had some very creative little artists. It was sad to say goodbye but we know that the next team will have the same good time as we had.
Debi and James have taken such good care of us –always ready to answer questions or give advice. We were introduced to different restaurants in the area. It was great and it also saved Rosie from cooking every night.
I also have to mention that Rosie’s husband provided transport back and forth for us all to see the movie “Mama Mia”. It was great, specially the intermission with a chance to buy ice cream and popcorn.
Joanie, Nancy and I had a chance to meet Pa. He introduced us into a great wealth of information about the medicine plants. It was terrific, GOD sure has created a wonderful paradise for us to enjoy.
Everyday has been an adventure here on the islands, from the friendly bus drivers, students, teachers and most of all Debi and James and my supportive teammates.
It has been fun I will not say good bye but KIA ORANA. Hopefully in 2 years.
This is the perfect way of traveling. I’m still working on my list to convince everybody to try this way of enriching your life.

A Review of our Development Efforts in 2008

2009-01-30T09:55:00.000-10:00

Kia Orana koutou katoatoa to all of you from the beautiful Cook Islands.

In 2008, we celebrated over 100 teams visiting the Cook Islands! With 102 teams supporting the Cook Islands over the last ten years, we can truly say we had something to celebrate. Over 100 people joined together at Takitumu School to celebrate this wonderful milestone.

The night was a brilliant success with community partners such as Takitumu School pupils and PTA, Te Kainga, Cook Islands National Council of Women, the Pacific Islands AIDS Foundation, Immanuela Aketemia School, Tereora College Learning Support Unit, Red Cross, the Ministry of Health, the Disability Action Team, the Virtues Project, the Cook Islands Library and Museum Society, the Takitumu Conservation Area, the Whale Research Centre, St Josephs School, and Te Uki Ou School all sharing interesting stories of how Global Volunteers has supported their organizations in differing ways over such a long time.

The Global Volunteers goals of waging peace and promoting justice in the world were certainly met with the fun way Cook Islanders, Americans and Canadians all enjoyed each others company and celebrated the friendships made during the time that Global Volunteers has had the honor of supporting so many different partners in the Cook Islands.

Of course, while all this celebrating was going on our work projects did not stop. We have had some different special projects while also continuing our great work teaching reading at a variety of schools. Our reading program has helped 370 children with their reading, and provided 6670 hours of support to the United Nations Millennium Development goal of having all boys and girls finish a full course of primary schooling during the last six months.

One interesting project was helping to restore a historical sea traveling vaka (canoe). The canoe was traveling to Samoa for the 10th Pacifika Arts Festival and time was running out. Global Volunteers was asked to lend a helping hand to the workers doing the restoration work. Several members in our July team managed to spend some time learning about rope work, carving, sanding etc, with Rick Russell even traveling on board when the vaka was towed from Avana to Avarua!

As you can see the Cook Islands offers a range of adventure in service projects depending on your skills. Why don’t you come and join us and experience our amazing little country. We look forward to your company in 2009!
-Kia manuia, Debi - Global Volunteers Country Manager

Come Join Us - We Need Your Help in 2009!

2009-01-03T11:32:00.000-10:00

Kia Orana to all Global Volunteers:

We know the world is experiencing budget shortages. We hope you will continue to send volunteers to the Cook Islands in 2009. It would be very sad for the beneficiaries of the work that the Global Volunteers do in Rarotonga if they do not maintain the very worthwhile service.

The students who receive assistance from the volunteers with their reading will miss out on a very important aspect of their learning as well as self confidence that is nurtured through the support given by the Global Volunteers. These volunteers have also helped a great deal with the conservation of native birds which is one of our success stories. The locals who take this on as a passion and sheer determination to preserve these precious birds through rat eradication which often is quite a difficult taks. Red Cross has a staff shortage and the volunteers have rescued us from many of our much needed jobs to be done and sometimes at short notice... and this we have appreciated.

Just recently, we were able to get the help of a Global Volunteer to complete a job that would have waited for how long, I hate to think!! Other volunteers have become part of the community as they do fill a gap of our needs and the visits with the elderly, disabled, schools, library, women;s office, hospital and so on are most important. Recently, the wheelchairs that were fixed are mind-boggling as we have had to tell clients that we do not have wheelshairs to give to assist with their mobility. I invite Global Volunteers to keep coming and don't abandon those who need your services! I look forward to more positive outcomes with more Global Volunteers teams coming to Rarotonga in 2009!
-Kia Manuia, Niki

Cook Islands Host Offers Thanks

2008-12-23T11:22:00.000-10:00

To all the generous Global Volunteers:

I have been and will always be mindful of the importance and impact of the presence and performances of the volunteers, not only in community groups (NGOs) but in government departments as well. CIANGO has been one of the many organisations that has truly benefited from the Global Volunteers, in establishing a data base for the organisation. This data base will always remind us of the Volunteers who worked so hard on that, and I cannot express how much we appreciate and will always be thankful to the Volunteers for such a remarkable and memorable service to CIANGO. God bless those Volunteers!

The works of the Volunteers at the Creative Centre, Punanga Tauturu, Te Kainga and in the schools and in welfare organisations, in the Library, etc, cannot go unmentioned. There may not have been much publicity in some of the works that the Volunteers have undertaken, but that has been very much appreciated and highly recognised by the recipients of those services.

While there is so much yet to be told about the services of the Volunteers, I wish to remind all Volunteers that, we, the NGOs hold special respect for the services rendered by the Volunteers to the various community bodies, and the nation as a whole. We value the good work of the Volunteers and hope that this is not the end of it all. There are still yet a need for Volunteers, in the hospital, in schools and in welfare centres around the island. May be we need to advertise more about the services of the Volunteers, for the wider community to make use of these voluntary services.

(At the same time, this will (hopefully) help to educate our own people to offer their services voluntarily sometimes and not to think of money all the time.)

CIANGO has been very previledged and happy to be your host in the Cook Islands. Welcome all, any time. Thank you once again, may God bless you all with a Very Merry Xmas and a Happy and Joyous New Year.
Kia Manuia, Aunty Ve

Week Three in the Cook Islands

2008-10-01T04:49:00.000-10:00

Millennium Development Goals Achieved by this Team: 1,980 students and 30 teachers taught English language skills, 390 hours of English language instruction

The KiiKii Hotel, with the continual sound of the surf, is a peaceful, restful home away from home.

Home.... Family, job, and routine responsibilities are a million miles away.

Today marks the half-way point for the six members of Vaka 102 that are staying the full 3 weeks, and the three-quarters point for the remaining 7 of us. I can’t believe that I have only 2 more days of helping at Tereora College.

I wasn’t sure I was really helping, but listening to the various community partners at last Friday’s celebration dinner made me realize that every little bit does help, cumulatively, over time. There are so many places on Rarotonga that I haven’t been able to visit and will not be able to before Brandi and I leave on Saturday. This fantastic adventure will soon be drawing to a close – however the friends and memories I have made will last forever. The opportunity for me to meet 16+ new and special friends as well as the chance to spend real quality time with my granddaughter to reinforce what I’ve known for a very long time, that she is a very special person to me.
– Joyce Benedict

**********It is encouraging to know that a nation’s need for a couple extra hands is able to spark the interest in so many people, form so many walks of life, from so many thousands of miles (or km’s) away, to come and lend a helping hand in whatever tasks need to be done regardless the task or method.

During my time here I have spent the majority of my days helping out at the Whale Research Center, patiently waiting for the phone call that the whales have made their way north to the beautiful waters of Rarotonga. Once the calls and or sightings started coming in it is easy to see that the people I am helping out are completely devoted to helping these animals. On a smaller time table we too have devoted our time, one, two, or three weeks in order to help a greater cause. During the days in which I was not at the research center organizing their technology, I spent my time at the conservation area cleaning the yard at the front office. In that I can hope that we have helped in providing an area that employees can be proud of when they bring visitors through for tours. I also spent time with the Mammas, working up a sweat, enjoying the weather, and even some local musical talent.

All in all, this has been a trip I will never forget, in a land that is so different from my home. What I have learned is that no matter where I travel people live to have something to be proud of. I can say that I am proud to be a member of the Vaka 102, proud of the footprint we have left on this rock that truly is one of the jewels of the world.
– Kyle Schwan

************The first day of work week 3 found me at my regularly scheduled 1st day at Takitumu Primary School. Quite a change from last week where Claire and I spent many hours together trying diligently to produce a communication project for a group of people with disabilities. You wouldn’t think that this would be difficult considering we had 2 speech-pathology degrees and many years of experience (on Claire’s part) between us. Needless to say things are never as easy as they appear but it was very rewarding to see many of our ideas, suggestions and communication schedules being used on Friday. Today I read with a number of students and worked in the library, alongside my now infamous “partner in crime” Kay and Rajni. It was very rewarding to sit with the students and discuss the various stories with them and see their eyes light up when I suggest a game of Junior Scrabble. It makes me realize and appreciate that what we do here on the Cook Islands no matter how small or big is always appreciated. - Stefanie Pinguet

*************Ron returns to his beloved Imanuela Akatemia to continue reading in the morning and working on the projects for the principle in the afternoon. He’s determined to complete the assigned painting outside and the student Watermelon Marketing Committee. Janice offered to use her skills to help Donna at the Disability Action Team develop a series of news releases for the local papers. Rajni, Kay and Stefanie returned to our fond community partner, Takitumu reading program, where they continued with the reading program and included a bit of library work as well.

Claire set out with Donna again to conduct very cursory speech assessments in the schools followed by a 2 hour visit to Papa John in his home where he recuperates from a stroke. She finished the day with Mata, a delightful teen with a cleft palate that she and Stefanie started seeing last week. These are 2 very grateful families. Although three week at first seemed an abundance the days have sped up so we wonder where the time has gone. We are just settling in to island life and it’s time to turn our thoughts to home! All too soon our Cook Island adventure will become a pleasant memory of a faraway paradise.
-Claire Kirchen

**********I cannot believe that we only have 3 more days left on the beautiful island that I have begun to call home. I’ve been here nearly 4 weeks now (since I came a week early), and already I feel as though I’ve been accepted by the locals and have been treated like family. The bus drivers remember us and the kids from school wave as they pass us by in town. It puts a smile on my face whenever people ask if I’m a local and then how their faces light up when I say I’m here with Global. I think they really appreciate the things we are doing for their children and for the community. I remember why I chose to come to the Cook Islands – not only because of the beauty, but also because of the friendliness and hospitality that I know the people of the South Pacific have. Here the air is fresh and scented with frangipani and gardenias. There is a ring of turquoise around the island that always takes my breath away.

As far as work went the mural project at Apii Te Uki Ou turned out great and I’m so proud that the girls Vaine, Tash, Taylor and Rosie thought of such a unique way to beautify their school.

One of the highlights of the trip was being able to catch a Kakerori at the conservation area. Holding the bird in my hand, I was amazed at how fragile and yet how cheeky it was, and grateful that so many people have joined together to save its species.

I don’t think I could have wanted more from this trip…our team leader Debi has been absolutely wonderful and I think of her as one of the mother hens that roam around the Kii Kii and we are kind of like the chickens who have grown and now must fly. Even though chickens don’t really fly…well you get the idea! - – Rajni Boparai

Report from Vaka 102

2008-09-30T05:10:00.000-10:00

Rarotonga continues to be a beautiful and meaningful service location for Global Volunteers!

Team (Vaka) 102 made a significant impact on the island in addressing Millennium Development Goal #3: Ensure that, by 2015, children everywhere, boys and girls alike, will be able to complete a full course of primary schooling. This team of 10 volunteers provided more than 1,500 hours of reading and English instruction to 115 Cook Islands students. We're grateful to our school hosts for the invitations to serve their children in this way.

The volunteers, all unique but alike in their desire to give fully of themselves, shared their feelings in so many wonderful ways. Following are some excerpts from our team journal written by intergenerational family members volunteering together:

*****Since our first meeting (the meet and greet dinner) everyone has been very patient, honest, supportive, and optimistic to me and the other members of our team.

Today my mom, sister, and I read to the second and fourth graders at St Joseph Elementary School. Sister Cecilia is very wonderful. She is a little bundle of spice and everything nice. She invited us to morning tea at 10:30. Lexi, mom, and I ended up having a huge snack consisting of noodles, tuna, bread, butter and tea. Then till about one o’clock we read with the children. Every child receives a certificate of achievement. Then the children have recess. They invited Lexi and I to play Duck Duck goose with them. I was in luck. Duck Duck Goose is my favorite game.

I was picked to be the goose many times. The little ones told me that I was funny and very fast. For me being fast is very ironic. I ended up in the mush pot 3 times. I kind of jogged so they could catch me. Other times they got me before I could run across the circle. I also acted a lot. I pretend to sniff and sneeze and I danced all around them. I wish that I did not have to leave them but I am seeing them Thursday and Friday. They cannot wait to see Lexi and I again.

Tomorrow we are visiting the "Mamas. " I'm very excited because I frequently visit my 93-year-old grandmother. I can’t wait to hear their stories and to be able to give my services to them. This has been and still is a fantastic experience. I am sooo fortunate! Thank you to my family, team Vaka 102 and to the Global Volunteer organization.
– Marinella Chvatal

*****The truth of our impact was shown to us as we walked through the town center. Kids were waving and smiling at my daughters, with their parents extending a quiet wave and soft smile. Sharing a meal with the Mamas and having them chat & chat with us, and hug us when we left showed us how we have impacted others. For it is in the individuals that we have touched and that have touched us – that is the reason we are here.

In the weeks and months ahead as we reflect on the experience we had enjoyed here I believe we will realize that we have been changed because of being a Global Volunteer on the Cook Islands. We have broadened our perspective of the world. Hopefully we will retain some of the Island gentleness and philosophy of slow down and enjoy now. To enjoy the present with the relationships of those around us rather than always rushing to a future situation is a mantra of these last 7 days.

I would be remiss not to mention the impact of each member of the team on my family. Vaka 102 is a diverse global community in itself reflecting different cultures and paths of life. Yet each is driven with a passion to make the world a better place. Each has chosen action, not just talk, and has invested much of themselves in the project. We are grateful to the new friendships we have made. A special thank you to Debi Futter-Puati, our team leader. Her perception of each of us as individuals and her non-judgmental philosophy has made us comfortable and enhanced our experience. We are grateful to be a part of Vaka 102.
– Pat Chvatal

*******On Friday, I went to work at Takitumu Primary School around 8:30 am and gradually read with our other 5-6 students for 20 minutes each throughout the day. When we first started reading with the kids, I didn’t really enjoy it or the thought of doing the same thing everyday for 2 weeks. But now the first week is over and I’m having a very good time with the kids! They aren’t so shy around Kay, Camela and I; they act like themselves. My favourite part of the day would have to be when we first arrive and walk to our room. We pass all the classrooms and the kinds, including the ones we don’t read with, know our names, tell us “Good Morning” and are excited we are there; it’s great!!

I only have a week left here with Global Volunteers, but I had and am still having a fantastic time! I don’t think I will ever forget about this once in a lifetime experience in the Cook Islands with my Grandma and Vaka 102. Thank you all!
- Brandi Hill

A day in the life of Vaka 102 - Low tide at the KiiKii
It was low tide at the Kiikii today. As I walked out to the reef, the sun danced on the inky blue sea urchins. The sight was spectacular, but ephemeral. Soon, the tide started to lap back in, announcing that tidal visitation hours were over. This was a reminder that all experiences are transitory.

As Vaka 102, we have joined together as a team, united by a common purpose, but we have also created our own vaka – a community, home, and sense of place. We are diverse like the coral that has given birth to the beach. Each one of us unique in his or her pattern, formation, and gifts. The patchwork formations of coral on the beach carry within them inherent wisdom and grace. This is the wisdom of interdependence (for the different types of coral were once fused together to form the protective reef.)

Engaging in global volunteering acknowledges such interdependence. As we embrace the diversity of culture, valuing the different patterns and customs in the world, we are anchored by the enduring truths of humanity present in all cultures. By nature we are relational creatures; we need one another. In making a child feel smart and successful, we understand the joys of true success.

The tide will be coming in on our trip faster than we can anticipate, but we will have seen, shared and served - each in our own way. As my mom said in today’s thought for the day, sometimes the lesson comes after the learning. The lessons for Vaka 102 may continue on for many years as the coral slowly turns into sand and the individual patterns become one.
– Camela Kirchen

Friday 4th July

2008-07-04T18:12:00.000-10:00

"Wealth is not determined by what you have but by what you have for which you would not take money."

Final day of our three week work experience. Both Nikki and I tried to see all our students. Friday afternoon is sport time. We frequently miss the last few students. There was a good-bye meal in the staff room. Nikki being a vegetarian, didn’t eat the chicken kebabs however she enjoyed the fruit, pasta salad and rice. We were given presents of a pareu, t-shirt and beads each.

In the afternoon I went to Muri beach to swim. Walked across the water to an island. Did get a bit of swimming in.

Evening found us at the Tamarind restaurant. We were joined by James plus two volunteers for the next go around – Sarah and Romana. Good food, good friends, good time was had by all.

Thursday 3rd July

2008-07-03T20:18:00.000-10:00

"Turn your scars into stars."

Today the Dynamic Duo became the Triumphant Trio with the addition of Romana to the team. She is part of the next contingent starting on Saturday but has begun early – full of enthusiasm - and spent the day at the Creative Centre with special needs children.

After school Suzanne went for her daily swim while Nikki walked out to, and along, the reef at low tide.

The evening saw us at the Auditorium for the Vaka Takitumu Dance Troup Concert, put on to raise funds for their coming trip to the Pacific Arts Festival in American Samoa. As well as the dance troupe, there were items performed by the younger up-and-coming dancers (6 being the youngest age), through to the Mama’s (whose upper age was not revealed)! The Mama’s and ex-dance troupe items received much applause, while the costumes, stories and drum dances by the troupe were a feast for our eyes and ears. The best dancing we’ve seen. Well worth $10.00. A VERY late night with us arriving home abut 11pm.

Wednesday 2nd July

2008-07-02T17:07:00.000-10:00

"Learn form the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself."

Am I or am I not working with the mama’s? Turned out I was. Only five ladies came today. Two of them talked a bit. Chatty Kathy was not there and definitely missed. Mary, a health nurse, held a religious ceremony, led the exercise class and cooked the meal. What a gem! While I was busy chatting with the Mama’s, Nikki was working at the school, not only with her her students but also with mine.

The afternoon found me feebly attempting to snorkel and swim. Evening time I was learning about the poverty on Tonga, eating another delicious meal prepared by Debi while conversing with the Fijians staying at our motel and learning about the influence of the Indians on their country, making Hindi one of their major languages.

Tuesday 1st July

2008-07-01T16:05:00.000-10:00

"With your basket and my basket, together we feed the people."

The day dawned with a few clouds in the sky. These increased throughout the day until about 1.30pm when they all began to cry.

The school day progressed as normal. In between students we discussed how a number of children try to guess the word based on the picture. They don’t even look at the word or try to sound it out. It is something we have both been working on with the students, with varying results.

After school Suzanne hitched a ride south to the Rarotongan, while Nikki got a ride with a parent to town.

In the evening we learned how to make an Ei with Mama Here in the Vaka Lounge. The Island secrets were revealed and we produced colourful Ei’s to wear tomorrow. Debi also made a lovely pink one for her daughter who arrives home from New Zealand early tomorrow.

Mama Here joined us for dinner – another meal courtesy of Chef Debi. I wonder if Debi has thought of selling her cooking – The Café may be a prospective client!

Monday 30th June

2008-06-30T18:33:00.000-10:00

"A teacher affects eternity. He can never tell where his influence stops."

Day began! I miss Sir Rodney the rooster. Since we changed rooms last week I no longer hear him in the mornings. Nikki decided to hike back to the hotel on foot – a 25 minutes jaunt. My time, if I was so inclined, and I AM NOT, would be much longer.

Evening adventures were a visit to the Matutu Brewery. I learned beer making entails more than tipping the glass back. Debi’s husband, James, and a partner run the whole shebang. About black pearls, the islands treasure, is another lesson learned at a small workshop. The evening was topped off with dinner at a newly established restaurant. Quite tasty!

Sunday 29th June

2008-06-29T16:02:00.000-10:00

Sunday saw us both heading off to church. This week Nikki went to the Avarua AOG with Kerry (one of the older student teachers) and Papa Ken – an 80 year old local who keeps busy by visiting the patients in the hospital and counseling teens. After church they went to the Rarotongan for lunch and to see the show put on by St Mary’s Music Ministry.

Suzanne also went to the show and everyone enjoyed the local dancing and music. Suzanne suggested this be recommended for future volunteers.

Dinner today was a BBQ at Debi and James’ with other guests, both local and foreign. An enjoyable kai kai where we sampled the local brew – Matutu – produced by James, and agreed it was a lovely drop.

Saturday 28th June

2008-06-28T17:59:00.000-10:00

Today saw us taking to the water with Suzanne going on a local glass bottom boat cruise and Nikki flying off to Aitutaki for a lagoon cruise.

Phil was the tour leader for Aitutaki – a cross between David Hasselhoff and Tom Jones. More than a few of the 10 Student Teachers from Melbourne snapped photo’s of him throughout the day and compared them when he wasn’t looking. He was a great character, the perfect tour guide, who along with the rest of the crew gave us an absolutely wonderful day.

The waters in the lagoon are a multitude of turquoise colours – pure beauty. We visited Moturakau where the British ‘Shipwrecked’ program was filmed, before dropping anchor near large coral formations for snorkeling. Here we were able to see one very large giant clam – apparently imported from the Great Barrier Reef – and three smaller giant clams. We were honoured with the sighting of two turtles before heading to One Foot Island (Tapuaetai).

Lunch was a smorgasbord of traditional and modern foods and the tuna was to die for, with one girl saying she had three helpings, even though she was full, because it was so unbelievably good. Aside from the Aussie students (2 of whom were South African), fellow passengers consisted of 2 retired couples from New Zealand and a group of travel agents, also from New Zealand on a whirlwind trip of the Cook Islands. This was the last of their 4 day trip in which they had visited 15 hotels on the first day.

As we prepared to return to Rarotonga some were thinking of future holiday plans back on Aitutaki. Other comments included: “I know where I’m going for my honeymoon”, “Rarotonga is going to be blah after this”, “I just want to stay and sleep on the beach”. Personally I’ve decided no-one should visit the Cook Islands without going to Aitutaki.

Phil advised us that the whales have apparently arrived with two guides having seen some humpbacks from the Whatever Bar.

Suzanne’s cruise took her to various points within the lagoon surrounding Rarotonga, viewing the wildlife through a glass bottom boat. She also took to the water with snorkeling gear and got ‘up close and personal’ with the locals.

Friday 27 June

2008-06-27T10:58:00.000-10:00

"Doing nothing is the most tiring job in the world, because you can’t stop and take a rest."

Being Friday the school day commenced with Assembly and this week Grade 5 had the honour of performing for the school. Trophies were given out with one of the smallest boys in the school receiving two. If you had put them end to end, they would almost be as tall (or short) as he was.

Apparently after school yesterday some students ‘had fun’ throwing sand at the open pre-school windows. Naturally the sand landed inside. The pre-school teacher asked the students responsible to stand up. Immediately one girl stood but the rest of the students remained seated. The teacher kept asking for the others, but no-one moved. Eventually however the girl’s eyes revealed who her co-conspirators were and three boys eventually raised themselves up. Guilty faces, plain for all to see. You almost felt sorry for them!

Dinner was at the Kikau Hut where we were joined by James, Debi’s husband. The food was delicious and we even treated ourselves to two desserts, shared between the four of us – chocolate cheesecake and banofee pie. Then we waddled home.

Thursday 26th June

2008-06-26T17:56:00.000-10:00

"Be careful about your thoughts …they become your actions."

Change of pace for me (Suzanne). Went to visit the Mama’s. Better known as Are Pa Metua. Nikki did this yesterday. Today she held down the fort at school. I enjoyed my time visiting with the Mama’s. My main conversationalist was Tamura. There were six Mamas’ there for the day. A fish meal was prepared by Mary, a health nurse who would love to retire. She has tried to retire many times and was successful once for a few months.

Evening found only Debi and me out for a meal. Nikki wasn’t feeling well so she begged off. Ate at the Café Salsa and it’s right in town with tables inside and out. My tour book recommends it highly and so do I.

Wednesday 25th June

2008-06-25T10:53:00.000-10:00

"We are all like stones thrown in the water. Our attitude, actions and words are the ripples that go out from us and touch people – many of those people we never meet."

We had a late start this morning with our morning meeting commencing at 8.45am. Suzanne headed off on the bus for Takitumu school arriving after Bible study classes had finished, which the children are required to attend. She then had her first 3 students together and they played bingo.

Nikki headed to Aere Pa Matua – the Mama’s and Papa’s of this fair land. However today there were only Mama’s. The Mama’s were a mixed group, with some quite chatty, there were others who did not speak English or spoke very little. Some had quite a sense of humour! After lunch Mama Mary played the ukulele and the Mama’s sang along – two of them translating the songs to English for Nikki.

All the Mama’s are single and Nikki noticed that one Mama had a flower behind both ears. She asked whether this had a special meaning and one of the other Mama’s said ‘she has two boyfriends’, which caused a ripple of laughter from the other Mama’s.

After school Suzanne headed to the beach for a swim and smoothie at Fruits of Rarotonga, while Nikki went to town to check emails and have an iced mocha at The Café, which is relocating to the Beachcomber building next week.

The evening saw us in new quarters overlooking the beach. Suzanne took advantage of the scenery, sitting outside reading and enjoying the views of palm trees and ocean.

Tuesday 24th June

2008-06-24T16:12:00.000-10:00

"The sound of children’s laughter is, to me, euphoria." –Spike Milligan

Day began as usual but not for the school faculty. Before school began the fifth grade teacher left the school. Not sure of the reason. The principal took over the fifth grade classroom. Made my day easier since my last three students had a sport activity at the end of the day.

Nikki headed to the airport for her ticket to Aitutaki on Saturday.

Evening found us at the Rarotongan for a great buffet dinner. We both had seconds on dinner and dessert.

Monday 23rd June

2008-06-23T16:29:00.000-10:00

"Courage is being scared to death – but saddling up anyway." –John Wayne

Today heralded the beginning of our second week and the realization that one week had flown by already.

At school we decided to try bingo with the first two students – joining as a team to play it. It worked so well that we repeated the process with the second two students. Suzanne then concentrated on rhyming words, trying to teach the students that if you can read ‘light’, then ‘might’, ‘sight’ etc are easier to pick up. Nikki continued with teaching phonetics and was delighted to see students using this method and working out the words.

The school’s ‘virtue’ for this week is ‘enthusiasm’. Nikki taught each of her students how to pronounce it (none could) and then explained what it meant.

After-school activities saw Suzanne heading north to town to spend time with her friend I. Net!! Nikki headed south to try out the snorkeling at Titioki Beach. A delicious smoothy from Fruits of Rarotonga finished the snorkeling experience with Nikki having seen some VERY big fish. Some swam round and round her and she realized they probably wanted to be fed. Something to remember for next time.

Dinner was home-made pizza and salad provided by Debi – another delicious meal from her kitchen. Debi joined us for dinner where we relived the days events and discussed the children’s reading abilities – along with lion kills, penguin habits and ice-skating in Japan.

Sunday 22nd June

2008-06-22T15:28:00.000-10:00

Headed for church again. Making sure I am getting my money’s worth from the skirt I bought for church services. Last week we went to CICC service, this week I went to the Catholic service.

The afternoon found me on a safari. Saw parts of the island I wouldn’t have seen on my own. Best part of the trip was the delicious swordfish barbecue. Nikki headed south to see the one and only waterfall on the island plus some fun time at the Rarotongan Resort.

Evening meal provided by Debi is always a treat. However mine this time will be eaten a day later.

Saturday 21st June

2008-06-21T17:07:00.000-10:00

The Punanga Nui Market on Saturday is always a draw. Both Nikki and I went and both made some purchases. I also tried the famous Hokey Pokey ice-cream.

Lazy Saturday afternoon. Nikki took quite a walk along the shoreline. The two of us had dinner at the Flying Boat – fish and burger type of place. Early evening.

I did learn the bus driver recognized me when he automatically stopped at the Kii Kii. I hadn’t mentioned my stop and was too engrossed in conversation to notice. I also left a bag on the bus. Short way from the motel the bus stopped and a passenger ran up to me with my bag. I’m such a delight to one and all.

Friday 20th June

2008-06-20T16:25:00.000-10:00

Carpe’ diem

Off to school. The students have a port activity in the afternoon. The morning proved easy. An assembly was held for the first hour or so. Performances (readings) by grade six students, awards given out and lots of singing made up the agenda.

Not mentioned before – lunch time is 10.00-11.00am. Went to Perfumes of Rarotonga during the break. Standard hang out for me (Suzanne). Dinner at the Ravi’s Indian buffet. Went with Debi and her husband James and we were joined by the owners of our hotel – Harry and Pauline Napa.

Thursday 19th June

2008-06-19T18:20:00.000-10:00

"It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."

School started on time today and the children came for their reading one-by-one. Some didn’t want to leave while others were eager to get back to class, sports or their friends.

Grade’s 4, 5 and 6 had PE (sport) in the afternoon and the two 5th graders that turned up for reading squiggled and squirmed until we released them early to join their classmates on the field.

Nikki discovered the school cat (Sophie) likes cheese.

At lunchtime little fish were cooked in the staff room. Apparently someone – we never found out who – had gone fishing that morning and the fish were offered to the staff.

After school we hitched a ride with a Kiwi builder into town, the alternative being to wait 45 minutes for the bus.

The internet and a swim filled in the time until Debi picked us up for dinner at Aquarius where we were able to see a Vaka close up.

Wednesday 18th June

2008-06-18T16:17:00.000-10:00

"God grant me the courage to change the things that can be changed, the patience to accept the things that can’t be changed and the wisdom to know the different."

Day began as Sir Rodney the Rooster woke me up before the crack of dawn. Met with Debi and Nikki for the thought of the day and journal reading.

Off to school. Bible study is the first half hour every Wednesday. Somehow this translated to students not arriving for the first hour. Day went well – kids interested in my teeth – especially my gold crown. Students love to read. Working on rhyming words with the more advanced ones.

Free time translated into a cool or should I say cold dip in the hotel pool, meal brought by Debi’s husband and a cocktail at Raro Club.

Tuesday 17th June

2008-06-17T18:06:00.000-10:00

Thought For The Day: "One of the best ways to discover what a man is really like, is to discover what makes him angry."

The team of two which represents Vaka 100 gathered with Debi in the team meeting room to begin our first day working with the students at Takitumu School. We set out for the school wondering what the day would bring and how the students would react to us.

Ana, the Principal, gave us each a schedule listing times and names of students with whom we would be working on a one-to-one basis to improve their reading skills. The first students arrived and we need not have had any apprehension. They were a delight.

As the day progressed, the different students arrived and left, each with their own personality. The range of reading skill levels provided variety, and games provided fun and enjoyment for some students – as well as the teachers!

The students were generally warm and welcoming and all too soon the school day ended and we felt a good day’s work had been done.

We managed to drop into the Perfume Factory next to the school and fill our senses with a range of aromas.

In the evening we ‘shook our booty’ at the local dance practice sessions, joining in with the juniors. We quickly realized this was a good way to exercise as our muscles ‘spoke’ and the sweat appeared! We have a long way to go until we meet ‘junior’ standards.

After the exercise it was time to eat at the gourmet burger bar. I can highly recommend the fish and curried mango burger. Delicimo! Then it was home to bed satisfied with a day filled with work, dance and food!

Monday 16th June

2008-06-16T18:04:00.000-10:00

Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step.

Started day with Debbie giving an inspirational thought from Dr Martin Luther King. Headed off to visit work sties and would-be work sites. Group down from five to two. Met the principal of Takitumu School – Ana Makara, where Nikki and I will be tutoring reading mainly to students in grade 4. From grades 1-3 the students’ lessons are in Maori. From grades four on up, English reigns.

Stopped by the other two schools with news of too few volunteers to accommodate them. Also saw some interesting sites – place where Vaka’s took off for New Zealand. Also met a man with a mission. He was working on a Vaka for a trip or many trips ahead. He needs a crew of around twenty people – both men and women these days.

Free time for lunch and looking around the town of Avarua. In the evening a scrumptious traditional kai kai dinner was prepared by Nikki and shared with community partners: Nikki, Red Cross; Meneana Te Kainga, Mental Health; Karen and Eve, Immanuela School; and Sisters Catherine and Margaret. Good time, good food and good conversation.

2008-01-27T15:54:00.000-10:00

Sometimes I just want to stare at the sky, sit in a beautiful space, watch the blue waters as the waves dash against the shore and the warm ocean breezes. This is how I describe Cook Island, the Paradise and the Shangri-la of the South Pacific.
The day started with strong winds and torrential rain blowing the electric wiring of two Americans, George and Ron, who just arrived from Florida. The balcony in front of our room was a mess.
After breakfast Denise and I reported to St. Joseph for our assignment, with Tai bringing us to school every day. There were lots of students out of school due to the rain. We didn’t even rehearse the Christmas pageant.
Regular classes started on the dot. Delia, the local teacher, motivated the pre-school students who were 15 in number by singing action songs. I joined the class and the kids were very enthusiastic and responsive. The kids love it.
Then we taught them how to write the big letter “E” and the small letter “e”. They had to write the letters repetitiously in their notebook. There were some smart students and a few could hardly write the letters. After writing the alphabet we watched a musical movie, Wiggle. They’re enjoying the whole show. While we were watching the movie I was busy working on the wings of the angels who’ll be in the Christmas play. This was my morning schedule. After working with the kids, I had to practice with 20 students for my Filipino dance – “PANDANGOSA ILAW” meaning “Dance of the Light”. I have 2 more rehearsals with them and I leave it up to Dick, their teacher to brush up the balancing of the glasses on the heads of the girls. Hopefully they’ll be able to dance without dropping their glasses. This dance will be performed during their Christmas celebration on December 11.
Coming home from work, I met Sarah in the bus. I’m lucky to meet people I know. Sarah is a volunteer from another organization and she was gracious enough to introduce me to another volunteer.
At 5:00 we’re ready to practice our Polynesian Dance. We weren’t lucky this time. The gym was not available because they’re practicing a fashion show. So the 3 dance aficionados, Judy, Connie and myself weren’t able to do our wiggle.
Returned to KiiKii Motel and enjoyed a scrumptious dinner prepared by Rosie. Her cooking reminds me of our Filipino cuisine.
Mrs. Here, Tai’s Mom showed us how to make ei katu (flowers for the head). Unfortunately I’m not gifted when it comes to making intricate things. Elaine finished first and everybody passed the test but me. Teresa made 2. I barely finished my ei katu, but with the help of Mrs. Here, Tai and Tai’s niece Crystal. They made my night. I’m grateful for the lovely ei katu that Tai’s Mom gave me. That was the best thing that happened.
These last few days are almost like a dream and I shall remember them always and leaving memories behind; meeting all of you, your patience, your kindness made my short stay in The Cook Islands unforgettable. It breaks my heart to think that I’ll be leaving soon.
A summation of the important events that climaxed my Global Volunteer work. The first country I visited was Istanbul, Turkey. One of the most beautiful cities in the world. In Istanbul you find a market they call the Bazaar. Here you find anything you want. You can haggle with the sales person. In Ephesus, an island in Turkey which is 2 hours flight, you’ll find a chapel of the Blessed Virgin during the last days of her life.
Xi-an, China. The museum, Terra cotta, in Xi-an where thousands of soldiers fought during the war and they are all in the military garb preserved and in the catacomb. This museum is considered the Ninth Wonder of the World. Also as my side trip, I traveled to Shanghai and spent a week to relax after my mission. Visited their stock market and the shopping centre. Shanghai is considered the Paris of China. The women are fashionable and modern as compared to the other cities in China.
Quito, Ecuador. This city is near the equator. I would not have known that the earth isn’t round. The earth bulges because of the heat. This is what I’ve learned during my travel in Ecuador. I really wanted to visit such places as the Galapagos Island and Machu Pichu but you need reservations ahead of time.
Siealce, Warsaw, Poland. In my side trip I visited Auschwitz, which is now a museum. This is where millions of people were slaughtered, burned in the crematorium. These are reminders of what can happen when human beings lose touch with individuals. Basic human being is the inability to bear the sight of another suffering. I for one, couldn’t bear the sight. I also visited St. Mary Church in Krakow where Pope Paul II first officiated his mass as a bishop. Pope Paul II was born in Krakow but we weren’t able to visit his birthplace because it was several hundred miles from the city.
Rarotonga, Cook Islands. I consider this place the Paradise of the South Pacific not only for its beauty but also for its people.
Lilia

Thought for the Day:
Live in the moment!!

2007-11-29T17:56:00.000-10:00

Wow – the day started with a swim in the pool and a beautiful rainbow. It tried to be a double rainbow but was hard to see. The wind had died down from days of stormy seas and the ocean was calm, like when we first arrived.
First arrived --- seems so long ago, but only 3 weeks. We’ve bonded, been a team, been individuals, seems like everyone became immersed in their assignments. Lilia and Denise so happy at St. Joseph’s and today were given flower eis and tiaras and shell necklaces for their devotion to the children. Susan, Elaine and Teresa at Takitumu finished the library project and even had TV coverage commending their work, which we saw on Elaine’s computer via a CD dropped off at 9:00 p.m. by a staff member of the TV station. They too, were adorned with flower eis and t-shirts in gratitude for their work.
I sadly had my last day at Te Uki Ou School where I’ve become so comfortable with both the students, teachers and teachers aides. June gave me a t-shirt with the school logo on it, which I will wear proudly back home in Maine.
Connie showed 2 ham radio operators – Ron and George - some of the schools in a quick morning tour. They seemed very interested in what we as Global Volunteers were doing and who knows maybe someday they will volunteer also.
Our scheduled program, Pa with a talk on herbs, was cancelled as he was in Aitutaki. So we all gathered in the Vaka lounge with wine Taiana provided and ordered our dinner from the Flying Boat. It was a beautiful evening. Perfect temperature, calm seas, so we ate on picnic tables overlooking the ocean.
It was the last night for Denise and Teresa, so back to the Vaka lounge for dessert – a delicious cake made by Mama Here – some dancing and watching Elaine’s pictures of the Vaka 95’s 3-week adventure.
Hugs and goodbyes to two more teammates off to New Zealand and back to our rooms. But the stars were so outstanding after days and days of overcast and rainy skies that Connie, Susan, Elaine and I stood on the deck and just looked to the heavens and Orion’s Belt and felt a little frustrated not being able to identify much else. But just being here was enough. We were content and happy and feeling so blessed for being in the moment. To cool off, a dip in the pool and an end to a wonderful warm sunny day.
June at Te Uki Ou School showed me some folders of her students and was so excited as they had won 200 American dollars for their school by their entries. It was a wonderful honour. I was very impressed with the entry by Chelsea, an 11-year-old student for her entry. I am including it as a closing for this journal. June suggested I ask her for permission to use it, which I did, and she beamed and I know it made her happy.
We’ve come as Global Volunteers to promote peace and friendship to these Rarotongans……and from Chelsea, I hope we have accomplished some of what she wrote.
Judy

Peace is Love
By Chelsea, 11 years old
Te Uki Ou School, Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Peace is Love
Love is Peace
Peace is being kind
Peace is being happy
Peace means no fighting or war
Peace is co-operating
Peace is being loyal
Peace is caring
Peace is sharing
Peace is friendliness
Peace is like a flower blooming
Peace brings happiness to the world
Peace is one great thing.

And so it is goodbye to this journal and the end of the Vaka 95 team. May you all have a safe journey home. It’s been a great 3 weeks. And to Taiana --- you have been a wonderful leader to our team and have become a dear friend besides. To you we wish all the happiness as you embark on a new journey.

Peace to All
Aere ra

Connie Denise Judy Lilia Linda Elaine Robin Teresa Gieszl Susan

Global Volunteers – Rarotonga, Cook Islands
November 10, 2007 to December 1, 2007

2007-11-28T15:55:00.000-10:00

Today is hump day at home. The hump in the middle of the week. We have 2 days left to work at our assigned schools and community jobs. Susan made page 3 in the Cook Islands News with the Takitumu School library system. Elaine is told a boy she has helped has made 100% improvement. Judy’s sure we won’t put any more paint on Te Uki Ou walls as it is still raining! She feels frustrated that one boy she was asked to read with is so far behind. The “twins” Denise and Teresa are working the “swing shift” doing extra projects to compensate for brief times off last week to cheer on the Vaka racers. A must see event here on Rarotonga. Mary, the director of Are Pa Metua wants Lilia to stay on and teach ballet. Several students at Imanuaela pick up litter each morning, all on their own, after Connie told them of the fines sometimes imposed on people who litter in the U.S. But she wonders what will happen to her student Jamie who is so confused in math. Yet, Jamie’s teachers appreciated a math set of fact sheets Connie prepared for him, with Xerox copies for other needy students.
With 2 days left, I asked my teammates what they would miss about Rarotonga and the Global Volunteer program and what they were looking forward to upon returning home.
Most will miss the meals and not having to cook for themselves and family. All agreed they’d miss the spontaneity of people in the program, the Cook Islanders and also meeting people in town and on the bus from all over the world --- the friendliness!
I will miss the ease of taking a swim before breakfast. Susan and others will miss the softness of their skin in this moist setting. Some will miss having to go to their “real jobs” at home, although pedaling to work or catching the right bus to get to and from work has, at times, been challenging.
We will all miss starting the day with Taiana’s smile and her concern that we are all happy going where we’re going and knowing how to get there. We will miss Taiana’s grace and patience!
And what are we looking forward to?
The Christmas holidays with family and friends – though not the consumerism! We are looking forward to going out with friends but not to the traffic we so often have to negotiate to do that. We are looking forward to snow and the warmth of clothes fresh from our dryers.
We realize that at home we are sometimes too connected to others even though we lock our doors that we often don’t do here. We miss our pets, those furry friends so much better cared for at home. We are so fortunate in so many ways.
Along with seeing the vast differences in climate and culture, we have realized the uniting concerns of caring and community as well as issues of health and the environment.
We also may want to remember that sometimes…….less is more and more is less!!!!
Connie

2007-11-26T15:12:00.000-10:00

It’s the start of the third week for Vaka 95 and we’re really in the swing of things now. After a breakfast of eggs and toast and a quick morning meeting we’re off to work. It’s rained much of the night and still looks threatening this morning, so most of us travelling clockwise opt for the bus, although Teresa bravely heads out on her bicycle. As usual, she arrives at Takitumu School at the same time as Elaine and I. Connie heads on to Imanuaela Akatemia School on the bus.
Children are playing in the field in large and small groups when we arrive. Some are filing back in line to their classrooms. A sixth grade student, Emily, unlocks the library and reading rooms. It’s the start of another school day.
I begin by entering the book information and inventory previously written out longhand into Ana’s laptop computer. We had finished entering all of the new book information last week, more than 500 new books; and this bit is all that remains to be done. Of the inventory, I mean, not the entire library project. The library card boards that Ana said would be ready are not quite finished. That’s understandable, as Ana had an extremely big, busy day yesterday since it was her son, Anthony’s, First Holy Communion. Teresa, Elaine and I attended the mass and ceremony and I have to say that I’ve never seen anything like those kids buried under the wreaths of flowers, hibiscus, I think, that they were given by Moms, Aunties and other relatives. Naturally we congratulated both Ana and Anthony again today. Ana said she had even more but they were just too heavy for Anthony to wear, so she took them to the graves of some family members.
At morning break I played some clapping and singing games with the girls and boys – “Lisa, The Warrior” and “That’s the Way Uh, Uh”. I’d learned the games Sunday after church from some of the girls, as well as my teammates who’d clearly had more experience than me. Then I joined the 6th grade boys and girls to learn some drumming rhythms. I wasn’t too bad and enjoyed it immensely, so now I need to know where to buy an authentic Cook Island drum.
After break, the library card boards showed up as did another pair of volunteers. Linda and Gary are a retired Santa Cruz surfer couple who sold their home and are traveling the world. I’d met them the previous week at Cook Islands Public Library when Gary mistook me for the real librarian. I told him about Global Volunteers and what I was doing, which led to his asking where he and his wife could volunteer their time. I told him about Takitumu School and Ana the principal. So today, they showed up around the time it started pouring again.
We spent as much time as the next hour or so trying to plan the library card boards. The idea was that visually finding and removing their card from the “Check In” board to the “Check Out” board would be more rewarding and give the kids more responsibility for their books and library. However, the boards available were too small for the 132 cards to be hung up on. We considered several surfaces and we considered several methods involving glue, velcro, nails and hole punching. In the end, Gary volunteered to buy binder clips in town and he had a car. So he and his wife Linda and Stephen a 6th grader made 2 runs to town in the pouring rain! We Globals could not have done that using the local bus as our transportation. Putting aside the remaining technical details and giving accolades to Elaine for her help after reading was done, I believe that the final check out system looks great and should work just fine. Ana said no school on the Island has a system like the one we’ve devised, not even Titikavaca College and they’ll be wanting to use her schools library. We finally called it a day at 4:00 p.m. and left Ana and Anthony blowing up gold and white balloons and to tie them with gold ribbon. Tomorrow, there will be a library opening ceremony at 9:00 a.m. with cake for 132 ++ made by one of the teachers from the bananas Anthony would have liked to eat. The media is invited. Ana said I’d better be ready with a speech but that’s not my thing. I’m just so happy that we finished the library project and have left Takitumu School with something to be really proud of. Many, many hands and minds went into it. I believe we’ve contributed to Global Volunteers purpose of enhancing equality and self esteem. Tomorrow, I’ll show each class and their teacher how the Takitumu library system works. But for now, its time to eat Rosie’s fabulous supper, lay low and rest up for the big day tomorrow.
Susan

Thought for the Day:
Go Team Go --- It’s fun to see you glow on this Global Volunteers experience.

2007-11-23T17:51:00.000-10:00

Damian and I have come to an agreement. He won’t crow directly under my kitchen window and I won’t hurl obscenities at him and his family. But this little understanding has backfired on me and I’ve slept in til 6:45. Darn it all Damian --- I really do need you after all. I quickly wash up and throw on the first clean clothes I can find and head down to the Vaka lounge for beak-y. Oh good, it’s the cheese omelet again. My favourite with toast, fruit and herbal tea.
Teresa, Linda and I make it to Takitumu School just in time for the Friday morning assembly. I’m not sure if this is a regular Friday morning occurrence or if it’s put on strictly for our enjoyment. The entire student body gathers in the largest classroom for a dance performance by grades 5 and 6. First the girls then the boys and then a surprise. The teacher announces that for the final dance, each of the performers will chose a partner to dance with. Oh, oh, I can see what’s coming. The teachers sitting on either side of me are snickering and I know something is up. The charming boys choose the 3 of us and we must dance in front of everyone, front and centre of course. The drum music begins and we do our best to shake our hips, but not our shoulders in rhythm. These old hips don’t move like they used to. The kids clap and cheer and laugh at our efforts and have great fun at our expense. But we love it and it’s an experience I’ll treasure forever with the wonderful students of Takitumu School. I feel as tough they’ve taught me far more than I’ve taught them. When I leave this little corner of the world I’ll try to be more like them. To listen intently when someone is talking to me, to share openly and willingly, to try hard without fear of embarrassment or failure, to smile more and to play hand games whenever the urge strikes.
With Ana’s blessing and my promise to stay late next week to paint benches, I leave school early to catch some of the Vaka Eiva events. I beat it into town just in time to see the masters women finish their round the island race and the mens start. It’s an exciting time with the drums rolling, the crowds gathered around the harbour and the various teams there to support their fellow paddlers. I wave to Denise and Teresa who are out there on one of the Sponsors boats. I’m sure they saw me and I truly hope their anti nausea medication works as the sea is extremely choppy today. I wander through town again and something bright and cheery and colourful down a little alleyway catches my eye. A lovely little painting that I just must have. After a little negotiation it’s mine and I couldn’t be happier. I pick up a few necessities at Foodland and go off in search of my bike. Where on earth did I leave it? I finally find it down by the Vaka carving area. Now, where is the key to the lock? After emptying my backpack and just before panic sets in, I find it in a zippered pocket where I had tucked it away to be safe. On my way home I stop to pick up my laundry. With my painting, my groceries, my laundry, my computer, my backpack and 2 water bottles, I struggle against the headwind and need to stop again at Mac’s Café where I see Connie. Flat White please!!!! I’m addicted to flat whites and will definitely go through withdrawal when I get back home. Off again with everything well balanced, I straggle in the driveway in first gear and exhausted. Now, where’s my room key? I sit on the balcony for 15 minutes staring at my back pack and finally remember --- it’s in the box in the lobby. Thank goodness!!!
After a short recuperation Susan and I catch the bus to Muri Beach for some swimming and/or snorkeling. We walk the beach a bit and Susan wades out to one of the Motus while I hit the Internet to keep family and friends posted. Susan finds me at the bar and then goes off to explore another of the little islands but is forced back by a school of triggerfish. Bitten, bruised and bleeding we decide the best course of treatment is more refreshments and it seems to work.
It suddenly dawned on us that it’s not the 4:00 bus we need to catch --- we should have been on the 3:00 bus to get all the way back around to KiiKii. We’ll have to walk from town. We eventually met the bus and caught Robin about to get off and convince her to stay on or she’ll have to wait til after 6:00 for another ride and would miss dinner. From the Rarotongan Resort to Avarua we’re the only ones on the bus. We moan and whine and sweet-talk the driver into taking us all the way home. He’s a gem and we thank him profusely. He could have been off work early but chose to help us out instead. Now that’s Cook Island hospitality that we sure wouldn’t get at home.
6:00 Tai picks us all up in her trusty van to go to the Windjammer Restaurant for a farewell to Robin and Linda who are leaving us tomorrow. Robin back to the real world in D.C. and Linda will enjoy another week in New Zealand before heading back to Toronto. Our dinner is delicious and we entertain each other with tales of the past week and napkin folding demonstrations. Good food, good wine, good friends, as they say. I decide to hit the town for the last night of the Vaka Eiva celebrations and Tai drops me at Trader Jacks. The place is hopping and jam-packed with people. I fight my way through the crowd looking for Teresa and Denise but don’t see them. I push my way around to the stairs for a bird’s eye view. It’s a mad house. So I find the bus stop. A nice young man stumbles out of a nearby bar and offers to bring me home on his motorbike. I thank him very much for the generous offer but I’ll just wait for the next bus. By 10:30 I’m in bed. Wowza – that was some night on the town!!!!
Saturday and Sunday everyone goes in different directions. Connie and Judy to Aitutaki, Robin and Linda to the airport, some to the market, Lilia is shopping, Susan and I unsuccessfully try snorkeling again as the weather and the bus schedule work against us. Denise and Teresa have met many new friends and spend time with them. The Vaka parade and launch are colourful and special celebrations.
One of our team goals is to have fun and we’re doing just that.
Elaine

Thought for the Day:
Carpe Diem……….Seize the Day!

2007-11-22T16:10:00.000-10:00

Another day in paradise! At the start of this morning I awoke from dreamland by that rude alarm. Maybe I’ll pretend that I am lost in island time…..or maybe I’ll get up. Opting for the latter, I took a nice warm shower. Thank goodness because there is a chill to the air this morning --- a welcome change from the ceaseless sweating I have been experiencing. After getting dressed I made my way down to the Vaka lounge and I see Tai’s van. I think to myself “Oh no, she means business today”. To my lovely surprise Tai has decorated the lounge with happy little hats, balloons, Snickers bars all around and a special note for each one of us. What a lovely gift from her to make our morning special on this Thanksgiving Day 2007. Elaine and I don our happy hats and start on our breakfast as we get to watch everyone’s reactions as they arrive to find their surprise. We spent our breakfast time talking about our Thanksgiving traditions and what we would be doing in those alternate lives of ours so far away from here and now. Here, in Rarotonga, in the Vaka lounge, there is much to be thankful for already.
I listen to some tunes on my way to school, singing and enjoying myself, thankful for the beautiful weather we have been blessed with today. Another surprise greets me when I get to school. We are all going down to see the Vaka carvings. It is so much fun to ride on the bus with the kids. It is an adventure in itself. The giggles, the singing, the outright laughter at the bus driver for slamming on the breaks. It is worth the trip for the bus ride alone. We arrive in the town centre and enjoyed seeing the progress of the canoes. They are starting to reveal marvelous detail now. The kids got their lesson about the vakas in Maori and one of the teachers was nice enough to translate. To answer the burning question we have had…. they use mango tree and mahogany for the vakas….just FYI. We all sat for a little lunch and watched some of the paddlers finish strong. The kids cheered them on as they crossed the finish line. It definitely looked like hard work.
Back to school, back to school. Just in time for the lunch break. Good timing! I got a suggestion from Sarah to break up the monotony a bit and try a little group reading session of sorts. So we all gathered in the new library and talked about the importance of reading and showed them on the atlas how far we’ve come to read with them. Truly it has been my greatest pleasure and I thanked them as well. After that we went on a little nature walk where they were really teaching us about the trees and fruits and the uses for the different plants. Who’s teaching whom here? We headed back to the library and had our reading group where I started to read to them “A New York State of Mind”. So we all located NY on the map and I read the book and they took over. It was a nice change and I appreciate the suggestion from Sarah. I think they had fun and I know I did.
Fast forward. Home – to town – to the pharmacy for some anti nausea medicine for Denise and I for tomorrow – back home – nap – shower – meet the group for our trip to the Food Festival. Good deal, I’m hungry. We all enjoyed the festivities for the evening. Linda’s ice cream in a pineapple was my favourite. No, maybe the kabob. OK, we’re heading out. We thought we lost Connie. We were thinking she may have given in to her succulent side and found herself a man. There’s that island fever again.
Back home again – all members accounted for. As if that weren’t enough there was still more. Debbie slaved away in the kitchen to make us a special pumpkin/coconut dessert. She even grew the pumpkin. If that’s not love I don’t know what is.
So, as Thanksgiving Day 2007 comes to a close, I will go off to sleep thinking about the many many things I have to be thankful for. Friendship, love, community, a good laugh, children, music, crazy bus drivers, good food (specially leftover pumpkin pie/cake), sunshine, rain, this trip, this island, memories, and tomorrow for another opportunity to do it again.

Teresa

Thought for the Day:
We give thanks for the abundance of our lives and the bounteous nature of our earth. We celebrate the love and joy experienced through community and service.

2007-11-21T16:07:00.000-10:00

To read my journal entry aloud, I thought it best to organize my thoughts more so that I appeared less like the Irish writer James Joyce with his stream of consciousness and more like a person whose writings a person may more easily follow. Wednesday, November 21st seemed to organize itself around three themes: water, family and overseas challenges to the norm.
Today as always, I awakened to the power, the beguiling, the magic of the rushing, birthing waters. The crashing of the waves reminds me of the force of nature and the wonders of life that continue to come into being beneath the churning tides. The life essence with which I sense the waters to teem forces me to agree with Ernest Hemingway and his depiction of sea as feminine when he wrote-[the sea] gave and withheld favors and could have a nature to be wild and wicked. Each morning the water is like a siren calling to me; explicitly demanding that I recognize its presence. It thunders, I am; I am powerful, what is your issue-come out from the lands of slumber. As Shakespeare mentions in Macbeth, “sleep that knits up the sleeve of care, the death of each day’s life,” encourages me to arise without pause. There is too much to do to sleep; I must great the dawn, and give thanks for I am here.
In fact, in my own intimate water experience, I have negotiated a truce. I have learned to take a temperate, enjoyable shower and keep most of the water inside of the shower stall instead of having it splash out onto the floor and soak the bath rug.
I try ever so quietly to do this without disturbing my tolerant roommate. Today, I exit and find her up and charging out the door. She too is answering the call of what begins like a day of clearing skies, wonderful running and opportunities abounding.
I encounter my neighbors; Judy as she confirms the glories of the morning and enters her room, and Connie as she returns from a morning swim. We all share a clothesline that has proved to be invaluable in allowing small and large items of clothes to be washed, hung and miraculously dried without using the fee of the laundry service. In fact, the periodic washing of clothes and hanging them out to dry has intertwined more into the way of life of the community in which I feel that I am apart. Today, I consciously decide to put away my watch and ebb and flow on Cook Island time instead of every so often reflecting on the point in time in Washington, DC, the time in which my watch remained set.
After breakfast and lovely words of the day by Elaine and summative reading of prior activities through the sensitive lenses by Linda, I am off with Lilia to the senior center. Today is my last day there. I leave the KiiKii with mixed feelings; I regret that my work may not be completed there. The ideas that I had to record the life stories of the women, to create a scrapbook for them, to help them re-engage pleasant life events through memories and words seemed doomed. Then I reflect on Taiana’s words and the goals of this program-it is what the agency wants to do and will work in partnership to accomplish. The guiding purpose of my work should be an effort to maintain a genuine sustained service partnership and to treasure what is learned from local people. In this regard, perhaps my work is completed. As Taiana, Debbie, Lilia and I pull into the Center and Taiana explains that I may have to leave early to help at the Red Cross, there seems to be more relief by the Sr. Center Director, Mary. Perhaps because they have a routine and less disruption of this daily schedule is best for her and her seniors. Perhaps because the interest of other places which may be short staffed and which have more of a need are paramount to the director and she wishes all the best for the Red Cross. Either way, she seems happy that we are leaving early. I greet the Mamas as they descend from the van that transverses the isle to retrieve them from homestays and relatives. I especially like to see the cutey pie that comes along with the van driver. He is all of 19 months with a smile that melts my heart. There are five Mamas on the van and one already at the center. The first order of the day is the morning devotion, which consists of songs in Maori, statements in Maori, Bible Reading in Maori and Prayer in Maori. We are all reverent although it is hard to know when to close and open my eyes for prayer or say Amen.
Following this, I get a group picture of the Mamas. Then a red scooter arrives with a person in shades, short curly white hair and knee length red-checkered pants. As the person approaches with vigor and determination, I think that it is a new volunteer. I am wrong. It is a Mama. She is an 82-year-old Cook Islander who lives near the airport. She comes to the senior center to chat with her friends from the island. She is to the point and matter of fact about her background. She answers what is asked and seems focused on the reason that she is there: to chat up and spend time with the longtime friends. The Mamas sing a number of Maori songs and Lilia dances for them. They seem to have had an enjoyable time. I express to them thanks for sharing themselves and their stories with me. In particular, I thank Miriama who participated enthusiastically in whatever it was that others or I did. She shared so much with me that I have indeed learned a tremendous amount, particularly from her warmth and love. She is quite an overseas challenger to the norm who is accustomed to helping others. She is a justice of the peace in New Zealand. She plans to return to New Zealand in January and will have her last day at the center very soon. The rest of the time in the Cook Islands will be devoted to sewing and helping her family, especially her daughter prepare for her Cook Island wedding at the first of January.
Lilia and I leave the center on the anticlockwise bus, which we have learned to take from the airport. It is probably not the fastest way to return to the KiiKii, but after trial and error, we know its time of arrival, location and the end destination. It has become for us a sure bet. We encounter Connie who is transitioning from one school to the other. She sums up the morning experience: The Cook Island is full of surprises. This is true from the weather, to the types of people one can encounter.
Again water is paramount on this island paradise. As one lively bus rider says, we are again under the glare of liquid sunshine as we tool around the isle.
Prior to going to the Red Cross, I decide to take my lunch hour and visit a Cook Islander at work. Lilia agrees to go with me. We encounter TAI, a sweet man, at his place of employment. Lilia is happy to go since he works at Bergman and Sons pearl shop, a shop she says was written up in one of her travel books to the Cook Islands. Although neither of us makes a purchase, we both leave with ideas for gifts for others and for ourselves.
We catch the bus and I go to the Red Cross. I arrive to find the place deserted save the lonely injured staffer, Tua. Apparently one other staffer was there in the morning and had just left, so I felt that the timing was great. My primary job is to be a companion to the injured staff and ensure that she rests. I fail miserably. I look around to see that she is out feeding the pigs! Even though I am not successful in keeping her calm, or encouraging her to elevate her foot, I enjoy my work tremendously at the Red Cross. It feels like I belong here and am part of the family. Perhaps because the Red Cross is temporarily located in the home of Tua, or perhaps because I feel that passion and desire of the others to be challengers of the norm and it resonates with the global service mission so well. I stay to answer the phones and to converse with Tua. I help with the office supplies, prepare tea, and am more a companion and office girl today. It is really, really lovely and more a pleasure than work to listen to this woman who is so strong, dedicated and caring. Very soon, the torrential waters fall from the sky. I think that they are trying to compete with the force that is in the sea. This is the Vaka Eiva week when most attention is focused on the Pacific waves however, it is the heavens that continue to beg that we regard them.
Another volunteer who is here from Nassau to provide safety returns to the Red Cross. He is usually out all day at the Vaka. Today when he arrives he is also ready to chat. This is unusual for this taciturn giant of a man to sit, have tea and talk. It is truly a gift for me to once again listen and learn. He mentions that he has seen Judy and then discusses his life at home and in the future. Another staffer comes to join just as he is winding down his conversation. I mention to her, a Canadian woman just back to the office from holiday, that I will be leaving Saturday and she begins to share. Again, the rain falls. This time it is like a cozy blanket cocooning us all as we share and learn.
I take it back just in time for the fascinating outings. I first grab a global volunteer t-shirt to wear for picture taking. Then we are off to the Sutter Puati home and brewery. They sell two types of beer: Matutu Kiva and Matutu Mai. It is truly a family business with James Puati’s mother and father helping to craft the boxes. Debbie shares with us that the long-term goal is to export their beer overseas, again a challenger to the norm since very little products are currently exported from the Cook Islands. We leave Debbie and her family; after taking memorable shots of the brewery, Debbie, James and we almost leave with one of the dogs. This animal now seems to consider us part of family.
We head to another family, the Rattle family. Here we learn about the formation of the richly colorful pearls known here as ‘’black” pearls. We see how settings are crafted and small and large pearls become wearable art. It is again a place to ponder purchases and consider gift ideas for others and ourselves.
We end our trek at the Saltwater café. I sit across from Denise and Teresa two homies (girls from the Washington, DC, Metropolitan area) with whom I had not had the pleasure of talking much. Over the last 24 hours, I truly appreciate their sharing, consideration and spirits. It is great fun to meet these new generation of service givers and challengers to the norm.
It is raining again and I find that while the crashing waves of sea wakes me in the morning, the falling water from the sky lulls me to sleep. I am excited that tomorrow is Thanksgiving with the anticipation of pumpkin coconut pie and a Cook Island food Festival. I will miss sharing with those whom I love back in the States, but will enjoy sharing new taste sensations with people here. In the tradition of the holiday, we have challenged the norm. I want to close with words from Michael Pollan, from the Omnivore’s

Dilemma:
There is a sense in which the meal had become just that a thanksgiving or a secular Seder, for every item on our plates pointed somewhere else, almost sacramentally telling a little story about nature or community or even the sacred…food can feed us both body and soul, the threads of narrative knitting us together as a group, and knitting the group in to the larger fabric of the given world.
Let us remember to give thanks!

Thought for the Day:
International Quality and Service
Taken from the Raro yellow pages – Budget Rent-A-Car ad.
We are a very diverse group of international women providing a very high quality service to anyone that asks.
Robin

2007-11-20T15:45:00.000-10:00

There is a rhythm to our days now, a sense of familiarity and pattern. Lilia wakes up first. I lay in bed and listen for the weather report ---- a gentle sea means a fair day, pounding swells mean wind. But sadly I hear rain – again!
Mary’s delicious French toast and a few cranky mews from Stripes the motel kitty greet me as I join the Vaka for breakfast. We all have our assignments well in hand. The rain has scuppered the Conservation Area. Memo to self-..thank God for rain. I really was dreading that assignment.
With practiced movements we pack our lunches; knowing instinctively after 10 days of life together who needs the peanut butter, who likes cheese.
For the first time since my marriage suddenly ended 7 years ago, I am living with another human being. It took some adjustment for Lilia to room with me and I with her, but we have much in common we have found and we like to chat at night before the lights go out.
As I peddle off to Takitumu School in a light drizzle I take such pleasure in the morning and I know the route so well now. Roosters crow as I pass and I think of Elaine and smile. Although we are a team and our goals are common ones, each takes a special pride in her role as an individual, which strikes me as a good thing.
Lilia beams as she tells me how the kids at St. Joseph’s have learned the Filipino glass dance she taught them for their Christmas pageant. Bright spark Robin has us in stitches at the description of how condom use is taught by the action and education team. But her main wish has been with the Red Cross and I’m sure she’s been a blessing to Nikki for her skills and wisdom.
Judy, our Picasso, between teaching swimming and badminton, has painted and painted and then painted some more. Her work has literally transformed Te Uki Ou School.
The boundless enthusiasm of Teresa and Denise brings joy to our lives here. I know exactly what Denise is going through and I am proud of her for deciding to help ease her pain by helping others. Denise has made great progress as the “Holy Megabyte” expert at St. Joseph’s. Teresa’s patience and encouragement has helped kids reading improve at Takitumu. Volunteers talk about “my kids” with a sense of great pride, and rightly so.
With her wry sense of humour and dry observances, Elaine never fails to make me smile. She communicates so well with her students in the reading room at Takitumu and she taught me a special lesson about patience and its payoff – a perfect sunset photo.
Susan is close to her goal of restructuring a library at Takitumu and in just 10 days has gone from a palette of books to a clever catalog system that will ensure a well-run library for years. Such an accomplishment.
And what of Constance Gardner? Sweet Connie is my inspiration, all her charkas balanced, a hippie sensibility, an endless kindness, a gentle spirit and generosity all wrapped up in a Vassar t-shirt and hat perched at a jaunty angle on blonde curls. If I come home being more like Connie, I will be pleased indeed.
I thought of this as we posed for our Vaka 95 photo last night with Tai and Debbie – two magnificent women I am going to miss so much. I am filled with admiration for their spirit and calm wisdom.
What better way to celebrate our new friendships than with an Island Night and dinner at the Rarotongan Resort? Mama Here joined us and whispered her secret coconut cake recipe to me. I’ll make it over the holidays for a party and what a hit it will be !!!
Sad to think that 3 days and I must say goodbye to this fine group, but because I am being more of a Vaka girl than a Toronto crazy-busy, 24/7 girl, I see it as 3 days to enjoy, to learn and to explore.
As I finished this page this morning, I heard Judy call out from the pool below where she was doing laps “Look, a rainbow”. We all ran out to see it arcing over the palm trees. A fitting beginning to a lovely day and a reminder that it is filled with promise.
Linda

Thought for the Day:
Formula for Happiness.
There is no need for temple or church or mosque or synagogue. No need for complicated philosophy, doctrine or dogma. Our own heart, our own mind is the temple. Love for others, respect for their rights and dignity no matter who or what they are. Ultimately these are all we need.

2007-11-19T16:44:00.000-10:00

A recap of the weekend……….rain, rain and more rain – heavy downpours both days which is badly needed here on Rarotonga. Linda and Elaine flew off to Aitutaki for the day on Saturday while most of us made our way into town and the Saturday market. The Vaka singles, both men and women, braved forth throughout the day in stormy seas on Saturday. We all rendezvoused in the Vaka Lounge Saturday night for dinner and we celebrated again yours truly’s Birthday with red wine and more delicious birthday cake for dessert. And I thank you all for my BD card with your lovely notes, which will be a treasured memory celebration – this BD on the other side of the world on such a beautiful island – even if it did rain all day!
Sunday the Churchgoers split and some went East and some West to worship with our newfound friends who live here. In the afternoon between rainstorms most of us just had a lazy afternoon and dinner in the Vaka lounge.
Monday a.m. it actually wasn’t raining – the seas were calmer and at 7:30 a.m. the first Vaka racers passed the KiiKii heading to Matavera. This race was the women’s over 35 in the 6 person canoes. It was exciting to watch them paddle strongly in unison with the patrol boats all around.
Connie read the journal for Friday and Denise had the thought for the day. Susan has been very excited about the progress at the Takitumu School library project. They are well underway in tackling this mammoth project of cataloguing a whole container load of books for the children and almost half of our team has worked on this project.
For me, today was the calm before the high activity days ahead at Te Uki Ou School, where I’ve been painting the outside walls of the school and being a sports activities teacher with the children – to sitting in front of the computer at the Red Cross. Today doing some detailed analysis for Vikki, the head of the chapter on the Cook Islands in Rarotonga. I enjoyed walking around the grounds and seeing the pigs, 8 piglets, goats and their young, roosters, chickens, dogs and a cat all within a stone’s throw of the building I’m working in. A totally unique setting for the Red Cross.
Back at the KiiKii and a dip in the pool after work with Susan, Teresa, Denise and Sarah, an outside library volunteer who is helping with the big Takitumu project, and more discussion amongst these enthusiastic women on the plans to helpfully complete this project before Vaka 95 ends.
Another Vaka race went by late in the afternoon with at least a dozen boats – all men this time in their 6 man canoes. It’s exciting to be here for this once a year international race.
At 5:30 p.m. Taiana picked us all up, we stopped by the library to get Robin who was just finishing her day, and went to The Gallery, almost half way around the island to a wonderful display of local artists who had been given paddles to uniquely design in conjunction with the Vaka races. We made it inside just before another cloudburst to enjoy fellowship with others from the Island and to see the fabulous creativeness the paddle designers used in completing their paddles and to enjoy “gratis” wine and beer. We all met new and interesting people there. And thanks to Teresa for suggesting it.
Last stop was at the Lime Café where we piled out of the van to a table for 10 to enjoy calamari, nachos, salad and pizzas with a little more wine by some and singing Bali Hai once again. Back in the van we continued to sing all the way home to the KiiKii. If this keeps up, maybe we’ll be able to go on tour some day as “The Singing Global Volunteers”……just kidding.
Another wonderful day!!!

Judy

Thought for the Day:
Channel your inner succulent adventurous woman.

2007-11-16T16:00:00.000-10:00

I awake rested! That’s a good change. I must be getting used to the schedule. My roommate is still asleep and I’ve a half hour til the alarm goes off for our last workday this week. So I slip out onto the porch and go to the far eastern end, where I watch a gentle pastel beginning of the day.
A warm breeze tickles my pajamas and I feel I am a special, integral part of this lovely morning. At times I’ve wondered why did I really come on this trip; was it really all only about service, or did I want my friends and family at home to see me as a peppy, adventurous older woman – maybe a kind of Grandma of the World!
I guess it’s both……getting older sometimes is not fun. You really do wonder if you’re getting more forgetful. And, you know you can’t hike as far or as fast and that sometimes is sad. But being with a lively group of caring people such as we have here is a million dollar makeover!
There were items I forgot to pack, but it never seemed serious. Friends loaned me things or there was a box of painting clothes, or I simply made do. And I need to remember that once I go home.
Denise mentioned tonight that shopping trips to the mall will dim after experiencing the simplicity and self-reliance of the Islanders.
I first objected to working at the strict, religious school --- no art on the walls, no kids helping one another. Yet I see their scholastic level is high. They play joyously at recess and are kind to each other. I made a sort-of-suggestion to one teacher and really listened to her reply. I am not in control here as it is not my classroom. I am experiencing new patience. I am feeling that I do not have to do everything perfectly. I am spending time with women whom I didn’t even know 7 days ago. Together we plan to take our life in our hands – bravely facing “wrong-way” traffic on a long ride around the Island – a chance to be swallowed into the belly of a whale … or at least see some colourful fish when we get all suited up for snorkeling.
The last 2 days were overcast and just plain soggy. Some of our assignments have had struggles or been just plain boring and some have given us unexpected joy and insights or confirmations about our skills and sensitivities that we didn’t realize in our fast-paced lives at home.
It was really hot and humid today! Even a swim seemed an effort, yet we rallied when Taiana pulled up in the G.V. van to take us out for a special evening to the “Blessing of the Boats” ceremony by Trader Jacks. It’s just like the opening of the Olympics. One of my teammates said “Yes, I agree” and the price for the tickets was a great bargain.
The challenges of the week seemed to pass in the breeze as the air cooled and we gathered for photos on the deck of the Coral Club restaurant. Everyone cleaned up – some even with earrings and colourful new island dresses. Happy smiles, hugs and giggles -- and that was before the wine! A sumptuous buffet. We’re grateful but being in Tai's home with her family was really the highlight of meals.
Happy Birthday Judy, with only one candle on your 67-pound cake. Oh, oops, did I give it away? All is known except for Lilia’s age and the way she danced the cha-cha it’s anybody’s guess how young she really is!
Thank you so much, each of you special ladies for becoming part of a life I now find enriched by your spirits, your energy and your caring.

Connie

2007-11-15T15:41:00.000-10:00

The day starts early with Samantha’s alarm at 5:20 a.m. She is getting organized for paddling then showers at a friends in Avarua before heading to school. I get up, put a load of washing on and greet my dogs Kiva and Mai --- oh to greet each day with the enthusiasm of a dog! James pops the espresso on while I hang wet clothes on the ‘inside line’ as overnight there has been several downpours which is great as we currently have a water crisis on the Island. I go through my aerobics class, go through the e-mails, editing our new tourist brochure for the brewery and send it back to NZ for the next version. Jay and I have a quick bite before Tai picks me up ready for our morning meeting.
Listening to the journal readings I am moved by people’s comments about their new Cook Island experiences. It is humbling to realize these 9 wonderful women have given their time, energy and dollars along with their passion to support others, to come here. It is also a great way to be reminded of how beautiful this place is that I call home --- as at times one gets so busy you forget to look up and out rather than just down at what you are involved in.
Taking photos of Judy as she takes the bus, of Teresa, Elaine, Denise and Linda as they cycle off, of Susan at the library with Jean, of Robin and Connie at the Are Pa Metua Centre is all good fun. We also take photos of ‘rush hour’ in Avarua (no cars traveling, only parked on the side of the road) and of the vakas being carved.
Having dropped everyone at work, Tai and I do the shopping, always thinking “what would they like?” or “what might they like to try?” as we choose. Taiana explains all sorts of Global Volunteers protocols as we go. We look at the Team Leader Reports, which are sent to Minnesota at the end of each team and the pre-team, during-team and post-team budget excel sheets. Tai showing me how I should fill things out. We discuss the evenings BBQ and then, as I have an appointment we finish G.V. work. I get organized to take my aerobics class but in-between have a meeting to discuss and bring together a policy for a school on appointing new personnel, and also to give advice on appropriate questioning for a situation where someone has made an accusation of sexual abuse.
I take my class at the gym where there are heaps of people enthusiastically waiting to be put through their paces. With so much rain in the air – it is hot!! Quick shower and to the supermarket for my own groceries (after waiting 10 minutes for the rain to stop). My own shopping is decidedly different to that of G.V. shopping. No sliced deli meat, no NZ apples, no juice and definitely no ice cream! They are all definitely treats for us, not everyday foods.
James comes by in the delivery vehicle so it is great not to have to take all the food home on my bike. On the way home I pass Elaine, Denise and Linda all cycling along – yes, on the left!! My mind is constantly filtering through the G.V. job and what it entails, and how I might put my own touches to it. Taiana is such a great model and I think her relaxed, efficient and confident manner is perfect.
Once home it is to be greeted by a teacher who needs some ideas on how to handle a certain child in his class. After a cup of tea and a chat he leaves with a couple of strategies to try. I clear the next lot of e-mails, wash some windows and finally have lunch – it is now 3:45!! Samantha joins me and we sit down and eat our toast together. She is off at 4:15 for paddling, I wash some more windows, chat to Tai about alternative arrangements for the BBQ due to the weather and then head into town for a safety committee Vaka Eiva meeting. Now we are all set – let the races begin. You can feel the excitement in the air and seeing lots of paddlers in town is awesome.
On the way back home I get soaked to the skin – right down to my bra and knickers. That’s when it really isn’t fun on a motorbike! I am freezing by the time I get home and am so grateful we have some hot water.
It’s straight back out the door to the Allans. Taiana, June and Andrew are the most incredible hosts. We are all made to feel that nothing is too much trouble. Salads have been whipped up, kuru chips are delicious and BBQ’d broadbill hits the spot for everyone. The fresh fruit salad with soursop, mango, passion fruit, pawpaw and banana is the perfect way to end the meal.
Now it’s show time with June who shares loads of stories, some true, some not. Loads of knowledge, loads of laughs, loads of musical talent and loads of energy. We learn about coconuts, their various stages, we taste them all. We learn about making coconut cream, we learn about maniota --- and it goes on. The Allan family are all incredible and I am absolutely positive that everyone has enjoyed their evening although we did miss you Lilia.
Tai drops me home and I finally get the windows finished, put out another load of washing and another load on before getting started on the journal. Finally, I can sit down and catch up with my family and have a look at the paddle James is doing for the exhibition. Tomorrow the kids graduate from their school so it will be another busy day, however they are both asleep by now.
Thursday, November 15, 2007 – Debbie Sutter-Puati

The day starts early with Samantha’s alarm at 5:20 a.m. She is getting organized for paddling then showers at a friends in Avarua before heading to school. I get up, put a load of washing on and greet my dogs Kiva and Mai --- oh to greet each day with the enthusiasm of a dog! James pops the espresso on while I hang wet clothes on the ‘inside line’ as overnight there has been several downpours which is great as we currently have a water crisis on the Island. I go through my aerobics class, go through the e-mails, editing our new tourist brochure for the brewery and send it back to NZ for the next version. Jay and I have a quick bite before Tai picks me up ready for our morning meeting.
Listening to the journal readings I am moved by people’s comments about their new Cook Island experiences. It is humbling to realize these 9 wonderful women have given their time, energy and dollars along with their passion to support others, to come here. It is also a great way to be reminded of how beautiful this place is that I call home --- as at times one gets so busy you forget to look up and out rather than just down at what you are involved in.
Taking photos of Judy as she takes the bus, of Teresa, Elaine, Denise and Linda as they cycle off, of Susan at the library with Jean, of Robin and Connie at the Are Pa Metua Centre is all good fun. We also take photos of ‘rush hour’ in Avarua (no cars traveling, only parked on the side of the road) and of the vakas being carved.
Having dropped everyone at work, Tai and I do the shopping, always thinking “what would they like?” or “what might they like to try?” as we choose. Taiana explains all sorts of Global Volunteers protocols as we go. We look at the Team Leader Reports, which are sent to Minnesota at the end of each team and the pre-team, during-team and post-team budget excel sheets. Tai showing me how I should fill things out. We discuss the evenings BBQ and then, as I have an appointment we finish G.V. work. I get organized to take my aerobics class but in-between have a meeting to discuss and bring together a policy for a school on appointing new personnel, and also to give advice on appropriate questioning for a situation where someone has made an accusation of sexual abuse.
I take my class at the gym where there are heaps of people enthusiastically waiting to be put through their paces. With so much rain in the air – it is hot!! Quick shower and to the supermarket for my own groceries (after waiting 10 minutes for the rain to stop). My own shopping is decidedly different to that of G.V. shopping. No sliced deli meat, no NZ apples, no juice and definitely no ice cream! They are all definitely treats for us, not everyday foods.
James comes by in the delivery vehicle so it is great not to have to take all the food home on my bike. On the way home I pass Elaine, Denise and Linda all cycling along – yes, on the left!! My mind is constantly filtering through the G.V. job and what it entails, and how I might put my own touches to it. Taiana is such a great model and I think her relaxed, efficient and confident manner is perfect.
Once home it is to be greeted by a teacher who needs some ideas on how to handle a certain child in his class. After a cup of tea and a chat he leaves with a couple of strategies to try. I clear the next lot of e-mails, wash some windows and finally have lunch – it is now 3:45!! Samantha joins me and we sit down and eat our toast together. She is off at 4:15 for paddling, I wash some more windows, chat to Tai about alternative arrangements for the BBQ due to the weather and then head into town for a safety committee Vaka Eiva meeting. Now we are all set – let the races begin. You can feel the excitement in the air and seeing lots of paddlers in town is awesome.
On the way back home I get soaked to the skin – right down to my bra and knickers. That’s when it really isn’t fun on a motorbike! I am freezing by the time I get home and am so grateful we have some hot water.
It’s straight back out the door to the Allans. Taiana, June and Andrew are the most incredible hosts. We are all made to feel that nothing is too much trouble. Salads have been whipped up, kuru chips are delicious and BBQ’d broadbill hits the spot for everyone. The fresh fruit salad with soursop, mango, passion fruit, pawpaw and banana is the perfect way to end the meal.
Now it’s show time with June who shares loads of stories, some true, some not. Loads of knowledge, loads of laughs, loads of musical talent and loads of energy. We learn about coconuts, their various stages, we taste them all. We learn about making coconut cream, we learn about maniota --- and it goes on. The Allan family are all incredible and I am absolutely positive that everyone has enjoyed their evening although we did miss you Lilia.
Tai drops me home and I finally get the windows finished, put out another load of washing and another load on before getting started on the journal. Finally, I can sit down and catch up with my family and have a look at the paddle James is doing for the exhibition. Tomorrow the kids graduate from their school so it will be another busy day, however they are both asleep by now.

Debbie

Thought for the Day:

Food for Life
We heard a tale of the eel and the coconut. The eel told the girl that it is OK if her family eats him but bury his head and you will have food forever. The next day when the girl woke up there was a huge coconut tree. The message is that the eel/coconut tree gives us food for life. What we, the Global Volunteers are doing here is contributing “food for life”. We help kids read which will feed their lives richly. We help in the community, providing service, support (food) for the life here. We feed ourselves by being here, ultimately feeding our lives as well.
Thought for the Day:

Food for Life
We heard a tale of the eel and the coconut. The eel told the girl that it is OK if her family eats him but bury his head and you will have food forever. The next day when the girl woke up there was a huge coconut tree. The message is that the eel/coconut tree gives us food for life. What we, the Global Volunteers are doing here is contributing “food for life”. We help kids read which will feed their lives richly. We help in the community, providing service, support (food) for the life here. We feed ourselves by being here, ultimately feeding our lives as well.

2007-11-14T16:15:00.000-10:00

We started Wednesday morning with pancakes and the usual assortment of jams, toast, yogurt, cereals, bananas and pawpaw. Elaine read the journal and Linda gave us our message for the day. Taiana made sure we knew our assignments for the day and then we were off.

Judy and I got a ride to our schools in the Global van from Tai. I arrived at Takitumu at about the same time as Elaine and Denise who had ridden their rental bikes. My day was fairly consistent with the previous one. My main assignment was to cut, fold and paste envelopes or pockets and cards and top flaps for the new shipment of books that had arrived at the school during the previous week. Ana told me that they had been waiting three years for the books to arrive from New Zealand. All had been donated. She said that she received letters from N.Z. stating “We hope you’re enjoying the books.” She’d write back “Thank you for the letter. We have not received the books.” She’d get another letter “We hope you are pleased with the books”, she’d write again “Thank you for the letter. The books have not arrived.”

Apparently, the correspondence went back and forth the like this several times. Finally the books arrived. An entire pallet of them all at once. And I mean boxes and boxes. About half of them were sorted out for the reading room, including the series readers and the rest of the boxes were waiting for me in the library.

Ana, the school principal had stamped the books with the school name and address. However, there were no card pockets or pre-made materials for starting a card catalogue system. Instead, I had numerous Xeroxed copies of pockets, two to a page to be cut out, then folded, then glued to the back of each book. There were lined cards on yellow paper, about six to a page to be cut up and then there were check-out flaps, about four to a page, to be cut out. Please take note: a computerized library software system has not yet arrived at Takitumu school in the Cook Islands.

It’s all quite labour intensive; and gluing technique is an important factor. Yesterday, I had four 6th graders helping me and we made 113 pockets. Today Barb, a previous 4 time Global Volunteer currently visiting the island on her own, and Sarah her cohort and Cook Islander now living in San Antonio, Texas, both helped me. We managed to make 133 pocket envelopes. I put both numbers on the white board to encourage our progress. So, we had a full morning of cutting, pasting and folding.

The talk was continuous, the laughs full and the stories flowing. I wondered more than once if this was what a quilting bee felt like. Barb and Sarah hung in there through lunch break at 10:00 when we had taro tops, onion and ramen noodles prepared by the teachers as well as a bit of tuna and toast.

Then it was back to our task. Sarah was anxious to see us complete all the cutting and folding for the day so that I could paste the pockets into the books during the afternoon. We made it! Yay!! So I pasted on my own until the second break when I stopped and joined in on the 6th graders ping-pong tournament.

The game was to five points so that each could have a turn. Tommy, one of my helpers and I took on their teacher and another student. My first point drew cheers. However, we ultimately lost in sudden death. When the drumbeats sounded the end of recess break I somehow found myself back in the library with 6 excited and sweaty helpers.

Although it was a bit late in the process, I tried to get our assembly line from the previous day going. We had three pasters, two cutters and Mere and I on quality control, sending back a few to the team when the top flap was pasted upside down or the glue was too mixed with sweat to stick. Internally I worried about how long the pockets would hold up as Barb had done out loud in the morning. And she hadn’t yet worked with the excited kids.

More than once I reminded them that our work was meant to last for the kids coming up behind them after they’d left the school. Finally we’d done what we could for the day and I sent the kids back to their class. But first, Tommy and Eddie turned up the radio, which had been playing in the library all day, and I got to see the most beautiful version of the Polynesian Temptations.

Oh, I forgot to mention that the kids also practiced the Spanish numbers and words, which I’d taught them the day before, and which Tommy and Eddie had copied into their workbooks.

When school let out I waited 15-20 minutes for the local bus, which arrived full of kids from Te Uki Ou School and Judy. I took a shower back at KiiKii and sat around watching a lone local surfer catch some of the best waves I’ve seen since arriving. Then Judy and I walked over to Club Raro where Barb and Sarah were waiting to share more jokes, teasing and stories. Back at the Vaka Lounge Ranch I listened to stories about the day from my fellow Vaka 95 teammates; and at this point, I’ve decided that it’s best for each to tell her own right here when the time comes.
In summary, I spent the day right where I was meant to be, surrounded by books, happy, excited kids and dedicated fun-loving adults.
Susan

2007-11-13T15:31:00.000-10:00

Tuesday morning – 4:00 a.m. I’m awakened by the beautiful sounds of Cook Islands nature. Birds are chirping, the ocean surf is rolling in, there’s a lovely breeze through my front window, and that rooster is determined to get me out of bed. I’ve decided to call him Damian as he definitely has some of the devil in him. Yes Damian – I’m getting up.
Breakfast at 7:00 after which Lilia read her entertaining journal and Judy gave the thought for the day. Now the adventure finally begins.
Tai and Debbie delivered some to their projects at various places around the island while Teresa, Linda and I headed out on our pushbikes for Takitumu School. Ana and her son Frances greeted us. She is a wonderful woman with endless energy, excitement and enthusiasm, which surely rubs off on her students. Susan headed to the library to start some cataloguing. As the school staff were still working on our schedules, Teresa and I started our day numbering the new books for the reading program. Boxes and boxes and boxes of books. We chuckled to ourselves over some of the interesting titles………
The Adventures of Diaper Baby
Tales from the Great White North (which may or may not be about Canada ??)and our favourite………
Kiss, Kiss, Yuck, Yuck
At the 10:00 break the staff prepared a nice lunch for us – sandwiches, tuna, cheese, tomatoes, pawpaw and bananas. We won’t need to take a lunch tomorrow. How sweet is that? It was fun to watch the children on their break playing soccer and cricket. There were even cheerleaders in the far corner. They all brushed their teeth and headed back to class at the sound of the drum.
With the schedule finalized, we started right in on the reading program. The 9 and 10 year olds are just adorable, polite and shy at first, but come right out of their shells with just a few words of encouragement. Of the 11 children on my roster, 4 forgot their folders and 1 brought his brothers by mistake. No problem, we just grab another book in their reading level.
These children are no different than back home. Some require help sounding words, some with comprehension and some are excellent readers if you can just keep them focused. All of them enjoy discussion and really seem to appreciate the one on one attention. Their smiles prove it.
We finished up for the day and Linda and I hopped our bikes and headed for town and a bit of shopping. We checked out the Vaka carving event and enjoyed the best cup of coffee ever at Mac’s.
Everyone met back at the Vaka Lounge at 5’ish to go to our dance lesson at the National Auditorium. What a great outing. We joined in with the dancers with our pareus tied relatively neatly in place. It was great fun.
Back to KiiKii for dinner and some very lively discussions about our days. I think the consensus is that this will be a very enjoyable and personally rewarding trip. Some headed to Club Raro for more cultural experience. Some are back in their rooms and I will work on my journal til the wee hours while my tummy rumbles and tumbles and gurgles. For me, this is not a good night for the water to be off.

p.s. We all hope Connie feels better tomorrow.

Elaine

Thought for the day:
“Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death.” Auntie Mame

2007-11-12T16:33:00.000-10:00

The day started with breakfast at 7:00 in the morning. Denise reported her journal and Connie with the thought for the day

We left the hotel after breakfast and visited several schools. Our first stop was Apii Takitumu, a public preschool with Ana as the principal. She was gracious enough to take us around the school. The enrolment is 190 and the class hour runs from 8 to 2 p.m.
The second school was a public school with Tap as the principal. The students were from first to 7th grade.

Next we visited Apii Te Uki Ou, an independent preschool where June is the principal. She happens to be Taiana’s sister. She showed us the layout of the school and what her projects are.
We visited the library where we met the librarian and the staff. From the library we proceeded to St. Joseph School, a Catholic elementary school where Sister Celine is the principal. Before I forget ladies, if you want a good husband, pray to St. Joseph. He’ll answer your prayers.
Sister Celine is from India and she is the driving force at that school.

Taiana drove us around the orange plantation. Most of the fruits and crops raised here are also found in the Philippines.

Our last stop was The Red Cross quarters where Nikki was in charge. She wore a pareu and a set of black pearl earrings, necklace and ring. I was impressed by her elegance and her composure.

After the 3-hour drive, I’ve gathered lots of information about their system of government. Here in the Cook Islands, the retirees don’t receive entitlements such as Social Security, Pension or Disability.

Then it was getting late for lunch. We went to a restaurant and ordered chicken sandwiches and soda. Then we went back to the hotel where most of us took our siesta, Linda and Elaine went swimming and the rest had their dollars changed. It’s unfortunate the U.S. dollar has less value but what the heck! You can’t equate travel with money.

Out meeting with the principals was a sumptuous authentic Polynesian food prepared by Nikki. It turned out to be an unforgettable evening.
Lilia

2007-11-11T15:20:00.000-10:00

We arrived early Saturday morning and were greeted by Taiana. Robin and Lilia were also on our flight. After getting some sleep Teresa and I decided to tour the Island on foot. We jogged around the main town area but we missed the market. The vendors were closing down when we arrived. We hope to go back next Saturday so we can see the local crafts. After getting ourselves organized we went to the Club Raro for lunch. The food was OK but the view was fantastic. We met an Australian couple and sat around talking about everything from the war in Iraq to the American health care system. A while later we walked to Trader Jacks for some dinner and more interesting conversation. The Coast Guard boat was in town which made for some good entertainment. Teresa and I were laughing at the irony of traveling to the other side of the world to hang out with American boys. All in all, it was a fun night with lots of interesting new friends.

Because of the late night, Sunday was just relaxing. We were sorry to miss the Church service because it sounded very beautiful. Sunday afternoon turned out great because we finally got to meet our whole team. I am very excited to learn more about my new teammates and to learn about my new temporary home. Let the adventure begin!!

Denise

Thought for the day:
Children learn from what they see.
Young children especially, imitate their parent’s values and behaviors. If they see us using force to get what we want, they will to the same. If they see us managing our feelings and our differences comfortably, they will take it for granted that problems can be solved in a friendly way.