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

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

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.