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