“Being able to take part in this amazing fundraising journey with a group of fantastic people significantly benefited me as a person and completely changed my perspective of the difference just $3.50 can have in third world countries like Timor. The kids and adults of Timor are the happiest, joyful people I have ever met and this trip has let their happiness flow onto me.” – Locklan Lee-Perkin
Day 1: Sunday – It was a 4am drive up to Perth, for some, for an 8:30am flight to Darwin. We arrived at our accommodation to find out that we had all been upgraded to a double bed. Later that day we went to the Mindil Markets along the beach and enjoyed a bit of a swim in the pool. We had a wonderful dinner on the Waterfront.
Day 2: Monday – In the morning we went to the WWII tunnels and toured around Darwin a bit and then we made our way to Crocosaurus Park. Later that afternoon we flew to Dili, all very excited with the nerves slowly fading away.
Day 3: Tuesday - The BIG DRIVE. We drove four hours to Bacau where we stopped for lunch. Then we drove 3 more hours to Baguia (nearly) and came to a river that we were unable to cross due to the rain causing a big rise in the water level, so we had to drive the three hours back to Bacau and stay the night.
Day 4: Wednesday – Back in the car for the 3 hour drive to Baguia. We finally arrived to a welcoming ceremony at St Josephs and then played with the children for a few hours.
Day 5: Thursday – Our first experience in the classroom. We were paired with a teaching buddy and taught the Timorese students English. After our morning classes, we hiked up to Haeconi which was a sweaty and exhilarating walk. We had a welcoming ceremony at the school and lunch, which was so abundant. We played games with the children before embarking on the walk back down the mountain.
Day 6: Friday – In the morning we walked 20 minutes downhill to experience the local markets which contained minor clothing, but an abundance of fresh produce. After a short rest at base camp, we were back in the classrooms at St Joseph’s teaching more English classes. In the afternoon we spent time at the Government school teaching the senior students. It was quite frightening because they were all older than us, but turned out to be a very rewarding experience.
Day 7: Saturday – We taught at St Joseph’s school in the morning before hiking an hour down the mountain to the village of Bubuha. This hike included two river crossings and some of the most beautiful scenery of the trip. We were welcomed by a beautiful song from the young children .We played games with the children and then had another abundant lunch. We trekked the big mountain back to Baguia stopping at the rivers to cool ourselves off.
Day 8: Sunday – The whole community gathered at the church for the Sunday service. It was all in Tetum. We farewelled everyone, some tears were shed and many waves were waved. We started the big 8 hour journey back to Dili, stopping at Bacau for the final last lunch. Dinner in Dili was a big 3 hour wait, as the food was limited and orders were adjusted and changed four times.
Day 9 : The Journey Home. Everyone was quite eager to see their family yet all a bit upset leaving the children back in Baguia. This trip was quite a memorable and unforgettable tour that no one will forget.
Marli Enslin
“The Timor trip was an amazing experience of which I’m honored to have been a part of. The group was awesome and being able to see the difference we can make from so far away was truly mind blowing. I highly recommend the trip to everybody considering it for it is life changing.” – Kaylen Russell-Morey
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