Ka Kite Takitumu Students....

Debi (sometimes we joke about and call this teeny tiny former New Zealander, "mom" but who is undoubtedly years younger than all of us) drove Cara and I to school this morning, my last day at Takitumu!! :( Debi presented a supplies gift from our group of Global Volunteers to Engia ..... we had all pooled supplies, brought from home to be divided amongst the three schools. The Friday morning marching drill was in full gear as we arrived ..... something left over from possibly the missionary years ..... the kids all march to the beat of a drum in a square around the front field of the school. I must say, between the Tuesday and Thursday dance and song Jump Jam sessions, physical fitness seems to be a big part of the school curriculum......and so it should be in my humble opinion :) ..... and this is in addition to every possible break in the day, with kids running around, barefoot as ever, all over the field, playing soccer, netball, rugby .... I may further add here, that this is replayed after school lets out ..... quite refreshing from our North American addictions to after school TV, computer games, WII and play dates and organized sports ..... very little impromtu playing ...... How pleasantly different life is in this rural Polynesian setting ..... the city parks in most neighborhoods in my home town of Calgary sit virtually empty year after year and rarely does one see a child outdoors, just plain playing! Yes, perhaps I flew into a time warp here :)

Back to the school day.....after the marching drills, an assembly was called and Cara and I, asked to sit at the front in the grade six classroom, the only room large enough for a school assembly. No gym at Takitumu, just the outdoor fields :) The grade 6 band were setting up their flutes, xylophone and drums .... Engia also joined in playing guitar, and singing a beautiful piece in Maori ..... The start of every school day commences with the Lord's Prayer (gosh, did that bring me back to my roots in Pottsville, Ontario where this was certainly a part of our rituals in the 50's and 60's, followed of course :) by "God Save the Queen"). A prayer in Maori was next and then singing.....lots of it! Lovely! Engia thanked Cara and I for our time at the school, the children following along with a whopping communal thank you ..... as I looked at the sea of little brown Polynesian faces, with tears just barely kept at bay, I noticed dear Mrs. T. watching me ..... could not fool her!! She smiled and silently mimed "The tears of a woman", the poem she had shared with us just a few short days ago. Later in the day, my young students, including the boys, told me that my tears started their own.....that was a tribute worth cherishing! The assembly continued with much singing, praying, and finally the grade six band playing for us. Just lovely. The teachers prepared a delicious island lunch consisting of cooked ruco casserole, which is somewhat like spinach and is certainly one of my favorite local dishes, taro, sweet potato, paw paw, teriyaki chicken, rice, breads and cakes of all sorts. We were presented with Rarotongan pareus complete with a black pearl shell cinch. The day was just such a sweet celebration ..... the children drew all manner of pictures for me, grade 3's all presented cards and more hugs and kisses as the day passed. It was with a heavy heart we left to go "home" to Kii Kii on the bus. I had no idea how easy it is to get attached to children one works with daily......never would I have predicted this feeling of sadness and a desire to stay on and help long term. I will certainly have much to reflect on and ponder over the next several months. Love is just something inside of us that has no end or beginning and just keeps expanding, ever inclusive ..... so easy to love children! They are just so open, giving, loving and oh yes, cheeky too, (the rose tints come off occasionally :) ..... this may be a characteristic of Cook Islanders in general however, as I have noticed that even the adults are very kind, giving and loving, quick to become a friend. They are in many respects, conservative as well, despite the early Polynesian history ...... the missionaries certainly did their job of converting ...... Christian churches dot the landscape ...... the Polynesian/Maori attitude is generally one of a sharing and open heart ....... Everyone is welcome to attend their churches, regardless of religious affiliations or lack thereof. Socializing on Sundays is a big part of the culture and tea is often served after the service enabling everyone to enjoy a good visit and chit chat .... very nice :)

Debi and her husband James, who is now back in Raro after a month recovering in Auckland, took us out to a local gourmet spot, Tamarind for dinner ...... once a historical old colonial home, now a restaurant. It is set in lovely gardens, along a beautiful bit of beach. Despite that horrific motorcycle accident, James looked very healthy, and has a great attitude in general which always helps when recovering from illness or accidents! The evening was full of good cheer, albeit a bit poignant, knowing it was our last meal as a group. The food was gourmet delicious!!! It was with a touch of sadness that we hugged and kissed our way through goodbyes at the end of the evening, with the ladies and gent of Global Volunteers!! May I suggest if anyone is interested, to google Global....they would so welcome volunteers from everywhere and I can't recommend them highly enough....an excellent organization and the volunteering itself, oh my....life just does not present more goodness than that!! Chapter One, done! Journey to continue to other islands in this Pacific chain. Reflections on Raro to follow :). Kia Manuia my family and friends, Love, Seija