Update from afar

I hope you like the enhancements to our blog. Now you can practice your I-Kiribati language skills with the translator on the right hand side. We’ve also changed the comments section so that you don’t need to be a blogger member to comment.

We went to Broken Bridge on North Tarawa last weekend with 9 imatung (Anglo) friends. We caught a funny little boat across the lagoon to get there. The boat had no seats, so we just found spots to sit, stand or lean for the 30 min trip. The alternative would be a long walk in the heat (because there are no cars that far up) carrying all our stuff, so I was more than happy with the boat option. The accommodation is a bit like a camp site. You take your own food to cook. You hire a cabin and little huts over or near the water to sleep in. It is one of the few safe places to swim as the water from the ocean flows into the lagoon at this location. We snorkelled and saw some pretty fish. We even found Nemo- and his twin. It was a great way to get to know our new friends.

This week I presented my first 2 lectures at the Theological College. I think they went OK. I’m not a fan of planning lessons, but I don’t mind delivering them. Last year there were 70 first year students, so I was relived to find out that I only have 46 students to lecture this year- much more manageable. It will take me a while to get to know people’s names because I struggle to pronounce them. One lady told me her real name that I couldn’t pronounce and then said I could call her Maggie- phew. That is the only name I remember so far.

I start at my other placement on Monday at Kiribati Protestant Church headquarters. I thought I would be working with women’s groups, but it turns out I will be working with youth. Both the youth and the staff there could do with some work on their computer skills, so that will be one area I’ll help with. I think a large part of my role will be helping to organise workshops for the youth.

Last night we had Pete’s work mate and his wife over for dinner. We had satay chicken drumsticks, fish, rice and veges. They had never had satay sauce before and really enjoyed it so they asked for the recipe. They have Chinese food here, but not Thai. They moved house today and said they hope to have us over next weekend for what we called their house warming party. I’m pretty sure the house won’t need warming, but it will be good to be invited to the house of a local to see how they live and what they feed us.

Pete is watching AFL as I write this in black and white on our neighbour’s buzzing TV. He is really happy that he gets to watch it at all.

Tomorrow morning we’re getting up for bacon and eggs and then church.