WeCleanUpRealGood

In Sydney we saw each other dressed up for the first time as we prepared to attend a production of Carmen at the Sydney Opera House. It was an amazing experience finally visiting this gorgeous architectural landmark.

QuickVisitToRoguesPointAustralia

On the way home to America I was fortunate to be able to visit Doug's home in Adelaide in Soutern Australia, as well as his beach house in Rogue's Point. After the blazing heat in Timor, it took a bit of adjustment to the cooler beach air.

BeachHomes

During the last month we were there, structures like these seemed to spring up on the beach across from all the permanent shacks on the other side of the road. It is getting close to the end of the rainy season so perhaps people are arranging shade on the beach for the better weather conditions coming soon.

CreativeHomeExpansion

Every day returning to the hotel, we pass this hut on the left that is almost sitting on the road. One day we noticed that the area across the road from the home had been set up with filled bags and other things to accomodate company. The owners basically use the street as a hallway to their expanded home. We have to be careful at night to avoid hitting people sitting in the street conversing with folks sitting in the new expansion.

TypicalDayAtStMichaels

The school has about 2000 students with almost 30 girls living there full time. Even scheduling the students to go in half days, there are sometimes almost 60 students crammed into a tiny classroom, with no fans, or lights, or electricity.

FarewellToUsAsWell

The ceremony St Michael's held to say farwell to Daryl, turned into a farewell to Doug and me as well. We were leaving in two days to return to our respective countries and I was touched that we would receive an "official" farewell as part of the ceremony. Doug impressed us all by giving a farewell speech in Tetun no less! The crowd loved it!

FarewellToDaryl

Sadly Daryl is leaving his job as the leader of the Rotary Club in Timor-Leste. This is devastating news to everyone at St Micheal's School as he has championed the cause of St Michael's for years. The school held a touching ceremony acknowledging his efforts and thanking him for his support of the school.