Rinse off at the beach

The kids played in the dirt and mud under our house all afternoon, and were so filthy that Geoff decided we should go to the beach for a rinse off. Some of the local kids jumped in the back of the truck too, much to our girl's delight (and mine)!


The beach is at the end of the road we are living on, but to get there you have to go through the timber mill. There is a gate at the mill, with a bar across the road, but they always let SWIM people through (being neighbours). We drove through the mill, and Geoff commented on how many more homes were there since his last visit (very poor looking homes). When Kevin takes the kids to the beach sometimes after work, heaps of kids from the timber mill jump on the truck as well, but no one wanted to come with us today - unfamiliar white people driving the truck.

When we got to the beach, there were squeals of delight as the kids all jumped out and ran for the water. The squealing didn't really stop until it was time to go home! They all had a ball together! The girls wanted to know if we could go there every day!

Geoff and Elora

You can see a rusty old ship in the distance. There are many ships that are like this - one big one on the main road into Honiara.

I was amazed at how many beautiful shells there were at this beach. I found these just where the kids were playing.

School visit

After a couple of 'coolish' days where it rained a fair bit, today is much hotter. I'm sitting in the office of our house - it is a closed in verandah - and there is a slight, very welcome breeze blowing. The girls are all under the house (one of the coolest spots), playing with dirt and mud, along with several other kids who live around here. It is only 12:30, and some of them could be at school, but there seems to be a very lax attitude to school here. If it is raining, most kids don't go because they would have to walk to school and it is just so muddy. I can understand that, but wonder what happens in the wet season when it rains for months.

Speaking of schools, we went for a visit to Florence Young Christian School this morning. We met up with the Deputy Principal and head of primary to talk to her about Brianna, Millie and Sophie going to school there while we are here. She took us on a little tour of the school, which goes from Prep(kindy) to high school. We were taken to Lovelyn's class (yr4), which is in a leaf hut. It is a small, open building, probably half the size of our classrooms, and there are 38 students crammed in, all sitting at little wooden desks. When it rains, they have to move somewhere else because everything gets wet. There was a blackboard at the front, on the only wall of the leaf hut. There were a few pieces of student work displayed, but I didn't get a good look them.

Yr 4 class

We (all six of us) walked to the front of the Yr 4 class, and were introduced. Then the Deputy Principal asked us if WE would like to sing a song or something! I guess we could have if we'd known earlier, but the girls were freaking out enough as it was, so we declined, and they sang for us instead! The children sang two songs, both of them beautifully, even though they were quite shy(lots of giggles and smiles hidden behind hands).

Then we were taken to the library - a very small room with very old books. There were three or four shelf racks, and then the rest of the books were in piles or boxes, still to be sorted. Apparently the library has recently been relocated to this larger room. I feel guilty for the large amount of books I have at home and wish I could have brought more with me.

The DP then asked what what we would like to see next, so I asked to see the yr1 room, for Sophie and Amelia. This class was in a far more permanent building - one of a whole block. Their class was also very full - about 6 kids were sitting on the floor doing their work because there wasn't enough room at the desks. This classroom was decorated with brightly coloured drawings and things, which was lovely to see. They also sang for us before we left.

Yr 1 class

We spoke briefly with the DP about whether there was enough room for our girls or not. We mentioned that we were both teachers, and would be willing to come along and help sometimes. She seemed quite interested in that (especially in the primary department), but will get back to us this week when she has spoken to the teachers about whether they can fit us in.

Brianna hopped in the car and declared that she didn't want to go . I can completely understand her reluctance - the unknown is so scary. We are doing our best to encourage Bri to get the most out of this experience. We'll see how we go. Sophie and Millie, on the other hand, are looking forward to school. It is much easier knowing your sister will be with you though!

Late note: We just found out that there is no room for the girls at Florence Young Christian School. It's a bit of a surprise considering we were told differently earlier in the year, but I don't mind. We'll continue to 'go with the flow'!

Polly Parrot

I'm pleased to say that all four girls have now conquered the cold showers and have also learnt how to swallow their malarone (malaria prevention) tablets. Pretty good considering we have only been here one week! I must say the girls have followed Brianna's lead with the cold showers - she has been a champion in that area, and Elora has been the best at swallowing tablets - she can even swallow hers without water! It's great to see the girls adjusting so well to a different way of living. Having said that, Elora had a melt down tonight because she left Teddy at Lovelyn's house (see below). Teddy is Elora's security, so she didn't cope too well, but Brianna very kindly gave her Pivot (her special beanie kid), and that was a big help.

This afternoon we drove to the airport (only a ten minute drive at the most) to pick up Kevin and Machi. It is great here - there is an open-air viewing platform on top of the airport building where everyone can watch the planes land. So we watched Pacific Blue land right in front of us, and then waved excitedly at Kevin and Machi as they hopped off the plane and walked across the tarmac. We then waited for them to get through customs, then after all the hugs and kisses, piled their suitcases on the back of the truck for the short drive home.

Later on in the afternoon we went for a drive to the Disability Centre (which is very close to the airport). Michael (Geoff's cousin) and Salome (K & M's son and daughter in law) run the Centre which is still being set up. The plan is to provide a place where people with disabilities can be trained in one way or another so that they can participate in a more meaningful way and help contribute to their family's life and income. It is fairly innovative for the Solomon's.

Geoff was pleased to see the progress at the Disability Centre, particularly as the generator (donated by Eddie Phillips) has been extremely well received in powering the tools for the building work. Everyone there lives without power, except for the generator which is on for four hours a day.

Lovelyn (M & S's daughter) enjoyed showing the girls where she lived, especially Polly and Polly 2, the two beautiful talking parrots. Lovelyn and Brianna are the same age, and have already started to become friends.

Polly can speak in English, Pigin and Lovelyn's tribal language!

Our girls will be going to the same school as Lovelyn (Florence Young Christian School), and Bri will be in Loveyn's class. It is great for Bri that she already knows someone before she starts school - it is a big thing starting school in a different country where you look different and speak differently too. Brianna is very nervous about it. But we are praying that the school experience will be one of the most meaningful ones for the girls.

Spider's web

I tried to have a rest, but gave up - it is too hot. The geckos kept us awake quite a lot last night - running around the house, knocking things over - we even had a battery fall off the top shelf and roll right across the floor at 2am! Every morning when we get up, we find gecko poo in the most unusual (and sometimes disturbing) places. Perhaps having rats in the roof at Alymerton was good training for us!

Yesterday at church I was fairly pleased with how much I understood. The lady who gave the sermon used heaps of English words, and the Bible was also read in English, so I followed it quite well. But a different lady gave the children's talk, and apart from the odd sentence, I had no idea what she was saying. Geoff translated the story over lunch:

'A soldier in the war was separated from his unit in the jungle, so he climbed to the top of the hill to see if he could find them. He couldn't find his unit and he realised the enemy could see him, so he decided to hide in one of the small caves nearby to avoid being captured.
He prayed to God "Lord I know if I am captured you will look after me, but I also know you have the power to save me. I will trust you whatever happens."

It was then that a spider started to weave a web across the entrance to the cave. The soldier was a little bit disappointed. "A web is so weak Lord, I was hoping for a brick wall to protect me. Something strong to keep the enemy out."

As he lay quietly, he could hear the enemy outside, looking into the caves for him. When they came to the cave that he was lying in, the enemy soldier saw the spider's web and decided not to look in that cave. "He couldn't have gone in there without breaking that web."

It was then that he realised that when God is involved, a spider's web is as good as a brick wall!'

The children's talk finished with a verse from Isaiah 12:2
"Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation."

More than a building

Today, being Sunday, we went to church (on the back of the truck, much to the girls delight!)


There are lots of churches in the Solomons, and every village has it's own church too. We went to the church Kevin and Machi go to when they are in town (they get back from NZ this Tuesday). The building is a very old, rusty tin shed - (concrete floor, timber pews, open window with no glass, holes in roof), situated next to a soccer field on the main road. I was suprised when Geoff told me that is where we would be going to church - it looks so dumpy and run down.

But thankfully church has nothing whatsoever to do with buildings! It is the hearts of the people that God is interested in, and the people at this church seem to have a real heart for the things of God.

There were about 100 people, seated facing each other, with the pastor in-between everyone at the side. To my dismay, our family were seated facing the pastor, right in the middle of the church, with everyone looking at us! Certainly not what I had in mind, but I just had to 'go with the flow'. We were welcomed, and Geoff was asked to introduce us. He stood up and spoke in very good Pidgin (well, to me anyway!), and gave our names and the girls ages. There were lots of murmurs and smiles and everyone seemed very kind. Things went along well until Millie somehow dropped water all over the floor (from her water bottle) and dissolved into tears. Ahh, we continue to be quite a spectacle ...

But it was the singing I was really looking forward to, and I wasn't disappointed. I didn't know any of the songs, but as Brianna commented later, they are easy to pick up and learn (it also helps that they sing in English!) We sang about 7 or 8 songs throughout the service and I enjoyed them all. What a privilege it is to praise God with believers from another country! I could have gone on for so much longer.

Time for a swim!

After a day of rain yesterday, it was nice to see the sun out today. We made the most of it, and took the kids to a beach. We drove through Honiara, and followed the road through the jungle, along the coast. Small huts and houses were along the road on both sides, as well as tiny little 'stalls', where you can buy one or two things (limes, pawpaw, bananas, peanuts, etc.) These stalls are everywhere - out the front of people's homes, along backstreets, and on the side of the road. People sit there all day, selling whatever produce they have left over from their gardens.

To get to the beach, we had to pay the land-owner. For $30 he lifted the bar across his road and let us through. That is the way things are done here. There was a beautiful fresh water creek running into the ocean, and several people had driven their cars into the creek and were washing them (also the way things are done here!)

Very tropical don't you think!

There was no sand at the beach, only pebbles, coral and shells, and the water level dropped off quickly, so we decided to swim in the creek. It looked beautiful, and was a lovely temperature too, so in we went. We were quite a sight though - all six of us wobbling our way across the rocky ground on our white, winter feet! Sophie was in and swimming first, followed quickly by Millie, and eventually we all enjoyed the cool, refreshing water. (For me, I was just pleased to be fully immersed in water for the first time since being here - those cold 2 minute showers don't really do it for me!)

We found out later on this place is called Mamara and is quite a popular place to come for a swim.

Following our swim, we headed back into Honiara to brave the markets again. Today they were much busier (being Saturday), and we found the smells a little over-powering (especially all the fish). Elora was pinched, poked and prodded a lot more today - everyone wanted to touch and feel her. I can't imaging what it would have been like if we had brought her as a baby - or worse yet, the twins as babies! The girls had been wanting to spend their money from Nanna, so we took them to the handicraft section and one man did very well from the four girls!

At the markets. Elora, Sophie and Amelia wearing their new necklaces. Brianna bought a turtle, carved from an oyster shell. $40 solomon each (just under $7).

After walking around everywhere looking for bread, (and not finding any) we finally hopped in the car and drove to where we knew there was a bread shop. As we turned into the street, a lady had her 4wheel drive stuck in a deep gutter. Her wheel was spinning. Within no time at all, there were about 10 men there to help her. One man got in the driver's seat while the others lifted up the back of the car and got it out! Then just as quickly, they all left. I met the lady (Australian) in the bread shop minutes later. She was very embarrassed, but extremely thankful for the kind locals!

New experiences

We had our first trip to the market yesterday.

It is about the size of a small soccer field, crammed full of tables covered in bundles of fruit and vegies. We were quite the spectacle - all six of us walking along together. Every table we walked past, the people commented, mostly at the girls, saying hello and wanting to touch them. Brianna smiled at everyone and went along with it, following our lead, but the others just stared. Elora was very intimidated, and would not let go of my hand. It WAS fairly daunting - very little room to move, and lots of unfamiliar fruit and vegies to choose from. I was disturbed at the number of children I saw who were not at school. (School is not compulsory over here - you have to be able to afford it.) Other things too, like the fact that many of the store holders sleep there, with their food, until they have sold enough and can go back to where they live.

We also did a bit of food shopping at some other shops in Honiara. It was crowded, dirty and run-down. Very different from just driving down to Woolies! I also had to get my head around the prices - I had to divide everything by six to get an idea of what it was costing in Solomon dollars, for example, a dozen eggs is $28. By the time we were finished, we had spent almost $1000 (solomon!) But now we are stocked up with food, and can actually cook proper dinners.

Today we delivered eggs to a lady we had never met, who sells them. Thank goodness Geoff does all the driving - the thought of navigating my way around Honiara does not impress me at all! Hopefully it will be quite a while before someone sends me up the street by myself!

The internet is very slow today (didn't work at all yesterday), so I've put the photos in the lowest quality possible. I don't have any of the markets (not sure if I want to get my camera out there - I feel conspicuous enough as it is!)

The girls have had a great time every afternoon playing with the kids who live on the base, or live nearby. Here they are on the back of the truck, pausing during a game of hide and seek. It only took them a day to ditch their thongs and run around everywhere bare foot!

We are all finding the heat hard. The girls are getting heat rash, and Geoff and I felt sick yesterday. We are doing our best to drink, drink, drink! And we are thankful for this wonderful opportunity to experience life in the Solomon's!

We've arrived!

Sydney airport. Bags packed and ready to go!

We've arrived!

Praise God for safe travel, hand held fans and bush lime juice!

We landed in the Solomons about 2pm this afternoon, and were immediately struck with the heat (31degrees). Elora made me laugh with her query when we were going through customs, "Why are the fans blowing hot air in the Solomon Islands Mummy?" I assured her there were no heaters on, it is just always hot!

After making our way through customs, we were met by Michael and Salome (Geoff's cousin and his wife), and Lovelyn, their daughter (who is Brianna's age). We put all our luggage on the back of a large blue truck (see photo), and then climbed on ourselves to be driven to the SWIM base. The girls were thrilled to ride in the back - no five point harness seat-belts here!

Michael informed us that Kevin and Machi (who are organising what we're doing while we're here) wont be back from NZ for a week. It feel a little strange to be in a different country with no clear idea of what we should be doing, but I'm also pleased to kick back and catch my breath for the moment. I'll think of this week as a holiday and just take it as it comes.

On the truck out front of our house

I spent the afternoon and evening unpacking and trying to organise things as best as possible. The house we are staying is is much larger than I was expecting, and I have easily found spots for all our things. As I unpacked, I enjoyed watching and listening to the girls playing outside with some of the local kids. There was apprehension on both sides, but it took no time at all for Brianna to start teaching the kids some of the games she knows. She pulled out her skipping rope, and then the elastics, which were used for all manner of games. Eventually all the kids were playing a huge game of hide and seek, and everyone was laughing and squealing together. When we called the girls in for dinner (sandwiches with peanut butter, nutella or vegemite), they were so excited about their afternoon of playing.

The girls have all had a bit of heat rash, and will take a while to adjust to sleeping in a completely different environment (they are all a bit nervous about the many geckos all over the fly screens). Elora wanted a doona on her bed tonight, which is just her way of wanting things to be a bit similar to home. I put a towel over her instead (best I could do), and will take it off her before I go to bed. The girls have all had their first cold shower, and I'm pretty sure the 2 minute rule is not going to be an issue - they were all in and out VERY quickly!

Almost ready

We picked up Brianna, Sophie and Millie from Mum and Dad's on Friday afternoon. They had a wonderful time at Engadine, and LOVED the Holiday Bible Club (can you see the face paint still on M and S?).

Taken by Kath, after we'd finished watching Master Chef!

Kath and Greg came over on Friday night for a quick dinner (of whatever was left in the freezer), and to say goodbye. The girls were very excited (and surprised) to receive some money from Nanna to spend in the Solomons! (Sophie has already spent some of hers on a new torch!)

So now we are almost ready ... bring it on!

First daffodils

Whilst we deliberately picked this time of the year to LEAVE the Highlands (think thermals and bitterly cold winds), we will be sorry to miss the beautiful flowering trees and gorgeous gardens that are everywhere around here. In our own garden, we always look forward to things greening up after a bare winter. I'm sure there will be plenty of greenery to keep us happy in the Solomon Islands though!

Our first daffodils are just opening up.

A new blog!

I must say that this is our first crack at having our own blog! Not sure if it will work or not. I'm thinking it is an easy way to let people know how things are going for us in the Solomon's, and an opportunity for us to reflect on some of our experiences. So, we'll see how it goes ...

Well, we have been looking forward to this opportunity for so long, and now we are so close to going! We leave for the Solomon's on Monday, so this week is packing time! Our challenge is to get as close to 20kg each, without going over. I'm just excited to finally make a start on packing, and I'm sure we'll get everything done that needs doing, and fit everything in that needs to come along.

I'm bringing a selection of childrens books to leave over there.

Mum and Dad have Brianna, Millie and Sophie this week (huge blessing), which is perfect to allow Geoff and I to pack properly. We spent this morning at the optometrist with Elora, who needs new (much stronger) lenses. Hopefully they will arrive before we leave.