Wednesday, 17 February 2010

Homeward bound

Friday 12th February

I flew to Abemama. The flight was meant to leave at 11:00 or so in the morning (can't remember the exact time, not that it matters), but left at 2:45pm.

I got a lift in to Chevalier college on Abemama on the truck hired by the school to transport students to the college, off the government boat. There were 30 or so of us in the back of the small ute-style truck.

Abemama is very beautiful, and as expected less westernised that Tarawa- which is a good thing. During the day I stayed with Jack, Caroline and Tessa, an Aussie family teaching there (well, they will be teaching there as soon as the students all arrive). I slept in a small hut next door, which is part of the hotel attached to the school.

Saturday 13th

On Saturday I walked out on the rocks at low tide, out to the reef where the breakers are. After that, I went catching 30cm long shrimp in the lagoon. Then, I delivered a letter from someone in Tarawa and got a free meal in the bargain. Coming back to Chevalier I went for a swim off the causeway.

Sunday 14th

I started slowly again, due to fly out at 11:45am which meant I only had to leave at 9:45. However at a quarter to eight I found out from the grapevine that my flight had been brought forward to 9:30am! I made it in time thanks to the school- truck driver, and landed on Tarawa before I was meant to check in at Abemama.

Monday 15th

Teaching. In the evening I went to the sister's house for a farewell meal, which was nice. There were all the sisters there (four of them), Fr Yelds and myself.

Tuesday 16th

Last day at school. We had a meal after school for my farewell, everyone brought in plates of food. I got three presents- very nice clothing made in the uniform shop.

Wednesday 17th

Today I said farewell to all those who I've met over the past month- those at the MSC house in Taeoraereke, and some volunteers and also brothers from Australia.

Thursday 18th

If all goes to plan, I will arrive home safely on Thursday and you won't hear from me again because I'm lazy. It will have been one month to the day since I left Australia, and I've had a great time. Thanks for following my blog.

-Will.

Penelope: See you soon! (02/18/10)

Aobure Reeia: Thank you Will Kerr for your very interesting story about your staying at Kiribati. Thanks because while I did my research for my Assignment I saw your blog then opened it and it really helped me in doing my Assignment here at the USP in Fiji. I'm from Kiribati, a male, 21 years of age and I got a scholarship from Chevalier College in Abemama. That why I'm very grateful to hear your story while you at Chevalier College. It brought my memory back for the the hardship of living in that College as you know for everything,,,,, working, eating etc. Thank You Again (03/09/12)