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| Suzie and our students preparing our guests' first dinner: BBQ! |
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At
4.50PM yesterday, Thursday 5 July, our guests from Luurnpa Catholic
High School, Balgo Hills landed at Kingsford Smith Airport, Sydney. For
all but the adults this was the first time such a journey had been
embarked upon. The first time out of their own or similar towns,
certainly the first time to Sydney.
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| Sharron and Elise, Phillip and Keith doing their bit! |
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| First dinner at SCCVC |
They
were picked up from the airport by bus provided by Marist College
Pagewood and driven by its principal, Mr. David McInnes for which we are
very grateful. After an hours journey from the airport to the College
our guests were greeted by a welcoming party of students (Daniel
Picasso, Joseph Barrett, Weiny Musgun, Keith Martland, Lilyan Ghalab,
Malia Alofi, Phillip Salhab, Stephanie Lia, Demi Lim and Candida Russo)
and staff (Ann O'Connell, Suzie Saadeh, Sharon Clifford - with daughter
and former student, Elise, Pat O'Reilly, Mary
Clare Turnbull, Chris
Shakya, Jizella Akkari. Upon arrival there was a rush to the toilets and then to the dining room where our principal, accompanied by his PA Ms. Pip
O'Reilly, welcomed our guests and wished them a wonderful experience here in Sydney and assured them of our constant support and hospitality.
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| Seconds? |
Following
dinner, our visitors were keen to go shopping and satisfied their urge
by visiting Westfield's, Burwood. I suspect there were several times as
many people in Westfield's last night than there are in the township of
Balgo Hills (500 People minus 18!).
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| Enjoying a meal together. |
Anyway that's it for Day 0! All arrived safely, tired, excited, wide eyed and very hopeful of a wonderful holiday.
We will do our best to make it so.
Thanks to everyone who has made this possible.
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| Waiting for our bus to arrive at Airport. Very cold! |
The Journey from Balgo Hills
As I said earlier, the trip from Balgo Hills involved a LONG road trip to Alice Springs, followed by a stop over in Alice only to be followed by a 5 or 6 hour flight from Alice Springs to Sydney. Below are some random photos of this journey and arrival courtesy of Ali (staff member).
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| Crossing the border into NT |
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| Quick team talk before the game begins! |
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| Stuck in Sydney Traffic. |
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| At Burwood Station |
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DAY 1
Breakfast at 9.00AM. We were met this morning by Earnist and Irini who brought in cakes, biscuits and other things to make our visitors stay a good one. Thanks Earnie and Irini. You are the most generous people I know! Thanks to Malia also who bought more warm clothing, biscuits and games. You are a very generous young person Malia. Thank you for your kindnesses and for your time.
Today our visitors headed off to the city to do some shopping in the markets and to go to Sydney Tower. By all accounts a good time had by all. Everyone arrived back around 3.00 and stocked up on some food and some sleep in readiness for tonights NRL match at the Allianz between Tigers (pretty popular among our visitors) and the Bulldogs. I am sure there will be some tired bodies by about 8.00PM tonight.
Some happy snaps from Day 1
SATURDAY 8TH, DAY 2
Our day started today with breakfast prepared by Ann O'C., Pat and his son Callum and Suzie along with great support from Weiny. Joining everyone for breakfast this morning was Br. Rick, the principal of Luurnpa. Br. Rick was made very welcome and spent the day with the students though was not seen at the Swans match on Saturday evening! It is great to have Rick with us. After breakfast our visitors caught the train to North Sydney and to the Sister's of St. Joseph where St. Mary MacKillop lies at rest. They had a tour of this site and heard all about St. Mary MacKillop and the great work that she did. Following this our visitors caught the train into the city where they did what they love to do best - shopping! Once dragged away from the razzle dazzle, everyone headed off to the SCG where they were given free entry into the Swans Vs Lions game. A huge thank you to the Swans for their generosity in providing tickets as well as a bag full of goodies; they reckon you can't get enough good(e)s! Oh please! Swans superior in things other than generosity spent the night playing with Lions. Came back to watch a DVD and off to sleep. Bedroom has moved from R53 to LC. Didn't think it would take long! (photos soon)
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Marcia, Joan, Bonnie, Barry, Darren, Urla, Jayden (Jun.), Bjorn,
Joshwyn, Ali, Felix, Navarone, Jordan, Darren, Dale, Thomas, Lawrence, Darren |
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Jaydon, Bjorn, Navarone, Joshwyn, Darrren, Barry and Dale
looking like a touring rugby side. |
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| Weiny keeping an eye on Joan, Marcia and Bonnie |
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| A quiet moment. |
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| A hint in here of things to come. Anyone? |
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| Jordan, Dale and Joshwyn at Mary MacKillop memorial |
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A vain attempt to air brush Suzie out of the scene while something
making Jayden (Sen.) smile that just doesn't do it for Navarone
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The principal, Br. Rick (cold part of the room) and Jayden (sen.)
on warm side. Damned air conditioning! |
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| A wonderful scene. Am thinking I can see a smile on Mary's face? |
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He aint heavy ... Bjorn (the war is over),
Jayden (Sen.), Lawrence and Felix. |
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| Darren (Running the show), Jayden (Jun.), Ali and Br. Rick |
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| Can someone hold that up while we take a photo? |
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| Darren, Navarone and Bjorn on a windy day. |
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| Shere lunacy Suzie. |
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Br. Rick, Joshwyn, Navarone and Darren Perrett (Darren is
a former student of a member of our staff. Guess who? |
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| Bjorn at the Swans match. That is my shoulder on his right! |
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| Navarone standing to stretch after yet another goal by the Swans. |
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| Jordan having a great time at the footy. |
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Bonny and others trying to stay out of the wind and the spray
on the way from North Sydney to the city for more shopping
before the AFL gets underway. |
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| Ali could be the Lion's coach at half time. Just too painful to watch. |
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Old bloke (ex ASIO), Bonnie (calling police about old bloke),
Joan and Anthony (teacher's assistant, Balgo) |
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Will someone take me home? Any home will do.
Does this give you a clue about his former teacher on staff? |
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Lawrence looks to have it all under control at a Sydney train station.
Which one? Cryptic clue embedded. |
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| Navarone gets to take the ball home while Ali looks on enviously |
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This the best you can do Sydney?
Keith doing some busking while waiting for the train. |
SUNDAY 9TH, DAY 3
Friday shopping day, Saturday Footy day, Sunday WASHING DAY!! Where did it all come from? Two tubs tumbling like Olympic gymnasts!
The day started with a beautifully cooked breakfast of chipolatas, bacon and eggs. This went down a treat I can tell you. Keith, Master chef 'til Lilyan arrived (omg!! lol) whatever that means. Weiny and Perla fantastic in the service they provided our guests. Weiny and Keith both out at the footy last night and on our doorstep before 8.00AM this morning. Weiny wanted to take the girls shopping (on Weiny's money). However, they ended up going to the movies to see Ice thingy in 3D. All came back pretty cock a hoop about it so that went down well as did the lunch that they had after it in the food court. However, appetites still health by the time they arrived back to school. A bit of a rest now for the rest of the day, a quiet night and ready for a big day at the Zoo tomorrow. Perla asked if I was going. Asked her why I would bother; I work in one. She liked that! I tried to recall Steele's instructions to get TV in R133. Couldn't get past pushing the "on" button! Wimbledon will have to be imagined this year! Not a lot of photos from today. Couldn't get past the washing!
Had a fabulous dinner tonight prepared by Janine and Bernie and Lucy: apricot chicken, rice and garden salad. Absolutely fabulous! Kids loved it, staff loved it, neighbours loved it. We had so much we could have set up a stall outside Westfield's! Thank you so much ladies for all that you have done to make our guests so comfortable and welcome. You are very special people. Had a great time tonight with Phillip Salhab, Paula Bombara, Suzie, Weiny, Perla and Lilyan (who Paula called Vivienne all night). Lots and lots of fun had by all. So much joy comes from generous service. Wonderful people.
Today was a pretty quiet day unless you were a washing machine! Here are some pics and really witty captions!
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Phillipe utilising holidays leasing space to Lawrence Dry Cleaners.
On ya Phillipe. |
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| And there's more... |
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| ... and more |
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| Settling down for the day. |
Anyone guess the colour theme for the day? (see hint below)
Tomorrow: off to the zoo! Should have some good pics!
So over the colour thing!
Monday July 9, Day 4
ZOO Day!
Today started with an early breakfast, a quick stocking up on tucker that'll help them get through the day and then onto the bus.
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| Darren stocking up for big day out. |
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In the foreground is Joan showing off Weiny's handiwork
with her hair. Bonnie and Marcia sitting at the table. |
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| Now it is Bonnie's turn to show off. Weiny has been very busy. |
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Yes you!
That is camera-shy Perla in the background. |
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Suzie, hard at it once again and being ably supported by
Perla andLilyan while Darren eyes off what's on offer. |
Complementing the wonderfully nutritious breakfast provided by SCCVC, this morning Weiny brought in a bag full of cup cakes for everyone to enjoy at the zoo or at breakfast. Along with Weiny, Lilyan and Perla were in early this morning to assist with breakfast and accompany our guests to the Zoo.The bus arrived on time and everyone jumped on board in readiness for a very exciting day, though I bet exhausting day at the zoo!
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| Barry, Jordan, Urla, Jayden H, Dale, Joshwyn |
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| Dale, Felix, Joshwyn |
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| Jayden H |
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| Felix in the shot of the visit so far. copyright A.O'Connell (sponsored by Colgate). Well done Ann! |
I had better go over the kitchen and help out. Helen N has just arrived and mustn't keep her waiting! Picture labeling and more pics to come!
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| Dale and Lawrence enjoying their time in Sydney |
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| Jayden H. What a great shot! |
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Bonnie and Joan with Weiny, Perla and Lilyan. Great to see these
young people enjoying each other's company. |
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| Jayden still besotted by the Swans. Go the Swans! |
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| Dale. Now you see it, now you don't. |
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| Urla and Jayden H board the bus and are raring to go. |
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| Jayden C and Felix: brothers in arms! |
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| What time do things open up around here? |
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| Bonnie thinking it is all a little too much. |
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| Where the bloody hell is Dubbo? |
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| Felix, Barry and Jayden C going a bridge too far? |
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Bjorn showing off the new miniature Koalas.
That bloody Higgs Boson! |
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Barry, Jordan, Urla, Darren, Felix
(saying his prayers - what's down there?) and Navarone |
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| It was only a matter of time but not on camera Darren! (Lawrence) |
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| Go and pull his tale. I'll wait here! |
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Jayden H, telling Dale he could easily jump that fence and get a closer look.
Dale not convinced! Weiny, Bjorn and Lilyan (just) in the background.
I am assuming the figure on the right is a hooded human and not a gorilla. |
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| Jayden H and Jayden C and Ali. Like to see it come alive, wouldn't you? |
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| Mum, look what we brought home from Sydney! |
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| Jordan, Jayden C, Joshwyn, Darren, Lawrence, Felix, Jayden H and Darren |
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| You'll have trouble getting him on the train, Jordan |
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| Darren, Jayden C, Bjorn. What did Darren put in Bjorn's sandwich? |
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| Urla, Joshwyn, Dale, Barry taking time out. |
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| Darren, Dale and Lawrence giving the zoo the thumbs up. |
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Meanwhile, back at the ranch Suzie, Mary-Clare, Helen and the gorilla?
No, 'tis Lilyan me thinks |
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| Bonnie, Weiny, Joan and Marcia in prayer before dinner. |
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Darren, Felix, Ali, Jordan thanking God for getting them home
safely and for the meal that they are about to eat. |
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| Perla (?), Helen and Suzie feeding the masses. |
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| I think Felix picked up the wrong jacket. |
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| Thomas. Too easy. |
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Marcia, Joshwyn, Darren, Anthony and Ali not looking tired
enough after such a busy day. Oh to be young again! |
That brings us to the end of Day 4. However, before I sign off, have to give thanks to Ann O'Connell and Suzie in particular for their constant presence, fun, support and affirmation of our special guests. A very big thank you again to Janine, Bernie and Lucy for the MAGNIFICENT beef casserole, rice and salad. You would be delighted to see how heartily our guests are getting through your beautiful meals. Thanks also to Sophia (Helen's daughter), Alex and Luc (Suzie's two boys) for their help and great fun today. It has been great having you share this wonderful experience.
Tuesday July 10, Day 5
Madam Taussard's, Sydney Aquarium and Darling Harbour
Maria Achol and Lilyan were on deck this morning to prepare our guests' breakfast and get them off on their way to their new exciting day. Of course our wonderful staff Ann, Veronica and Steve were also there working hard. I think I can detect some tiredness among our guests as the accumulated demands of being on the go and being exposed to new experiences that just keep rolling in begin to take their toll. However, no change to their beautiful graciousness, humility and gentleness. It is a pleasure to be with these young ones and to observe a certain acceptance of and contentment with the present moment. Something for we, always planning our next big event or our careers or financial security etc and often more in the future than in the present. I know we need to be very careful of simplistic reflections and I don't think for a moment it is as simple as I have stated it. Just a thought.
At this stage I don't have any pics of yesterday's activities but will download tonight and update.
While out on their adventure, our wonderful staff and in some cases their children as well, were hard at work preparing dinner. Tonight we had Adrian Celi representing the student body with aplomb , Mary Clare (who has been taking tea towels home by the truck load to wash), Ann O'Connell, Maria Kahila with her two girls Lauren and Sara; Jenny Keys with Hannah and Ben; Cathy Fitzgerald with Jack and Alec, Suzie Saadeh with Luc and Alex and once again Sharron Clifford and Elise. Our biggest team to date. We all had great fun. We also had a guest with us tonight that was very exciting in Miriam Berlage (former Assistant Principal). Miriam and I met up in the afternoon and came back to join our friends in a meal. Great to see Miriam again who sends her love to all. Interestingly, Miriam also taught Darren Perrett the lead teacher from Balgo. However, she is not the mystery teacher referred to earlier in the blog! No-one has correctly named this teacher yet!
We also celebrated Ali Barrientos's 20th birthday today. Ali is a teacher's assistant at Balgo and we all wished him a happy birthday with a lovely chocolate cake that seemed to disappear before our very eyes.
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| Just to prove that I really was here! |
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Elise Clifford, Lauren and Sarah (Maria K's children)
and Hannah (Jenny K's daughter) reminding me of a scene in Macbeth. |
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Gathering goodies for the daily excursion. Guy in Blue shirt is Ali and it is
his birthday today. Happy birthday Ali (20 years old - how unfair is that?) |
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Just one final check that there is enough to get through the day. person on right is
Anthony Cormick, a former Mission Volunteer who worked in Balgo. Anthony has been
with our guests all week and has been a great help in the kitchen and cleaning up.
Thank you Anthony. |
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Some pics for the 10th: Aquarium and Madame Taussard's
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| Hmmm! |
Wednesday July 11, Day 6
Today is Swans training clinic (and what a day it was!)
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| Adam signing a cap for Joshwyn while Perla looks on. |
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Adam Goodes and Felix. (Felix's mum did the dot painting
given as a gift from Luurnpa to SCCVC |
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| Darren getting a snap of Adam and one of his charges. |
After a later than should have been breakfast, our guests were off to the SCG to meet the Swans. Helping with breakfast this morning was Paula Bombara and her three boys Phillip, Gian Luca and Daniel; Keith, Lilyan, Weiny, Perla and Celina (Maria Achol joined our guests later in the day); Steve V., (Chef), Veronica, Mary Clare and the ever present Ann O'Connell. This morning was a hot breakfast with bacon and eggs and chipolatas which, once again proved to be a great hit! Thanks so much once again for the magnificent support offered in such a generous and fun loving spirit to all. Once breakfast was over it was off to the SCG to meet the gods of AFL, the mighty Swans!
Greeting our guests at the SCG was the Sydney Morning Herald, the Daily Telegraph and of course the Catholic Education Office communications team for some shots and comments from players, young people and supervising adults. By all accounts a very exciting day! Everyone arrived back at SCCVC by about 3.00PM where they continued the sporting theme by kicking a football around and playing basketball.
I must add the following pics showing dinner tonight. We had crowd preparing dinner most ably led by Mary Clare who conducted a military precision operation in setting up for - wait for it - make your own pizza! It was amazing to see. We also had a neighbour of Suzie's (you could only feel sorry for her!) Angela and her son Marco, Norma and her two daughters Nicolette and Angelin; Suzie, of course with Alec and Luc, Paula B with (only 1 "l") Philip, Gian Luca and Daniel; Mary Clare of course and Stephanie Lia, Demi, Lilyan, Keith, Maroun Azzam, Weiny, Maria Achol and Perla all adding to what was a great night of fun, hard work and more fun.
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| Getting ready for the onslaught |
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| A watched pot never boils, nor a pizza cook. |
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| Luc and Angeline adding the personal touch. |
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| Daniel, Paula and Philip (I hope) |
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| Nicolette, Angeline and Norma (hope I got that right) |
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| Alex (of Saadeh lineage) and Marco (neighbour) |
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| All hands to the plough. |
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| Mary Clare leading from the middle! |
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| Anthony, Navarone and Ali eying the delights! |
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| Boy did that oven jump to attention when Mary Clare approached it. |
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Angela (Suzie's friend), Daniel (Paula's youngest),
Perla, Philip (Paula's eldest), Dale and
Marco in the background |
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| Without Mary Clare you guys haven't a hope! |
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| Daniel, Maroun, Gian Luca and Paula |
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If he Keith looks like he knows what he is
doing it is because he does. |
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| Captain's table. |
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Perla and Maria expending a lot of
elbow grease on these recalcitrant trays! |
Thursday July 12, Day 7
On the agenda for today is a trip into town again this time to the Powerhouse Museum to see, among other things of course, the Narnia Exhibition. This is the last full day of our visitors' stay with us. Sadly they will part our company at about 7.30AM on Friday. We will celebrate our little community in a celebration of the Eucharist on Thursday evening at 7.00PM.
Well this morning we headed off to the Powerhouse for a look at the Narnia exhibition and a stroll through the museum. It was an extraordinary exhibition of props, CG techniques, outfits and so on. It is amazing how much goes into the production of a one and a half hour movie. Our guests were treated to another hearty breakfast graciously served by Cath Fitz, Mary Digges, Veronica, Ann O'Connell, Suzie and son Alec. Lilian, Weiny and Perla were also on deck to continue their generous support and friendship. It has been beautiful to see how friendships have grown so much over the very short time we have been hosting these wonderful young people. There have already been some tears. Tonight Keith, Lilyan and Weiny stayed overnight to extend their time with their newfound friends.A great team indeed.
We had a BBQ for our final meal tonight which was prepared by Suzie with Alec and Luc, Veronica, Mary Clare, Paula and sons Philip, Gian Luca and Daniel, Jenny Keys along with daughter Hannah and her friend Ella. Cath Ryan and her daughter Emily were also on hand as were Matt, Cormac and Tillie. Norma and her daughter Angeline assisted once again and Mary Digges did the beginning of the day as well as the end and was great to have with us. Of course we had our loyal student helpers as well: Lilyan, Weiny, Keith, Maria and Perla, all of whom, with the exception of Keith accompanied our guests on their city excursion earlier today.
We had a couple of guests with us for dinner tonight also from among the De La Salle confraternity (names to follow). However, it was great to have Br. Rick back with us for our last night together.
After mass we celebrated the Eucharist in the Kassala Chapel. Leading our liturgy was Father Patrick from St. Martha's, Strathfield. This was the first time that Fr. Patrick had been in our community and it was a great pleasure and blessing for us to have him with us. We are very appreciative of his time and his message of hope.
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Jenny, Philip and Cath Ryan hard
at it cleaning up after dinner. |
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Looks like far too much fun in the kitchen;
Cath Ryan, Hannah and Norma. |
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| Paula, Daniel, Suzie and Maria |
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Br. Rick, Darren, Jizella, Danielle (Darren's sister) Denise
(Darren's mother and Duncan (DLS Brother) |
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Ellen (Hannah's friend), Cormac, Tillie
and Hannah (Jenny Keys' daughter. |
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Father Patrick participating in our final blessing
led by our Luurnpa guests. |
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May you travel well. God speed. It has been a
privilege to spend time with you. Thank you. |
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Thank you SCCVC. We will miss you. We look forward
to you visiting our community later this year. |
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| Tillie and Cormac being cared for by Suzie(?) |
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This is the final shot in a 6 photo series of Lilyan
and Bjorn's newly invented handshake. |
Our visitors enjoyed a photostory that we created as a "wrap" of their time with us even though it was put together very quickly and with a lot of help from Veronica. I will put some polish on the presentation and show it to the school perhaps next Thursday. Before my head drops onto the keyboard I will download some pictures of our mass and evening celebrations.
Friday July 13, Day 9: Departure day
Flight departs at 9.30AM, bus will arrive at 6.30, guests out of bed 5.45. It will be all go tomorrow!
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Farewell. God bless. We will miss you.
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