Timor Leste 2023 Trip A Blog

We all packed our bags and took our last photos with Father Agostino & Father Domingos, along with teachers and staff. We then headed to our sister school to participate in their raising of the flag & National Anthem presentation lead by their students. The traditional goodbye of all 500 students was emotional with all of the special relationships formed. The tears were definitely flowing when it came time to say goodbye to Luis. Father Agostino later called to say his students were all sad since saying goodbye and that he would put on a party for them that night.

We made our way to Balibó and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings and lunch of curry and watermelon! We welcomed the clean bathrooms with flushing toilets, running water and soap!

The museum provided the history of Timor-Leste particularly the story of the to the killing of the Balio 5 Australian journalists along with the provided further information.

We headed to Palaka and were welcomed by traditional dancers and little drummers from the community. Students enjoyed some downtime with a splash in the beach (and for some a couple wipeouts) whilst watching the beautiful sunset. The Nuns, teachers and students of the Bakhita school centre then returned for beautiful dinner and some more traditional dancing.