Timor Reflection

On the 21st of June, 18 Year 11 students and six teachers from St Joseph’s College left Echuca to embark on their Journey to Timor-Leste. I most definitely was not sure what I was going to be in for. Timor was definitely an eye-opening experience. It was an absolute privilege to have been chosen to take part in such an experience and I am so thankful for it.

Going to Timor definitely taught me a life lesson in no longer taking things for granted. While we were there, we didn’t have running water, which meant there was no flushing toilets or showers. At the beginning of the trip it was a struggle to get used to this way of life, but it definitely made me realise to no longer take anything for granted. Timor taught me many life lessons, especially to not be greedy nor ungrateful for living in such an advantaged country. I now have a greater appreciation for basic life necessities. Another major thing that Timor taught me was to appreciate education. The fact that we have access to such amazing facilities and the right to go to school, is greatly taken for granted in Australia.

Over in Timor, we did heaps of different things. We took part in a lot of cultural events, such as a culture night, ate the local foods and attended many masses. As a group, we immersed ourselves into the spirituality and lived life like the Timorese. In our time in the country, we taught in many different schools and gave them money that we had fundraised back in Echuca, we visited homes, visited markets, had a dancing night plus many other things. A lot of my time was spent just interacting within the communities of Aileu and Fahahsoi. The joy that our presence brought to the local people was amazing. Being able to play with the kids and give them simple gifts such as balloons and bubbles was such a good thing to be involved with. In Australia, there is no way that kids would be able to play with a balloon for hours and hours and be satisfied.

The drivers we had were amazing. Getting to know all six drivers quite personally was a great thing to do, but also quite emotional at times. They took us everywhere, and also helped us communicate as there was a language barrier. This may have been at dinners or at the market. It was very hard to leave them all behind, knowing that we are coming back to live our normal lives, and they are left behind to struggle.

Timor was such a great experience. Although it may have been difficult at times, I have definitely appreciated it being back in Australia. I will forever be thankful for having the opportunity to take part in such a great experience.

Lainey Smith