The Timorese are honestly and genuinely the most adorable and kind-hearted people. The adversity and hardship suffered by each and every individual does not dent the gorgeous smiles these people

have on their faces. That alone is the most inspiring lesson I have taken away from this small country. Timor-Leste, you have my heart.

As soon as our group of 20 eager students and slightly nervous staff arrived in the airport of Dili, we were quickly welcomed by the arms of excited strangers. The airport staff were more than accepting of us foreigners and were ecstatic to have us in their country. The smiles could not be wiped of their faces, nor ours. Driving the streets of Dili for the first time, crammed in the back seats of cars, we were inundated with the unfamiliarity of what the sights of Timorese traffic provided and, to us, what seemed like the absence of road laws.

Knowing my purpose as a member of a wealthy country has definitely been something I have taken away from this life changing experience. The influence from the Timorese people over there redefines

your place in society from a student attending a Catholic school in a small town in Australia to a highly important and respected young lady. Having the ability to walk into a school of overly excited kids and to make them smile by simply asking their name, is the most rewarding feeling. Of course, the kids were not the only excited people. Having more in-depth conversations with the adults of Timor allowed all of us to gather a more personal connection with their stories and lives.

The bonds formed with our peers and Timorese brothers and sisters are ones I will cherish. I will have lifelong memories of my time in Timor. I love how living closely with the whole group instantly brought

everyone together and we were forced to connect as a group as we tackled the obstacles of exploring a foreign country. It was great to be in walking distance of connecting with the Timorese children and to have their culture at our footsteps. This experience is something I would highly recommend to any person who has the opportunity to create memories like these. It is hands down the most rewarding and incredible two weeks of my life, and for Timor and the beautiful people who make the immersion so real, I thank you.

By Carly Hyndman

I have been asked many, many times about Timor since I have gotten home. How was it? What was your favourite part? Did you enjoy it? And every single time I go to respond, I struggle to find the words to describe what I experienced. To say that this was the most rewarding and beneficial experience, not only a teenager but any person could partake in, would be truly an understatement. There are few words to describe what the 26 of us experienced. For two weeks, we were pushed out of our comfort zones, drove on severely damaged roads, met many amazing people, and all became part of one big family.

For me, personally, I believe the Timor-Leste Immersion has been one of the most advantageous experiences. Before going to Timor, I was aware of the severity of the poor living conditions and poverty in the country, but it wasn’t until I drove and walked down the streets of Dilli, Aileu and Lequidoe, that I registered the extent to which this was prevalent in the country.

When seeing the housing initially, I thought of how unfortunate these people were. Where they were living could barely be called homes due to their condition. However, every time a person walked out of the house they were smiling, waving, greeting you with a polite “Bondia” or “Botarde”. They were exceptionally happy. I have never known people who could be so happy even though they possess so little. They are awe-inspiring people who exemplify an in-depth sense of gratitude and compassion.

The part of East Timor that constantly resonates with me are the children. The connections I felt to the children are ones that I will never forget. Even with a language barrier, we all still found ways to communicate with the Timorese children, who had become like little brothers and sisters to us. One glimpse at the infamous red East Timor Immersion shirts in the distance and twenty children would be sprinting towards you. Their faces would be filled with smiles from ear to ear. Their smiles and laughs were infectious, a reminiscence that is ingrained in my memory.

At the conclusion of our trip, we reflected back on something we learnt whilst being in Timor. We all shared common responses: how happy and faith-filled the Timorese people are, the destitution throughout the majority of the country, the joy of the children. Though I undoubtedly learnt all of these things, I also learnt that, as citizens of one of the wealthiest countries in the world, we can use our voices to spark change. The Immersion inspired me to set goals for myself, many including using my voice to speak to and inform people of the Timorese people’s severe lack of basic life necessities.

It was very hard for me to leave Timor-Leste as it had become part of me. It felt like a second home. I have never been so sad to leave a place in my life. I know that I will be back to East Timor whether it be two years or 10 years down the track. This Immersion has shaped my future career aspirations and has inspired me to work hard and use the many luxuries I am fortunate to receive (such as school) to follows my ambitions.

By Emily Mitchell

The opportunity to travel to Timor is an experience nothing short of extraordinary. The memories made and the impact on the lives of the Timorese people is a feeling we as a collective group of students will never forget.

Being able to experience a different culture really opens up your eyes to the truths of the world and provides those who experience it with a new outlook on life. Gratitude is one of the most significant points of learning you take away from this trip because being able to see the way they are so grateful for so little makes us really appreciate all the opportunities and support we are provided within Australia.

You don’t understand how lucky you are to live in Australia until you witness firsthand the way people live in Third World countries, however it is in the heart of these countries that you find the purest humans. The sense of community found in these places is an experience not seen in our modern society. In a world filled with technology we are more socially segregated then ever, but travelling to Timor, I can now see that the happiest way of life is a life spent making connections with others.

Overall, Timor was an experience of a lifetime and the memories made in their beautiful country will be with me throughout the rest of my life.

By Gemma Bambling

VTAC Information