Timor Leste 2024 Trip A Blog

The students enjoyed a no curfew night and some paid the price this morning struggling to get out of bed after a late night. The faithful 5 (Halle, Teangi, Xan, Ben and Josh) made it to mass though and then went back to bed!

Today we drove back up the mountains to visit Balibo. We visited the museum and read about the Indonesian invasion and the Balibo 5. Other stories of interest were 4 women who broke into an Indonesian army barracks and damaged a helicopter. We then visited Balibo house were Eddie shared the story of the 5 journalists and how they met their untimely death. It was somber being in the house where 3 of them were killed. The students are encouraged to watch the movie when they return home as they will now have a whole new appreciation for the story.

To lighten the mood we enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Balibo fort. The pizza was devoured and desserts topped off a nice meal. The pool was a big draw card, and while staff were not watching some students may have quietly fallen in for a dip.

Back at the Bakhita Centre some students rested, others chatted the afternoon away before visitors arrived for dinner. Girls from the local school and 11 young seminarians joined us for dinner and dancing in what was a fun night. The conversation was awkward but the effort was appreciated by our visitors who enjoy the opportunity to learn English.

The highlight of the night was Sr Bertilla, a small lady with an infectious smile and a love for dancing. The music was finally stopped at 11:15pm and our last night in Timor done.