Maryann becomes Woman Malekula

11 November 2010
Hi All,
Maryann becomes Woman Malekula!
Well the last weekend was marked by the occasion of Maryann’s birthday and I think it was one she won’t forget. Maryann has managed 7 months as a volunteer without being presented with an Island Dress – got lots of mats, bags, calicos etc but no Island Dress. So Island Dresses became a theme for her birthday. This started first thing on Saturday morning when she was somewhat startled by what I was wearing when I bought in her cup of tea in bed. (The attached photo tells the story)
The day was very hot – we went to a fund raiser at the local Catholic Church in the morning – Maryann was very lucky at the dice game and had to play for quite a while until she managed to lose what she started with. My darts were appalling – nothing new there I guess – but the kebabs were well worth the investment. In the afternoon we took out our canoe and paddled almost halfway across to Norsup Island without incident. Snorkeling was next and again we were treated to beautiful coral and numerous brightly coloured fish.
That night Karen came round for Maryann’s birthday tea complete with cake and she gave Maryann a stunningly coloured Island Dress – again look at the photos. The next night our Nivan family put on another birthday occasion complete with laplap, rice, roast chicken and fresh pineapple. George made a moving speech to Maryann and then the Pastor did a reading from the Bible which had teaching as a theme. Linda gave Maryann a lovely Island Skirt and a calico featuring Malekula Island. It was all outside and the children had gone to a lot of trouble and decorated the area under our veranda with flowers and ferns. It really struck home to me how much our family here have accepted us and how much they think of Maryann.
We were supposed to have a Key Teacher workshop this week as I mentioned in the last blog report but unfortunately the funding didn’t come through from the Ministry so it was cancelled. Nevertheless Maryann and Linda have been busy this week with planning and preparing budgets. Next year is looking to be very busy.
I’m getting ready for my next Outward Bound Course in NZ next week and at least this time the weather should be a little warmer. Karen is down to her last two weeks and we are really going to miss her – she has been so good for us and we have become great friends. Her replacement has arrived – his name is Neil and apparently he does play cards so he should fit in OK.
Cheers`
Vic and Maryann