The last week I was out on the island of Atauro again with the Australian Aid International (AAI) team. It was great to return to such a lovely place and work with a great team, especially as I was more familiar with their routine and the general lay of the land. We did five days of mobile clinics, two of of the villages we accessed by the little outrigger boat. We also were able to go to Makadade in the more remote and mountainous region of the island via 4WD. The road had been closed for the past month or so due to slides and heavy rains.
Once again we saw people with a variety of conditions. Malaria, scabies, fungal skin infections and other bacterial skin problems, conjunctivititis, parasitic infestations, muscle pain and upper respiratory infections were most prominent. We were able to dispense basic medications to them which will hopefully help resolve these problems. Unfortunately, the real issues relate to clean water, sanitation and lack of education. There is alot of effort being put into these issues and there's hope that sometime soon these basic health problems will ease up.
We also learned more about the local customs, particularly pertaining to marriage and dowry. The men must fork up the dowry which, depending on the district and general affluence of the area, could range from a buffalo, goat and pig, to many animals and much money.
Each morning in the village of Beloi (where we stayed) began with the blowing of a conch shell to call all the fishermen out to sea to fish en mass. Prior to Easter, they all fish for the church as a fundraiser. The women go to the fields and work together and pool their crops with proceeds going to the church as well. It was lovely to witness the boats in the predawn light heading off with the mainland as their backdrop.
After arriving back to Dili on the weekend I spent a relaxed time with Megan and many of her wonderful ex pat friends. Always interesting to listen to their conversations as they analyze the current situations in the country.
Monday AM rolled around and I was half packed, anticipating an early departure on Tuesday to Darwin. We were sitting outside her house having a cuppa when her mobile rang. Within a few seconds I could tell it was something serious. Her only words were "f__k! ... OK... thanks". She hung up and said ..."pack your bag, make sure you have your passport and let's go!". We were out of the house within a couple of minutes.
The president of East Timor, Jose Ramos Horta had been shot and wounded in what was (so far) a failed assissination plot, which also targeted the prime minister who was not harmed.
It was a day to remember. Check the BBC news online for updates.
I am writing this from Darwin and heading to the airport to fly to Brisbane soon. More later.
Love, Helen
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