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Published: December 1st 2009
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Yarrrrgh
This is Franzi and Mich. Two true pirates. “Two days-volunteer-diary” 9-10th of September 2009, by Franzi Rudolphi, Germany
As a volunteer of Project MARC, I would like to describe my experiences I’ve had here in Malekula, this small and beautiful island belongs to Vanuatu.
Originally I came to the South Pacific for sailing on Alvei and finally living my dream which appeared to me 12 years ago. After nearly two month of fulfilling it and getting much more than I ever expected, the work for Project MARC completed this awesome and incredible experience and I have to say it was an honor and a great luck for me that I could give a helping hand, even if it was only for two weeks.
I try to explain why by writing down my memories of two days building a water tank and water pipes for the Aid Post in the village called Burbar.
9th of September:
Leaving Alvei early in the morning we had a long walk down to Burbar. Every time we met someone on our way we stopped and, like it is a custom here, talked to the people, told them where we were going, what we are doing and where we come from
Franzi and Marge
This was the first Salu-salu in Fartafo. and asked them in return what their plans are. I really like this habit and I am thinking to keep it and bring it to my hometown. Oh, it could be a bit difficult with a few million people living in my city. I think I would come to work too late every day and…sorry my thoughts are going to far, but I am still impressed by the way of communication between the inhabitants here.
Later on we arrived in Burbar. We that were “Team Nambawan” : Michele, James and me. Chief Bonbell and his crew were already waiting for us to give us a nice and warm welcome. We were introduced to each other, asked questions about our lives and then started working.
In less than half a day the water tank and the pipes were installed, but without any pressure or haste. I had never such a relaxed but still effective working-day before. And I come from Germany, I know what efficiency means. This day I learned how to make cement (with corals), working hand in hand with Ni-Vanuatu people, eating a tasty lunch cooked by the village women and served under a mango tree while
Franzi and baby Jim
Here they are in Retur. James played the guitar and sang with the Ni-Vans and found out how it is to live here, on Malekula, without electricity, cars, television and the rest of our civilization-stuff. It was truly a great experience, that the wonderful people in Burbar allowed us to help them.
After the work was done, they planned for us a big “Salu-Salu,” a welcome and thank-you ceremony, but unfortunately we had to go back to Alvei before dark, so we decided to make it up for the next day.
10th of September:
We got back to Burbar around 2:30 PM with out other volunteers to have our “later-on” Salu-Salu. And was really, I mean really, overwhelming.
A band were playing and dancing for us while we were standing on a carpet make out of flowers, the women hung flowers-necklaces around our necks and sprinkled them with baby-powder (I still don’t know why, but it smelled really good) and James, Michele, Seamus (our leader) and me got these beautiful handmade mats as “thank-you” gifts.
Speeches were held by Chief Bongbell and Calsocal the Aid-Post Manager. Seamus gave a speech in return. I nearly shook 252 “Children-men-and woman” hands and the
Loading day clowning
Always time for clowning around.
incredible Mr. Shanti said a prayer for all of us and especially for the water tank. Then we got “Lap-lap,” the traditional Ni-Vanuatu food. I couldn’t stop smiling, I was totally astonished and speechless.
I am happy that I could help these people a little bit, but what I am really thinking is, That they helped me more. They helped me to understand how warm, communicate and full of heart life could be. And that we should bring this life-style, this art of living back to our cold financial-and-functional world. There was a real contact and interest between us and in my opinion, besides the regular tasks of Project MARC, the best thing Project MARC does, is to make the work a kind of smaller, to bring cultures and people together and to let grow understanding for each other. To show people that we are living on the same planet, Have the same feelings and that we are just one: human beings.
Thank you,
Franziska Rudolphi
Germany, 2009
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Frank
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Yarrrgh
Well Franzi, re-reading your story and the 'Yarrrrgh' photo just do it for me. What a fantastic project. Don't ever lose your creativity nor your lust for adventure. Well done.