Thank You from the Kids
I just wanted to say a BIG thank you to all of you who donated calculators and $$ for our recent Vanuatu trip. As you can see from the big smiles on the students from Epau Primary School, they were very much appreciated. In fact, I don't think they had ever seen anything computerised, as their eyes nearly popped out when they saw the numbers change on the screen! They were all so sweet, as soon as we arrived they formed a straight line with no pushing or shoving, and all of them said "tanku tumas" (thank you very much). Due to the excess dollars that we collected, we were also able to put together 2 big stationary packs for the teachers. Thanks Office National at Neutral Bay for helping with this.
It was such a special time here at this school, so I wanted to also say thank you for giving the JUMP START team the opportunity to help all these little kiddies who have so little compared to us.
In regards to the Round Island Relay, the 2006 JUMP START team did incredibly well, running our second best time ever 13hrs and 1min! Thanks Sam, Tony, Cyril, Deb, Nikki, Megan, Kim, Louise, Ken, Richard, Cheryl, and Helen for making it such an awesome experience.
I was able to take a few extra days and go to one of the outer islands called Tanna. Tourists will come here because it has the most accessible live volcano in the world. If you are interested in volcanoes chat to me about this, because it was one hell of an experience.
BUT the highlight for me on Tanna was to go out to the little school that we sponsored in 2004. With the help of the JUMP START clients, Northbridge Rotary Club, and Pennant Hills Rotary Club we were able to raise enough money to fly a team of 10 students and 1 teacher to 
Vila to compete in this relay. On my arrival, I had a tour of the school and boarding area, and then the students put on the most incredible welcoming reception for me with music, and singing, and dance. They made a lovely speech, and my heart broke at their sincerity, gratitude, and desperate hope that they would be given this opportunity again one day. Of course, what could I do but promise to sponsor them again in 2008 which is when our next trip is!!!!!!! These students would never ever get the opportunity to leave their island, so to fly in a plane, and go to their capital city, and participate in their National Independence Day Celebrations is a MASSIVE deal to them. I should also tell you that in 2004 we gave this school boxes and boxes of school supplies to take back with them. The principal informed me that they felt they had received enough from us, so they distributed the numeracy and literacy resources to other schools on the island!
Anyway, as you can see, it has really been, again, the most incredible experience. It really brings you down to earth in regards to what we get stressed out about here in OZ, and reminds you about the important things in life.