Lelepa Island

We headed out to Lelepa Island (above) today to visit Kalo and Maina, friends of the Webbs. Ross and Lyndal lived with them for 10 days when they first arrived in Vanuatu as an orientation to Vanuatu culture and Bislama, the trade language. We drove for about 30 min. and then took a 10 min. boat ride. SIL staff, Monique and Luwi, and their daughter Susan came along too. We were surprised to find that Survivor Vanuatu was filmed on this island and on the one next to it. See photo to right. They had some races between these two islands.

Kalo and Maina welcomed us into their home with papaya, bananas and young coconuts. We cut a whole in the coconuts and enjoyed the sweet milk inside. Their daughter, May, showed us her 6 day old daughter, Melody. A delicious lunch of a meat/vegetable sauce over rice, cooking bananas and greens was served. Then we headed out for a walk.

Kalo's youngest brother, Mansas, came along with us. As we paused to rest a little, he told Lyndal that he'd like to turn in an application to have a translation program started for their language. This was the first time someone had approached them asking for a translation. Lyndal told him to talk to the community and see if this is something they'd be interested in and then fill out the application. But then, Lyndal had to tell them that help was short and she didn't know when there would be anyone available to help them. Tough words. How about you? You could be the one to come!

We headed back to the house for some tea and cake, Kalo and Maina presented us with gifts and then we headed home. A good day was had by all!

Tomorrow morning, Morris heads out to Tanna Island and I'll share more about the Whitesands language program. I'll be staying here to help out as I am able and Morris will return on Friday.