THE main aim of a trip last year to PNG was to connect with the 70 young people and others who will attend World Youth Day with us.
The most unexpected and surprising thing for me was the warm welcome we received from the Alotau community in the Milne Bay Province.
As we arrived we were greeted with traditional dance and song.
This sincere and warm welcome was over and above any expectation the group may have had.
This one event would have been amazing enough on its own, but at each village we visited we were met with the same overwhelming welcome of songs, dances, meals, handshakes and smiling faces that led to a humbling experience everywhere we travelled.
Whether it was after riding in the back of utes, or travelling 11 hours by boat, we were able to meet the most generous and loving people who were ready to talk and share about themselves, their faith and their community.
I went to PNG not really sure of what to expect, not really knowing what we would be doing or how I would react to the situations I would be placed in.
The beauty of the land and the way of life that we witnessed were truly remarkable.
But the one thing that left an imprint in my heart is the amazing people; their love, care and genuine joy they had about their Australian visitors. It is something that I will never forget.
Many friendships were formed between the St Columban’s students and the youth of Milne Bay Province.
I can only hope that these friendships will grow and develop as we journey to World Youth Day and beyond.
MELANIE WRATTEN
Year 12 student at St Columban’s, Caboolture
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I WAS one of the 11 students who went to PNG late last year.
I would like to share with you about a person who changed my perspective while on this trip.
His name was Bobby, a young man of 23 years.
Bobby always smiled and was never too busy to help people out.
He travelled with the group for the five days.
Bobby was very interested in hearing what we had to say and he got to know each one of us personally during this time.
He was different, special. Out of the many amazing people we met Bobby stood out to me because of the struggles he faced within his life.
Bobby had amazing talent, he wished to be an actor, however his father objected and would not allow it.
Yet Bobby carried his dream and was happy each time we saw him. Bobby has not finished schooling yet because he is unable to read.
His eyesight is failing and reading makes it worse.
While talking with us he revealed that even just the sunlight was further damaging his eyes and there was nothing he could do.
The boys from St Columban’s came together and gave him a pair of sunglasses. It affected me to think that someone is not able to finish their schooling and is losing their eyesight when in Australia the solution is within reach.
The second event which changed my perspective on how lucky we are, was on a trip to the hospital in Alotau.
The ward we entered was divided down the centre by a curtain. On one side was the children’s ward and on the other was the intensive care ward.
As time went on, it was apparent that a man next door was on his deathbed. He passed away while we were there.
The doctor later informed us that in the intensive care ward there is only one respirator to help a patient to breathe.
That only machine broke, and the nurses hand pumped this man’s lungs for hours before he passed away.
It really affected me because it is equipment such as a respirator that is easily accessible in Australia.
People overseas are losing their lives because they are not able to buy or afford one.
ALEX ODORICO
Year 12 student at St Columban’s, Caboolture
