Day 10 - Friday 11th August

Kuminjay

This morning began with a 7 o’clock wake up to go help JP with breakfast in the canteen at school, which half of us helped out in making wraps, while the other half played outside with the kids. What happened in the next few moments was something none of us never wanted to have to do. It was a heartbreaking moment for all, and a few tears were shed. We said our farewells to our dear brother/son/beloved friend Pablo as he relocated to the school canteen, where he is now destined to become pumpkin soup. JP has vowed to plant Pablo’s seeds in the schools veggie garden so next year’s immersion group can live out the legacy of Pablo through his children. Adopting principles of the Arrernte people, we now know our precious boy as Kuminjay L

After saying our farewells, we were fortunately given the opportunity of a smoking ceremony, which Sister Liz was kind enough to lead for us. This was a very personal experience for all,  with each gaining something different from it. It was both an incredible and confronting experience as we faced a spiritual, mental and emotional awakening. After this, Sister Liz allowed us  to reflect on what we had just experienced in moments of silence.

Some time later, it was time to get down to business. Unbeknownst to Ms Tantaro , we were all sneakily preparing a surprise birthday party for her, with Georgie and Steph hiding away in Sister Liz’s house preparing the cake, while the others side tracked her.

Milan and Tahlia helped Sister Liz make a banner with dye and salts. They, along with Ms Tantaro then helped Sister clean out the flat and the Church. Waiting for the cake to cook, we quickly came to learn we had to say farewell to another new member of the family, one of Sister Liz’s fish who sadly passed within the time we were baking. With bagpipes softly playing in the background thanks to Chloe and her Spotify, we all made a guard of honour with clay having the honourable role of carrying our new friend to his resting place in the garden. A few moments were taken while we were all in arms, paying respect to the newest Kuminjay.

Chloe, Tahlia and Ben were fortunate enough to have a phone call interview with Emma from ABC Alice Springs, talking about our experience here in Santa Teresa. It’s being aired tomorrow morning between 9-10 so we are all keen to listen out for that.

It then came to our final dinner here in Santa Teresa, where we enjoyed our last meal together along with Sister Liz who was in on the surprise party we were about to hold. While Ms Tantaro was distracted for a few minutes, we decorated the courtyard with balloons and party food. Her reaction to our set up was amazing and she was very grateful for our efforts.

Now we are sitting in the hallway reflecting on our time here, sharing out best and worst memories, but overall extremely grateful for this incredible experience we have been given.

Finishing off with our daily game of Uno, we are getting ready for our beauty sleep in preparation for our big venture home tomorrow.

Tonight we don’t have a question but we leave you with this thought; ‘A full spiritual life is not about how many monasteries you have visited or how much meditation you have done, but to what degree you have been willing to let go of fear and give something of yourself”.