Yesterday and last night brought out lots of emotion for many of us. The village welcomed the fleet with music. We all formed a parade of people walking from the beach to the village, with hand clapping, and singing. The people were so friendly and open-hearted to us. Many of them spoke little English but you could feel their acceptance and respect. There was a ceremony where they brought us all gifts which they had made by hand. Each of us got fruit, hats, baskets, and feathers. Each of us from our respective boats brought gifts to be shared in the village. They carefully fitted each of us with the perfect hats as we made our way into the village meeting area. They gave the fleet a kava root and Andrew, our leader and chief, a staff which was beautifully hand-carved by a member of the village. The children from the school sang us a song which they made up to the tune of "This land is your land". It was very moving.
After the ceremony Miriam, a teacher from the village took me and a few others to the school to see what we could help them purchase. They are in need of books, paper, crayons, pens, and tempra or poster paint. I have the address if anyone wants to write me I will send it to you. They could also use shirts, shoes, and shorts. When I come home I will try to get a few things together to send them. Last night they had a feast for all the participants of the fleet and others who were there on their own anchored in the harbor. They made a roast pig and had all the typical root vegetables from the island that they grow. We had fresh bananas, grapefruit and pineapple for dessert. Before the dinner there was kava served for the men. After dinner one of the sailors serenaded us with music from his flute.
This morning we have left Tanna and are on our way to another small island before we reach Port Vila. There is no wind so we are motoring along with several other World ARC boats going our way. I will be leaving for home from Port Vila on Monday the 12th. After that Andrew will be filling in on the blog for me until we reach Australia.
Rosemary, Bill, Matt, and Andrew