I had the privilege of being a part of the small group who went to East Timor in July (quality not quantity this year!). This time I had a wide range of experiences. I spent more time at the YWAM base and got to know some of the new staff as well as renewing friendships with the old ones. My Tetun language skills improved and I did a lot of crafting with different groups of children (and sometimes adults). The teachers and students at the school at Hera were very welcoming, many remembering me from last time. The children loved doing the craft - we made flying dragons, hungry caterpillars, cards, crocodiles, flowers and masks. The teachers loved getting their packs of classroom supplies. And yes, the Brazil Masterchef did come to school assembly one morning.

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Ian, Jennie Adams and I went back to Dili for the weekend, getting our iced coffee fix at the cafe Doce Vida. Doce Vida is part of the organisation, Casa Vida which provides accommodation, training and support for victims of domestic and sexual violence. On the second Monday morning, I had a tour over some of their facilities. What I didn’t know was Casa Vida was for girls up to 17 years, not adults. For the younger girls, Casa Vida helps them get to school and learn English. The older girls get training in sewing, cooking and hospitality to enable them to be independent when they are able to return to their community. There is also a childcare centre to look after any babies and children the girls have as a result of their abuse, while they study or train.

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This year I stepped out of my comfort zone and spent two nights at Bahareduk. It was much better than I expected - comfortable facilities, excellent food and wonderful Christian fellowship. I can honestly say the toilet was the best I used in Timor! I helped Jenny and Sarah Carver with their children's program in the afternoons. One morning I visited the school and did the hokey pokey with the older students. I thought the school at Hera was basic but that was a palace compared to the one at Bahareduk! The children of the village were delightful, so happy but had very little. The adults were friendly too. I’m so glad I went and saw all the houses popping up.

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I mentioned the election. It was on 22 July. It was only the third one the Timorese have ever had and this was their first without UN peacekeepers. Everyone was so enthusiastic and keen to be a part of it, even if it meant for many people, they had to return to wherever they were registered, which might be hours away by public transport. I think we in Australia have forgotten what a privilege it is to be able to vote freely and safely. Even though I am back again, comfortable in my home, I think often of the beautiful faces of the children and I do worry about their lack of future prospects, but I have to leave that in Gods hands. Please keep East Timor and its people in your prayers.