Tribewanted: Vorovoro

As I sit here typing this in the quiet part of the day between Lalli ring and breakfast bell, I have time to prepare myself for another Isa Lei. After five weeks on the island I find myself in awe of the long term staff here. Each of the Isa Lei (farewell ceremonies) that I have been part of so far has been harder than the last (though obviously singing Isa Lei to Fiona was particularly hard) and I can’t help but wonder at how the staff can keep doing them. It is to their eternal credit that they can welcome Tribies to the island and make them feel at home while they are here, becoming good friends with many, only to have to sing a sad farewell when their stay is finished.
This week we say farewell to Hannah, Gemma, Rachel, Becky and Ruth. They have all gotten stuck in with the work that needed doing and still partied hard after sundown. I think Tui Bitu would agree that Gemma has given him a run for his money in the party maker stakes. We will be sorry to see them go, but as none of them have been to a gathering yet we have made them promise to attend them in the future so in true Tribal spirit it is not “Goodbye” but “See ya later”.
As one boat leaves, another arrives and we had a Sevu sevu ceremony for Julie and Katya yesterday. Many of you will know Julie from her international TWOTing and Katya is our first Russian Tribie to visit Vorovoro.
Our projects are coming along well. Tui Ra’s (Tevita) house is coming along well and due to some hard haggling on Duncan’s part at the sawmill, we are likely to have some left over timber for other projects. My Chief project, the air moisture condenser, is at the half way point but should be finished before I leave. I’ll do a full update on that soon. As soon as Tevita’s house is finished, Morau is going to move onto the extension of Chief Marino’s Funhouse, though it is already being used for casual grog sessions when it’s wet. We have also committed some money to essential maintenance, particularly for the staff accommodation, to make buildings more weather proof for the imminent wet season.
It’s not all work on Vorovoro however. We have had movie nights with popcorn and last night the departing members organised an 80’s theme night, but I’m not going to be responsible for posting those pictures!
As I finish this it occurs to me that this day week will be my last day as Chief of Vorovoro. A lot can happen in a week on the island though so I’ll save my reminiscing for my next blog. Bula Vinaka! Chiron