The homing pigeon has landed

Hi there

Mobile communication is amazing! Maubara does not have electricity but it does have mobile reception (pretty patchy, but good enough...). I have been in touch with Phil Elias and Miguel Paredes.

Yesterday they were working into the night preparing the site for the pouring of the concrete slab. This was meant to happen this morning, subject to the weather.

They have electricity a couple of hours each day, I still don't know if it is always at the same time or whether it fluctuates.

Chris Leung is due to arrive in East Timor on Friday morning (that is a story in itself but I leave it to him to recount it).

All up, things are going well. The conditions are tough but everyone is in good spirits and working hard.

Cheers

Arthur Escamilla

Takeoff!

Group check-in was a breeze thanks to friendly Qantas staff.

Yes, the tools are on the way to Darwin!

(this can't be said about Phil Elias' luggage, which did not make it from Darwin to Dili... poor Phil, yes, poor Phil...)

Pre-departure group photo, minus Fr Joe Pro (lost at the airport), Miguel Paredes (already enjoying East Timor) and the Saxby brothers (holidaying in Darwin).

The Final Countdown

We will be leaving for Timor this evening!

Participants:

Matthew Saxby
Ryan Saxby
Alex Chung
Mike Greenwell
Andrew Quinn
Phil Elias
Miguel Paredes
Truman Biro
Dylan Vitucci
Fr. Joe Pro
Joe Hoare
Chris Leung
Rohan Stocker
Aran Mahenthirarajah
Matthias Halliday
Roy Atherton
Adrian Morris
Joe Barcham
Oliver O'Sullivan

We will arrive at the airport at 6.15pm. We will get hold of a local sim card when we arrive and pass the details on to the Dean of the College, Arthur Escamilla, who will be the reference point for information about the group. His details are:

Mr. Arthur Escamilla
E: a.escamilla@warrane.unsw.edu.au
M: 0421 323 041
P: +612 9313 0300

Your Support is Needed!

We still have a way to go to raise the funds needed for the toilet block. If you know anyone might be willing to help out, let them know they can donate directly into:

Account name: Workcamp Account
BSB: 032083
Account number: 216806
Reference: insert your name, please

Tax deductible donations can be made to:

Account name: Warrane College
BSB: 062303
Account number: 28008704
Make a note such as 'Timor donation' or 'Workcamp'.
Email your address to p.elias@warrane.unsw.edu.au so that a receipt can be sent out.

What to bring?

Pack light. There are a number of reasons:
1) It's good for your back.
2) This is a Workcamp.
3) You really don't need that extra pair of 3/4 length cargo pants.
4) We will need you to carry some tools...

The suggestion is around 10kg of luggage, and you can take 9kg of carry on gear.
 A list of things to think about include:
 
Clothes:
1. Work clothes, 3 or 4 sets
2. Clothes for after work
3. Socks and underwear
4. One set of respectable clothes for important occasions (collared shirt and either trousers or long shorts).
5. Jumper / tracksuit / waterproof parka / raincoat
6. Long pants
7. Work shoes and another pair of shoes
8. Old shoes able to be ruined – to use in water holes, rivers etc.
9. Thongs
10. Swimmers or board shorts

Personal items:
1. Bag: avoid cumbersome luggage – try to bring a good backpack/haversack. As well as this, bring a small carry bag for short trips.
2. Toiletries
3. Two towels and a tea towel
4. Sunglasses
5. A hat
6. Sunscreen
7. Medical supplies, such as: Insect repellant (RID tropical strength is the best), paracetamol, band-aid, Imodioum, sting relief
8. A small bag of washing powder for clothes
9. Mosquito net (advisable)
10. Sleeping bag, mat & a small pillow / cushion.
11. Eating utensils: dinner plate, bowl, cup, mug, knife, fork, spoon (do not pack these in hand luggage)
12. Water bottle
13. Torch & Batteries (and back-up batteries)
14. Plastic bags (for garbage, dirty clothes etc.)
15. A book, or two
16. Money pouch / wallet / Passport / photocopies of passport, insurance and itinerary
17. Spending money

Flight Details

Sydney to Darwin QF846 Leave Sydney: 18 NOV, 1940hrs Arrive Darwin: 18 NOV, 2240hrs	Dili to Darwin TL509 Leave Dili: 12 DEC, 1115hrs Arrive Darwin: 12 DEC, 1300hrs
Darwin to Dili TL512 Leave Darwin: 19 NOV, 0630hrs Arrive Dili: 19 NOV, 0715hrs	Darwin to Sydney QF829 Leave Darwin: 13 DEC, 0045hrs Arrive Sydney: 13 DEC, 0640hrs

Action Stations

 The principal project for the Workcamp has been confirmed. We will be completely rebuilding the toilet block (pictured) at the Carmelite orphanage in Maubara, East Timor.   

We are currently sourcing materials for the work and booking flights. More details:
Dates: November 18- December 13
Total Cost: $2,200
Deposit: $300 due September 10