Mageta Island is a special place that captured my heart before I even stepped foot on it’s soil last year. Kathy and I returned more excited and emotional than we thought we would. Greg started making friends on the Ferry ride and many more after arriving.
We knew it was important to stay on the Island during last year’s trip, as it is rare for even people on the mainland to stay overnight. It really made a difference, and to add a return trip, wow, the response has been tremendous.
We have been here just a day and half and have already accomplished so much. We started with meeting the Mageta Island Community Committee, a committee that formed after our visit last year to help mobilize the community. We were so impressed with what they have done in such a short time, and their vision for the future of their home.
Mageta Island is the perfect climate to grow fruit, but there are very few trees. Kathy and Greg helped developed an amazing new program to complement our Days for Girls program, Trees for Boys. Today was the very first session at one the schools. While Greg talked with the boys, the Chief of the Island was alone at the back of the school digging 15 holes for the first tree saplings he had for them. He said he did it to show them that if their Chief can do it, so can they, he leads by example.
The day was long and hot, but I don’t think any of us would have changed a thing (except maybe having some ice in our water bottles).
Tonight one of the parents dropped by unexpectedly. He brought food for our breakfast tomorrow to show his gratitude for the feeding program MCOH supports at his children’s school. A simple gesture that was one of the most precious gifts we have ever received. As we start our day tomorrow, we will be reminded of the importance of what we have done, and will continue to do, for this very special community on the other side of the world.
Cheri
