Sadly, apart from ducking out to find a coffee late yesterday afternoon (at "See You Latte", our new local favourite) and a run to the airport to farewell a colleague today, I haven't been outside the compound.
The "Compound" is massive and spreads over almost two blocks. It includes the Woodward Hospital, a nursing training school, a girls home, the Salvation Army Radio Station, East Palu Divisional Headquarters, the Woodward Corps, the Education and Learning Centre (a large training facility) and four houses - one of which is our quarters and office. The compound isn't contiguous, making it a little funny to get around, but it's large nonetheless.
The days have been filled with meetings. Meeting with THQ staff, DHQ staff, local emergency staff, Tear Fund and other potential partners, my own team and other visitors.
This means there aren't any great stories to tell; well, none of my own.
I have been amazed, as always, by the local Salvos in these cities and towns. One, Immanuel, is the Divisional Youth Secretary in East Palu and has been seconded to our team as a translator and assistant. He lost his brother-in-law in the Tsunami, whose body has never been recovered, and his sister is pregnant with the child of the lost husband. Immanuel is obviously traumatised - but SOOO resilient. He is among the many heroes that continue to serve while dealing with their own grief and loss. He is also a great singer and a bit of a joker, which I think is helping both him, and us.
We ended last night with a BBQ at DHQ to thank one of our departing team and to also allow one of The Salvation Army's national leaders to thank the local officers. Below are some photos, including the obligatory end-of-event dance.
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