Song, dance, music is a universal language that creates equals. This brings us so much closer to these little children and their families in poor remote communities outside Railaco. Every time we do it a barrier comes down.
A fellow traveller wondered what lay behind the people’s bright smiles? How could they be so happy given the trauma they had suffered in the past and the obvious poverty they dealt with today? Lynda Slavinskis answer is hope.

The key observation I made during our visits to the villages and schools in Timor Leste was that the people have great need, but they are NOT needy. The people are filled with faith, hope and love. They dance and smile like they are the happiest people on earth.

Even the malnourished children at the feeding program dance. The people are grateful for and proud of the freedom they fought so hard to achieve.

Elijah “Tiger” Slavinskis sings for the children of Cocoa village outside Railaco Mission. The St Canice’s KingsCross Sydney people were happy to have a leader to lead us in song. We were giving back’ in response to the children, who had entertained us when we arrived.

Song, dance, music is a universal language that creates equals. This brought us so much closer to these little children and their families. Every time we did it a barrier came down. Especially in the those very poor remote villages, shoulders dropped, both us and them, and we relaxed, feeling very comfortable with each other.