After late information the night before that I’ll be joining the field visit, we set off early to Liquica, which is 45 kilometers from the capital of Dili. Initially, I thought the visit would only be in an ECCD center which my organization was helping but I found out later that we were going to another place for the inauguration of 2 houses built through KOICA as part of their program on reconciliation. Two families whose members were separated during the ‘crises’ were provided with housing assistance as well as to locate missing family members.
When we arrived at the site, a group of elders composed of men and women welcomed us with the traditional ‘tais’. After putting tais to the guests, there was a traditional singing and dancing as we were ushered to our seats.
As we were seated there was also an offering of beetle nut, beetle leaves and lime with tobacco which is to be chewed as part of the welcome ceremony. I tried to avoid this ceremony by pretending to take photos and joined the crowd. This was followed by another singing performed by the elders with some chantings in the local language. Then, there was the ribbon-cutting ceremony that was done by the Ambassador of Korea to Timor Leste assisted by the CEO of ChildFund Korea and Regional Director of ChidlFund International. Speeches from guests ensued and followed by lunch.
The lunch offered to us was very humbling as you can see in the pictures. This is one of the things I miss in community work, something that draws me back to the basics of development work. It was very humbling to be with these people who were so delighted with the help they receive from my organization. It was a great way of learning a cultural practice in this country. I’m sure there will be more to know.
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