Leaving Railaco, where we had the chance to socialise and connect to the folks on a more individual level, was quite emotional for all of us as we said our goodbyes this morning. As a result some shed tears as our friendships made over the last few days have been put on a peculiar hold. The lessons I have learnt here haven’t just been said but also shown to me, making this experience so much more worthwhile. I will by no means forget the understandings and affiliations I’ve built upon in Railaco.
- Nick Tsekouras
Our time in Railaco was quite a powerful experience. It felt rather confronting taking part in such things as the feeding program where the children get fed three times a week. Back home in Australia most of us are fortunate to have a minimum of three meals a day. I now have a new appreciation for the lives that we are so privileged to be living. I know that what we can do for these amazing people does not end when we return to Australia.
- Emily Harwood
Railaco was indeed a great blessing and an experience that has given me great inspiration for my future goals. One thing I learnt was to keep going and to be more persistent in all I do because achievement is hard work. This may include falling along the way. Leaving that beautiful place in Railaco made me feel that I left many things unfinished which I wish to finish in the near future. Motivation, belief and persistence is the key!
- Logotaeao Aunese
Football in Australia is just a game we play on Saturdays. Here in Timor Leste football is a a game they play every day…. a cultural necessity. Just as our Christian beliefs unite us as Australians with the people of Timor, I have felt that football is another gateway to our relationship with the Timorese.
- Ben Harris
The East Timor Immersion has been a journey filled with unprecedented awakening about the strife of a nation so close to our home, and their perseverance against insurmountable odds.
- William Cooper
I have gained so much respect for the lives of others that are less fortunate after being in Timor Leste. Railaco really opened my eyes to seeing the difficulties of the rural villages and what people go through on a day to day basis. This experience makes me more appreciative of the things I have and of understanding more about the opportunities that others, through no fault of their own, are never given.
- Alex McGill
Railaco was an eye opening experience that helped me become more grateful for all that I have in my life. I am more appreciative for the friends I have after developing strong relationships with the students in Railaco. I am also thankful for the shelter and security that I have in Sydney after sleeping on the floor for four nights. I am also so grateful for my family after seeing the importance of family in the lives of the people of Timor Leste.
- Callum Bremer
Railaco is a place I will never forget. It was incredible to see the love each person in the community had for one another. I found it quite difficult to comprehend that people who have almost nothing, have the strength to keep going every day with a smile on their faces. There were lots of tears as we said goodbye to the beautiful friends we had made in just a few days. I have found that the key in life is not wanting to be the richest or have materialistic things but to be around people that you love and make you happy.
- Rachael Wiig
Our visit to Railaco is something I’ll never forget. The people who are putting so much effort to make a difference for the children in Railaco are extraordinary. The kids are bright and full of love and joy. The respect I have for Fr Bong, Fr Bert, Fr Phuong, scholastic JP and Sr Rita’s efforts to make a difference is just inspiring.
- Tanya Vo
Our time in Railaco has been one of the most enlightening and enjoyable part of this experience. The collective attitude of the village was infectious on our group and had visible impacts on many of us. I depart Railaco with newfound, irreversible cultural perspective that hopefully will manifest itself in the context of my life in Australia.
- Tom Daly
The only way to describe my experience in Railaco would have to be…. eye opening. Every single individual I had the pleasure of meeting taught me something and has impacted my life in one way or another. The respect I have gained for these people is overwhelming. Such an incredible life changing experience, definitely one I will never forget.
- Emily Jackson
Describing my time and experiences in Railaco is something that put simply, cannot be described in words, as words are no longer sufficient when trying to explain the people we’ve met, and the things we’ve done. The people over here are so different to back home; they can really leave a mark on you, even though you’re supposed to be ‘helping’ them. The experiences so far are both unforgettable and life changing in ways that are unfathomable, unless you’ve been here with us on our journey. We are all so thankful for the journey that we have embarked on.
- Oscar Cavalletto
Railaco was such an eye opening experience, it really made me appreciate the simple pleasures that I take for granted. Those who have so little can manage to smile, love and enjoy. Yet we who have so much often struggle to find happiness. Maybe we’re looking in the wrong places!!!
- Jessica Louth
My experience so far in Timor has been incredible. The people we have met have been amazing. I have whole new appreciation for soccer because of how easy it is to form connections with the kids with it. I can’t wait for Kasait.
- Harry Stannard
So far the journey has been, to say the least, view changing. To meet so many amazing people both Australian and Timorese has been an unforgettable experience and has really altered the way I view my own life back home.
- Anabel Rowe
An enlightening experience and an opportunity for much human compassion. Eye opening.
- Tom Mahony-Brack
Our time in Railaco was quite a powerful experience. It felt rather confronting taking part in such things as the feeding program where the children get fed three times a week. Back home in Australia most of us are fortunate to have a minimum of three meals a day. I now have a new appreciation for the lives that we are so privileged to be living. I know that what we can do for these amazing people does not end when we return to Australia.
- Emily Harwood
Railaco was indeed a great blessing and an experience that has given me great inspiration for my future goals. One thing I learnt was to keep going and to be more persistent in all I do because achievement is hard work. This may include falling along the way. Leaving that beautiful place in Railaco made me feel that I left many things unfinished which I wish to finish in the near future. Motivation, belief and persistence is the key!
- Logotaeao Aunese
Football in Australia is just a game we play on Saturdays. Here in Timor Leste football is a a game they play every day…. a cultural necessity. Just as our Christian beliefs unite us as Australians with the people of Timor, I have felt that football is another gateway to our relationship with the Timorese.
- Ben Harris
The East Timor Immersion has been a journey filled with unprecedented awakening about the strife of a nation so close to our home, and their perseverance against insurmountable odds.
- William Cooper
I have gained so much respect for the lives of others that are less fortunate after being in Timor Leste. Railaco really opened my eyes to seeing the difficulties of the rural villages and what people go through on a day to day basis. This experience makes me more appreciative of the things I have and of understanding more about the opportunities that others, through no fault of their own, are never given.
- Alex McGill
Railaco was an eye opening experience that helped me become more grateful for all that I have in my life. I am more appreciative for the friends I have after developing strong relationships with the students in Railaco. I am also thankful for the shelter and security that I have in Sydney after sleeping on the floor for four nights. I am also so grateful for my family after seeing the importance of family in the lives of the people of Timor Leste.
- Callum Bremer
Railaco is a place I will never forget. It was incredible to see the love each person in the community had for one another. I found it quite difficult to comprehend that people who have almost nothing, have the strength to keep going every day with a smile on their faces. There were lots of tears as we said goodbye to the beautiful friends we had made in just a few days. I have found that the key in life is not wanting to be the richest or have materialistic things but to be around people that you love and make you happy.
- Rachael Wiig
Our visit to Railaco is something I’ll never forget. The people who are putting so much effort to make a difference for the children in Railaco are extraordinary. The kids are bright and full of love and joy. The respect I have for Fr Bong, Fr Bert, Fr Phuong, scholastic JP and Sr Rita’s efforts to make a difference is just inspiring.
- Tanya Vo
Our time in Railaco has been one of the most enlightening and enjoyable part of this experience. The collective attitude of the village was infectious on our group and had visible impacts on many of us. I depart Railaco with newfound, irreversible cultural perspective that hopefully will manifest itself in the context of my life in Australia.
- Tom Daly
The only way to describe my experience in Railaco would have to be…. eye opening. Every single individual I had the pleasure of meeting taught me something and has impacted my life in one way or another. The respect I have gained for these people is overwhelming. Such an incredible life changing experience, definitely one I will never forget.
- Emily Jackson
Describing my time and experiences in Railaco is something that put simply, cannot be described in words, as words are no longer sufficient when trying to explain the people we’ve met, and the things we’ve done. The people over here are so different to back home; they can really leave a mark on you, even though you’re supposed to be ‘helping’ them. The experiences so far are both unforgettable and life changing in ways that are unfathomable, unless you’ve been here with us on our journey. We are all so thankful for the journey that we have embarked on.
- Oscar Cavalletto
Railaco was such an eye opening experience, it really made me appreciate the simple pleasures that I take for granted. Those who have so little can manage to smile, love and enjoy. Yet we who have so much often struggle to find happiness. Maybe we’re looking in the wrong places!!!
- Jessica Louth
My experience so far in Timor has been incredible. The people we have met have been amazing. I have whole new appreciation for soccer because of how easy it is to form connections with the kids with it. I can’t wait for Kasait.
- Harry Stannard
So far the journey has been, to say the least, view changing. To meet so many amazing people both Australian and Timorese has been an unforgettable experience and has really altered the way I view my own life back home.
- Anabel Rowe
An enlightening experience and an opportunity for much human compassion. Eye opening.
- Tom Mahony-Brack