|
Soon other families were sending their kids along until she had a class of 12! Considering that Kimi had dropped out at 15 she felt very responsible coaching all these kids through their "School Certificate". Now the government is paying her a small stipend and is sending her on teaching courses.
All of this pulling-herself-up-by-the-bootstraps was well and good, but for the fact that most of the villagers --- her cousins --- do not approve of her. At first she went to church, as is the custom on the island. However, when the pastor tried to tell her what to do and how to run her life, she began to back away. Hadn't that been part of the problem when she lived in New Zealand? Her relatives wanted to tell her what to do. Every island social event is tied up with the church. Kimi was left out. Not only Kimi, but her children too.
The children long for Auckland and their friends. They have a big foot in the NZ camp, and have become too sophisticated for the island life.
Despite this, Kimi says that when she rises in the early mornings and the dawn glimmers on the still darkened lagoon, she feels happy. It is just so beautiful!
We headed ten miles across the lagoon once the sun was high at noon. Tetautua is the second biggest village on Penrhyn. Most of its inhabitants have left to live in Auckland, NZ or Cairns, Australia. There are only 20 children in the school now and most of the homes are abandoned.
Tetautua village has a reputation for friendliness. The retired school teacher, Rongo was the first to come alongside in his tinny. The people here are great traders. Years ago when Michael's parents were here they wanted to trade brassieres for natural pearls. Now they hope for money --- which I was unwilling to spend.. I had just about given up hope of trading when I was approached by an woman who wanted bed sheets!
You have sheets?
Yes, I answered.
Then I come out to the boat now with pearls.
She returned with her husband, a huge and kindly man, in tow.
Aboard Sea Quest, they spread their pearls for me to see.
The old man pulled out a small, perfectly round pearl. It was his most valuable. He must have been a bit bemused when after looking carefully at the pearls under a strong light, I picked out ten misshapen baroque pearls. "I am afraid that the perfect rounds are wasted on me," I explained. I would prefer pearls like these that I can put on a chain.
The old couple conferred in low voices, wondering how much of the linen they might obtain with the pearls. . I was feeling generous and only one of the three sets of sheets was new
"You may have all the sheets, those towels --- and the little torch if you like."
|
|
