Together with Fr Nigel, Bishop Mark Rylands and his wife Amanda, who had arrived from the UK the day before, I went on a journey to Bishop Patteson Theological College today. It felt great to get out of Honiara for the first time. Driving along the main road, the surroundings quickly changed from an urban settig to a rural, still very prestine environment. The road conditions were surprisingly good and we reached BPTC after around 2 hours.

Unfortunately, we had to discover upon our arrival that the principal of the college had gone to Honiara where we had just come from. But we were very warmly welcomed by the deputy principal and the students of the college in their chapel. To my surprise, a short introduction about my project led to a very productive discussion about the incorporation of climate change into the education of the students. I really hope we will get the chance to follow up on that with the principal this weekend.

We also shortly visited the nearby headquarters of the Melanesian Brothers in Kohimarama. Unfortunately, same story here: the headbrother had gone to Honiara. Hopefully, there will be some time to meet with Brother Nelson this weekend.

After our visit at Kohimarama, we continued our journey to Selwyn College where I plan to set up an environment observatory during the next three days. For the duration of my project, I will stay with the Sisters of Melanesia in Veranaaso. The Sisters gave me a welcome that I will never forget in my life. They sang songs for me and had even made a floral wreath. It was overwhelming! Unfortunately, I forgot to to take photos – I was just enjoying the moment.