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The rainbow never sets
time of our departure as we had to wait for the high tide. There was no jetty by the water. We had to wade through the murky water on very uneven and sharp coral rocks. They tried to carry our children, but that seemed a very risky business to me, as one could easily lose balance and the water was quite deep. I suggested to make a chain of people and pass goods, luggage and children from person to person. People thought this was good fun and eventually the ladies were also passed this way, only with Alison they had a little more difficulty, as she was not as light as the Rotinese. In the bay there was no wind, and the boat gently rocked up and down. Everyone in our family seemed asleep, except I. The swell made me sea sick. I felt better when after sunrise a breeze came up and we were sailing towards Tenau, where Mes dropped us off. Peter came to take us home again.
Mes was the most intelligent student in his year. I felt that he and GMIT would benefit from his further education. The Christian University at Salatiga offered courses that suited the church and I discussed it with his parents and the Moderator. We were prepared to sponsor him for the duration of his studies. GMIT accredited him as their student, and after Mes graduated from Tarus, he stayed with us for a month, before going to Java. He worked for me as my chauffeur, doing some shopping for us, and making himself useful in many other ways. I was very sad to see him go in the end, but such is life. In the middle of January 1971 he left by ship, and promised to write regularly. He kept that promise throughout his studies and beyond, as a thick file with his letters can testify. This meant a great deal to me, as we had become close friends.
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