Solomon Isles blog - "We have arrived..."

Melanesia Blog #1

Dean Tim and wife Jen (also Cathedral Education Officer) are away from the Cathedral for three weeks in the Solomon Isles, preaching, teaching, working with the diocese and meeting the locals.  Throughout their visit, WiFi allowing, Tim's writing a mini-blog.  Here's Tim's first entry.

It is Monday 10 June - early morning in the UK and bed time in Melanesia. After two days travelling, pausing to change planes in Dubai and Brisbane, it was a relief to come out of Honiara Airport and find the friendly face of Nelson waiting for Jen and I with the Diocesan minibus. Half an hour later, and picking up just one hitchhiker, with a brief call at ANZ Bank, we arrived at the Chester Rest House (see Jen on the top balcony). This is run by the Melanesian Brotherhood, whose members promptly garlanded us when we came indoors, sang songs to us and fed us with copious tuna sandwiches.

Stephen Smalley laid the foundation stone for this building and it is very poignant that I will be here whist some of you will be at his funeral in Chester. It's lovely to be here - but it is a long way to go. We are hoping that some sleep tonight will mean we are refreshed for our Cathedral welcome tomorrow.

Dean Tim.