Each year since then I have brought a group from Seymour College and each time we have been made to feel so welcome. The students and staff have been so accomodating and made sure that each of us has had an enriching experience as well as a lot of fun. During the day we always engaged with the community and it wasn't unusual to stay around the table after dinner singing songs and joking around. Living within the community gave my students a real insight into the contribution of the Brothers to the wider community and the love they had for their students.
Many students would visit the verandah of the Brothers' house and they knew that they were always welcome. They would come for help with their schoolwork, to check details of activities and to just hang out with the Brothers sharing jokes and friendship.
My students were always amazed at the hours the Brothers were willing to spend with their students, especially playing games and coaching sport. The relationships between the students and the Brothers were so evident, and because of this, the students were also willing to assist the Brothers in organising events and programs.
Over the years a number of other Brothers have been part of the community. Br Roshan Kerketta, Br Miles Allams, Br Sunil Lobo, Br Walter Vaz, Br John Pereira, Br Shawn Viegas, Br Len Noronha all built on the relationship we began in 2009, and Br Hector hosted us in Challekere, before returning to Bajpe. Br Hector helped us to connect with the community in Chitradurga, and has travelled with us each year since. He has worked tirelessly to ensure our program has been engaging and mutually beneficial.
The group always finds it so hard to leave Bajpe and often girls will say that it was their favourite place to visit, largely because of the hospitality of the Brothers.
Br Roshan Kerketta made a return visit to Bajpe to connect with us more than once and spent hours with the group, often singing and enjoying time chatting. The girls commented on the effort of Br Roshan and others who travelled to be there when we were there. The joy on the faces of his ex students was obvious when he returned to reconnect with them.
Other Brothers who have been in Bajpe while we were visiting are Br Sabino D'Souza, Br Joel Tavares, Br Steve Rocha, Br Joe Johnson, Br Steve Fernandes, Br Ronny Vaz and Br Sameer Ferraro.
Br Roshan D'Cunha's family welcomed us into their home for dinner year after year for a delicious meal and fellowship. This was very typical of the hospitality shown to us, and hospitality has been a hallmark of the Brothers.
Because of the relationship between the Brothers and the staff of St Joseph's, many staff have shown their generosity to the group too, lending vehicles, sponsoring meals, and reaching out in various ways.
On behalf of all Australians who have visited Bajpe, I would like to say a very heart felt and sincere thank you to the Brothers who have enriched our lives by being present to us, and hosting us each year. A huge thank you to Br Theo for making the initial connection, and to Br Hector who has worked tirelessly to ensure its continuity. Thank you also to the College community for their generosity.
Lynne Moten
Seymour College,Adelaide
Australia
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