Last week's CSIS Reference Committee meeting meant a trip into Darwin, from Monday to Thursday. On my return to Elcho I found the latest December issue of 'Galiwin'kupuy Dhäwu' had been distributed and there are some amazing stories in it. The front page photo blows my mind away every time I look at it! You can check it out by going to my Galwin'kupuy Dhäwu link on the Galiwin'ku Elcho Island page. This latest issue also includes some Yolŋu Matha - a translation of an advertisement by Power and Water, about the use of water  in Galiwin'ku. Enjoy the read!

I decided to stay home this weekend after having two full weekends travelling around East Arnhem in November; the first trip was Nov 19-21 to Yirrkala, the following weekend of Nov 26-28 for Waṉamayku's Ordination and Induction at Gapuwiyak. 

The trip to Yirrkala was unique. It was the first successful CSIS-EA time together - Yolŋu to be with Yolŋu - from two different places, Yirrkala and Galiwin'ku, - all working in some way on the Yolŋu Scriptures. There has been the need to talk together face-to-face about work needs and how to help each other and share the load. This East Arnhem meeting happened in response to Yirrkala folk calling for support from others on Elcho. 

Four of us travelled by plane from Galiwin'ku, two by car overland. We met Saturday at Shady Beach and then Sunday pm at Ṉowul Beach. I was there just in the background, available when called upon. The Harper family gave the weekend their full support to make the meetings happen, by giving up their house to all the visitors!

With much to share in between the feasting, it was deemed successful when all agreed that the weekend's meeting had been encouraging and supportive, and should, if possible, happen each year. 

See photos below;

The other trip in November to Gapuwiyak was a celebration for the church when Timothy Waṉamayku was ordained and inducted as their minister. 

It was also an historic moment for Dhay'yi speakers,  to hear the Scriptures read in their language. 2 Peter 1:10 was chosen to be translated for the day's ordination service. (Dhay'yi is one of the new Scripture projects begun in CSIS this year.) 

On the sidelines, Ŋändama sold DVD's, CD's and books related to the Scriptures and work of CSIS. The items were in a variety of Yolŋu languages.

This slideshow below captures some of the highlights of our weekend in Gapuwiyak.