Reflecting on a Special Day in 2012

This week marks a meaningful moment for our entire team as we reflect on this day in 2012. We are filled with warmth and gratitude when we think back to our experiences on Kiriwina during that pivotal Bible dedication trip. It was an extraordinary event that brought together remarkable individuals, including Margaret and Dr. Reverend Ralph Lawton, their dedicated team of translators, and the entire Lawton family as the Kiriwinan’s esteemed guests of honour. This journey laid the groundwork for what would become Caring For Kiriwina.

Together with Margaret, we spent countless hours listening to and sharing with the Kiriwinan women, gaining invaluable insights into their daily lives and challenges. The conversations we had during that time continue to inspire us today. Looking at the photo from that period, featuring my now-grown children and our family friend Sam Peter, we collectively feel immense gratitude for the charity’s success. We are excited about our upcoming reporting trip to Kiriwina. This trip will be a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with our dedicated staff, volunteers, and friends.

We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of CFK’s journey. This incredible work truly is a team effort! We are especially thankful for the inspiring Lawton family, our fantastic co-directors, Vanessa Palfreeman, who will accompany me on this trip, and the remarkable Stephen Baxter. Our supportive husbands, Doug Lawton and Andrew Sweeney, our outstanding fundraising manager, Jeff Keating, and our donors who wish to keep their anonymity have also been instrumental.

A special shoutout goes to Toks Bwaina, our dedicated in-country manager, who keeps everything running smoothly, along with our on-island manager, Lepani Ahab. We are also immensely grateful for the unwavering support from our Village Birth Attendant supervisor, Bokawau, head VBA Ruth Boaz, and the entire VBA team.

Toks and Vanessa at our 2019 Village Birth attendant training

Our thanks extend to the Uniting Church, particularly Bishop Rev. Agabu Antonio, the Losuia Health Centre staff, as well as Ridley and midwife Linesse, and the Milne Bay Public Health Authority—especially Dr. Perista Mamadi, Dr. Dale Frank, and their team.

We also want to recognise our committed midwife educators, Shea Caplice and Jacqui Andrews, as well as our wonderful supporters and donors, including Sandy Reid and all the amazing ladies from The Belrose and Willandra Village for their knitted items and our Birthing and Dignity kit packers. Our achievements are truly a collective effort.

As we reflect, we remember those who are no longer with us but whose support has been invaluable. We carry forward the legacy of Margaret and Rev Dr Ralph Lawton on Kiriwina, as well as honouring our dear friends and supporters like Health Care Worker Jansen Toposona, his brother Nelson, David Antonio, Nurse Florence, and Bunu.

Lastly, we’re eternally grateful to P&O/Carnival Cruises for their incredible support in helping get our donations and us to Kiriwina. This assistance is vital in allowing us in our work and to hire more midwives to support mothers and babies in real-time.

We look forward to seeing all of you soon and continuing this important journey together! Thank you for being part of our community.