Officials say some militias are now infiltrating more deeply into East Timor. The Noronhas are given a modest rice supply, a blue plastic sheet, two jerry cans and one day's meal. Finally they board an aid agency truck to be taken 15 km to their village on the outskirts of Maliana, about 50 km southwest of the East Timorese capital, Dili. As the truck nears the village of about 150, a gaggle of screaming children runs to greet the family. The truck bumps to a stop in front of a makeshift cinderblock house, which until a few days ago had no roof.
Neighbors gather to help unload possessions.
Village children yell the names of the Noronha girls, their long-lost friends. A dog is handed down from the truck, then a baby. A bamboo mat follows, a bag of rice and the rickety red chair. Francisco Noronha nurses her toddler while she supervises. A child runs up and kisses her husband's hand.