Christmas Eve was very exciting. We woke up and had very chocolatey pancakes and then the girls took me on a tour of the school. Then we went to the airport to pick up Brian! After knowing each other almost all our lives and going to school K-12 together, I never would have guessed that Pohnpei would be our next reunion! It was sort of like a class reunion since Corey and Charlotte are there too. It wasn't even weird to see him; it was like no time had passed at all. Too bad we only had about 24 hours together!
That night we went to the Spanish wall to see a youth group from Guam perform. We couldn't find a driver, so poor Brian had to drive the truck there. And he was so tired!! Besides stalling out several times in front of telecom (I think the brake was on) he did a good job. We went back and had a Christmas Eve party at Corey's apt. (the lions' den). We had dinner and a gift exchange. Then we watched Home Alone.
Christmas morning I popped out of bed really early (rare occurrence for me, even on Christmas). I had a very bittersweet feeling. I was excited it was Christmas, but sad to leave Pohnpei, but also happy to see my Majuro family, but sad about flying by myself. Anyway they took me to eat breakfast at the Village. It was so pretty. I miss those mountains a lot. We played up and down the river (or pirate's bridge) which made me pretty happy. Then we drove back, I packed up and we went to the airport to check in. I was planning on coming back to the school and chilling for a little bit only to find my plane was 30 MINUTES EARLY. What the junk! Of course my plane would be late arriving and early leaving. So we sped back so I could say goodbye to everyone. Then we came back to the airport and I was the last one on the plane...I think I barely made it.
It was really hard leaving. And since I was early returning to Majuro no one was at the airport to pick me up for awhile. I just sat by myself trying to be happy. I knew I shouldn't be down or complain since I did get to go somewhere and everyone else didn't. But it was hard! I was actually depressed for a couple of days. It was probably a combination of feeling weird since I wasn't home for Christmas, the weather is very Julyish, travelling makes you tired, and I had a lot of fun/freedom in Pohnpei. Plus I didn't feel trapped there! But it was definitely worth it all. I had an amazing time.
We came back around vespers time, then afterwards Alise took me to Lenney's to get Christmas dinner leftovers. I had been expecting a Christmas package from home, only to find it wasn't there. Then yesterday I found out it had been here all along but Jhan Dale FORGOT TO TELL ME. warrarrr! But getting that package really made my day. :)
Saturday afternoon there was a "concert" at the church where anyone from the church could come and do a musical number. The girls suckered me into singing "My Grown Up Christmas List" again. I wasn't too thrilled. But a girl had a little violin there that I got to play! I'm hoping to get mine from home somehow. We'll see what happens.
Break has been really nice. I've been staying up late, sleeping in and just chilling doing things I don't usually have a lot of time for like reading, journaling, uploading pictures, etc. Sunday we went to Enemanit for the day and just played. We dove around the ship again and played on the floating dock. Several of the guys decided to hike/island hop to Kalalan...the girls and other guys decided against it. It just didn't seem fun to hike all that way in the hot sun and possibly get stuck on a different island because of high tide, darkness, etc. We relaxed and watched movies here.
Today we were going to rent golf carts and drive down to Laura, but they only have 2 and one was broken. :( So we decided against it since we wouldn't all be able to go otherwise. But Christmas break is still great and going way to fast! :)
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Pohnpei
Last Friday after school it hadn't really hit me that it was break. Or that I was going to be on a plane headed for Pohnpei the next morning. Friday afternoon I did some laundry and very nicoleishly waited until the next morning (and the last minute) to pack my things. A lot of the other SMs came to see Rob and I off. We checked in, went through security and boarded the plane in the rain. We sat on the plane for a LONG time. We were late so we had to let a couple of planes go before us. I wondered if I was ever really going to get off the island...
Then we took off! The plane stopped in Kwajalein then Kosrae and finally Pohnpei. We were about an hour and a half late so I felt bad that Charlotte and Corey and everyone had to wait so long. I wore a muu muu because everyone in Majuro wears them and they are super comfortable. But nobody wears them here! Instead they wear their skirts up by their armpits like dresses. It's so weird. lol It's funny what becomes "normal" after several months of living somewhere. We drove to the school in the back of their red fire truck in the rain! It was so incredible to see mountains!!
Saturday night we went to a basketball game and then a birthday party at Coco Marina. There are a lot more white people here than in Majuro. And the SMs here can wear pants, shorts and/or tanktops out! It felt really strange at first. They can also drive the school vehicles and take the boat out whenever. The apartments are also bigger and a lot more spread out than on our campus. We're pretty contained at school, but there's a lot more to do here.
Sunday started out with a bang. Sam, an older maintenance man, fell off the roof he was working on. He didn't fall all the way to the ground but it was still 10 feet or so. He hit his head and was knocked unconscious for a little bit. They took him to the hospital in the back of a truck. So we all went to see the hospital and be there for his wife. I think he is ok, but the next day they flew him to Guam to make sure it wasn't too serious. Later on me, Charlotte and Katie went to Cliff Rainbow for dinner and got fried ice cream! Mmm
Monday Corey and Charlotte took me shopping everywhere. We went to Kapinga Village and Grace’s bakery. Late in the afternoon we went and climbed Sokehs ridge and watched the sunset. It was so beautiful! It’s such a nice change to be able to actually climb something besides the bridge in Majuro lol. (Sadly it’s the highest point). On the way home we got coconut pops or “ice pahr.” They need to start making those in Majuro I decided.
Tuesday me and Charlotte went with the guys to Palikir. They went surfing and I tried my hand at spear fishing with Corey. Not exactly my talent but it was fun trying! We saw a little reef shark too. After awhile the fins were hurting so I hopped on a board with Andrew and we paddled out to get a closer view while the guys surfed. It was a good day and very clear. Hence why Charlotte and I got burnt! :( That made for a rough sleeping situation last night. Lol After several hours we went back and ate at Ocean View overlooking Sokehs rock, the bay area with boats, etc. We had coconuts with straws in them. So good! Then they cut them open and we ate the meat inside. Later Charlotte and I walked with Alex to this little pier so he could take pictures. It started raining so we climbed over the fence into this abandoned restaurant over the water. It was really cool.
Today we went shopping for a little bit and got gifts for our white elephant get together tomorrow. Then we went to Twin Falls, but it was too dangerous to jump. It’s ok though. I still swam some and took pictures. Now we’re just chillin and might watch a movie later.
I can’t believe it’s the eve of Christmas Eve! I’m enjoying this break soo much. I’m so relaxed and haven’t really thought about school or stressed about anything. As much as I miss Majuro and everyone back at home I don’t think I’m ready to go back. I just want to chill here for awhile. ☺ But I sure miss my Majuro family! They’re the best!
Then we took off! The plane stopped in Kwajalein then Kosrae and finally Pohnpei. We were about an hour and a half late so I felt bad that Charlotte and Corey and everyone had to wait so long. I wore a muu muu because everyone in Majuro wears them and they are super comfortable. But nobody wears them here! Instead they wear their skirts up by their armpits like dresses. It's so weird. lol It's funny what becomes "normal" after several months of living somewhere. We drove to the school in the back of their red fire truck in the rain! It was so incredible to see mountains!!
Saturday night we went to a basketball game and then a birthday party at Coco Marina. There are a lot more white people here than in Majuro. And the SMs here can wear pants, shorts and/or tanktops out! It felt really strange at first. They can also drive the school vehicles and take the boat out whenever. The apartments are also bigger and a lot more spread out than on our campus. We're pretty contained at school, but there's a lot more to do here.
Sunday started out with a bang. Sam, an older maintenance man, fell off the roof he was working on. He didn't fall all the way to the ground but it was still 10 feet or so. He hit his head and was knocked unconscious for a little bit. They took him to the hospital in the back of a truck. So we all went to see the hospital and be there for his wife. I think he is ok, but the next day they flew him to Guam to make sure it wasn't too serious. Later on me, Charlotte and Katie went to Cliff Rainbow for dinner and got fried ice cream! Mmm
Monday Corey and Charlotte took me shopping everywhere. We went to Kapinga Village and Grace’s bakery. Late in the afternoon we went and climbed Sokehs ridge and watched the sunset. It was so beautiful! It’s such a nice change to be able to actually climb something besides the bridge in Majuro lol. (Sadly it’s the highest point). On the way home we got coconut pops or “ice pahr.” They need to start making those in Majuro I decided.
Tuesday me and Charlotte went with the guys to Palikir. They went surfing and I tried my hand at spear fishing with Corey. Not exactly my talent but it was fun trying! We saw a little reef shark too. After awhile the fins were hurting so I hopped on a board with Andrew and we paddled out to get a closer view while the guys surfed. It was a good day and very clear. Hence why Charlotte and I got burnt! :( That made for a rough sleeping situation last night. Lol After several hours we went back and ate at Ocean View overlooking Sokehs rock, the bay area with boats, etc. We had coconuts with straws in them. So good! Then they cut them open and we ate the meat inside. Later Charlotte and I walked with Alex to this little pier so he could take pictures. It started raining so we climbed over the fence into this abandoned restaurant over the water. It was really cool.
Today we went shopping for a little bit and got gifts for our white elephant get together tomorrow. Then we went to Twin Falls, but it was too dangerous to jump. It’s ok though. I still swam some and took pictures. Now we’re just chillin and might watch a movie later.
I can’t believe it’s the eve of Christmas Eve! I’m enjoying this break soo much. I’m so relaxed and haven’t really thought about school or stressed about anything. As much as I miss Majuro and everyone back at home I don’t think I’m ready to go back. I just want to chill here for awhile. ☺ But I sure miss my Majuro family! They’re the best!
Friday, December 18, 2009
It has been awhile since I updated, but the end of the year gets crazy! It just blows my mind that Christmas break started 3 wonderful hours ago, and I am now halfway done. I have to pack up soon since my flight to Pohnpei leaves in the morning. I suppose the anticipation of break has made this by far the LONGEST week of the semester, even though we've only had 3 full days of school. Monday we spent all day practicing for the program (read on), and today was just a party day. Thursday I had 4 final tests for my kids - Bible, math, science and English. I haven't graded them yet, but I felt a sense of accomplishment making and giving those to them. Hopefully they passed! lol
I do love the holiday season though. I had a lot of fun shopping for things to send to my family, and to give to my kids as well. We've also put up lights in our apartment and outside on the railing. They give it such a cozy, homey feel! And we have a few small Christmas trees and a wreath. And of course Christmas music playing constantly. We also decided to rearrange the furniture in our kitchen/living area. It's such a nice change! It almost feels like a whole new apartment. After being in the same routine for awhile it's nice to do little things to make it less monotonous.
Well a few weekends ago we decided to have a swing dancing party. Everybody dressed up and we went upstairs in the high school English classroom. It was so fun! I really wish we would do things like that more often. (Rather than sitting around in the av room on our computers.) No one really knew how to swing dance....lol so that made for good entertainment. But it was fun anyway, plus we had some great music going.
Our principal had some meetings in Guam recently, and we got word that there is a Taco Bell there! Obviously we were drooling at even the mention of the place. So we sent him our orders. WOW! Best cold 7-layers I've ever had! And I fried up a cheesy rice and bean burrito the next day.
Last weekend we had our Christmas programs. The high school was sort of a flop because none of them really cared. The stage we created for them was pretty awesome though. I almost got dragged into playing a few fill-in parts, but luckily the girls showed up 45 minutes late to take them back. I was already in costume and everything! Monday night we were able to get the ICC (government building) for the K-6 program. And as Lenney would say, "It was rockin'!" The kids did a FANTASTIC job. Kudos to Kat and Shari especially for pulling it all together. It took a lot of work but it was all worth it in the end. (And endless hours of Dr. Newheart songs stuck in my head.)
Today after our parties we had chapel (like usual) to close the day. Earlier this week the other SM girls decided they wanted to sing "My Grown Up Christmas List" as a special treat for chapel. And they wanted ALL the girls to be involved. I'm not a huge fan of getting up front in the first place, but singing? Definitely opposed! But I agreed since I didn't want to be the annoying one who didn't get involved. Then Char starts dishing out solos to everyone. HAHAHA! I refused. Then I decided I needed to do it for Jesus. So I agreed and very fearfully overcame one of my biggest fears. During the performance the kids were screaming so loud you could hardly hear us anyway! lol But I was really glad I did it.
Well now I gotta pack for my trip in the morning...you know me. I'll probably end up doing most of it in the morning anyway. Happy Holidays everyone!! :)
I do love the holiday season though. I had a lot of fun shopping for things to send to my family, and to give to my kids as well. We've also put up lights in our apartment and outside on the railing. They give it such a cozy, homey feel! And we have a few small Christmas trees and a wreath. And of course Christmas music playing constantly. We also decided to rearrange the furniture in our kitchen/living area. It's such a nice change! It almost feels like a whole new apartment. After being in the same routine for awhile it's nice to do little things to make it less monotonous.
Well a few weekends ago we decided to have a swing dancing party. Everybody dressed up and we went upstairs in the high school English classroom. It was so fun! I really wish we would do things like that more often. (Rather than sitting around in the av room on our computers.) No one really knew how to swing dance....lol so that made for good entertainment. But it was fun anyway, plus we had some great music going.
Our principal had some meetings in Guam recently, and we got word that there is a Taco Bell there! Obviously we were drooling at even the mention of the place. So we sent him our orders. WOW! Best cold 7-layers I've ever had! And I fried up a cheesy rice and bean burrito the next day.
Last weekend we had our Christmas programs. The high school was sort of a flop because none of them really cared. The stage we created for them was pretty awesome though. I almost got dragged into playing a few fill-in parts, but luckily the girls showed up 45 minutes late to take them back. I was already in costume and everything! Monday night we were able to get the ICC (government building) for the K-6 program. And as Lenney would say, "It was rockin'!" The kids did a FANTASTIC job. Kudos to Kat and Shari especially for pulling it all together. It took a lot of work but it was all worth it in the end. (And endless hours of Dr. Newheart songs stuck in my head.)
Today after our parties we had chapel (like usual) to close the day. Earlier this week the other SM girls decided they wanted to sing "My Grown Up Christmas List" as a special treat for chapel. And they wanted ALL the girls to be involved. I'm not a huge fan of getting up front in the first place, but singing? Definitely opposed! But I agreed since I didn't want to be the annoying one who didn't get involved. Then Char starts dishing out solos to everyone. HAHAHA! I refused. Then I decided I needed to do it for Jesus. So I agreed and very fearfully overcame one of my biggest fears. During the performance the kids were screaming so loud you could hardly hear us anyway! lol But I was really glad I did it.
Well now I gotta pack for my trip in the morning...you know me. I'll probably end up doing most of it in the morning anyway. Happy Holidays everyone!! :)
Saturday, December 5, 2009
La La Land
It's Sabbath afternoon. Boy do I LOVE Sabbath! Well here's news about the last week and a half.
Last Thursday we had our "fun day" or picnic for the kids. Grades 4-8 went to the beach by the airport. It was really nice to interact with my students outside the classroom setting. I mean obviously I love them so much already, but this was even MORE FUN! I had girls from all grades hanging on me basically all day. And I got a little sunburnt but it was well worth it. You can't even really understand how much the kids can grow on you until you experience it yourself. It's so incredible!
Friday we took 2 boat trips to Callalan (sp?) which is an outer island owned by Dennis the wellness center guy. I think it's the second to last in the chain. Anyway we didn't get there till late afternoon (of course...island time). And we had to go in this little tiny boat that went so slow. It took about an hour. But we got there and it was so beautiful! Beach....mmm I wish we had beach at the school. But still I can't complain---the ocean is right there lol. To our dismay we discovered 2 high school students somehow came along. So all the teachers went down the beach in this big tree where we all hung our hammocks. It was pretty sweet. The stars were so brilliant and it was so peaceful by the water. Boy am I going to miss that!
We were all a little concerned since Lenney had told us we couldn't swim on Sabbath. But Sabbath morning I woke up to Lenney making a lot of noise and pointing toward the water. What the junk? Hahaha There were sharks in the shallows and he was telling the guys to jump in after them. I guess that solved the swimming issue. (Oh yeah the girls all got to wear tank tops and short shorts. It was AWESOME!) A couple of the guys had built a hut in the woods and they decided they wanted to play capture the flag that night. Well....I was defending our flag when I saw someone in the shadows. (We played by moonlight.) It ended up being Zac and I chased him down the beach. Apparently he didn't see this palm tree that was laying across the beach. He hit it full speed at hip level and flipped over it onto his back. Poor guy! HAHAHAHA It was really hilarious looking but he actually hurt himself pretty bad. He could barely walk and was in so much pain. Then he's been sick all this week with congestion, occasional fever. And early this morning (3AMish) he went to the hospital with a fever over 105! So pray that he kicks this thing.
Sunday morning I heard was the best time to go snorkeling (and supposedly it's better than Jeh). So me and Jon decided to check it out. It was so beautiful and clear! Then we tried to get back and it was extremely shallow and full of color. Quite treacherous! Hahaha Jon was scooting on his butt for the longest time. We broke off so many coral and scratched ourselves. I was so glad to reach the beach. Then later in the day when we were waiting for the boat me and Katrina decided to blow up Dennis's little two-person tube. There was also a kayak so we decided to tie it to the kayak and have Tony pull us. He pulled us quite a ways out and it was a lot of fun. Then we got stuck in between currents and couldn't get back lol. I had put 50 spf on twice but I felt my shoulder burning. It was funny for awhile...then it got annoying. The kayak kept filling up with water LOL so we were all trying to take turns emptying it and paddling back. Poor Katrina got knocked out by a big wave! Finally Alise came to our rescue bringing me my water shoes so we could walk it back together (because it was shallow enough to touch between waves but was covered in sharp coral). I was even more happy to reach shore this time! We felt like such idiots out there HAHAHA.
That night when we got back we all showered, did our hair and went out to eat. I think that's the longest I've gone without showering. 3 days! It was pretty awesome. We went to Tide Table and there was a REAL Christmas tree! We all took pictures by it :)
This week I didn't get a lot of work done. I was tired from the weekend, plus we had Friday off (Gospel Day or something...) so we all just kind of lazed through the week. I think I've kind of checked out for Christmas break already.
Our coordinator from Southern came Monday night and left on Wednesday. It was nice to see a familiar face and have some encouragement from SAU. She took us out to eat Tuesday at MIR and we just talked. It was fun. We continue to remember the Wolcott family here, and also hope that other students aren't discouraged from being future SMs after this whole experience.
It was super nice to have the day off yesterday. We went to the wellness center for breakfast. Then I did a tiny bit of grading. But I was sooo tired. Most people weren't very motivated to do anything. But I did get all my Christmas shopping for my family done! It was a lot of fun actually. :) Tonight we're going to have a swing dancing party in the art/music room. Should be good times! Well I'm off to write some letters. Happy Sabbath everyone.
1 John 4:4
Last Thursday we had our "fun day" or picnic for the kids. Grades 4-8 went to the beach by the airport. It was really nice to interact with my students outside the classroom setting. I mean obviously I love them so much already, but this was even MORE FUN! I had girls from all grades hanging on me basically all day. And I got a little sunburnt but it was well worth it. You can't even really understand how much the kids can grow on you until you experience it yourself. It's so incredible!
Friday we took 2 boat trips to Callalan (sp?) which is an outer island owned by Dennis the wellness center guy. I think it's the second to last in the chain. Anyway we didn't get there till late afternoon (of course...island time). And we had to go in this little tiny boat that went so slow. It took about an hour. But we got there and it was so beautiful! Beach....mmm I wish we had beach at the school. But still I can't complain---the ocean is right there lol. To our dismay we discovered 2 high school students somehow came along. So all the teachers went down the beach in this big tree where we all hung our hammocks. It was pretty sweet. The stars were so brilliant and it was so peaceful by the water. Boy am I going to miss that!
We were all a little concerned since Lenney had told us we couldn't swim on Sabbath. But Sabbath morning I woke up to Lenney making a lot of noise and pointing toward the water. What the junk? Hahaha There were sharks in the shallows and he was telling the guys to jump in after them. I guess that solved the swimming issue. (Oh yeah the girls all got to wear tank tops and short shorts. It was AWESOME!) A couple of the guys had built a hut in the woods and they decided they wanted to play capture the flag that night. Well....I was defending our flag when I saw someone in the shadows. (We played by moonlight.) It ended up being Zac and I chased him down the beach. Apparently he didn't see this palm tree that was laying across the beach. He hit it full speed at hip level and flipped over it onto his back. Poor guy! HAHAHAHA It was really hilarious looking but he actually hurt himself pretty bad. He could barely walk and was in so much pain. Then he's been sick all this week with congestion, occasional fever. And early this morning (3AMish) he went to the hospital with a fever over 105! So pray that he kicks this thing.
Sunday morning I heard was the best time to go snorkeling (and supposedly it's better than Jeh). So me and Jon decided to check it out. It was so beautiful and clear! Then we tried to get back and it was extremely shallow and full of color. Quite treacherous! Hahaha Jon was scooting on his butt for the longest time. We broke off so many coral and scratched ourselves. I was so glad to reach the beach. Then later in the day when we were waiting for the boat me and Katrina decided to blow up Dennis's little two-person tube. There was also a kayak so we decided to tie it to the kayak and have Tony pull us. He pulled us quite a ways out and it was a lot of fun. Then we got stuck in between currents and couldn't get back lol. I had put 50 spf on twice but I felt my shoulder burning. It was funny for awhile...then it got annoying. The kayak kept filling up with water LOL so we were all trying to take turns emptying it and paddling back. Poor Katrina got knocked out by a big wave! Finally Alise came to our rescue bringing me my water shoes so we could walk it back together (because it was shallow enough to touch between waves but was covered in sharp coral). I was even more happy to reach shore this time! We felt like such idiots out there HAHAHA.
That night when we got back we all showered, did our hair and went out to eat. I think that's the longest I've gone without showering. 3 days! It was pretty awesome. We went to Tide Table and there was a REAL Christmas tree! We all took pictures by it :)
This week I didn't get a lot of work done. I was tired from the weekend, plus we had Friday off (Gospel Day or something...) so we all just kind of lazed through the week. I think I've kind of checked out for Christmas break already.
Our coordinator from Southern came Monday night and left on Wednesday. It was nice to see a familiar face and have some encouragement from SAU. She took us out to eat Tuesday at MIR and we just talked. It was fun. We continue to remember the Wolcott family here, and also hope that other students aren't discouraged from being future SMs after this whole experience.
It was super nice to have the day off yesterday. We went to the wellness center for breakfast. Then I did a tiny bit of grading. But I was sooo tired. Most people weren't very motivated to do anything. But I did get all my Christmas shopping for my family done! It was a lot of fun actually. :) Tonight we're going to have a swing dancing party in the art/music room. Should be good times! Well I'm off to write some letters. Happy Sabbath everyone.
1 John 4:4
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