tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58955442636283361732024-03-08T14:40:40.196+11:00window shopping the world... through the eyes of Jesusa journey through life with Jesus as my tour guide.
(the opinions expressed in this blog are my own and do not represent or directly reflect those of the peace corps or the united states government)Elanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14710396193489806414noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895544263628336173.post-31503270629895626082013-09-15T00:00:00.001+11:002013-09-22T00:02:45.374+11:00back to school<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Tour…school</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">My second year of teaching started this past week! </span><span style="font-size: large;">(we
started a week late…)</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I finally met my principal! </span><span style="font-size: large;">(She was away last year, she
went to America to have her baby)</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">We had a full week of school!</span><span style="font-size: large;"> (yea!)</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I am teaching lower grades and Amanda is teaching upper
grades. </span><span style="font-size: large;">(all students will be learning English from a native English speaker!)</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The students I taught last year remember what I taught them!
</span><span style="font-size: large;">(guess I did know what I was doing…who knew?)</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">My little sister started kindergarten!</span><span style="font-size: large;"> (she knows more than
most of my first graders!)</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">My little brother graduated to 1<sup>st</sup> grade </span><span style="font-size: large;">(he
knows more than most of my second graders!)</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Heres to another school year…hopefully we will have more
school than we did last year! </span><span style="font-size: large;">(that is my biggest goal-attendance!)</span></div>
Elanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14710396193489806414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895544263628336173.post-45879668156898816912013-09-08T23:55:00.003+11:002013-09-21T23:56:59.725+11:00involved<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Tour…getting involved</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The youth asked me to be a part of the finance committee for
the group. I was surprised that they asked me, but excited to be a part of the
community in another way.</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Our group basically decides how we are going to raise funds
for the youth and what we use the funds for. So I plan fun events and things
for the community to do.</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sometimes we will…</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Play bingo</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Or</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sell plates of local food</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Since I have been too many fundraisers in <st1:country-region w:st="on">America</st1:country-region> I have
plenty of new ideas for the group!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It is nice to be involved in the community with people my
own age. People are now asking me to go with them to meetings, so instead of
sitting around all the time I am always going somewhere and doing something! I
am so excited!</span></div>
Elanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14710396193489806414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895544263628336173.post-61438785471931100072013-09-01T23:40:00.000+11:002013-09-21T23:49:22.956+11:00God watches over us<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Tour…netipechow (sad or heavy heart)</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">That is how it felt when I got news of my parents being in
an accident, and I am thousands of miles away.</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">A Peace Corps friend of mine saw the news on Face book, she
texted me and asked if I had ‘talked to my family recently?’ I said ‘no, why?’
she responded, ‘they were in an accident, but no one was hurt.’</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">My heart sank! Netipechow!</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I texted my mom to call me right away and she did. I was so
happy to hear her voice and know that my parents were ok. (I have no idea what
I would have done if something happened to them…)</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The Lord was looking over my mom and dad, neither of them
was hurt, but their car was totaled by another diver who was under the
influence of drugs driving 80 in a 25!</span></div>
<div class="NoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="NoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Even though I am so far from home, I know that the Lord is
watching over me and my family at all times!</span></div>
Elanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14710396193489806414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895544263628336173.post-9120298067914033282013-08-25T11:38:00.000+11:002013-09-21T23:22:25.203+11:00together<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Tour…fengen (together)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">My family is back together again! Papachii came home from
the hospital. He is slowly getting stronger each day. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Enrich turned 6!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l5MXIGwu7bQ/Uj2OzbB1STI/AAAAAAAACx0/54W7WE8f9ew/s1600/DSCN5039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l5MXIGwu7bQ/Uj2OzbB1STI/AAAAAAAACx0/54W7WE8f9ew/s200/DSCN5039.JPG" width="200" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Amanda and I went on a picnic with MWichen Maria (the
women’s group at church). We had a bbq, with a ton of food! When we were
finished some of the women chased everyone and dumped bukets of water on them,
it was a fun afternoon.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Random thoughts…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Since my family’s visit and having Amanda on Fefan with
me, I have realized just how much Chuukese I know! It is way more that I
thought! </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I enjoy having another volunteer on island with me,
because now I have someone to go and kukkunou (hang out) with.</span></div>
Elanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14710396193489806414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895544263628336173.post-88487354656598718302013-08-18T11:36:00.000+11:002013-09-21T11:43:33.527+11:00new PC<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Tour…M79s!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The new group of Peace Corps had their swear-in ceremony
this week! It is super exciting to have new faces in Chuuk. I am especially
excited because the school where I teach was able to get another Peace Corps,
so now there will be two of us helping the teachers and students. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I will be teaching lower grades (1-4) and Amanda will be
teaching the upper grades (5-8). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I was invited to sing with some women at church. I was on
my way home from my tutor and I saw some women practicing singing. I stopped to
listen, and then was asked to practice. Once we were done they asked me to sing
with them at church, I said sure! It was so much fun! The exciting part was
that I knew what I was singing and everyone told me that I said all the words
correctly they were surprised and happy that I am finally comprehending the
language! </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The song was Samon kopwe tumunuei, which means the Lord
will take care of me.</span></div>
Elanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14710396193489806414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895544263628336173.post-69797324523550740122013-08-11T11:33:00.000+11:002013-10-26T09:58:01.604+11:00technology<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Tour…technology!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Remember when I told you I might be getting internet and
computers for my school?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Well…it is getting really exciting here!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The Pisces group came for another visit!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I received 3 tablets and a solar charger for my school! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B2kTyhbU4CY/Umr02OVWqpI/AAAAAAAAC0A/mFWCPcaTlGE/s1600/DSCN5121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B2kTyhbU4CY/Umr02OVWqpI/AAAAAAAAC0A/mFWCPcaTlGE/s200/DSCN5121.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The internet is still in the works </span><span style="font-size: large;">(waiting on logistical paperwork from
Telecom in Phonpei…)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I am still able to use the tablets, I am going to be
starting workshops after school this next year teaching the teachers how to use
them and how to use them to help in the classroom!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I am so excited that we are one step closer!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out the whole story here</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">http://ict4dviewsfromthefield.wordpress.com/2013/03/31/pisces-project-part-ii-site-surveys-to-fefen-siis-and-tonowas-islands-day-2-of-site-surveys/</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">http://ict4dviewsfromthefield.wordpress.com/2013/08/16/kicking-off-teacher-technology-training-with-the-peace-corps-volunteers-in-chuuk/ </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Random thoughts…</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I got this awesome gift from my aunt for my birthday! Thanks Dominique! </span><span style="font-size: large;">(I
love hand-made stuff it means so much more to me than store bought stuff)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_xos_nPBe0g/Umr1SidF8UI/AAAAAAAAC0I/6ZG4MguzcKc/s1600/DSCN5120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_xos_nPBe0g/Umr1SidF8UI/AAAAAAAAC0I/6ZG4MguzcKc/s200/DSCN5120.JPG" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<br />
</div>
Elanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14710396193489806414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895544263628336173.post-78009650190030068562013-08-04T11:31:00.000+11:002013-09-21T19:37:09.099+11:00family and friends<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Tour…family and friends</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">My host papachi </span><span style="font-size: large;">(grandpa)</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> has not been feeling very well
and has been in the hospital on Weno. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I happened to be in town for the week helping with the
new PC group’s training.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I spent every morning visiting papachi, and every afternoon
giving sessions to the new group. I was super busy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Family is so important to me that my first priority was
spending time with them. Papachi has been a special person to me. He is
extremely smart and very knowledgeable. He knows all about the Chuukese culture
and he speaks English very well! I have learned so much from him. He is a very
respected man in the community and just about everyone in Chuuk knows him or at
least knows of him. When I tell people I live with him they tell me I am lucky
because he can teach me so much about Chuuk.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Things he taught me I was able to share with the new
group in teaching them about the culture; I gave sessions on funerals,
birthdays, weddings, and life in the Lagoon.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Random thoughts…</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">We </span><span style="font-size: large;">(M78)</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> took the new group </span><span style="font-size: large;">(M79)</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> to Pisar! And we had a
fun dancing night with glo-sticks!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RvTuZkCDUho/Uj1aAi4FgdI/AAAAAAAACvQ/t-WmoZoBBro/s1600/teamchuuk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RvTuZkCDUho/Uj1aAi4FgdI/AAAAAAAACvQ/t-WmoZoBBro/s200/teamchuuk.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
Elanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14710396193489806414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895544263628336173.post-42834043504570568232013-07-28T11:22:00.000+11:002013-09-21T11:41:44.061+11:00new friends<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Tour…new PC group</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">We welcomed a new group of volunteers! That means M78 and
M79 will overlap for a year. The school I am at applied for a new PC and we
were lucky to get one! That means this school year there will be 2 PCVs at
U.F.O. Elementary! Yay!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I thought it would be helpful if there were two of us,
one to work with lower grades and one to work with upper grades. My hope is
that the more time we have to spend with each grade will increase the students
learning as well as help the teachers.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I am excited to see what happens this year! Stay tuned!</span></div>
Elanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14710396193489806414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895544263628336173.post-86961146805451368822013-07-21T11:20:00.000+11:002013-09-21T19:25:50.621+11:00graduation<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Tour…graduation</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Fourth quarter has ended…it is a little early but DOE
told the principals that if we had 180 school calendar days we could end the
year early…such is my life in Chuuk. That brings my </span><span style="font-size: large;">(keep in mind I missed days
for PC related work such as trainings)</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> total teaching days to…wait for it…87!
Technically we had 180 calendar days we just missed several because of funerals
and other local events </span><span style="font-size: large;">(these count as school days, why? Because it is Chuuk
and we can…)</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">, so that brought the actual teaching days down.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The community decided against 8<sup>th</sup> grade
graduation…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">K-5 had graduation, so I went to take pictures and support
my little brother.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-II1-0tWrePU/Uj1XZ_GbS1I/AAAAAAAACu4/gxUuuzMBoIk/s1600/DSCN4987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-II1-0tWrePU/Uj1XZ_GbS1I/AAAAAAAACu4/gxUuuzMBoIk/s200/DSCN4987.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PeY3_n44fdo/Uj1Xj2jv1wI/AAAAAAAACvA/fjCCwx6QLEQ/s1600/DSCN4992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PeY3_n44fdo/Uj1Xj2jv1wI/AAAAAAAACvA/fjCCwx6QLEQ/s200/DSCN4992.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hopefully next school year will be more…well more days!</span><br />
<br />
</div>
Elanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14710396193489806414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895544263628336173.post-13119859618148356752013-07-14T11:19:00.000+11:002013-09-21T11:29:12.625+11:00language<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Tour…language</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">My language is coming along! At my birthday I gave my
first all Chuukese speech </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">(I did still have to read it from a paper so I could
remember what to say…but it was completely in Chuukese!)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Tirou me fairo womi achengicheng ámáfen pwan tori kich
meinisin. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Nepwong annim ngeni kich meinisin.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Kinisou ngeni kemi meinisin, ren ami feito fiti ranin
oputiwei. Uwa men pwapwa, fiti ai famine me chieichieik meinisin. Am uwa fokkun
chufegen ikenai. Uwa men mefi ai kinisou pounuwa pwan chiechi ngeni ekkóch
aramas non manawei. Kinisou ngeni aiwa famine non Merika Steve, Seana, Ryan me
Megan ren anisiei, usun ngang emon Peace Corps Volunteer. Uwa ren towaw seni
iwem, nge ir na mwochen repwe pwan fiti ai oputi. Kinisou ngeni aiwa famine non
Chuuk Aminiso, Kantito, Amini, Iris, Anama, Armita, Ricky, Anesty, Miniana,
Sonson, Rich, Aimy, Enrich, Richen, Anistasia, Anifin, me Asapei ren ar
tumunuei me etiwaei. Usun uwa fen mefi pwe ngang wesewesen cho chon non ar
famini. Ra fokkun tumunochwei, uwa seni pwan mefi pwe aiwa famine repwe fokkun
kinisou ten ekei mokutukut ra feri ngenei. Kinisou ngeni U.F.O. community ren
ar anisei ai upwe senei usun non nom un Chuuk pwan ren ami mwochen, upwe anisi
noume kewe semirit non sukun.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Uwa sani Chuuk uwa pwapwa iti ai uwa emon PCV non U.F.O.
Kot a fen efeiochwei non ewe iir, iwe uwa kinisou ren mettoch meinisin. Kinisou
ngeni ami meinisin, ren ami pwarano netipemi ngeni ai ranin oputiwei epwe pwan
sakon ikenai.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Kinisou chappur</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Uwa mwoch ai kewe aunties repwe kon</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Excuse me for what I am about to say and welcome to
everyone </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">(a standard greeting to a speech)</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Good evening everyone.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Thank you to everyone for coming to my party to celebrate
my birthday. I am very happy that both my families are together and all my
friends are here. I am very blessed to have so many amazing people in my life.
Thank you to my family in America Steve, Seana, Ryan and Megan for supporting
me to do PC and being away from home. thank you to my family in Chuuk Aminiso,
Kantito, Amini, Iris, Anama, Armita, Ricky, Anesty, Miniana, Sonson, Rich,
Aimy, Enrich, Richen, Anistasia, Anifin, me Asapei for accepting me and making
me a part of the family and taking care of me. I know my parents are so
thankful for this. Thank you to U.F.O. community for helping me learn about
Chuuk and letting me teach your children.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I love Chuuk and I am so happy that PC asked me to come
to U.F.O. God has blessed me this past year and I am very thankful for that.
Thank you everyone for making my birthday extra special!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Thank you</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I would now like my anuties to sing</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I was told from many people in the village that my speech
was very touching and meant a lot to them. Communicating with the locals in
their language means so much to them; I still have a long way to go but at
least I can get by with daily small talk!</span></div>
Elanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14710396193489806414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895544263628336173.post-67750586118799429772013-07-07T11:16:00.000+11:002013-09-21T17:49:58.288+11:00turtle<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Tour…teaching</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">One day this week I taught a total of 2 students all day!
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">As frustrating as it is to prepare a lesson and not have
the class show up, I remind myself that I came here to teach anyone who is
willing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It is always worth it to see kids understand a new thing.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Even if I reach only one person while in Chuuk, my entire
experience will have been worthwhile!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I love what I do, and I will do it even if only one
student shows up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Random thoughts…</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DacGXv86lLo/Uj1A4WfOG7I/AAAAAAAACtk/_ZT3ToRZRXg/s1600/DSCN4939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DacGXv86lLo/Uj1A4WfOG7I/AAAAAAAACtk/_ZT3ToRZRXg/s200/DSCN4939.JPG" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fvHT8R3dQmo/Uj1AvKxFJ1I/AAAAAAAACtc/UHaMvs2kT78/s1600/DSCN4941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fvHT8R3dQmo/Uj1AvKxFJ1I/AAAAAAAACtc/UHaMvs2kT78/s200/DSCN4941.JPG" width="200" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I ate bbq turtle straight out of the shell in the middle
of the night!</span></div>
Elanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14710396193489806414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895544263628336173.post-22035292505211782002013-06-30T11:15:00.000+11:002013-09-22T01:21:03.538+11:00happy birthday to me<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">tour...family's visit and my birthday</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">these are some of the adventures we had...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Arrival, claming with my Weno host family, getting our hair braided...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zQWEuH4WLxU/Uj1mg33ZxpI/AAAAAAAACvk/_KwwnMtNRCc/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zQWEuH4WLxU/Uj1mg33ZxpI/AAAAAAAACvk/_KwwnMtNRCc/s200/042.JPG" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-laUybeX5fzg/Uj1lWOl_V9I/AAAAAAAACvc/KLFWYI-ZPQ0/s1600/133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-laUybeX5fzg/Uj1lWOl_V9I/AAAAAAAACvc/KLFWYI-ZPQ0/s200/133.JPG" width="200" /></a> </span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ck-i2WJEp6g/Uj1nLFIMCwI/AAAAAAAACvs/1By3SKGtg1k/s200/173.JPG" width="200" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Pisar...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lag1a_ElGc8/Uj1q3d0VcHI/AAAAAAAACv4/i5-whrAPF5Q/s1600/324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lag1a_ElGc8/Uj1q3d0VcHI/AAAAAAAACv4/i5-whrAPF5Q/s200/324.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fmcc0FOJMJM/Uj1s1W1XbyI/AAAAAAAACwE/6jCtiGOUy9g/s1600/370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fmcc0FOJMJM/Uj1s1W1XbyI/AAAAAAAACwE/6jCtiGOUy9g/s200/370.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Met my language tutor and hiked to the top of my island...</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C3RZKZjInH4/Uj118xW_ajI/AAAAAAAACwk/FJYCj32BFlg/s1600/630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C3RZKZjInH4/Uj118xW_ajI/AAAAAAAACwk/FJYCj32BFlg/s200/630.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BqfZ-8FkDKo/Uj2WdjP4J9I/AAAAAAAACyg/e18vo0ntebI/s1600/DSCN4818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BqfZ-8FkDKo/Uj2WdjP4J9I/AAAAAAAACyg/e18vo0ntebI/s200/DSCN4818.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bPwhvuCwqSM/Uj11P8wnU1I/AAAAAAAACwc/RQa1wr1kHKo/s1600/658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bPwhvuCwqSM/Uj11P8wnU1I/AAAAAAAACwc/RQa1wr1kHKo/s200/658.JPG" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8XSIWdFcR24/Uj2WlWl4wCI/AAAAAAAACyo/Y94IXRS84Jg/s1600/DSCN4839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8XSIWdFcR24/Uj2WlWl4wCI/AAAAAAAACyo/Y94IXRS84Jg/s200/DSCN4839.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jja_4iWIy-w/Uj2W0ZHvDkI/AAAAAAAACyw/Cb8MYjUB0vk/s1600/DSCN4808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jja_4iWIy-w/Uj2W0ZHvDkI/AAAAAAAACyw/Cb8MYjUB0vk/s200/DSCN4808.JPG" width="150" /> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Swimming at Parem...</span><br />
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HqtahOXD6Nc/Uj10qyFKKkI/AAAAAAAACwU/Ruy-b3CAPvc/s1600/591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HqtahOXD6Nc/Uj10qyFKKkI/AAAAAAAACwU/Ruy-b3CAPvc/s200/591.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sisters...</div>
<u><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-03hTx-0pHo4/Uj2O50G_6yI/AAAAAAAACx8/JMS1FF0smng/s200/1124.JPG" width="200" /></u><br />
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Snorkeling...</div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ndeo-C5pVi0/Uj1-sxYABzI/AAAAAAAACw8/TnP_w5qRCJY/s1600/947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ndeo-C5pVi0/Uj1-sxYABzI/AAAAAAAACw8/TnP_w5qRCJY/s200/947.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2xhHBF1OxSo/Uj2ciMrQn_I/AAAAAAAACzA/MgwTMFwgjsk/s1600/DSCN4865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2xhHBF1OxSo/Uj2ciMrQn_I/AAAAAAAACzA/MgwTMFwgjsk/s200/DSCN4865.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y58-rR5-1Sk/Uj2d_8ply6I/AAAAAAAACzM/VCAnHDw1lJs/s1600/DSCN4848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y58-rR5-1Sk/Uj2d_8ply6I/AAAAAAAACzM/VCAnHDw1lJs/s200/DSCN4848.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
The best day ever was my birthday!<br />
Cake and ice cream fights, dancing and Mariel and Melody (fellow PVCs) came for the party!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qe86Xmwhquk/Uj1-3HqDoAI/AAAAAAAACxE/Ek4TID_lcA8/s1600/996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qe86Xmwhquk/Uj1-3HqDoAI/AAAAAAAACxE/Ek4TID_lcA8/s200/996.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1fsIlFXDOro/Uj2fOmm-1xI/AAAAAAAACzU/MNfBV3vr12Y/s1600/DSCN4905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1fsIlFXDOro/Uj2fOmm-1xI/AAAAAAAACzU/MNfBV3vr12Y/s200/DSCN4905.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ipw62k8h5aE/Uj1-ZDOZfnI/AAAAAAAACw0/9oYux7SpZ3g/s1600/997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ipw62k8h5aE/Uj1-ZDOZfnI/AAAAAAAACw0/9oYux7SpZ3g/s200/997.JPG" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xQTU1kMkpGc/Uj2G1dby5fI/AAAAAAAACxc/nbatvj18HQI/s200/999.JPG" width="200" /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnczCKinvao/Uj2G52FHX1I/AAAAAAAACxk/_RsbRSfLM_M/s200/1010.JPG" width="200" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C3RZKZjInH4/Uj118xW_ajI/AAAAAAAACwk/FJYCj32BFlg/s1600/630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnczCKinvao/Uj2G52FHX1I/AAAAAAAACxk/_RsbRSfLM_M/s1600/1010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnczCKinvao/Uj2G52FHX1I/AAAAAAAACxk/_RsbRSfLM_M/s1600/1010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I_9rgcN2_xs/Uj2hPgqGc6I/AAAAAAAACzo/_kWssUy2NLk/s1600/DSCN4912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I_9rgcN2_xs/Uj2hPgqGc6I/AAAAAAAACzo/_kWssUy2NLk/s200/DSCN4912.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AQvyS8YumSA/Uj2GwBwLnfI/AAAAAAAACxU/VO-GhfcaPps/s1600/1006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AQvyS8YumSA/Uj2GwBwLnfI/AAAAAAAACxU/VO-GhfcaPps/s200/1006.JPG" width="200" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Uniforms and church events...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qic4DUIHXYo/Uj2g8rIiRPI/AAAAAAAACzg/62CQNaOGPXU/s1600/DSCN4933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qic4DUIHXYo/Uj2g8rIiRPI/AAAAAAAACzg/62CQNaOGPXU/s200/DSCN4933.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_PTuvSJ0b0/Uj2PlchILoI/AAAAAAAACyE/-zi6a2A0Z_A/s1600/1066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_PTuvSJ0b0/Uj2PlchILoI/AAAAAAAACyE/-zi6a2A0Z_A/s200/1066.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Ice Cream!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RnYOTDrhREE/Uj2QTHr3-tI/AAAAAAAACyQ/wSBZW9SWSTM/s1600/1304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RnYOTDrhREE/Uj2QTHr3-tI/AAAAAAAACyQ/wSBZW9SWSTM/s200/1304.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
</span><div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
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</div>
Elanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14710396193489806414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895544263628336173.post-44642253318354344112013-06-23T00:22:00.000+11:002013-09-21T19:48:38.325+11:00visitors<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">tour...visitors!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">look who I picked up at the airport!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">my family came to visit me...stayed tuned for all the adventures I planned for us to do!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hWGtQimXoL0/Uf5ZDfA2y0I/AAAAAAAACnI/YEfvCqIPTL8/s1600/DSCN4506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hWGtQimXoL0/Uf5ZDfA2y0I/AAAAAAAACnI/YEfvCqIPTL8/s200/DSCN4506.JPG" width="200" /></a></span></div>
Elanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14710396193489806414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895544263628336173.post-41409777289959117722013-06-16T00:17:00.000+11:002013-08-05T00:20:57.946+11:00Father's Day<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">tour...Father's Day</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I suppose it is time to admit that I am a daddy’s girl
</span><span style="font-size: large;">(my dad would do anything for me!)</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I miss my daddy!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sometimes it is hard for us humans to fathom the amount
of love Jesus has for us. We cannot see Him or touch Him. He is our Father and
we just have to know in our hearts that He loves us more than anything else.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I do not share this aspect of my life very often because
I do not think it is necessary, however I have recently thought of it in a
different way </span><span style="font-size: large;">(being away from home, always puts things into new perspectives)</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">My dad is not my biological father. I have never met my
biological father </span><span style="font-size: large;">(aside from a short time when I think I was 2, but I have no
memory of it)</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">. The man I call dad, has always been dad to me. He married my mom
when I was 5. He is all I have ever known as a dad. His love for me is a real
life tangible example of how much Jesus loves us. Jesus does not have to love
us, He choose to love us. Just like my dad choose to love me as his own.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Random thoughts…</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">4 more days until my family arrives! </span></div>
Elanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14710396193489806414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895544263628336173.post-7925711304556761362013-06-09T11:10:00.000+11:002013-09-21T11:25:57.321+11:00MST<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Tour…MST (mid-service training) and culture shock!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">One year down one year to go!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">All the members of my Peace Corps group (M78) were back
together in Phonpei for a one week training to review or first year and prepare
for our second year.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It was great to see everyone!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I was shocked at the way I reacted to a “big” city! I was
overwhelmed!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">How can I be experiencing culture shock?! I only went to
another state within the FSM. Phonpei is very modernized compared to Chuuk, I
just did not expect it to affect me so much.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">There was electricity, cars, tons of people speaking
English, automatic doors and lights, hot showers, air conditioning, a mattress,
food choices…a very fast-paced life compared to my simple life in Chuuk.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I enjoyed hanging out with my friends and hearing all the
stories from everyone’s first year of service. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The whole time I was in Phonpei I just wanted to go home,
home to my small island and get back to my quiet, simple, slow-paced life on
Fefan. I missed my family.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">How am I going to be when I go back to America?! I do not
even want to think about it…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Random thoughts…</span></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">My family will be here in 11 days! So excited!</span></span>Elanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14710396193489806414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895544263628336173.post-64171727224575140862013-06-06T20:04:00.000+11:002013-09-21T19:42:23.484+11:001 year<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Tour…a year in review</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I have been away from America for a year!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">A lot has happened in the past year </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">(wait! It has already
been a year?!)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I have been to 13 funerals but spent a total of 14 days
at funerals</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I went swimming 11 times</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I went to the Mortlocks 1 time</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I went diving for 2 days (total of 4 dives)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I traveled on 2 ships</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I went to Pisar 2 times</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I have been to 4 weddings</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I went to Pisiwi 1 time</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I played bingo 2 times and one time I won a bag of rice
for my family!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Two babys have born in my family which means I will be
around for their 1<sup>st</sup> birthday next year which is huge deal</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">It rained 145 days</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I taught a total of 73 days </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">(4<sup>th</sup> quarter
still is in session-year round school)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I gained 10 pounds! </span><span style="font-size: large;">(I guess that will happen when you eat rice 3 times a day everyday for a year!)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I read 39 books</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I read 12 books in the Bible</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I wrote 151 letters</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I received 94 letters</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Things I missed back home…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Other than the normal holidays and birthdays. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I missed my sisters and cousins senior year and
graduation </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">(congrats mag pie and sasha!)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I missed a great uncles funeral</span></div>
Elanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14710396193489806414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895544263628336173.post-7969885984580300332013-06-02T20:01:00.000+11:002013-08-05T00:08:48.999+11:00hot showers!?<span style="font-size: x-large;">tour...a nice hot shower</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I almost forgot that hot showers existed! </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">(how could I
ever forget that?!) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">For the past year I have been taking cold bucket showers.
At first they were cold and I thought to myself how am I going to do this for 2
years! </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">(that lasted about 2 weeks!) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">It is so hot here cold showers are actually nice, and I
actually love bucket showers! </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">(I take at least 2 showers a day, sometimes
3-morning, noon and night)</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">My fellow PCV’s and I treated ourselves to the nice hotel
in town. I took my first hot shower in a year!</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> (it was so hot I had to turn the
cold water on a little higher!)</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"> It was the most amazing shower I have taken in
my entire life. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">It is amazing what hot water can do…like rinse all the
soap out of your hair and off your body! I have not felt that squeaky clean in
a long time. It was also weird showering with 2 hands </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">(using a bucket one hand
is devoted to always scooping and pouring water).</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">It is the little things in life that bring pure joy and
happiness to my day.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> (but whenever I am away from my island overnight, I just
want to go home and be on my own plywood bed and use my own bucket shower-does
this mean I have adapted into my PC life to well?!)</span></div>
Elanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14710396193489806414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895544263628336173.post-50331290228561743432013-05-26T20:00:00.000+11:002013-08-04T23:58:50.850+11:00Skype Party!<span style="font-size: x-large;">tour...my sister's graduation</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I was so bummed that I was not able to be home for my
sister’s senior year of high school. I missed being a part of her special
events…swimming meets, choir concerts, preparing for dances, and just hanging
out with her.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">She has been very understanding of my decision to join
Peace Corps and I was able to keep up to date on all her adventures through
letters, phone calls, and Skype dates.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I wanted so badly to go home for her graduation, but I
just was not able to make it work out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">However…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I ‘attended’ my sister’s high school graduation party! I
went into town for the sole purpose of Skyping my sister for her special day,
and it was the best day ever!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I was able to be a part of the celebration, I </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">(aka the
computer…)</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"> was placed in the living room and who ever wanted to stop by to say
hi and chat with me could. It was so amazing to see all of my family and
friends supporting my sister and being there for her for her big day. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I was also lucky, I was able to see and chat with family
and friends that I have not seen since before I left and that was the most
amazing thing ever! </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">(I love that technology allows for things like this to be
possible!)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Mag Pie I am so proud of you!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">(oh and I am super excited because in a month I will get
to see my family in person, they are coming to visit me!)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Random thoughts…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I got to do my own laundry the other day! I am making
progress in the area of my family allowing me to help out…it only took a year</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">On my boat ride home, my uncle saw a ton of birds feeding
on fish, so we stopped to fish…but we were not able to catch anything…</span></div>
Elanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14710396193489806414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895544263628336173.post-90821616790460212052013-05-19T19:59:00.000+11:002013-08-04T23:51:49.557+11:00hair<span style="font-size: x-large;">tour...hair</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I decided to get my hair cut the other day…it has been
one year since I cut my hair </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">(the longest I have ever gone without one).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I went to the local ‘beauty salon’ </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">(a room in the back of
a store run by Filipinos). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">My hair was sprayed with a water bottle to get it wet.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">My hair was cut, with layers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Then out came the hairdryer! </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">(I have not seen/used one in
a year…)</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"> Not only was my hair being dried it was being styled! I was thinking
why bother…first of all I was sweating like crazy while this was happening and
I knew the minute I left I would be putting my hair up in a bun </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">(it is way too
hot to ever have my hair down!)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">It was quiet the experience, but well worth the $5 I spent!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Random thoughts…</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Work on the basketball court has been coming along! Yay!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MZiNd8OyLjU/Uf5IFd1P4dI/AAAAAAAACmY/pkwe_4dM_iM/s1600/DSCN4306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MZiNd8OyLjU/Uf5IFd1P4dI/AAAAAAAACmY/pkwe_4dM_iM/s200/DSCN4306.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9z_CXdFOEI0/Uf5Hpyh59II/AAAAAAAACmQ/SzgjjbyiW6w/s1600/DSCN4310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9z_CXdFOEI0/Uf5Hpyh59II/AAAAAAAACmQ/SzgjjbyiW6w/s200/DSCN4310.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_0IdKfaoiPs/Uf5IGa4xvAI/AAAAAAAACmc/5mp0V6HjTAU/s1600/DSCN4311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_0IdKfaoiPs/Uf5IGa4xvAI/AAAAAAAACmc/5mp0V6HjTAU/s200/DSCN4311.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5c4QTHee07Q/Uf5NVZblepI/AAAAAAAACmw/ZKyUyIFmY5w/s1600/DSCN4415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5c4QTHee07Q/Uf5NVZblepI/AAAAAAAACmw/ZKyUyIFmY5w/s200/DSCN4415.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DkOYysJTg7k/Uf5NeOgLhlI/AAAAAAAACm4/xQK2xNUFz8I/s1600/DSCN4418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DkOYysJTg7k/Uf5NeOgLhlI/AAAAAAAACm4/xQK2xNUFz8I/s200/DSCN4418.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some of the girls who help cook lunch for the workers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
Elanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14710396193489806414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895544263628336173.post-71103861651604496872013-05-12T19:59:00.000+11:002013-08-04T22:46:26.041+11:00Mother's Day<span style="font-size: x-large;">tour...Mother's Day</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I was wished a Happy Mother’s Day today…that caught me by
surprise! </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">(I do not have the most important part of being a mom, a child.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">You know the saying “it takes a village to raise a child”
well here in Chuuk that is exactly what happens. Everyone is called maama or
paapa. I am often referred to as maama Elana </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">(especially in school).</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"> At first I
was not comfortable with this label. I told the kids I am not a mom, I do not
have any kids.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I asked my mom why is everyone in a family referred to as
maama or paapa when they may not be the child’s parent. She told me the
students call me that out of a sign of respect, I am their mother figure while
they are at school. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">That is when I realized the advantage of a village
raising a child. A parent may not always be with their child, but they know
that their child is being taken care of by someone </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">(who most often is a family
member by some relation; aunt, uncle, cousin…).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">It does not bother me as much anymore when I am called
maama Elana </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">(even though it is still a little awkward…)</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">. My view of being a
teacher has change slightly in the fact that I am not just teaching someone else’s
child, I teach them as if they were my own child.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I have 80+ kids that I interact with at school and I
would do anything for anyone of them! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I have been blessed to have many mothers </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">(all over the
world!)</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">, but I only call one mommy. She raised me and is my best friend and I
love her with all my heart! </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">(lady you know who you are!) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Happy Mother’s Day to all the women in the world! </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">(even
if you have not given birth, you are still a mom to someone)</span></div>
Elanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14710396193489806414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895544263628336173.post-39035272898521621432013-05-05T19:58:00.000+11:002013-08-04T22:36:53.640+11:00God's Love<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Tour…His love</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">One of my dear friends back home, gave me a devotional as a gift (thanks Bethers!) before I left. “Jesus Lives” by Sarah Young. (I am embarrassed to say I just cracked it open…)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I have been preoccupied with other books and devotionals…but that is not a good excuse.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I decided to check it out this past week and it is amazing! (just like Sarah Young’s book Jesus Calling!)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">You know when books have a bookmark built in…well I decided to see what it was marking from its original placement by who put it there during shipment to the store.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Well it was on HIS LOVE (I do not think this was an accident, it was all from God!)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Reminding me of His Love for me.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">“Find comfort in knowing I am perfectly good and
infinitely strong. If I were good but lacking in strength, you would have no <i>stronghold in times of trouble</i>. If I
were strong but not totally good, My massive strength could be terrifying. In
fact, My Power is threatening to those who oppose Me. However, <i>I am the God Shepherd; I know My sheep, and
My sheep know Me</i>. Sheep have nothing to fear from a shepherd who is good.
On the contrary, they feel safe in his protective presence. So it is with Me:
You can feel safe and secure in My sheltering Presence.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The best way to avail yourself of My protection is to
trust Me wholeheartedly. <i>My unfailing
Love surrounds all those who trust in Me</i>. So your most important task as a
sheep in My pasture is to keep on trusting Me – the perfect Shepherd of your
soul. <i>Find rest in Me alone</i>, for I am
a surrounding stronghold of unfailing Love."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Psalm 62:1-2</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">My soul finds rest in God alone, my salvation comes from
Him. He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.</span></div>
</div>
Elanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14710396193489806414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895544263628336173.post-7083004038081018072013-04-28T10:05:00.000+11:002013-04-28T10:56:20.751+11:00quietness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Tour...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Sometimes God is quiet...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Random thoughts...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">-everyone back home has been so helpful to me! I appreciate all the support I get! Here is a big shout out for C2E! Thanks for the ABC letters</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSN29YaB0Lk/UXxayNmMnwI/AAAAAAAACGc/HfZ3G2-myJ0/s200/DSCN4295.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you to the most amazing tech teacher and her students for making ABC cards for my classrooms! UFO Elementary loves them!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSN29YaB0Lk/UXxayNmMnwI/AAAAAAAACGc/HfZ3G2-myJ0/s1600/DSCN4295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"></span></a></div>
<br />Elanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14710396193489806414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895544263628336173.post-73341715054164356622013-04-21T19:58:00.000+11:002013-04-28T10:05:10.218+11:00happy students <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Tour…happy students</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">In the past 2 months I have noticed a huge change in my students and teachers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Our new building was finished, and now we are working on getting new supplies and materials to complete our classrooms.</span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">New chairs arrived by ship! </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(the students had been sitting on the floor...at least it was new clean tile floor)</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">.</span></div>
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(in case you wanted to know, the ship I took to the Mortlocks was this size-I know it was hard to tell in the posts I wrote about my ship adventures...just imagine being on the open ocean in that!)</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">In my first few months teaching was an adventure, learning how to teach with less. Using whatever I had on hand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Having a new building, and chairs has boosted the morale of everyone at UFO Elementary. Materials are still few and far between but hopefully that will change in the near future </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(stay tuned…books should be arriving soon and I am working on a lesson plan project with DOE and the other PCVs in Chuuk)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Timing is never certain in Chuuk…so while waiting for the ship the students took me around and we had a photo shoot </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(lead by the students of course)</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"> and drank coconut and ate óót </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(this is the stage when an old coconut starts to sprout leaves to eventually turn into a new tree. If you open it up the inside has a soft center (like the consistency of a dry crunchy marshmallow) and it is very sweet and delicious)</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R1Vg4zGaXkA/UXpNZh97kDI/AAAAAAAACEg/uU2d_p-gHFo/s1600/DSCN4208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R1Vg4zGaXkA/UXpNZh97kDI/AAAAAAAACEg/uU2d_p-gHFo/s200/DSCN4208.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1NFfCtf29Cs/UXpMQDjKEbI/AAAAAAAACEQ/Ieufm0seXM4/s1600/DSCN4205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1NFfCtf29Cs/UXpMQDjKEbI/AAAAAAAACEQ/Ieufm0seXM4/s200/DSCN4205.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N4kNa3L3HkI/UXpu5FNjVkI/AAAAAAAACFo/xq1xcrMQh0U/s1600/imagesCABUJC3R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" lwa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N4kNa3L3HkI/UXpu5FNjVkI/AAAAAAAACFo/xq1xcrMQh0U/s1600/imagesCABUJC3R.jpg" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Then the chairs arrived!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">We had to carry the chairs from the dock to the school </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(I am not good on estimating distance but I would say it is at least ½ a mile possibly longer)</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">. It took us two days to carry all 100+ chairs. </span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">We now have complete classrooms, and the students are excited to learn!</span>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a5k40X-stIU/UXxYS5b2YsI/AAAAAAAACGQ/ylxbqJ425LE/s1600/DSCN4298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a5k40X-stIU/UXxYS5b2YsI/AAAAAAAACGQ/ylxbqJ425LE/s200/DSCN4298.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NIGku7Z88v0/UXxYGmPBQWI/AAAAAAAACGI/JQlSsPo3trQ/s1600/DSCN4297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NIGku7Z88v0/UXxYGmPBQWI/AAAAAAAACGI/JQlSsPo3trQ/s200/DSCN4297.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Random thoughts…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">-8<sup>th</sup> grade students can take entrance exams to test into private high schools on the main island…all of my 8<sup>th</sup> graders passed! </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(I cannot take all the credit (I was their teacher for only 6 months) there were 2 PCVs before me Johnny and Ben-thanks for all your hard work!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">-If you donated to the solar lamp project, they arrived last month and the community loves them! Thank you to everyone who supported this project.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">-My American family sent me an Easter egg hunt in a box! My siblings loved it! Richen was the winner, she found the most eggs.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H8K68nELWUU/UXpSHip_shI/AAAAAAAACFM/mOmodGj5WcI/s1600/DSCN4179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H8K68nELWUU/UXpSHip_shI/AAAAAAAACFM/mOmodGj5WcI/s200/DSCN4179.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">-We got a new puppy! His name was first Pancake, then Tabasco, and finally Azunto <span style="font-size: small;">(a popular song/dance in Chuuk right now)</span></span><br />
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Elanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14710396193489806414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895544263628336173.post-25287798591891338582013-04-14T19:53:00.000+11:002013-04-26T19:54:55.853+11:00schedule? what schedule?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Tour…routine or no routine? that is the question</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">“Be thankful for quiet days, when nothing special seems
to be happening. Instead of being bored by the lack of action, use times of
routine to seek My Face. Although this is an invisible transaction, it speaks
volumes in spiritual realms. Moreover, you are richly blessed when you walk
trustingly with Me through the routines of your day.” Jesus Calling by Sarah
Young</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I have a simple routine. Get up, shower, eat, go to
school, teach, come home, relax, eat, shower, and go to bed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">My routine, however, is often get up, shower, eat, relax
at home all day </span>(school is cancelled often and either I go to school then come
back-because no one showed up-or I do not even go because I already know it is
cancelled…)<span style="font-size: x-large;">, eat, shower, and go to bed.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">When I first arrived in Chuuk, this excessive amount of
down time bothered me. I felt bored or anxious to do something. In America I
always had something to do and a routine/plan for each day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I now enjoy my days of having nothing to do. I never plan
my day; I just go with the flow and do whatever comes my way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Maybe I…</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Read all day</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sit in our utt all day listening to Chuukese </span>(trying to
understand it!)</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Play with my siblings or other village kids all day</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Go swimming</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sit and stare off into space </span>(actually I stare off into
the ocean….)</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Listen to music all day</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Try to help around the house </span>(I am still limited on what
I can help my host mom with…)</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Or maybe I do all of those things</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">My new routine is never having a routine…and I am okay with
that because I know that Jesus is always leading me through my day. Whatever I
happen to do is what He wants me to do. I have learned to recognize that and
not think to myself I wish I would have done/I really needed to do such and
such today…because every day is perfect in its own way, whether it is crazy
busy or nice and quiet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Let God plan your day/routine, you may never know where
He is leading you but that is all part of the adventure.</span></div>
Elanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14710396193489806414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895544263628336173.post-86845484787239154072013-04-07T19:49:00.000+11:002013-04-26T21:32:09.744+11:00the adventures of a ship ride<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Tour…home</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Is it a sign of feeling comfortable where I am, by longing
for my sleeping pad bed and own bucket shower? I was so glad to be home after
my time in the Mortlocks!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The ship ride home was an even better adventure than the one
out to the Mortlocks. This time we boarded Nien Chuuk, in the rain…so before we
even left I was already wet! </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ceUF9rZMoOg/UXpDHRkoRaI/AAAAAAAACCo/naJm1jx1BmU/s1600/DSCN1949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ceUF9rZMoOg/UXpDHRkoRaI/AAAAAAAACCo/naJm1jx1BmU/s200/DSCN1949.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">This ship was crowded too, but not as bad. It was
covered but one side was an open ‘door’ </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(remember these are not cruise
liners!)</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">. I was the ‘lucky’ one and got the spot right next to the ‘door’.
Again I had to lie down to subdue the seasickness. Since I was right next to
the open ‘door’ I was hit by huge waves for about a third of the trip </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(I was so
wet I mine as well have swam back home…)</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZgKqmV9Bcs/UXpEBN6IXvI/AAAAAAAACDA/nTAe6fH4KbI/s1600/DSCN1961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZgKqmV9Bcs/UXpEBN6IXvI/AAAAAAAACDA/nTAe6fH4KbI/s200/DSCN1961.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mzrCFXldgHU/UXpDpU_ajDI/AAAAAAAACC4/8ovC4UwHkjo/s1600/DSCN1957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mzrCFXldgHU/UXpDpU_ajDI/AAAAAAAACC4/8ovC4UwHkjo/s200/DSCN1957.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I was also right next to two baby
pigs that would freak out occasionally and try to escape </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(at one point I
thought they might bite my feet, do pigs even bite?)</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The best part of the
trip…watching the crew catch a huge swordfish! And because of my ‘first class’
seat I was less than a foot away to witness the entire thing! </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(and when I say
huge I mean it was longer than I am tall!)</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">. A few hours into the ride we
stopped at some islands to drop off some people, so a spot on the other side of
the ship opened up and I jumped at the chance to have a ‘dry’ seat </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(even though
I no longer got soaked by waves I stayed wet the entire trip)</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">. In the morning I
was able to see the sunrise, it was so beautiful! Total travel time 24 hours!
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(and yea again, I did not get sick!)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ARfo0kcqDCI/UXpDTKQsvRI/AAAAAAAACCw/eJFyuUykCVk/s1600/DSCN1960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ARfo0kcqDCI/UXpDTKQsvRI/AAAAAAAACCw/eJFyuUykCVk/s200/DSCN1960.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">they only way to make it through a 24 ship ride is to laugh...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">When my friends and I got back we treated ourselves to a
hotel. A nice warm shower and soft bed to sleep in was nice after the long wet
ship ride.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">I am so glad to be home.</span></div>
Elanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14710396193489806414noreply@blogger.com1