Well, I am sending you this short blog update from CMI, College of the Marshall Islands. I don't know if I am supposed to be using the internet for personal reasons, but I don't see a sign telling me not to. Things here are going well I can't believe that it is already December, 3. Where did the time go? I hope all is well with everyone I am getting excited about Christmas break. I hope to send a long blog soon. As long as the librarians don't kick me out.
Love,
Gregory
Friday, December 02, 2005
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Pictures.....
well they say a picture is worth a thousand words.....so that means I have 70,000 words to share with you just check your email address or email me and I'll email you the link
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Majuro...up close and personal....
Please feel free to edit this for errors or make comments....I'm thinking of using it to send as a letter to a few people....such as those who played a role in getting me here by writting my letters of recomendation.... :)
The heat envelops you. From the minute you wake up until you fall asleep you are conscience of the perpetual perspiration on your face and back. Even after being here for seven weeks I still sometimes find the heat inescapable. I spend many hours in the faculty room, because it is air-conditioned. The faculty room is in the basement of Assumption Church. The floor and walls are all cement, and the room is packed, 18 teachers’ desks fill the room. All the desks are piled high with textbooks and school supplies, because there is no room for shelves to put the books on. Some of the desks are adorned with handy crafts that the students have made in Marshallese class, and in turn have been given to teachers over the years. If it wasn’t for Marshallese class many of the students would loose an appreciation of their own culture.
During the school day the three teachers’ computers are all occupied. One usually occupied by a teacher playing Spider Solitary, passing the time between classes. There are 7 class periods in a day. Each period is 45 minutes. One of my homeroom students is responsible for ringing the bell at the beginning and end of each class. Her sister graduated valedictorian last year, and so the privilege/responsibility had to be past on.
The students for the most part remain in the same classroom for the entire school day, for the exception of Marshallese and computer class. There are two sections of: freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, one section of a new pre-9 program, consisting of 3 students who are not yet quite ready for high school, and only one senior class. The reason why there is only one senior class is do to students failing, and either getting someone pregnant or getting pregnant. The school itself is a cement fortress that has been in the works for over 30 years. Three of my four classes are on the third floor, which affords a nice view of both the Pacific and the lagoon. I try to appreciate the view and hope to make it up hear to watch the sun rise one day soon. The high school has been dubbed “The Project,” because there is always work to be done. Most of the classrooms do not have lights, but this is only a problem on days that are heavily overcast, which so far, has been very rare. The students’ desks are a random assortment that has suffered the wear of time. Many have deep gouges where they have been carved into and are brown with rust. A left-handed student may be hard pressed to find a desk that would be comfortable for writing. Being a good teacher requires more charisma and creativity then any Oscar winning actor has ever been able to capture on film. The attention span of students is 2 minutes on a good day when the heat has not lead them to rip off the back cover of their Composition notebook in order to fan themselves as they sweat heavily while copying notes from the board. On bad days a teacher should be lucky to hold the classes’ attention for more than 30 seconds. It is not easy attempting to compete with American influence. Even while in the class room ideas of video games and shopping malls are not at all foreign. A few of the students have spent time in the U.S., and have experienced first hand the consumerism that we Americans have grown up with. The appeal of American culture is easily witnessed, watching students crowd around a celebrity magazine, looking at what the white American celebrity is wearing, many times, the cost of clothing far exceeding the amount of money many of the students parents make in a year. The Marshallese refer to Americans and all white skinned foreigners for that matter as “Ri belle” a term meaning, a person with many possessions. The term has been around ever since the first western missionaries came to spread the word of Christ. The missionaries would offer goods such as clothing and food hoping in return that the local Marshallese would convert. Only about 9% of Marshallese are Catholic. The Protestant influence is very strong and has lead to an interesting mixing of faith during Sunday services. Mass is offered in English on Saturday nights at 6:30 the congregation usually consists of Americans, Fijians, Japanese, and many other Pacific Islanders who do not speak Marshallese. The American Ambassador attends mass, but is not Catholic. I believe she is Episcopal and prefers a high mass. There are two morning masses offered on Sunday, as a JVI community we have agreed to attempt to attend mass on Saturday as well as, at least one of the Sunday morning masses in an effort to become more a part of the Marshallese community that we are attempting to serve. The mass is all in Marshallese except for when Father Rich is off island and the visiting priest doesn’t speak Marshallese. Otherwise, I spend most of the mass attempting to follow along in a Marshallese/English Missile. I hope to at least be able to say an Our Father in Marshallese by the time the two years are up. A weekend has not passed that we have not been offered an invitation to attend a dinner, barbeque, or party. The hospitality among the Marshallese and the religious who are here on island is over pouring. Some of the Sisters have been in Majuro longer then I have been alive. They have seen not only the development of Assumption schools, but also the development of Majuro. They have educated some of the grandparent and parents of my students. I typically have around 18 students in each of my four classes. I teach English Composition 3 to juniors and biology to sophomores. I am finding it enjoyably challenging, and am realizing that teaching English has only motivated me to better understand the rules of English. I especially enjoy my sophomores who are beginning to show an interest in the subject. I am accepting of the fact that I am going to make mistakes, and find comfort in the fact that I will be able to learn from them and try to do better next year.
I enjoy spending time with both my students and the local kids after school. A few of the sophomores are highly competitive and enjoy having me quiz them after school. I usually leave the faculty room around 4 and head to the JV house, which is located on Assumption property. Several children from Small Island, the village located directly to the South of the parish considers the JV house one of only a few plays they are welcomed.
Small Island is one of the poorer communities in Majuro, and many of these children are not in school, because even the public elementary schools are over crowded. Currently, several of the children are suffering from horrible cases of Pink Eye, and luckily Sister Dora, one of the hardest working individuals in Majuro is treating them. The kids, range in age from 9 to 18 months. The older ones taking care of the younger ones; many of them without shoes, and open wounds from the mosquito bites they have scratched raw. They knock on our screen door, because we have had to teach them not to just come in. They commonly ask for food and water, but we only give them water. Not because we don’t have food, but because we don’t have the means to feed them everyday. We are not here to create a dependence, but rather to walk in solidarity. Even though we are unable to give them food, we attempt to feed them in other ways that they are starved. Many of them enjoy spending time coloring and playing with the blocks from and old Jenga game. These kids are starved for attention and they feed off of every word and smile you offer them.
Today was good!
PS. I think im on to something....I am having my biology kids create hand signs for their vocabulary words....I think its a great trick espessially for ESL learners. We are starting a section on microscopes and some of my students who have failed the last two tests stayed after school (at my request) and I think they enjoyed looking through the microscope at a lice...off of the head of one of the students.....mmmmm yummmy! Lets just say they only get uglier the bigger they get.
PSS. Today is Emily's birthday. She is one of my community members....Dinner, wine, and dessert....So excited.
Nothing but love,
The heat envelops you. From the minute you wake up until you fall asleep you are conscience of the perpetual perspiration on your face and back. Even after being here for seven weeks I still sometimes find the heat inescapable. I spend many hours in the faculty room, because it is air-conditioned. The faculty room is in the basement of Assumption Church. The floor and walls are all cement, and the room is packed, 18 teachers’ desks fill the room. All the desks are piled high with textbooks and school supplies, because there is no room for shelves to put the books on. Some of the desks are adorned with handy crafts that the students have made in Marshallese class, and in turn have been given to teachers over the years. If it wasn’t for Marshallese class many of the students would loose an appreciation of their own culture.
During the school day the three teachers’ computers are all occupied. One usually occupied by a teacher playing Spider Solitary, passing the time between classes. There are 7 class periods in a day. Each period is 45 minutes. One of my homeroom students is responsible for ringing the bell at the beginning and end of each class. Her sister graduated valedictorian last year, and so the privilege/responsibility had to be past on.
The students for the most part remain in the same classroom for the entire school day, for the exception of Marshallese and computer class. There are two sections of: freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, one section of a new pre-9 program, consisting of 3 students who are not yet quite ready for high school, and only one senior class. The reason why there is only one senior class is do to students failing, and either getting someone pregnant or getting pregnant. The school itself is a cement fortress that has been in the works for over 30 years. Three of my four classes are on the third floor, which affords a nice view of both the Pacific and the lagoon. I try to appreciate the view and hope to make it up hear to watch the sun rise one day soon. The high school has been dubbed “The Project,” because there is always work to be done. Most of the classrooms do not have lights, but this is only a problem on days that are heavily overcast, which so far, has been very rare. The students’ desks are a random assortment that has suffered the wear of time. Many have deep gouges where they have been carved into and are brown with rust. A left-handed student may be hard pressed to find a desk that would be comfortable for writing. Being a good teacher requires more charisma and creativity then any Oscar winning actor has ever been able to capture on film. The attention span of students is 2 minutes on a good day when the heat has not lead them to rip off the back cover of their Composition notebook in order to fan themselves as they sweat heavily while copying notes from the board. On bad days a teacher should be lucky to hold the classes’ attention for more than 30 seconds. It is not easy attempting to compete with American influence. Even while in the class room ideas of video games and shopping malls are not at all foreign. A few of the students have spent time in the U.S., and have experienced first hand the consumerism that we Americans have grown up with. The appeal of American culture is easily witnessed, watching students crowd around a celebrity magazine, looking at what the white American celebrity is wearing, many times, the cost of clothing far exceeding the amount of money many of the students parents make in a year. The Marshallese refer to Americans and all white skinned foreigners for that matter as “Ri belle” a term meaning, a person with many possessions. The term has been around ever since the first western missionaries came to spread the word of Christ. The missionaries would offer goods such as clothing and food hoping in return that the local Marshallese would convert. Only about 9% of Marshallese are Catholic. The Protestant influence is very strong and has lead to an interesting mixing of faith during Sunday services. Mass is offered in English on Saturday nights at 6:30 the congregation usually consists of Americans, Fijians, Japanese, and many other Pacific Islanders who do not speak Marshallese. The American Ambassador attends mass, but is not Catholic. I believe she is Episcopal and prefers a high mass. There are two morning masses offered on Sunday, as a JVI community we have agreed to attempt to attend mass on Saturday as well as, at least one of the Sunday morning masses in an effort to become more a part of the Marshallese community that we are attempting to serve. The mass is all in Marshallese except for when Father Rich is off island and the visiting priest doesn’t speak Marshallese. Otherwise, I spend most of the mass attempting to follow along in a Marshallese/English Missile. I hope to at least be able to say an Our Father in Marshallese by the time the two years are up. A weekend has not passed that we have not been offered an invitation to attend a dinner, barbeque, or party. The hospitality among the Marshallese and the religious who are here on island is over pouring. Some of the Sisters have been in Majuro longer then I have been alive. They have seen not only the development of Assumption schools, but also the development of Majuro. They have educated some of the grandparent and parents of my students. I typically have around 18 students in each of my four classes. I teach English Composition 3 to juniors and biology to sophomores. I am finding it enjoyably challenging, and am realizing that teaching English has only motivated me to better understand the rules of English. I especially enjoy my sophomores who are beginning to show an interest in the subject. I am accepting of the fact that I am going to make mistakes, and find comfort in the fact that I will be able to learn from them and try to do better next year.
I enjoy spending time with both my students and the local kids after school. A few of the sophomores are highly competitive and enjoy having me quiz them after school. I usually leave the faculty room around 4 and head to the JV house, which is located on Assumption property. Several children from Small Island, the village located directly to the South of the parish considers the JV house one of only a few plays they are welcomed.
Small Island is one of the poorer communities in Majuro, and many of these children are not in school, because even the public elementary schools are over crowded. Currently, several of the children are suffering from horrible cases of Pink Eye, and luckily Sister Dora, one of the hardest working individuals in Majuro is treating them. The kids, range in age from 9 to 18 months. The older ones taking care of the younger ones; many of them without shoes, and open wounds from the mosquito bites they have scratched raw. They knock on our screen door, because we have had to teach them not to just come in. They commonly ask for food and water, but we only give them water. Not because we don’t have food, but because we don’t have the means to feed them everyday. We are not here to create a dependence, but rather to walk in solidarity. Even though we are unable to give them food, we attempt to feed them in other ways that they are starved. Many of them enjoy spending time coloring and playing with the blocks from and old Jenga game. These kids are starved for attention and they feed off of every word and smile you offer them.
Today was good!
PS. I think im on to something....I am having my biology kids create hand signs for their vocabulary words....I think its a great trick espessially for ESL learners. We are starting a section on microscopes and some of my students who have failed the last two tests stayed after school (at my request) and I think they enjoyed looking through the microscope at a lice...off of the head of one of the students.....mmmmm yummmy! Lets just say they only get uglier the bigger they get.
PSS. Today is Emily's birthday. She is one of my community members....Dinner, wine, and dessert....So excited.
Nothing but love,
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Grrrrr!
Blogger is giving me a hard time. All is well but I have a lot to do. I'll try to get back soon. Love you all. The posts were kind. Dad I hope you are doing better.
Love,
Greg
Love,
Greg
Short and Sweet.
So sorry that I have to keep this short, but things are busy and I have a lot to do. I am supposed to cook dinner tonight, I'm thinking baked potoatos with all the fix'ns and need to do laundry as well as a ton and a half of grading. Our midquater grades are due. Wow the time has flown. I hope that our phone is fixed soon I would love to talk to each one of you. Dad I hope you are doing better. Did you pass out, because of the pain or the needle? Either way take it easy. Shannon keep up the good work. the kids' stories make me laugh. Mom, I'm so glad that you are doing RCIA I think the kids will be more than lucky to have you. Dayna, I sorry about the rear and would love to take pics. Core Four Keep it real.... Got to go....I have to go grocery shopping and get dinner done, so that i can grade and go to bed! Love you all Have a wonderful Sunday.
Nothing but Love,
Greg
Nothing but Love,
Greg
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Yokwe yok...Hello to you (singular)
Since I was unable to write last week I thought I would attempt to write two entries this week, (be sure to read the one below as well). The hard part is coming up with something to write about….
Today, I woke up around 7:30 and had to pull myself out of bed after grading papers and tests until midnight the night before. Hopped into the shower and was out the door at around 2 ‘til 8 It is so convenient to be located right next to the high school. I don’t know what I am going to do when I have to commute to work every morning and evening. My biology classes went well. We reviewed the test that they took last week after everyone finially finished taking it because of being late, and I am planning on meeting with the students who did poorly after school I hope to see an improvement in performance on the next test. In my Composition III classes we are working on plot development. In an attempt to make this more interesting I am having my student design there own comic, with a superhero and all. I think they are making great connections between the pictures they are drawing and what each should represent (rising action, climax, resolution…etc)
As of now there I have no plans for the weekend which means all I have is language lessons on Saturday morning, mass Saturday night, mass Sunday morning, and our community meeting Sunday afternoon….so even when I don’t have things to do I have things to do…lol
Well it is around 10pm and we just finished with our Rosary group. It was nice I am attempting to learn the Hail Mary in Marshallese, which has proven difficult. I am glad that tomorrow is Friday. My two English Classes have a quiz and were talking about Lipids, Proteins and Carbohydrates in Biology. I hope everyone has a great Thursday, and I hope your Friday comes soon…lol
Today, I woke up around 7:30 and had to pull myself out of bed after grading papers and tests until midnight the night before. Hopped into the shower and was out the door at around 2 ‘til 8 It is so convenient to be located right next to the high school. I don’t know what I am going to do when I have to commute to work every morning and evening. My biology classes went well. We reviewed the test that they took last week after everyone finially finished taking it because of being late, and I am planning on meeting with the students who did poorly after school I hope to see an improvement in performance on the next test. In my Composition III classes we are working on plot development. In an attempt to make this more interesting I am having my student design there own comic, with a superhero and all. I think they are making great connections between the pictures they are drawing and what each should represent (rising action, climax, resolution…etc)
As of now there I have no plans for the weekend which means all I have is language lessons on Saturday morning, mass Saturday night, mass Sunday morning, and our community meeting Sunday afternoon….so even when I don’t have things to do I have things to do…lol
Well it is around 10pm and we just finished with our Rosary group. It was nice I am attempting to learn the Hail Mary in Marshallese, which has proven difficult. I am glad that tomorrow is Friday. My two English Classes have a quiz and were talking about Lipids, Proteins and Carbohydrates in Biology. I hope everyone has a great Thursday, and I hope your Friday comes soon…lol
Time Flies...
Well I have officially been in Majuro for over a month now and I can hardly believe it. The days are all beginning to run together as if I have been here for years. Last Saturday, The JVIs were invited out to dinner by Father Ken. He is the Jesuit Superior for all of Micronesia. He said something that stuck with me while I chowed down my Chinese food. He said, “If you’ve been somewhere a week you can write a book, a month an article, and a year, well you can’t write anything. Same goes for photographers. In the beginning everything is new and interesting, but after a while it becomes routine and everyday.” I hope I remember this and am able to appreciate the small things more often. Last night I also happened to be doing some reading…Men’s Health…and read an article about the 24 top ways to earn respect. Number 8 was my favorite. “Do what you always told people you were going to do” Who thought words of inspiration could come from a media source.
Last week was complete chaos in a way to familiar kind of way. We had offers to go out, a volunteer family to hang out with, dinner plans on Tuesday, a barbeque on Friday, and a whirl-wind of other events to make an appearance at. ( a guy could get used to this!) Thanks to my wonderful up bring and ability to schmooze I had a great time, getting to meet fellow volunteers, local Marshallese, and others. I guess it is in my blood. Well, as for the rest of the house, they were kind of beat and were a bit overwhelmed by the weeks festivities. They found it to be to busy and not “simple” .
Ah, simple you say…Well that leads me to my next topic. “Simple Living” is one of the four values that sets JVI apart from the other run of the mill, leave your family and friends behind, after graduation, volunteer opportunities…lol. The other three are Living in community…CHECK. Doing works of justice…CHECK, and Practicing your faith Double CHECK. These three values, while not a walk in the park, by any standard are, I feel, better defined universally. Living Simply, however, can mean something different to everyone…( which can be problematic for attempting to Live in Community). So on Sunday as usual we had our community meeting. Where we all gathered around the dinner table and shared how we were doing, who was going to be doing what, what has been going well, are things being kept clean…typical roommate-ish questions and concerns, but then we introduced the topic of simple living.
During my orientation in Scranton, PA it was said jokingly that entering into a JV community was like entering into a marriage, except for the fact that it’s polygamist, you hardly know one another there is a finite end to the relationship, and no bedroom benefits…lol. So, just like in a marriage all five of us JV’s have our different view of what living simply means to each of us. The spectrum was wide. For some people if they were asked to live simply their first thought might be on material things, but this is only the beginning. So after you buy non-name brand food and are not focused on material things such as TV, Internet, clothing….the more challenging side of living simply has not even begun. This includes simplifying ones life and relationships. What does that mean…well “simply” stated it means getting rid of all preconceived notions, gossip and junk that prevents one from truly getting to know someone else. It also means choosing who you spend time with as well as where you spend your time.
Two and a half hours later we ended our meeting. The discussion was to be continued at a later date, it is more of an ongoing process rather then a question with an answer. Well as a side note….I find the community meeting to be a necessary evil, and find it amazing how 5 people can all have a different opinion on the life span of a kitchen sponge, weather to buy wheat bread even if its slightly more expensive, or if knifes should be placed in the drying rack blade up, or blade down. If you know me at all….you will no that…..the typical house sponge should be used no longer then one month after its first use and only on dishes and countertops, wheat bread is worth the money if it is in fact whole grain, otherwise its just brown white bread, kitchen knives should be kept blade up, angled toward the back wall, to prevent the blade from being placed in stagnant water. (LOL….LOL ok so really….I could care less about these small things and instead found it amusing to hear the views of my community)….If you really thought I would have an opinion on the life span of a kitchen sponge then you most not know me to well and I would love to hear from you so write a comment or send me a letter.
Gregory Montoya
Jesuit Volunteer International
PO Box # 8
Last week was complete chaos in a way to familiar kind of way. We had offers to go out, a volunteer family to hang out with, dinner plans on Tuesday, a barbeque on Friday, and a whirl-wind of other events to make an appearance at. ( a guy could get used to this!) Thanks to my wonderful up bring and ability to schmooze I had a great time, getting to meet fellow volunteers, local Marshallese, and others. I guess it is in my blood. Well, as for the rest of the house, they were kind of beat and were a bit overwhelmed by the weeks festivities. They found it to be to busy and not “simple” .
Ah, simple you say…Well that leads me to my next topic. “Simple Living” is one of the four values that sets JVI apart from the other run of the mill, leave your family and friends behind, after graduation, volunteer opportunities…lol. The other three are Living in community…CHECK. Doing works of justice…CHECK, and Practicing your faith Double CHECK. These three values, while not a walk in the park, by any standard are, I feel, better defined universally. Living Simply, however, can mean something different to everyone…( which can be problematic for attempting to Live in Community). So on Sunday as usual we had our community meeting. Where we all gathered around the dinner table and shared how we were doing, who was going to be doing what, what has been going well, are things being kept clean…typical roommate-ish questions and concerns, but then we introduced the topic of simple living.
During my orientation in Scranton, PA it was said jokingly that entering into a JV community was like entering into a marriage, except for the fact that it’s polygamist, you hardly know one another there is a finite end to the relationship, and no bedroom benefits…lol. So, just like in a marriage all five of us JV’s have our different view of what living simply means to each of us. The spectrum was wide. For some people if they were asked to live simply their first thought might be on material things, but this is only the beginning. So after you buy non-name brand food and are not focused on material things such as TV, Internet, clothing….the more challenging side of living simply has not even begun. This includes simplifying ones life and relationships. What does that mean…well “simply” stated it means getting rid of all preconceived notions, gossip and junk that prevents one from truly getting to know someone else. It also means choosing who you spend time with as well as where you spend your time.
Two and a half hours later we ended our meeting. The discussion was to be continued at a later date, it is more of an ongoing process rather then a question with an answer. Well as a side note….I find the community meeting to be a necessary evil, and find it amazing how 5 people can all have a different opinion on the life span of a kitchen sponge, weather to buy wheat bread even if its slightly more expensive, or if knifes should be placed in the drying rack blade up, or blade down. If you know me at all….you will no that…..the typical house sponge should be used no longer then one month after its first use and only on dishes and countertops, wheat bread is worth the money if it is in fact whole grain, otherwise its just brown white bread, kitchen knives should be kept blade up, angled toward the back wall, to prevent the blade from being placed in stagnant water. (LOL….LOL ok so really….I could care less about these small things and instead found it amusing to hear the views of my community)….If you really thought I would have an opinion on the life span of a kitchen sponge then you most not know me to well and I would love to hear from you so write a comment or send me a letter.
Gregory Montoya
Jesuit Volunteer International
PO Box # 8
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Me teaching....Yikes!!!
And so it goes.....This week has had its fill of ups and downs and I'm only half way finished. It is currently after 10pm and I had one heck of a day...Today in my sophomore biology classes we were to discuss the homework (that many didn't do) and then the scientific process. Now lets just say it isn't the easiest thing to do. The one saving grace is remembering my own High school experience...I too would have not wanted to be there and most likely wouldn't have done my homework....Karma....Bites you in the butt, doesn't it....LOL (that means Laugh out Loud in case you didn't know...Mom) My English class is also difficult. We are working on the Writing process and they are to write a five paragraph essay about their lives....Its like pulling teeth....Hopefully this weekend I will get a better gauge of where they are as far as ability because I am collecting there notebooks. We have been doing writing every class...It is composition 3 after all Tuesday was awesome. We all went out side and I told them that they could write on what ever they wanted to, they all looked at me in disbelief and then when they became comfortable with the idea they all seemed to be doing agreat job. What I am struggling with the most is finding ways to relate what I am teaching to their life. Even though right now it may seem pointless.
As far as questions from the peanut gallery go....
In the Marshall Islands everything is pretty much laid back and casual...The ideas of initive and the individual are foreign. As for as what the kids call me it is quite simple....They call me Greg....Some have taking to calling me Mr.G but for the most part all teachers including the principal are addressed by their first name. Very Interesting if I must say so myself!
As far as the lice goes...we now have two community members who have the bugs....These lice are also no ordinary lice....They grow them big out here in the islands compared to the lice I have seen in Colorado while working with the Rocky Mountain HeadStart. Lice here are a fact of lice it is common from students to have them, but it is still not desired. In fact during breaks and lunch it isn't uncommon to see girls going through one anothers hair. Diane has also informed me that apparently lice make a popping sound when bite. Apparently some of the kids bite the lice to make them pop! mmm!
Harris my bud
There is a young boy, about 10 who is very well behaved and his name is Harris. Considering the fact that he is not in school and his father just past away he is an incredibly good kid. The difficult part is the fact that he is not in school....This my at first seem to be only a money issue, because it does cost $700 a year to attend Assumption elementary, but looking deeper it is a much bigger issue. Harris is not the only kid in school in fact many kids don't attend the public schools either, because there is no room and they are over crowded. I often think about the saying "Give a man a fish and he eats for a day, but teach a man how to fish and he'll never starve." The bigger problem with this is that as a JV community we have the money to send Harris to school...( we do have a savings account that has accumulated over the years). But what does this solve. Are we creating a dependence? Just like we don't usually give food to the kids, because then where do you draw the line? and then what about when we are gone, who will pay for his schooling then? The questions that I am asking are not all that new to me. The difference is seeing them first hand. I am here for these two years to "walk in solidarity with the poor" I am not here to offer a hand out, to be the "big, bright American" with all the answers. And even though I am unsure what my role is exactly I hope that as time goes on I am able to push myself to ask the tough questions and to challenge my own outlook on life.
Well, If that came out as rambling I do apologize, but Its been on my mind...So thanks
Keep me in your prayers cause you all are in mine.
Nothing but Love
As far as questions from the peanut gallery go....
In the Marshall Islands everything is pretty much laid back and casual...The ideas of initive and the individual are foreign. As for as what the kids call me it is quite simple....They call me Greg....Some have taking to calling me Mr.G but for the most part all teachers including the principal are addressed by their first name. Very Interesting if I must say so myself!
As far as the lice goes...we now have two community members who have the bugs....These lice are also no ordinary lice....They grow them big out here in the islands compared to the lice I have seen in Colorado while working with the Rocky Mountain HeadStart. Lice here are a fact of lice it is common from students to have them, but it is still not desired. In fact during breaks and lunch it isn't uncommon to see girls going through one anothers hair. Diane has also informed me that apparently lice make a popping sound when bite. Apparently some of the kids bite the lice to make them pop! mmm!
Harris my bud
There is a young boy, about 10 who is very well behaved and his name is Harris. Considering the fact that he is not in school and his father just past away he is an incredibly good kid. The difficult part is the fact that he is not in school....This my at first seem to be only a money issue, because it does cost $700 a year to attend Assumption elementary, but looking deeper it is a much bigger issue. Harris is not the only kid in school in fact many kids don't attend the public schools either, because there is no room and they are over crowded. I often think about the saying "Give a man a fish and he eats for a day, but teach a man how to fish and he'll never starve." The bigger problem with this is that as a JV community we have the money to send Harris to school...( we do have a savings account that has accumulated over the years). But what does this solve. Are we creating a dependence? Just like we don't usually give food to the kids, because then where do you draw the line? and then what about when we are gone, who will pay for his schooling then? The questions that I am asking are not all that new to me. The difference is seeing them first hand. I am here for these two years to "walk in solidarity with the poor" I am not here to offer a hand out, to be the "big, bright American" with all the answers. And even though I am unsure what my role is exactly I hope that as time goes on I am able to push myself to ask the tough questions and to challenge my own outlook on life.
Well, If that came out as rambling I do apologize, but Its been on my mind...So thanks
Keep me in your prayers cause you all are in mine.
Nothing but Love
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Lice, Kids, and no Mr. Montoya....
Wow! It is so hard to believe that it has only been one week since I last posted a Blog Man I feel Loved with 32 coments on my last post. I wish I had the time to respond to each one of your coments but with the internet costing me 8 cents per minute, it adds up quick. After an hour I have already spent about a 10th of my salery! Yikes. But I will do my best to answer some of the questions I have recived...
Mom...Yes I got the box thank you am putting on a new set of sheets tonight and the zone bars are great. Please feel free to send some more Zone bars as well as golden Oreo's or chocolate. Im Glad to hear that all is well. And that you recived my card. I will try to call you tomorrow around 6 but dont count on it for 100% because I have to use the office phone and the secratary may not be in to let me use it.
Dayna...Wow...very interesting....please write me a letter and ill respond in more depth. The recipe segestions are good...I think Im doing Pizza tomorrow night!
Shannon....You down loaded Holla Back Girl....GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR they are not apropriate for kids...lol please tell them all Hi and give them all a big hug from me
Clare....It was so nice to have a card waiting for me when I got here....Did you get yours?
The heat is deffinatly a killer and Assumption Schools are deffenitly poorly organized....Im glad I have my community to vent with because we all find some of the ways they choose to do things to be very different then what we are used to. I hope all is well take care and keep on writing me letters...
Danny...Yo yo yo....I got the goods...The Ipod that is thanks a ton its nice to listen to while working on lesson plans I am going to try to get a letter in the mail to you asap. Please keep me in the loop
Caitlin...Thanks missy for the letter and the recipies...It was so nice to recive mail...The taco ring just made me hungry thinking about it...unfortunatly we have a vegitarian amoung us...lol I plan on writing you back this weekend.....
***If I didn't answer your question I apologize....I am not able to go back and forth between this screen and your coment screen so I did the best I could. :)
The details...
Well kids the fun has begun....Yes school has started and that awsome, but we also have an out break of Lice....Yes thats right my fellow community member name to remain anonomos...(Diane) has Lice....Last night the two other female JV spent over two hours combing her hair picking out eggs....mmmmm yummmy!
So classes started on the 16th and we had a half day both the 16 and 17. It was nice I got to meet my students and begin trying to learn their names....Here in the Pacific...It is common for individuals to raise there eyebrows to signify yes....It is very quick and very slight and I think I like it...At the same time it can be a bother when asking an entire class a question and no one says a word...lol...It will definetly require some skillful training on mybehalf. This past weekend we were invited to a volunteer BBQ it was nice, but Im deffinetly glad that many of the volunteers are headed out to the outer islands because I feel that many of "them" are here for reasons very different then my own...I hate saying that it makes it sound as if I feel my reasons are better, and thats not what I mean to imply....My reasons are just different, and dont include drinking heavly and acting like a "typical Ri-belle" (white person). I also found it very interesting when speaking to these fellow volunteers the conversations seemed to be very one sided...I seemed to be asking the questions and they seemed to be doing all the talking.....Man, Im knit picking.....lol
Today was my first full day of teaching. In my Composition 3 class we reviewed the student handbook and disscused ESLR's (Expected school wide learning results) It was a challenge to be able to define such terms as "the whole human person" and "Critical thinkers" But I think I was somewhat successful. Biology was different, We spent the first half of the period covering text books and the second half looking through the topics within ch1. Today was the first day I really felt like a teacher....I mean I told the kids to do something and they did it....and to all of you who know me well. I like being the boss...lol now that doesn't mean I have let it get to my head It in fact has made me nervous....because with power comes responsibility....
The Caous that is Assumption HS
On the very first day of school we were supposed to have a hour long assembly. It only lasted 30 minutes at most and started 15 minutes late....all of the falculty was interduced, but there was no organization and many of the teachers had to be asked what they were teaching....In fact there wasn't even a list of all the faculty and Edna a woman who has been teaching at Assumption, since the Assumption...LOL was almost looked over.
The Irony is that as a JV I see the JV perpose to be that we are trying to "work ourselves out of a job" meaning, that if possible we would like to see the staff be of all Marshallese individuals, but it is ovious that now it is not the time.
Two days ago we had a faculty meeting. and intead of retaining one girl who managed to slip through the cracks and was promoted to 10th grade they were going to let her stay in 10th grade and promote the other 10 or so students that were held back....Im not making this up! Jacquline and I were speechless...In fact I started reading a text book because I felt like me being A) a volunteer and B) a new teacher I had no right to talk....Lukily Chris the veterain spoke up and the plan was changed....Things are deffinetly done differently here.
Lastly
Im glad that tomorrow is Friday This week is going to be a lot of work....I have to put together my procedures for the classroom and lesson plan lesson plan lesson plan. I hope all is well I miss you all and hope to hear from you all...I bought stamps so start writting....
Gregory Montoya
Jesuit Volunteer's International
P.O. Box 8
Majuro, MH 96960
Nothing but Love,
Mom...Yes I got the box thank you am putting on a new set of sheets tonight and the zone bars are great. Please feel free to send some more Zone bars as well as golden Oreo's or chocolate. Im Glad to hear that all is well. And that you recived my card. I will try to call you tomorrow around 6 but dont count on it for 100% because I have to use the office phone and the secratary may not be in to let me use it.
Dayna...Wow...very interesting....please write me a letter and ill respond in more depth. The recipe segestions are good...I think Im doing Pizza tomorrow night!
Shannon....You down loaded Holla Back Girl....GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR they are not apropriate for kids...lol please tell them all Hi and give them all a big hug from me
Clare....It was so nice to have a card waiting for me when I got here....Did you get yours?
The heat is deffinatly a killer and Assumption Schools are deffenitly poorly organized....Im glad I have my community to vent with because we all find some of the ways they choose to do things to be very different then what we are used to. I hope all is well take care and keep on writing me letters...
Danny...Yo yo yo....I got the goods...The Ipod that is thanks a ton its nice to listen to while working on lesson plans I am going to try to get a letter in the mail to you asap. Please keep me in the loop
Caitlin...Thanks missy for the letter and the recipies...It was so nice to recive mail...The taco ring just made me hungry thinking about it...unfortunatly we have a vegitarian amoung us...lol I plan on writing you back this weekend.....
***If I didn't answer your question I apologize....I am not able to go back and forth between this screen and your coment screen so I did the best I could. :)
The details...
Well kids the fun has begun....Yes school has started and that awsome, but we also have an out break of Lice....Yes thats right my fellow community member name to remain anonomos...(Diane) has Lice....Last night the two other female JV spent over two hours combing her hair picking out eggs....mmmmm yummmy!
So classes started on the 16th and we had a half day both the 16 and 17. It was nice I got to meet my students and begin trying to learn their names....Here in the Pacific...It is common for individuals to raise there eyebrows to signify yes....It is very quick and very slight and I think I like it...At the same time it can be a bother when asking an entire class a question and no one says a word...lol...It will definetly require some skillful training on mybehalf. This past weekend we were invited to a volunteer BBQ it was nice, but Im deffinetly glad that many of the volunteers are headed out to the outer islands because I feel that many of "them" are here for reasons very different then my own...I hate saying that it makes it sound as if I feel my reasons are better, and thats not what I mean to imply....My reasons are just different, and dont include drinking heavly and acting like a "typical Ri-belle" (white person). I also found it very interesting when speaking to these fellow volunteers the conversations seemed to be very one sided...I seemed to be asking the questions and they seemed to be doing all the talking.....Man, Im knit picking.....lol
Today was my first full day of teaching. In my Composition 3 class we reviewed the student handbook and disscused ESLR's (Expected school wide learning results) It was a challenge to be able to define such terms as "the whole human person" and "Critical thinkers" But I think I was somewhat successful. Biology was different, We spent the first half of the period covering text books and the second half looking through the topics within ch1. Today was the first day I really felt like a teacher....I mean I told the kids to do something and they did it....and to all of you who know me well. I like being the boss...lol now that doesn't mean I have let it get to my head It in fact has made me nervous....because with power comes responsibility....
The Caous that is Assumption HS
On the very first day of school we were supposed to have a hour long assembly. It only lasted 30 minutes at most and started 15 minutes late....all of the falculty was interduced, but there was no organization and many of the teachers had to be asked what they were teaching....In fact there wasn't even a list of all the faculty and Edna a woman who has been teaching at Assumption, since the Assumption...LOL was almost looked over.
The Irony is that as a JV I see the JV perpose to be that we are trying to "work ourselves out of a job" meaning, that if possible we would like to see the staff be of all Marshallese individuals, but it is ovious that now it is not the time.
Two days ago we had a faculty meeting. and intead of retaining one girl who managed to slip through the cracks and was promoted to 10th grade they were going to let her stay in 10th grade and promote the other 10 or so students that were held back....Im not making this up! Jacquline and I were speechless...In fact I started reading a text book because I felt like me being A) a volunteer and B) a new teacher I had no right to talk....Lukily Chris the veterain spoke up and the plan was changed....Things are deffinetly done differently here.
Lastly
Im glad that tomorrow is Friday This week is going to be a lot of work....I have to put together my procedures for the classroom and lesson plan lesson plan lesson plan. I hope all is well I miss you all and hope to hear from you all...I bought stamps so start writting....
Gregory Montoya
Jesuit Volunteer's International
P.O. Box 8
Majuro, MH 96960
Nothing but Love,
Monday, August 08, 2005
Majur...WHAT!!!!!
Well I'm here and boy is it hot....not unbareable but very warm. I have so much to say. So I guess I better start at the begining. We landed at around 10am on thursday (thats wednesday for you all) and meet my fellow volunteers. There names are Chris and Diane. They were great. The weather was hot and sunny and the water was everywhere. We drove to our house minus our luggage. When we arrived at our house It was hard to believe that i would be living here for two years. The walls and floor are nothing but cement and the condition is in need of repare. The bathroom is also very interesting, but i did find the toilet facinating. It uses salt water from the ocean. (the question still remains....where does it go when I flush?...) After having a tour of our church and school aka "The Project", because it has been under construction and will remain underconsruction for an unlimited amount of time. We headed to Laura, The island of Majuro is a big U with the far end named Laura and the end near us named Rita. Anyway we dove to the end where we were able to watch our first sunset and drink from coconuts. It was way cool. And apparently a bit of a JV tradition. The next couple of days were a wirl wind of events, from meeting our principle, Fr. Rich our prist and the children who hang around. One kid in particular. his name is Kon and it suits him well aparently he opperates the kinder balack market...lol and smuggles snacks on to the school grounds and sells them from a higher price. He I can tell by his feet and the sores on his legs that he has had a hard live. The two of us played with the other kids as well and ended up using Jenga bloxs to consruct a tower. He also taught me his handshake and i taught him one to....Now everytime I see him he insists that we shake hands...not once but twice. Saturday was Diane's 23rd Birthday so we went out to dinner, I had a burger it was mmmmm good. On Sunday Chris and Diane had people from church over for brunch there was about 15 of us...seveal nuns and a couple people from the community. Emily Jacqueline and my self attended mass on both Saturday night and Sunday morning which is what the 5 of us will do every week, because the english mass is on Saturday, but were unable to all attend this week cause Chris had to cook brunch...Speaking of cooking...I need recipies...I am supposed to cook dinner on Friday, and am sure I will be able to come up with something for this week but would love to receive suggestions for the future cooking I will be doing weekly. Yesterday.....(Monday for me) We went to the US embassy and had a small social with the ambasador She attends our parish along with several of the Embassy staff. Many of the other voluneer programs were also there it was nice. Today Jacqueline and I had the fun task of clean our desks in the teachers office and boy was it fun...but at least now I have my own work area in an air conditioned office.
Ok So I kinda was getting side tracked. These are just a couple of things that I have observed since arriving in Majuro.
1) its hot
2)air conditioning is nice...i love going to the grocery store
3) all the children who hang out at our house and color are very friendly and their parents most likely have no idea where they are.
4) there are MANY other volunteers here...ie World Teach, Dartmouth Volunteers, Japanese Volunteers, peace core, and there have been many volunteers before me.
5) My community is great and we are geling nicely
6) rats are huge
7) I dont have an ear for Marshallese...and will require hours of practice
8) the reason why i am here is ever changing...and the question of weither i am as a volunteer doing more harm or good is going to be ever present.
9) Taxi rides to the store are only 50 cents and are a great way to enjoy AC
10) the house phone is out of order.
And finally....
No matter how much I write I can not capture everything I am experiencing in words.
Ok so here is some basic Logistical stuff for those of you who are interested.
I will be teaching 2 sections of both(drum roll please...) Sophmore biology and Junior English.
There are 7 periods in a school day and will always have 4th and 7th off.
Each one with in our community is required to cook dinner once a week and do dishes once a week. The high school students do not rotate for classes, instead the teachers do.
Most likely I will check back in a week love you all XOXO
Ok So I kinda was getting side tracked. These are just a couple of things that I have observed since arriving in Majuro.
1) its hot
2)air conditioning is nice...i love going to the grocery store
3) all the children who hang out at our house and color are very friendly and their parents most likely have no idea where they are.
4) there are MANY other volunteers here...ie World Teach, Dartmouth Volunteers, Japanese Volunteers, peace core, and there have been many volunteers before me.
5) My community is great and we are geling nicely
6) rats are huge
7) I dont have an ear for Marshallese...and will require hours of practice
8) the reason why i am here is ever changing...and the question of weither i am as a volunteer doing more harm or good is going to be ever present.
9) Taxi rides to the store are only 50 cents and are a great way to enjoy AC
10) the house phone is out of order.
And finally....
No matter how much I write I can not capture everything I am experiencing in words.
Ok so here is some basic Logistical stuff for those of you who are interested.
I will be teaching 2 sections of both(drum roll please...) Sophmore biology and Junior English.
There are 7 periods in a school day and will always have 4th and 7th off.
Each one with in our community is required to cook dinner once a week and do dishes once a week. The high school students do not rotate for classes, instead the teachers do.
Most likely I will check back in a week love you all XOXO
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Aloha!!!!!
IT is currently 5:30 in the morning in Hawaii, and boy what a time we have had. a group of 5 of us arrived here on monday evening around 6pm and were in aww over the beuaty of the water. Yesterday, I think we managed to do more in one day then most people do in their entire vacation. We woke up at around 7 and were out the door by 8 after being on the bus for a while we got off in China town and looked around at the market and each got a pastery. I got a coconut felled thing it was amazing. We got back on the bus and met up with Julie Walsh, an Alumi of SHC who is also a former volunteer who was in Majuro back in 1990. She now lives in Hawaii and has her PH D. in cultural Anthoropology. ( ....Hawaii may be in my future....) after having a wonderful breakfast we decided to climb a tree while Julie took Chuuk Jaclyn ( another island in micronesia) to the air port to pick up AJ the rest of us hung out at the beach and climed an amazing tree. I felt as if I was part of Swiss Family Robinson. When we all were reunited we rentend bikes and rode up to Dimond Head, where we continued on by foot. For those of you who are unaware Dimond Head is a valcano, but no worryes it hasn't exploded in thousands of years. I was actually inside the bowl of the valcano, so tecnichly speaking....I was inside a valcano!!! well we climed up to the highest point and the view was breath taking. It was ocean every which way and mountains behind us. It was beautiful. After riding back and returning the bikes we went back to the beach and found a place to eat. I had fish tacos. They were mmmmmmmmmm good. Well it is now 5:45 and and our plane leaves at 7:00 I can't believe I am about to leave for 2 years. I am so excitd to meet Diane and Chris, our two fellow community members who have already been there a year. I hope everyone is doing well it is so nice to read all of your comments remember to keep in touch. Nothing but love.
Friday, July 29, 2005
Silence is Golden...?!?!?!?!?
Well I got back yesterday from a silent retreat...(ok mostly silent). The time was well needed and was a great time to reflect and to process what I'm about to get myself into. During the 36 hours of silence I did realize just how serious a two year commitment is....and it kinda scared me. Today is Friday I leave MONDAY!!!! well things are going well here. kinda slow and back in the grind but im definetly getting ready. Tonight I have my one on one, so please keep me in your prayers. I really have no reason to be nervous, but hey you know how that goes. To all of you my faithful readers. I want you to know how much I love you and appreciate hearing about your days as well. Please keep it up....
i'll be sure and write again soon, but i have to go for now until then. Peace
i'll be sure and write again soon, but i have to go for now until then. Peace
Sunday, July 24, 2005
do what you got to do.....
Things are going well for the most part...
Friday night a group of 17 of us went out and had a couple of drinks, it was nice we were celebrating a long week and a fellow JV's 23 birthday! I had a Jagerbomb and two blue moons. It was nice to unwind and process all the information and talk throught the emotions of the last six days. Well It worked out that almost all the individuals left earlyer then myself and two others. And as they returned they were not very respectful. so the following morning. We all got yelled at for being loud. (which i agree, would need to be adressed) and also for going out in the first place! Lets just say it wasn't very cool. and it kinda sucked. I feel that all of us need that time to relax after 14 hour days of listening and participating in activites. There comes a time when enough is enough. So long story short. Some times you got to do what you got to do. and I'm glad we went out I had the oppertunity to get to talk to some really cool people....
In other news...
Today we a group of 6 of us... myself and 5 girls...( Clare....what can i say...."they love me") :) went to the movies to see Willie Wonka, it was different, almost a drag. But i did notice seveal parallels too JVI that was kinda cool.....I too just got my "golden" ticket today! My plane tickets that is. WE leave August 1st and fly to Huston and then on to Honaluloo (spelling?) for TWO thats right 2 night!!!! and then on two Majuro...Nothing like volunteering in style. I'm really looking forward to it too because I hope to meet up with Julie Walsh, a former JV who graduated from Spring hill and lives in Honalulu.
Peace,
Friday night a group of 17 of us went out and had a couple of drinks, it was nice we were celebrating a long week and a fellow JV's 23 birthday! I had a Jagerbomb and two blue moons. It was nice to unwind and process all the information and talk throught the emotions of the last six days. Well It worked out that almost all the individuals left earlyer then myself and two others. And as they returned they were not very respectful. so the following morning. We all got yelled at for being loud. (which i agree, would need to be adressed) and also for going out in the first place! Lets just say it wasn't very cool. and it kinda sucked. I feel that all of us need that time to relax after 14 hour days of listening and participating in activites. There comes a time when enough is enough. So long story short. Some times you got to do what you got to do. and I'm glad we went out I had the oppertunity to get to talk to some really cool people....
In other news...
Today we a group of 6 of us... myself and 5 girls...( Clare....what can i say...."they love me") :) went to the movies to see Willie Wonka, it was different, almost a drag. But i did notice seveal parallels too JVI that was kinda cool.....I too just got my "golden" ticket today! My plane tickets that is. WE leave August 1st and fly to Huston and then on to Honaluloo (spelling?) for TWO thats right 2 night!!!! and then on two Majuro...Nothing like volunteering in style. I'm really looking forward to it too because I hope to meet up with Julie Walsh, a former JV who graduated from Spring hill and lives in Honalulu.
Peace,
Thursday, July 21, 2005
ewwwwwwwww germs.....
Things are going great. I cant believe how fast the time is flying by. Yesterday we had a FJV (former volunter) and talk to us about health. She did a great job and we even go a little messy with one of her deminstrations...Lets just say if germs were chocolate pudding it would make it a lot easier to know when one need to wash there hands. Today are disscussions and presenter is also a former volunteer. We are getting a one day crash course in how to teach. So far we have talked about the three learning styles and the 8 different types of inteligences. Its so crazy to think that in a little over two weeks I'll begin teaching. Today was also great because I also go to sit down with Mary Beth, a FJV who went to Majuro. I got to see pictures!!! and im so pumped. They look very simular to the pictures at the link to the right. The house and school where I'll be teaching are next to each other, and the water looks beautiful. I also learned that we will have to boil all the water we use outside of shower water. for a minumum of 20 minutes. As far as community goes. Emily, Jacqueline and myself are making great bonds. I think these next two years are going to me great.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Are you ready to get "unplugged"
I can't believe that today is only the second full day. The information we are covering is way important and way exciting, and I can't believe I have to wait until August 2nd to leave. I recently found out that a week after i get to Majuro I will begin teaching...YIKES! I'm ready. Today two of the former volunteers presented those of us going to the Marshall Islands and Micornisia with shell necklaces and also sang a traditional song for us it was awsome and made me feel good to see that they were willing to be a little silly. Last night's activity went well The RMI group (republic of the marshall islands) was incharge and we sang the "baby shark song" the "boogaloo song" and also played boom chica boom and everyone loved it. Im currrently helping a fellow JV to create her own blog.....nobody has herd of it....i feel like the computer nerd (dan i know how you must feel...LOL) Well I love you all take care
Monday, July 18, 2005
Give me a J...Give me a V... Give me an I...
Well, Today is the first full day of orientation for JVI, or as they call it big O ( hmmmm I thought that was something else...) Anyway, things are going along nicely. Mom and Dad left yesterday after we celebrated mass together, and I swear they were trying to make us cry cause they played ever sad song you could think of...But it wasn't to bad to say bye in fact My mom didn't. She said she wasn't going to say the "b" and she didn't mean the typical "B" word, LOL Well I met my two fellow community members and they are really cool. I think we are going to have a great time. There names are Jacqueline and Emily. Unfortunatly Jacquline did loose her luggage but is handling it very well. Tonight the three of us are incharge of the night activity, and because it is the first night that a group is incharge we are not quite sure what were going to do...but we have some good ideas :) Today we have already had two sessions the first on the JVI mission and the second was on the Jesuits...they were good, slightly repetitive, but presented in a great fashion. These two weeks are going to fly right bye and I am a bit nervous...we are going to be getting a lot of infirmation that we will need for the next two years I am however, very excited about Majuro. The two FJ (former volunters) who just left Majuro are here and are a great resourse. It is so nice to get answeres to some of the many questions I have. It definitly makes it a lot more real.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
In the beginning...
Hello,
So I've decided to set up this Blog as an opportunity for not only me to keep a record of my time in the Marshall Islands, but also as a way to share my experience with others. I have exactly 24 days until I leave for orientation, and I am getting more nervous and excited as July 16th approaches. You may have noticed that the current title of the Blog is "Getting ruined never felt so good..." I chose this as a positive/optimistic mantra to the pre-existing JVI (Jesuit Volunteer International) Slogan of "Ruined for life". At first glance it may come across harsh but after considering the experience that I am about to embark on I am beginning to see "Ruined for life" more as the goal. I can only hope that after my two years away from home, while teaching High School English I can return as a more aware individual never to be the same. I feel just as the term "ruined" may at first come across as a negative so to may the experience at first.
Currently my thoughts have been consumed with the ever present reality that soon I will no longer be in the company of my family and friends and will not have access to the many basic things that we all take for granted on a daily basis. The convenience of the cell telephone, the luxury of air conditioning will be just a few that will be missed. As for now... I'm ready to get ruined!
So I've decided to set up this Blog as an opportunity for not only me to keep a record of my time in the Marshall Islands, but also as a way to share my experience with others. I have exactly 24 days until I leave for orientation, and I am getting more nervous and excited as July 16th approaches. You may have noticed that the current title of the Blog is "Getting ruined never felt so good..." I chose this as a positive/optimistic mantra to the pre-existing JVI (Jesuit Volunteer International) Slogan of "Ruined for life". At first glance it may come across harsh but after considering the experience that I am about to embark on I am beginning to see "Ruined for life" more as the goal. I can only hope that after my two years away from home, while teaching High School English I can return as a more aware individual never to be the same. I feel just as the term "ruined" may at first come across as a negative so to may the experience at first.
Currently my thoughts have been consumed with the ever present reality that soon I will no longer be in the company of my family and friends and will not have access to the many basic things that we all take for granted on a daily basis. The convenience of the cell telephone, the luxury of air conditioning will be just a few that will be missed. As for now... I'm ready to get ruined!
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