March 10, 2006

Fourth quarter starts on Monday; I am currently in the middle of grading exams. Like usual I have saved the worst part for last, the English essays. This quarter the juniors of Assumption learned about creative/imaginative writing. Their big essay for their final was to write a legend, about why the sky is blue, using all that they have learned. I am dreading grading, based solely on the amount of time it will take. I plan to get most of it done on Friday, so that I can have the weekend to myself. On Friday night the c-unity and a friend of ours named Paula are going to the Marshall Island High School’s production of Romeo and Juliet. I am requiring my students to attend, and told them to write a one page review and bring their ticket stub to school on Monday. I’m sure they are not looking forward to it as much as I am. The play is being directed by a professor from Dartmouth, and will be in both English and Marshallese. I have heard good things and am eager to see what these commonly shy students can do.
As for the community everyone is doing well. We have had a few health hick-ups, but nothing to serious. It still amazes me to see how well we operate as a unit. It is as if we are playing a game of house, but were living it. Chris and Diane have been getting word about returning to the states. It is a bit of a touchy subject, and is rarely discussed. In May we will have our Re-orientation for those of us returning for our second year and dis-orientation for those returning home. This year the volunteers from Chuuk and Pohnpei will be joining us here on the majestic island of Majuro. I am really looking forward to both hearing about there experience and sharing mine; I also think it will allow me to begin my second year of service with a greater appreciation for what I am doing here.
It both excites me and scares me to think that fourth quarter is here, and that the school year is almost over. There has already been talk of teachers moving on, which leaves the rest of the faculty worried about next year. I am also ready to tackle my second year. This first year was a big adjustment; I hope that I am able to keep the same classes, because it is possible that I may be asked to teach junior and senior religion class. I am not at all against the idea; however I would like to have the chance to redeem myself by teaching the same classes again next year. This summer the Jacqueline, Emily and myself are going to be teaching on the outer island of Alinglaplap. We will be there for a little more then five weeks, and will be responsible for running a summer school program for children, from grades 1 thru 8. I am really looking forward to the experience, because like most outer islands it is very different then the capitol of Majuro, including not having electricity or the conveniences of a grocery store. In fact we will be taking enough food with us for the time we are there. It will be the closest thing to Survivor that I will ever experience. In all honesty, there are also some hesitations as well; last year Chris was bit by a dog, the dogs don’t particularly care for “rebelle”… or maybe they just taste better, rats and mosquitoes can also be a problem, and not speaking more then seven words of Marshallese will be interesting. I am sure after being thrown into this I will come back to Majuro with a greater appreciation for the many things that I have grown accustom to. My plan while living it up like a native is to spend time reading, practicing Marshallese, learning to play the ukulele, and maybe learn a thing or two about the constellations, not having electricity in the middle of the ocean should make the stars seem like headlights.

Here in the Marshall Islands many things that at first I found surprising have become mundane and routine. So, in an effort to share this with you my observations I have adopted a format that is found in every issue of the Marshall Island Journal I hope this list illustrates my point.

Did you know…?

That “Iokwe”, the standard Marshallese greeting literally translated means, “You are the rainbow.”

That since being in the tropical climate of Majuro, my consumption of hot beverages has increased 3 fold.

That it is common for me to wake up sweating in the morning, and that I along with the other JVs choose to eat hot oatmeal for breakfast.

That I try to wear the same pair of pants for the entire school week.

That I teach the grandson of the First President of the Marshall Islands, and the niece of the current President.

That I have students named; Souvenir, Zoser, Fraternity, and Mylanta.

That if a student is expelled it is common for students and administrators to refer to the student as being “fired.”

That your father’s brothers and is referred to as your father, and your mother’s sisters are your mother. Which makes your cousins, your brothers and sisters.

That it is not unthinkable for parents to have to take out a bank loan to throw a kemmem, or first birthday, for each of their children.

That a common Marshallese snack is dry Ramon noodles mixed with Kool-aid powder.

That 1 package of Ramon has over 200% of your sodium Daily Value.

That Sponge Bob Square Pants is from Bikini bottom, which makes him the first Marshallese cartoon.

That March 1st is Nuclear Survivors’ Day, in honor of all the Marshallese affected by the nuclear testing that took place in the 1940’s and 50’s.

That the bomb, named Bravo, was 1,000 times more powerful then the bomb dropped on Hiroshima.