WOW!

“Wow!” I have officially been made aware that this word escapes my mouth at least 50 times a day. Its usage covers an energetic short, “WOW!” when one of the many Small Island kids are showing me the coloring they just completed. It also fits when I am honestly not paying attention and am offering it as a long more drawn out, less then interested “w—o—w.” In fact the word has not only infiltrated my vocabulary, but has in fact become a part of the vocabulary of many of my community mates. However, their tone often seems to be of a more sarcastic “wow.” After living with these fine individuals for 7 months I have all so noticed each of their own quirks and eccentricities.

Chris- More of the quiet type, thinks before he speaks, enjoys quoting movies, loves watching movies, prefers vegetable spread to butter, clears his throat when brushing his teeth, uses a spoon to peel an orange, examines every utensil, mug and dish before even considering it “clean” enough to be used.

Diane- is an external processor, can talk about nothing for hours, makes the sign of the cross in a way only a ballerina could, enjoys listening to country music, is a big fan of the balanced meal… which includes a carb, a vegetable and a protein.

Emily- Easy to talk to, has a contagious laugh, isn’t afraid of experimenting in the kitchen, is the most likely to be spotted reading a book, walks on her toes when doing the dishes, is not a fan of confrontation, is a running fool, and ran more then 15 miles last Saturday.

Jacqueline- Is a big fan of the word “hardcore”, questions everything…twice, likes things orderly, sees everything in black and white, writes letters home regularly, reads religious books on faith, enjoys brushing her teeth and values good oral hygiene.

I now live it up to you the reader… Please list my habits, quirks, and eccentricities. I will pick the best one and publish it in my next post. Remember to be honest, tasteful and most of all make me laugh J

Did you know…?

that the paid teachers at Assumption make only $4.50 an hour.

that yours truly knows how to open a drinking coconut, or “ni” with his bare hands.

that there is a population of yachters in Majuro referred to as “Yachties”, who can be spotted easily by there tan and leathered skin.

that the National Telecommunication Authority, NTA cut off phone service to the police and the emergency hospital, because of unpaid phone bills. (its been turned back on)

that on Friday the Assumption boy’s basketball team is playing in the championship.

that last year the basketball team won.

that the US Ambassador to the Marshall Islands is not Catholic, but received permission to receive communion.

that my junior students are reading the book The Little Prince, and that some of them admitted to never have read an entire book.

that the only award last year’s valedictorian did not receive was the Marshallese Award, only because she wasn’t Marshallese.

that if one had to sum up the Marshallese lifestyle in two words it would be; jombo and bwebwe-natto, which translate “to wander aimlessly/ go cruising” and “talk-story” respectively.

Biology
Currently in biology we are learning about nutrition. I had my students record everything they ate over one day and bring in the nutrition fact labels. We are now in the process of creating our own “food pyramids” In order to better understand what foods our lacking in their diet. Many of them consumed little or no fruits or vegetables and more than enough sugar and fat.

English
English is going rather well. We are currently reading, The Little Prince. I had never read the book before, but am glad that we happened to have enough copies to use. The book is very short at 113 pages, and is considered more of a children’s book. We are going through the book painstakingly slow in hopes that everyone is reading. I also hope that we also go beyond the surface and get to the true meaning of the story. If anyone has suggestions, please let me know. I am planning on having them make dioramas…Which I think are a lot of fun, hopefully they will as well.