The Pacific Ocean. No electricity, No telephones, running water, or internet. Only a small taste of Paradise! Tomorrow, June 23rd I along with Jaquline and Emily will leave for the atoll of Alinglaplap, (pronounced just like it sounds) We will be spending our summer teaching summer school to the children in grades 1-8. This of course, only being an optional summer school the three of us will be able to do with it as we will in terms of lesson planing. As of now we plan to do a lot of review, focusing on math and English and in the afternoon do arts and crafts, science experiments and sports. Today we took eight boxes to the airport full of food, mostly cans of beans and tuna. The total weight was over 200 lbs. which seems like a lot, but its what everyone does. In fact we are under what last years volunteers brought by 40 lbs., and there was only two of them!!! I am both excited and only slightly nervous, This is a huge turning point in my JV experience, it is this experience that will lead me into my second year as a volunteer. When I return from these five weeks, I know I will come back changed, I will forever be indebted to the generosity and hospitality that the people of the Marshall Islands have shown me.
In more general news, I am currently reading a book called, Ishmael and it has blown my mind I think that it has caused me to begin to do alot of thinking on what exactly this experience has ment to me and how it will affect me in the rest of my life. I STRONGLY encourage you to read it, because I would love to be able to talk about it with someone...
It is so difficult to figure out what to write about so many things have happened that at first were out of the ordinary, but now have become second nature. Today two little girls came over to color( this is typical,we also have blocks,and sometime they ask to dance to a CD) , there names were Nicole and Aimi. The two of them have started coming over more recently, it seems that our house goes through a cycle, as the kids age they begin to not find our house as fun as it once was and so it takes a while for younger kids to start showing up. Anyway, Nicole and Aimi were coloing having a good time, when what do you think Nicole asked....??? Mungi? Mungi? Food? Food? This too is not that uncommon, and what am I to do? Yes we have food, but no you may not have any. Why? Well because if we give you some food where does it end, at what point does it become a dependancy....and this gets to a point when you have to just question EVERYTHING!!!! Well I hope all of you the best. Please say an extra prayer or two for me over the next 35 days, I'm sure I could use them. Love and God Bless
~GREG
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9 comments:
Hey Hey! Well, I read the Little Prince the other day and I'll do my best to look for Ishmael. Currently, I'm reading topics in developmental psych. and exceptionalities. I'm learning some GRRRREAT stuff which we, as fellow educators, should discuss.
Greg, I'm so very proud of you and rest assured, you (and Nicole and Aimi and Jackie and Emily) will be in my prayers.
Love and Prayers,
Clare
I haven't even read the blog yet, but wanted you to know I was checking...I will write more after I read thru it. Mwa...I love you!
Gregory...I won't write a novel as I know you probably won't even get this until your return from teaching Summer school, great entry byt he way. Anywho...nothing much to report from here, I miss you and will continue to pray for you and your community of JV'ers as well as the children of the community, it must be very hard to turn them away when your heart wants to fulfill their needs. Take care and the best of luck during this challenging endeavor. I love you!
Hey Gregle! WOw, no electricity, running water, etc? And I already thought you were roughing it! You'll be in my prayers, as always. I hope you have a great time!
Hello Mr. Montoya-
I see that I was right about you being a JVIer...you are great! I have enjoyed reading about your experiences. I promised a care package and will hopefully send it out at the end of the summer. Let me know if there is anything special (besides Golden Oreos) you and your housemates might like to
share.
I am off to new adventures. I will have eletricity and internet...and brace yourself...FRESHMEN! I am going to Villanova University to be a Residence Hall Campus Minister in a Freshmen dorm and work on a Masters in Theology.
I make a solemn vow here and now to be better at keeping in touch!
Love,
Liza
Hey Greg-man, When you read this I'll probably be one my way over there to meet you guys so I'll say it all in past tense. Hope you had a great time with the summer school, you were in me prayers. I think the experiences I have had without electricity or running water have led me to some amazing people and are some of my fav experiences. I hope it turns out to be the same for you.
Mike
Hello, We are in New Mexico and Robert and Lucia wantred to see your blog. They know we won't hear back for awhile but that's ok. Hope all is well and keep in touch. Love, MOM xxxxxxxooooooo
Hey Aren't you back already? I've been counting the days. Hope you had a great time, now that yor back to civilization be sure and contact your American family. The summer has been very hot. But we are busy busy. The kids are well and getting tan. We love you. Love MOM and DAD xxxxxxxooooooo
So sorry I missed your call on Friday - it comes in Unknown so I'm always thinking it's my office! I love you and I am glad you got to tal to the kids, they are sure missing you! Mwa...God Bless you!
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