Iio Ruo!!! Year Two!!! Iio Ruo!!!

I have been back in Majuro for two weeks and am amazed at how fast the summer went by. My five weeks in Alinglaplap, were fanfreakn’tastic I had a great time and am already considering if it would be at all possible to go back for a visit in December during Christmas break. The past two weeks in Majuro have been nonstop action.

We returned on a Friday and had 6 days to prepare for Mike and Emily, the new JVs. This including finalizing plans for educating them about life her in Majuro. It is crazy that in one year I have gone from fresh blood to “Mr. Majuro”, and yet still fill as if I too just arrived. We also took it upon ourselves to paint booth of their rooms along with the boys bathroom.

Alinglaplap was quite the experience. JQ, Emily C. and myself started off our summer school with over 70 students. JQ taught reading, EC taught phonics and I taught math. It was like the ultimate experience of playing school, because we had little to no guidance and were able to make our own schedule. It being summer school we decided that it was important for the students to realize that they didn’t have to be there, but if they came it would be our responsibility to make it both fun and educational. This of course was easy to say, but much more difficult when it came to fruition. We ended up having class from 9am to noon and then lunch and then at 1pm we had games/recess.

On the weekends I would walk 90 minutes to Bouj, at the far end of the island. My host family back in Majuro gave me letters to pass on to family in order that they would know who I was, because of this I was able to spend my weekends getting to know my host uncle Lee and host aunt Josin. The two of them were great and are taking care of three of there grandchildren. I really was lucky to spend time with them and be able to practice my Marshallese. They welcomed me in to there home and I felt like part of the family.

Typing this blog I am finding it difficult to put into words what a great experience Alinglaplap truly was. I am glancing through the journal enteries that I wrote while I was there, each day was so action packed. Being back here in Majuro with school starting on Monday, August 14. I really haven’t yet had a lot of time to reflect back on my time.

One thing I do know is that I have already been in Majuro for a year and that it has been longer that since I have seen many of the people I care most about in person. At the same time I know have less then 10 months until I will be officially no longer a JV. This second year I hope that I appreciate everyday, knowing that soon I will be leaving. I also hope that I strength the relationships I currently have and spend time getting to know new faces as well. Having a second year to try living life as a JV is a gift, and I plan to take advantage of it. I love you all….(you know who you are) please keep me in your prayers. I will see you before you know it!
Love
G
PS...Liza what is your email address??????