Underneath a waterfall

It’s a tiny one, but still!

I have been packing a lot into my last few weeks here in Pohnpei.  School-wise, my computer class is learning how to navigate Microsoft Word (when there is cash power).  I also had the guts to speak in Pohnpeian at my final PTA meeting, which turned out pretty well.  I am working with the debate team on the fine art of arguing (MHS even had its first annual debate, hosted by yours truly) and researching (through interviews and the internet).  In the library, students from all levels have been captivated by…American pop culture magazines.  Thank you Pennoyer Elementary School 8^th graders!  MHS also did very well in the Pohnpei Public Library’s Art and Essay Contest in celebration of its 25^th anniversary.  This year’s theme was “Reading: Lighthouse to the World”.

You know you’re in a small country when…you can meet with your state senator after one phone call.

So proud of these students, the most prolific readers at MHS! 

I am glad to report to you all, dear readers, that I have accomplished everything on my Pohnpeian bucket list (kickin’ the bucket, indeed).  I finally visited Pahntakai Waterfall in U and the Mand swimming hole in Madolenihmw.  I am also starting to decide what clothes to give away and what to keep.  My advice to you, future volunteers in Micronesia – you will acquire A LOT of clothing during your service, so only bring enough clothes to get you started (say, two week’s worth tops).  I am also preparing for graduate school at UIUC by setting up various accounts and filling out paperwork (never-ending!).

Pahntakai

Brad in a literal bat cave behind the waterfall

With Berman, one of my best students and Mand tour guide

So athletic!

You may be wondering how I’m feeling right now, with three weeks left in my Peace Corps service.  Well, I’m not actually sure.  I think I’m in denial that I’m actually leaving Pohnpei, but at the same time I’m anticipating everything I’m planning to do once I’m back in the states for good.  Is that odd?  32 months away from “home” is an awfully long time, but I have created another “home” for myself here in Pohnpei.  Home is where the heart is?

As long as I don’t get a kool aid induced heart attack!

In a rain cloud

Just wanted to share with you, dear reader, two events that happened to me this past Saturday.  I know – it’s crazy how much I’ve been updating.  With five weeks left in Pohnpei I need to make the most of my remaining time here. 

Though I’m not going to miss pigs entering my shower!

I met President Emanuel Mori of the Federated States of Micronesia.  We had lunch together (along with Bishop Armando and various Jesuit priests).  We talked about Michael Jordan and Barack Obama (I told him I was from Chicago), how I ended up volunteering in Micronesia for 2½ years, and how I should come back to the F.S.M. to teach after I finish my master’s degree.  It was awesome.

President Manny Mori (on the right) with bonus Bishop Armando (sitting down)

I went night fishing with Nick (the M78 in Salapwuk) and his host grandfather.  Using a canoe, we paddled out into the Pacific Ocean in the middle of the night.  As multitudes of stars shined overhead (when it wasn’t raining) I actually caught nine fish.  Two more got away from me, one of them even after I bit into its head (Gollum style).  It was awesome.

My first catch!

Where else in the world can I have lunch with the president of a country and then go fishing at night?  Only in Pohnpei.

Acting like a mehn wai

When you have 40 days left in a country where you’ve been living for over 2½ years, you would too.  It’s slowly sinking in that I will actually be leaving Pohnpei and not be coming back for another ten years (or at least that’s what I tell the random people who ask me this question).  Marriage propositions have tripled for me – I’ve even gotten an offer from my nohno kahlap (grandmother) to find me a Pohnpeian husband to bring back to the states…it’s the thought that counts?

It’s best not to think too much when taking off or landing on Pohnpei’s runway.

My time and energy this past month have been devoted to assuring the sustainability of the library (always), joking around with MHS students (my way of showing how much I care), teaching my host sisters how to drive (totally legal), writing the single most important document of my Peace Corps experience (not an exaggeration, since the Description of Service will be the only official record of my service for the next 60 years), and preparing for graduate school starting this summer (going to UIUC, just in case you were wondering).

My victory pose for how productive I was

Over the spring break (since seasons exist here in Pohnpei – not) I was up to plenty things.  Seeing that it coincided perfectly with Holy Week (since separation of church and state exists here in Pohnpei – not) I attended Catholic mass and services both with my host family and in Kolonia.  One of my most favorite activities that I do in town is play flute in the international choir, which I did in a big way at Easter Sunday mass.   

Palm Sunday

Holy Thursday

Stations of the Cross on Good Friday

Happy Easter, courtesy of the instrumental section!

During the break I also saw my World Teach and Jesuit Volunteer friends fly off to Chuuk (I think they came back…), explored more of what Kolonia Town has to offer (there are some real hidden treasures), and climbed Sokehs Ridge a fourth time in the company of Christy’s family.

Ran Annim to Sam, Brian, and Brad

View from Nett Bridge

Japanese army tanks

Kay, Christy, and me on top of Sokehs Ridge

Dear reader, my time in the Peace Corps is almost over (AHH!).  Please stay tuned for a few more blog entries as I wrap up my service.  Much love to my family and friends for constantly supporting me on this journey.