Drinking sakau (too much sakau)

Looks delicious, right?  Now imagine these roots being pounded on a large flat stone, twisted in hibiscus vines, and squeezed into a dahl en sakau (kava cup).  Sakau remains very much a constant in my life, whether it be in a bottle or off the rock and shared with family, friends, or strangers alike.  It brings people together, which may be the very reason why sakau is so valued in Pohnpeian culture.  It certainly brought my entire extended host family together as we celebrated the birthdays of my host brother, my host father, and my self at one big kamadipw.  It also makes a person reflect on the traditions and lore surrounding this drink, as well as reflect on life in general.

My own life has been taken some unique turns this past year, but with the grace of God and support of my family and friends I have been able to navigate each one.  I have already learned so much – how to teach English, how to integrate into a culture different from my own, how to go with the flow when need be but stay firm when necessary.  Most of all, being a Peace Corps Volunteer in Micronesia has made me learn how to treasure the little things.  Eating breadfruit everyday.  Catching a student sharing a library book with an interested friend.  Understanding a new Pohnpeian word that I have been curious about for the longest time.  One moment that really made me smile was giving recommendations for four of my former students to join Upward Bound, a program for the best and the brightest sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are destined for greatness.

This current school year already has me in full blown work mode.  I’ve acted as an emcee and as the token mehn wai teacher.  Due to some very last minute changes in the schedule (per norm) I am now teaching FOUR (out of four) classes, two sections of juniors and two sections of (crazy) freshman.  All Language Arts but no Biology though (woo-hoo!).  I do my best to incorporate grammar, reading, writing, vocabulary, test taking, and journaling into my classes so I can expose students to the many interesting facets of the English language.  And yes, I spend most of my time lesson planning and grading papers, though I do think (and hope) that it is time well spent. 

The library coordinating is also going well.  All of the fiction books have finally been organized.  New metal shelves have been obtained and installed to house the many stacks of non-fiction books currently sitting on the floor.  The process of getting the shelves was quite the doozy but well worth it.  I am still in the process of finding a permanent librarian, though I have found a counterpart of sorts to work with for now.  I just wish there were more hours in the day!

I would like to thank EVERYONE (even you silent lurkers) who has followed my blog for the past year.  Kalahngan lap once again.  Here’s to another great one!

This post has been brought to you by M77’s Team Pohnpei.