1)How often do you get to check/send emails?
I teach at the College of Micronesia on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I hold office hours in my office (yes, COM was nice enough to provide me with a desk and a computer with Internet access!), so when I'm not helping a student out, I get to check email and whatnot. So, to answer the question, at least every other day.
2) Are the islands where the other PCVs are located any different (culturally) from yours?
Indeed. Quite different, actually, but still a lot alike. Some have different dress codes, some are more religious, etc. Then again, depending where you are on Pohnpei, the culture can certainly vary.
3) What's the best thing you've had to eat so far? What's the worst thing?
Local food: I love fried bananas and breadfruit chips. Imported food: I love corned beef and canned spaghetti noodles. Delicious.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
A HOT Christmas
Hey everyone!
I’ve been a real slacker when it comes to this blog. Let me try to catch y’all up. I’ll rewind back to December….
Christmas Eve – In general, Christmas is a big holiday here on Pohnpei. Some families even put up Christmas lights! My family is Protestant, so we went to two church services on the Eve. The first one was in the morning. We got to the church around 9am. The service was specifically geared towards the Sunday School kids. The night before, my family and some friends came over to our house and they put together the gift bags in our nas. So, these bags were distributed to each child in the morning. After gift giving, each Sunday School group came up one at a time and sang Christmas songs that they had been practicing the week before (in both Pohnpeian and English). The younger kids memorized short speeches and gave those. I really enjoyed this, and took pictures/video of my brothers and younger sister. After that, we ate lunch. Each family brought in a couple dishes. There was everything there… sushi, fried fish, fried bananas, taro, rice, chicken, etc. At most events I’ve been to on the island, I’ve served myself. However, it’s also quite typical for you to be handed a plate that’s already been prepared for you, and this is what I received at lunch. It was the biggest plate of food I’ve ever had! I ate a few things and gave it to my older sister to eat and/or save for later. Many times, people will put a lot on their plate and take it home to eat later or share with family. Typically, we’ll have bottled water or Safeway sodas at get-togethers. Sometimes, there’ll be coconuts to drink, which I love. I’ve become pretty good at cutting open a coconut for drinking/eating. Anyway, after lunch, we all headed back home. At about 7:30pm later that day, I realized that everyone in my house was getting ready – showering, putting on nice clothes. I was already in a decent looking skirt, so when asked if I was ready for church, I jumped in the back of the flatbed truck, and we headed back to the church. This service was geared towards the adults. Many of the elder members of the church got up and spoke. My Pohnpeian is coming along. I understand much more than I am able to speak it. However, I can make small talk and speak on the phone using the local language. The Pohnpeian used at church is much more formal (just as it is in the States), so it’s a bit harder to understand. From what I’ve heard, sermons/speeches are one of the last things a volunteer is able to pick up here while learning the language. Anyway, around 10:45pm, I was so tired and had no idea when the service would end, so I retired to the flatbed to take a nap. My older sister later came by at midnight to tell me that it was almost over. Apparently, it’s tradition that the church members stay until Christmas begins. We all packed in the truck and went straight to bed.
Christmas – We went back to church in the morning and stayed until lunch time. Around 3pm, my family and I had a small gift exchange. I was really touched with the gifts that my sisters and nohno got me. I received earrings, local oil, and a beautiful skirt! After that, I went to Awok (an area about 40min drive away from my house) for sakau with some friends. Get way to spend Christmas evening. Fell asleep sakaula (drunk).
After Christmas, a couple of the Pohnpei volunteers, some WorldTeach, one Jesuit Volunteer, and I decided that we’d take the cargo ship out to the outer islands to visit Kate and Heather. The Caroline Voyager set out on the 27th, and we endured the rough sea (it’s the windy season here) and made it to Kate in Mokil the next morning. Just to give you an idea, this cargo ship was full of food and supplies for the Mokil and Pingelap islanders for the next 6 months (the ship only visits twice a year). Approximately 30-40 Pohnpeians shared the boat deck with us as sleeping quarters. There were others in the cabins. We decided to go for the considerably less comfortable deck because it was $22 versus the $60+ cabins. After stopping in Mokil and greeting Kate, some of us stayed on Mokil, and the others, including me, continued on to Pingelap to meet up with Heather. I spent the night with her in her house and the next day, we helped the islanders remove the cargo from the ship. The Voyager can only get so close to the island without running into the reef, so you have to smaller boats out to pick up cargo and bring it to the shore. We’d be handed a box and we’d sort the stuff by family name. The entire strip of beach was full of groupings of boxes. Food, gasoline, kerosene, generators, fans, etc. Even toys, clothes, and bikes were dropped off. It took almost all afternoon to complete. After everything was taken off the boat, it was time to board again, and head back home. On our way, we picked up those on Mokil. Aside from the uncomfortable sleeping situations on the boat, the trip was amazing. It was great to see the other volunteers and see some of the other islands. We got back in on the morning of New Year’s Eve.
New Year’s Eve – After getting off of the boat, I immediately headed to the Peace Corps office for a shower! I spent most of the day relaxing. Hung out by the water for a bit. Then, went to Awok again for some sakau. We danced and drank into 2010 listening to UB40. Very memorable.
New Year’s Day – I came home to an empty house. That’s never happened before since there are so many people on my compound. I later found out that my aunt (my nohno’s brother’s wife) had passed away. Funerals here last 4 days. I ended up going to 2 days of it. From what I hear, you’re only allowed to grieve (or show grief) on the first day. There were speeches and sakau drinking along with a whole bunch of food when I went with my family to my uncle’s house. I decided not to drink sakau since it was only about noon… I prefer drinking at night.
School started back up January 4th. The first Monday we came back, I had a total of 9 students that showed up (I have 16 in my class). The rest of the week, attendance increased gradually, and now we’re back full force. Last Friday, I began teaching a course at the College of Micronesia. It’s called “Writing for Teachers.” So far, I’m really enjoying spending my afternoons working with older students.
We’re in the windy season currently, and I’m loving the constant breeze that comes through my windows at night. I can’t tell you how stagnate the air is during the rest of the year down in the valley where my house is. I sit and stare at the curtains as they’re blown into the air for several minutes on end. It makes me want to time how long they float… that’s how amazed I am.
Anyway, I better get going. Please – ask me questions! I feel like I ramble… it’d be nice to know what y’all are interested in hearing about from me!
Before I go, though, I want to give a shout out to Jing – goodluck with the Peace Corps process! And I can’t wait for your package. Packages make my week… really, they make my month :) Being in the Peace Corps has really shown me what wonderful friends and family I have. I really appreciate all of your letters and gifts. It means a lot.
Until next time...
I’ve been a real slacker when it comes to this blog. Let me try to catch y’all up. I’ll rewind back to December….
Christmas Eve – In general, Christmas is a big holiday here on Pohnpei. Some families even put up Christmas lights! My family is Protestant, so we went to two church services on the Eve. The first one was in the morning. We got to the church around 9am. The service was specifically geared towards the Sunday School kids. The night before, my family and some friends came over to our house and they put together the gift bags in our nas. So, these bags were distributed to each child in the morning. After gift giving, each Sunday School group came up one at a time and sang Christmas songs that they had been practicing the week before (in both Pohnpeian and English). The younger kids memorized short speeches and gave those. I really enjoyed this, and took pictures/video of my brothers and younger sister. After that, we ate lunch. Each family brought in a couple dishes. There was everything there… sushi, fried fish, fried bananas, taro, rice, chicken, etc. At most events I’ve been to on the island, I’ve served myself. However, it’s also quite typical for you to be handed a plate that’s already been prepared for you, and this is what I received at lunch. It was the biggest plate of food I’ve ever had! I ate a few things and gave it to my older sister to eat and/or save for later. Many times, people will put a lot on their plate and take it home to eat later or share with family. Typically, we’ll have bottled water or Safeway sodas at get-togethers. Sometimes, there’ll be coconuts to drink, which I love. I’ve become pretty good at cutting open a coconut for drinking/eating. Anyway, after lunch, we all headed back home. At about 7:30pm later that day, I realized that everyone in my house was getting ready – showering, putting on nice clothes. I was already in a decent looking skirt, so when asked if I was ready for church, I jumped in the back of the flatbed truck, and we headed back to the church. This service was geared towards the adults. Many of the elder members of the church got up and spoke. My Pohnpeian is coming along. I understand much more than I am able to speak it. However, I can make small talk and speak on the phone using the local language. The Pohnpeian used at church is much more formal (just as it is in the States), so it’s a bit harder to understand. From what I’ve heard, sermons/speeches are one of the last things a volunteer is able to pick up here while learning the language. Anyway, around 10:45pm, I was so tired and had no idea when the service would end, so I retired to the flatbed to take a nap. My older sister later came by at midnight to tell me that it was almost over. Apparently, it’s tradition that the church members stay until Christmas begins. We all packed in the truck and went straight to bed.
Christmas – We went back to church in the morning and stayed until lunch time. Around 3pm, my family and I had a small gift exchange. I was really touched with the gifts that my sisters and nohno got me. I received earrings, local oil, and a beautiful skirt! After that, I went to Awok (an area about 40min drive away from my house) for sakau with some friends. Get way to spend Christmas evening. Fell asleep sakaula (drunk).
After Christmas, a couple of the Pohnpei volunteers, some WorldTeach, one Jesuit Volunteer, and I decided that we’d take the cargo ship out to the outer islands to visit Kate and Heather. The Caroline Voyager set out on the 27th, and we endured the rough sea (it’s the windy season here) and made it to Kate in Mokil the next morning. Just to give you an idea, this cargo ship was full of food and supplies for the Mokil and Pingelap islanders for the next 6 months (the ship only visits twice a year). Approximately 30-40 Pohnpeians shared the boat deck with us as sleeping quarters. There were others in the cabins. We decided to go for the considerably less comfortable deck because it was $22 versus the $60+ cabins. After stopping in Mokil and greeting Kate, some of us stayed on Mokil, and the others, including me, continued on to Pingelap to meet up with Heather. I spent the night with her in her house and the next day, we helped the islanders remove the cargo from the ship. The Voyager can only get so close to the island without running into the reef, so you have to smaller boats out to pick up cargo and bring it to the shore. We’d be handed a box and we’d sort the stuff by family name. The entire strip of beach was full of groupings of boxes. Food, gasoline, kerosene, generators, fans, etc. Even toys, clothes, and bikes were dropped off. It took almost all afternoon to complete. After everything was taken off the boat, it was time to board again, and head back home. On our way, we picked up those on Mokil. Aside from the uncomfortable sleeping situations on the boat, the trip was amazing. It was great to see the other volunteers and see some of the other islands. We got back in on the morning of New Year’s Eve.
New Year’s Eve – After getting off of the boat, I immediately headed to the Peace Corps office for a shower! I spent most of the day relaxing. Hung out by the water for a bit. Then, went to Awok again for some sakau. We danced and drank into 2010 listening to UB40. Very memorable.
New Year’s Day – I came home to an empty house. That’s never happened before since there are so many people on my compound. I later found out that my aunt (my nohno’s brother’s wife) had passed away. Funerals here last 4 days. I ended up going to 2 days of it. From what I hear, you’re only allowed to grieve (or show grief) on the first day. There were speeches and sakau drinking along with a whole bunch of food when I went with my family to my uncle’s house. I decided not to drink sakau since it was only about noon… I prefer drinking at night.
School started back up January 4th. The first Monday we came back, I had a total of 9 students that showed up (I have 16 in my class). The rest of the week, attendance increased gradually, and now we’re back full force. Last Friday, I began teaching a course at the College of Micronesia. It’s called “Writing for Teachers.” So far, I’m really enjoying spending my afternoons working with older students.
We’re in the windy season currently, and I’m loving the constant breeze that comes through my windows at night. I can’t tell you how stagnate the air is during the rest of the year down in the valley where my house is. I sit and stare at the curtains as they’re blown into the air for several minutes on end. It makes me want to time how long they float… that’s how amazed I am.
Anyway, I better get going. Please – ask me questions! I feel like I ramble… it’d be nice to know what y’all are interested in hearing about from me!
Before I go, though, I want to give a shout out to Jing – goodluck with the Peace Corps process! And I can’t wait for your package. Packages make my week… really, they make my month :) Being in the Peace Corps has really shown me what wonderful friends and family I have. I really appreciate all of your letters and gifts. It means a lot.
Until next time...
Friday, December 11, 2009
Quick update...
I've been terrible updating this thing... time has been flying. My last 5 weeks in a nutshell:
- Last Thursday, I was bitten by a dog... again. Second time since I've been here. This instance was scarier than last time since the dog charged toward me and went straight for my ankle. I'm okay, though! Another round of antibiotics (to keep away infection) and more bandages. I must be really unlucky... I don't know of anyone (PCVs or locals) that has been bitten.
- I've been teaching since the moment I entered my classroom. My kids are great. Their abilities range greatly (some speak fluent English, while others barely know common greetings). I really enjoy the time I spend with them.
- I completed grad school last week! YEAH!
- Next semester, I'm teaching at the College of Micronesia in the afternoons/evenings after I teach my 7th/8th graders. I'm teaching a class entitled "Writing for Teachers." It has a lot to do with grammar and such in lesson planning. COM is only a couple miles from my house, so it's a good secondary project for me to do.
- My family is huge! The are so many people I can't keep track sometimes. Its always busy...
- I have 2 mysterious rashes I can't seem to get rid of. The doc thinks they're probably a reaction to bug bites.
- I chopped off about 12 inches of hair. I've never had hair so short, but I'm loving it--it's a lot cooler!
- My daily schedule:
7am--wake up
7:30am--breakfast
8:15am--go to school
8:30am--school starts/begin teaching
11am--finish teaching/start lesson planning for next day
12pm--walk home
12:30pm--lunch at the house
1pm--go for a run/hang out with the fam/etc.
7pm--dinner
10pm--sleep
I'll write more in depth during Christmas break (which begins on the 22nd for me and runs through the 3rd). I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
- Last Thursday, I was bitten by a dog... again. Second time since I've been here. This instance was scarier than last time since the dog charged toward me and went straight for my ankle. I'm okay, though! Another round of antibiotics (to keep away infection) and more bandages. I must be really unlucky... I don't know of anyone (PCVs or locals) that has been bitten.
- I've been teaching since the moment I entered my classroom. My kids are great. Their abilities range greatly (some speak fluent English, while others barely know common greetings). I really enjoy the time I spend with them.
- I completed grad school last week! YEAH!
- Next semester, I'm teaching at the College of Micronesia in the afternoons/evenings after I teach my 7th/8th graders. I'm teaching a class entitled "Writing for Teachers." It has a lot to do with grammar and such in lesson planning. COM is only a couple miles from my house, so it's a good secondary project for me to do.
- My family is huge! The are so many people I can't keep track sometimes. Its always busy...
- I have 2 mysterious rashes I can't seem to get rid of. The doc thinks they're probably a reaction to bug bites.
- I chopped off about 12 inches of hair. I've never had hair so short, but I'm loving it--it's a lot cooler!
- My daily schedule:
7am--wake up
7:30am--breakfast
8:15am--go to school
8:30am--school starts/begin teaching
11am--finish teaching/start lesson planning for next day
12pm--walk home
12:30pm--lunch at the house
1pm--go for a run/hang out with the fam/etc.
7pm--dinner
10pm--sleep
I'll write more in depth during Christmas break (which begins on the 22nd for me and runs through the 3rd). I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
It's been a while...
I know it's been a while since my last post -- sorry! Tomorrow, I'll be sending home some more pictures and videos, so keep an eye out for those on PhotoBucket sometime next week.
A real update is coming soon! :)
A real update is coming soon! :)
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Hello, November!
UPDATE: PICTURES ARE UP! There's a link in an earlier post!
Time is really flying. It feels like yesterday that we started Phase II of training, but now we have less than a week left until we move to our permanent sites. I think everyone is eager to get started with their assignments. Our Swear-in Ceremony is on November 6th. Both our current and future host families will attend. Kevin, our country director, will give a speech, and we’ll be recognized as full-fledged Peace Corps Volunteers (instead of just trainees). After weeks of practicing, we’ve perfected our Pohnpeian stick dance that we’ll perform during the ceremony. We trainees designed and ordered shirts that say “Peace Corps Micronesia” on them, which I’m looking forward to having and wearing that day. If things work out, we’ll also wear grass skirts, but we’re still in the process of finding enough, but if not, we’ll go with local Pohnpeian skirts.
Last week went well. On Friday, we all boated over to one of the 30 small islands that surround Pohnpei proper. The tide is low in the mornings, so at one point, we all had to hop out of the boat and push it along as we stepped on the coral. The island itself was quite small, and Heather and I were able to walk around the entire thing in about 15 minutes. In the morning, we had our weekly cross cultural session, where we learned how to weave a basket using branches found on the island. Heather and I worked on one together, but ended up making our own design. The trainers were very impressed and told us that our design is actually how Pohnpeians create sails for boats! In addition to weaving, we learned how to start a fire using coconut shells and other wood. My nohno had already taught me how to do this, but it was still fun to watch. We built the fire in an area where there were a million little hermit crabs walking around! I picked a few up and watched them as they scurried across the rocks. The rest of my time was spent relaxing in the shade and listening to music. I gathered the leftover leaves from basket weaving, layed on those, and used my lifejacket as my pillow. It was peaceful.
This week, we spent Tuesday and Thursday in local Pohnpeian classrooms. Both days, we taught, but Mollie and I were only able to play a quick game with our class on Tuesday because our teacher had been out some days before, and we didn’t get a chance to talk to her about lesson planning topics and such. All went well, though. I really can’t wait to meet the class I’ll we working with for the rest of the school year!
Wednesday, my host dad’s cousin passed away, and my host parents had to go in to Kolonia for the night to prepare for the funeral. They didn’t want me home alone, so they asked Heather’s host family if she could spend the night. It was fun having her over! We had dinner, looked at magazines that my mom had sent (thanks, Ma!), and sat around talking. It was certainly different from my usual quiet nights here at the house. Heather leaves for an outer island soon, and I won’t get to see her again until March, so it was great to get some extra time together before she heads out.
I hope everyone had a good Halloween! Pohnpeians know about the holiday, but it’s not really celebrated on the island (I’ve heard some people in Kolonia take part in the festivities, though). My nohno did give me a bag of candy, which was nice!
Since so much will change at the end of the week (my host family, starting my assignment, my location on the island, etc.), I’m not sure when I’ll get another chance to update. I hope you all have a good November!
Time is really flying. It feels like yesterday that we started Phase II of training, but now we have less than a week left until we move to our permanent sites. I think everyone is eager to get started with their assignments. Our Swear-in Ceremony is on November 6th. Both our current and future host families will attend. Kevin, our country director, will give a speech, and we’ll be recognized as full-fledged Peace Corps Volunteers (instead of just trainees). After weeks of practicing, we’ve perfected our Pohnpeian stick dance that we’ll perform during the ceremony. We trainees designed and ordered shirts that say “Peace Corps Micronesia” on them, which I’m looking forward to having and wearing that day. If things work out, we’ll also wear grass skirts, but we’re still in the process of finding enough, but if not, we’ll go with local Pohnpeian skirts.
Last week went well. On Friday, we all boated over to one of the 30 small islands that surround Pohnpei proper. The tide is low in the mornings, so at one point, we all had to hop out of the boat and push it along as we stepped on the coral. The island itself was quite small, and Heather and I were able to walk around the entire thing in about 15 minutes. In the morning, we had our weekly cross cultural session, where we learned how to weave a basket using branches found on the island. Heather and I worked on one together, but ended up making our own design. The trainers were very impressed and told us that our design is actually how Pohnpeians create sails for boats! In addition to weaving, we learned how to start a fire using coconut shells and other wood. My nohno had already taught me how to do this, but it was still fun to watch. We built the fire in an area where there were a million little hermit crabs walking around! I picked a few up and watched them as they scurried across the rocks. The rest of my time was spent relaxing in the shade and listening to music. I gathered the leftover leaves from basket weaving, layed on those, and used my lifejacket as my pillow. It was peaceful.
This week, we spent Tuesday and Thursday in local Pohnpeian classrooms. Both days, we taught, but Mollie and I were only able to play a quick game with our class on Tuesday because our teacher had been out some days before, and we didn’t get a chance to talk to her about lesson planning topics and such. All went well, though. I really can’t wait to meet the class I’ll we working with for the rest of the school year!
Wednesday, my host dad’s cousin passed away, and my host parents had to go in to Kolonia for the night to prepare for the funeral. They didn’t want me home alone, so they asked Heather’s host family if she could spend the night. It was fun having her over! We had dinner, looked at magazines that my mom had sent (thanks, Ma!), and sat around talking. It was certainly different from my usual quiet nights here at the house. Heather leaves for an outer island soon, and I won’t get to see her again until March, so it was great to get some extra time together before she heads out.
I hope everyone had a good Halloween! Pohnpeians know about the holiday, but it’s not really celebrated on the island (I’ve heard some people in Kolonia take part in the festivities, though). My nohno did give me a bag of candy, which was nice!
Since so much will change at the end of the week (my host family, starting my assignment, my location on the island, etc.), I’m not sure when I’ll get another chance to update. I hope you all have a good November!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Halfway through training
Today marks the halfway point in Phase II of Pre-Service Training! I have just three more weeks before I move to my permanent site and begin working with 18 7th and 8th graders. I’m looking forward to it! It’ll be sad to leave my host family here, but I’ll be less than an hour away from them, so I’m sure I’ll come visit occasionally. Speaking of host families, I found out yesterday more about the host family I’ll be living with starting in November. My host dad is a Protestant minister, and there are a total of 8 people living in the house. From the paperwork I saw, I think that my host parents have 4 children (1 daughter, 3 sons), and the daughter is married with a child, and we’ll all be under one roof! It’ll definitely be a departure from my current situation.
Yesterday, we had “Cross Cultural Thursday.” We learned how to de-scale and gut a fish! Everyone got their own fish to clean and gut. I got a small surgeon fish. These were a little trickier to clean because they have sharp little swords near their tail that you have to cut off before de-scaling. It was a good experience. However, I can’t say that I really enjoyed cleaning the poop out of the animal!
Earlier this week, we had trouble with the power at PATS = no air conditioning! At home, there’s no AC, just fans, so it’s a real treat to have air conditioning during training. Pohnpei uses a power system called “Cash Power.” Each homeowner or building has a keypad on their wall that indicates how many units of power they have remaining (for lights, fans, etc.). When the units run out, the power goes out. To give you an idea, my 3 person family uses about $10 of cash power in 4 days. Now, when you have something like an air conditioner running, the cash power is quickly depleted. In one day alone, we used up about 200 units (which is a little over $20). Anyway, the air conditioner was turned back on yesterday, so we’re all happy again!
On Wednesday, we all paired up and went to local elementary schools to observe a Pohnpeian classroom. I got to observe my cousin’s class (8th grade English reading and writing). It was insightful. In the coming weeks, I’ll observe more and then teach a lesson as a “warm up” for my upcoming assignment. I look forward to it, and it’ll be fun to have Jake (my cousin) in there to see me in action. I’m sure he’ll find it kind of funny to see me up there teaching him when I’m usually listening to music or playing cards with him at home!
I love getting letters people send me. Again, it only takes ONE stamp and a little bit of your time! I get questions in my letters, so I’ll answer one that Robbie and Betsy had:
Is there easy access to books there?
Not really! Books are not often used here. I hope to encourage my future students to read, but school libraries are usually vacant. Here, kids love magazines, so if any of you out there have Zoobooks, Highlights, or any other kid magazine – feel free to send them my way! But back to the question... I, personally, won’t have a large selection to read from. The Peace Corps Resource Room has a stash that past volunteers have left, and there is also one public library in Kolonia, but that’s about it. I will probably have quite a bit of free/personal time on my hands once I’m at my site, so feel free to either send a book to me or get it to one of my family members to send. I’d love a good read!
I hope all of you at home are doing well! I hear that it’s getting colder as we approach the holidays. It’s quite odd not to experience a change in season this year! For once, I think I might miss the cold...
Yesterday, we had “Cross Cultural Thursday.” We learned how to de-scale and gut a fish! Everyone got their own fish to clean and gut. I got a small surgeon fish. These were a little trickier to clean because they have sharp little swords near their tail that you have to cut off before de-scaling. It was a good experience. However, I can’t say that I really enjoyed cleaning the poop out of the animal!
Earlier this week, we had trouble with the power at PATS = no air conditioning! At home, there’s no AC, just fans, so it’s a real treat to have air conditioning during training. Pohnpei uses a power system called “Cash Power.” Each homeowner or building has a keypad on their wall that indicates how many units of power they have remaining (for lights, fans, etc.). When the units run out, the power goes out. To give you an idea, my 3 person family uses about $10 of cash power in 4 days. Now, when you have something like an air conditioner running, the cash power is quickly depleted. In one day alone, we used up about 200 units (which is a little over $20). Anyway, the air conditioner was turned back on yesterday, so we’re all happy again!
On Wednesday, we all paired up and went to local elementary schools to observe a Pohnpeian classroom. I got to observe my cousin’s class (8th grade English reading and writing). It was insightful. In the coming weeks, I’ll observe more and then teach a lesson as a “warm up” for my upcoming assignment. I look forward to it, and it’ll be fun to have Jake (my cousin) in there to see me in action. I’m sure he’ll find it kind of funny to see me up there teaching him when I’m usually listening to music or playing cards with him at home!
I love getting letters people send me. Again, it only takes ONE stamp and a little bit of your time! I get questions in my letters, so I’ll answer one that Robbie and Betsy had:
Is there easy access to books there?
Not really! Books are not often used here. I hope to encourage my future students to read, but school libraries are usually vacant. Here, kids love magazines, so if any of you out there have Zoobooks, Highlights, or any other kid magazine – feel free to send them my way! But back to the question... I, personally, won’t have a large selection to read from. The Peace Corps Resource Room has a stash that past volunteers have left, and there is also one public library in Kolonia, but that’s about it. I will probably have quite a bit of free/personal time on my hands once I’m at my site, so feel free to either send a book to me or get it to one of my family members to send. I’d love a good read!
I hope all of you at home are doing well! I hear that it’s getting colder as we approach the holidays. It’s quite odd not to experience a change in season this year! For once, I think I might miss the cold...
Saturday, October 10, 2009
FAQs
In one of my earlier blog posts, I noted that I signed up to be a part of Peace Corps’ Coverdell World Wise Schools Program, which matches volunteers with classrooms back home in the States. My match is a homeschool student in South Carolina. The other day, I got an email from her, and she asked some great questions! I thought many of you followers might be curious about many of the same topics, so I decided I’d post my answers here:
1. How is life in Pohnpei?
Life here is good. I do face hardships, awkward moments, and challenges everyday, but these things are best dealt with by sharing them with others and looking back with a bit of humor. The staff here always reminds us that a good sense of humor will do us much good during our service!
I feel very blessed to have such a wonderful host family. My nohno (Pohnpeian for “mother”) is a jewelry maker and makes me earrings and bracelets. They’re beautiful! My host parents have 6 children, but all of them are grown and live in the States, so it’s just the three of us here in the house. We have one cat that is a pet. She goes by Serepein (Pohnpeian for “girl”) or Puss. She’s a funny cat, as she very much enjoys eating Doritos whenever she gets the chance!
I walk to and from school each day, as long as it isn’t raining. Even though I’m soaked in sweat by the time I reach my destination, it feels great to get the exercise! My walk is around 2 miles to PATS (my training site). Training itself has been enjoyable. I always look forward to spending time with my fellow volunteers. I will miss our days together once I leave for my permanent site in November, but I also look forward to actually beginning my service by teaching English.
2. Do most Micronesians know how to read and write?
This is a complicated question. I don’t have the exact numbers, or even a ballpark percentage of the literacy rates here in Pohnpei. From my observations, I’ve noticed that reading and writing abilities seem to run in families. For instance, some families in my village speak little to no English. Others have a very good grasp on both English and Pohnpeian and use them interchangeably.
Pohnpeians know the importance of acquiring English. The English language is vital to communicating with other states in the FSM (Federated States of Micronesia). Pohnpeian is only spoken in Pohnpei, Chuukese in Chuuk, Yapese in Yap, etc. The people of the FSM heavily depend on English to be a unified nation. The newspaper here (the Kaslelehlie Press) is printed in English, and portions of the radio station news are spoken in English.
3. Are there any places to go swimming?
Yes! While the vast majority of Pohnpei’s coastline is mangroves, there are some quaint beachy areas. Near my permanent site, there is a manmade beach called NICHO, which is very popular. Others go to little picnic islands that surround the main island that have nice sandy beaches.
4. What is the language like?
Nothing like English! Nothing like the Romance languages. There are some vocabulary similarities, and English terms have been adopted for several things (“blackboard,” “fork,” “computer,” and many more). Overall, I’ve had a bit of difficulty understanding certain aspects of it, while others easily come to me. For example: there are 28 different systems for counting (one for flat objects, another for animals, another for leaves, another for long objects, etc.). Possessive pronouns also change depending on what is being possessed (ex: something you ride in, something you drink, etc.). All of that is quite new to me, but I’m working on it! My instructor is really cool and understands my frustration at times!
5. What type of economy does Micronesia have?
Acquiring land here is a complicated matter. To own land, you must inherit it from a relative, which is usually your father. Selling land does happen, but not often. Because of this, private investors from the outside cannot easily come in and create business. Pohnpei’s capital, Kolonia, has the most businesses, which include: dress and jewelry shops, gas stations, car lots, restaurants, and grocery stores. In smaller villages, families can own a store that offers canned meat, bagged food (i.e. cookies, potato chips), sodas, and bread. Some families sell gas (unleaded goes for $3.95/gal!). The majority of families farm on the land they have and trade their crops for things they need. Many people fish. Jobs here are scarce, and many young people move to the States to find work. The US has a compact with the FSM, where the US provides financial assistance and allows FSM citizens to live and work in the States for any amount of time as long as they have a FSM passport. Because the US provides support, they have rights over the FSM airspace and waters.
6. What kinds of crops do Micronesians grow?
Local food includes: taro (hard and soft), tapioca, fish (many varieties), breadfruit, bananas (many kinds), coconuts, melon, papaya, and yams. Many families live off the food they grow and will trade it if they need money for gas or other items.
7. What do people eat?
Pohnpeians eat everything they grow on their land, and prepare them in a variety of ways. For instance, bananas are eaten the following ways:
- Straight from the peel
- Mashing them, cooking them, and adding coconut cream (think sweet mashed potatoes!)
- Cooking them whole with rice
- Slicing them into halves and frying them (very dessert-like!)
There are probably many other ways to prepare bananas, but those are the ones I have encountered thus far. Other non-local staples include: rice and canned meat (SPAM).
8. Are there seasons in Micronesia?
Nope! It’s hot here year-round, averaging 85 degree weather (with the humidity levels bumping it somewhere up to the upper 90s). However, we do have a rainy season and a windy season (due to the Trade Winds). Both of these seasons last approximately 3 months. I’ve been told that we’re about to enter the rainy season, and I’m looking forward to it. Rain cools the island off considerably. Cool weather makes life easier – less sweating, it’s easier to sleep at night, less chance of getting a sunburn, etc.
9. Do Micronesians have pets?
Yes and no. Dogs are considered “pets,” but they are also wild. They mainly serve as protectors of land and, sometimes, they are even a meal for a family (I, personally, have not eaten dog, yet). Cats are pets as well (and are not eaten), but pets here are not considered part of the family and are not shown love (no cuddling or petting!). If you walk along the street (going to school, for instance), it’s common to have a dog walk up beside you and follow you. Sometimes, they bark. If you want them to leave you alone, just “SHHH!” at them, and they will stop (most of the time). If not, it is recommended that you find a stick and attempt to hit it (after all, they are wild). For the most part, the dogs I’ve encountered are pretty nice, and don’t bother me.
10. Is there a local religion?
The majority of people in my village are either Protestant or Catholic, but there are families that follow other religions. Others may not attend church at all. It’s much like back home in the States.
11. What do you do for fun?
- Go to the local waterfall and hangout
- Go to Nan Madol and see the ruins
- Take a walk around town
- Go for a drive with my host parents
- Play UNO with my cousin
- Watch a DVD, write letters
- Help cook dinner or lunch
- Watch my nohno make jewelry
- Hang out with other volunteers (usually at the bus stop since it’s a shaded place to sit)
12. How do people/goods get around?
Most people have cars, but the gas here is so expensive that most people avoid driving long distances. Trucks drive around to deliver goods to local family owned stores. Walking is really big here. Very few people ride bikes. Most cars are imported from Japan, with Japanese writing and all! They drive on the right side of the road, but many cars have the wheel on the right side as well. Both men and women drive.
Let me know if any of you have other questions that aren’t here!
Only 4 weeks of training left until we move to our permanent sites!
1. How is life in Pohnpei?
Life here is good. I do face hardships, awkward moments, and challenges everyday, but these things are best dealt with by sharing them with others and looking back with a bit of humor. The staff here always reminds us that a good sense of humor will do us much good during our service!
I feel very blessed to have such a wonderful host family. My nohno (Pohnpeian for “mother”) is a jewelry maker and makes me earrings and bracelets. They’re beautiful! My host parents have 6 children, but all of them are grown and live in the States, so it’s just the three of us here in the house. We have one cat that is a pet. She goes by Serepein (Pohnpeian for “girl”) or Puss. She’s a funny cat, as she very much enjoys eating Doritos whenever she gets the chance!
I walk to and from school each day, as long as it isn’t raining. Even though I’m soaked in sweat by the time I reach my destination, it feels great to get the exercise! My walk is around 2 miles to PATS (my training site). Training itself has been enjoyable. I always look forward to spending time with my fellow volunteers. I will miss our days together once I leave for my permanent site in November, but I also look forward to actually beginning my service by teaching English.
2. Do most Micronesians know how to read and write?
This is a complicated question. I don’t have the exact numbers, or even a ballpark percentage of the literacy rates here in Pohnpei. From my observations, I’ve noticed that reading and writing abilities seem to run in families. For instance, some families in my village speak little to no English. Others have a very good grasp on both English and Pohnpeian and use them interchangeably.
Pohnpeians know the importance of acquiring English. The English language is vital to communicating with other states in the FSM (Federated States of Micronesia). Pohnpeian is only spoken in Pohnpei, Chuukese in Chuuk, Yapese in Yap, etc. The people of the FSM heavily depend on English to be a unified nation. The newspaper here (the Kaslelehlie Press) is printed in English, and portions of the radio station news are spoken in English.
3. Are there any places to go swimming?
Yes! While the vast majority of Pohnpei’s coastline is mangroves, there are some quaint beachy areas. Near my permanent site, there is a manmade beach called NICHO, which is very popular. Others go to little picnic islands that surround the main island that have nice sandy beaches.
4. What is the language like?
Nothing like English! Nothing like the Romance languages. There are some vocabulary similarities, and English terms have been adopted for several things (“blackboard,” “fork,” “computer,” and many more). Overall, I’ve had a bit of difficulty understanding certain aspects of it, while others easily come to me. For example: there are 28 different systems for counting (one for flat objects, another for animals, another for leaves, another for long objects, etc.). Possessive pronouns also change depending on what is being possessed (ex: something you ride in, something you drink, etc.). All of that is quite new to me, but I’m working on it! My instructor is really cool and understands my frustration at times!
5. What type of economy does Micronesia have?
Acquiring land here is a complicated matter. To own land, you must inherit it from a relative, which is usually your father. Selling land does happen, but not often. Because of this, private investors from the outside cannot easily come in and create business. Pohnpei’s capital, Kolonia, has the most businesses, which include: dress and jewelry shops, gas stations, car lots, restaurants, and grocery stores. In smaller villages, families can own a store that offers canned meat, bagged food (i.e. cookies, potato chips), sodas, and bread. Some families sell gas (unleaded goes for $3.95/gal!). The majority of families farm on the land they have and trade their crops for things they need. Many people fish. Jobs here are scarce, and many young people move to the States to find work. The US has a compact with the FSM, where the US provides financial assistance and allows FSM citizens to live and work in the States for any amount of time as long as they have a FSM passport. Because the US provides support, they have rights over the FSM airspace and waters.
6. What kinds of crops do Micronesians grow?
Local food includes: taro (hard and soft), tapioca, fish (many varieties), breadfruit, bananas (many kinds), coconuts, melon, papaya, and yams. Many families live off the food they grow and will trade it if they need money for gas or other items.
7. What do people eat?
Pohnpeians eat everything they grow on their land, and prepare them in a variety of ways. For instance, bananas are eaten the following ways:
- Straight from the peel
- Mashing them, cooking them, and adding coconut cream (think sweet mashed potatoes!)
- Cooking them whole with rice
- Slicing them into halves and frying them (very dessert-like!)
There are probably many other ways to prepare bananas, but those are the ones I have encountered thus far. Other non-local staples include: rice and canned meat (SPAM).
8. Are there seasons in Micronesia?
Nope! It’s hot here year-round, averaging 85 degree weather (with the humidity levels bumping it somewhere up to the upper 90s). However, we do have a rainy season and a windy season (due to the Trade Winds). Both of these seasons last approximately 3 months. I’ve been told that we’re about to enter the rainy season, and I’m looking forward to it. Rain cools the island off considerably. Cool weather makes life easier – less sweating, it’s easier to sleep at night, less chance of getting a sunburn, etc.
9. Do Micronesians have pets?
Yes and no. Dogs are considered “pets,” but they are also wild. They mainly serve as protectors of land and, sometimes, they are even a meal for a family (I, personally, have not eaten dog, yet). Cats are pets as well (and are not eaten), but pets here are not considered part of the family and are not shown love (no cuddling or petting!). If you walk along the street (going to school, for instance), it’s common to have a dog walk up beside you and follow you. Sometimes, they bark. If you want them to leave you alone, just “SHHH!” at them, and they will stop (most of the time). If not, it is recommended that you find a stick and attempt to hit it (after all, they are wild). For the most part, the dogs I’ve encountered are pretty nice, and don’t bother me.
10. Is there a local religion?
The majority of people in my village are either Protestant or Catholic, but there are families that follow other religions. Others may not attend church at all. It’s much like back home in the States.
11. What do you do for fun?
- Go to the local waterfall and hangout
- Go to Nan Madol and see the ruins
- Take a walk around town
- Go for a drive with my host parents
- Play UNO with my cousin
- Watch a DVD, write letters
- Help cook dinner or lunch
- Watch my nohno make jewelry
- Hang out with other volunteers (usually at the bus stop since it’s a shaded place to sit)
12. How do people/goods get around?
Most people have cars, but the gas here is so expensive that most people avoid driving long distances. Trucks drive around to deliver goods to local family owned stores. Walking is really big here. Very few people ride bikes. Most cars are imported from Japan, with Japanese writing and all! They drive on the right side of the road, but many cars have the wheel on the right side as well. Both men and women drive.
Let me know if any of you have other questions that aren’t here!
Only 4 weeks of training left until we move to our permanent sites!
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