Welcome US Navy

Today I am feeling very "un-bloggish." I do want to update you on a few key events. I have decided to let the pictures speak 1,000 words, so that I only have to speak (write) a few.

The US Navy just left yesterday after a 10 day visit in the RMI working on humanitarian projects. They came with doctors, vets, and general navy men to work on fixing up schools. I did not have a lot of contact with the Navy out in Woja, but when I came to town it was terribly overwhelming to see all the white skin. While I am sure they did a lot of good and needed some good R and R off the ship they were also incredibly embarrassing. Going to a local pub last weekend felt like I was a Kam's. They was excessive drinking and cursing, and just generally lack of cultural sensitivity. But, again, I am sure they made a very positive impact on the schools and other efforts. They also helped the economy and I spoke more Marshallese than I ever have to try and make myself seem more "local." Speaking all that Marshallese allowed me to meet my first Marshallese friend Mercy!

This is me, Dan, and Darren at dinner the night I just spoke of. A pretty eventful night. We went to dinner and then to the end of summer concert. It was outdoors and fantastic. My friend Ben joined in and played with a local band as the opening act. I loved the outdoor music and danced the night away! It was great fun!

This is the hotel security guard that was working at the outdoor concert. I love him. While dancing in my calm and gracefully way my camera fell out of my backpack. (Shocking!) The next day I looked all over before running into this man. He had found my camera later that night, had a friend take a picture of him, and then held onto it to give back to me!

The most wonderful part of this country is that everything comes back to you. Laura, a wonderful Aussie, lost her water bottle at the Australian Navy dock and a week later it showed up at the post office where she found it. Is this island not perfect for me?!