Backlog Update 1: Why No Posts?

I'm still unclear about the letters I sent to be posted. I have been told that two were received and subsequently lost, but seven were sent since the letter of August 25. As far as I know no other mail sent to the States was lost in transit. For the second half of the year there should be fairly regular updates as long as a plane comes to my island.

My 10 days in Majuro have gone by quickly. There are constant distractions and choices I am not comfortable making. I hope to return to Buoj January 2nd. In the coming days I will post often, covering basic information about my island and village, flora/fauna, my host family, my living conditions, the school, students, food, social life, some Marshallese customs (specifically gender roles), what I do with my time and an updated wish list. See you soon!

News

As of Friday, December 15 I am back in Majuro for Christmas break, meetings, and a visit to the hospital. I only found out yesterday that the site has not been updated to reflect several letters and a memory card I sent. This is frustrating news (to say the least) and I will have a long normal update within the week. For now, I am alright, safe but sick, happy, though missing my island village.

Here are two pictures... The first is of the lagoon side beach outside my traditional pandanus leaf house. The second was taken a few days ago as I practiced "Beat" with a student while walking home after school. Churches all over the islands celebrate Christmas with elaborate programs of original songs and dances. They call the marches and dances "Beat" and I joined in every night for 4-5 hours in the past 2 weeks!