A common analogy that we have been using as volunteers in Micronesia is that our experience is like being on a rollercoaster.  Ups and downs come without warning and last for varying durations of time.  Yesterday I was filled with amazement and almost a childlike excitement and today I've been much more flat.  In some volunteers their position on the rollercoaster is transparent, while others (the more expressively muted or the perma-smile junkies) it's harder to detect.  However, visible or not, we are all onboard this topsy-turby ride that leaves us exhausted at the end of every day.  But really, how could we not be?  I left the "good old" midwest where coffee shots (tear), farm land (ahhh the tractors...), lake resorts (go Woodlawn!), and open highway were in common sight.  I lived by my wrist watch, alarm clocks, and revolving deadlines.  My friends, family and fiance were readily accessible by cell phone, email, or even in shouting distance.  I worked in a temperature controlled office along side a computer.  When thinking about how life was at home and how it is here, how could stepping into a third-world, Pacific Island culture not bring about a rollercoaster ride through the culture shock tunnel, right?  Most things are unfamiliar to all of us.  For example, the climate alone has been an ever-present contender for my energy.  Ninety degree weather at 100% humidity is almost inescapable .  The air is so thick that at times I feel like I'm chewing on it and even when I manage to find a room with a/c I find that my body rejects the drastic temperature change (instant nausea...mmm).

Another source of "culture shock" is how people live on island.  Even more shocking, however, is how my interpretation is probably very different than it would have been had I been reading this description second hand, in central MN.  Although we are living in a third world country, the people here seem...happy.  Things seems to work...well.  So while reading my experiences with poverty and the people try not to interpret it as negative or positive because in all honesty I'm not even sure how to interpret it yet!  

When I first entered my host family's house (at 2am) I was confronted with smells I was not used to, 6 - 8 kids sleeping on the linoleum floor, older women with mwarmwars (a crown of flowers) to present to us and food prepared just in case we were hungry (again, at 2am!).  It was clear that they their resources were few, so when I stepped into my beautiful bedroom complete with a full sized bed, desk and fan, I could not help but feel guilty.  It didn't feel right taking up so much physical space while so many children were sleeping on the floor.  When I woke up the next morning, not knowing any of the language, I timidly walked into the dining/living room and was amazed by the spread of food they had ready for me.   They told me to sit and eat and it appeared as if the younger kids were just waiting to serve any need I might have.  Once again, I felt guilty and unsure how to react to their willingness to be incredibly gracious and serving.  In the states I've learned to be low-maintenance and self-sufficient while visiting a friend/family member, so by stepping into a culture that assumes the duty to serve and feed a guest I find myself feeling undeservedly pampered.  It's actually very uncomfortable at times, however I'm hoping that I'll eventually be able to fully accept their incredible capacity to care and give as something that pleases them equally.  Micronesians, even from my limited time here, seem like incredibly benevolent people.

Regarding the food, I have found my heaven!  Sashimi is extremely inexpensive and fresh fruit is plentiful.  My host family prepares every meal and smiles when we sigh with delight.  I wish we would be able to eat more meals together, however my experience so far is that we (the other WT volunteer living with me) are to be served first, kids are not allowed to eat "our food" and everyone leaves the room, except for one young women sitting on on the parameter waiting to see if we need anything.  When we have finished eating we are hardly even allowed to clear our own plates.  Again, their kindness, almost servitude, is hard to adjust to.  

I have to run but future blog topics include: the KIDS, RUNNING, SOCCER, LANGUAGE, DRESS CODE, HOW MUCH I SMELL and FAITH...