I'm here! All 39 of us WorldTeach volunteers arrived, with all our luggage intact (most with our lunch intact too). Our month-long orientation is in a village on the capital atoll Majuro, before we fan out to our various assignments.
The country is indeed the beautiful island in the photos, where a single-lane road traverses the length of the island (70 miles, maybe?), but you can walk the width from ocean to lagoon in, oh, 5 minutes. Orientation is in Ajeltake village, where we're sleeping on mats in classrooms, taking bucket showers, and taking over the elementary school kitchen to cook our meals. The sea breeze from ocean to lagoon helps make the humid heat less oppressive -- I can actually breathe here. One of the volunteers said of this morning's rain: "It's not raining; it's the Gods sweating."
We're in town now (Day 2 of orientation), hitting the internet cafe, opening bank accounts in the Bank of Marshall Islands, shopping, registering in the healthcare system, etc. Not sure when I'll be able to check in again, but so far so good!
Thanks to you all for your emails of support -- I so appreciate it!
Until next time -
-Marci
Sounds like you are in for an adventure from day 1! Bucket showers really? You are a good woman!
ReplyDeleteOh Marci, this sounds so exciting (even the bucket showers and sleeping on mats!) And what a beautiful location surrounded by water! I am really impressed with your courage and compassion in taking on this new challenge. You are in my thoughts and prayers, and Gerrie sends her love as well. Do you have a mailing address? Be well. Love,Jennifer
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