Full Circle

The other night, Ryan and I were sitting on our back porch enjoying the cool late afternoon breeze. As we sipped our vodka-crystal light cocktails, we had a moment where we realized we had come full circle in so many ways. 

How, you ask. Let me explain.

1. It is getting hot again. Like you can't wear underwear more than one day anymore hot. We forgot how miserable the summer here is. 

2. The crystal light vodka cocktail hour is back. Believe the hype!

3. We recently had the opportunity to go to the next village over and help them welcome their new Peace Corps Volunteer, Haeyoon. This was originally supposed to be Ryan's work site before he was asked to work with me here in our village. Needless to say, this community was very hurt and disappointed to not have a volunteer the past year as planned. Though they were understanding, it still was hard for all of us. Going to Haeyoon's welcome feast was a wonderful opportunity for us to have some closure with that community. Ryan gave a wonderful speech (we all know how much he loves his speeches) on our behalf letting them know how happy we are they have their new volunteer. At the end of the day, we felt reconnected with this community. 

4. We just finished our school's end of the year faiva. One year ago today, we went to this same event. It was all so new to us. We didn't know any of the kids, parents, or teachers. We felt so awkward and uncomfortable. We ended up observing most of the day. This year was so different. We got to watch the students we love dance with such passion. After hours of practice, I was able to actually memorize the faiva song so I could sing along this year and be a part of the performance. Ryan assumed his spot with the principals and ministers drinking kava from the main tent. Parents we have worked closely with were excited to have us take their family pictures. It was an awesome day to celebrate with the people we are the closest with here in our village. 

5. Best of all, it has rained lately. Our water tank went dry last week and the pipe water in our village, which is always scarce, was not turned on. Let's just stay it was a stinky week with no laundry, no bucket baths and minimal dishes. Our town officer made sure we had access to a water source in the community but with almost every other tank going dry, we were very conservative. After the rain we washed the fish smell off our bodies and are beginning the assault on our clothes. It is likely that nothing can be done about Lucky's smell, as the pig poop he takes refuge in on a daily basis is simply unstoppable.

The weirdest thing about this time of year is how far removed from our friends and family in America. Its probably cliche to say we miss you guys and talk about you all the time, but its the absolute truth. We can't help but think what Thanksgiving, Christmas and the season would hold with all of you if we were in America. I am holding up pretty good, but when Ryan starts to cry (or pout) I remind him that Iowa is bowl eligible and that usually perks him up.

We have three weeks before school ends and one month left before we travel to New Zealand. The interim will be used for getting in shape (life on island time is NOT conducive to fast-paced traveling), meeting the other new PCVs on Vava'u and a few Hawkeye-themed surprises for our kids!

Here are some pictures from our Faiva:

 

The kids chillin' next to our pride and joy, the new bus!

The girls getting ready.

One of our favorites, 4th grade Taiana.

Our village's performance, which featured boys and girls side by side with parents and teachers in the back.

Abby getting in the action!

Ryan spent the event drinking kava with the principals. He is a little loopy...

Our neighbors and one of our favorite families.

Abby and Viola, one of the teachers at our school.