Good friends…

Wow—I really have some good friends.

Here on this side of the world, I’ve got friends who drive me around on their motorbikes, helping me take care of business. I’ve got people who call, Skype, and text me from all over the globe. I seem to gain a new friend every day.

This morning, I had planned to get to the main island early—I had several errands to run. But Kindy had other plans. She had spotted some sand toys in a little shop on our island. She offered to pay 10 MRF (almost $1 USD) if I’d cover the rest. So, I decided my errands could wait, and I’d catch the next boat to the main island.

We walked to the store and bought the sand toys. On our way back to the flat, she said, “I’m going to wait until it cools off to play with these.” It was 8:15 a.m.

It’s amazing how my steps are guided. Because I waited for the later boat, I ended up bumping into an old friend. Some of you know that I first came here about two and a half years ago. Since then, a few guys I had met changed phone numbers, and I hadn’t seen them since. Well—guess who was on the boat?

Maud.

That’s right. He had a haircut and I almost didn’t recognize him. But I looked at him and said, “I know you.” I even remembered his name (which, let’s be honest, is not my strong suit). He remembered me too. Turns out he’s now working as a diver for a safari boat. What are the chances?

I gave him my card and told him about our business—yes, the one focused on tourism here. I mentioned I’d love to meet the owner of the boat and talk more about potential opportunities. Later, he called another friend I had met 2.5 years ago, and he called me that evening. Amazing how it all came together.

We haven’t had the BBQ yet, although my police friend stopped by the office today to chat and help make plans. We picked a time and location—on the beach, of course—and got everything arranged. He texted me later, though, to say the fish market was out of fish. So, we’ll try again tomorrow.

I’m really looking forward to the BBQ, but I think Braden is even more excited. He’s gotten tight with the kid who lives in the flat next to us. Together, they make paper boats and set them sailing in the ocean. They dig holes in the sand and cover them with leaves, trying to make traps for a certain cute, blonde-haired girl. (She’s way too smart to fall for it. She knows if Braden is calling her over to play, he’s probably up to something.)

Just a little taste of life on this side of the planet.

No rain today—which was nice. It seems the flies have been more interested in the dead fish down on the beach lately and have stayed away from our house the past couple of days.

Hmm… maybe we’re onto something here.