Life is good!

Let me begin by giving props to Angie for writing a blog all on her own and uploading it to the web. I think she is picking up the “techy” thing by osmosis… just living with me. Way to go Ang! Ok, for the rest of you who had to go a week without a blog, I am sorry. I took off with my first Adventure Tour Group and went to some islands north of us and the word Internet means the inside part of a bait fish net. (Little island humor for you…. no Internet.)

Can I just say…. WOW! We had a blast. We had a several purposes for the trip and I think we achieved most of them. It was really fun to introduce people from another background to these friendly people here. On the last night of my guests stay, we were sitting around in my apartment reflecting about the tour and one of the guys said, “I travel a lot and have seen hand made crafts and culture, but what blew me away more than anything was the people… they were amazingly friendly and open.” I think that is a true statement. At times I feel a little uncomfortable when I sit at another families table and they choose to fan the flies and serve me instead of sitting down to eat with me. One of my other guests picked up on this and said, “I think they (the islanders) view the act of sharing a meal completely different than me. I want to sit down and talk and strengthen relationships, but they see it as an opportunity to show their hospitality and eat.” I think hospitality is one of the islanders best qualities. to summarize our trip, we watched them prepare wood working, basket and matt weaving, fishing, agriculture, and experience their life. We slept where they slept, ate what they ate and did what they did as best we could. It was fun getting to know the islanders that seemed to always be around us. Not only was it fun, but we built some relationships that I believe will last and continue beyond our one week tourist trip.

For those of you more visually inclined and are wondering, “Where are the pictures?” Well check out the pics on our photos section. I’ll help you out… you can just click here.

Many of you are really excited that we have our new apartment. Thanks for sharring in the excitement with us. Later this week, we will post some pics of our new place with our own furniture. Because of the timing, we have yet to actually move in. The plan is to begin the process tomorrow. Life is good.