homeward bound (again!)

But this time I’m heading back to my little slice of the pie, my beautiful home on Ambae. I just got back from the most fantastic whirlwind of a home visit. It was such a special time reconnecting with friends, catching up with family, and trading stories with all of the above. Every day was truly a highlight, but some highlights are brighter than others. 

A cluster of terrific folks surprised me in San Francisco from Lake Tahoe and New York, which will forever be marked as the best layover dayover ever. My Aunt Patti flew down from Oregon to surprise me at my sister’s house in Georgia. I got to spend ample time with both the oldest and youngest members of my family- two of my favorite humans! I spent a week in New Zealand with Cameron and Emma, a couple of wonderful, loving people that I lived with in Oakland before I came to Vanuatu. We went to Off the Radar, a wildly creative and beautiful festival up north. So many memories to hold on to for the next year and beyond! And all of the good meals, cold beers, and hugs in between. I am so grateful for the people in my life. What a beautiful thing to have such a strong web supporting me from the other side of the world!

joy overload

lyla to dami: a 93 year spread of happiness in island dresses!

And with all of these good feelings inside me, it’s definitely time to get back to site. Here’s a Roald Dahl quote that sums it up quite nicely-“But I was young and strong and I was on my way home and I felt I could have walked a hundred miles had it been necessary.” Isn’t that the truth! And comforting to know that it wholly applies to my life here in Vanuatu. Being in Port Vila these last few days have made me antsy to get back home to the simple life. I’m ready to hug my mama and papa, chow down on home cooked island food, and drink some gudfala kava. It’s time to tuck in my mosquito net, restock my bush kitchen with firewood, and assume the pit toilet position! A funny little rush overcomes me just thinking about it.

Oddly enough I’ll be back in Vila at the end of the month for our GAD meeting. We’ll be training the new group of volunteers on our roles in the world of gender and development in our communities. Until then, you can find me in my hammock with a book or swimming in the big blue!

lotahimwamwavi, the clearing by the sea