Mouse and House-hunting

Seen these looks before? Butch has been on a roll with the mice/rats this week! In addition to catching 3 that we have seen, she found a nest under the stove in the camp kitchen and chowed down on at least 6 babies (those were the ones I witnessed), about the size of my thumb.
(Yes, my hair looks red. Let that be a lesson to try to experiment with hair color in Asia where lighter is the only way to go. "Dark brown" turned me auburn. Better luck next time.)


My new teammate, K, and I have been house-hunting (well, village hunting) this week. We think we found our village, but until we have a house offer, it's not official.



Beyond the village, the road begins to break down.

Boys Will Be Boys

Last week I spent 2 nights back in my village, staying with a different family each night. I was hanging out with the kids on the beach, and was amused by how boys are the same everywhere. :) Check out this 5-sec video. He found some sort of sea cucumber in the ocean and had fun chasing the little girls.

Back from Narnia

So I've decided it feels like I've been to Narnia and back. I fell out of the coat closet back on the island without missing a beat here, all the while wondering if the U.S. really happened or if it was a faraway dream world. But the signs are there--three babies have been born to people of my village, a friend passed away, and someone else lives in my house.

Home, sweet? home

Where is home? I have too many. When I left my mom, I spent my whole flight with my eyes closed, fully alert, replaying my time in the U.S., savoring each face, each place, each hug, and kid snuggles. Boy it's hard to leave you behind!

It's after midnight now, and I am trying to wrap up some last minute details before heading to the airport at 5:10 a.m.. Next time you hear from me I'll be back on the island. I have been gone nearly 4 months, but it feels like no time has passed. As I look at this picture, I can almost feel myself transporting back to that beach I know so well. A physical home (house) is yet to be determined, so please keep it in mind. Thanks!