Home in the Making

My mind is back on the island, curious about the progress of my new living quarters. Here's a little introduction to the next chapter of my life in village living....

One of the many great views "around the bend" on the drive to my new village (31 km/20 miles from teammates).




Not one house was left standing in this village after the tsunami. But no lives were lost. Why? They all ran up this "mountain" and watched the water wipe away their village. Now they all live in temporary NGO-built homes that have been made permanent.





Random little island with 4 coconut trees on it--the view from the neighborhood. Apparently there is a cave in the island and you can walk to it through the river. I can't wait to explore!


Left: the previous kitchen on the house we will be renting. We are giving it a total make-over.


Below: the backyard















Above: The last couple weeks have been super busy with trips back and forth, checking on the progress of the kitchen.

J. Co Donut management

Currently I am on a city run, enjoying city life. Friday night I was buying donuts from J.Co Donuts (Krispy Kreme's superior, and a franchise which the U.S. needs!). I started my order at a half-dozen, then changed my mind (shocker) and wanted a dozen. The gal behind the counter picked up a big box and was about to transfer the 6 to the big box. I stopped her and said, that's ok, just do another box of 6. "No," she said, "then you will pay an extra $.30 per box. It is $.60 less in the box for 1 dozen." I stared at her in disbelief and tried arguing briefly that it was the same number of donuts and the other box was going to go to waste. "I'm sorry, miss, but that is how management does things." After we stared at each other for several moments, I gave up. Then I went to the other side of the display and ordered their frozen yogurt with fresh strawberries and oreos that have had the filling removed--it was out of this world.

The next night I returned to J. Co for a repeat on my frozen yogurt treat. I asked the guy for a single serving. "I'm sorry miss, we're out of the singles. We only have the couple's size." Huh? But you're not out of frozen yogurt? "No, we're out of the singles serving dish." Ummm... just put a little bit in the bigger dish. "Sorry miss, we can't do that. But with the couple's size, you get 3 toppings." Again, disbelief. Finally I gave in. But right before I did, I noticed the strawberries were not in the display. No strawberries? Nevermind. Forget it. So I took my business to another frozen yogurt shop where the price was higher and I was given faux oreos. Sigh. No one does it as good as J. Co.

Electric Joy

My priorities seem out of order when nothing brings me joy like electricity. Especially while it's raining and I have nowhere to go. rain + electric = pure bliss.

Silence & Rejoicing

Between sickness, house-hunting, black-outs, and major team transitions, I've been away from the blog. Rain is beginning to pelt my tin roof, it is midnight, and after four hours of negotiating today, WE MADE A DEAL ON A HOUSE!!!