My goodness. I live in a tropical paradise. People here live simply but happily for the most part. Some of the biggest, most genuine smiles I've seen are by the lovely Vanuatu people.

To top it off, today the Peace Corps trainees and I went to Hideaway Island where we got water safety training and then went snorkeling with beautiful tropical rainbow colored fish. I can't believe this is the Peace Corps! This would never have been what I would have imagined.

We went to the out door market today where they sell a local dish called "lap lap", pinneaple, raspberries, taro, eggplant, tomatoes, "tuluk" and peanuts. Here we practiced our bislama... like "how much is that" = "hamas long..." Good morning = moning "Do you sell" = Yu salem... ? The women that work in the market caught on quickly that we were Peace Corps volunteers and very soon after talked amongst themselves and then were eager to have us meet our "Mamas" or the mothers that we will be living with starting next Wednesday for 11 weeks. My mama wasn't at the market today as was decided but many of the other volunteer's mamas were - and were so happy, warm and excited to meet us.

This is unreal. I takes me awhile to get adjusted to new situations and I think is usually kinda emotional. But right now I couldn't be happier.\

I'm actually currently babysitting for the medical director's 3 children - who are hilarious with thick australian accents, irish dancing and love for dogs. Ha. They have the largest doberman i've ever seen - will send pictures. They are lovely people.

I can't believe I snorkelled today - becoming scuba diving certified is definitely next on the list. Wish you could see how beautiful the scenery is and how interesting/warm the people are. I can't wait to move into the villages. Much love.

Hi all. So I'm here in Los Angeles recovering from a night at the Karoake Bar with the 19 other peace corps volunteers, which is apparently the reason I woke up this morning with "Manic Monday" stuck in my head. ha. In just a matter of hours we will be heading on a plane to Auckland and then a puddle-jumper to Vanuatu. During our layover in New Zealand we have a chance to get out and explore during our lay-over. So put images of new zealand mountains in your head. I can't wait. Though it's wonderful to know that I'm here with a bunch of people that obviously have great connections with our family. It feels like camp so far. Kids (22-50y.o. kids) who can share their fears, hopes, what they've left behind and where they think they are going with each other. I'm in good hands - but I miss yours as well. And if you want to help me out - do so by helping my parents. I think it would be great if they could get some support from y'all - they are both half the reason I am who I am. Jumping off that plane today I'll be thinking of you all. There's nothing like being taken out of context for some good ol' reflecting. Much love.