We have officially been here for 3 months! Crazy! For the past 3 weeks I have been teaching a poetry unit in 7th grade. One of the things I was really excited about doing with them was spoken word. I have shown them a couple videos and assigned them to write their own poem that they will perform for the class. To give them a little inspiration I did one too. Here it is.... (it's really meant to be spoken but just imagine me saying it : ] )
I have been here for a little over 3 months.
3 months.
I left my home, my family, my friends, my school, everything
I love and came here.
Here to one of the most luscious, beautiful, green places I’ve
ever seen.
Here to one of the most fragrant, dewy, coconut-y places I’ve
ever smelt.
Here to one of the most humid, sweaty, kind, open, generous
places I’ve ever felt.
3 months.
And I miss my family and friends more than I ever thought
imaginable. I miss the weather, the changing leaves, the seasons, Boston
College, jeans, coffee shops, cities…but mostly I miss the people I carry in my
heart.
3 months.
And I want them here.
I want them to see, smell, feel what I have.
I want to bring them to mass in Weno, with the singing in the
big open church and the service in Pohnpeian. To one of the most sacred
experiences – where I always feel immensely peaceful and full of grace.
I want to bring them to school! And have them meet all of
you. My students, who are naughty, loud, lazy – but who are also amazing, dynamic,
helpful, brilliant, beautiful – inside and out, and so FULL OF LIFE.
I want them to meet Meredith, Kristin, and Brian – my
roommates, support system, and family. But it’s okay if they don’t because
there will be another chance. These people will be in my life forever.
3 months.
Sometimes it feels like more: eons, centuries, lifetimes.
Sometimes it feels like seconds; although less often.
3 months.
And I have a host family that calls me one of their own. Who
wonder about my well-being and share their home, food, time and love with me.
Me. A family that loves BINGO and laughs when I announce N-silihsek limau. A
family made up of at least 50 people who could not be more welcoming.
3 months.
And I’ve fallen. Too fast. I’ve fallen in love. I care too
much. I feel hurt and guilty if my students fail or get in trouble because I
believe in the goodness of each and every one of them.
3 months.
And my favorite part of the school day is just talking to
the students outside of class. And hearing their stories. Stories that are
inspiring. Stories that are funny. Stories that are true. I wonder if they know
how much I have to learn from them.
3 months.
And I already know Karat are udan yo and I am “pretty good
at hula for an American.” But I also know that Pohnpei will challenge me more
than I ever thought possible. So many people here want to go to Xavier or
college in the US. How are they all so brave?
3 months.
And I know that bioluminescence is real and confuses the
twinkling stars with the twinkling seas.
3 months.
And I know this is the second wettest place on Earth and the
rain often brings the most incredible rainbows. Teaching me that grey skies are
the best backgrounds for bright and colorful futures.
3 months.
What will 2 years be like?
Oceans of Love,
Britt
