where everything is new. You can’t take everything in at first, there is just too much to see and observe. It will take months to get to know these people and this place, but there are always those first things that hit us.Humid. Of all the things we had heard about the island, this is the factor we thought would overwhelm us. And as soon as we stepped off the plane the moist air hit us, but not as bad as expected. Before long we were uncomfortably sweaty, but thankfully it wasn’t overwhelming.
Green. We drove about 45 minutes from the airport to where we would drop off our stuff and every inch seemed green. Vegetation—palm, mango, breadfruit, vines, and bushes fill every vacant space—the iconic look of a tropical island.
Volcano. The volcanic soil is very striking, espec
ially against the green. Scars of black earth ripple through the landscape as reminders of past eruptions and the volcano’s presence. The mountain looms over the city and acts as an easy point of reference. At all times you can look at whether the volcanic peak is in front or behind you, to the left or the right and know where you are in the city or on the island.Island. It is also hard to forget that you are on an island. The ocean is never far away and is always beautiful. We were on the wrong side of the plane and so we didn’t get to see the island as we approached. Instead we saw the vast expanses of water as far as the eye can see, until suddenly land appeared under the wings just as we landed.
City. We have immediately jumped into looking around for housing. This has given us a great opportunity to get a feel for the city. Yesterday we walked around the southern part of town. People and taxis fight for space on busy streets. The roads are paved, but potholed. Many shops and stalls line the way. Walking with our teammates, we are stopped almost constantly by people who know them and want to greet them with a “welcome back” to the island. On the less busy streets you find all variety of houses, from homes made completely of corrugated tin to large structures with satellite dishes and concrete walls.
Friendly. Maybe it is more a credit to the popularity and people skills of our teammates who have lived here before, but we have been encouraged by the smiles, laughs and warms greetings of the islanders.
Short. Generally, the islanders are of small stature. We are enjoying the feeling of being almost tall! Our team leader, who stands over six feet is nearly a giant.
PRAYERS ANSWERED
We arrived safely. All our luggage made it and without hassle. The adjustment has not been too hard so far. Our daughter has been sleeping okay and managing well with all the new foods, new situations, and adjustments to schedule. The team is getting along well and everyone is doing well in terms of health.
PRAYERS REQUESTEDWe have some exciting weeks ahead. Language learning will be our focus, but we will continue to look for a home and will soon head out for a home stay (where we spend a week or so in the home of a local family). These things are both exciting and scary as we know they will be a challenging time. Pray that our memories work well, that our bodies handle the stress, and that we can keep a loving attitude throughout. It is our hope to come to love the people of the island deeply and make long and lasting friendships. Pray that it would be so.
