Things have been quiet here at Xavier which is why I haven’t been writing as often. I’ve settled into a groove of teaching which occupies most of my time, and sadly I’m not able to experience as much of the culture as I’d like to. I’ll frequently take runs or drives into town where I’ll meet a few people, but generally, the Xavier community is isolated from the general population of Chuuk.

There are a couple of events coming up in the next few weeks. Greg is coming to visit in the beginning of December right after Xavier Day, a field day type event for the students where teams compete against each other in certain sports (I think mostly track/field and softball). I’m still unsure if teachers are involved or just kind of watch, but either way it will be interesting. Staff retreat was supposed to be last weekend, again on Pisar, but because of weather and general disorganization, it didn’t happen. It might be this upcoming Saturday into Sunday, but again, things like this are usually decided last minute. There seems also to be a general lull among a good portion of the faculty; relaxation and quiet time seems to now be a greater priority than traveling all over the place, which is fair. Trying to have adventures every weekend is an exhausting ambition, especially considering our weeks are anything but laid back. I did manage a journey to the Japanese Lighthouse last week with Tom and his family, who are currently visiting. It was a much easier and faster walk than up to Witipwon, but the view might be even more spectacular than it was from the mountain. As usual, my going was a snap decision and I didn’t have time to grab my camera which was a shame since it was a beautiful, but exceptionally hot day, and the panorama view from the lighthouse was extraordinary.

Although times have become a little more uneventful in some senses, we still fill the daylight hours with as much activity as possible. Yesterday we watched the first home game of the boys’ basketball team. Xavier games aren’t that popular since we only have a concrete, outdoor court, but Saram agreed to come up and play anyway. The game was close – the score was often only one or two points difference, but eventually, in overtime, Saram beat us 62-60. It was really fun to watch – this is the second time I’ve seen Xavier play – and even more fun to hear the spirit of the rest of the students; another aspect of Xavier Day to look forward to.
With only four more weeks left of classes, I’m getting more and more excited for Christmas vacation in Guam. I can’t wait to see my family, and maybe more so enjoy a relatively luxurious two weeks away. Part of me wishes my family could come to Chuuk and see where I’ve actually been living and meet the people I’ve been spending all my time with, but I can’t help the excitement of going somewhere new, and somewhere with amenities. A part of me is also eager to temporarily escape the tensions and lack of privacy that naturally come along with sharing space with a small group of people 24/7. I think I’ll appreciate everyone and everything more after being away for a little while – I’ll also be excited to meet all of the new volunteers coming in January!