Hey everybody!
For the last two weeks, the other trainees and I have been anxiously awaiting the day that we would find out our permanent sites. Well, today was the day—I finally found out where I will be for the next two years!
Drumroll please…
I am going to Satowan, an outer island in the Mortlocks of Chuuk. Satowan has a population of about 400 and has no electricity except for a few solar panels. There are two ways to get there: the “metal coffin” (as the locals call it), a 9 seat plane which takes two hours, or a 24 hour ride on a fishing boat. Peace Corps sends me out there on the plane, but I’m going to try to take the boat at least once. Needless to say, I’m pumped! There is apparently an island in the Mortlocks which is about a 45 minute boat ride from Satowan which has internet access. This means that conceivably every month or so I will be able to go there and access the magical interwebs and all the wonders contained within.
There are 7 of us who are going to Chuuk and we will have the next five weeks of our training on one of the lagoon islands of Chuuk near the main island of Weno. I will be learning Mortlockese, and you can be sure that I will do my best to learn it because I think that the chances that anyone in Satowan speaks English are slim. I can’t wait to update my resume: “Conversational in Mortlockese.” I can hear the interview question now—“What and where are the Mortlocks?
Because I’m moving, my address is changing! I updated the address posted on this blog, so effective immediately, be sure to send any mail to that address. Yes, I can receive and send mail! It may take an extra week or so to get to me, but it will get to me.
One month down, and doing well! Google Satowan and see what comes up!
Lots of love,
Ben
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