As I've mentioned, Papa Isaiah is a distinguished looking fella with white hair and beard, a big smile and enjoys storian (chatting)...most of which is about himself but I am happy to hear his stories. He had been a star soccer player and can take on 4 men in a bar brawl...probably more. He can cure you of ailments with a special brew of leaves and herbs. He's an enthusiastic supporter of the Vanuaku political party, loves kava and is a fisherman...as many of the men here are but he has a special gift many tell me and he's proven it...
He sells one like this for only 600 vatu, equivalent to $6.00! How much do we pay...over $20 some places. He loves his kava, as I do but since Mama Eva is SDA (Seventh Day Adventist), I refrain from drinking too much out of respect for her. But when I do join him for a shell of kava, it's always a hoot when we stumble home together and are fed by Mama Eva.
Mama Eva...she is my saving grace here and a major reason why I've been able to survive and push through the difficult days. Generous, caring, a great cook and makes the perfect fire, she never asks for a thing...in contrast to my Mama from training and other Ni-Vanuatu who think "white man" are rich. (more on that later) She keeps the family running...goes to the garden, cooks, washes, takes care of the children (she has 3 small ones and 3 older who are away at school). The women here are so incredibly strong and amazing. (more on that later too)
He sells one like this for only 600 vatu, equivalent to $6.00! How much do we pay...over $20 some places. He loves his kava, as I do but since Mama Eva is SDA (Seventh Day Adventist), I refrain from drinking too much out of respect for her. But when I do join him for a shell of kava, it's always a hoot when we stumble home together and are fed by Mama Eva.Mama Eva...she is my saving grace here and a major reason why I've been able to survive and push through the difficult days. Generous, caring, a great cook and makes the perfect fire, she never asks for a thing...in contrast to my Mama from training and other Ni-Vanuatu who think "white man" are rich. (more on that later) She keeps the family running...goes to the garden, cooks, washes, takes care of the children (she has 3 small ones and 3 older who are away at school). The women here are so incredibly strong and amazing. (more on that later too)
Brother Thomas, 12 years old is quiet and easy going. Brother John, age 10, sweet, excels at soccer, sat with me when I first arrived while I unpacked and often visits me at my hut and removes dead rats from under my bed. Little sister Lisa is 4 is a sweetheart who is definitely the baby of the family.
My BFF, Elsie...who is also my RTC Homecare teacher, and I spend quite a bit of time together. A mother of four, born in Pentecost (another island several plane ride hours away) came to Paama six years ago after marrying a man from Paama. Like most women here, once married, must leave their family to join the husband's family. Similar to the Chinese culture, families are extended...the grandparents, aunts and uncles, etc all reside together so Elsie not only takes care of her own household but also her in-laws. She too will make leaving Paama difficult. 
A year ago, I was at my lowest...crying, feeling sorry for myself, wondering if I could really stay for two years and now a year later, I start to think about how sad it will be to leave these people...my Paama family.
Morgan (Vanuatu native) and Jani (Peace Corps Volunteer) put in a tremendous amount of energy and time organizing and planning the event...inviting local artists (which includes jewelry and other mixed media) to participate. Our youngest artist being 5 year old Freiya.
I arrived the week of the event to help out and it was hectic but of course I relished in all the planning...I was in heaven. 
I am missing so many pictures but we had some amazing performers from singing, monologues, poetry reading, karate, juggling and drum circle...it was otherworldly. Ben's freestyle rap with drum circle accompaniment was unbelievable.
