Return to Paradise

I returned to Kosrae seven weeks ago. While I was in the US, Stella stayed here and took the first two videos posted below.

Every village in Kosrae holds a night market once or twice a year. Here’re some clips of traditional dancing and singing at Malem’s night market in June.

In July, our landlord hosted a feast to honor one of Kosrae’s distinguished citizens. As usual, the music, food and company were fabulous. Too bad I was in America! The message on the cake reads “May the Lord’s face shine upon you! Thank you for your service.”

After my 14-hour flight across the Pacific, Stella met me at the airport — wearing her new wig — which got lots of attention from the locals. A few changes occurred while I’ve been gone. During September, our hospital received several doctors from China who’ve come to Kosrae to fill positions of doctors who’ve left. Meanwhile, some things haven’t changed. The termites are still devouring our furniture.

During fall semester at College of Micronesia, I teach Environmental Studies. I love teaching this class because our laboratory is right outside the classroom door. Here’s our field trip to Kosrae’s Ka Forest. This forest is the only remaining stand of Terminalia carolinensis in the world.

Stella has become one of Kosrae’s noted gardeners. With unlimited supplies rain, sunshine and volcanic soil, she’ll soon be producing too many vegetables for one household.

On the morning of September 8, 1945, two US Navy destroyers sailed into Lelu Harbor, raised the American flag, and officially ended Japanese occupation. Kosrae celebrates Liberation Day every year with singing, dancing, barbecues and canoe races!

Stella and I now have bicycles! The beach road has few ups or downs, so it’s an easy ride.

We go swimming on the reef flat almost every afternoon. A path takes us through the mangroves to our mile-long private swimming pool. The water is as clear as air and 84°F (29°C) — warm enough that you can soak for hours without getting chilled. At high tide, the water is about 1.5 meters deep, which makes for a relaxed swim. Rays and turtles swim by. At sunset, birds circle overhead while the clouds turn pink and purple.

In America this summer, I was astonished by how few people have heard of Micronesia. “Is Micronesia a country? Where is it?” they asked. Micronesia’s Tourist Bureau is making an effort to correct this lack of knowledge. Here’s a 3-minute video that will make you want to visit.

Although time moves slowly here, my time is filled with swimming, snorkeling, hiking, bicycling, visiting friends, playing with children, participating in cultural events and sometimes teaching. With all these activities, please forgive me for not posting more frequent updates about life in Kosrae. Except for a brief trip off-island around Christmas, Stella and I expect to be here through the spring semester, at least. To learn more about Kosrae, maybe you should just come visit us!

Meanwhile, here’s a link to another enticing videos made by a Kosraean friend of mine: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DO5wBR7gF0h/