Universal Language

"We're going to have the word love

in many different languages translated all through the track
So, whenever you hear the word love
Know that, it's going to be in a different language
The language of love cannot be translated"

--Talib Kweli

In the states language is incredibly underrated. Despite numerous debates about the influx of Spanish, I feel we take for granted the ability to always "understand" one another. 

After a month in Pohnpei I have seen the drawbacks of a language barrier. There is nothing more concrete than differing languages to inject the notion that you and someone else are from differnet backgrounds, cultures, and even worlds. My Pohnpeian is coming slowly along, but in no way can I speak with the people here. 

Yet, why is it speech is so central to our communication? Surely, in our closest relationships we have seen how nonverbal communications conveys so much more in terms of emotion and feeling than understanding the words coming out of each other's mouths. It is different in the classroom while teaching because all of the kids are expected to speak English, and if they do not understand something it is my role to put that information in their heads

I have never been one for reading others non-verbally, or one for reading minds. However, I am one for sport, which has become quickly my first honest and open communication with those I can not understand through words. 

No more than 45 minutes of the plane, Fr. Fran had convinced me to play basketball with him that afternoon. Jet lagged, in a state of awe of my new surroundings, and simply tired from three days of traveling I was a bit hesitant. However, as I have since learned Fr. Fran is not one to take no for an answer. 

I played, horribly, and sweat, profusely. However, suddenly I felt a sense of ease with such new people. As I perspired, panted, and rested, they could see I was travel worn but still trying my best. 

At least three times a week we now play, and through looks, intensity of competition, and the simple enjoyment of a game, those who play regularly have become my friends. We know each other through a simple game and communicate many things, how our day went, what we are discouraged about, life's joys, through how we play a game each day. We do this by never saying a word, in English or Pohnpeian.

I thank Fr. Fran for lighting the spark that became my first lesson in universal communication

Below are a few pictures of life here. Some are from my home, some from school. Recently we had Pohnpei Catholic School Charter day which celebrated the beginning of the school and was celebrated with fun and games. I coached the yellow team and a good time was had by all, it was great to see the kids having so much fun

My room, thank God for the fan.
Our house, with new roof and paint job.
The basketball court I made my debut on 45 minutes after walking off the plane my first day in Pohnpei (thanks Fr. Fran)
Pohnpei Catholic School
Old Ruins on the Catholic Mission
My classroom from my desk, very simple (and peaceful) with no students in it.

My classroom building with Sokeh's Rock in the background

Charter Day games, the kids had a blast.
Musical chairs.
My classroom from the back (notice the stack of ungraded papers on my desk)

3,2,1 Blast Off...

Walk like warriors, we were never told to run

Explored the world to return to where my soul begun

Never looking back or too far in front of me

The present is a gift

and I just wanna BE

 -Common

 

 

2 weeks of orientation, 1 week in Pohnpei…and so begins life as a Jesuit Volunteer

 

Where to start, without doubt the sentiment delivered by Common above is what I will take from a great orientation. Through presentations, reflection, prayer, and socializing, I feel the core message pre-departure was that to do great work with others and abroad, one must first turn inward and work on oneself. So I left John Carroll University, not only in awe of the people I had met, such incredible people, but with a better sense of how to “BE.” It has become my mission to embark on this experience by attempting to see and find God in all things, as Common, Carlos Mejia, Fr. Howard Grey, fellow JV staff/presenters, and fellow volunteers enlightened me, that search must start within myself.

 

After three days of travel (four if one considers the day gained by crossing the international date line) I arrived to the dream I call Pohnpei. Pohnepei’s beauty is indescribable and when my camera is finally charged I will be sure to upload some photos. It is unlike any place I have ever been, like a hidden world amassed in an endless blue. What has stuck me most is the abundance of life. Whether it be tree, plant, ant, gecko,shark, spider, fruit, turtle, dog, person, there is life everywhere on this island. To a degree, life is so abundant it is almost bursting out from this small island to only be held back by the gaping waves and wind of the mighty Pacific.

 

Life is not only present here but it has a giant smile at all times. Upon first days, I have felt so blessed to be warmly greeted and accepted by each Pohnpeian I have met. Despite the fact many speak little or no English did not detour them, a smile is always on their faces. Life is simpler and slower here, which will take some getting used to, but as long as the niceties and pleasantries are extended for the next two years it should be no problem at all. Classes start in 5 days, I will be teaching 8^th grade which is very exciting, and am spending most of my days cleaning my classroom, meeting the staff at Pohnpei Catholic School, and acquainting myself to the daunting tropical heat (I sweat constantly).

 

To my fellow JV’s I just want to wish you all luck as we begin our journeys, it gives me solace to know that around the globe, I am in such great company. To my family and friends, I already miss you all but am adjusting well to this tropical paradise. Kasalellia meinko.

Rise Up...

Such is the way of the world

You can never know


Just where to put all your faith


And how will it grow



 

Gonna rise up


Burning back holes in dark memories


Gonna rise up


Turning mistakes into gold



 

Such is the passage of time


Too fast to fold


And suddenly swallowed by signs


Low and behold



 

Gonna rise up


Find my direction magnetically


Gonna rise up


Throw down my ace in the hole

 

As is typical, I don’t think I could have phrased my feelings as well as Eddie Vedder does above… With a month until departure I am a mass of hope and anticipation of the future ahead. On a recent bike ride, my thoughts were on a constant teeter between the wave of excitement to “rise up” and engage in the next chapter of my life, while at the same time, the melancholy of leaving the familiar continues to trickles into my thoughts.

 

Growing up with a mother who was a librarian, reading books was always a pastime of my childhood. I loved reading and still do today. The idea of jumping to other times, places, or even worlds by simply turning a page was an adventure I always cherished. However, as a child I always hated finishing the book. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love when the rising action leads to a literary catharsis, and all the conflicts are resolved in some way, but I always dreaded turning the last page and ending the relationships I had established with the characters and their stories. I knew deep down that the story would not be complete until it was finished but still felt a certain reluctance to spending all that time and effort into immersion and simply coming to the end and moving on to something else.

 

Amidst the fray of graduation I feel a similar hesitance. One month from now, not only do I open a new book but figuratively take the pen and begin my own story. Soon enough I will begin my tenure as a Jesuit Volunteer in Pohnpei, Micronesia. The story is one I have been anxious to write for some time now, however, the nostalgia of closing a new book from my youth continues to creep up at times.

 

I look to great endings for solace. Unlike works of the pen, film is a medium conducive to great endings. The Sixth Sense, The Usual Suspects, Kubrick’s finest, and the works of Akira Kurosawa build stories that rely on strong endings. If you will, begin to imagine the Star Wars trilogy without the shock of the phrase “Luke I am your father…” Surprises are innate to our human psyche. We seek the unexpected to give our lives new meaning, but can only grip such surprises by accepting them and opening up new endings. Much like a great film, surprise endings and un-foreseeable new beginnings give our lives new meanings and deeper understandings.

 

So, I am going to heed Eddie’s advice and rise up and embrace the uncertainty of a new beginning with the fervor of one doing his best to live the best he can, love all he meets, and regret nothing. For those not available to join me on this new adventure, I invite you to follow along my blog, I promise to keep you appraised of the new chapters that continue to open up in my life.

 

As well, I would like to thank all those who have donated to JVI on my behalf over the last month and a half. Your incredible generosity makes the work of  JV’s like myself possible. For any still wishing to donate, Checks can be made out to “Jesuit Volunteers International” c/o Luke Lavin, and mailed to Jesuit Volunteers International, P.O. 3756 Washington, D.C. 20027-0256. If you prefer, online donations made be made by check or credit card at www.jesuitvolunteers.org/donatejvi. JVI is a 501 non-profit corporation with an IRS tax identification number of 52-1360384. All donations are fully tax deductible.