Bus and Bike Rides

I love people. I learned that in Indo, I had always been vaguely aware of the fact that I enjoy people, but after coming home it is very evident that I do. This realization finally hit me while I was waiting around for the VISTA bus to come back from Ventura. As I sat there a man who I would have normally ignored sat down next to me and I was itching to start conversation. We talked about tons of stuff, cars, bikes, college, his kids... When that topic came up low and behold- his oldest daughter was my high school guidance counselor! She was the one that told me to apply to Westmont despite the super steep finances. I was so stoked to have met her dad!

People are great, especially when you don't automatically assume they're all out to get you.

After that glorious bus ride I nearly keeled over riding up to school from my house. A majority of the ascent was spent talking to myself about how I was outrageous for thinking I could go up that hill. I got up eventually, and once I did it was so good to see all the Physical Plant folks! Plus going down the hill was mantab!

There's No Place Like Home....

So apparently it is way more difficult for me to adjust to sleeping here than it was in Indo. I got sick this afternoon right after 2nd service and I think part of that was the fact that I didn't fall asleep till 3 AM AND I ate an AMAZING chocolate cheesecake piece... It might have been worth it now that I think of it.

Like any sane traveller I made the wise choice of going glow bowling my first night back in Santa Barbara, to get back in the swing of things if you will. I BROKE 100 MUAHAHAH. And we went out to In-n-Out and I had a cheeseburger with chocolate shake... delicioso.

Other than being physically whacked out, I'm glad to be home. I might go back to sleeping on the floor and possibly recruiting people to sleep in the same room with me. I'm super thankful that I've gotten to hang out with Frontline Kiddos already and various other friendly faces that make this place so great.

I LOVE YOU GUYS A LOT!!!

Reverse Culture Shock

I just had my first taste of reverse culture shock and I am not pleased at all.

The entire plane ride I was really excited to get to talk to my family as soon as I was back in California.  I got a slap in the face when I called my mom's work and was coldly told by the manager that she was busy.

A. I haven't spoken to my mom in a month

B. We're super close

C. She would drop whatever she was doing to just say hello

Unfortunately my impression of the new manager is one of frustration and anger.

BAH

Homeward Bound

Here we come!

Back In Two Days

Hey all we've made it back to the "mainland" if you will. We'll be jetting out to Singapore tomorrow spending the night, then we'll hop on a plane for hong kong and then home.

so bear with us, the internet is down so we're at some knappy internet cafe... and our time is almost up here so

peace ya'll see you soon!

News Flash

We woke up this morning feeling way better. The desire to throw up has abated and right now we're just taking it easy. We both feel a little hot, but that could just be the fact that it is way hotter inland than out on the islands.

Everybody else is doing fine, they're all out on our third island. Hopefully we can join them later this afternoon. We have all been learning so much about ourselves, and the people of the smaller Indo. islands since we've gotten here. The dynamics and cultures are different on every island and it is astounding to see.

Well there isn't really much I can update on until I'm actually home (plus I wanna lay down) so that'll do it for now.

P.S. We won't be having any sort of communication, email or otherwise, until July 14th/15th, so don't worry, we're doing alright. Think of it this way, no news is good news.

Love.

Back to the Big Island

Em and I are sick as dogs.

Tis bad news bears that we are back home 2 weeks early.

Other than that all is well.

Goleta's on fire?