Analina’s Auntie Jane and Grandma Atma (Bubu Atma) generously planned a farewell picnic for us at a picnic location near the airport. About 25 family members were present to farewell us. They prepared rice, a Micronesian noodle dish and grilled chicken on an open fire pit in the ground. A couple of the boys climbed a tree to pick pandanus fruit for everyone. The meal was eaten with our hands (Cathy cheated and used a spoon – what a spoil-sport!).
As the adults prepared the meal, the children swam in a lagoon – Analina was just so proud of herself for having a swimsuit while the others swam in their underwear. Analina, being the independent and determined young girl chose to bring her swimsuit of her own volition and paraded around as if she were special! Funny! We caught much of their conversation on video – all in Marshallese of course but it seemed as though they were discussing her going to America. Analina appeared awfully proud of that fact given the manner in which Bubu Atma has informed Analina of the reasons why she will be our daughter – all because Bubu wants Analina to have an education in the U.S.
Tom did a little fishing as Cathy shot photos. The children all came around to watch and wandered back and forth between fishing and the picnic site. What an easy, simple day it was.
The children were kept out of school for the sole purpose of the farewell picnic – we felt honored. Analina spent her time with her cousins (mostly bossing them around!) and completely ignored us!!! It was a sight to watch her interacting while in her natural environement.
Following the meal, the family sang for us as Jane played the ukulele. Several family members then presented us with handicraft gifts and Jane shared some wonderful words with us making us feel a welcome part of their family.
As the adults prepared the meal, the children swam in a lagoon – Analina was just so proud of herself for having a swimsuit while the others swam in their underwear. Analina, being the independent and determined young girl chose to bring her swimsuit of her own volition and paraded around as if she were special! Funny! We caught much of their conversation on video – all in Marshallese of course but it seemed as though they were discussing her going to America. Analina appeared awfully proud of that fact given the manner in which Bubu Atma has informed Analina of the reasons why she will be our daughter – all because Bubu wants Analina to have an education in the U.S.
Tom did a little fishing as Cathy shot photos. The children all came around to watch and wandered back and forth between fishing and the picnic site. What an easy, simple day it was.
The children were kept out of school for the sole purpose of the farewell picnic – we felt honored. Analina spent her time with her cousins (mostly bossing them around!) and completely ignored us!!! It was a sight to watch her interacting while in her natural environement.Following the meal, the family sang for us as Jane played the ukulele. Several family members then presented us with handicraft gifts and Jane shared some wonderful words with us making us feel a welcome part of their family.
What a wonderful smile. I bet she gives great hugs. We look forward to hopefully seeing you all soon. Hugs and kisses to everyone.
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