dodging a curveball...

Life has been quite the rollercoaster since my last post. I should start by explaining that Ambrym has 2 volcanoes that make life difficult for the community. When active, the ash spoils drinking water and gardens. My village relies on rain water as there are no lakes or streams in the vicinity. When the wells are dry or the water is contaminated, they must walk 45 minutes to the coast to wash in the ocean and draw water for cooking and drinking from the hot springs. When the gardens are spoiled, they are really in trouble as no one can afford to eat store bought food for every meal.

According to locals, this is the time of the year for the volcano. According to some professionals, the volcanoes have become more active than usual. Several agencies are now involved in testing the pH of the water, monitoring the gardens, and measuring the volcanic activity. As a result, there was question as to whether or not it was safe for me to return to Ambrym. While Peace Corps did their part to get more information and assess the situation, I tried to wrap my head around what it would be like to be evacuated from the island. I tried to picture abruptly packing my things and saying goodbye. Then I tried to figure out how I would come to terms with leaving the village behind during crisis. Why wasn’t everyone being evacuated if I was? Furthermore, the thought of moving to a new island made me feel like I was abandoning my community and made me question whether I had the energy to adjust again. I tried to remain positive but couldn't help but feel completely discouraged at the thought of leaving Ambrym.

After more than a week of back and forth, I am ELATED to report that I’m allowed to return to Ambrym...with a few conditions. However, if all goes well I will be back on the island Saturday after almost a month of sitting in Vila. I have to say that a few days in the city is a nice break from the island but a month is too much time away from home. I miss the food, the people, the animals, my house, my routine, and my bed. And yes, I'm aware of how strange this all sounds.

So, please keep your fingers crossed for a calm volcano. If she keeps her end of the bargain, I'll be away from this computer until July! It was great to catch up with everyone these past few weeks. Please keep writing, I love and miss you all!