vaka 106.

Vaka 106 journeys on.
Aside from the 2am wake up call (thanks to the Tahitians) -this morning began like any other: with the sun rising/the waves crashing/stray dogs wandering/carmel and stripey roaming...

Following breakfast and a limerick by resident poet Doug -the team paddled in different directions to the various work sites. Later in the day, we gathered together at club 21 for 1 last happy hour with the fabulous 15. Hosts John and Nellann along with JoAnne and Karl concocted the tiki liki miki kiikii punch as Q entertained us with a slideshow. Post happy hour -it was on to a dinner celebration in honor of our work with Pauline and Harry Napa inviting us in/thanking us for our efforts.

I honestly tried to pay close attention to what was going on because I knew I would have to come up with something profound at the end of the day. Ultimately I had no luck because I realized that documenting a trip such as this is virtually impossible or as Jane would say -maybe it would just take longer?

In short -the amazing beauty/power of our work here in the Cook Islands stems from the spirit of its people. As Vaka 106 ventures off in different directions -whether you find yourself in a single/on a sprint/paddling in unison with 14 others/or on a long-distance trek -remember to focus on the journey and not the destination/respect the water and roll with the waves.

Kia Orana -may you live on.

oysters colliding.

Standing on a rock in the ocean -praying for my next step to appear, but content with where God has me.

I feel like I am standing in the ocean -with rocks popping up -forming a path. I have no idea when the next one will come up from the depths or where it will lead me, but I have faith in knowing that there is a plan. My job right now is to listen/observe/reflect on the past 28 years and know that this 2-month hiatus from status quo life is an opportunity for me to do just that. I have to find a way to strategically move forward/earn the credibility needed to shake things up/force perspective.

The trauma I experienced in San Francisco over 2 years ago and the work I have done with the University of Michigan since then opened doors to worlds unknown. I can sincerely say that I am a survivor/proud to have come this far -emotionally/mentally/spiritually and most recently geographically...

I am almost 3 weeks into my “hiatus” -smack dab in the South Pacific -west of Tahiti and north of New Zealand in Rarotonga -seat of government for the Cook Islands (15 in total), which were named after explorer Captain James Cook in 1773. My work with Global Volunteers began only a week ago. Since then I have worked with a number of kids -preschool to age 13 -reading/tutoring/playing soccer/swimming/paddling. Eliza taught me peekachu, Fin loves educational books, and sam walks around with paint on his face.

I have also had the opportunity to work with Mereana -who is essentially the one and only psychiatric nurse on the island. There is a lot of potential and at this point -I can see myself returning to Rarotonga to develop a relationship with Mereana and promote a better understanding regarding mental healthcare. The worlds of volunteer work/mental health advocacy/travel have officially collided.

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The world is your oyster.
-dad