I am trying to put together a little history of our time so far here on Kiritimati Island. It is actually July 26th and we first got here on Dec 15th. but the internet didn't work so we couldn't do much with this blog. Hope you enjoy our journey. 

    

     The houses on the island are very small. Made out of about anything they can get their hands on: tin, scraps of wood, branches off coconut trees, thached roofs, cinder blocks, sticks, card board, cloth to cover windows. Many don't have floors, most are very short, some on sticks to elevate them off the ground. They weave mats to sleep on, sit on, use as coverings, for privacy.

       At the gatherings you see some of the people, all ages, using their fingers to eat with, sometimes out of a single central bowl. Many of the little children run around without any clothes on. The stores sale diapers one at a time because the little children pretty much go around with out bottoms.The people are starting to gather here for this special night. They will not be sleeping in the empty cultural hall (like last week) but out in the huts in the back. I wish you could see these places. The main one is pretty big and has a light at the top peek. They are carrying in their mats. The mats are works of art, they are so beautiful. These wonderful people are so happy, they are well dressed, and very excited to be together. You should hear them sing. They are so amazing. I love being here.