content

life (132) community (99) guahan (70) crafting (57) gallery (50) viewed (45) Celebrate (43) album (41) shopping (24) cast (16) oishi (12) hooping (5) growing (4)

Friday, August 6, 2010

Community in Wonderland: Getting more involved and making friends

I took this picture at the Agat Night Market.  I was there on Tuesday passing out fliers for the community action We Are Guahan is organizing for tomorrow.  I had a lot of fun doing the outreach.  My friend Colleen and I made 2 new friends. Erica and Tina actually live in California, but came out here to help for a bit.  Isn't that amazing?  Aside from making new friends we were at such a beautiful location.  Just look at those flowers and that sky.  We were right by the ocean too and got to watch the sunset.  Colleen and I were a little nervous at first about talking to strangers about such a touchy subject, but once we got started it was easy. Some people were really in to it.  One family was asking questions and sharing information with us. They even let us leave some fliers with them.  Some people were polite, but just not that interested. One family just said no when we offered them a flier.  But most people at least pretended to be interested.

Last night was another good night.  Another Guahan blogger, Desiree, from The Drowning Mermaid, hosted a sign making party.  I got off at 7 and Colleen and I headed over there shortly after.  I had a lot of fun.  It's nice being in a fun environment, but still at the same time getting work done.  Kisha, another new friend, and I made latte stone signs as we talked about the history of colonialism in the Pacific and it's impacts to the health of islanders.  When Colleen and I left around 10 the other girls were still working hard.  I can't wait to post pictures of the signs that were made.

As emotional and busy as this week was, it was worth it.  I hope a lot of people show up tomorrow, but either way I already feel better about the future of our island.  Just knowing and physically feeling that I'm not alone, in the emotions and frustrations and dreams that I have in dealing with the build up and all the other issues of my home, give me hope.  So to all my sisters, in this struggle, whether I met you years ago or just this week, I'd like to say thank you.