It's Open!

Francis’ store opened this weekend! Woo hoo. I took my NEW BIKE (I got a bike in Majuro to save my self the trouble of the flat tires I seem to get every time I borrow someone’s bike) down to Arno this weekend to help out with the farm again. Francis and his wife were there – so it was a lot of fun. Friday night they cooked a delicious meal and Michael (the volunteer in Arno) came over as well. We talked and ate for a very long time and then got some rest for the big day on Saturday. Saturday morning I worked on the farm a bit and then I helped Agnus make tuna sandwiches and Christmas cookies (ha they were the only ones they had – Christmas trees and snowmen) for the big store opening. We set up the inside of the store and brought out a big radio. The whole town came over for the event and it was a blast. During the day I became friends with the deaf lady that is always around because we discovered how to talk using sign language! I remembered the alphabet in sign language and she thought that was the best thing ever – that I knew that! Haha so now we talk using the alphabet. At about 3 o’clock everyone came to the store and there was a ceremonial opening. Prayers were said and people spoke to the honor of Francis and what he gives to the people of Arno. When everyone finished talking, candy began flying and feet began moving to the beat of the blaring music; it was a true Marshallese celebration!