On March 6, 2020, United flight #155 delivered me to Kosrae. Little did I know that I’d be spending an entire year here — and probably a few months more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In my entire life, I’ve never stayed in one place this long. As a child, my family took yearly road trips to visit grandparents who lived in other states. As a teen, I often rode my bicycle more than 25 miles a day. I went away to college and returned home at every school break. For work, I regularly flew coast to coast for clients. Since 2008, I’ve visited more than 100 countries, averaging about 5 miles per hour for 13 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Living in Kosrae for the past 12 months, I haven’t traveled more than 10 miles. That’s how far it is from one end of this little island to the other. Although I’ve left Kosrae a few times by boat or by swimming. I haven’t been more than 500 yards from shore. The past year sets a personal record for staying in one place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Surprisingly, I haven’t felt constrained, restricted or restless. I’ve stayed busy by teaching and volunteering. In my “free” time, I’ve combed most of Kosrae’s beaches. I’ve explored much of Kosrae’s forested interior. I’ve been to all the churches, shops and restaurants. I think I’ve met about half of Kosrae’s 6000 inhabitants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The fact that I’ve been content with a simple life on a small island may have something to do with Kosrae’s environment. In previous posts, I’ve tried to show you how kind, generous, honest and happy the Kosraens are. Here are two short videos to show you (again) what an extraordinarily beautiful place this is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n