Crabs, Bball, Cookouts, and Chickens

So we're finally starting to get down a routine as our life starts in Molokai. Eric goes to work around 6 a.m. each morning, which means we get up at 5:30.. this really isn't so bad considering this is 11:30 Indiana time, and we go to bed about 9 every night :) We joke we're living the schedule of 65 yr olds! He usually comes home for lunch, and ends his day around 3-4... there's never any definite schedule here one the island :) Ericis getting acclimated to his new job.. so far lots of training videos, luncheons with the bosses, and farm tours... lots to learn, but he's enjoying the work and the people thus far!

Here's a few of our favorite things about our life right now:

Crabs. This is actually Eric's favorite :) These guys range in size from a penny to baseball size, and they're absolutely hilarious. They can shrink down on there gangly legs and then puff up when we come around to intimidate us. They're everywhere on the beach and can bury themselves in the sand in less than a second. The funniest part is their speed. These little guys are lightning fast! Eric, as a former 100 meter sprinter, thought he could catch 'em, but hasn't succeeded thus far; not that he's about to stop! I wish you could see him chase after these guys... he gets so excited ;) Here's a pic my photographer husband is proud of.. and rightly so.

Bball. The island is actually crazy into softball, but right now they've recently started a basketball tournament. This is alot of fun. Various teams compete, including Monsanto. They play with a continually running clock, so it's funny to see the guys want to complain about a call, and then the other team ignore them and play right past them. This, of course, is another one of Eric's favs. and feels like we're back in Indiana.. the gym they play in reminds me of Wolcott Elem. Ris gets to watch in the stands with Erica, the pregnant wife :), and chat with plenty of local onlookers.

Cookouts. After just about any gathering, bball games included, there's always a cookout/potluck. These aren't your normal AC potlucks... everyone brings slabs of meat to cook, alongside rice, and maybe some noodles, and plenty of beer :) That's it! Believe me, Eric & I neither one missed the casseroles.. these guys know how to make some amazing deer and beef! The company is a mix of islanders and Monsanto workers who remind us alot of the farm boys back home.. lots of beer, a little rough around the edges, but good old boys at heart! We were equally impressed that the whole group, maybe 30 people, gathered in circle for a prayer before eating... God is here!

Chickens. Another one of Eric's favs. Although he left his flock for Mom Bahler at home; which by the way just expanded as 8 new chicks hatched!; there's plenty here in Molokai to remind us of home. They're everywhere! Who knows how these things took over the island, but now they roam free all over. Plenty of the Monsanto employees moved up to the hills to get away from them, but I think Eric & I will embrace their 5 a.m. crows... a little slice of home.. can you relate Mother Teresa? :) :)

Aloha,

E&M

Prayer Request: Housing! This may be a bit harder (and more expensive!) to find than we originally thought.. We still have plenty of weeks before our things arrive... but Ris loves to plan ahead :)