Settled

I'm ALIVE!! We have been off the grid for two weeks now, waiting for the internet to get hooked up (and then actually work). It is INCREDIBLE to be home! I melted into our bed the first night, and slept better than I had in many, many months. Now, we are getting comfortable in our new place. Home sweet not hotel room!!!

We are loving every minute being on this beautiful island. Wade and I were talking today about how, despite the inevitable Americanized feeling, it is really very subtle. The culture of the locals has saturated this place, and it's wonderful. As I've said before, they are very friendly and inviting.

Last Wednesday was Liberation Day, which is a very important holiday here on Guam. It is the day that Guam was liberated from Japan after WWII. They have a huge parade, a giant carnival, fireworks, and lots and lots of 'chow'. We made our way down to Chamorro Village (a local market square) to partake in the festivities, and see what Liberation Day was all about. It was so touching to see how thankful these people are to be an American territory. I mean, let's face it, most of the world is really not in love with America. Not these people. This holiday is not just a day for food and fun, but a day for true remembrance and thanks for our involvement in their lives. My husband was checking out at a small bakery that was in the hotel we were staying in when we first arrived, and the woman behind the counter took him by the hand and said, "Thank you. If it weren't for you, we couldn't sleep at night." It was the first time my husband was really moved, almost to tears by someone's appreciation for his service.

We are home. And, it really does feel like our home already. It's hard not to feel at home with these people. Every day is a new adventure...even if that adventure is trying to get at least one box unpacked.

Good Night Everyone!