Our New Home

Merry Christmas!

TP Tradisi

As a housewarming gift, our special American friends here decided to surprise us by toilet papering our new home! We explained to our neighbors that this was just a funny "tradisi" or prank that sometimes Americans do to each other. I'm not sure what they thought of it. :)



But it was even more of a surprise to know that the neighborhood kids helped!

"Vroommm!! Vrrooomm!!"

A motor bike is the most common transportation used here. I was a little worried about safety, but for right now, this is the most practical for us. Check out our wheels!



We didn't think we'd ever say this, but "GO LONGHORNS"!! (Gina, this is for you.)
While we are Arkansas Razorback and Horned Frog fans, T had to pick out this lovely burnt orange color which strikingly resembles a little bit of Texas.



T at one of the tallest hills in the city which has a traditional graveyard.

Our Island Culture and Scenery

Hiking 9,000 ft in 2 days, no problem!

Most islands are islands because under the ocean, a volcano erupts and forms land masses at the surface. These masses become fertile islands. The island we live on has the 2nd largest volcano in the country. Many hike to the rim, but no, my husband and his guy friends decide to summit the entire volcano in 2 days. "How?!" you must wonder. It takes several porters, several guides, lots of water, and just pure will power! 'Cause your body 'aint gonna wanna do it!

For those of you who are hikers, you know about "switchbacks"--a way to blaze the path in order to make it a better and easier hike for the hiker, especially when there is high elevation change. But no, the way natives like to blaze the path here, is simply from point A to point B--in other words, straight up!

"This is the hardest thing I've ever done in my life!" exclaimed my husband.

But the group made it. After 2 days, they hiked over 9,000 ft in elevation! Was it worth it? Check out the view.

We ladies are a fan of the helicopter and hope to one day take a smooth ride to the top to check out the view. :)

Climbing a Palm Tree

This past weekend was independence day in our country. One of the games they play during the festivities is called the Palm Tree Climbing Contest. They lube up a palm tree trunk with a thick oily substance, put prizes at the top, and expect you to climb all the way up to claim your prize. Young and old participate in this event. It is quite the experience. We crashed the party and our friend attempted to climb the pole. Needless to say, he didn't get too far. The local people are used to climbing palm trees, just not oily ones. White people are not as flexible and can't quite match up to the locals. It was a great time.

Hairy Fruit?

"Hmmm...it's quite colorful," I thought, as I brushed my fingers over the soft thick hairs of this foreign fruit called "Rambutan," which means "hairy fruit." I was a little hesitant to eat it. Ants like to live in it and personally I like my strawberries and pineapple. But, I dove right in after I peeled the pink layer off. Inside is a sweet and juicy white interior that was absolutely delicious! Needless to say, I didn't have to eat the hairy part! it's just the protective layer of the fruit. This is just one example of the many tropical fruits that I have never seen or eaten. So go to a foreign market and try some Rambutan!

Crossing Over

Katie getting fingerprinted at Immigration!



One way tickets!

We did it! We made the big move and landed at our destination on July 13th. It's been a wild ride so far and we have loved almost every minute of it. I say almost because we have mixed emotions leaving the life we knew (our friends, family, and comfortable life)for the life we are know deciding to embrace on the other side of the world. With new sounds, tastes, smells, people, and land, the common feelings are overwhelment, exitement, and a realization of the challenges ahead. For our first year, the two big challenges are learning the main language and cultural aquisition. We know that we are not alone as we face this mountain. More news and photos to come in a week or so!

Our Journey All Over Before Crossing Over

Our move is less than 6 weeks away, but we have started traveling to visit family and go on a few vacations. Enjoy some photos from our adventures.


The bear that crossed the street we were on!! Good thing we were in a car!


Glacier National Park, Montana






Katie's bro


Crazy Man



An old barn on Katie's grandfather's farmland.



Katie and her brother on top of a bin that holds grain on the farmland.



Todd's recent trip camping in Utah.



He traveled with our friend, Igor. Thanks Igor for letting us stay in your home!

4 Years of Teaching Math & Science

This week Todd will be saying good-bye to his high school students, some of which he has taught for four years straight. The mixed emotions that come when we think of not seeing our friends for at least three years is quite a unique experience: one that will become normal to us. Todd's students recently gathered together to spend time with him before we leave. We received so much encouragement, laughter, and tears. The students have finals tomorrow! Good luck with all the crazy math equations you guys have to solve for Mr. Bates! We love you and have treasured knowing you and being a part of your lives. Keep in touch!

If you knew you would be stranded on an island, what would you bring?

I suppose we should give a bit of a disclaimer. If you are our friend or family member, you know we're about to move onto an island far far away from our home. Technically we won't be stranded. However, as we count down the days until we leave, the reality has hit that we are somewhat adandoning what we know of life now in order to explore and find a new way of life: on a small island half way around the world. It will be foreign, uncomfortable, and simply different.

You ask why we're doing this? That's another story. We'd like to dedicate this blog to sharing our unique experiences and encounters as we embark on this journey overseas. We want you to hear of the sights, sounds, and smells we will be taking in. You are a blessing to us and we hope you enjoy our "island stories."

What are we doing now? Figuring out the essentials! What do we bring? What do we sell? What do we store? The three questions we ask ourselves every time we sift and sort through our stuff, attempting to diminish the amount of things we've accumulated since marriage. Todd and I find it actually an exciting process. Though it's a tedious process, we are ready to live a simpler lifestyle, with only the bare essentials packed in the 2 70-pound bags we each get to bring onto the plane.

Some sentimental items I can't seem to live without:

a few photos of friends and family
my camera
a few inspirational books
my guitar
a quilt that I was supposed to return to my grandma (grammy) but have had it since the beginning of college (I may have to give it back but I'm in denial).
chips n queso (too bad it's not packable!)

Todd's List:

soccer ball

Chipotle burrito

As I've thought through what things matter most to me, I've realized that their are very few things. Even the things above are not that "essential." Maybe my wedding album and my journals are the only things that I would be sad about if say my house burned down. We have so much more hope in relationship. Relationship with God and with others.

Think about what you would bring with you to a remote island. What matters most to you?