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?