Mariel's Guestbook
Comments
Date: 30th August 2010
So True..
Thanks for documenting your time Mariel. It's been a joy to read others' stories from paradise. I'm glad we got to see your school and be present for the Grand Opening. I owe you some photos and a beer if we're ever on the same island again.
From Blog: "Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the Edge of the World"
So True..
Thanks for documenting your time Mariel. It's been a joy to read others' stories from paradise. I'm glad we got to see your school and be present for the Grand Opening. I owe you some photos and a beer if we're ever on the same island again.
From Blog: "Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the Edge of the World"
Date: 30th August 2010
To Mariel
So, my beloved Granddaughter, your Peace Corps journey is coming to an end. Vanauatu will never be the same.....your spirit will always be there ------ somewhere walking on the beach, drinking kava and storying with the Mamas. I have vicariously walked beside you and experienced the emotions you have felt.....laughter, tears, fear, happiness, pain, accomplishment, disappointment, joy, etc. etc. You allowed me to be there with you and share your emotions through your beautiful writings. Thank you. Relatively speaking, you HAVE taken a "Journey to the Center of the Earth" and, although you did not discovery electricity, you discovered something much greater.......true humanity. Humanity that deals not only with the native culture you have become one with, but, also, that which deals with Mariel. Who you are and who you will now become. I feel sure Jules Verne would be pleased!!!!!!!! You will be "storying" about this journey for the rest of your life! Soooooooooooooo, come on home to Texas where, at times, it feels like it is the edge of the world:) And...................always remember that when one journey ends, the rest of your life begins. This Grandmom can't wait to put her arms around you.
From Blog: "Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the Edge of the World"
To Mariel
So, my beloved Granddaughter, your Peace Corps journey is coming to an end. Vanauatu will never be the same.....your spirit will always be there ------ somewhere walking on the beach, drinking kava and storying with the Mamas. I have vicariously walked beside you and experienced the emotions you have felt.....laughter, tears, fear, happiness, pain, accomplishment, disappointment, joy, etc. etc. You allowed me to be there with you and share your emotions through your beautiful writings. Thank you. Relatively speaking, you HAVE taken a "Journey to the Center of the Earth" and, although you did not discovery electricity, you discovered something much greater.......true humanity. Humanity that deals not only with the native culture you have become one with, but, also, that which deals with Mariel. Who you are and who you will now become. I feel sure Jules Verne would be pleased!!!!!!!! You will be "storying" about this journey for the rest of your life! Soooooooooooooo, come on home to Texas where, at times, it feels like it is the edge of the world:) And...................always remember that when one journey ends, the rest of your life begins. This Grandmom can't wait to put her arms around you.
From Blog: "Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the Edge of the World"
Date: 25th August 2010
Happy For You
Way to go, Mariel. Congratulations. Glad all that hard work paid off. See you when you get back.
From Blog: Grand Opening!
Happy For You
Way to go, Mariel. Congratulations. Glad all that hard work paid off. See you when you get back.
From Blog: Grand Opening!
Date: 27th July 2010
Can't believe it!
that you are wrapping up this part of your journey in Sept! You have forever affected the lives of many people where you are and inspired many of us at home. I'm in your fan club Mariel. Always, Gigi
From Blog: random shots
Can't believe it!
that you are wrapping up this part of your journey in Sept! You have forever affected the lives of many people where you are and inspired many of us at home. I'm in your fan club Mariel. Always, Gigi
From Blog: random shots
Date: 26th July 2010
Satisfaction
Hi Sweet Granddaughter, Welllllllllllllll, this journey of yours is nearing an end and, on the one hand I am thrilled, but, on the other, I'm, just a little bit sad. The road you have travelled has certainly been bumpy and mostly uphill. At times, you have had a fork in the road and only you could decide which way to go. Amazingly, you seemed to make all the right decisions..........decisions that would have such an affect on the lives of others. Your accomplishments are immense........and, now, it is time to come home. You have improved the conditions and the lives on Vanauata.........and, now, it is time to come home. I am thrilled because you showed everyone how it is done. How you made a commitment that would "better" the youth on those islands - so very far away from home. And, how you achieved that commitment and then some, always with your head up held high. I am a little sad because you will be a little sad. I have seen the heart and soul you have put into your experience and I know you will dream about the faces of so many children who have looked up to you..................who have been given hope beyond hope. You must plan to go back in a few years and visit those many faces. And....there is no way around the fact that you will leave a little bit of your heart and soul in Vanauata. The islanders will never forget the white girl who came to help them. They will hear your voice in the wind and feel your spirit in the spray of the ocean.............forever. As I have said before, your Karma is there to stay. As one journey ends, another one will begin. Your Granddad and I can't wait to have you closer to us and watch as you enter the next "journey" of your life. When we told your boys you were coming home, Toby walked over and kissed your granddad right on the lips. Don't know what that means:) Felix rolled over on his back so we could rub his tummy. Don't know what that means either:) Have a safe trip home and we will see you soon. We love you, Mariel. Your grandmom
From Blog: random shots
Satisfaction
Hi Sweet Granddaughter, Welllllllllllllll, this journey of yours is nearing an end and, on the one hand I am thrilled, but, on the other, I'm, just a little bit sad. The road you have travelled has certainly been bumpy and mostly uphill. At times, you have had a fork in the road and only you could decide which way to go. Amazingly, you seemed to make all the right decisions..........decisions that would have such an affect on the lives of others. Your accomplishments are immense........and, now, it is time to come home. You have improved the conditions and the lives on Vanauata.........and, now, it is time to come home. I am thrilled because you showed everyone how it is done. How you made a commitment that would "better" the youth on those islands - so very far away from home. And, how you achieved that commitment and then some, always with your head up held high. I am a little sad because you will be a little sad. I have seen the heart and soul you have put into your experience and I know you will dream about the faces of so many children who have looked up to you..................who have been given hope beyond hope. You must plan to go back in a few years and visit those many faces. And....there is no way around the fact that you will leave a little bit of your heart and soul in Vanauata. The islanders will never forget the white girl who came to help them. They will hear your voice in the wind and feel your spirit in the spray of the ocean.............forever. As I have said before, your Karma is there to stay. As one journey ends, another one will begin. Your Granddad and I can't wait to have you closer to us and watch as you enter the next "journey" of your life. When we told your boys you were coming home, Toby walked over and kissed your granddad right on the lips. Don't know what that means:) Felix rolled over on his back so we could rub his tummy. Don't know what that means either:) Have a safe trip home and we will see you soon. We love you, Mariel. Your grandmom
From Blog: random shots
Date: 26th July 2010
Making the Theater
What great pictures!! You have made a great impact on lots of people. Making their lives more open to the world. The libraries are impressive. Where do the books come from? Looking forward to your return.
From Blog: random shots
Making the Theater
What great pictures!! You have made a great impact on lots of people. Making their lives more open to the world. The libraries are impressive. Where do the books come from? Looking forward to your return.
From Blog: random shots
Date: 26th July 2010
Great explanation
The complications that occur must be entertaining. I am glad that you are sharing your experiences. Keep safe. Love ya, S
From Blog: logistics
Great explanation
The complications that occur must be entertaining. I am glad that you are sharing your experiences. Keep safe. Love ya, S
From Blog: logistics
Date: 4th June 2010
Thanks for spreading joy...
Hey Mariel, I visited Papo twice this week and he positively glowed when talking about your visit with him. He was so happy to see and hear about your experiences. He said that while watching the Visit to America from the villagers he saw your face radiate joy. I will have to say that you are spreading joy to all of us... I love the blogs. This explanation was perfect. Have you started a garden? And when does the rainy season start? Mostly did you enjoy your daily shower while you were home? You are loved!!!!
From Blog: logistics
Thanks for spreading joy...
Hey Mariel, I visited Papo twice this week and he positively glowed when talking about your visit with him. He was so happy to see and hear about your experiences. He said that while watching the Visit to America from the villagers he saw your face radiate joy. I will have to say that you are spreading joy to all of us... I love the blogs. This explanation was perfect. Have you started a garden? And when does the rainy season start? Mostly did you enjoy your daily shower while you were home? You are loved!!!!
From Blog: logistics
Date: 4th June 2010
Mariel's summary
Great summary, Mariel - and here I tho't you just ate lobster every nite served by your loyals subjects! DB
From Blog: logistics
Mariel's summary
Great summary, Mariel - and here I tho't you just ate lobster every nite served by your loyals subjects! DB
From Blog: logistics
Date: 25th May 2010
And the Landing?
What does the landing look like.... bungie jumping native style. What holds the jumping tower together? I loved the prayers prior to the jump. Thanks for sharing.
From Blog: Land Diving!
And the Landing?
What does the landing look like.... bungie jumping native style. What holds the jumping tower together? I loved the prayers prior to the jump. Thanks for sharing.
From Blog: Land Diving!
Date: 21st May 2010
Ecclesiastes
Hi Mariel - I wrote something before but forgot to put in my name so I'll rewrite it. You wrote such a very poignant and personal blog about your recent losses. I was reminded of something from Ecclesiastes by your last few lines. It provides a view of suffering that is acceptable to me. It says something to the effect of: bad things happen but life brings good things. The solution to life is to enjoy it while you can while doing all the good you can because it will soon be over. That doesn't provide as much solace as some other views but I like it. I'm very sorry about your losses (and mine) and look forward to seeing you back home. Your friend, Dave
From Blog: Expectations
Ecclesiastes
Hi Mariel - I wrote something before but forgot to put in my name so I'll rewrite it. You wrote such a very poignant and personal blog about your recent losses. I was reminded of something from Ecclesiastes by your last few lines. It provides a view of suffering that is acceptable to me. It says something to the effect of: bad things happen but life brings good things. The solution to life is to enjoy it while you can while doing all the good you can because it will soon be over. That doesn't provide as much solace as some other views but I like it. I'm very sorry about your losses (and mine) and look forward to seeing you back home. Your friend, Dave
From Blog: Expectations
Date: 21st May 2010
Hi Mariel - You wrote quite a moving documentary about your recent personal losses and I am sorry with you. Only one book in the Bible provides a view of suffering that I can buy into - that put forth in the book of Ecclesiastes: bad things happen but life brings good things. The solution to life is to enjoy it while you can while doing all the good you can because it will soon be over. This view that doesn't provide as much solace as some others but works for me. It will be nice to have you home soon! Your friend, David
From Blog: Expectations
Hi Mariel - You wrote quite a moving documentary about your recent personal losses and I am sorry with you. Only one book in the Bible provides a view of suffering that I can buy into - that put forth in the book of Ecclesiastes: bad things happen but life brings good things. The solution to life is to enjoy it while you can while doing all the good you can because it will soon be over. This view that doesn't provide as much solace as some others but works for me. It will be nice to have you home soon! Your friend, David
From Blog: Expectations
Date: 19th May 2010
Love
Mariel, I love you so much. You are such an amazing woman. There are no words that will take away your pain, but know that each day will get easier. You are so strong, sweetheart...even though it doesn't feel like it now. Your family and friends will wrap their arms around you and comfort you! We have strong shoulders! I love you! Aunt Pam
From Blog: Expectations
Love
Mariel, I love you so much. You are such an amazing woman. There are no words that will take away your pain, but know that each day will get easier. You are so strong, sweetheart...even though it doesn't feel like it now. Your family and friends will wrap their arms around you and comfort you! We have strong shoulders! I love you! Aunt Pam
From Blog: Expectations
Date: 3rd April 2010
Love it!
Love your pics. So happy you are seeing a bit of the world. I must meditate about the "lonely trees". I believe there is something very profound in them! And.....remember what Mark Twain said, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines! Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." I believe ole Mark would be proud of you. I know I am. Boys are fine. Love you, Grandmom
From Blog: Tramping
Love it!
Love your pics. So happy you are seeing a bit of the world. I must meditate about the "lonely trees". I believe there is something very profound in them! And.....remember what Mark Twain said, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines! Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." I believe ole Mark would be proud of you. I know I am. Boys are fine. Love you, Grandmom
From Blog: Tramping
Date: 25th February 2010
Mom here
Mariel, You make me laugh! I love your stories! They are so very entertaining. I'm feeling a bit nervous about my holiday there this September. I'll be sure to include lots of deoderant in my bag :)! LOL and be safe! Mom
From Blog: The hunk of noisy metal Rex walks around with all day
Mom here
Mariel, You make me laugh! I love your stories! They are so very entertaining. I'm feeling a bit nervous about my holiday there this September. I'll be sure to include lots of deoderant in my bag :)! LOL and be safe! Mom
From Blog: The hunk of noisy metal Rex walks around with all day
Date: 22nd February 2010
Go American Girl
Someone has to d it
From Blog: The hunk of noisy metal Rex walks around with all day
Go American Girl
Someone has to d it
From Blog: The hunk of noisy metal Rex walks around with all day
Date: 18th February 2010
kiribus
Hey David, Before i came, i got into contact with a girl who served on Tonga and she recommend the sex lives of cannibals and getting stoned with the savages. I read the latter, but not the first. id love to read it. really funny author, and now having had similar experiences i know id appreciate his humor even more. sometimes, you just have to smile and keep going; you even get to the point of admiration for their views and actions and way of doing things. if you get a chance, send the book over!
From Blog: The hunk of noisy metal Rex walks around with all day
kiribus
Hey David, Before i came, i got into contact with a girl who served on Tonga and she recommend the sex lives of cannibals and getting stoned with the savages. I read the latter, but not the first. id love to read it. really funny author, and now having had similar experiences i know id appreciate his humor even more. sometimes, you just have to smile and keep going; you even get to the point of admiration for their views and actions and way of doing things. if you get a chance, send the book over!
From Blog: The hunk of noisy metal Rex walks around with all day
Date: 18th February 2010
BRAVO!!
This ranks up at the top of your blogs. I can just see you running around like a "banty rooster" with a dirty toe and a machette in hand!!! I had to laugh, sorry. It was good seeing you xmas and I can tell it was a much needed break for both you and the islanders. Keep going your on the "downhill side" of your tour.
From Blog: The hunk of noisy metal Rex walks around with all day
BRAVO!!
This ranks up at the top of your blogs. I can just see you running around like a "banty rooster" with a dirty toe and a machette in hand!!! I had to laugh, sorry. It was good seeing you xmas and I can tell it was a much needed break for both you and the islanders. Keep going your on the "downhill side" of your tour.
From Blog: The hunk of noisy metal Rex walks around with all day
Date: 13th February 2010
Sex lives of Cannibals
Hi Mariel, I ran across a book from a guy who was living in Vanuatu, Attu to be specific. I looked it up on Amazon and found that his previous book had better reviews so I bought it. Several of the stories he tells ring true to your experiences. He was having a nice swim in the ocean when a big fat villager waddled out into the surf to evacuate his bowels. Our authur was mortified. He found out he was swimming in the village john. On another occasion when he was swimming he found out he was swimming in the village disposal beach for disposable diapers. To be a good citizen he decided to collect and burn a few of them - and was immediately stopped. Him native confidant assured him that if you burn the diapers you simultaneously burn the formers wearer's bum. No amount of persuasion could convince her otherwise. They came to a compromise. He should put up a sign, advising that any diapers he found there in the future, he would burn. She assured him that would stop the problem - since no-one wanted their babies' bums charbroiled. He found a nice hiding spot, waiting to see what kind of effect the sign would have. Without exception, the ladies carrying soiled diapers for disposal, after reading the sign, turned around and went elsewhere. If you have access to a CD I'll send you the set. I'm almost done with it. Love, Dave
From Blog: The hunk of noisy metal Rex walks around with all day
Sex lives of Cannibals
Hi Mariel, I ran across a book from a guy who was living in Vanuatu, Attu to be specific. I looked it up on Amazon and found that his previous book had better reviews so I bought it. Several of the stories he tells ring true to your experiences. He was having a nice swim in the ocean when a big fat villager waddled out into the surf to evacuate his bowels. Our authur was mortified. He found out he was swimming in the village john. On another occasion when he was swimming he found out he was swimming in the village disposal beach for disposable diapers. To be a good citizen he decided to collect and burn a few of them - and was immediately stopped. Him native confidant assured him that if you burn the diapers you simultaneously burn the formers wearer's bum. No amount of persuasion could convince her otherwise. They came to a compromise. He should put up a sign, advising that any diapers he found there in the future, he would burn. She assured him that would stop the problem - since no-one wanted their babies' bums charbroiled. He found a nice hiding spot, waiting to see what kind of effect the sign would have. Without exception, the ladies carrying soiled diapers for disposal, after reading the sign, turned around and went elsewhere. If you have access to a CD I'll send you the set. I'm almost done with it. Love, Dave
From Blog: The hunk of noisy metal Rex walks around with all day
Date: 30th December 2009
cleansing tears for the two lost.
I have laughed and cried with you........your blogs always have that effect on me. Remember that our hearts beat to the rhythm of our suffering while our tears cleanse our soul. Also remember that there are two new stars in the heavens, watching over all that they love. As you gaze at the night skies, you will feel the warmpth of their arms around you, encouraging you to keep on living, loving and growing in heart and in mind. Australia...............we must spend a couple of days talking about your experiences in Australia when you return, because I want to hear all about what is "between the lines". So glad you made that trip. Know that you are loved. Your kitties are just fine...wonderful actually. I will write you a long letter soon. Love, hugs and kisses, Grandmom
From Blog: bringing 2009 to an end
cleansing tears for the two lost.
I have laughed and cried with you........your blogs always have that effect on me. Remember that our hearts beat to the rhythm of our suffering while our tears cleanse our soul. Also remember that there are two new stars in the heavens, watching over all that they love. As you gaze at the night skies, you will feel the warmpth of their arms around you, encouraging you to keep on living, loving and growing in heart and in mind. Australia...............we must spend a couple of days talking about your experiences in Australia when you return, because I want to hear all about what is "between the lines". So glad you made that trip. Know that you are loved. Your kitties are just fine...wonderful actually. I will write you a long letter soon. Love, hugs and kisses, Grandmom
From Blog: bringing 2009 to an end
Date: 28th December 2009
Tears are shared memories...
Your writings brought tears and laughter to me... you havr learned so many things about life and yourself... seizing the opportunities to meet new people.. they will be with you forever for they each leave a part with you at parting. Pat pat would have been praying for you and urging you to be your greatest. I am sending you love... Sharon
From Blog: bringing 2009 to an end
Tears are shared memories...
Your writings brought tears and laughter to me... you havr learned so many things about life and yourself... seizing the opportunities to meet new people.. they will be with you forever for they each leave a part with you at parting. Pat pat would have been praying for you and urging you to be your greatest. I am sending you love... Sharon
From Blog: bringing 2009 to an end
Date: 13th October 2009
Amazing
Simply astonishing to read your tales of the Island and people. Amazing!
From Blog: Around the Island in 10 days
Amazing
Simply astonishing to read your tales of the Island and people. Amazing!
From Blog: Around the Island in 10 days
Date: 11th October 2009
my hero - my sister!
Good for you Mariel! I'm envious of your great adventure. Dad said you are going to medical school? Wow. If I could live over again, I would want to more like you. The girls send their love and are looking froward to seeing you Christmas. Liver it up, kid. DAce
my hero - my sister!
Good for you Mariel! I'm envious of your great adventure. Dad said you are going to medical school? Wow. If I could live over again, I would want to more like you. The girls send their love and are looking froward to seeing you Christmas. Liver it up, kid. DAce
Date: 10th October 2009
Beautiful Walk
Mariel, Words fail me for your trip. I am humbled. Sharon
From Blog: Around the Island in 10 days
Beautiful Walk
Mariel, Words fail me for your trip. I am humbled. Sharon
From Blog: Around the Island in 10 days
Sharon
non-member comment
Great Insight
Hi Mariel, You have grown so much.. the insight into your own thoughts comes through in your description of your life since you left the US... I hope you continue your blog as you adjust back to the USA, it will be interesting to read your comparisons. See you soon, S
From Blog: "Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the Edge of the World"