The Native Iowan

The Cmas migrations have started for my tribe. Those frustrating, stress filled episodes of gathering 6 family members at the international airport check-in counter, at the same 6am, all to use the 30kg/66lbs baggage allowance for each, in order to prove the cargo-cult mentality is alive and well in them-thar pacific islands… Cargo cults emerged in the South Pacific during WWII when islanders, witnessing vast amounts of “cargo” (supplies) delivered to American and Japanese military bases, believed these goods were divine gifts, leading them to mimic soldiers’ activities (marching, building radio towers) in rituals to summon the goods back after the war, creating syncretic faiths like the John Frum Movement on Tanna, Vanuatu, that blended indigenous beliefs with Christian elements and observed the seemingly magical arrival of modern wealth.

Yes, over 200kgs/ 440lbs of “luggage” was successfully checked-in, loaded and flown to Munda. Yes, at 6am yesterday morn we gathered (with others heading “home”) and sent Paul’s family, plus Gracie off to the Solomons. Yes, they arrived safely with only one of their numerous pieces of luggage missing.

Can you say “Traveling Circus”?

I have Don’s two goils, Dawn and Vera here with me. They stay as my designated “baby sitters”.

We are settling nicely into a quiet old-fart + Goils household.

These two little ones are Honiara creatures. They are not terribly versed in unrestricted, run wild out door life. They like being “connected” and inside the house.

Honiara dictates a “compound” type existence for kids… you live in a compound, you dont really walk or stroll down the “street”, where ever you go you are taken by car, you stay and play within fenced yards with vigilant caregivers… not the case here, now…

After we got rid of the baggage at the airport yesterday we came straight home and had steaks for breakfast, then had a nice nap. We went and had lunch at a local pub. Came home and rode bikes.

Life is good…

Life is indeed good…