MJ's house

I consider it an honor to be invited into someone else's home, especially if I am abroad. So when MJ, the expat who has been volunteering on our project, invited the team to her house, I immediately said yes. 

Palauan homes don't look like much from the outside. They're made of cinder blocks and sheet metal. Their color is a dull version of whatever paint was applied years ago. The driveways are mostly dirt. In an American town, they would be described as "run-down." But anyone who spends more than 3 seconds in Palau will realize that this place is as humid as anywhere. Construction in this country is driven by practicality, not appearance - cinder blocks and sheet metal don't mold. 

Once you enter a house in Palau, the interior feels like a different world. MJ and Lauren's kitchen has bright white linoleum on the floor, relatively new appliances, and colorful curtains. It feels clean and welcoming. The main difference between American and Palauan homes on the inside is the texture. There are no carpets, fluffy couches, rugs, or tapestries because again, those things mold. Pretty much all food is kept in the refrigerator, and air conditioning is a must. People who live in Palau have figured out practical, modern ways to thrive here.

We actually spent the evening on the front porch. There were two hammocks, a large table, and plenty of chairs to go around. MJ and Lauren had invited some of their other friends, so we got to know them as well. The most fascinating person to talk to was a Palauan from the southwest islands - that's a series of extremely remote islands that constitute two states of Palau. One of the islands, Helen, is a nature preserve surrounded by a large barrier reef that is only inhabited by three rangers. The southwest islands have limited resources - to the point that the Palauan government sponsors a program that brings southwest islanders up to the capital, Koror, for healthcare and shopping. You can sign up for free, and there's a boat every three months. What a different life. 

It was heartwarming for me to spend time at MJ's house because it really feels like I have friends in Palau now. MJ and Lauren have built a little community of their own, and we're part of it - it just so happens there are 6-month gaps between our trips. 

I am so grateful to MJ for inviting us and to her and Lauren for hosting us. It was a lovely way to cap off our trip!

Our Palauan friends