10 Things I've Learned in Tanna

By: Cindy Baker

1. Rats will chew on anything…including candlesticks.

2. If you accidently hit a chicken in the head with a shoe, you basically kill it. Oops. (Aaron didn’t mean to kill the poor guy! The chicken just kept trying to walk in our house. So, Aaron lobbed his flip-flop at him, hitting it just right and breaking its neck. Kaela and Melia were not at all upset by it and were very enthralled by the whole chicken killing and cleaning process. I was just disappointed that he didn’t’ kill a fatter one. He was awful scrawny eatin’!)

3. It is a strange feeling to be two hours away from the volcano and still be able to hear its rumbling deep within the earth.

4. On windy days watch for falling coconuts! HEADS UP!

5. I thought that a slower pace of life away from the city would equal more free time. Wrong! Free time is hard to come by because of the sheer amount of time taken up by everyday living (i.e. hauling water, boiling water, keeping house, filtering water, cooking “island style” meals, handwashing clothes, etc.)

6. When it rains be sure to bring in your clothes from the line and clean dishes from the dishwashing stand or you will find a light sprinkling of volcanic ash covering them.

7. Dark nights far away from the glow of city lights offer the most breathtaking view of one of God’s most glorious creations: the stars! So many of them, shining so bright covering the expanse of the night sky. It is no wonder the Psalmist says in Psalm 104:1, 24, “Praise the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty…How many are your works, O Lord. In wisdom you made them all…”

8. I now know from where the term “nit pick” was derived. I know from past experience that nit (lice egg) picking is a bothersome, time-consuming, and almost painful process. I’m thanking God everyday that thus far we are all lice-free in Tanna!

9. I have known for quite some time that Earwigs (flat, crawly, ugly little black bugs) love bananas and I’m used to finding them on a stalk. However, I still have not gotten used to finding them crawling around on my bar of soap or my foot brush when I get ready to bathe! Who knew they were so interested in good hygiene?!

10. There is seemingly no end to the kindness and generosity of the people here. What a blessing to live and work among them!