Palau 2013 Day 01 & 02 – We made it!
June 3, 2013 3 Comments
We made it!!
This year was the earliest we’ve ever met to leave for Palau, 5:30am! Which means everyone was up no later than 4 something this morning (and which also means I have been up, aside from catnaps for well over 24 hours…. Having only slept 2 hours or so the night before we left, so I apologize for any incoherency). Yet, despite the dark skies and the early hour, we were a group of cheerful excited travelers. Both on years one and two we had last minute hiccups, cancellations due to new jobs, illness and a lost passport. We’ve had flight delays and were almost stranded in Japan, but this year our three flights were fortunately, completely uneventful. Actually there was such little excitement; they showed the same movie on two of our flights.
Tomorrow instead of our jetlag day, we have an official meeting. I’ll write more soon, we’re all here, safe, tired and ready to start our adventure!
Allison Knight Images 
Allison:
I am glad you are all there safely albeit jetlagged after the long flight.
There is a lot to accomplish in only 2 weeks but I know that Team Otis is up for the task. The students take their role in this mighty project very seriously and always exceed everyone’s expectations.
My advice, for what it’s worth, is:
Palau is a different culture with a different rhythm and cadence. What would be frustrating in Los Angeles can work to your advantage in Palau.
Relationships are what make the difference – from President Remengesau, to the Soline at the Flamingo, to the students at PCC.
Our purpose is to make Palau a better place to live, work, visit, and cherish. We want to make Palau a healthy place – physically, mentally, and environmentally. The 2012 total population in Palau is
17, 445, of which 12,814 are Palauans. It is the perfect place to make a difference.
The Palauans are extremely patriotic towards the United States and have fought in the pursuit of a free, democratic society. Some of the motivation to serve in the U.S. military stems from their gratefulness from being liberated from the Japanese. Some stems from accessing a pathway out of poverty and gaining U.S. citizenship. One thing is clear – a disproportionate number have suffered the mental trauma of serving in the armed services, been wounded, or lost their lives. This memorial is necessary, not optional, to recognize their service. It will be a healing site for remembrance and a beautiful setting for reflection.
This project is incredible because it combines all the elements that the Integrated Learning program imbues – governmental regulation, environmental issues, business aspects, lots of politics, historical and cultural overlays, and…….some art. It is real world learning that enables the students to be their best. Innovation and problem solving are encouraged and thrown into the crucible with the artistic skill set that brought the students to this point in their careers. The true test of a successful trip is that each of them should be absolutely exhausted on their trip back to Los Angeles yet be glowing with accomplishment and life-long memories.
Stay in touch, send plenty of photos, and have a Red Rooster for me.
Andy
Say hi to Palau for me! And I didn’t know Peraza was in this class!
Have an awesome trip guys! I know that even jetlagged you’ll do great.