a musical bridge

I'm encouraged and inspired by the heart and talent shown by the Marshall Islands High School Choir, in part because I'm a fan of Glee, and also because I've been working alongside MIHS administration, Science, and Social Studies departments on the Jaññõr Windward Forest Project, which aims to show how heritage, education, health and environmental sectors in the RMI can work together to achieve common goals.

Here is the choir the night they arrived into Honolulu. Choir leader and Brother Kiuna, speak!

"Aloha to all of our family and friends in Marshall Islands. We arrived on time but it took us some time to get through filling out the customs forms but the staff there was really helpful and friendly. They even allowed us to wait until the whole group was done. By the time we went to baggage claim, all of our luggage was ready to be picked up. It worked out quite well. We then met up with Dan, who was the only non-Micronesian in the waiting area. He was a BIG help. We immediately went to check in for our Maui flight but they didn't let us do so because they had to check in earlier flights first.

"We opted to go to McDonald's for breakfast--we actually walked from the airport to the McD's near Nimitz Hwy (naval base). It was quite the journey but it was good to get some fresh air. After we ate, we performed for the crew at McDonald's and they really really enjoyed it. We sang "KANAKA WAIWAI" a Hawaiian hymn--most of the "audience" knew the song and couldn't believe that Marshallese would know such a famous Hawaiian song. The kids had a good time. We walked back to the airport and checked in maybe 45 minutes ago. We're waiting to go into the security checkpoint then maybe I will be able to get some rest."

Upon their return, a slightly sobering truth awaited. Many choir members were enamored by the American lifestyle, or at least the impressions they formed during their 2 weeks trip, and wanted to go back without finishing their high school education. One actually did.