Hot Accent?

Through much hardship and turmoil, I have now officially completed a full week of school and early morning seminary. Go me! Was it hard? No.... [sarcasm alert] since when was waking up at 4:45 considered difficult? But th-th-that-that don't kill me... can only make me stronger! This is the part where everyone starts thinking: "Now WHY is she complaining about a pathetic three-day-a-week school schedule?!" What a good question! I am sure I would be asking the same thing if I weren't here. But it's kind of one of those things that cannot be understood unless you are actually experiencing it for yourself. Whatever I had learned about school in Springville or Minnesota... can be forgotten while making my way in this French-influenced parochial system. Some cultural differences cannot be ignored. But let's move on. My entertainment comes from listening to students trip over names like "Manhatten" in my English class. We've been reading about New York in our text book, and during class my teacher asked me to read three or four paragraphs. I was also instructed to read it "with my accent" ...Um, sure? So I did. I was fairly confident I hadn't forgotten how to read. Once I had finished, the entire class acted as if I had just completed a marathon without breaking a sweat. The student in front of me turned around and said (in English even) "That was AWESOME!!" Light applause, lots of "wows" and comments of a "beautiful accent" were also made. I couldn't help but laugh. It never really occurred to me that my Midwestern United States upbringing would bump me to the "hot-accent" department in countries like Tahiti. (Tears streaming) I would like to thank the academy for this wonderful honor as well as my agent, my parents and my inspirations Gerard Butler, Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman and Colin Firth. Thank you!!!!!! xoxo

Mai-Kell PhEHHHHHHHLPsuh!!!!

As the games in Beijing are becoming more and more exciting, I seem to be seeing less and less of what I want to. I have seen zero volleyball, zero basketball, zero soccer, and very little tennis or gymnastics... meanwhile we are at the edge of our seat in anticipation for who will take the gold in fencing, handball, judo or archery.

However I am very happy to say that I have seen every one of Phelps' gold medal races. (That is, of course, for the time that they switched in the middle to a Polynesian soap opera...) I seriously wish that I could describe to you the way that this French commentator says Michael Phelps' name. Complete with a quintessential French accent, (heavy on the throat-clearing/gurglingness) Phelps' name must be repeated a minimum of fifteen times during a swimming meet - regardless if Phelps is swimming. We get a kick out of it.

Oh, and to top things off, when was the last time you saw Charles Barkley kiss the other male commentator at the end of a broadcast? (On the cheek, silly. We're not in California.) That gave us a laugh, watching the two Frenchmen get emotional as they went off air. Yeah, it was pretty rough on us too.... :P

Hmmm... BUENO!

Anyone who has spent ten seconds with me will remember my deputy phrase: "No bueno!" But this isn't no bueno. This is bueno. It's a bueno bar of course it's bueno! Sorry... That was pure stupid. But it's all I've got at this second. I promise I'm not here to advertise. (Even though that picture's just s'darn cute that I could sell platinum!) But I really like this candy bar. That's all. Lack of humor... lack of... words... lack of... substance.. yeah..

Rules for Lycee Samuel Raapoto

1. No chewing gum A self explanatory rule, however this does not mean you are prohibited to "chew" gum, it means that you cannot have the product chewinggum in the premises. (That's what they call gum, chewing gum. Har har. I apologize that I cannot express this in a way as to appear witty or entertaining.) 2. No smoking I heard this rule and laughed. Before I noticed that outside of the school, there was smoking everywhere. So I stopped laughing. I was approached by two girls from my class (who spoke a little English) who proceeded to ask me: "Smoke cigarettes? Marijuana? You drink? Tattoo?" Let's just get all of the no no's out in one breath why don't we?! 3. No markers =Graffiti. Tons of graffiti in Papeete. My translator explained to me that that was why this rule is put in place. 4. No inappropriate clothing While looking around at my classmates, this one stumped me. They do not have the "Mormon modesty" system that we are accustomed to in Utah. Until you set a specific standard... people are just going to wear whatever they want. And they do. Or the lack thereof. These are the rules that I must abide by while in attendance at this school. It'll be a long and difficult road, but I think I can handle it. ;)

2008 Olympics!

So, I've always been a big Olympics fan - and I've been looking forward to this year's summer games ever since Athens four years ago. There are so many fun events to watch. :)

Our television is supplied with three polynesian channels. We enjoy watching the replica "Family Feud" game show, other educational documentaries on whales and Tahitian hip-shakers, and even the occasional disney movie in French. (Recently: Aladdin. Yay!) Naturally, I was concerned that I wouldn't have a way to watch the Olympics. But, opening ceremonies came, and Beijing made it to lonely French Polynesia.

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Unfortunately, I'm used to the luxury of watching the Olympics on a USA-bias. Here, every single event that we have the opportunity to view, feature our beloved French citizens, working oh so hard for their "we made it here" medal -- ceremonies not included. Tonight, following a swimming event, the cameras were ALL over the team representing France, for their triumphant seventh place victory!

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Sorry, I'll stop. But it is kind of entertaining.

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Luckily I have the internet to keep me updated on the goings on of fellow Americans. :)

A Day In The Life Of A Mission President

Our "Place"

. Common question: "Do you, like, live in a house?" Redundant answer: "Yes. I probably wouldn't have a computer if I didn't have a house." Stupid person thinking: "Wait.. there are computers in Tahiti?" Me thinking: "No, I just send emails through telepathy..." So I found it in the best interest of my readers to have picture proof of my humble abode. It looks small, but it actually goes back further. . . My mom has taught piano since before I was born, but we never had a grand piano. Since coming here, I have enjoyed playing the beautiful instrument, and spending time in this room. . . So... this is my room! The bed is approximately 1/4 of an inch off the ground, and it is often times forgotten, and tripped over. For those of you that are familiar with my old room, this bears a night and day contrast in the "excitement" department. I'm considering entering Designer's Challenge on HGTV or something --- this room is in some serious need of beautification! .. . And, last but not least, we have Moroni taking care of the goings on at the base of our hill.

Zone Conference #1

A month has gone by, and we've had a lot of firsts. We picked up our first new missionary, and had our first week of Zone Conferences. One of my very favorite parts was the singing. (As pictured above) The MoTab better watch out... we have some very talented vocalists. It's amazing to listen to them sing with such conviction. . Another highlight was all of the food! Members would provide lunch for us, but this was no typical LDS meal of mashed potatoes and green jello. Platters upon platters were set up for us to munch on (see picture) and even the elders couldn't eat up all that was served! It was certainly a feast. . Honestly, though, you can't really beat spending time with the missionaries. Each and every one have something to offer and it's fun to watch them preach the gospel. It was a long, but very fun week.