a walk with Neil

Today Neil (Marvin’s Brother) and I went for a long walk around Bluefields and showed me all of the buildings that survived the hurricane and the ones that have been built since. Most of the buildings have since been built, since many buildings were made of wood and blew down. I feel like I am starting to get the feel of the community and of this family. I sat in the store and talked with Marvin for some time, about Bluefields and his family and got to know him better. Neil seems to really be taking me under his wing, and he is constantly sneaking me cookies and treats from the store. Marvin’s son, Alex, also lives here and he works on the cruise ships and we have talked a few times as well. Last night he had friends come over and they played dominoes for a while and I watched, and he said that we would go out to party this weekend, so I am excited for that. I think it has just taken some time to get to know my surroundings and feel comfortable. I don’t really talk to Joyce to much though, and her sister is here and I talk to her none. Maybe things will change, but seems she is just concerned to make my meals. We also met a man; they call him Porky Pig, who has some roll in emergency management in the community. I talked with him for a while about hurricane Joan and the treat of more in the area, and he invited me back to talk more with him, so I am really excited for this. He will also direct me to more people to interview! I think that things are beginning to work out even though it takes time. I just need to relax and try to enjoy myself some and things will fall into place….I hope! The people here really seem nice and willing to talk and they seem very excited to share information about their community. The rain continues every couple of hours then will stop and start again, all day. The people seem to not be bothered, I suppose they are used to this rainy season.