A Single Girl in the Big World: To my PAPA

Growing up without a father was very hard. It has always something missing from my life. I would not understand the void that it left until I was an adult. Over the years, I have realized what a huge role it played in my life. I am happy to say that today, my dad and I have a good relationship. It is not the kind of relationship I would want but I am thankful that I can have a relationship with him. Experiencing a father’s love is something I missed out on. I have God’s love and I know that, but sometimes I just want to feel it here on Earth. I don’t think I ever really thought about it this way until I went into the Peace Corps.

LOVE!

One of the great things about the Peace Corps is that you get put with a host family. I was very lucky to be in Vanuatu because the families there really take in the Peace Corps volunteers. I had an amazing family. My Mama was great but I am used to being around great women. I mean a Great Woman raised me. So feeling that from my Mama felt natural. So this is about my Papa.

One of the first things I noticed about my Papa was his smile. It was one of those smiles that I will remember forever. I remember going to their house, which would become my house too. I was scared out of my mind. But something about his presence put me at ease. It just felt so natural. He made sure I was comfortable. He made sure I had everything I needed or wanted. He made sure I felt safe. It felt like home.

That CRAB!!!!!

Throughout my service there, my Papa took me in as his own. He taught me about faith and prayer. He taught me how to cook on a fire. He taught me how to chase and catch a crab. He taught me how to eat a fish with bones. He taught me how to drink Kava. He talked with me about everything. He prayed with me and for me. He showed me how to navigate the island and Port Vila. He showed me how to raise chickens and kill spiders. When I asked for a puppy, he bought me one. When he knew I needed to eat eggs for the protein, he went and bought layer chickens, so I could have eggs every day. I knew that if I needed anything, whether he was on the island or in Vila working, I could call him and he would be there. He showed me and I felt a Father’s love.

You are my light!

The most important thing that my Papa and my Mama taught me was the power of adoption. I know I am 33 years old, but being adopted into this family and experiencing something that I have never experienced healed me. It made my heart whole. A father’s love is something that all girls want and need. I believe it doesn’t have to come from blood. It comes from someone who chooses to love you because they can.

So to you Papa Luna~ Thank you for taking me in. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for caring me when I couldn’t walk. Thank you for Juju. Thank you for trusting me with your house. Thank you for making me a part of your family. Thank you for being a Man of God. Thank you for being the role model that I needed. Thank you for giving me something that I didn’t realize I needed. Thank you for loving me unconditionally.

I know we are many miles and oceans apart but you will always be in my heart. You will always be my inspiration. You will always be my PAPA!