Took a walk this evening to get in some more steps for the day while enjoying the setting sun. Annabelle opted to come along. I like her joining when she chooses, although she no longer hears when I call.
As I headed out I wondered if my feet would get as dusty as last time. I’ve been walking in sandals or flip flops, trying to prepare myself for life on Pohnpei. I’ve been on a hunt for acceptable arch-supporting island footwear. I don’t want to wait until I get there to figure out what works for me.
I’ve used arch supports since I was 15. Mom took me to the podiatrist because I was experiencing knee and hip pain. After observing me walk up the hall and back once, he pulled out a pair of premade orthotic inserts. I’ve been wearing that same pair ever since. The heel is worn through on one and almost through on the other, but they work better than others I’ve tried over the counter. It ended the knee pain and stopped my shoes from wearing crooked.
That said, I was somewhat less than excited about the prospect of becoming a full time flip flop wearer, as evidently everyone else is on Pohnpei. Over a year ago I started scouring shoe stores for preferably flip flops or at least sandals that had significant arch support and could also hold up to being wet for long periods.
The first pair of Flojos I picked up at Costco. The level of arch support was not as much as I wanted, but what could I expect in a flip flop. I gave them a try, watching all the while for hints of knee stress. The ultimate test came during kids camp. All was well until we went to the lake front. I think every drop of water that fell from my swimsuit soaked into my shoes. Every step after that brought water to their surface and kept the soles of my feet waterlogged for the next two days!
Then I tried a pair of Okabashi upon recommendation from a family member. I was stoked to find them available in my favorite aqua color, plus they had a flowered print on the sole. I kept looking behind me to see the tracks they left. These could handle water. Unfortunately the thong between my toes was too thick and hurt. These became my water flip flops.
This summer a neighbor recommended Chacos, which she has been wearing for many years due to their terrific arch support. She said she uses them all year, except when there’s snow and ice. Amazingly, she had worn one pair for 10 years, having them resoled twice! Ok, I was sold.
I loved the way my new Chacos felt supporting my arches. I was impressed! I’d selected a model with a toe strap. On Chacos the straps are continuous, allowing one to adjust them at several points with only a single buckle. This was great. The problem turned out to be that no matter how well I adjusted them, the straps just kept working tighter around my big toe. By the 2nd day I’d developed a blister on top of my big toe joint and had decided to sell them. I later reversed that verdict, but continued the hunt for Oshiana’s perfect island shoe.
Next I went back to the expensive shoe store down town where last summer I’d tried on the most comfortable flip flops that ever were made. Sure enough, they still had that kind. They were again on sale. Too bad they still only had PeptoBismol pink in my size. I took a photo to remind me the brand name and searched Amazon. Yay! They were available and I could even get aqua, but I didn’t really want to pay over $40 for flip flops.
I opted to try an off brand orthopedic flip flop that was under $20. They were advertised as women’s shoes, though I think they were actually men’s size. I kept them anyway, and these are the ones pictured below.
Walking along tonight I noticed my dusty feet. It was no surprise. The road was thick with dust today, after a fresh leveling by county maintenance.
It made me think about the foot washing they used to do during Jesus’ day. I have always loved me a good creamy mud, but man I hate the feeling of dust. It’s similar to the feeling left when all the sand that stuck to me while I was wet at the beach finally dries out and falls off. Time to wash!
Dusty feet. My feet becoming dusty on the regular is only part of the preparations I am making. I’m adjusting myself to being in flip flops or sandals full time, determining which work for me, because that is one less adjustment I will have to make when we finally arrive on the field in Pohnpei.
Other preparations:
- Shopping for clothes and planning outfits for a new family photo shoot before we all go our separate ways in the world.
- Went on a whirlwind vacation in June, saying goodbye to many of our California people and our favorite places.
- Took advantage of Prime Days last month to get new spinner wheel luggage, so now we are testing it out on our overnight trips.
- Contacted the Christian school on Pohnpei to inquire about Isaac attending once we arrive.
- Verified that the specific medical supplies Isaac uses are available through the supplier we plan to use when we arrive.
- Sold our house and moved in with my parents.
- Ordered a tortilla press, because we love Mexican food and we don’t expect premade tortillas to be available on island. I’m happy to report that trial run #1 went amazingly well.
- Dealing with the upstairs being 80 degrees this summer instead of turning down the AC, because Pohnpei is hot all year round.
- Choosing to practice patience when things aren’t going according to plan, because things often don’t go according to plan in the islands and in travel.
- Spent the past two days on a webinar for major donor fund raising.
- and so much more!
I cannot make the pledges we need come in, but I can still prepare. I love this quote I heard on the Jesus Culture podcast a few weeks ago.
“One of the most simple but profound manifestations of faith is the act of preparation.” ~Banning Leibscher
My dusty feet are a sign. I am in a state of preparation. We will get there. The God who called us will be faithful to complete the work He began in sending us to the tiny, far-flung islands of the Pacific.
To the Ends of the Earth 