Camp Sierra Vista...Here We Come!

     

Chickasaws, Kiowas, Golden Arrows, and Sioux...Starguiders, Cabs, Gazigers, and Mohawks...Highland Games, Sing-Yell, Superthon, and War Canoe.  What is this crazy gibberish, you might ask?  Two words:  summer camp.  And not just any summer camp, either.  Vista Camps, nestled along the Guadalupe River in the picturesque "hill country" of Texas, is beyond special.  

Comprised of Camp Sierra Vista for girls and Camp Rio Vista for boys--where, incidentally, my husband attended camp when he was a kid (go GAs!!)--Vista Camps is the place where my daughter found her voice, boosted her confidence, met life-long friends, discovered the true magic of summer, and realized that all of her dreams really are within her reach.  Oh, Sierra Vista...how we've missed you these last nine months!

As Jordan prepares to embark on her third consecutive summer at Camp Sierra Vista, there's no need to ask if she's excited or to question her loyalty to this particular camp.  Purple hair dye to show Chickasaw pride--check; trunk packed and ready two months early--check; rigorous conditioning exercises begun in the hopes of helping her tribe win more competitions--check.  There are but a handful of things that light my daughter up like the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, and Camp Sierra Vista is one of them.  

Diggin' the purple hair :-)

What is it that makes this camp work its way into the hearts of campers and parents, alike, so firmly and irrevocably?  Narrowing it down to only one or two things would be impossible...it's the camaraderie with fellow tribe members, cabin mates, and camp counselors; the obvious love that the founding family has for the campers and for the camp, itself; the teamwork, laughter, and tears shared during tribe competitions; the self-confidence earned through individual achievements in daily camp activities; and the feelings of belonging and pride that come from being part of a close-knit sister or brotherhood.  

Cooling off in the Guadalupe River on a lazy summer afternoon

Jordan zip-lining

She's a natural archer!

Jordan kayaking

Jordan celebrating War Canoe victory with fellow Chickasaws

The Chickasaw Tribe - Summer 2013

It's also the silliness of shaving cream fights in the river; bonding over s'mores and songs at overnight camp-outs; the uber-coolness of movie night in the pool; Ms. Becky's legendary, mad-awesome cooking; and the end-of-term, co-ed dances and carnivals that the campers look forward to for weeks.  Oh, and we cannot forget the wonder and awe that are inspired by the many time-honored traditions and tribal ceremonies.  Together, these things create the magic of Vista Camps, and this magic is unrivaled by any other summer camp that my daughter has ever attended.  The look in her eyes and the excitement and pride in her voice whenever she speaks of Camp Sierra Vista are all that her dad and I need to keep sending her back every summer.  The rewards are truly innumerable and priceless. 

One of the infamous shaving cream fights

Jordan with friends at the big dance last summer

Well, I would say that I need to go help Jordan with her packing list now, but since she's already done with that and is now threatening to wait in the car until it's time to go (still a month away!), I guess I'll have her teach me some camp songs, instead. :-)

In the spirit of my daughter's tribe..."Chick-a-saw...Chick-a-saw...CHICK-A-SAW!!!"  Camp Sierra Vista, here we come!

Vista Camps...where memories of a lifetime are made...

Jordan with her Dad on the very first day of her very first summer at Vista Camps, walking the same road that he walked as a camper in the 1980s  :-)

Campers traverse this low-water crossing once upon entering the camp and again upon departure; as such, the sight evokes both excitement and sadness.

Teamwork

Jordan and fellow campers accepting their awards for The Mile Swim

     

     

Home is Where the Heart is

     It's another beautiful day in Grenada; the sun is shining, the air is fragrant with the ever-present scent of tropical flowers, and my car, clothes, and shoes are full of sand from the beach--the mark of a very good day, to be sure.  Still, as we near the end of another term here on this tiny rock in the middle of the big, blue ocean, I find myself thinking a lot of "home."  Where is that, exactly? Is it here in Grenada or is it back in Texas? Maybe "home" is in some other place that I haven't been to yet.  Home.  Never before has a simple word held so much meaning, mystery, and intrigue for me.

     You never know where life is going to lead you--that much I've learned.  I've also learned to never--and I mean NEVER--say never.  I mean, seriously...look where I am!  Did I ever in my wildest dreams or imagination think that, at the age of 40, I would sell almost everything I own and move to another country...on an island...in the Caribbean???...or that I would be home schooling my 13-year-old daughter and not working for the first time in eons?  Negative, Ghostrider.  Who knew that the Universe has a sense of humor? ;-)

     I struggled with this move at first.  There were so many changes--EVERYTHING changed--and there were days when I just wanted to stay in bed, because I felt scared, lonely, and confused, and I just thought, "What's the point?"  For a brief time, I lost my way...my sense of purpose...my goals...my personal "mission statement," if you will.  I did get out of bed, though...every day...and I brushed my teeth, and I combed my hair, and I kept putting one foot in front of the other and doing yoga (LOTS and LOTS of yoga--lol), and, before long, I found my way again.  The way looks and feels different than before, but it's mine, and, strangely enough, it still feels like "home."

     Home, sweet home...it truly is wherever the heart is.  Home is the infectious laughter of my daughter, her smile--radiant as the sun, or her soft cheek pressed against mine as she gives me one of her awesome hugs.  Home is the familiar and comforting scent of my husband and the way that he makes me feel like the most loved woman in the world.  Home is the sunshine warming my face, the breeze ruffling my hair, and the sand or grass between my toes.  It's the first sip of my morning coffee, the smell of fresh-baked banana bread, my favorite song on the radio, and the "ahhh" moment of slipping into freshly-laundered sheets at night.  The laughter, tears, and time shared with family and friends...the sweet, wet puppy-kisses from my dog...the pride and excitement I feel for David when he passes a hard exam or for Jordan when she achieves another dive certification...the joy that comes from doing things that light up my soul and make me feel alive--yep, it all feels like "home."  Home is wherever I feel happy, loved, and grateful, which I've learned can be anywhere and everywhere.  The path may have twists and turns, but it's always lit for us.  We just have to remember to keep our eyes open.

     I have no idea where life is taking me, and that's okay.  After all, home is where the heart is.  Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go rinse the beach sand out of my shower...did I mention that today was a very good day?... ;-)

 

The Adventure Continues: 9 Ways to Rock a New Term

     Well, here we are...the start of a new term at SGU.  It's hard to believe we've been out here on this little rock in the middle of the ocean for almost 6 months now!

     What's even stranger is that I've already forgotten what it's like to be cold, wear my hair straight, drive on the right side of the road, navigate intersections without roundabouts, or go to the grocery store confident that I'll find everything on my list.  All of these changes, challenges, and oddities are part of the "grand adventure," though, and I absolutely love that we've been given this opportunity to view the world through different-colored lenses for a while.  In short, this has been, is, and will be one of the most defining and memorable experiences of our lives, and I'm proud of our little family for meeting it with a resounding, "YES...bring it on!"

     This year, a New Moon coincided with the ringing in of the New Year--a rather rare and powerful occurrence, energetically speaking, and one that pretty much guarantees some exciting things happening in 2014.  I know I'm excited--are you???  As a "kick-off" of sorts for the new year, as well as a way of communicating our latest news with family and friends, I thought I'd share nine ways that we're going to totally rock this new term and soak up as much as we possibly can from this experience.  Why nine?...I don't know--it just sounded like a good number.  :-)  

Ready, set, go...


1.  Soak Up Knowledge

     After a relaxing holiday break, it's back to studying, lectures, more studying, labs, and--you guessed it--more studying for David.  Jordan and I are so proud of his courageous spirit and steadfast determination.  We've got your back, sweetie.  We believe in you and love you very much!     

2.  Move (Again!)

     With the start of the new term at school came another change of address, too.  We're so excited about the beautiful scenery, blissful quietude (no taxis honking, random people yelling, goats bleating, or dogs barking at all hours of the night here!), and more functional, usable space at our new place.    

 Moving day...welcome home!

 She's going through a "No, don't take my picture!" phase...haha.

 Stunning...

 I could sit out here forever...

Dinners outside?...yes please!

This should definitely help with inspiration, creativity, and studiousness this term!

Perfect yoga spot.  My four-legged side-kick agrees. :-)

This way to peace and relaxation... :) 

   

 
...now all we need are family and friends to share it with...hint, hint... 

3.  Become a Teenaged Diver Sensation :-)

     As many of you know, Jordan would rather be scuba diving than anything else in the world.  Through EcoDive here in Grenada, she recently obtained her Junior Open Water Certification, quickly followed by her Junior Advanced Open Water Certification.  Jordan isn't stopping there, though--now she's working on her Rescue Dive Certification (at 13 years old!).  We're so proud of our little ocean warrior...my "little, old soul"...who has always been wise beyond her years, with a fierce determination to make this world a better place.  Not a day goes by when she doesn't amaze and inspire me, and I'm honored to be "along for the ride."

     It didn't take long for Jordan's friends at EcoDive--her "second family," as she affectionately calls them--to notice her passion for the ocean and diving, and they've offered her an amazing opportunity to intern with them after she finishes her homeschooling for the year (of course, now she's doubling up on her lessons every day in order to finish even faster--lol).  

     It's a good thing life brought us to an island in the middle of the ocean!  Looks like Daddy isn't the only one getting to chase his dreams. :-) 

     Go, "Jono"!  Yep, it's going to be an awesome term.  :-)

 

4. Get a Great "Island Ride"

     So, those of you who know David won't be surprised to learn that riding the SGU bus to/from school didn't last long.  ;-)  Feeling nostalgic over his beloved Toyota FJ that we sold in the States before coming to Grenada, he set out to find himself a great "island ride."  Success--he found one!  But there was only one problem...it didn't run.  "No worries," said the dealership guys.  "We'll fix it for you!"

     Three months (yes, months) later, it was ready...and here it is!  

     There's no a/c and no radio, and it's a little worse for wear, but it really does look very "David"! :)

5.  Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming...

     Our little "fish" returned to her competitive swim team after the holiday break, and they're already gearing up for the first swim meet of the term, which will be held in February.  GO GYA!!! 

Jordan at a recent practice.

6.  Do More Yoga! (duh...)

     In terms of yoga, I've had a lot of "firsts" since coming to the island, including...

Flying Pigeon

Grasshopper

 ...and--this one's pretty fun--my very first attempt at AcroYoga, with David (yes, he really CAN do it all!)...

 

Love it! :-)

     I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to completely immerse myself in something that truly lights up my soul.  I've deepened my practice so much in the last five months, and I'm looking forward to the continued journey.  Lots of practice, growth, studying, and possibly some amazing yoga retreats on the horizon!


7.  Lure Family and Friends to Vacation on a Caribbean Island (as if they need to be "lured"...psha!)

 Magazine Beach

 Magazine Beach

 Concord Falls

 Annandale Falls

Grand Anse Beach at Mount Cinnamon

8.  Enjoy Time with Friends

     This term (and every term), we're going to make sure to spend time with friends.  Casual dinners, relaxing afternoons at the beach, beginning, mid, and end-of-term Socials, weekly Bachelor-watching parties with the girls (woohoo!)...the possibilities are endless.  I'm so thankful for the friends we've made on the island so far, as well as the ones we have yet to meet.

     And while I'm on the subject...remember to be grateful for ALL the people who cross your path.  I truly believe that the Universe brings people into our lives at the precise moments when we need them.  Friends come and go...they may stay for a long time--maybe even forever--or they may stay for what seems like just a fleeting moment in time.  No matter how long the encounters are, though, love the people in your life.  Love them all.  Love them in good times, love them in bad times, and love them in the in-between times.  Love them even if things don't go quite the way you envision or expect.  Appreciate them and love them, because each person is exactly what we need in that particular moment or chapter in our lives.  Every encounter with every person teaches us something, and whether that "something" is joyful, painful, or both, it is a gift.  Embrace it, learn from it, and go forward.  The experiences we have with others change us, and, if we let them, they ultimately make us better.  Own up to any mistakes you make along the way (and you will make mistakes, because you're human), and try to find it in your heart to forgive others for theirs.  Be the kind of friend you would want someone to be for you.  Love freely, laugh often, and let the small stuff go.  

     Nothing but love.  <3 
  
     Here's a sampling of some good times we've had with some good people here so far...

Jordan & Deb at a recent Beach Friday

From left:  Tarryn, me, Beth, & Kristi at Bingo Night!

 

W/Tarryn & kids at SO Pool Day

From left:  Tarryn, me, & Kristi at SO Wine Night

Kristi and I at Umbrellas

Jordan snorkeling w/Reilly, Patrick, & Dylan

Beach fun at The Owl w/Kristi & Kevin (and kids)

Jordan w/Ava & Cooper at a Beach Friday

Jordan, Coach Deb, & teammates at the big swim meet last term

Jordan & David (and Chris being silly--lol) at Mid-Term Social

Sunny and I at Umbrellas

David, Jordan, and I with Sunny and John at Umbrellas

Jordan with Deb, Melissa, Nixe, & Kara at GYA awards ceremony

  
     

The kids all love Kevin--he's so great with them.  Don't worry, little Baby B...you'll be able to keep up with them soon enough. :)

9.  Count the Rainbows

     There are rainbows, and then there are RAINBOWS!  Here in Grenada, there are RAINBOWS--every single day.  Rainbows are magical things.  When I see a rainbow, I just can't help but smile and be happy. 

Every day, we're going to look for the rainbows, and we're going to smile and be happy, knowing that we're doing everything we can to totally rock this term. :-)