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...
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| Dinners outside?...yes please! |
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| 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
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...
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| Jordan & Deb at a recent Beach Friday |
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| From left: Tarryn, me, Beth, & Kristi at Bingo Night! |
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| W/Tarryn & kids at SO Pool Day |
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| From left: Tarryn, me, & Kristi at SO Wine Night |
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| Kristi and I at Umbrellas |
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| Jordan snorkeling w/Reilly, Patrick, & Dylan |
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| Beach fun at The Owl w/Kristi & Kevin (and kids) |
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| Jordan w/Ava & Cooper at a Beach Friday |
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| Jordan, Coach Deb, & teammates at the big swim meet last term |
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| Jordan & David (and Chris being silly--lol) at Mid-Term Social |
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| Sunny and I at Umbrellas |
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| David, Jordan, and I with Sunny and John at Umbrellas |
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| Jordan with Deb, Melissa, Nixe, & Kara at GYA awards ceremony |
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| 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. :-)
