White Coat Ceremony

Michael received his white coat this last Friday at the end of a 2 hour long ceremony which had introductions to the faculty, speeches from students, and awards presented to current outstanding students. I wish I could tell you something profound from the speeches, but as you can see from the picture I brought Ezra with me, and he's not really into speeches yet. So, about 20 minutes into it, we quietly exited the lecture hall for the hallway where Ezra could speak freely, move around and play with another student's little one. We came back just in time for the Hippocratic Oath and the donning of the coats. I distracted Ez with a little snack before it was time to go up and film Michael getting his white coat on. It was fun to tell him that we were going to go see daddy get his coat on (he must've forgotten that he was there hidden in the sea of students seated in the hall). He was so excited. After the announcer read his name and University, Ezra called out, "Michael!" It was funny for the audience and Michael took a double take to see us in the middle of the aisle filming. Afterward, Ezzy squirmed out of my arms to run over and hug Michael as he came around the stage and walked up the ramp to get his picture taken. That's where I got the shot you see above. I think the look of pride on Ezra's face says it all for how we feel about Michael on this awesome journey he's taking us on. We're so proud of him for his hard work, diligence, and intelligence on this path to becoming a physician. He is setting a wonderful example for his son what can be done if you work hard enough. So despite missing any earnest speeches to give us all a boost to go home with, Ezra's heartfelt recognition was profound for our little family!

Making Friends

For the past three weeks we have not had the internet in our home due to some unknown problem in our hotel's internet connection. We have literally been on an island afloat in the Caribbean Sea away from our friends and family back home and feeling rather disconnected without our daily email, facebook, and skype contacts. But, when one door closes another window opens. Is that how the saying goes? We have been making new connections here on the island with our AUC cohorts. I have started walking with a group of spouses in the mornings and have been very grateful for the 4 mile loop through the golf course and around Mullet Pond with the nice young ladies. Ezra has had a handful of playdates with the wonderful little children you see in the picture. I couldn't have dreamt up a better selection of friends to welcome him to this beautiful little island. So, although I am so glad to have my internet back and will be making more of an effort to be a regular blogger and keep in touch with family and friends back home, it was time well spent without the internet making these lovely new connections here in St. Maarten.