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.

Rainbow

This morning we had a little tropical rain storm followed by this lovely rainbow out our kitchen window. It was a beautiful site to see while making pancakes! Now, we're expecting some rainy weather this week and the clouds over the ocean out my kitchen window are looking gray and a little gloomy. There is even talk about a hurricane approaching from off the coast of Africa. I'll be sure to take pictures of that too... If it really comes here. Until then, I will continue to post these amazing little sights.

Top Carrot

Top Carrot

The sign out front of Top Carrot

My Falafel Pita and Lemon Breeze smoothie

Ez outside of Top Carrot

The pretty little view outside of Top Carrot

Our second day on the island we tried this amazing little health food cafe called Top Carrot. We went back today for our second round and both ordered the same thing we had the first time. I had the Falafel Pita with a Lemon Breeze smoothie and Michael had the Vegetarian Sandwich with a smoothie called Rejuvenate. It was here that we found our favorite Braggs Liquid Amino Acids and Dr. Bronner's soap. They have a great little selection of healthy lifestyle literature and dvds. I'm so happy to have this little shop and cafe to go into to recharge when I need someone else to make me my meal. I am thankful for Top Carrot and the people who work there.

Arriving in St. Maarten

After a 2 day journey, with 7 suitcases, 6 carry-ons, and an overnight in Miami, we arrived last Sunday to our new home for the next 21 months. It was a long trip away from home and family infused with a mix of emotions that took the better half of our first week to dissipate. We are adapting quickly and feel confident we will be able to make a happy life here for ourselves for the next 2 years, for there is a lot to be happy about and grateful for. The island is beautiful. We live in a resort. Just below us are beaches for Ezra to play in the soft caribbean sand and for us to swim in the warm and clear turquoise waters. The grocery stores have rice dream, organic produce and many health food items that we eat and thrive on. Michael is going to go to medical school and become a physician one day. We feel fortunate.

Our New Home

Pictures of Our New Home

This is the entrance to our new home.

This is the view of the Sapphire from the street.

We are the seventh balcony up on the right hand side.

That is our bedroom balcony.

This is the view from our living room balcony.

This is our little kitchen.

This is Ezra's tub. We have one just like it.

Farewells and Goodbyes

Today was the beginning of farewells and goodbyes. Some of Michael's extended family met us for lunch today and then came to the house for one last visit before bidding us farewell on our upcoming adventure. It became a momentous goodbye when the cash was pressed into my hand at the restaurant by one of Michael's aunts and when the other aunt pulled out gift books for Ezra and put more cash into Michael's back pocket on her way out. Then my best friend growing up throughout my childhood and teenage years, whom I in recent years have gratefully reconnected with, came by with her daughter bearing a bottle of champagne, and some sweet vegan treats. We laughed and chatted lightly about the upcoming change about to come upon us and enjoyed each others children playing at our feet. When it was time to say goodbye, I could feel the tightness in my throat and the tears welling behind my eyes that will probably become harder to suppress as the next days arrive. In the evening, our neighbors for the last 7 years came by to say goodbye and brought a bag full of thoughtful gifts for our trip. We enjoyed each others company sitting around the kitchen table and thought to ourselves, why didn't we make more time for this during all these years? However, we have both felt fortunate to live side by side knowing we could count on the other to be kind, courteous, and help the other out in a pinch. The moments before departure are truly being treasured. With each hour our leaving is becoming a bittersweet reality. On the one hand, it is truly sad to leave our home where we have loving neighbors and beloved family and friends close by. But, on the other hand sweet adventure awaits and what lies around the corner may be a beautiful rainbow of new friends and family gatherings on a beautiful island that will one day be a treasured memory. Whatever happens, I am grateful for today. My heart aches during goodbyes, but with each encounter it overflows with the love that is shared with the people I am with.