Falling behind and catching up

Over the past couple months, life has been crazy - yet really uneventful - and I have been awful about taking pictures, blogging, or doing much of anything except working, cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping and other normal life things!  Tonight I bring you up to date on our lives.

Since returning from Florida, Brayton has been full force back into classes.  He has begun 5th semester, which everyone says is the semester where vet school finally starts to be more fun, hands-on and applicable to what you came here to do!  After almost 6 weeks, Brayton is doing great and really enjoying his time.  He has been learning about and getting to do a variety of hands on things, gets to wear green scrubs (only certain people in the doctor field can wear green!), and is taking all the memorization from the past 4 semesters and applying it!  He is working so hard, studying lots, and still managing to be an amazing, helpful husband!  I'm pretty lucky!

As for me, since returning the past 6 weeks have been a bit more challenging..  Since we are leaving in April of next year, I suspected that I wouldn't be working at the prep school, especially as a classroom teacher, next year.  I was hoping for something to help fulfill my time, keep me close to 'my kids', and continue to provide me with an income and insurance since I cannot work anywhere else on the island!  A few weeks ago, I was told that I would not have a contract for next year as there were many changes happening at the school, positions were limited and I was leaving in April.  I knew it was coming, but the reality hit a bit hard.  I have been working at the prep school since arriving on the island, these 1st and 2nd graders have been the solid point in my life down here, have given my something worth waking up for everyday, and the thought of not getting their hugs everyday put a pit in my stomach...  The hardest part was, they didn't know, I couldn't tell them, and all my first grade babies kept saying, ".. when we have you next year..." and my 2nd grade babies (many of whom I've had for 2 years) kept saying "...we'll still see you everyday.." and every time those words left their mouths, and I had to say "..yah.. maybe.." my heart shattered into a million little unrepairable pieces.  What made much of this harder, and this has always been hard working at the Prep School, is about 4 of my students are leaving the island/prep school for good, and I have to say "see ya later.." (Side note:  I am all teary eyed just writing this!)  Tomorrow, one of the girls I have had for 2 years is leaving.. moving back to the states.. and I KNOW it is going to be a rough day.. Those are the worst!

While finding out the news of being 'done' is August has been hard, it has also been a huge motivator for me to get out, and find some volunteering opportunities on the island.  I currently am already involved in the Special Olympics, and am really excited about the opportunities that lie ahead of me! I have met some amazing people, made some great local connections and am getting more and more excited to find new, different, and exciting things that fill my heart, time and give me something to put my energy towards.  The future of my time on St. Kitts currently (tentatively) includes:

1) Special Olympics Swimming Program
2) Working to help build/create a Special Olympics Office on island because there is not one now
3) Volunteering at the St. Kitts Children's Home in a variety of ways
4) Teaming up with some long time SK residents to create and build a swimming program for locals because many do not know how to swim
5) Volunteering at Ade's Place (an adult group home for disabled adults)
6) Possibly volunteering in the local schools, primarily focusing on the Special Education population
7) Subbing and helping at the Prep School
8) Tutoring, 'playdates', and hanging out with my OLD students!

and of course, finding time for me, the beach, my dogs and some R&R!



Tomorrow is the end of the 2nd to last week of the school year.. I have 6 days left with my kids (except 2 who are done for the year/forever tomorrow) and then have 8 weeks of summer camp until I say "See Ya Later" to my daily adventures at the prep school and begin the next step in my St. Kitts life!  Lately, when I have been filled with emotion, often not knowing how to express exactly how I am feeling, or what to do or say, I look for quotes.. I really like many of these! They seem to be the simple words, that make everything in life seem possible, doable, easy and obtainable.. no matter the struggle.


I look forward to sharing my (and Brayton's) upcoming adventures with you, as we spend the last 10 months on the island!

I really love this one.. I feel like the more local children I meet and organizations here I get involved in, the more difference I can make. <3

Enough said!  

For anyone who has never heard of sevenly.org - I HIGHLY recommend you check them out.  They sell shirts and other things and each week the money they raise goes to an organization that needs the financial support.  I wish I could afford to buy something from them each and every week.. They do amazing things!  

 

Some Pictures:

Brayton's rescue baby bird... It ended up dying, but he tried! 

These pictures are from the first EVER (yes, pathetic, we've lived here for 2 years.. and its our 1st!) Hike/Hash!  It was cloudy so the pictures aren't as great as they could be - but it was beautiful! 

And, once again, I will end this blog with the song that inspires me to do and be better!  

'Cause I know it's my destiny to leave more than a trace of myself in this place!

This blog post is long.. It's deep..I am spilling my soul and saying a lot of things that have been in my mind, but not said in words..

Note: Please do not think I have not felt ALL of these below feelings from my current job and students.. Because I have.  And I truly, deeply love EACH AND EVERY ONE of them to the core!!

That's my kiddo!! =)

These kids ROCK!  <3

Upon moving to St. Kitts, life was hard.  To be straight - I HATED it here.  Every single thing about it, from morning to night, day to day - it was awful.  I felt like my life was going to be a living hell of two years on this 'rock' while my husband went to Vet School and I 'got by'.  Now, after being here for a year and a half, my outlook has changed and it's only taken me about a year and four months (I am sort of exaggerating!)  Beginning in January, Brayton and I moved back into our own apartment - although I enjoyed living with other couples for many reasons, it was also difficult for many reasons.  Being back on our own has been a great choice!

The first story I'd like to share with you is that of our dear friend Dionte.  In January, I began tutoring Dionte in reading.  He was pushed through the local school in St. Kitts and never really learned to read.  I was eager and excited to begin working with him.  In the past year, Brayton had also spent a lot of time working with Dionte as he works for Dr. Stewart and worked closely with Brayton on the turtle project.  Over the past month, Dionte has become like a 19 year old 'kid' to us.  He confides in us, wants to be with us, loves us (we are named "BFF MOM and DAD"), and trusts all that we are giving and teaching him.  Never in my life did I think I would be taking a 19 year old under my wing, but Dionte has taught me so much.  I believe that we are like here to help Dionte move from a life of just getting by in St Kitts to a very hopeful life of LIVING.  I look forward to our adventures with him and hope that we can be the people in his life that can help him do what is best and make a change for his future.  He holds a very special place in our hearts!

In the past few weeks, I have come to learn about some things on St. Kitts that I did not know existed, things that have sparked my interest, captured my heart, and renewed my motivation, desires and passions for my life.  About 4 weeks ago, my friend Dan from work introduced me to (after convincing me it was worth it to wake up early on a Saturday) the 'Market'.  I have blogged about it before here but it has been a really great thing to help me learn to embrace and love St Kitts.  I have met some amazing local people, had some fabulous local food, and made some great networking connections - all from going to market at 7 am on Saturday's!

Last Saturday while I was meandering my way through market, I saw a nice women standing at a table with a bunch of second hand clothing and a sign reading Project Strong.  I decided that I needed to go investigate the purpose of this woman being at Market promoting this organization and so began one of the best Saturday's ever!  I learned that Project Strong is an Alternative School on the island created to help those children who fall through the cracks.  The woman I met volunteers at the school and as I was telling her about my background in Special Education, my passion in the field, and some of my hopes and dreams and her response was, "Do you have any free time?  We would love to have more volunteers like you!"  I wish that my answer was, "Of course, I'll be there Monday, what should I expect? When should I arrive?  What will I be doing?" But it wasn't.  My answer was, "Well, I'm currently working full time, tutoring two days a week, working with the special olympics and hoping to fit in some volunteering time!"  She continued to go on explaining the Project Strong school to me, and I instantly knew it was a place I HAD to visit.  We exchanged emails, and I am looking forward to going for a visit on Monday, the 25th of February.  I hope that I will be able to find some time or ways to help there!  In the midst of our conversation, I also noticed she had some calendars with the title Operation Future, so I had to enquire!  She explained to me that Operation Future is an organization that was created "To interact with, educate and embrace our nation's youth, in our concerted quest to positively guide and nurture their young minds to heighten their awareness about crime and keep them on the straight and narrow path."  WOW!  How amazing!  Not only does this organization exist, they have created a huge house on the island, with a full sound room, recording studio, musical instruments, kitchens, etc. to provide these kids with a safe place.  How inspiring is that?! 

But wait, it gets better.  This wonderful woman then goes onto to asking me if I had plans tonight, because there was a catamaran leaving from St. Kitts at 5, going to the Four Seasons at Nevis where Operation Future was hosting a Silent Auction, and the boat would then bring you back, and the total cost was $35 ECD!  I told her I didn't think I'd be able to make it, but bought a ticket just in case considering it to be a donation!  On my way out of market, I ran into Dan and was excitedly telling him all of these great things I had just learned.  He said, "$35 EC?  Nicki and I already have a babysitter tonight, LET'S GO!"  I hesitated knowing that Brayton was busy, but told him to call if he and Nicki were serious.  One thing I've learned about the BergstromNoel's is, they don't mess around!  I got a call about 3:30 trying to convince me to go with them... I folded, I went, it was amazing!  The people were amazing, they were passionate, they loved what they were doing and supporting, they were kind, giving and simply some of the most unique and interesting people I could have asked to spend my evening with!  I had an amazing time, and only wish my husband could have been there to share in this blessing of being acquainted with the simply amazing things in life!  Not to mention, watching the sunset while riding on a Catamaran in the middle of the Caribbean Sea and coming home under the stars with the lights of St. Kitts in the distance is nothing short of breathtaking..

So, most people would say, St. Kitts = beaches, sun, snorkeling, surfing, fishing, relaxing, fun in the sun... Yah, those things are GREAT - but they are not the things that are taking my appreciation and respect of this island to a new level.. It is the organizations here that support children and teens - primarily those with disabilities or a rough path of life.  Those are the things that are motivating and inspiring me to continue pursuing my dreams in that field, to GIVE more and take LESS, to show compassion, love, and respect to those who are deemed different and to do it with more love in my heart than I knew possible! 

While I was chatting with the wonderful woman at Market and telling her some the great volunteer opportunities I have had come available to me in the recent past, I told her that I wish I had more time to do those things, but I really needed a job and a paycheck.  I told her I love my job, my students, my workplace, all of it - but it isn't my truest, deepest passion.  Her response was, "You will gain so much more prosperity and happiness in life by giving to others and doing it in an area that you are passionate about than you will ever make working a job 'for the paycheck' or a job that you don't LOVE."  This women has caused my mind, my life, and the choices I have in the next year and half to be turned upside down.  I love my job, I am good at my job, I need the income.. but will I truly gain more prosperity from GIVING?  (Sidenote: I LOVE my kids, they are amazing and have also given me so much happiness, love and guidance since coming here!)

Great Friends Nicki and Dan! 

Sun setting over the Caribbean Sea!

This is how we drive boats in St Kitts! 

Nicki and Myrtle - one of the great woman we met!

Some people on the Catamaran to Nevis

Sweetest little guy!  

SO - aside from these two great things, the wonderful conversations and the amazing people I've met through that one woman, one Saturday morning, during my 45 minutes at market - there are some other things I'd like to share with you! 

About 4 weeks ago, I also joined up with some other Ross students to assist with the local Special Olympics Swimming Team.  From 11 - 12 each Saturday we work with a group of 5-7 local swimmers who are in the process of meeting qualifying standards for the Special Olympics.  Some of them have previously traveled to other countries to compete and they are an amazing group of kids!  From 12 - 1, we work with special needs children who range from learning disabled, non-verbal/autistic, downs syndrome,  and young special needs children. *THEY*ARE*SIMPLY*AMAZING* Each and everyone of them melts your heart and fills your soul with love from a simple smile or the feelings of accomplishment from naming the colors of the rings and retrieving them from underwater.  It doesn't get any better than that!!  Last Saturday I work with a non-verbal, autistic boy who has never put his face or head underwater...Within the hour, he was not only putting his face under, but his entire head and body and retrieving rings from the bottom of the pool.  There is simply no greater satisfaction than that..Except maybe the smile on this child's face and the pure pride and joy he took in his accomplishments.  It is moments like that that I am reminded WHY I am on this earth and what my place in life is!!!!  

Some other volunteer opportunities I hope to find time for soon:
 - Working at the local Children's Home in any way - special events, tutoring, a friend...
 - Ade's Place - A daytime home for adults with disabilities on the island
 - Cotton-Thomas School - A special education school on the island


I feel as if these simple acts of kindness and giving in ways that make a difference in the lives of the people on this island, has opened my heart and helped me to be a better person.. If that can happen in just this short time - what will a life of that give to me?  I can only hope that someday I will know! 


My song.. 

  


Some words...

Half Way There...

Mid-October marks our HALF WAY point of living on St Kitts - we have been here for a year and 2 months, and have a year and 2 months left!  Time to really flying by!

Over the course of our time here, we have had so many great experiences, met some AMAZING friends, learned a lot about ourselves and especially about life.  While we appreciate and are thankful for that, we (well at least I!) am counting down the days till it is back to "normal" American (or even more civilized) living!  430 days to be exact till we will be parting ways with our current St Kitts home!

On a more positive note - Brayton is doing great in 4th semester, enjoying his classes and studying hard (he has an exam for the next 6 weeks straight, 2 weeks off, then finals!).  More test = more grades (at least that's how I look at it!)

Things with us are going great, I am busy with work (check out my teaching blog here!) and Brayton is studying all the time - as he should be!  Nevi is doing great - and growing fast!  Today she weight 38.8 pounds!  We never thought she would get that big!  She is such a good girl - we are so lucky!  Koala is a princess as always and does as she pleases, when she pleases - I don't think that will ever change!  Life is good!

We are looking forward to our December break on island - its a full 3 weeks of no school, no work, no stress, just US (and anyone who may be coming to visit.....?) and the beach and sleeping in late and living the TRUE island life!  I am super excited and it will be here SO soon!  Only 10 more weeks!

Well, aside from that boring stuff-  I have nothing new to report!

Koala LOVES Duke Dog!!  And sleeping on her back! 

Nevi too likes sleeping on her back!  Silly animals! <3

We are missing home and would love to hear from anyone!  Keep in touch!  We are still out here in our little world!

Diving into 4th semester and a new school year!

Brayton and I have officially survived our first week.  4^th semester is off to a good start for Brayton as he enjoys his classes and has had an amazing turtle opportunity!  The new school year is off to a great start for me as I have a great little class of 13 and feel much more prepared for my upcoming year!  If you’re interested in my teaching life, check out my blog @ teachingcaribbeanstyle.blogspot.com! 

Back to the exciting turtle opportunity!  Last week, Trevor (our roommate) who works with Dr. Stewart on the turtle project was called out to rescue a Green SeaTurtle  that was found floating.  The turtle was alive but was in need of some immediate attention and care.  Trevor and Brayton have been working close with Dr. Stewart giving the turtle the proper care.  Today, they were able to help in giving the turtles x-rays to see if there were any internal problems.  They think there is some sort of blockage, but are seeking the opinion of a veteran turtle doctor at the Georgia SeaTurtle Center.  If there is something internally, they may get to participate in a turtle surgery to help remove or repair the problem.  Brayton is really excited to get to be a big part of this mission, this mission which is now living in our bathroom!!  (I'll post pictures later on!) 

Aside from school, life on the island is going pretty good, at least as good as it can be for St Kitts!  My family made it safely back to the states, Brayton and I spent a few days relaxing and getting ready to dive back in, Kate and Trevor are all moved into the villa and the 6 of us (and 4 pets) are doing great!  I feel really lucky to have such great friends /family who are always there for you!  Although it is hard at times to live in a house with 6 adults (groceries, bills, etc), 4 animals, and lots of stress, it is TOTALLY worth it to come home and sit down and feel like you’re eating dinner and hanging out with your family!  Moments like this make it even better. . Brayton while looking at FB..."OMG there is Candy Corn M&M's now!"  Emily responds with.."YES and Candy Corn Oreos..I NEED THOSE!"  I <3 my roommates!!

Although it is hurricane season, it was been A W F U L L Y hot, muggy, still, stagnant, uncomfortable here!  There has been NO wind and the air is hot and heavy all day and night!  I am actually looking forward to a few month of Caribbean Winter! 

Nevi and Koala are also doing great.  Koala is a princess, she thinks she is a dog, she does whatever she wants and is the ruler of everything!  She comes and goes as she pleases and makes it very clear when she wants to be in, or out, wants food or wants to be left alone!  She loves to roam around outside (though we are not really sure what she does/where she goes) and she loves to lounge around the pool deck or cuddle up in bed!  My roommate’s, Emily, mom was here during break and she emailed Emily upon leaving and said that Koala should have her own children’s book – she is a hoot! 

Taking care of 'sick' Daddy!  Not leaving much room for me!

Koala at about 1-2 weeks old!

Nevi is growing like a weed and isn’t a puppy anymore!  She is so smart and such a great dog!  I feel really lucky to have found her, rescued her and brought her back to health!  She loves everyone, and is so good with people!  She will certainly let us know if there is someone coming, but just needs an ‘its okay!’ and is back to herself!  Her favorite thing to do is swim..jump into the pool..chase her toys..or just relax on the stairs in the pool.  She is certainly a Mama’s girl and generally gets lucky enough (as long as Brayton doesn’t get too mad =)) to sleep in bed with us!  We are getting nervous though for cold weather and Nevi…At night when the a/c is on, she likes to sleep under the covers because she gets cold…I cannot imagine what she will do in the snow!  We better find some cozy dog sweaters! 

Well, I cannot think of too much new in our lives at this point.  We have been in St. Kitts over a year, and are about a month away from being ½ done!  Time sure does fly by!  

Nevi days after rescuing about 6 weeks (she is 7 months now!)

Pre-leaping into the pool! 

SPLASH!

Super Dog!

My roommate dog Duke!

She sure loves to jump!

This become NEVI's RAFT!