Home at Last

I can now say I've spent six months living on an island in the Caribbean. I didn't just visit, I actually lived there. I took the time to get to know the people on the island, to understand the culture, to get involved in the community. I worked in the Botanical Garden, I worked in the Marine Park, I taught in the schools, I taught kids how to make crafts at the Center for Youth in Family, I played volleyball on a local team, and I learned what it means to make a life for myself.

I have learned and grown so much in the past six months. It's amazing how much can change in six months' time. I've learned how to love someone for everything they are and everything they aren't. To know them for their strengths and their weaknesses and to love them in spite of it all. I've learned that it's okay to get close to people and to share yourself with them. They aren't going to throw it back in your face or go tell the world what you said, they are going to love you and accept you for who you are. I've learned to trust other people and that the people who you love and trust aren't going to let you down. They'll come through in their own way and they will stick by you.

I've learned how to prepare half a pig. I've learned how to make wallets from Tetra-Pak (juice boxes). I learned how to make delicious chicken satay. I've learned to like (most) vegetables. I learned how to take it easy, to chill, to lime. I learned how to set up and run an art exhibition. I learned how to make something from very little.

I also learned that my Statia Family is so important and irreplaceable and I owe a huge part of what I learned to them.

Because you're my Statia Family, and I love you!