Playgound for a Backyard

As I sit here, the wind is bowing wisps of my pulled back hair. I hear children’s squeals and laughter from across the street, and my own children’s voices chattering on the balcony. I can’t help to be grateful to be here.

The weather is perfect, our home is wonderful, the location is great, and the people are friendly. I will say, however, that Matthew’s first day of school I was like, “What was  I thinking?!” “We were home owners, we had a life, and now what am I going to do with the kids all day long, everyday?!” Haha, but that quickly was drowned out in the blessings of this island. The kids and I ventured out and into the town, we explored their library, which is very small, but it still has books we have yet to read!

Sadie also had an ear infection, so I took her in (with the other 2 kids in tow). I was surprised that they didn’t give her antibiotics, but I was impressed with the medical approach here and that a “quick fix” isn’t what they just prescribe you. They also prefer not to give antibiotics unless you really need it (means your gut health stays a lot healthier!). I also forgot my wallet, and they didn’t have any issue with me just dropping the payment off next time I was down for groceries.

Oh, and on our way to the doctors, outside the elementary school, we passed these bushes with flowers on them, I let the kids each take one small flower. Little did I know they were poisonous! Someone at the doctor’s office caught it and told us. Its very poisonous if ingested, but even the milk/sap will cause rashes and burns on the skin. So, we threw them away, and washed hands very very well. That was almost a week ago, and they have been fine, but I’m so glad someone caught it and told us!

Another day we hiked down with Daddy to school, and then I took the kids to the store to get a few things. While down there we met a gentleman (security guy at Matthew’s school), whose ancestors were the first ones here! And they were Pirates! He told us where we can find pirate boat remains, and he has an old cannon ball that has been passed down. He told us all kinds of stories about the people and the land. He also knows the plants and animals like the back of his hand. On the spot he went over and picked me 3 plants that I can steep to make a tea safe for children that helps them sleep. He also pulled some leaves for a tea for adults that helps with high blood pressure. He told us about a book he and some of the other natives put together of all the plants and their uses as well as which ones are poisonous. It is at the Trail Shop, so I have yet to go look at it. But Matthew and I also came across a resource that showed the native families and descendants, and sure enough he was on there!

We also met our landlord’s sister and her husband. They live just down the street from us, and have pigs, goats, chickens, and sheep. The kids love visiting the animals! He told us how his family has been here for many generations. He told us how they grew crops, and back when he was young, the stores weren’t here yet, and they traded and bartered for what they needed. On his property he still has several old corrals made of stones stacked up that would hold the livestock. It is very interesting to learn about the heritage here!

School here gets out at 1pm, and then there is this empty playground that has been taunting us nearly every day. So, I dressed the kids, and we wondered over there. The principle was still there so I asked her if it would be okay for us to play on the playground. She said it was totally okay, and the gate would be left open.  Since then we have gone nearly every day.

Oh, and I can’t believe I almost forgot! Matthew had his White Coat Ceremony Friday. This is when they are clothed with the short white coats showing they are in training, and they are given pieces of words and advice from faculty and final semester honor students. Families were invited, so we hiked up the hill, hitch hiked down (yes, all 4 of us as Matthew was already at school). And hauled ourselves into the auditorium. The whole time saying to myself… “I’m crazy. I’ve got to be crazy. What was I thinking.” When I walked in and we most were underdressed, and the only kids… I was really thinking I was crazy! However, it was a very nice ceremony, and the kids were very well behaved.

At one point they were saying, “It may seem far away, but you can be standing in the same place as these honor students…it takes hard work and dedication, but you can do it” and Thomas, who was trying to figure out something, (oblivious to the speech) exclaimed, “Mommy, I did it!” Haha, that got a few chuckles to say the least.