Departure

What I will miss MOST in Grenada: All the people. We'll miss the other students and their families, the bus drivers (both local and school), the security guards, the shop owners, the branch members, all the missionaries, the people selling food everywhere, and the many other people I see on a daily basis.

What I will like MOST in America: All our family. It has been far too long since we've been with our families. We're excited to let our kids get to know their great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Even though we'll be moving to Michigan in a few months, half a country away is not so bad as half a world away.

1 Day

What I will miss in Grenada: All the little things. I'll miss going on adventures and finding real secret paths. I'll miss getting on a bus and sitting next to a great dane who's owners love kids. I'll miss the guava's Mrs. John gives us. I'll miss the great view during sacrament meeting at church. I'll miss the rain storms. I'll miss so many things I see every day.

What I will like in America: All the little things. I'll like soap in all the public bathrooms, an abundance of drinking fountains, music that isn't reggae, no more urination on the side of the road, wide sidewalks and streets, and carpet under my sore feet.

2 Days

What I will miss in Grenada: The kindness of strangers. Everyone we pass on the street tells us "good morning" or "good afternoon." If Esther has a hard time climbing on the bus, someone will help her. People often offer us rides when we're out waiting for the bus. When I've been lost, people have walked me to wherever I needed to go.

What I will like in America: Dirty kids. I've always wanted to be the kind of mom who lets their kids play and get dirty. It's hard here, because after they get dirty we have to board a bus home, then wash off when there may or may not be any water. The dirty clothes have to sit around for a while until we get a chance to do laundry. In America they can just get dirty in the backyard, come inside to take a bath and throw their clothes in the washer.

3 Days

What I will miss in Grenada: Foods that you just don't get in America. Esther and William love it when the fruit guy blows his conch shell on Wednesdays and Saturdays to let everyone know he's in the neighborhood. From the back of his truck he'll knock off the top of a green coconut with his machete so we can just put our straws inside. Unlike my kids, I don't really like coconut water. There are, however, many other foods here I will personally miss such as: guava, soursop, biskrems, Go Aheads, Crix, Ting, Grenada Chocolate, Shirley Biscuits, and Magnum Bars. I also love all the spices that you can get in America, but not as fresh and not as good a price.

What I will like in America: My own culture. I love the culture here, but there is no place like home. American Thanksgiving and Independence Day will be celebrated by a few very patriotic people this year.

p.s. Happy Birthday Cameron!

4 Days

What I will miss in Grenada: The SO Organization. This is a club I've been part of for the past three years. I've been on the board for three of the six semesters we've been here. We've had so many good times. Today we went on our last SO field trip. Cameron took his last test yesterday so the whole family went together. We had a really great time. Details will come in a future post.

What I will like in America: A wide variety of affordable, healthy food including, but not limited to: fresh milk, berries, grapes, mushrooms, nuts, avocados, and healthy snacks.

5 Days

What I will miss in Grenada: Pool Day. Every Thursday we go to the pool with friends. Can there be a better way to spend a Thursday morning?

What I will like in America: Every street has a name, and every house has a number. I used to take addresses for granted. Now I know better.

6 Days

What I will miss in Grenada: Smoothies. I know there are smoothies in America, but they're not the same. Some people prefer the American kind, but I have gotten addicted to these. This morning we stopped off for smoothies and I asked if I could have a few of their recipes since I'm leaving the island. They were very accommodating, so I'll be able to enjoy my favorite smoothies for years to come.

What I will like in America: Washers with hot water and dryers. Today I hung our clothes out on the line for the last time.