Last. First.
“Nothing in the world is permanent, and we’re foolish when we ask anything to last, but surely we’re still more foolish not to take delight in it while we have it.”
~ W. Somerset Maugham
“Things do not change; we change.”
~ Henry David Thoreau
today’s photo is from my first day on Nevis in August, 2007:
i have been up for a couple of hours drinking coffee, reading the local newspaper, doing the crossword, checking email, writing up a shopping list, talking to Tessa, drinking more coffee with ginger nut cookies, sitting on the patio watching lizards, and listening to the loudspeaker across the way playing what sounded like the same song over and over again. i later realized it was just the same opening chords and melody. an artist with little variation other than the lyrics.
our (very) loosely planned day includes things like: stopping by Thrifty to legitimize our rental with official paperwork, checking out the MUA campus, unloading and unpacking at the new house (fingers crossed), grocery trip with the rental car to pick up necessities like toilet paper and cleaning supplies, and — of course — checking out the nearest swimming beach.
the sunshine this morning has managed to bathe all of my emotional turbulence in a lovely golden glow. i really am happy to be here and excited for the next year. i promise not to whine about being deserted on a beautiful Caribbean island too much!
for those of you that remember, i really didn’t like Nevis when i first arrived. it reminded me of Zambia and i wasn’t sure how i would possibly be able to put up with 20 months in such a backwards place where i never felt like i belonged. i was nervous. i cried my eyes out in the shower on my first night after that ridiculously long plane trip. i missed Maddy. i wanted to go home.
it sucked.
but i didn’t give up. i stuck through it. and time rewarded me by flying by as fast as possible.
so here i am. my time here has changed me in many ways: i am more patient and have a lot more wrinkles.
good-bye for now, dearest Nevis. i’m sure i’ll be back soon.
my trip home:
April 15th 2:05pm – Nevis to Antigua (2:30pm)
April 16th 3:45pm – Antigua to Toronto (8:50pm)
April 17th 8:25am – Toronto to Regina (9:40am)
April 15th, 2009 at 9:54 am
20 months certainly has flown by. You must be very relieved and excited to be moving on.
Congratulations, my friend. :-)
April 15th, 2009 at 10:51 am
Congrats…what an accomplishment! Before you know it you’ll be a full blown MD in the swing of things fondly looking back on those 20 months of intensity on the carribean island of Nevis.
Have fun on your holiday!
April 15th, 2009 at 10:56 am
Even though we don’t know each other, I’ve really enjoyed your postings and view of the world from your webpage.
Checking in on Nevis and reading about your adventure has been an oasis during the exceptionally long and cold winter we just had in Saskatoon.
!Keep writing! Let’s hear about Dr. Hawke’s adventures in the U.S.A.
Good luck! Good luck with your future!
April 15th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Perserverance.
(Ya done it!)
April 15th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
“We are like butterflies who flutter for a day and think it’s forever.”
-Carl Sagan
April 15th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Wow Jen!
I can’t believe the time has gone so quickly. I started following your blog right as you arrived in Nevis. Congrats on everything, Good Luck;)
April 15th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Congrats & safe travels :)
April 15th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
i got a bit teary as i read that first day and see how far you’ve come and changed and grown, sheesh, time she sure does move forward pretty quickly when we are moving forward with it. congratulations and big squishy hugs!! :-)
April 15th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Incredible your last day there.
For you it is:
First, a major another goal achieved.
Second, I think an unexpected event also occurred (BCWB).
Third, a whole new group of friends from around the world.
Fourth, discovered a new place in the world to appreciate.
Have a safe trip, stay warm & well and give Maddy a hug. Can’t wait for the pictures.
Jay
April 15th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
This made me sad, as well. I don’t know why…we should all be EXCITED!
I have been reading this since I started my first year of med school and I cannot believe how quickly time has passed. When I think about how I can remember your first days there, it really puts the time into perspective.
Wow!
April 15th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Big *HUGS*, lots of love, and safe travels! :-) See you on the flip side, baby!
April 15th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Congrats darlin!
April 15th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Congrats is such a small word…I mean is it really a big enough word for this occasion? I think not. I realize too that that’s the abbreviated word for Congratulations which is a much longer word. Yet still, only one word. There is no word really for what you have accomplished. So…I wish you a small word for this occasion….and I wish this word for you on repeat like an old record with a slightly bent needle stuck.
Joy….on repeat my blog friend…joy!! joy!! joy!!
p.s. you don’t even look half as smart in that first photo as you do now…seriously ten times as smart now. ha!! (love that tiffany blue/green..must paint something in my house that shade…pronto!!)
April 15th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
My memories of you go back to when you just moved to Vancouver. Before you were even in school. I remember you in college, then in university, then moving in with your mom and attending another university, then Africa, a lovely summer of freedom, your arrival on Nevis and NOW. Crazy eh! Congrats X1000 on making it through.
April 15th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
We have too much in common. It’s sick, really. :)
I have goosebumps just thinking about it!
You make me miss Dominica. And perhaps the thrilling feeling of embarking on an entirely new and crazy adventure.
Good luck and god speed!
The next chapter of your life will be a great one. I can promise that….
April 16th, 2009 at 10:26 am
Congratulations!! Have a safe trip.
April 16th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Reading that first excerpt made me really miss Nevis and the basement suite we shared. I hope you are having a great morning and you have all your luggage. Love you tons and please fly safe. I need you to make it to Denver on Monday : )
April 16th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
congrats! it’s amazing to think that even more adventures lie ahead of you. travel safe!
April 17th, 2009 at 1:08 am
Congratulations! I remember when you first arrived in Nevus. Good luck on your boards.
April 17th, 2009 at 5:19 am
awww jen.. i can’t believe how fast the time has flyed! (is that even the right spelling??) i am super proud of you and you are seriously my idol :)) i can only hope i live to be half the person you are!
i still hope we can meet one day, since i feel like i have know you forever :)
April 17th, 2009 at 9:39 am
Dear Jen, today is April 17th and it is 8 a. m., which means you will be home really soon! Welcome back to the Prairies my dear! Have a great time!