Making Lemonade

 I try to stay pretty positive on our blog about our life here, mostly because I try to think positive thoughts about our experience. Really, if I don't, I'll go crazy. Tonight I'm feeling a little sad that I'm missing Keely's wedding, who was my best friend growing up. She was a bridesmaid at my wedding, went with me to shop for wedding dresses, helped with all the set-up and clean up and decorations, threw me a bridal shower, slept over at my house the night before the wedding, the whole deal. I wish I could have been there for her. That is one of the hardest things about living so far away. If we lived somewhere in the states I probably could have jumped on a plane to be there, but not from here, with two days of international travel each way on a medical student budget. However, I want to remember these things so that one day I'll remember that life is easier- easier than it was when we lived in a 3rd world country and all that has brought to our lives.

Dominica lately has been a challenge. Now I'm remember just how cool (relative term) and wonderful the weather was from December-March and I'm remembering just how HOT and HUMID it was last summer. Alas, the heat has returned. And my poor boy has got a nasty heat rash all over his face and neck that I just can't get a handle on. Today we ran our AC all day (which probably cost us $25 at least- just for the one day) and stayed home to try to keep the little guy cool. By about 4:00 pm Chase and I came the same conclusion I think- we should not stay inside all day. We go stir crazy. We need to go on walks, go swimming and enjoy the beautiful scenery here. This view has given me sanity many times. We walk here every morning. In the morning the water is glassy and calm. It is so serene, I love it. We usually come here again later in the day, although I don't have a picture Caribbean sunsets are amazing. This amazing view brings me so much peace. It reminds me of the beauty of this place. I feel lucky to see this every day.

 Our life here is crazy at times. The weather here is crazy. This heat is rapidly interrupted when storm clouds roll in and you are literally standing in a shower and soaking wet. It's awesome. Being Relief Society President has been a little crazier and busier than I thought it would be, which is fine, I have the time, but it's made for a few hectic days. My sweet friend Crystal wrote an awesome recap on our branch conference last weekend, detailing all those little things that make our life here so much more difficult and also kind of charming and comical, which you can read here. Read it, you'll get what I mean. I especially love the part about her getting to the baptism, because my experience was almost identical (subtract a cake, add cookies and Chase in the stroller insisting on NOT using the rain cover) and the part about the taxi driver on Sunday morning. Classic Dominica.

I don't know what I would have done here without my little Chase. He's the light of my world. He makes me laugh so many times during any given day. Like in this picture below, which is obviously the most efficient way to get to the other side of the table. Today he learned to jump (for the purpose of full disclosure, his little feet never leave the ground unless I lift him, it's all wind up) and he was tickled with himself. I love love love him.

So after spending my day with this sweet little blessing, skyping with my wonderful mom for a good hour, and eating dinner with my amazing and caring husband, life isn't so bad. I'm still missing our life in the states, but we'll be back soon enough. 63 days actually, but who's counting?