Well, we made it to the island. We are now temporarily "Kittitians," as the locals are called. It's totally different than what you'd expect the Caribbean to be like. The majority is not so tropical and green, but rather dry and bare. It hasn't rained in a while here, so that may change with the "seasons." The people are VERY friendly and in everyone's business. Because of it, we feel very safe in our area. The locals talk and have a sort of neighborhood watch, you could say. The man that lives across the street from us is name Yabba. He has greying dreadlocks and never wears a shirt or shoes and sort of limps from an accident a while ago. He's missing teeth like many of the people here are, but despite being a little scary looking, he is as friendly as can get and totally has our back. Pearl, another local and our housekeeper, comes by to check on us all the time. She showed us how to make passion fruit drink and coconut water all from our backyard. Yep, we have coconuts, passion fruit, green bananas, and- you'll be jealous- mangos! They are delicious! I especially love the passion fruit which is somewhat slimy and looks like maggots, but it's so good.
They have wild goats, roasters, lizards, and monkeys here- all of which we have seen. We also have an infestation of bugs that we have tried to spray down this week- starting with tiny sugar ants that are rapid fast to cockroaches, spiders, and centipedes. Luckily, most of what we saw was dead after pesticide came.
People drive on the left side of the road here. It's extremely mental and mind boggling, especially at the round abouts. From what I hear, there aren't any street lights, but there also don't appear to be any rules, speed limits, or anything else. They drive SO fast and only have two way roads without any lines. People park wherever they please so it becomes an obstacle course between that and the people walking. Drivers honk at everyone to let you know they are there. It's like a new form of communication. Most places don't exactly have sidewalks either, so you walk on the road and let cars pass you within 2-3 feet. It's crazy!
Eden did very well on the plane rides and handling the long days and changes thrown at her. It's hardest adjusting to the heat- she got a heat rash on her back and bum that we are trying to get better. She really has been a trooper and is most happy when she is naked or only in a diaper.
There is another LDS family that arrived the same day as us; the husband will be studying with Austin. That was comforting! There is another family down the street that has been SO wonderful and kind that is helping us get to know the routes and learn the island ways. Prayers are answered in so many ways.
Austin's school is very impressive. The campus is pristine with a spectacular view of the ocean. They have state of the art facilities- even better than the US schools, believe it or not. Professors seem very personable and willing to help students succeed; the president likewise talks to the students and is invested in their success; and everyone loves Eden. Having a baby is like having a dog- everyone gravitates towards you. I think I've met twice as many people because of her. It's been a good thing.
Yesterday, Austin was able to go on a Catamaran trip with the new students and snorkeled in the ocean. I went downtown to the Farmer's Market. What a crazy experience. The streets are lined with vendors selling fruit, vegetables, and fish. There are lots of foreign foods we have yet to try, and some I never will. Fish would probably be good and cheap, but I can't get myself to try it yet because you have to touch them and then watch them get gutted on another board in front of you. It's just gross and messy and smelly. Besides that, I would have no idea what to ask for.
We made it to our branch today- it's really quite big. It's more informal there. For instance, we started 10-15 minutes late, they use CD players instead of a piano, people say good morning back to you in the chapel, no one whispers in the hallway during sacrament... but it's great. I even got cookies for Mother's Day.
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