Saturday, January 24, 2009

Way Da Day Mon!


Yes, I actually miss Grenada. I never thought I would say it, but I really do. It's funny...we've been living back in the states for about a year and a half now and there are real "moments" when I actually reminisce of the slow-paced lifestyle on that tiny, clausterphobic island!

When we first moved there, I cried for nearly months, saddened by the luxuries we left behind and surprised at how genuinely rude the natives were to the "white folk." I questioned our transition down there so many times, only to be reminded that we were led there for a reason and that I would eventually adjust. Well, after some time, I became accustomed to the brown drinking water, the cold showers, the stove we had to lite with a match, and even the frequent power outages.
We eventually made friends and became quite involved with the local community and our church. We explored the island through cliff jumping, rainforest hikes, and many boating/snorkeling/diving trips in the ocean. We experienced a hurricane, Sean caught Dengue Fever, and we jumped a 50ft waterfall.

We even had a monkey named Lu Lu, along with many other pets that made their way into our little abode, such as gigantic lizards, mice, crabs, cockroaches, ants, etc. But, what made me continually long for home, was the rudeness of the natives, the drunk and "high" bus drivers, the inconsistency in food shipments to the local grocery store, and the lack of things to do on that island! So, needless to say, despite our exotic experiences and adventures, I absolutely could NOT wait to move back home!




So, here were are...in Denver and proceding with life as if it never slowed for a whole year, and it's actually funny to me, that I would miss such a place. I miss the stress free lifestyle of "going with the flow" and taking things one day at a time. When you slow down, you begin to appreciate the little things that occur along the way, instead of flipping off the driver in front of you for going the speed limit, rather than 5 miles over (I haven't done that, really).
Until Grenada, I absolutely took for granted the amazing luxuries we have in this country and how those luxuries aid us in getting from point A to point B as quickly as possible. But, what I have come to accept, is that the most memorable times in your life can be spent enjoying the process and the journey, and doing it all without the "necessary" luxuries we have been taught to expect in this country.



As a typical Grenadian would say..."Way Da Day Mon," which means "Enjoy the day, man!" And, that is exactly what I will strive to do each day that I live in this fast paced world we have become so accustomed to.