Before we Begin

A little disclaimer as I begin this blog: This blog has duel purpose of being a way for those who care to hear about and see pictures (and likely videos) of our future adventures and also a journal of sorts for me to record my feelings and happenings in my life and journey through medical school. Especially during these next 16 months. The writing in this blog will not please an English teacher. Paragraphs may not exist and commas won't always be used properly. There will be typos and that's ok :) I hope you enjoy following us on our journey. I'm just as curious to see what is in store!!!


Christmas is this week. It doesn't feel like it's possible that time has flown by so quickly!! 9 weeks ago we decided that we would be moving to the island of Dominica in the Caribbean so Mark can attend Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM). Since that day life has been COMPLETELY insane!! My stress level has never been so high! Selling our first home, that we only moved into last summer, was high on the list of things to worry about. Luckily, and thankfully, a family we went to church with was very interested in buying it and eventually things fell into place for them to purchase our home. They closed on our Caldwell, Idaho home 5 days ago. I was sad to let it go but grateful for the time and memories we had there. After deciding to go we got busy trying to sell many of our belongings, determining what things we would store and where, and gathering items we would need to take to the island. I tend to be an indecisive person and apparently have an attachment to many material possessions. I don't think I can even put into words all the stresses and worry I have felt as my mind is constantly thinking through things I need to do. Getting things done has been quite difficult with a cute little baby (now 7 month old) demanding most of my attention and time. I STILL have shopping to do and not one suitcase is officially packed...  We head to the Salt Lake airport in 7 days!!! It doesn't feel real! Mark just finished his on-line Organic Chemistry class last night. That was a huge thing to check off the list. Going to medical school was contingent upon him passing that class. Which of course he did with flying colors. As difficult as this insane move has been there have been tender mercies and such blessings along the way. Family and friends have helped in many ways to relieve what stress they can. My simple "Thank you" seems a pathetic attempt to express my gratitude!! Even though I had shed many tears preparing for this huge change I am truly excited for the adventure that awaits us. I hope we end up with all the things we need to have there and all the loose ends get tied up before we leave but if not... things will work out. I know that this is the path the Lord wants us to take.

Mark, Monette, Alexis, Isaac, Kari and Emma