Being on the Board

Here in Grenada, they have an organization that helps to plan events, share advice and generally make life a bit easier for the spouses, kids and other folks who tag along with the medical students, faculty and other folks associated with SGU. It's a great resource as you're trying to figure out what it is actually like to live in Grenada, what things to expect to find here, what to do with your time, etc. Since I had arrived in February, I had a bit of a hard time getting to know people. The SO events helped me meet people and get out to explore the island a bit, which was really nice. This is Maria helping with a health fair on the island, for example. When the end of the term rolled around and they started looking for people to be on the board, though, I figured I didn't have much chance in the election because I didn't really know that many people. So...I didn't run.

Lo and behold, though, I got a second chance! While we were home, I heard they were looking for additional board members to help with event planning. It seemed right up my alley, so I asked former board folks how much time commitment was involved and eventually figured it was a way I could make a difference for the families here in Grenada. We've got an enthusiastic group of people with lots of great event ideas, so it is exciting to think what we could accomplish this term. At the same time, there are some entertaining challenges to event planning in Grenada.

For example, any organization that plans events HAS to have someplace to store their stuff. Here, it's a little uncooled shed on the satellite campus. Back home that probably wouldn't be a problem, but apparently with the heat around here it is possible for soda to spontaneously explode. Thus ended a cooler in our storage shed and the sodas the last termers thought we might find useful. Luckily, the crayons in there must be made for the tropics because they are completely unmelted and worked great as entertainment for kids at the opening social. I was also in charge of supplying bubbles. I went to the store - no bubble solution, no bubble wands, no pipecleaners, no glycerin to strengthen bubbles - it was a bit more challenging than I envisioned. However, I did get some dish soap, bowls, zip tie wands and corn syrup from a neighbor and ta-da, bubbles for dozens of happy kids (and adults).

I have ideas for a couple more events, but I have to re-examine them in light of this experience from the opening social. I think they could work, but I'll need to plan carefully where we'll get everything. But how could you pass up the opportunity to celebrate International Talk Like a Pirate Day when we live in the Caribbean? Really!?

In other news, Penny is getting along nicely with her new teeth. She now has six poking out and she uses them adeptly to bite into cucumbers, cereal and any number of other items. Her favorite finger food so far is cheesy chicken macaroni with tomatoes and carrots. It's a little improvised, but she eats it and that's the key. She stood on her own the other day, but doesn't quite seem interested in walking just yet. It's tough keeping her entertained all day and often involves taking one or more field trips.

Also, please keep my mom in your prayers. She's in the hospital again, which is no fun in general. This cancer is tough on her physically and emotionally. It's no picnic for Amanda, either, so she could use a prayer or two as well.