Joy finally arrives in Dominica!

My mom, Anita, and I finally arrived in Dominica last Monday. Carson came to pick us up from the airport and we took an "exciting" bus ride to Picard. I say "exciting" because the bus driver, Bryson, drives with no fear of anything. So I guess I better word to describe the ride would be scary. In Dominica, there are no real rules about how to drive like there are in the States. The drivers drive on the left side, abide by no speed limit, and pass other cars, pedestrians, and structures with only inches to spare.

After our bus ride, we arrived at our apartment to drop off our luggage. It is a cute, little place and will be perfect for our 16 months here. But, since we choose not to the run the air conditioner, it is very hot and humid. During the day it is in the upper 80s in our apartment.

We then walked Mom to her cottage. She stayed in the Picard Beach Cottages that sit about 30 feet from the ocean. The cottage was very rustic, but Mom was a real trooper. The view from the cottage was beautiful and the ocean waves could literally lull you to sleep. During the filming of the Pirates of the Caribbean, many of the producers and directors stayed in the cottages. Pretty cool, huh?!

We then walked to a popular bar/restaurant that the students call PBH. We had the Dominican version of vegetarian nachos that consisted of chips, cheese, and VEG-ALL. It was actually really tasty.

Carson left the next morning for class at 7:00am and I got ready and walked to meet Mom. We walked around the town, went to the school where I will be teaching 4th, 5th, and 6th grade next fall, and met Carson at the "Shacks" for lunch. The "Shacks" are a row of stalls at the north end of campus where many of the students eat lunch and buy fresh produce. We then went to James' grocery store and decided what we would have for dinner. We had black eyed peas, macaroni and cheese, slaw, fresh tomatoes, and cornbread. It was a delicious Southern meal.

The Shacks

The next afternoon, Mom and I went to Roseau, the capital of Dominica. We had yet another "exciting" bus ride. Mom had the ride with her eyes closed the majority of the way. I think I screamed once or twice. Roseau is much bigger than Picard and we were a bit overwhelmed. We looked around and found a store that sold "touristy" things and bought a Dominican flag, a magnet, and a t-shirt for my cousin Destiny. While walking we saw a beautiful church that was built in 1854. I decided I wanted to take a picture and discovered I hadn't brought my camera. We then decided that it was time to head back, after only being there for about an hour. So we jumped in another bus and rode back to Picard. This ride has proven to be the scariest one yet. I wasn't sure we would make it home.

Carson studied all day, but took a break to meet us for dinner at Perky's Pizza. The veggie pizza was delicious! Then Carson headed back to school and Mom and I went to her cottage to relax.

Mom and I had breakfast the next morning. We had toast with a yummy passion fruit jam. It is very similar to the pear and pineapple jam my GanGan used to make. We went to a grocery and found some to take back to Dad.

We met Carson and had lunch at Subway. Mom and I then rushed back to her cottage to meet the taxi, hoping this would be a smoother and safer ride. The driver was 20 minutes late and we were worried we would not make it to the airport in time. But our driver, Jerome, was a much better driver and Mom didn't have to close her eyes once. We arrived at the airport just in time and Mom literally had to rush to get on the plane. It made our goodbye fast. It was hard to see her go.

Thank you, Mom, for taking me to Dominica. I miss you so very much!

We miss everyone and can't wait to see everyone in December. Thanks for all your thoughts, emails, and prayers. We love you!

So everyone else need to go ahead and schedule your trip, because you haven't really lived until you take a bus ride in Dominica!

White Coat Ceremony

Carson began classes on Monday in Dominica. He has told me that the classes are already ridiculously difficult, but he is really enjoying all that he is learning. Here is a picture of Carson in class. Pretty much all his classes are held in a giant lecture hall. And being such a conscientious and dedicated student, Carson sits on the front row.

Carson's White Coat Ceremony was held on Friday. This ceremony symbolizes the beginning of their walk as physicians. The faculty at Ross, as well as the Prime Minister of Dominica, put each student's white coat on and welcomed them to the profession. Dr. Crump, a doctor who went to med school at Vanderbilt, was the speaker at the ceremony and Carson said the speech was incredible.

Carson and two of his friends, Luke and Vineet

Carson and Chris

We want to thank everyone for your constant thoughts and prayers. Preparing and moving to Dominica has been similar to putting together a difficult puzzle. But slowly and just perfectly, the pieces have come together. Carson found a wonderful apartment, I was offered a job at the University's day school, and our barrels arrived completely intact. You are right Mom, everything works out just like it should! Not always when we want it to, but always like it should! God always has a plan.

We love and miss y'all!

The Kaesers - #9 Green Homes, Banana Trail, Dominica

Carson emailed me pictures of our new apartment in Dominica. We will be living in #9 Green Homes on the Banana Trail. We have the corner apartment on the top floor. I know I will feel safe being on the top floor. Our apartment is about a 5 minute walk to campus and to my school. But Carson said it is pretty hilly and super hot.

Remember, I am still in Chattanooga, TN, and have only seen the apartment in pictures. But I am really pleased with the apartment Carson picked. He did a great job! It isn't our little house in Chattanooga with Lilly and Gunther, but it will do for a while.

Life in Dominica

Carson arrived safely in Dominica last Sunday. After two full days of traveling and a short, scary flight into the island, he was happy to have finally arrived at his destination. He stayed at the RUH, university housing, the first night and woke up the next morning ready to discover his new home. Within the first 24 hours, Carson had secured housing, visited with his friends from MERP, found a local bar he likes, sat on the beach, and sampled Kubuli, the locally brewed beer.

Melville Hall Airport ... and I thought the Chattanooga airport was small!

Beautiful Dominica

Our New Home!

Our Front Door

The local bar with Jesse and Vineet

Sunset in Dominica

After getting all the important things accomplished, Carson went on a scuba diving trip. He said that it was the most beautiful dive he has ever been on. I can't wait to learn once I get down there!

Caribbean Water

Carson gearing up

Carson finishing his first dive in Dominica