Goodby to the Islands

Is it possible that we spent two weeks on St. John and have already been back for a week? It seems like only yesterday that we left the “spring” (that’s spelled w-i-n-t-e-r) landscape of NH for the summer landscape of this tropical paradise. We exchanged tulips, daffodils, and snow drops for oleander, hibiscus, and frangipani. Birch, maple, and blue spruce for the flamboyant tree, bougainvillea, and the ubiquitous palms. Snow and wind-driven downpours were replaced by sand and soft tropical rains. Our tightly scheduled lives were suddenly completely open-- blank slates. Get up—whenever; eat—whenever; go to bed-- whenever. Major decisions generally involved where to snorkel and what to eat. Can life really be that simple?
Leaving, logistically, was easy: pack up the villa, take the car ferry to one end of St. Thomas, drive the length of the island through St. Thomas’ capital city of Charlotte Amalie to the airport, return the rental car, check in with the airlines, clear customs and TSA, await our flight to San Juan (always an interesting experience as they often have various passengers exchanging seats to even out the weight), and eventually board a big jet for the four-hour flight to Boston. From there, we await a hotel pick-up to take us to our vehicles and make the 2 ½-hour drive home. All-in-all, a 14-hour travel day. We received the welcome news that the weather was improving in Conway, and we might not need down parkas, gloves, and boots for the trip north.
Leaving, emotionally and psychologically, is always more difficult. Upon returning, REALITY sets in quickly. So much to do, so little time. Return missed phone calls, pay forgotten bills, replenish depleted supplies, mow knee-high lawns, weed gardens that have suddenly grown two feet in our absence. Black flies, mosquitoes, and ticks must be contended with…. But the mountain vistas and the sparkling rivers are always welcome sights. Of course, what we most look forward to is seeing our family and friends. How great is our God. That we can not only go to this wonderful island but spend our time there being blessed daily by the friendship of people “who are closer than a brother.”