At the age of 36, married with 5 children, I am not at a place where I need to try to fit in. I am not at a place where I need to prove anything to anyone. I am also not at a place where I am actively seeking friends or acceptance from anyone. (Let's be honest, I am a homeschooling mother of 5 kids under the age of 10, I barely have time to go to the bathroom) Moving to a remote island with a full time population of 55 you have some interesting choices to make. Keep in mind that this is a community that has a fabric dating back generations. Being an outsider coming in, having different ideals, who the F%*$ am I to try and reweave the fabric?? Here's the thing, I get it, I too am from an island where we like things the way they are. So, as the "new family", we had the option of making a real go of it here, or not. This is an incredibly beautiful place. The year rounders are quite comfortable with the dynamics they have created. The reality is, this is their island. I am honored to have been able to join the community and experience life here. We were committed to making this our new story, our new home. However, as an adventurer, you must be open to the lessons that come with the travel, and be thankful for what the lessons bring to light, and be open to changing course.

After almost a year and half into this adventure I have learned some things about myself. I underestimated how much I would miss home. I will not be leaving because I am weak, or because I can't handle life on an island. If you know me well, you know I am a strong woman, I have been through a lot, and I am a survivor. It is as simple as this, "There is no place like home." However, I could not not have come to that realization without this adventure. I have always liked to run away. From the time I was very small, when my emotions got too big, I ran away. I guess, in a way, when I came to this island I was running away. I was running away from the comfort of familiarity. I thought that there was a better life out here. In the end, this experience has taught me to appreciate what was right in front of me the whole time.

The time here was not wasted. We met some great people. We made some new, unexpected, lifelong connections. We taught our children to step outside of the box. We taught them that family always comes first. We have become closer as a family, and stronger in our marriage.

Stay tuned, the best part of this story is yet to come.........

Blessings to you.

Thanks for reading,

Island Momma