Welcome to St. Kitts, West Indies!

Sea-Tac airport, Seattle WA  September 10, 2012

Despite my lack of sleep from flying red-eye the night before, I couldn't help but keep looking out the window on our flight from Miama to St. Kitts.  I've never seen the ocean colored in such majestic colors of blue.  We flew over a couple islands and it made me wish I had a map of the Carribean so I knew exactly which islands we were flying over.  But I'll always remember the moment St. Kitts came into my view...my island, my new "home".  September 11, 2012...our adventure has officially begun.


As soon as we step out of the airplane, the humidity hits us.  Mike and Megumi are immediately covered in sweat.  It feels like Japan and Tenneesee.  While we were waiting in line to go through immigration, a man in uniform approached Mike and asked, "Are you Dr. DuVall?"  Then he led us to a "V. I. P. room" where he instructed us to wait while he processed our paper work.  "How do you think he recognized us amongst all the people Mike?"  in which he replied, "He was probably told to look for an Asian family".  So far, we are the only Asians we've seen on this island!  The man in the uniform continued to be by our side until we collected all of our luggage (all 9 of them!) and led us through customs, and finally outside.  "WELCOME Dr. DuVall family!" a group of students from the Adventist elementary school, teachers, and pastors greeted us with a banner, a balloon and St. Kitts' flags.  What a wonderful surprise!  It was so unexpected that it brought tears to my eyes.  When you are tired, and had just arrived in an unfamiliar place, it's so nice to feel so welcomed.  My uncertainties were quickly replaced with excitement.  God knew I needed that.

They also had the same banner in our temporary apartment.

Glad all 9 bags made it safely here too!

The view from our balcony.

The first day continued with the pastors taking us to our temporary place to stay (a neon green and yellow apartment on the hill, which you can spot from miles away!), a little nap, then a trip to the store down the hill to buy some groceries.  We were pleasantly surprised to see many of the familiar things we usually buy in the States.  However, the price is about doubled here.  It's nice to know that many things are available, I just don't know how much of it we can afford while we are here.

Megumi is obviously excited about St. Kitts...
or at least her new balloon. 

The second day was mostly spent taking care of business at the dental clinic and in town.  The dentist who Mike is replacing was so kind to take us to places and gave us lots of "tips" on the life here on the island.  We learned which market to go to for dry goods and that the produce gets imported every Wednesday so that's the best day to purchase fresh vegetables and fruits.  I also quickly learned that we can't leave the windows open since you never know when it might rain.  It can be sunny and clear one minute, and down pouring the next minute.  But the rain usually only lasts for few minutes.


We also got our driver's license for St. Kitts.  Mike, Megumi and I went on our first drive out to the store tonight in our "new" car, 1995 Rav4.  It's definitely in a VERY used condition, but we are thankful to have our own car.  Mike kept on turning on the windshild wipers since the turn signal is located on the opposite side then what we are used to.  I just kept on muttering "stay on the left, stay on the left"as he drove us to the store.  It's strange not having to stop for any traffic lights.  There are only stop signs and round abouts throughout the island.  We successfully did our grocery shopping at a new market by ourselves and managed to find our way home in the dark without getting lost.  But how lost can you get on an 18 mile island?

It cost us about $33 to purchase these groceries.
The Starbucks ice-cream was a necessary purchase for our celebration
for finding the grocery store by ourselves!

Our next task is to find our permanent place to live.  I guess the crime rate has increased in the past couple of years here on the island.  We were instructed to look for a place with bars on the windows and protection for the door.  The rent fee is quite expensive here and we are praying that we can find somewhere safe and comfortable that is affordable.  God is faithful though and I know that He has a special place in mind for us that is just the right place for our family.  I take comfort in the fact that our family and friends are covering us in prayers right now.  Why do I need to worry?  There's power in prayers and we know that God will take care of us.