The Beginning of the End...

...of Basic Sciences.

Josh began his last term of Basic Sciences this week.  It's absolutely crazy to me that in four short months, he'll be done with year two of medical school and we'll be off to the states for clinical rotations.

We spent the weekend before classes began together.  Just the way I like it.  We went up to the lookout point at the end of Lance Aux Epines to watch the sunset together with Julie and Kevin.  It did not disappoint.

So here's to 5th Term, may Josh do well in his last classes ever, and may we soak up every ounce of Grenada that we can.

Under the Sea

I am LOVING my new underwater camera!  Thanks Mom!  Here's a little glimpse of what it looks like under the Grenadian sea.  It really is better down where it's wetter.  Take it from me. :)

Look! There's even mermaids!

An Eye For Deanna

I've had so many friends and family ask me how they can personally help with the Limes Program and the children of Grenada from a distance.  Some have been able to send supplies, there have been monetary donations, and others have given their support through prayer.  All of these things have been a blessing to me and the Limes Program.  I can't even begin to explain how humbling it has been to have friends, family, and people I have barely been in contact with in the past 10 years come forward to try and help with what myself and many others have been trying to accomplish on this island. 

But, if you have been wondering what can I do? How can I help?  Well, here's your chance.  One of the Grenadian families heavily involved in the Limes Program has a little girl named Deanna who was born without an eye.  As she has grown, the socket has begun to be exposed and the chance of infection continues to become a bigger risk.  A group of Doctors in Miami, FL has agreed to operate on little Deanna pro-bono but Deanna's family has very little money and cannot afford the travel expenses to get there.  We are attempting to raise $5,000.00 to help the family cover flights and hotel costs associated with the surgery.  Please consider donating some money toward this cause.  No amount of money is too little and you are helping to completely change this little girl's life.

Deanna

THIS WEBSITE HAS BEEN SET UP FOR DEANNA.  The money is going into a bank account set up for her and when we raise the money, we will withdraw it and give it to the family to use for the travel costs.

For any SGU students wanting to help, there will also be a box at the Subway on campus taking donations for Deanna.  Drop your change in after getting a sandwich or stop by just to put a few EC in.  Every little bit helps!

Thanks to everyone who has helped support the Limes Program.  You have no idea the impact you are making on these precious children.   

Back on Our Island

We're Baaaaaaack!

And we brought our friends Kevin and Julie with us!

As much as I love my family and friends at home in California, and I really do love them, I was so ready to come back to Grenada.  I was missing the warm weather and sunshine, our apartment, our routine, my kitchen, the Limes kids, and even Toby (our Toyota). 

We have been back almost a week and I know that my excuses for not blogging regularly are becoming old, but we really have been so busy!  Josh has experienced next to nothing on this island and since we had a week before classes began, we have been taking full advantage of it.

So here's what our week has looked like.

Monday: Grand Anse Beach

Reunited and it feels so good!

Making use of the underwater camera Mom got me

A full rainbow!

Tuesday: Concord Falls and hike to Fountain Bleu Falls (with a guide!)

Concord Falls

Fountain Bleu Falls

Wednesday:  We drove to La Sagesse and it poured rain.  So we ended up at Dodgy Dock for Wing Wednesday.

Thursday:  University Club Pool Day

And today, Friday, we went to Magazine Beach where the waves were HUGE and we all got pummeled.  And I forgot to take any pictures.

Only two more days of freedom for Josh before 5th term starts.  Better enjoy it while it lasts!

A Christmas at Home

I know I should be posting about my New Year's resolutions today.  IF I were, it would include something about eating better, working out more, making more time in my day to connect with friends back home, oh and blogging a little more regularly!  BUT....I haven't posted about Christmas yet, so those New Year's resolutions are going to have to be put on the blogging backburner for a few more days.

Christmas has always been one of my favorite times of the year.  I look forward to it now just as much I did when I was a little girl, perhaps even a little bit more.  I have enjoyed carrying many of the traditions from my childhood into our family.  Josh hasn't been quite as thrilled about my Christmas traditions.  I'm pretty sure he could do without sending Christmas cards, cutting down a Christmas tree, getting a new ornament for the tree every year, and perhaps his least favorite, new matching pajamas for Christmas Eve.  But these things are important to me and Christmas just doesn't feel complete without them.  Luckily, he's been pretty obliging these past two years about traditions, even if he does them a bit unenthusiastically.  We're working on it.  :)

On Christmas Eve, we gathered at my parent's home for their annual open-house party.  There was lots of good food and as always, a birthday cake for Jesus.

We especially enjoyed being with my Gramma and all of her grandchildren.

We then headed over to Grandma Scurlock's house for Christmas Eve chili, gifts, Christmas carols, and a whole bunch of fun.

Sissys-in-law

Then it was time to head home and open up our new PJ's!  Josh just loved them.  He has already put in a special request for a full onesy for next year.  :)

On Christmas morning, we spent some time at my parent's house opening gifts with my family.

Brother, Sister, Me

And then it was off to Josh's sister Brooke's home for a homemade breakfast of biscuits and gravy and some great time with our nephews.

The Whole Gang!

Josh and Caleb

Our Christmas morning was busy, but we weren't done yet.  We went to my Gramma's for Christmas dinner.

 And we took my Mom's annual Christmas card picture while we were there. This year's theme was "Ugly Sweater Christmas."

Our last stop for the night was at Josh's Dad's home.  I don't have any pictures from there, but we enjoyed the company of the Scurlock family and ended the evening watching Warrior, which was a surprisingly good film.

I hope everyone's Christmas was wonderful and that as we ring in 2012 tonight, we can all look forward to a happy and healthy new year. 

As for the Scurlock's, we are flying back to Grenada in the morning and we are excited to spend a few days together on our island before Josh's last term of basic sciences begins.  God has truly blessed us and we will always look back on 2011 with the fondest of memories. 

Happy New Year Everyone!

Oh Christmas Tree

I've been a bad blogger.

But in my defense, Josh and I have been home in Bakersfield for just over a week and we have been enjoying all things American and Christmasy.  There is nothing better than being with all of the ones you love during the Christmas season.

The day after we arrived back in Bakersfield, we set out with the rest of the Scurlock sibs on a hunt for the perfect Christmas tree.  Our journey took us out to Shafter where we searched high and low for the best-looking tree.  And of course with my amazing tree searching abilities, we found it.

Josh, Brandon, Kristin, and Me

Then we had to cut the thing down.  It was a group effort.

 But one person really did most of the work. :)

It was such a fun day with all of the family.  I only wish we were in town more so we could stuff like this a little more often. 


Brooke, Cole, Me, Josh, Brandon, Kristin, Caleb, Jeff, and Jacob

 When we got home, we I decorated.  So now the tree is done, and it is beautiful.  And it finally feels like Christmas time.  And I am so glad to be home.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Goodbye 4th Term

Josh just left to take his last final of 4th term!  We have both been so anxious for this term to be over.  I don't think that Josh has ever NEEDED a break more than this term.  I've really been worried about him these past couple of weeks.  He's kinda been losing it.  I think he has been stuck in his man cave for too long.

Case in point, he's started doing this when I leave the house.  He comes out on the balcony and tells me not to leave all the while giving me a sad face and looking longingly at me. 

We really need a break from school! 

We'll be back in California tomorrow night and are SO excited!  See ya 4th term!  You weren't very much fun, but we made it through.  One more term left of basic sciences!