our reward

life has literally been a whirlwind the past month. we got done with the trail on January 14th, I started back to work with the sweet babies at a hospital which shall not be named, tony has had tons of meetings with potential brokers, we moved in with my mom, started back at Tusculum, bought a brand new, gorgeous car of my dreams, sent out thank you cards to those who helped us along our journey, bought a couch and love seat, got our apartment move in date moved back, etc etc

before all that though, we went to the most beautiful place.

as we were walking in a foot of snow in the smokies, we decided to go somewhere we had never been before, ad somewhere warm. we decided on water island, a tee tiny island off of St. Thomas. we stayed at the Virgin Island Campgrounds. Yes, I said campgrounds. But listen, it was more like a Eco-Friendly community (including a community grill/fridge and composting toilets). Our ocean view (and breeze feeling) tent cottage was made of wood and had a luxurious bed and futon. There were canvas screens that we rolled down when the trade winds felt like they were about to blow us out of our bed. There was a beach within walking distance, and to get groceries, we had to ride the ferry over to St Thomas. Occasionally though, someone like Captain Woody (a senile old man with a dingy covered in duct tape with a questionable story on how he acquired his name) would take us across the water to the island.

We met the coolest couple of all time from Boston at the Campgrounds, and made the trek to St. John with them one day. And trek it was. Ferry, local "safari bus", another ferry, walking trail (ugh), got lost on walking trail, climbed down a steep embankment to a rocky coast with waves crashing into it, and finally to our destination. (We then bummed a ride with another super nice couple to yet another beach). We took the taxi back to the ferry at the end of the day so as not to repeat our semi-dangerous trek in reverse.

Anyways, we stayed on Water Island for 2 weeks, and believe it or not, we were more than ready to be home.

Our next adventure will be living smack dab in the middle of downtown Nashville. I cannot stand the thought of suburbia right now.

"There's no place like home" -Dorothy



**Speaking of home, my sweet friend's grandmother has gone home to be with the Lord and her beloved grandson. Please remember the Yates and Bartletts in your prayers.