It was cold, dark, and snowing. It was only 4:30 in the afternoon. We were texting from our respective classrooms about who would be picking up which kid from where. My husband and I had been talking about living abroad together since we met 20 years ago. We finally went to the international educational job fair, and lo and behold, we got offered jobs teaching at the International School of Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago. Me teaching art, him coordinating the special services program, both our 6-year-old and 15-year-old could attend the school. In the abstract, it had always sounded like a great idea. Being faced with the reality of accepting or declining this offer was an entirely different kettle of fish.
Fear set in. Maybe even panic. We had lived in this wonderfully rich community in southern Vermont for sixteen years. We had settled into a very comfortable niche here professionally, socially, artistically, and it truly felt like home. Pack up everything and go? His Carribean-Leo-self wrapped its brain around it much more readily than my New England-Cancer-crab-self could ever do. Lists of pros and cons were made, over and over, and still I couldn’t make the commitment to cut the strings and say yes.
Then I got the text: “Let’s jump off the hamster wheel before we fall off.” A warning? A promise? A premonition? Whatever it was, the visual image in my head was so strong, I knew it was the right thing to do. We called that evening from our cold snowy Vermont home and accepted the offer.
jumping off the hamster wheel 
Love this Ellen. Keep writing, and I’ll keep reading. New chapter, indeed.
Thanks for reading, Liza! Hearing lots of dutch and thinking of you…
Love to all in your house.
love the story! Tell more!
Thanks for writing Ellen. You all look beautiful!
Thanks Mary, hope you guys are all well too.
What great images and stories from these early days of your new adventure! I know you’re all settling in and relishing the wonderful newness, making friends, exploring, discovering, and smiling a lot. Keep writing when you can — we love you!
We love and miss you all too, Ken! love to everyone there…
What an inspiring piece, Ellen. So glad you shared.
It was so wonderful to see you all!! I am missing you at the bakery. Your pictures are beautiful and thanks so much for sharing your experiences. Keep it up-the winter is around the corner.
We miss you all, too! Especially the yummy coffee and food… Can you pass this link onto Amy? I lost the email she gave me. Thanks and hugs to all!
I love to read this. You are such a great writer! Be blessed and keep writing! love, Marianne
this is fun to read and very inspiring! I will definitely stay tuned! Take care and I hope you’ll keep posting!
Kit Whallon
Ellen and all-This is a wonderful way to share your adventures! You all look so happy. It’s great to really get a sense of what you’re doing. Keep blogging-you’re doing great!
xoxo
Thanks Megan! Hey- I think Grammy is having some trouble finding the site. Maybe you could point her in the right direction? love to all of you!
Hi Ellen! Thank you for the link to your amazing blog! I love the way you write and your perspectives on life. Your family is beautiful, as is your new home… I’m so excited to see how your adventure continues! I wish you all a wonderful journey, filled with good health, love, laughter and contentment… Looking forward to your updates! 🙂 xoxoxoxox
Thanks Karen!
Ellen,
What an adventure you all are having! You are an unbelievable writer; I think there is a book in your future… If you have it, please send recipe for the pineapple dish; it sounds so good. Hope everyone is doing well adjusting to school. Liza and Marielle are both away at school now; and Mike and I start next week. Peace,
Mary
What joy to read your blog and follow your life!
so much fun your blog is! keep going! yes a book is in your future. 🙂 i am now using the baby’s ipad to follow your blog!!!