August 4th, 2009 Scott dropped us off at Long Beach Airport. We sayed our goodbyes and then stood there staring at the terminals in front of us. Jordan's faced turned white and suddenly a panic took over us. What were we doing? We have three suitcases and the clothes on our backs with no return ticket home. What the heck are we doing?! By the time we got to the ticket counter our nerves settled a bit and a huge rush of adrenaline kicked in! It was ADVENTURE time. There are no plans... it's time to see what we can make of ourselves. It was my first taste of freedom. No family, no friends.... just one big ocean and a tiny little tropical island. It is time to heal. Time to find me.
It was a long day of flying. Two layovers. Four airports. Long Beach, Portland, Seattle, and finally Lihue! The flights were smooth but my stomach felt a little queasy the entire time. I had never even been to Hawaii at all and now I am moving there. Let alone the fact that Jordan Cote is sitting next to me. How the heck did he convince me to do this again? After only 2 and half days I dropped everything I had going for me, a nice car, a house I was looking to buy, and a steady job that I was excelling in. And now, I am here flying hours over the ocean with a guy I just reconnected with moving to a foreign place. Ya... that is exactly what I am doing. All I can remember is the sunset flying into the island. The clouds danced across the sky and the sun sank slowly... it was glowing orange and pink
and there was a slight mist sitting quietly on the coast. It was unreal. It was Jurassic Park... so green, full of life, and beauty.
Then Jordan put on a song... "This is Home" by Switchfoot. Tears feel quietly on my cheeks. This was it ready or not! Carmen and Bruc picked us up from the airport! We met about 15 people (future bosses and friends) on our way back to the compound. I was already overwhelmed but felt so welcome in this strange place. We were home... and off course greeted with a few drinks! So the adventure begins! Within the first week Jordan and I found jobs. Jordan got hooked up by Carlo at the local Italian place Kauai Pasta. Carmen helped me in get into the Small Town Coffee crew. We also found a mini van on our second day there. We bought it for 200 bucks!! Haha, we also gave the lady an old desk C & C had and I cleaned her house once. Such a deal! She became known as the Red Rider/ Clubhouse!
