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Relief update: While the island government and tourist industry works to rebuild hotels and restaurants, locals are still struggling to eat. Many people lost their jobs because the hotel or store where they worked is now closed and under repair. Some hotels, restaurants and retail are closed permanently. Low income housing was devastated throughout the … Continue reading Freegan

John had a few days off from teaching, so we finally decided to get off Saint Maarten and take a short flight to Nevis, the quiet sister island to St. Kitts. Nevis largely escaped Hurricane Irma’s wrath and a few friends recommended it as a tranquil getaway. Even though we waited to the last minute, … Continue reading Nevis

Ten years ago, John stumbled into an amazing opportunity to teach med students at the American University of the Caribbean on the island of Sint Maarten. Every spring, he spent about 6 weeks teaching, usually splitting the term with another ER physician from St. Louis. The pay basically covered expenses, making the time feel like … Continue reading Sint Maarten

After his first bout of cancer, my brother’s recommendation was to throw away my to-do list. Jim had read a spiritual, life awareness book that claimed we focus too much on getting things done rather than just “being”. To-do lists were a roadblock to our true humanity. I did not have a strong argument against … Continue reading Welcome 2019