Finding Friends??

Lena,

First, what you are feeling is okay. I went thru it as well when I first moved to STT. My husband got a job and we packed up the family and followed. Finding friends is a little bit slower process, more so with kids on island. I think (in my experience) that you are going thru more of a culture shock and depression. EVERYTHING is different on island (or seems that way) than what you are used too. People are friendly, but guarded. Not very many will befriend you right away unless they are in the same position as you. That is why newbies tend to hook up with newbies. I lived on island two years and the first three months were hell. I felt like I was crazy, but it passed as I set goals, kept trying and adjusting. After three months, I felt like I had lived there for years and knew my way around and had made friends.

I remember going to the beach or shopping with my baby and just felt so alone. I know so well how it felt to be trapped in my home and struggling to figure out dinner or any 'normal' decision. I was never able to buy the same brand diapers twice in a row and sometimes not even the same size. Did everyone have to up and buy size 3 diapers for an entire month??? 🙂 It will work out okay, just be patient (as best you can) and take one step at a time. Getting into the mommy groups is my suggestion, or getting a part time job. Both will help you meet others and feel somewhat normal again. I had a part time job, where my husband watched the baby in the morning for an hour (he went to work early and than took off an hour) and then watched the baby on his lunch hour. I worked the cruise ship dock as a dispatcher for a snorkel tour and only worked an hour to collect tickets and guide the people to their tour. Sometimes two tours a day. It was fun to socialize with the passengers and other tour operators. I got a good tan as well.

But just give it time and things will gel. You will miss the ocean when you leave and the warm weather!!! 🙂 Good luck and pm me if you have any weird wacky questions that you don't want to the whole world to see. Trust, I understand how you are feeling. Keep us updated!

Teresa

Everything rang a bell when you first posted. Are you the young Apple gal with a first name starting with an "S"?

Thank you for all of you who are being very supportive. Everything that is being said I know, sometimes you just have to hear it from outsiders!

Teresa-
Those were my first frustrations as I got on this island, not the right size or brand diapers, no wipes period, I had to use Kandoos for two weeks, and my biggest frustration is my dog is still in the states, having a hard time getting him here due to the temp. Anyone know when it is not 85 in the afternoon! It will get better I have faith, it is a huge culture shock and when you are raising babies it's not as easy to adjust when your a mom.

I got an email from someone telling me to continue posting, So I will but I'd appreciate the support rather than the negativity, god knows I have enough of that about the island, however it is slowly fading!

Hey Lena,

You should give this board more of a chance. Everyone has been super helpful with my upcoming move and I have heeded a lot of great advice. It's also hard to tell someone's tone in print and maybe you were misunderstood by some at first who may be protective of their home. Others understand where you are coming from. This board is a great networking tool and as you can already see, some get togethers are planned. Stick with it. Keep posting thoughts and questions.

BTW what does "dh" mean? something husband?

lena:

Hang in there. Don't take everyone's "IMHO" to heart.

Find friends....join a group that suits you.

Explore the islands with your husband.

Being on island for 2 years can be a great adventure.

Keep posting, but keep an open mind....you don't need to agree with everything you see here.

Regards,

Future Islander

Lena,

Wipes!!! At K-mart they are not with the diapers. You will find wipes (for babies) near the vitamins and near the feminine Hygiene section . I don't know why, I just got used to going there for them. Every once in a while they will put them with the diapers, but don't count on it. Good luck!

Teresa

Yes, wipes are found in the vitamin and fem hygiene area in our Walmart,too, here in Texas. I searched the whole store frantically when we had our new grandson staying with us and ran out. Good luck in your new home!