On Christmas Day ten years ago, I was jobless and stressed. I had just lost my dream job and traveled to Hawaii to spend Christmas with my parents. Right before my flight, a huge snowstorm swept the northern US and it took me two whole days to get to Maui from New York City. I spent the night in two airports, and waited anxiously to get on flights after being on standby not once but twice!

I’ll never forget stepping out of that airport on Maui and being greeted by a giant rainbow. After the snowstorms and freezing cold that I left behind, it was a warm welcome- a sign that I was in the right place. Little did I know that I would be embarking on the greatest adventure of my life. I had no idea that one month later, I would relocate to Maui and start a completely new life. The next ten years would be full of ups and downs- marriage, motherhood, heart break, career change and an awe inpisiring encounter with God and revamping of my faith. 

Sometimes I wonder what would have become of my life if I had made the decision to go back to New York and ride out the recession. Would I have gotten married? Would I be a mom? Would I have stayed in the interior design profession? So many questions- but a few things I do know. I would not have seen the sunsets. I would not have greeted the ocean every day as I drove home to and from work. I wouldn’t have had that special ongoing encounter with nature that I’ve experienced over the past ten years. I would not have seen my son play at the beach as an after school treat and gone on impromptu camping trips any time of the year. This has been a blessed experience and I can honestly say I would not have it otherwise. 

Family members often ask me if I miss New York since I was always such a city girl, and I sometimes do. But there is something about walking outdoors into sunshine after a hard day at work and going to the beach to relieve stress. I feel centered and connected to where I am and I know deep down that this is where I belong. I can always visit my beloved city but there is nothing like coming back home to Hawaii. So cheers to more sunsets, beach days and hiking adventures.  These ten years have been a gift and I look forward to many more.