I am still in a hotel room by the airport, waiting on a flight.
Now, however, my wife, my eldest and the baby are home in Florida. Early this week I bought the last two tickets for an expatriation flight to New York. They got in safely, spent the night at a cool hotel, then got on a flight the next morning to FLL and made it home without incident.
That leaves eight of us here.
On Monday we have a charter plane – with 8 seats – coming to get us and take us off to Puerto Rico. If I had not sent some of the family first, we would have had to pay a lot more for a flight. If all goes well with our flight and tropical storms don’t get in the way, we will spend Monday night in PR, then head home to Fort Lauderdale the next day. I am tempted to spend more time in Puerto Rico so I can meet some local gardeners, but I think I’d have a family revolt on my hands if I did so.
Also, moving around during this pandemic is very difficult, especially for a large family. The charter plane was sent at a reduced price by a good friend of mine. The cost of this entire trip back is still brutally expensive, but some friends have kicked in some cash to get us home, so a little of the edge was taken off.
I cannot wait to get back to Florida, stop the financial bleeding, and plant a fall garden. My friend Karen is starting some seedlings for us and I look forward to being an American again, with little first world blessings like air conditioning, hot water, and Taco Bell.
That is, if I can still afford Taco Bell after all this. Fingers firmly crossed.
28 responses to “Getting Closer to Home”
David….youre always an American. Its not where you live, its the spirit within.
Safe travels as you come back home.
My heart goes out to you and Rachel (and the clan!) as you wrap up this chapter. Soon you will be back in the arms of your loved ones… of which obviously there are many! You’ll shake off the dust, re-orient yourselves and begin the next adventure your Loving Father has for you! I can’t wait! To Him be all the glory!!!
It’s not looking great, weatherwise. Be cautious, be safe!
David … you and yours are in my prayers. Safe travels … ‘Murrica needs you!
We’re specifically praying for Abba to stall these storms, if necessary, to give you the window you need to get home. Proverbs 3… esp vs 5, 6. Safe in Abba’s arms…
Praying without ceasing sir you want cuttings from anything I have you are welcome to them. I have some plants I you can have.
What can I do to help your family, brother. I’m in Florida and I have a car. And a van. I even have an older van I’d give you outright but it doesn’t have seats and needs a new fuel pump and there’s something draining the battery, but I digress. . . . Oooh, I also have a fridge. And about 500 seedlings from scooped-out papaya guts, lol. Tell me what you need and I’ll tell you if I have it. 386-209-8292. My new “Official Florida Nursery” phone number.
Bonnie’s Garden :)
Please let us know if you guys need anything or help
Were only 2 hrs away. God bless , kurt and holly
I wonder what could lead to such an exodus after years in Country X including substantial investment in a tropical home site. By my lazy math this should be perhaps a $7,000 expense plus hotel costs to get a large family all one way tickets (or more). You are no shrinking violet so I’m guessing it’s some kind of violence that’s coming too close to home.
Long time fan, customer, and listener who can’t help but ponder that the logic of being cagey and secretive about Country X. You are still very easy to find for anyone in that location who learns your actual name, so doesn’t seem like much of an insurance policy.
I am fascinated by your description of Country X and how hard it is to get decent mechanics, carpenters, etc. My gratitude list is lengthened by all of these things I took for granted. Had always secretly wondered if it would be the medical care of Country X (or lack thereof) that might prompt your return to the states. Either way, best of luck, because I am a fan and I am rooting for you.
Thanks. ” By my lazy math this should be perhaps a $7,000 expense plus hotel costs to get a large family all one way tickets (or more).” 10k+.
“You are no shrinking violet so I’m guessing it’s some kind of violence that’s coming too close to home.”
Yes, the pressure is rising. Two machete murders in one neighborhood, both people I knew. And they were locals… and we were getting weird, weird vibes the last few months. Corona has turned things ugly, along with the unrest in the US.
“You are still very easy to find for anyone in that location who learns your actual name, so doesn’t seem like much of an insurance policy.”
Not that easy. It was definitely worth keeping cards close.
DTG – Sooo scary. Been there, done that! My parents/family fled St. Croix in the mid 70’s when things went sideways and murders began to increase after the Fountain Valley murders. My elderly teacher got a knock on her door one night, opened the door and was shot in the neck for no reason (luckily she survived.) Smart move getting out when you can. Safe travels! :)
Hey David, I hope you and your family are all well.
I’m curious as to what prompted the move? I haven’t been watching your videos lately, but I didn’t see anything about this move other than one post a bit ago. What happened? Is there a link to the story anywhere? It sounded like you were getting on pretty good in your new digs.
See my reply to desert dirt below.
Not knowing the details, but the imagination running as with others, I’ve been envisioning parallels to “escaping” various situations of social collapse so freely fed to us by media with our evening meal. Hanoi, Tehran, others… Perhaps one day you can “sanitize” it into yet another best-seller… The Good Guide to Casablanca! In any event, we’re so thankful y’all are safe and getting out. The rest of you **will** get out. Continuing to pray.
I have cassava, d. alata and t. diversifolia to share if you’re interested. Your loyal followers support you! My grandmother, who lived to be 96, always said, “money comes and money goes; take care of your health, you can always make a dollar.” Stay safe, David and God Bless.
Thank you very much.
Reminds me of Joel Salatins book where his family was kicked out of Venezuela. Good to have you back in Florida. God has his hand in all of this, praying for your families safety.
Thank you.
Patiently awaiting an update…
Chuckle…@Karen .. I’ve been checking for updates almost as frequently as I check my Nubian goats during kidding season! Weather today in Puerto Rico should have permitted air travel, so I’m praying they’re nestled all snug in a new hotel bed… Ready for the last leg home tomorrow! I’m sure we’ll all breathe easier when they’re finally back stateside!
Nice to know that I am not the only one! :)
I’m right there with you all.
I’m right there with you all.. Praying
I have lived all around the world, ex military brat and travel for work; I am always struck by my essential American-ness. No other place like this and the only place that ever felt like home.
Hi David
Heard from a friend you are back in our area ! Hope everyone gets settled in with new place to live and all that goes with that .
Kathy Oxendine
I am not quite back in the area, but I am in Florida. Great to hear from you! Would love to catch up.
I would love for you to see the plants we bought from you just five years ago !
WOAH what? You sent two kids with the wife, and you are travelling back with another 7!!! How many kids do you have? Christ man, put it back in your pants just once in a while! lol