On Leaving Maui
We are moving back to Hood River, Oregon.
It’s a long and complicated decision that we made in July, but up until a couple of days ago it didn’t really feel real. Because of the devastating fires, this last week and a half has been a blur. My plans to gently say goodbye to Maui look very different than I thought they would and that's ok.
This is a two step move Link and I leave on Wednesday Aug 23th. He starts school in Hood River on the 28th. We have signed a lease on a little house less than two blocks from the middle school. Michaela and I are coming back to Maui mid September for a week to pack up the condo and turn in our keys. It’s whoa.
There were a lot of reasons for this move. We have always known Maui wasn’t permanent and have been trying to feel out when the right time was to leave. Middle school on Maui is complicated to say the least and when we felt that we wouldn’t make it all three years, Link asked to please move now so he doesn’t have to switch schools. Seems fair.
Another factor is Michaela’s travel and professional career. Flying to comps from Maui is just ridiculous time and money wise. Being close to Portland means there is family that can come and stay with Link so I can travel with her, travel will be less expensive, and it won't take 36 plus hours just to get to Europe. The kite designer for Naish is now also based in Hood River so she will be close to teammates and can help with gear testing. Also, as a North American rider it’s great for her to get into the scene in the US rather than being so isolated.
It’s so very bittersweet. As a little family of three we have made many many moves but Maui has been home for nearly three years. When we moved here we came for many reasons. It’s windy all the time. There was decent enough healthcare for Link’s medical needs. I love being warm and in the sunshine. We thought being here would help get Michaela noticed and sponsored.
And Maui gave us all of that and more. We have enjoyed year round kiting, heaps of sunshine (I am going to miss being tan), Link has received outstanding medical care, and the girl landed her sponsorship. Link even learned to dive and became a certified diver! Maui also gave us life long friends and I personally have really learned what it means to live aloha and I am excited to carry that through the rest of my life.
But it’s really hard here. Middle school is rough. Schools are underfunded and understaffed. It’s really expensive to live here. At the end of the day the island is small and we all miss the woods. Link and Michaela really want to ski, as do I. I really need more family support with Link and don’t want to do any more of these long stretches of solo parenting. Our core group of friends have moved or are moving off island.
It’s just time, you know?
I was for sure more ready before the fires. I was excited to tick off our list of things to do before we go like snorkel Honolua and visit the Lahaina library. I have not stopped crying for the past 10 days over the devastation and loss. It’s hard to comprehend how much this has impacted the whole island.
Thankfully, you all have let me find my own little way to help with your Venmo funds. I have put over $5000 directly into affected people. It has been such a gift to help in this way. I have bought an iPad, carts full of clothes, toiletries, groceries, toys, art supplies, gift cards, and treats with the money you have sent me. This has been a life altering experience and I am profoundly grateful.
I am going to miss it here a lot. I am going to miss waking up to the same weather every day, but I am excited for the seasons again. I am going to miss the tiny island with nowhere to go keeping life simple, but I am stoked for road trips and big cities. I am going to miss warm weather kiting in a shorty wetsuit and dodging turtles, but am excited for Oregon Coast sessions and kiting the Columbia River. I am going to miss always being warm but I am ready for a cozy winter with my family.
A hui hou Maui. Onward to the next chapter. It’s going to be a good one.
