The first night we were here, was the lighting of the Christmas tree…er, uh Christmas bush. We arrived a day early so that we could be here for the blessed event. It truly gave us a feel of what living in this small town was going to be like. When it was time to walk from our house to the pier, where the festivities were going to take place. We decided to go the beach route. My younger girls each took one of my hands. Twinkling diamonds scattered across the sky as we headed over the dunes on the wooden walk.  One star caught our attention as it sprung across the sky, leaving a trail of dust shimmering behind it. I remember gasping as we saw it. We kicked our shoes off and walked barefoot feeling the cool sand push between our toes with each step.

Once we arrived at the Christmas tree (bush) waited for the ceremony, and joined in Christmas carols with our new neighbors as the few lights blinked on. This was definitely a new experience for our kids. The feeling of small town, and community. We did not have this in the suburbs of Washington DC. It did not matter that everyone was off key, and didn’t know the words, very few lights sprinkled on the bush with blow up plastic beach balls as ornaments. It all just added to the magic of the night.

The girls saw a gigantic fluffy dog that they wanted to go pet. But the dog was distracted by a little toddler wearing shoes that squeeked with his every step. So the girls followed dog as he followed the little boy. The little boy’s mom noticed Kyleigh’s Coast Guard sweatshirt that her brother Carder had just given her. She asked if we were a Coastie family. Kyleigh proceeded to tell her that her brother was a Coastie and that we had just moved to the island that day. She immediately grabbed Kyleigh’s and Ava’s hands and said “Well then you need to meet some friends!” She led us to her family and friends that were down at the end of the block. Instantly, there were new friends that were both of the girls ages. It all felt surreal. But it did feel as if God was telling us…we made the right choice.

As we walked back to the house, crisp breeze blowing salt air through our hair, Kyleigh told me when she saw the shooting star, she had made a wish that she would meet some new friends that night.  It’s nice to know that wishes still come true.

Is there something you are wishing for right now? Step out, feel the sand between your toes, but don’t forget to look ahead and believe.