The fact that we have been forced to make the decision to leave Tinian has been very difficult for us. On the other hand, the joy we experienced living and working on Tinian and the great love we have for the people of Tinian will be cherished the rest of our lives.
It is important for us both that the people of Tinian know how grateful we are to them for accepting us into their community and their lives. Your love and kindness towards us has had a profound effect upon both of us — you have changed our lives for the better. We only hope and pray that Terri and I have contributed in some small way to the community in which we lived for two years. We leave our prayers and blessings with you as we leave.
We will be moving to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation located in the southwest corner of South Dakota. This area is just south of Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills. Terri will be working in the hospital that serves the Native Americans living in that area. I will continue to write and intend to start a new blog, similar to the tiniantimes.net blog that became so popular here in the CNMI.
We hope that someday circumstances will change, that will permit us to return to this beloved island and to the people we have come to love and cherish. Life is always unpredictable — Terri has often taught our children to “live on the balls of your feet” or, in other words, be ready for anything! We have always chosen to see change as a good thing and as a positive means of growth. So, although we have shed many tears in making the decision to leave Tinian, we know that we are all in God’s hands, and if we do well, all things — no matter how difficult — will be for our good.
So one last time: thank you CNMI, and thank you Tinian!
KEVAN AND TERRI CLAWSON
