“All my bags are packed 
I’m ready to go.” 
John Denver

Tonight is the start of another trip to The Bahamas. It is also the beginning of the end of a long, wonderful journey. For more than fifty years, I’ve cherished the memories of my students and colleagues from Saint Augustine’s College in Nassau in my mind and heart. For more than fifty years, I’ve savored vivid recollections of living in a foreign country, adapting to a new culture, enjoying the tropical waters of the island, and making friends in this hospitable island nation. And now I’ve published a book in which I share this life-changing experience with readers.

The purpose of this visit to Nassau is to promote A Bahamian Odyssey, which was published by Balboa Press last month. Having read the published version of the book, I’m a bit embarrassed by the quality of my writing. I will readily admit that I was in a hurry to finish the manuscript and get the book published so that I would have it to sell in Nassau this month. In my haste, I repeated a couple of stories unnecessarily. Those familiar with my writing will most likely notice a difference. Despite this, however, the story is a good one, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share it with those in The Bahamas and with family and friends here at home.

I had 200 copies of the book shipped directly from the publisher to The Bahamas. They arrived last week. I’m looking forward to a couple of weeks of marketing the book, sharing it with friends who are mentioned in it, and getting it set up in the Logos Book Store, a highly respected establishment in Nassau. I will do one official “meet-the-author” book-signing event at Logos, and another in the library on the Saint Augustine’s College campus. 100% of the proceeds of the books sold at SAC will be donated to the school. 

Of course, there’s a social aspect to this trip, as well. Through the years, I’ve been privileged to maintain contact with dozens of former students, all of whom are now in their 60s, as well as a few colleagues. There are also a number of other Bahamians I’ve met through the years. I’m looking forward to getting together with some of them for coffee, lunch, or just a quick visit. Several of them are mentioned in my book.

In the coming days, I will use this blog to share some of the interesting places in and around Nassau, as well as to introduce some of the individuals who impacted my life in a positive way. I hope you enjoy the experience.