After my first steps outside the plane, I take a deep breath. I am holding my purse in one hand, my tiny daughter’s hand in the other. A new chapter of my life begins. The air is warm and humid. A breeze flows freely inside the airport, wrapping us with a warm embrace. Its smell carries the ocean, the flowers, the fruits. “Welcome to Maui” says the sign at the top of the escalator. As we go towards the baggage claim, I notice a lot of smiles and lightness in people’s demeanor

My new ride is there. The shop just called me. I can stop by to get her. Is it real? I’ve been dreaming about that moment for a year and now it’s happening. What if I cannot drive her? So many questions are bombarding my head. I don’t know if I want to cry or laugh, jump around the apartment or curl up in the closet. The excitement laced with doubt is playing with my heart but I am ready. I go into the bedroom to get my jacket. I grab my backpack and helmet, put on my heavy-d

The sun slowly rises into the clear blue sky, waking up everyone like a wizard with a magic wand. As the birds' melody celebrates this brand new day, the rooster claims the moment as he crows. The fragrance of eucalyptus and pine trees fill the air with the smell of candy canes. I remove my jacket and adjust my shirt. I raise my head up, take a deep breath and eagerly step forward, ready to follow my plan. Dad is helping grandma somewhere in the back of the house. Hearing him