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The paintings of Italian-born artist Agostino Brunias, who made a profession of depicting the island in subdued, stylized settings that covered up the harsh realities of colonial control, were my first visual introduction to Dominica. However, as soon as I step onto its winding roads, which begin to twist shortly after I arrive, it becomes evident that this region, which is situated in the center of the Lesser Antilles’ curve, is anything but tame. The two-toned leaves of its bois canot trees, which change color from green to white when they sway in the wind, shimmer and bristle with the power of the volcano. It lulls with the erratic sound of its numerous waterfalls, scatters rainbows haphazardly across its breathtaking horizons, and enchants from the depths with its vibrant coral reefs. And it roars come storm season.
The indigenous Kalinago people of Dominica survived invasion by the French and British, who imposed slavery on the Africans who now make up four-fifths of the island’s population and left a linguistic legacy of English and French-based Creole, by mastering the lush tropical rainforest that covers more than 60% of the island. If you visit Trinidad for roti and Jamaica for jerk, you should travel to Dominica for green things like bush rum and flower teas. There are a ton of medicinal herbs in the forest.
The Jungle Bay Dominica resort, located smack dab in the center of the Soufrière jungles, leans into nature instead, maybe realizing the futility of fighting against the earth’s generosity. When I finally get there, the kitchen is closed. Joanne Hilaire, the operations manager, tells me that they never let guests go hungry, though, so I can feel the warmth of Dominica’s welcome. The cook is preparing an excellently stewed dish of beans with taro, rice, and plantain for our late dinner, off the menu, while I have a refreshing ginger-lime cocktail that is a local favorite. When I wake up the following morning, I find that my villa’s doors open onto a private veranda that faces southwest toward Soufrière Bay, where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean converge. I let the light wake me for the remainder of my stay by leaving my blinds open.
Mia Robertson is visibly emotional, unable to contain her tears. “We will all miss him so much…” Dive into the comments for more insights.
Mia Robertson, the youngest child of Duck Dynasty members Jake and Missy Robertson, was born with cleft lip and palate, a birth defect characterized by an opening in the top lip that may also affect the gums.
Approximately one in every 1,600 newborns born in the United States has a cleft lip and cleft palate, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Sweet Mia, now eighteen, has had to endure 13 operations due to her ailment; the fourteenth one was just completed a short while ago. The family sincerely hopes that this will be Mia’s final procedure before her issue is resolved.
The young child stays upbeat through each surgery. Above all, she aspires to be an encouragement to other young children who share her condition at birth. Mia started the Mia Moo Fund on her own initiative and with the support of her family to help ensure that every child has a smile on their face.
Missy Robertson told Christian Post, “One of the Mia Moo Fund’s functions is to spread awareness of the cleft lip and palate journey.””The other one is to assist in providing medical funds for the families and parents who are currently residing in America.”
Jase Robertson provided an update on Mia’s status and mentioned that his daughter is healing nicely on his podcast, Unashamed.
“She’s doing fantastic. He declared, “She’s turned a corner,” and went on, “Everything seems great, seems to be fine.”
The devoted father informed his listeners on his podcast, “Surgery went a little longer than expected, but she is home and recovering.” “We appreciate your prayers for her and our family. She truly is a champion!
Prior to the procedure, Missy discussed her daughter’s health and mentioned that she had been questioned frequently about how many procedures Mia will require going forward. “We simply don’t know is the only response that is ever given,” Missy stated. She continued by saying that they look to God for support. “Since turning eighteen, she has assumed the initiative in all conversations and medical paperwork. It’s been a bit peculiar,” Missy penned. However, it serves as yet another reminder to rely on the Lord and recognize that I am not in charge.
In addition, Mia wishes to be at “the finish line.”
“Hopefully this will be the last time I see my physicians like this! We’ve come to the end of the journey, brave Mia remarked.
As they welcome a child whose mother is unfit to care for them into their hearts and home, the Robertson family has also been getting ready for a new member.
We hope Mia heals quickly.
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