What is your biggest challenge your marriage has faced as a result of the cultural difference and not having the close support system of family nearby?

Rachael: Raising a family with no family support is difficult. Sometimes it even feels impossible. We have no support with childcare or any emergencies that may come up with the kids. Like many working families we’ve had our own trials and tribulations with childcare, and those are the times I feel the impact of not having a supportive family nearby.

We grew up in a culture and a time in Jamaica when families had huge networks of support (the whole “it takes a village to raise a child” philosophy). Our parents had multiple neighbors and close friends that they could depend on to support them in their parenting journey. We definitely don’t have the same situation here.

Ainsley: There are many cultural differences, but the fact that we are both from Jamaica really helps. We understand each other, speak the same dialect and laugh at jokes that only a Jamaican would get. We are definitely concerned about being able to impart similar values to our children that we had the benefit of growing up with. We would like our children to have a sound appreciation for life, people, and things and not take anything for granted. One of the ways we decided would certainly help in this regard is to have our children exposed to more than just their immediate environment by making it a high priority to travel at least on an annual basis.    

Ainsley: I will admit, it does seem challenging at times. But because we want to be able to provide the best for each other and our children, we make it happen. I am fortunate in the sense that the nature of what I do allows me to not think too much about work when I leave the job. Keeping in mind what really matters makes prioritizing easy.

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