Still Cruisin'

Day 4: Pushing Past the Boundaries
We arrived in Rhoatan Isle, Honduras this morning. A little bit of trivia: This is one of the islands used on the show Survivor.

This island is a lot different from Cozumel – more natural and rugged. But also more beautiful. We traveled to Tabyana Beach, resort-type area. This so far is the highlight of my week. The water was so incredible. Crystal clear. The coolest thing about this island is it has a HUGE coral reef – something like one of the top in the world. For the first time ever, I went snorkeling. I have a small fear of being under water. I can swim and enjoy the pool, but looking out into the ocean with only a mask, flippers and breathing tube is intimidating! The experience though was the most incredible thing I have done when it comes to adventures. If you have even been to an aquarium and witnessed divers down in the water with the fish – that’s what it was like! I did not go deep but thousands of tropical fish surrounded me, all swimming around and around. It was like being in a 3-D movie. After an hour, I had the hang of using the equipment and felt like a pro. The coral was simply unbelievable. “Senor Moustache” had trouble getting the mask to seal around his moustache so he hung out in the water and on shore.

When we returned to the main pier area, we went into “town” to check out the shops. Once again, we were told to not make eye contact with anyone. Unfortunately, this island is also poverty-stricken and tourists are a huge target. I never felt unsafe but we did have lots of children following us and asking for money or trying to sell us something. I kept my bag close to my body. I was told that some of the people are really clever when it comes to lifting items off of tourists. Also unfortunately, a local “dude” started talking to Dave and would not leave! He followed us, talking the whole way, all the way down through the shops. Pointing out certain areas and shops. We had our own personal annoying tour guide. We never once looked at him but he just stayed right there. Finally, after an hour, Dave handed him a dollar and he took it and left! If only we had tried that in the beginning. Oh yeah, it was blistering HOT!

This island was very interesting. There were mountainous areas, beautiful beaches, and fancy homes as well as families with only one-room huts. We saw a Baptist church, a 7th Day Adventist church and one other – not sure what denomination. I would definitely come back here.

Day 5: Terrifying and Tragedy
Today was a tragic day. We arrived in the country of Belize this morning looking forward to a day of cave tubing and trekking through the rain forest. It had been raining in Belize so there was question about whether we could go cave tubing or not as the water level was high and the current was strong. They should have said no. I consider myself fairly brave when it comes to trying new things. Kind of like the feeling you get from riding a roller coaster. You know its going to be a little scary but that’s the thrill of it, right? My gut feeling was to just tell them I would meet them back at the start. The river was so strong – we had to pull ourselves across one point by holding onto a rope. I had to have help as I lost my footing from the current. I was terrified but second-guessed myself owing it all to being something new. When we arrived at the cave entrance, the guide was consistently telling us to stay to either the left or the right at certain points. Once we were in the water, we realized that there was absolutely no way we could control the inner tubes. Dave and I were locked together but no matter how hard we tried, the current was banging us into the walls of the cave. There was no way to control it. The rest of our group was having the same problems. They were kind of like me tho, thought that this was probably just the thrill of the ride. However, we had to be helped when it came to avoiding areas, others had to be pulled away from rocks that were pulling them under, and generally, everyone was panicking. By the time we arrived at the first checkpoint where we had to exit the water temporarily, I was in tears. Dave did his best to calm me down but I didn’t think I could get back in the water. We were coming up on a point where we had to stay to the left and I knew there was no way I could do it. I still thought maybe I was overreacting, but realized that I wasn’t the only one. We got back in and made it to the end in one piece. What was supposed to be a 40 minute lazy river cave exploration ended up being a 10 minute hang-on-for-your-life panic ride. I really was terrified.

The tragedy came with the next group. When we arrived back at the excursion start, we were served lunch and were waiting on the other groups to return. Since we were delayed in leaving for the trip due to the uncertainty of the water, other groups had caught up with us – there were about 5 buses behind us. We had finished eating lunch and were just hanging out but nobody else ever showed up. It was time for us to leave and still no other groups were arriving. When we were crossing the river, the other groups were right behind us and as fast as that river was rolling, something was wrong. We found out after we had returned to the ship, that the second group had run into tragedy. One of the group members was pulled under in the current and had drowned. A mother in her mid 40’s died on what was supposed to be a simple and low-key trip. Others that we have met during our trip stopped us and were obviously still in shock. Two young ladies had been stranded on a rock inside the cave because the current took their tubes, dumping them. Another man was trying to hold onto a rock but was being pulled under until another two men helped him. Unbelievable.

The cruise line asked for our statements regarding the trip and refunded everyone’s money. They also brought on counselors to help those who witnessed the tragedy. Small condolence for losing a life but they did what they could. Ultimately, it was the tubing company’s responsibility for making a bad decision to go ahead with the trip despite the warnings from the rangers. We were lucky to only have bruises and scrapes from the walls of the caves.

Cruisin' Diary

(Docked in Cozumel)


Day 1 – “It’s a small world after all”
Two reasons: First, whenever you take a flight to Orlando, be prepared for a flight full of children ages two and under all gearing up to meet the one and only Mickey Mouse. Well, not all of them were excited about meeting Mickey. Matter of fact, the little blonde haired girl sitting in front of us proclaimed loudly that she did not want to see Mickey – she wanted to go home—NOW! They tried crackers, stories, soothing tones – nope, no good.

Secondly, while we are waiting to board the flight, I saw my cousin standing in the same terminal. I rarely see him, maybe twice in the last three years. I asked him if he was flying on business (he was standing there alone) and he replied that his wife and daughter were in the bathroom and they were all flying to …. Yep, you guessed it! M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E.

I have to say I was disappointed that nobody started singing the theme song. Maybe on the way home they will sing it.

Day 2: The Most Supercharged Maitre D
The food is incredible! Everywhere we go there is something to eat. Hamburgers, pizza, ice cream, etc. And that doesn’t include what’s on the dinner menu in the main dining room! The dining room not only has incredible food but incredible service. Our SuperCharged Maitre D, Joseph, is fan-tabulous!

Today, we did the unthinkable! The most outrageous! We took three naps! Yes, three naps! How crazy are we? Let me tell you that it was way cool. We were able to stay up for some comedy and midnight snacking.

Day 3: Senor Moustache
Today we docked at Cozumel for a day’s visit. We booked a horseback ride but had some time to kill before it started so we went to look around in some of the shops. One of the merchants was trying to get Dave’s attention – he hollered out: “SENOR MOUSTACHE!” We were warned to not make eye contact because then the sellers will not leave you alone. How can you not turn around at something like that?

The horseback riding was a lot of fun. The guide was hilarious and the horses were great. We were allowed to gallop so we both took advantage of it. Wow, I can’t tell you how incredible it felt. The only downside was that our sunblock had started wearing off so we both got too much sun. Dave’s poor legs!

We wanted to try some authentic Mexican food so we stopped at a restaurant that was open to the outside and the ocean. At the neighboring table was a fellow who was an entertainer on a different cruise ship docked a little bit further south than us. Great conversation and delicious food After dinner we took a horse and cart ride back to our piers. We are exhausted!

One thing that has really been something for us is that we have met so many Christians!! Couples who kids are on mission trips, others who shared a story that is similar to ours – the rebuilding. Many folks who are willing to just open up and share the Lord with us. Even our tour guide who was a little bit on the ornery side, ended the excursion by saying “God Bless you all! God Bless!

We're Back in Business

Finally, our electric came back on last evening. It's funny how excited we got over a flick of a switch!

As hard of time as we have been giving Duke Energy, let me share something with you. Our daughter, as most know, rides and shows horses. During the power outtage, she has been spending extra time riding. When the Duke techs finished repairing our lines, they took the time to go to the barn and let the girls riding know that the electric would be coming back on and it may cause the sound of shotgun on the pole when it does. They were concerned that the horses would react to the sound and were giving them a heads-up. How cool is that? Kudos to those two guys.

Thank goodness for laptops and IPods!

Yep, we're still without electric. For the last two nights we have been snuggled around the laptop watching a movie. Dave's sister has been so gracious to us - using her shower, washer/dryer - and last night she fixed us dinner. You don't realize how great Stove Top stuffing tastes until you have had to eat out for four days straight! She hsa been a gem. The best part is that we do not hang out with her and her family often so we have had the chance this week to realize how much we have all missed. With our busy "television" schedules every evening (lol) we haven't taken the time to just sit and talk with them. It's been great reconnecting and catching up. We all talk often about improving our relationships with others - how ironic that it took a hurricane for us to do this with our own family.

Still Without

We are still without power and getting a little frustrated. Showers at other homes, meals either by candelight or out somewhere. It is a little sad when you are anxious to get to work so you can do something! Hopefully, today is the day. =)

Getting by

We are still without electric but as you can tell - we are surviving!! Thank you to everyone who has offered to help, that really means a lot!

Us too

Like many in the Ohio Valley, we are without electric. It's difficult to be without it when it comes to food because we rely so heavily upon things we can keep cold or microwave. But, the worst we'll ever be is okay and we are. I was looking forward to sitting around in the dark and having a good conversation and some laughs with my family - they just wanted to go to bed! So, I turned on my Ipod and watched the only movie I have on it. In the dark. Just me and the dog. Lucky for me that he at least enjoys my company. (just kidding fam...)

I was able to go to work today because we have a generator that will maintain all of our network connections for all of Belcan. Otherwise, our entire company would be down which isn't exactly cost effective =) I was told that other companies (eg GE) were turning away people at the guard shack.

Our small group meeting last night was most excellent. We didn't need electric to discuss Jesus and the Bible! And we even got to have a snack while everyone sang Happy Birthday to Dave. He turned up his hearing aids just for the occasion. (I'll pay for that comment later...)

Serving as a Journey

I had some trouble sleeping last night so I spent the time reflecting and praying. Like a lightbulb turning on, it came to me that serving for me has not been just a thing to do - for me it has been a journey. When I took that first step out to serve in the children's ministry, it was a little scary. Okay, not a little scary, a LOT scary. I had so many questions - what to do when and how. (still asking those...) But it was the first step in leading - stepping up and stepping out.

It still is scary at times but I know that with each step I have taken, I have grown. I am learning to deal with different situations: When and how to talk and when and how to just listen; When to stand firm and when to bend; When to ask for help and when to believe in myself to just do it. When to offer suggestions and when to be accepting. To sum it all up - learning how to discern (from Pastor Ray's Leadership entries!) But, I am learning and I am growing. It's journey.

Center Pointe's volunteer banquet was fantastic. I didn't sit there thinking of myself as a volunteer but as the one who is thankful for the volunteers around me. I could never do what I need to do without everyone. I am so thankful for everyone - you are all wonderful and fabulous and great and awesome and tremendous and beautiful. You are all beautiful.

Childrens' rooms coming along!

Thanks to the work of many, the childrens' rooms are coming together nicely! The room for 0 - 3 (forever known now as the "green" room), looks great! Missy, Trish, and I "observed" the room for a few hours last night and have some ideas to really brighten it up even more. We moved in furniture to give it that lived-in look and it works well. We will be at the church on Saturday morning to plow away at the other room - if anyone wants to join us, just give me a call or shoot me an email for time, etc.

We were a little late arriving at the church last evening due to attending a funeral for Dave's cousin's son, Clayton - he was three years old. He had a rare illness. I had never experienced a child's services so I wasn't sure what to expect. As heartbreaking as it was to attend a funeral for a child, it was an endearing setup. There were posters full of pictures and other memory tokens as well as a camcorder with a video playing of the little guy - people were smiling and laughing at his beautiful little face while their tears streamed. Very sad to have lost his life so young but how glorious that he now has no suffering or pain and is in heaven with the Lord! He touched many lives, of course, and none will be the same. Please pray for Clayton's family. They are hurting and will need plenty of support while they heal. Here is his obituary.

Faith

John 20: 24-31
24 Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." 28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." 30 Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may[a] believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Can we have faith without first having experienced doubt? Do we always need that "proof" to solidify our faith? I don't have an answer - this is a personal discovery, unique to each of us. Food for thought.