Back to the Lone Star State. Saturday, we woke up ready to roll. The day started off hot and humid, but the sky was clear and beautiful.
Of course, first things first. We had to go by Sonic for refreshing beverages.
New Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church
Walking in
My Bubba
That's all I have time for today. More to come later. ************
In other news:
I've broken out the humidifier.
I still haven't turned on my heat. I generally have a rule that until it gets down into the 30s/40s I will not turn it on. We've hit that mark, but I'm still holding out for 50s/60s. I realize that we really have had a beautiful fall. I'm not quite ready for it to be over.
Despite my new furniture, I have a habit of sitting on the floor. A lot. A lot, as in I'm sitting on the floor right now, leaning on my couch.
Chipotle has a way of making a rough day, better. For that matter, so does ice cream.
Note: Not enough comments on the previous post to remove the picture of my mum. If there are more, I'll take it down!
Back to Texas.
We drove on Thursday and Friday. On our way, we stopped at a gas station and my mum walked out with BLUE BELL ice cream. People, if you have never experienced Blue Bell ice cream, stop what you are doing, and go get some. Nothing like it. We also drove through Jefferson, Texas, where I snapped a few pictures, and drove by my mom's old house. More Jefferson stories to come.
Who wouldn't love a town that has this displayed???
Late Friday afternoon landed us in Carthage. I was crabby. I have always been a people person. I consider myself an introverted extrovert. I love being with people, visiting, hanging with friends. Love it. However, after living on my own for so long, I've grown particular and I like things my own way. I also need some quiet to myself every day, or yes, I'm a little testy. This day was no exception. My family, however, is very forgiving! (Fortunately for me!) We unloaded, got settled in to the hotel room, and headed out to visit my Aunt and Uncle.
At this point, the story tellings and memory making began. I would love to wrap the weekend up in a picture. But, the stories and laughter and events of the weekend cannot be compressed into a picture. But a thousand words, might just do it.
(Just wait til you hear about the goat man. Yes, he's real.)
As I mentioned previously, I traveled to Texas to a family reunion in June. My life has been full of trips and vacations to Texas. I remember when I was eight, piling into the van and making what I thought at the time, a quick 30 minute drive and pulling up to my Grandma's house. (Granted I was eight. The age when going an hour feels like 20, and apparently going 23 hours feels like 1!) This trip was different for multiple reasons.
To begin with, we were going to a family reunion that I had never been to. In fact, my mom hadn't been to it, in a LONG time (maybe 20 years - I don't remember). Follow that up with the fact that my dad wasn't going to go, and I have only been to Texas one other time without him. Aside from that my aunt and cousin were also going, we were taking two cars, and caravan-ing. We had plenty of snacks, a map, my camera, and a destination.
I believe in documenting all of life's adventures with pictures. I am sure that this does not make me popular with many people, however, it is good fun for me!
Packed up and ready to roll
I am fairly certain that at this particular moment my mom was threatening my life if I posted this. So, mum, here's my deal. You get 10 people to write a comment on my blog, I'll remove this picture! (And, it'll probably save my life.)
The first two days were filled with lots of road time. There was singing, sleeping, and yes, taking pictures.
The past few months have been filled with STUFF. Work stuff. Friend stuff. Family stuff. School stuff. You get the picture, or the story. Plenty of things to write about. I WILL be writing about my trip to Texas, which was amazing, and fast and a lot of fun. I also went to my amazing friend's (and teacher) school this last week and actually taught! a few lessons, which confirmed that I'm actually doing something that I want to do! It's easy sometimes to get caught up in the work, and I forget what I'm working TOWARD.
This weekend I am in Nebraska (go Huskers!) with one of my longtime friends, and one of my best friends in the whole wide world! It's a quick weekend, but full of "visiting" (as I like to say), lots of hugs and kisses, baby cuddles and pump-cakes. (Pumpkin cupcakes- can everyone say YUM!) Yesterday we strolled through the pumpkin patch which was full of smelly animals (spitting camels, goats, sheep) and well, pumpkins. We went on a hay rack ride and I snapped pictures of the amazing countryside. (Pictures that I am sure are only enjoyable to me! But beautiful none the less.) The sun was bright, and the leaves looked like fire. It was an amazing day.
Tomorrow I'm heading back to my life. But for now, I need to go. Josh and Melissa just walked out with some meat and cheese and I wanna eat a snack.
If you are a reader, and you would actually read what I wrote, would you mind hopping over down to the comment section and leaving a nice little note?! =)
It has only taken me, oh two months to post this last final update from my cruise way back when, but here it is! (You'll note that it is much shorter, but it was the final day to take in the view!) *********************** Final update from the sea. Today we're in the Bahamas. I had fully intended on para-sailing or kayaking. My plans were thwarted. Not that you can read the disdain in my voice (especially since I'm writing this down), but I am rather annoyed. It was too chilly, and rather windy, so kayaking was out. The jet skis would have been great, but they don't rent those out, "Only for the life guards." Then I thought, okay, I'll para-sail, but it was $85 for 5 minutes. I decided to pass.
The rest of today was very uneventful. We went back to the ship and sat in the hot tub for a few. Then I decided to take a little nap. (Nothing like a little sleep time!) I packed up and hung out with the family.
I am....in! And, actually more than just in, I'm all unpacked and settled. I am still slightly confused, and not sure what to do with myself. I have SO MUCH room. I know I've said that, but I can't quite wrap my head around it. Pictures of the new place to come.
In addition, now the fun stuff to come! I have a pile of decorations in the corner, and now to determine where they go!
Anymore, I'm not sure what normal is, but I feel like I'm approaching normal again. (Fingers crossed on that one.)
Friday January 22, 2010 Destination: Caribbean Sea (Saturday)
(Note: I am having a major font issue. Sorry for the different sizes and styles. You may not care, but it's driving me nuts! Any tips on permanently fixing this issue?)
Today was a day at sea. Keep in mind, the last time we actually were at sea the whole day, I wasn't quite feeling well. Today, however, I felt good. I was completely recovered from the night before. I felt good enough to walk around the boat, explore the sights, listen to the sounds, and dance to the beat.
My mom and I packed a bag, and set out with the daily cruise schedule, a book, a puzzle book, and video games. We were set. (I also had my large jug of water.)
First up, we headed to the pool side. "Sounds of the Caribbean." Not quite sure that it was authentic Caribbean music, but it was fun, the singers sang well, and the other members of the band were thoroughly excited about their gig. We had, I must admit, already eaten lunch. There was, however, a bar-b-que going on on the deck of the pool. My mom and I had to do a little sampling. Sometimes there's nothing better than a bar-b-qued hamburger, corn on the cob and a little side of fruit.
The Caribbean Musicians (And apparently some weird man, who may have thought I was taking a picture of him. I should crop it- maybe later.)
Next up, napkin folding. This is a serious business. A few things everyone should keep in mind if you decide to fold napkins:
Make sure the napkins are crispy-not crispy dirty, but crispy ironed.
Stiffer napkins fold easier and keep the shape.
Planning a dinner party? I can fold your napkins into a Bishop's Hat or a Lotus Flower. Give me a ring and I'm there.
I was lighting my mom's napkin candle.
Next up, off to hear some classical music. As a super, super, super amateur piano player, i love listening to classical piano music.
On to the next event, swing dancing.
My mom and I were gonna partner together. But, apparently we HAD to have a dance partner. I got put with this weird skinny guy. I think he about whipped my arms out of their socket. I’mno pro at swing dancing but HE was supposed to be the lead. There are four main steps to swing dancing. (Listen to me, er, read me. I sound like I'm an expert.) Well, this dance partner guy, he was TERRIBLE. He said to me at one point “oh the guy isn’t coming over here, it must be because we’re doing so good!” Um, no. Can anyone say whiplash? I'm surprised I can still use my arms and that there wasn't permanent damage done!
All of the things the guy told us to do, well, my dance partner paid no attention to them. And, he was so tall, he’d stretch out his arms, and fling me.My mom commented later about how it didn't look much like dancing, but instead like a violent attack. Imagine for a moment being me. I'm still traumatized. I was relieved when he had to leave early before the class ended.
In the meantime, while I was living through an act of terror, my mom was partnered with the DANCE TEACHER. Everyone was jealous of her because she was dancing with him. As we were leaving the comments were very kind to my mom. "Wow, you got to dance with the teacher! And you were so good too!"
Once my dance partner left, my mom and I just danced together.It was fun fun fun.
Dancing.
We then rushed back to our rooms and dressed all fancy for the evening festivities. Dinner, and then family pictures. We waited in a long line, but then sat and ate a delicious meal. (I tried lobster, which was amazingly much better than the bit of lobster I had tried before.) It was laughable when they brought out the appetizers. Apparently the purpose of an appetizer is to make a person hungrier.
The appetizer.
Lounging before the show.
For the next activity of the day, my mom and I went and saw Cirque Bijou.
Everything finally concluded with the chocolate bar. Chocolate fountains, chocolate statues, chocolate, chocolate, chocolate!
A chocolate Eiffel Tower. (I would have liked to have eaten that thing.)
Thursday, January 21, 2010 Destination: Chacchoben, Mexico (Pronounced- Check Cho Ben)
Note: This was a fun day, and by the end I was wiped out! Rather than writing up a the day as a whole, I quickly wrote some notes down so that I would remember everything later.
This day I woke up extremely excited. I was excited about two things: Number one, the ruins. Number two, shopping. I love the sound of a good deal.
We arrived at the port in Costa Maya, Mexico, and armed ourselves with, well money. The port was beautiful. We had planned on shopping in the morning and then off to the ruins in the afternoon.
My Spanish is a little rusty, I must admit, but there are certain things that a girl doesn't forget. Like how to shop, even in another language. My mom and I were armed with a list of things to buy and people to shop for, and we would not be stopped. We entered the shops and started to work the magic. We were quite the team. The price would be named, my mom would look at me, and I would shake my head yes or no. As a rule, I would shake my head no. (Never go with the first offer.) I would throw out a new offer. My mom and I would nod at each other in agreement, and look to the shop owner (? Owner? I don't know who it was really. "I the owner. If my boss were here you would not get such a good deal.") It was fierce.
I must admit that at one point I got a little carried away and I bought something I really did NOT need. (It was a blanket, but I got a deal, alright, and the colors really did not fade or bleed together after I washed them.)
We did all the damage we could possibly do, and carried the goods back to the ship.
Next up, the ruins. This was one of the most organized excursions I have ever been on. Granted, it was only the second one ever. But think of a school field trip. For adults. While the trip the day before was really great, it did not compare to this day. Our guides were Diana and Nestor. Diana was the first tour guide to ever go to the ruins at Chacchoben.
AMAZING.
If you get the opportunity to go, do it. It was amazing to see the ruins, to walk where they walked, to see the places where the lived. I enjoyed every moment of it...even watching the crazy monkeys throwing acorns at us! Many of the ruins at this site are the oldest ruins excavated.
We got back to the bus and were taken back to the ship. I must admit that I was so exhausted that I slept very comfortably all the way back.
The water this night was very rough.
This night we went to a Mexican restaurant on the ship. WONDERFUL food. My thought was that it was because we were all so hungry that it was good, but the reality is that it was some of the best Mexican food ever.
Um, did I mention the ocean was rough this night?
Oh it was rough alright After we ate our food (which once again was great. The salsa, fajitas....) I went back to take a "nap" in my room. I had planned on coming back to watch a movie with my dad. I laid in the dark room literally praying that the Bonine would keep working as the waves crashed causing the boat to rock back and forth. I attempted to get up several times. It didn't happen. (The Bonine did work, and I did NOT get sick.)
I fell asleep around 8 that night.
(Meanwhile my brother fell asleep listening to music and watching the ocean on the balcony.)
Today I woke up feeling better than I even had the day before. From our trip to Honduras on yesterday, I am now sporting my not so attractive burn lines, and a customary red nose. (As soon as I’m in the sun one day, regardless of how much sun screen I use, my nose becomes red for weeks and weeks.) I also have a new freckle on the top of my hand.
For the last three days, every time I’d walk out onto the balcony, I was met with a warm, yet cool (oxymoron?) breeze.
Today, however, was different, even first thing this morning, as soon as I walked outside, I was wacked in the face by, well, heat and humidity. Did I say hot? It was hot. Hot AND humid both. (Those are two descriptive words I never imagined using to describe the weather in January, seven days prior to my birthday.) Here it was though, January 20th, and the heat was nearly overwhelming, yet at the same time, exceptionally wonderful. (Heat in January? I live in Illinois. It is fantastic to be HOT in January.)
Despite the heat, I remained super excited because I was going to be visiting and seeing something I had ALWAYS wanted to see.
The Mayan Ruins.
There is something about archeology that has always fascinated me. The history behind it, the way people lived, imaging them moving and living. I was excited.
Each “excursion” group was to gather in a designated area on the ship. My family’s excursion gathered in the theater on the boat. We lined up together and exited the theater. We were herded down the hallways, and off the boat, similar to cattle being herded through a small place, and it was slow moving. On this day we were “tendered” to the dock. That almost sounds as though we were accosted with money, but no, not that type of “tender.” No one else will find that funny, but I do! (When the ports were not accessible to large ships, the ships have smaller boats, or tenders, pull up to the boat, load passengers, approximately 50 or so, and then pull up to the port.) We sat huddled on the boat, feeling rather warm and hoping that somehow the windows would open.
At the dock, we were once again herded as a group through hundreds of other people to get to our bus.
The bus was at least cool in temperature, although small and tight. Prior to heading to Altun Ha, we went on a bus tour of Belize City. The country of Belize is beautiful, but primitive. The roads are not in good condition. Not even in mediocre condition.
We were then on our way to Altun Ha! On our way to the ruins, the driver, Scotty, hit a pot hole, or more likely a ravine in the middle of the road. Everyone on the bus knew something was wrong, but Scotty charged ahead for another five minutes or so until we arrived at Altun Ha. The results of the run-in with the pot hole were NOT pretty. We ended up with not just a flat tire, but a tire with the front half of the rubber hanging off the wheel. (This picture does not adequately show the damage.) We continued with the tour as planned. There were ruins to see, however, so we charged ahead…to the bathrooms. Where we waited for a good 20 minutes for everyone, but then finally!
We walked through the ruins, looking, climbing, snapping photos, and trying to think cool thoughts. I could write about all the interesting facts about Altun Ha, but why rewrite what's already been written? If you would like to read more, click here.
On coming back to the bus, the tire was NOT fixed. We waited for help. I’m familiar with what happens when a tire goes flat, or rather becomes shredded. I’m familiar with tow trucks, and road size service. That being said, I’m not familiar with the road size service in offered in Belize. It came in the form of four men, a pick up truck, a sledge hammer, cinder blocks, oh and a huge tire. I sat on the bus and tried to take pictures through the foggy glass. Later I thought maybe I should have looked at the little shops, but I decided to take advantage of the air conditioning, and watch the excitement of the tire changing.
About an hour after they arrived we were on our way back to “town.”
I managed to sleep until we arrived back in Belize City. My mom and I were determined to find a place to have our passports stamped. (I neglected to mention that on Tuesday, on our way back to the ship, we passed right by a booth that stamped passports. We had been looking for the place that did give out the stamps, but we didn't realize it was right there!) Having our passports stamped from Honduras, we needed to have a Belize stamp as well. We walked all over, asked guards, asked different guards, were sent back to where we started from, asked again…Finally we found it.
My dad and brother were in line for the tender while my mom and I were wandering through the crowds looking for the passport “stampers." My dad gave my mom and I strict instructions as we parted ways. “Whatever you do, you better get back to the boat.”
Although the thought of living in a warm country sounded tempting, my mom and I made sure we made it back.
Next up, Costa Maya
Tuesday, January 19, 2010 Destination: Roatan, Honduras
Today I woke up filling great. Bonine is amazing! We ate breakfast, and then ran to my parents’ room and their balcony to watch “the land.” (My brother loved being on the balcony. And he loved watching the land, coming and going.)
Music was filling the air as we pulled up to the dock. Dancers and musicians were along the pier, welcoming the Norweigian Jewel to dock. It was an amazing site, seeing them dance, and then watching the Honduran people lined up at the dock dancing along. There is obviously music in their soul.
This day we would be meeting with a family that my family met at our church in Indiana. Isabella, Carlos, and their kids. My brother had been very close to them, and the surprise for my brother was that we would be seeing them. Somehow the surprise was leaked, and John found out that we would be seeing them. Regardless, he was excited.
Isabella picked usup at the dock (she recognized John’s red hair). We visited a shopping “plaza” where Carlos met up with us for a few minutes. He hugged John, “I love you brother, I miss you.”
Then we drove around the island. While Roatan is a part of Honduras, it is not connected to the mainland, but a completely separate island. At the highest part of the island, you could see the ocean from both sides.
We also went to Yubu, a Garifuna Experience. Here we learned about the Garifuna people. Wanna dance? Get up and join them! (Or, as in this case, my mom was volunteered by Isabella!)
We also saw how they make Cassava Bread.
Then we were off to their beautiful house. I cannot use words to explain how amazing it is, so here is the picture to show:
We walked out on their dock and laid in the hammock, put our feet in the water, and enjoyed the ocean air. It was beautiful. I also happened to drink coconut milk right from a coconut. Isabella asked a neighbor to cut one down from the COCONUT TREE GROWING IN THEIR YARD.
Of course, we needed to eat lunch. Where to? Bahama Mama, of course! I had a hamburger, french fries, onion rings, nachos…Healthy right? And not really an authentic Honduran meal, but tasty nonetheless.
We then headed back to their house. Did I mention that their house was right on the ocean? Oh, yes. Carlos picked us up by boat in front of Bahama Mama and we were driven by boat back to their pier.
Did I mention that Bonine is amazing?
We then piled in to the bus that Carlos drives and headed to see their church. Having grown up in church, I’ve seen many churches, from small to smaller, large to larger. This church, was barely larger than a room. I was rather warm, and tired, so I sat on the bus while everyone else piled out and ran inside to see the church.
After a few minutes they came back out, red faces, talking excitedly, and we headed over to a piece of land that the church owns.
We walked around looking at all the work that needs to be done in order for a new building.All of the labor is being done by hand. A stream runs through the property. In order for the church building to be built, the stream has to be rerouted. There is nothing like digging in the heat. While the people of the church are excited about the property, and the prospect of a new building, bigger and larger to accommodate growth, it’s hard to see the vision. It also requires money to build, and do manual labor. While we stood on the property the pastor spoke of how this would be the only church in that “neighborhood.” He has a vision of their church, not just the building, but the people becoming a light to Roatan. We stood in a circle, and held hands, my family, Carlos and his family, the pastor, and a few of the dedicated church members and prayed. The pastor looked at my mom and dad and said, “I know that God brought you here on purpose, it was no accident.” And it wasn’t.
We arrived back at the boat, and went through the process of being sprayed down by hand sanitation.
I was reminded today again, of how God is the God of America, and Honduras, and all over the world. Everyone needs to hear. As you read this, please pray for this church in Honduras. Let’s pray that people in the church catch the vision, and that other people, other believers will catch this vision with them.
Mark 16:15
He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.
Tomorrow we are headed to Belize and to see the Mayan ruins!
New Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church
Walking in
My Bubba
