July 24, 2007

• JAMAICA ME SMILE ...

   

  Brandi and I had the opportunity to get away for a few days at the first of July, just the two of us. We celebrated our 31st anniversary (and spent a quiet day of reflection for Dustin's birthday) on the beautiful island of Jamaica. Life seems to have been so 'transitional' since Dustin's death and we've greatly needed some alone time to reflect on the journey we've made so far ... and the one we are presently on. It was a true blessing to finally be able to run away and do that for a time. 

  Got to spend some relaxing time by the pool and on the beach, do some sight seeing and take in some of the local culture. The resort was more of a 'Fantasyland' than a true experience of Jamaica. We hated that we didn't get to spend more time in the real world of the Jamaican culture but we enjoyed the pampering we received just the same. We had a little problem getting used to all the froo-froo at first ... everything was done for us, there were no prices on the menus ~ we could eat what we wanted and how much we wanted ~ and to top it off, we sat around and behaved so lazily! At first, I felt totally guilty for my lack of productiveness (I don't do that too well) but it didn't take long to really begin to enjoy it all. I think I may have even come home with a slight 'queen' complex but unfortunately it was back to the real world pretty quickly for me! When we returned, there were no kind people calling me 'madame', or pulling out my chair, or putting a napkin in my lap, or refilling my refrigerator with a daily portion of 'wata'! So, so sad ....

   

    

    

   

     

   

  

   

  We did get to take one day for an outing. While out that day, we were able to take a river safari on the Black River, touch a crocodile, and hike into the Blue Mountains for a peek at some of the beautiful waterfalls there. I never stop being amazed at the how God's fingerprints are everywhere we go. We also saw some amazing evidences of the daily lives of the Jamaican people. My camera was screaming for images of the local life but it didn't do too well in a winding, bumpy bus. I guess it will have to be up to my aging, foggy brain to capture those memories and keep them there. 

    

   

  

   

  

   

   

  Since our return home ... well, life has been in constant motion and it doesn't look like that will be changing anytime soon. Do I sound like a broken record???

  After Kayli returned from Lacey's (that's where she stayed while we were in Jamaica), she headed out to Oklahoma City for camp. She got back just in time to celebrate her 14th birthday with our friends, Charlotte and David, from Arkansas.

  Jared has been working full time at a rehabilitation center for the mentally disabled. He translates for a couple of deaf clients there and helps work with them as they are learning life skills. He'll be attending some classes at the university in the fall.

  We had VBS at church last week and then went to training for a camp designed to minister to abused and neglected children ... Brandi, Jared and I will be helping out there next week.

  I've even managed to fit in some great fellowship with a few of our ladies from church and the local quilt guild. Got to spend Saturday learning a new skill ... stained-glass quilting. I always feel so energized when I have friends to be creative with. =0). I continue to study and practice my photography . This is one of my greatest joys. I hope to see it bring some opportunities for ministry and business in the future.

  Kayli heads out for South Carolina in a couple of days to spend some time with Court before she starts school again in September. We are looking forward to seeing some good friends in a few days and hope to put our arms around some grandbabies real soon.

  We continue to have our good days and bad days ... some are joyful and some are teary. I am missing my boy ever so much the past few days so these have been teary ones. I would give anything to have a big hug from Dustin right now.  I keep being reminded to take every opportunity and not let it slip away.

  May you take every opportunity and not let it slip away. May you see God's fingerprints where ever you go ...

  Have a blessed week!

   

  • 11:45 pm
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