Caribbean Dreams

Amren-Alesa-Jerah (aka sexy sister Divas)

Seven single girls, plane tickets in hand, a billion pounds of luggage, and a cruise ship are quite the makings for a more than memorable adventure. We boarded Carnival Cruise ship Valor with anticipation of midnight chocolate buffets, sun tanning on the concourse of blue lounge chairs, and the promise of Caribbean love. Our first day at sea was amazing. Jogging along a deck side track as we glided over the pristine blue brought a serene sense of relaxation and the desire to stay forever. The ship was more than amazing. It's a community that never sleeps and constantly changes its' zip code and time zone.

Adventure 1: Grand Cayman Island

Becky (coworker/soon to be roommate) Jenni (roommate) Heidi (old roommmate) Me (you should know me) Jerah (roommate and sister) Kathryn (cousin and old roommate)

We were herded off the boat as cattle are herded down a quaint village road. Solid ground and shouting locals welcomed us. We soon discovered that we were brilliant adventure seekers. Not purchasing excursions on the boat saved us a wallet full of cash. Plenty of excursion vendors greeted us and offered a “good deal.” We opted to swim with sting rays in the inviting crystal-blue waters. Kissing the sting rays was much more pleasurable than any past experience involving kissing (lol just kidding). We then ventured for a few minutes of snorkeling. We worked up quite the appetite and ate in a local-recommended restaurant. With jerk chicken and out-of-place country music playing in the background, I was soon satisfied with my 6 hour stay.

Adventure 2: Roatan Honduras

Anticipation flooded through me as I was returning to my mission. I never served on Roatan nor saw the beaches. I knew one thing….I wanted a Balleada more than anything. Balleadas are been filled tortillas with cheese. I’d make a pilgrimage to Honduras any day of the week just to have one. I suppose learning to make them would be easier but not as satisfying. I found my balleadas and shared their goodness with my friends…all of which approved.
For our adventure, we suspended ourselves high above the jungle. Relying upon Honduran workmanship and materials we glided down 16 zip-lines. Flying free above the tropical majesty while overlooking the ocean was an amazing experience. Having relatively no fears has allowed me to experience the beauty the world has to offer. The beaches were more “bella” than anyone had ever imagined. Warm ocean water is the best way to relax. Once again a Catracha (nickname for Hondurans), even if for a day, was a much welcomed opportunity.

Adventure 3: BELIZE!!!!!

Me and Robert Smith (member and good friend)

Me and Ardone (Got baptized after I left) We'd have to beat him at checkers in order to teach him! Or we taught him how to make cookies just to get a discussion.

Me and Omar Velasquez (member and good friend)

Me and Dannette (investigator who is amazing)

Me and Katherine (investigator who was baptized just after I left)

My bestest friends all in one place! Omar, Jerah, Becky, dreadlock brother, me, Heidi, Jenni, and Robert

Some dude on the street who wanted a picture. Very funny people!

Me and Ardette (investigator whom I love!!)

Typical! Obedience...should have taught more about that! Belize was a lot dirtier than I ever remember.

Saying Goodbye to Robert and Omar. I was so happy to see them and sad to leave them!

I was early to bed….for the following day would be my most cherished and anticipated day for the past 6 ½ years! I was up at the crack of dawn wanting to be the first in line to get off the ship. Long story short…getting off the boat was a crazy, confusing process. As soon as I stepped on land, I was in my area (Cinderella) of nine months. My friends (member from the branch) Omar and Robert came to greet us. Omar took my sisters and me around town for the entire day. We walked a lot! I was finally in the place that I love! The streets were recognizable! Kriol, rap music, and “Hello beautiful!” and many other pick up lines filled our ears. I was able to see some many wonderful people. People whom I only dreamed I’d see again. We even did some investigating to track people down. One man whom I taught in a park a few times a week was still sitting at his post in the same park!
Belize was much dirtier and more ghetto than I remember. I may have been used to it while I served there. It was still majestic and beautiful to me because of the love that I have for the people. I ate some rice and beans and found the Chinese bakery that sells the most delectable coconut buns! As the time to return to the boat crept closer, the tears began to swell. I wasn’t ready to leave after only a few hours. Saying goodbye to my modern-day pioneer heroes Omar and Robert was difficult. It’s hard to leave people behind when plans for seeing one another again aren’t in the immediate future. What a blessing it was to return…even if it was for a day.

Adventure 4: Key West

Jet skiing around the island was a blast. I drove like a banshee! Luckily no one else wanted to drive so I got to be crazy for the entire perimeter of the island. To top it off we ate some famous Key Lime Pie purchased at the famous Blonde Giraffe (which reminded me of my sister Kristy…she’s blonde and tall…like unto a giraffe).
I know this post, my first, is long! Long story short….go on a cruise! It’s absolutely amazing. Best vacation yet. Dancing, pool side deck chairs, first class service, late night serenades by Joel, and good company make memories that will forever stamp there place in my timeline. I’m sure it won’t be my last!