Piña Coladas and White Sandy Beaches

Do you ever just stare into the sky and wish you were on that plane flying somewhere...anywhere but here?

I do-all the time! It had been a year and a half since we took our couples trip to DC. We knew we wanted to go somewhere but never really set down to plan it. So one day, I sat down and googled Carnival cruises. 

"Wow, a cruise would be so nice. And look at these prices! So cheap," I thought. I couldn't wait to show The Hubs that night.

And that's how it all started. Exactly one month later and we were on our way to Miami , Fl.

Here we go! After numerous flight delays and having to drive from Richmond to Roanoke and back to Lynchburg, we finally got on a flight.

 

So long Miami! We were now off to Grand Turk and Little Stirrup Cay.

 

Watched a movie in the middle of the Caribbean...

Looking down into the Atrium of Carnival Victory.

Grand Turk

We made it to Grand Turk! Sipped on Piña Coladas and frozen Mojitos from Margaritaville and snorkeled in Hidden Bay. Swam with a Beracuda and drank a special Rum Punch made with Agave and Watermelon, after visiting an uninhabitated island.

Notice all the health risk signs on the cigarettes. They were everywhere.

Karaoke

The ship had so much to do-especially at night. We felt so young again, getting the chance to float from Comedy Shows to Game Shows each night. Our table of new friends from Chicago, New Jersey and Canada decided to Karaoke one night. The girls sang, "Everybody," by none other than the Backstreet Boys. And the guys belted out their best performance of, "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion. Did I mention the guys got a standing ovation?!

 

 

The Girls Singing, "Everybody" by the Backstreet Boys at Karaoke on Carnival Victory!

 

 

 

 

The Guys singing, "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion at Karaoke on Carnival Victory!

 

Little Stirrup Cay

On our second to last day cruising, we arrived on Carnival's private island, Little Stirrup Cay. The Hubs and I stopped to rent an umbrella and walked as far as we could down the beach. We found a quiet little spot near some trees. Even though the weather was stifling hot, the umbrella saved us from burning and a coolbreeze continuously   blew the whole time. The cruise staff brought over so much good food from the ship. I loved the hamburger, jerk chicken and cous cous. For dessert we ate fresh pineapple and honeydew melon. So good!

When you're on such a beautiful island the taste of an ice cold Piña Colada sounded so nice. So I got one-of course ;)

The water was so clear and the sand squished between your toes like soft silk.

Yep, that's a sting ray.

And a live conk shell.

 

I decided to sit in the water while The Hubs relaxed in his chair. While looking at the ocean, I recalled standing on the top deck the night before. The stars were so clear in the midnight black sky and the moon reflected over the dark ocean waters. I told The Hubs, "Look at all of the water surrounding us and all of the stars in the sky. I feel so finite. So small. How could a God so big and powerful love me--love all of us?" The Hubs said nothing but I didn't really expect him to. It was more of a statement than a question. We stood in silence, leaning over the edge of the ship, watching the rushing water below us.

 

And again as the cool water gently washed over the shore and the sun kissed the top of my shoulders, I quickly became aware of how quiet it was. The ocean was so infinite...seeming to go on forever. I was humbled by the experience, reminded once more that HIS LOVE for all does endure forever.

 

Take a look at these verses from the Bible...

 

Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

 to him who alone does great wonders,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
 to him who by understanding made the heavens,

    for his steadfast love endures forever;

 to him who spread out the earth above the waters,
    for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who made the great lights,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
 the sun to rule over the day,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

 the moon and stars to rule over the night,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

 

It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
    for his steadfast love endures forever; and rescued us from our foes,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
 he who gives food to all flesh,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.

 Give thanks to the God of heaven,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.

 

 Psalm 136: 4-9, 23-26

 

 

 

Back on the ship that evening, we made it upstairs in time to see the sunset. I thought again about how beautiful this life really is. God gives us tiny little glimpses of what Heaven will be like with sunsets, infinite waters and cool breezes.

The morning of our departure home, we drank our coffee on the deck and got one last look at Miami as the sun rose over the city. It was depressing to think of leaving all that beautiful weather, only to return to icy temperatures. But the one thing that made my heart warm, was the thought of seeing my beautiful babies. I missed them so much and was ready to be, "Momma" again.