Bajan Adventures: Sunset Cruise and Surfing

Day three began quite lazily. We slept in, ate breakfast outside with a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean. We hopped on a bus which took us to Rockley Beach. Again, I was very thankful of the kind bus driver and attendant who told us exactly when to get off. It was a crowded bus ride, with almost 20 people crammed onto a small bus at one point. Despite being forced to get nice and cozy with complete strangers, I appreciate Barbados' bus system. It is 2 bajan dollars to go ANYWHERE on a bus. (St. Lucia's bus system is unpredictable with prices. I like consistency.)

At Rockley Beach, the ocean was at least four different shades of blue. I wish I could describe how amazing the sand is in Barbados but I'm not the best with words and similes... Just take my word for it, bajan sand is nice. We met David, an older man who sells beautiful but pricey jewelry on the beach. I find it interesting that when people ask me where I'm from, and I say I'm from the states, the first word out of 95% of peoples' mouths is "Trump." Everyone seems to follow American politics, which makes me feel like an uninformed American. Anyway, I'm working on being more informed. You learn about negative American stereotypes when living abroad.

Soon the time came when Tanya and Kirsten started to get hungry. (I am always hungry.) We wandered a bit and found a food court, where I feasted on a slice of pizza and was taunted by friendly yet menacing birds. We took bus back to our hotel, to later be picked up by a bus that would take us to our sunset cruise. On this sunset cruise, we had another opportunity to swim with green turtles. Again, they are beautiful creatures, even the turtle that only had one back flipper. (I just googled "what are turtle appendages called?" Wikipedia said "flippers", but ChaCha said "legs." I question whether these are dependable sources...) Regardless, swimming with turtles is a beautiful moment I will treasure forever. We also got to snorkel above two shipwrecks. I had the opportunity to swim with flippers for the first time ever, and I realized that I have no idea how to operate them. I thought it would be common knowledge but... Anyway, we were given food and drinks as we watched the sun set in paradise. We were dropped off by the bus at Oistens, which has lots of nice outdoor sea food restaurants. I ordered dolphin (not the porpoise but a kind of fish), macaroni pie, three kinds of salad, and a round of FREE tap waters. (I am a believer that water should be free. I don't need that fancy bottled water.) The food was DELICIOUS, and we even had leftover to take home.

However, the next morning, when we all woke up feeling sick, we suspected the fish. Tanya and Kirsten refused to eat their leftovers, but I am a frugal cheapskate who hates to waste food, even food that might have possibly made me ill. (I ate my leftovers for lunch, and I didn't get sick, so I'm not crazy.) Sadly, today was our last day in Barbados. After our last breakfast with a view, we were picked up by Barry of Barry's Surf School. Not only did I feel nauseous from the supposed fish, I felt even more sick knowing I had a possibility of drowning in the ocean. Apparently, you can't surf with a life vest, but Barry assured me that I would be OK with a 10-foot surfboard-shaped "life vest" attached to my foot. At least I would be dying somewhere beautiful.

We got suited up, slathered sunscreen on the backs of our legs, then Barry gave us a quick 5 minute lesson on land about how to get up on a surfboard. Here's the lesson: paddle, knee, foot, up. We practiced a few times and then BOOM we were headed into the water. I am not a swimmer, so paddling did not come naturally. Paddling was probably the most difficult part for me, especially when the waves hit and push you back as far as you just tried to "paddle". We paddled out, out, out into the ocean. There were three teachers: Barry, Matt, and Simon, who are incredible and supportive teachers. They watched the waves come and would tell us when to start paddling. My goals were 1) to stand up 2) do not drown. The area we were in was not too deep, but had a few reefs and rocks where the waves would break, so goal #2 seemed attainable.

Little tidbit about myself: I am the kind of person who gives up pretty quick if I'm not good at something. I was surprised with myself that I did not stop trying, even when I majorly struggled at the beginning. Maybe it was the determination to become a famous surfer. Maybe it was the realization that I may never get the chance to surf again. But it was mostly knowing that I did not want to waste the $75 US I paid for this opportunity... The three coaches always had helpful tips, and reminded me what to do before the wave came crashing in. (OK, in all honesty, these waves were not that big. But still...) After practice and great coaching, I was standing up and riding the waves to the beach. Was I the new Bethany Hamilton? Definitely not. Was I as cool as the 16-year-old surfer/sailor we met on the sunset cruise? Probably not. Did I sometimes still wipe out and intake large amounts of salt water? Yes. Was I proud of myself? TOTALLY DUDE. (That was me channeling my inner surfer. Sorry not sorry.) Surfing was probably my favourite part of Barbados, and hopefully I will get the opportunity to go surfing again soon.

We got to the airport at 4:15 for our 6:30 p.m. flight. Kirsten got her last Chefette meal. I had my almost full bottle of sunscreen confiscated in security. We bought our duty-free alcohol. We somehow almost missed our flight. Thankfully we were at our gate for final call. After a little delay as we sat on the plane, we were off and made it back to St. Lucia around 7:30 p.m.

School reopens on Tuesday 12th April, so we still have a few more days of break to enjoy! 79 days until the last day of school when my sweet grade ones graduate to grade twos!

Surfer babes

Kirsten caught on to surfing quickly!

Bajan Adventures--Best of Barbados Tour

scenicbarbadostours.net

We woke up EARLY on the second day of our vacation to get picked up for an all day tour. Our first stop was Harrison Caves. All the caves that I have been to have always been cold, so I was mentally preparing myself after our stint in the Castries airport, absolutely freezing the day before. To my surprise, this cave was 78 degrees and incredible! You ride on a tram through the caves, and are allowed to get off and take pictures a few times. I am an amateur photographer, so none of my pictures turned out...

From the caves, we hopped back on the bus and were driven to the rain forest, where we got to see monkeys at feeding time. We had an hour to walk through the rain forest and marvel at God's creation. Crazy enough, it rains in the rain forest, and we got drenched! At least Kirsten packed a rain jacket and Tanya brought a hat... I was not as prepared.

Bathsheba--can someone please tell me
why I find this so beautiful?

Next stop was Bathsheba--a fishing village in the parish of St. Joseph with a breathtaking beach. There are also big boulders in the ocean that somehow are just as breathtaking. Bathsheba was one of my favourite views in Barbados.

We were driven back to the Boatyard (Carlisle Beach), the same area that we were not impressed with the day before, for a filling local lunch of fish, macaroni pie, rice, and potato salad. The plate was huge and packed with food, but you should not be surprised that I ate every morsel.

Tanya took a few pictures before her camera took on water.

We boarded a boat that took us to swim with turtles. SUCH A COOL EXPERIENCE! We swam with green turtles (green is the kind of turtle, I'm not just stating the obvious fact that lots of turtles are coloured green.) I am also happy to say that I have finally figured out how to snorkel properly!!!

After the turtles, we had an hour to sit on the beach chairs, which was a treat because we never pay $10 US for a chair at the beach. Sadly, it was eventually time to go back to the hotel. Again, we watched the stars and waves that night. Watching the waves is hypnotizing and never gets old.

**Bajan Fun Fact** Barbados exports 100% of their sugar cane to Europe and has to import sugar for their own use.

MORE PICTURES!

Monkeys at feeding time!

Bajan Adventures--Day One

Spring break was coming up quick, and Kirsten, Tanya, and I were looking at options to get off island. After debating a few different islands, we settled on BARBADOS!

We arrived at the airport, and had a three minute gut-wrenching heart attack that we missed our flight. THANKFULLY we were looking at the arrivals instead of the departures. Our plane was delayed an hour or so, as we were sitting in the waiting room, air-conditioning on full blast, literally FREEZING. I never thought I would be that cold in St. Lucia. Soon enough we were up in the air, flying from one paradise to another. We landed in Barbados at 10 p.m., took a taxi to our hotel which was located on the Atlantic Ocean. Even though it was dark, we stood at the coast, smelling the salty sea air, listening to the waves crashing on the rocks.

The Bridgetown bridge

Day one was an ADVENTURE. We took bus to "The Boatyard," a popular beach that everyone and their mother told us to visit. When we arrived, we realized it was just like the touristy beach in St. Lucia--although amazingly soft sand, and clear, bright blue waters. We walked into Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, and found the bus station. We paid $1 US each to get on a bus that would take us across the island to Crane Beach. I was amazed by how many Bajan locals offered to help us along the way. I'm going to guess not many tourists take the bajan buses...

We arrived at Crane Beach and spent a few hours lying on the beach, and climbing rocks to get a gorgeous view of the coastline and exorbitant hotels.

Getting back home made me a little nervous. We knew the buses came through every hour, but we did not know when exactly in that hour the bus would pass. We made our way to the main road, and waited across the street from our bus stop in the shade of a house that was in the progress of being built. Just imagine, three white girls randomly sitting on the porch of a house. The bus pulled up within 10 minutes, we got on, and got off at Oistins, a town famous for their fishing market. We bought drinks and sat on the beach for a while, taking in the Caribbean blue waters and the waves crashing.

We stopped at Chefette, a fast food joint in Barbados, and it was DELICIOUS!!! So good, Kirsten had it four times during our trip! When we got back to our hotel, we sat and watched the stars and the waves for a bit before crashing pretty quickly.

**Bajan Fun Fact** Barbados is the only Caribbean island not in the Caribbean. It is surrounded completely by the Atlantic Ocean.

God's Plan > my plan

Note: This blog post is not about St. Lucia. This blog post does not include any beautiful beach scenery or adorable pictures of my kiddos. This post is just going to be me, being completely transparent.

Growing up, I always pictured myself living the WELS dream: going to Martin Luther College, finding Mr. Right, graduating, getting married, and starting a family, all before the age of 25. While at MLC, finding "the One" seems to be the number one goal and is constantly talked about, brought up at every possible moment.* But what about people who fail to gain their MRS. degree? Are they abnormal? Is something wrong with me because I am not 23 and married?
It was my junior year at MLC when it hit me--my "plan" was not going to happen. It's almost laughable thinking back to those moments, worrying about how I would keep myself alive, entertained, fed... How was I expected to graduate, move somewhere currently unknown, and live ALL BY MYSELF?!
Now I am living in St. Lucia with two roommates. (God is awesome. He knew I could not live alone.) I at one time thought being single was incredibly sad, but I now realize the many blessings of being single.

(Just a Few of) The Blessings of Being Single

1. I am learning how to be independent--I am horribly dependent, and I enjoy the chances I get to be an "adult." Tanya and Kirsten push me to do adult things, like hand in our electricity payment and call out "Bus stop, driver" on the bus.
2. I have to kill bugs, all by myself--Yes, this does not sound like much of a blessing, but it's somehow making me tougher. 
3. I have the freedom to focus on myself--This sounds incredibly selfish, but after a long day at school, I am able to reheat leftovers, kick back, and watch Netflix without feeling guilty. I don't have to worry about trying to please or work my schedule around someone else. (Not saying I don't want to in the future, it's just nice for now.)
4. I am able to focus fully on teaching-- I am not distracted by trying to make a long distance relationship work. It's not easy, and I give major props to those couples who can make it work across hundreds or thousands of miles.
5. I have time to learn how to cook--Because that's the number one thing a husband wants... Still a work in progress.

Our God knows exactly how to meet our needs. I may not be married out of college, but I am blessed with amazing supportive roommates. I never would have in a million years guessed that I would be serving my Saviour in the Caribbean, teaching six-year-olds and piano lessons. I firmly trust that God, in HIS timing, will show me the man I am meant to spend my life with. I am not distraught that my life has not turned out to be what I originally thought, but just humbled and thankful for everything God has given to me. God's plan far outweighs anything I could ever imagine for myself. God is good. All the time.

*I am not MLC bashing. I am merely stating the culture of MLC. MLC is a great place to meet good, Lutheran spouses before you receive your assignment and are scattered across the US.

No I'm not Dead

Well folks, it's been quite a while! I am quite positive my lack of blog posts has not kept anyone up at night, wondering what I've been up to, frequently refreshing my blog page, wishing for another post. If you have been doing that, I greatly apologize and hope it is not too late for you to get a life.
We are officially half-way through second term! Midterm break started today, and there is only a month left until  EASTER BREAK! Tanya, Kirsten, and I are planning to venture off island, although we have not decided which island to visit. We are currently looking at Trinidad and St. Vincent, and I will be content with either one!
This term has been going quickly. Second term felt like starting all over again, reviewing routines and procedures, remembering how to treat our team and family in love, raising our hand when we speak...all that good stuff. I am always amazed by my loving students--I am already getting emotional just thinking about saying goodbye to them at the end of the school year.

Smiling despite the rain

Yesterday was our Independence Rally and Festival School. The program portrayed the timeline of St. Lucia's history. The school, stage, and tents were decorated in blue, black, white, and yellow, the colours of the Lucian flag. Students and parents were seated underneath tents, which I assume were orginally meant to protect from the sun. The performance started half an hour late, clearly running on Lucian time. Much to our disappointment, storm clouds rolled in three separate times, complete downpours. The rain delayed the performance even longer, and we were soon sitting in our chairs with the mud and puddles at our feet. Thankfully the rain finally stopped and the show went on. My grade ones depicted the French and the British, who fought for St. Lucia fourteen times. My kiddos were the unlucky French, who had to die at the end of our performan
ce, having lost the Battle of St. Lucia in 1778.

My students decorated the tree!

The food festival began after the performance. Sweets, pizza, chicken, local juice, and icicles (popsicles) were for sale. The kids could pay to go to the disco room, which was blasting Caribbean jams and the latest hits. There was a "Make me Beautiful" room, where kids could get massages, makeup done, and painted nails. The Independence Rally was a busy and exhausting day, but everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.
Kirsten's parents are visiting for the week, and we are currently how we will spend our free days with them. We have discussed going to Fish Fry on Friday, hiking Pigeon Island, and possibly horseback riding on the beach or parasailing. I am thankful for this restful and relaxing break!
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6)

Back to Island Life

After a wonderful 3-week-long vacation visiting friends and family in the COOOOOLD Midwest, Kirsten and I have returned to our beautiful island home!
While I was home, I got quite spoiled not having to plan suppers or cook for myself. The first couple days of being back were an adjustment, realizing that we have to stock up on food, and actually prepare meals in order to stay alive. I am striving to become a better cook, and this week I learned how to make popcorn on the stove! What an achievement! You have to start somewhere...
It felt quite odd to be back, spending our time in the classroom and being reunited with our kiddos. I am so proud of my students, who hopped right back into the swing of things, but still showed signs of exhaustion and were often tempted to put their heads down on their tables. No way jose! Not in my classroom!
In my classroom, we started writing SHOUT OUTS to each other. It is heart-touching to see the smiles on the children's faces when a classmate reads their name and compliments them for doing something well. I even have dedicated part of my limited wall space to post the shout outs, and will send the shout outs home with the students after a week or two. I pray this will bring my TEAM and FAMILY even closer as we build each other up!
Kirsten's sister, Kelsey, is visiting the island for two weeks and is staying with us. The other day, she made supper for us, which was DELICIOUS! She is quickly learning the ways of the island and seems to enjoy spending as much time as she can at the beach, which is where we are headed later today.
One of the first days back at school, another teacher commented how I had gotten "chubby" over break and how I must have enjoyed myself being home. Five months ago, this kind of comment would have made me upset, but I have adjusted to the directness and bluntness of Lucian people. Nevertheless, I have been waking up early before school to exercise. I have even started doing yoga before bed. It's a new year, and I am trying new things!

Kirsten and I love our Packers!!!

Last night, Kirsten, Kelsey, and I met with Professor Hunter from MLC and his wife at their hotel for supper and drinks, as Kirsten and I shared stories of our experiences at school and church and life in general. We are giving him our OFFICIAL decision soon as to if we are staying or receiving our assignment in May. Prayers are appreciated!
This weekend, we are looking forward to relaxing, the beach, being reunited with our church family tomorrow, and probably a bit of school work. Can't complain!
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." Ephesians 4:2

Week #16

Wow. How time flies. We have officially completed was our last week of classes before exams and Christmas practice. 

On Sunday, Kirsten, Tanya, and I went to Anse Cochon to go snorkeling with Pastor Tom, Jen, their son, and a family friend. As soon as we got there, it started raining, but the sun was still shining. God blessed us with a fantastic and vibrant rainbow, which ended on the beach close to where our towels were. We found the end of the rainbow! 

In school this week, I began reviewing with my students for their exams next week. My goal was to convince my students that they should not be fearful or nervous while taking exams--exams are a time to show off how much they've learned. I am excited to see how well they do!

This week Kirsten and I bought ICE CREAM, which we ate with the apple crisp Kirsten made on Wednesday. It. Was. Heaven. It finally started feeling like fall around here, just in time for winter to arrive in the States.

Thursday was Thanksgiving. It was an odd feeling going to school knowing that family and friends back at home were enjoying eating turkey and watching football all day. After school, we went to Thanksgiving Dinner at Pastor Tom and Jen's house, which is the largest Thanksgiving party I have ever been to. There were about forty-five people in attendance, and the food was endless. I haven't eaten that well in a LONG TIME. I even drank coffee at 8 pm, just because it was Berres Brothers coffee from Watertown, WI. We ended our long Thanksgiving day by going to KeeBees bar and watching the first half of the Packer game with Pastor Bram, Ravi, and Mr. Erik from church. Because of the time difference, the game didn't start until 9:00 Lucian time, and we finally called it a night around 11:00. It was a laaaaate night, considering I'm normally in bed by 9:30.

On Friday, Kirsten and I got to satisfy our Domino's pizza craving. We were curious to find out if it was different from the Domino's back at home, and we were quite pleased to find out it tasted exactly the same! 

I just realized I talk about food a lot. And I'm not sorry. I think food is what keeps me sane when life gets crazy. I am eager to get home and RELAX in a little over two weeks!

Beautiful Anse Cochon

In health this week, we learned about dental hygiene and practiced flossing with egg cartons!

We LOVE our apple crisp and ice cream.