Our first big adventure was right at the beginning of our trip. We had just checked in our bags and were headed to the security checks. There was a long line and we made it about half way when the boys started asking why we had to go through this. I was explaining to them that they were checking for weapons and just wanted to make sure that things were safe for our plane ride. About that time Caleb says, "I hope that it is okay that I have my toy gun in my backpack." Both Adam and my jaws dropped and we started to begin to think of our options. I looked at Caleb and he was looking scared. I think he thought they were going to take him away. About this time I remember faintly that Caleb did mention to me that he had his gun. He rattled off a bunch of things and I said that it sounded okay. I was not really paying attention, obviously. Well, my idea was to get out of the line and find a garbage to dispose of the gun, but Adam mentioned that it might look a little suspicious if we did that. We were almost to the front now and decided to tell one of the airport security that was checking passports and boarding passes. She informed us that it is not going to get through, so we asked if we could just throw it away somewhere. She leads Adam and Caleb to a garbage and tells them to make sure that they hold up the orange cap so people know it is a toy. We apologized and breathed a deep sigh of relief as we go through the scanners. Poor Caleb was so scared but I am certain that he will never bring a toy weapon to the airport again!!
I am so thankful for the opportunity to spend time with my in-laws even though I can never beat my father-in-law in any game. He wins all the time no matter what you are playing although he did opt out of Settlers and that was the game I won. Thank you both for a wonderful time!!!
I came home missing my mother-in-law's cooking and company in the kitchen!
We spent many days going to the beach and I don't think I can put into words the beauty of the ocean. Every time I visit it I am in awe of my great God. It just makes you think of His majesty and power. It is so humbling to me to think that the Creator of this world loves and cares for me.
Caleb and Micah really got into snorkeling with their dad. They both have improved in their swimming skills but I found myself constantly checking on them. Isaac who has no skills yet seemed to think that he could swim just as good as his big brothers; so the majority of the time, I was keeping him from drowning. :)
Adam's father is a pastor on the island at Calvary Baptist Church of Grand Cayman. Adam spoke at the church's Valentine Banquet and we had such a great time being a part of that celebration. The games were hilarious and we got roped into doing several of them. The funniest was watching several married couples eat pears that were hanging on strings while not using their hands. That was definitely a sight to see!
We then had a Sunday through Wednesday revival meeting at the church and Adam enjoyed getting to preach to the congregation there. It was a joy to be able to sing as a family and I had the privilege of playing for the services. That was such a treat and one particular time I remember thinking to myself that this is what it is going to be like in Heaven. Being united with Christians from around the world and singing praise to God. It gives me goosebumps to think of it.
We loved the chance we had to meet and getting to know people better this time. It is such an encouragement to be with fellow believers and hear how God is working in their lives. We are so thankful for the people there and were so overwhelmed by their kindness to us.
Now we are back and reality has set in, bundling up in heavy coats and shivering when you walk out into the cold. It was a challenge to look enthused in order to motivate my boys as we started back to school. Then, on top of that, two of the boys got Strep throat so it made for a tough week. I find myself daydreaming about those days on the beach and hope that the opportunity will come again some day soon! :)
