Our Jamaica Excursion...I mean...Escapade!!

Every place we visit or go has it's adventures; however, some adventures are just funnier and more memorable than others. Bring on our Jamaica experience! :) 

All of us in our group, all ten of us, wanted to try an excursion in Jamaica. Surprisingly, all of us wanted to do the same thing. :) We signed up through the shore excursions desk on our cruise ship, and got up early on Wednesday morning to get off the boat for our excursion. It was cloudy starting out the day in Jamaica, but it looked like the weather was going to clear up.  We departed from the ship, found our tour group, and waited for further instructions. However, everyone seemed to be a bit confused. They left with about 22 people, and twelve of us were left at the bus pickup. So we waited for another bus, and waited, and waited...did I mention we waited?! Finally, after about an hour, we finally got a bus. And we were off! 

My first clue should've been that the bus sounded funny! Our tour guide was a sweet young lady. She told us many things about the Jamaica culture. One phrase she told us was that "In Jamaica we don't have problems, we have situations." Those words would come into play many times over the course of the day. We could tell from our tour guide that we were running late, so we hustled to Dunn River Falls. Once we arrived at the falls, we were rushed to divide into groups, and then hurried up to wait! :) Our group was split up so Roger and I went up the falls with Lorenz and Sara. There were a lot of people and although it was beautiful, it was a little over commercialized for this Canadian guy and his country Wisconsin girl. :)   The climb up the falls was rushed because we were running late. 

There was a little market after we arrived at the top of the falls; but since we were told to leave our valuables in the bus, we didn't have any money. We then climbed back in the bus, and we hurried off to lunch. Lunch was at a beautiful location by the beach, but we weren't able to enjoy it because we were short on time. Most of us in our group left the lunch hungry; but if we didn't get to the tubing spot, we might miss the cruise ship! 

After leaving our lunch location, we hopped by on the bus again. Off we went into Jamaica country...only to get lost! After traveling for about ten minutes, the driver stopped and asked someone for directions. So we turned around, and headed back up a different road. This road was windy and steep, and the bus sounded like it was going to need a push at every hill. After traveling for about another twenty minutes, the driver again stopped and asked someone for directions...yeah, we were going the wrong way! When the driver backed up, the bus sounded terrible with lots of grinding, awful sounds. So, we turned around and headed back down the steep, windy road. As we headed down around a turn, a car coming up the mountain waved us down. The driver of the car told us that we had something dragging off of the bottom of our bus. The driver of our bus also realized that the steering of the bus was gone when he couldn't move the bus off the road. So now we are in the middle of a road, on a hill, with a broken bus. But remember in Jamaica they don't have problems, they have situations! :) We got off the bus and saw that one of the wheels of the bus was no longer attached to the tie rod. Something had broken off, dragged down the road behind the bus, the bus lost it's steering, and we were stuck! I am so thankful for the Lord's protection. We could've skidded that bus down the mountain, and it would've been more than a scary experience. 

                      

After waiting about about 20-30 minutes, another bus arrived. The first thing I noticed was the sign on the back of the bus. It read "Fresh to Death"! We all got a huge chuckle out of that sign on the back of the bus...God definitely has a sense of humor!!

At this point, we were really far behind on time, and I really wasn't wanting to go tubing. But we wanted to finish our excursion, I mean escapade. :) So, off we traveled to the tubing place. Once we arrived, we started almost immediately down the falls. It was actually a lot of fun, and I'm really glad we did it! However, we were supposed to tube down the river to the beach, and that did not happen. We did stop to get out and jump off this diving platform. It was a lot of fun, but a little scary for one member of our group. I'm thankful that God kept us safe. Because we were short on time, the tubing ended early. Once out of the river, we realized that we had been given a different bus...again. The previous driver had unloaded our belonging from off the previous bus but instead of putting them on the new bus, all our stuff was sitting on a picnic bench. Our backpacks with identification, our money, passports, credit cards,etc., was just sitting on the table! We were then hurried back on the different bus to head back to the cruise ship. We never saw the beach today, and the whole day was filled with one experience after another! 

By the time we arrived back to the port where the ship was, our time was almost gone. The driver of the new bus had driven very quickly to get us back on time, which I'm thankful for, but it was a little scary! (I've ridden in vehicles in third world countries, and I've not been unnerved. But passing a vehicle, going up hill, on a steep road, seems a little intimidating!)

I am thankful to be back on the ship, but a little disappointed that we didn't really get to spend much time doing anything in Jamaica. However, The Lord kept us safe, our friendships grew stronger; and memories were made. It was a successful day! 

                    

Bought...Paid for...We are going!

We are over half way through January, and it's been a busy few weeks! We are getting back into the swing of school.Roger passed his instrument test. We recovered from our turn with snotty noses and coughs. We have hosted a college activity, are continuing working with Children's church, and continue to serve in our local church while we wait for more direction from The Lord. 

Roger has been narrowing down the list of schools to attend to get his commercial license. Although anything is subject to change, he will most likely not be getting this rating in Wisconsin. We will just see what God does in the next few days. 

We had a huge blessing on last Sunday...did I mention we had a huge blessing?! Very unexpectedly, we received an envelope addressed to our family while at church. My friend, and pastors wife, brought it to me. She said this was turned in for your family, and when I opened the envelope, I saw a significant amount of money. I have no idea who thought of our family and gifted us with the money, but it was a huge blessing. (I haven't been able to do plasma lately, so this money was such a blessing.) God always continues to surprise me at the most unexpected times, but His timing is impeccable. 

Roger's mom and dad are here for a few days, so the kids are enjoying having their grandparents around. Chandler asked Grandma to make his birthday cake for his little party on Thursday. :) We are getting together as family and a few friends, so we are looking forward to it. 

There's another reason that Roger's parents are here for a few days. :). Roger's dad dropped his wife off to spend a few extra days at our house. Roger and I will be leaving for a get away together on Sunday...today! We are going on a cruise with some friends of ours from church. Way back in June, after Roger sold the airplane, someone told Roger that he should take some of that money and set it aside for a special trip for us. We picked a cruise because we've always had a good time the last two times we've gone. Originally we planned for Roger to be done with all his training and have a job by now, but God has had other plans. Since we've already bought and booked this cruise...we are going! :) I'm looking forward to getting away to relax and recharge for a week together. I know that Roger's mom will do a great job with the kids, homeschooling, and taking care of them. The boys are looking forward to having a different teacher next week, and their current teachers are looking forward to the break. :) 

It should be a nice change of pace for everyone this week. Roger and I are looking forward to recharging and connecting....the last few months have been a tad stressful! The boys seem to be looking forward to having Grandma watch them. Travis told me that he was taking Grandma on a date while we were gone. :) I'm excited for this week before we head into more craziness! :) 

Thank you all for your love and prayers...we love each one of you and are thankful for you all! 

                          

Progress...Finally!!

                        

Its been a crazy week with a roller coaster of emotions, tiredness, feeling overwhelmed, and lots of fervent prayer!

A week ago, on January 8, Roger was supposed to have his flying test. However, the weather was bad, so he had to rescheduled. This was difficult news to hear, simply because we both wanted to get this behind us! But there was nothing to do but wait until Monday, January 12, to take the test. Roger studied a lot over the weekend, we had college snack night, took the kids ice skating, and stayed busy with family stuff. It was a long weekend! (I was worried that Roger was going to over study for the test and start to forget stuff!) 

Monday finally arrived, and Roger was at the airport by about 6 am. The test was scheduled for 1:00, and it seemed like today was going to be the day. God orchestrated other plans, and because the weather was forecasted to be unfit for the test, it was again rescheduled! Roger was frustrated that this test still wasn't done, and because he didn't want to call me with bad news...he just didn't tell me that he didn't take the test! I had spent the afternoon praying for him and with the kids, so when he called to say that he hadn't been able to take the test...at four in the afternoon...I was so done with this whole thing! I was upset that he hadn't called, he was upset that this test still wasn't done, the kids wanted to know what was taking so long, and it was just a long evening! We spent much of Tuesday just talking together, praying together, and asking God to please let this test be over! 

Roger graciously watched the kids on Tuesday evening, simply because I needed to get away by myself for a while. I used my Christmas gift card to Starbucks, shopped the good deals at Target, and enjoyed some peace and quiet. (It's much faster and easier for me to shop by myself, and I can use a lot more coupons without someone trying to "help" me look for a coupon!) 

So, it's now Wednesday...the rescheduled test day. Third time's the charm, right? Well, not in our case! The weather was forecasted to turn bad, so at ten the flight examiner called to say that Roger would need to reschedule. Roger asked if he could at least take the oral part of the exam, but the examiner wanted to do everything in one day, so we were faced with another delay. I'm still not sure what God's plan was in all the delays, but we did get lots of praying done this week! 

Thursday...the fourth rescheduled test day. But this time, I was doubtful that it would happen today either. We seemed to be like hamsters in a wheel with no hope of getting off! It almost didn't happen on Thursday either, but Roger did tell the examiner that he would like to be able to tell his family that he was making progress. The examiner agreed to meet with Roger in Waupaca for the oral part of the exam, but based on the weather forcast the flying would have to be rescheduled. So Roger agreed to meet him in Waupaca, but the flight examiner called Roger and said, "the weather looks good, let's at least try to get done as much as we can." So, Roger went to the hanger, and the examiner was there by noon. The test was over four hours long, but God allowed the weather to cooperate. So, at the end of a very long day, Roger was given the long-awaited, much anticipated instrument certification! Praise The Lord, we made it through the first step! Now on to a commercial rating, so that Roger can get paid for a job! :) 

We are so very thankful for all your prayers, love, and support! Please don't give up now, we are still in the middle of this journey!! 

                         

Welcome to 2015

This year is going to bring lots of changes for our family, and we certainly don't know the extent of them! For one, Roger has been working on getting his instrument rating and that test is scheduled for Thursday! We would greatly appreciate your prayers for this test, and for Roger to have peace of mind and confidence. Please pray that I can encourage him and that Roger will do well. This is a big prayer request for us. Once this test is behind us, we will begin to apply for jobs while Roger works on his commercial rating. (I'll be so glad to get all this behind us!) 

Thursday, January 8, 2014

We've been so busy getting back into the school routine, fighting colds, and the extremely cold weather, that I haven't even had a moment to write on the blog! However, Roger was unable to take his test today due to the blowing snow and limited visibility. He rescheduled it for Monday, so now you have more time to pray! :) 

It's been a challenge to get back into our school routine, but we are almost to lesson 100!! The boys have been working hard and it looks like we will get to have a few field trip days this next semester. :) (Field trip days are for the moms!) :) 

We enjoyed dinner with a couple from our church on Monday night, played family games and ate leftovers on Tuesday, had dinner at church with several families before church on Wednesday, and played in the snow and inside on Thursday. The boys have still been going outside ever day even with the wind chill at -20 degrees. I'm so thrilled that they can all get themselves dressed warm enough, come in when they're cold, and love to be outside! :) Both Chandler and Garett have commented this week that "this is like Alaska weather, Mom". :) 

Roger has spent a lot of time studying this week, and I know he wanted to get this test behind him...me too! But God had another plan, so Monday is the big day. Once this test is behind us, we will be able to figure out how Roger's going to get his commercial license done. This is all taking so much longer than we originally anticipated, but it has helped me in one area in particular. When Roger first started his training, I wanted to stay in Wisconsin near our family and friends. Now, I'm ready to move wherever God wants us to go and where a job is for Roger. Although I still wouldn't mind if God allowed us to stay here, I'm willing (I think) for wherever we end up. 

                         

We've been able to spend quite a bit of time playing games with the children this week. Since the weather has been unusually cold, they've needed a few more things to help them occupy their time. I'm not the greatest at craft time...usually it becomes a big mess! (Roger is much better in the craft department.) I found the boys a game called "Bible Sequence". It's very similar to the game "sequence", but the pictures and cards are all based on Bible stories. What amazes me is how much more fun it is to play games with the boys than it was a few years ago! :) The boys can actually grasp the game and are pretty good at playing it. Emma is NOT a good game player, and she makes a mess in a hurry!

Usually my funny moments come from my children, but this week I've been the one providing the laughter for my children! I haven't been feeling good, and I've made a lot of unthought decisions this week. Just to give a few examples, I made myself a cup of coffee in the Keurig...except I forgot to put the cup under the spout! I opened a cupboard door and then turned to help someone. As I turned back around, I ran my head right into the corner of the cupboard door! I still have a bump on my head! I emptied out my purse looking for a gift certificate that I knew I had in there. After several frustrating moments, Roger said, "You already used that the last time we went there." Yes, it's been a long week! 

Although Garett had a fun moment this week, so I'll have to write it down. :) The boys were watching a documentary on alligators on my iPad. After about twenty minutes, they left and went downstairs to practice being the alligators. I asked Garett to please bring my iPad to me. (The iPad was still playing the documentary on the living room floor.) After several minutes of searching around the room, and in the dining room, he asks me, "where is it, mom?" I couldn't help it...I laughed. :) (Sometimes it's the obvious things that might bite you!) 

We are one week into January, and although I've been working on my goals and resolutions I haven't posted them. However, last week I did get together with two of my good friends, and we set goals and resolutions for the new year. Accountability is a good thing! I've been working at keeping up with my goals, since I know that my friends are going to ask me how I'm doing. :) 

So, have you written out your goals for 2015? 

Reading Through the Bible in a Year (2014)

In 2014, I accomplished something that I haven't achieved since my college days. I completely read through my Bible in a year. I don't say that to brag, but merely to say that if I can do it, you can do it! :) Here are a few simple tips that helped me complete the job. 

1) Fail to plan and plan to fail. The first thing I needed was a schedule of what to read when. I followed along with our church's Bible reading schedule, which was simple and easy enough to do. There were a few things I didn't like about the plan though, so in 2015, I may have to adapt it a little to my personal perferences. I like to read the Christmas story and the reading of Christ's resurrection around those holidays, and this plan did not follow that. I also found it extremely challenging to be reading Isaiah and Revelation at the same time (maybe it's just me, but those are challenging books for me). However, that being said, this plan did give me some directions for reading and that is what I needed. 

2) Commitment...to read through the Bible in a year, you'll need this trait for sure! My nature tends to be a tad competitive (just ask my friends);  so once I decided to do this, I was determined to finish it out!  

3) Specific time, specific place. I find that my day always goes more smoothly, if I get up before my kids are awake. I usually tend to get up around 5:30am. during the school year. This gives me the opportunity to read my Bible, drink coffee, and pray before the kids are up. Of course, this is not always possible, so then I have to resort to other options...keep reading. :)

4) An app...the Bible.is. This is an app that I loaded onto my phone, and it will read the Bible to me. We live 1/2 hour from church, so often the way I would keep up with my Bible reading schedule would be to listen to it on the way into town. I don't grasp as much when it's reading to me, but I am hearing God's Word. 

5) You will fall behind the schedule at some point (unless you're not anything like me!) I am a goal oriented person, so I would usually only get behind by a few days. One of the disadvantages of the plan is that when you get behind, you have a lot of catching up to do! My encouragement is to just get back on the bandwagon and keep going. However, I found on the days that I was behind, and I had to speed read to catch up, I wasn't getting as much from my Bible reading. So, that being said it was a good motivation for me to stay caught up! :) 

6) I am happy to say that I completed the schedule, I have no regrets that I finished it. However, I'm not sure yet if I'll follow along on the schedule again this year. I do like to have time to stop and ponder what I'm reading, but I didn't always feel like I had the time to do that when staying with the Bible reading schedule. For now, I'm keeping up with the Bible reading schedule until I find a book or devotional I'd like to read with my Bible.

If you haven't ever read through the Bible in a year, I challenge you to do it. It's a great feeling of accomplishment and then you can say for yourself whether you liked the challenge or not. So, if you are in doubt, do it! :)