and enjoying every moment
Well, I'm back from the cruise. It was a blast as it was last year. Half Moon Cay is AWESOME!!
We spent one whole day at Half Moon Cay and knowing about it from last year we were the first off the boat. We staked our claim putting our stuff on the chairs and headed for the blue green water. Oooooh that felt so good. An hour or so after landing there we took off for a nice beach run. I ran from one end of the island to the other along the shore barefoot and enjoying the water as it would lick my toes as I ran. It was pleasantly warm reaching into the 80's by afternoon.
We also were able to meet and talk with Jonathan Falwell right there on the beach. He and his family were also on the boat enjoying the week with us. I called him Richie Cunningham and he said "hey watch it." He looks alot like Richie so I couldn't resist. I think he gets that alot. This was cool because I do watch him preach every week either by computer or via TV late on Sunday nights. My youngest son is there in person so I like to see what he sees and since I can, I try to tune in weekly.
We met a few other couples that we bonded with. It's almost like going away to summer camp for the week and parting with best friends by the end of the week. At breakfast on the last day we found ourselves hugging Joanne and Bill, another couple who we just met on Tuesday and were sitting together in the lounges together by the end of the week saving seats for each other.
We also got to hang out some and get to know better the couple we met here at the Villages and who are now serving our new church as Interim Pastor and Pastor's Wife for the next six months. We had alot of fun enjoying their company as well. We had some great laughs.
On one of the nights of the cruise they had a God and Country night. It was very moving. The Liberty Praise Team were also on the boat. This is a group of Liberty Students under the direction of their teacher and singer herself Alicia. The Prasise Team started the night singing Patriotic Songs like "This Land is Your Land" and "God Bless America." One of the students got up and sang the "Star Bangled Banner" and nailed it.
Called to the stage was a 90 year old Vet from WWII. He is one of the last surviving vets and he was asked to help lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. What a moving sight that was as well. He had to be helped to the stage as his legs were very shaky.
They also had these kids sing each of the songs attached to one of the four branches of the Armed Forces. As each song was sung they asked the Veterans of their respective branch to stand. As they did, I saw tears being wiped away all over the place. They then had them all stand up together as these young kids went around and put medals around each Veteran's neck. Very moving, tears abounding. A letter from the White House addressed to these Vets was read. President Bush himself expressed his appreciation for their service and wrote a very moving letter. Many of them I guess later requested a copy of this letter.
After that they had all the parents stand who had a son or daughter involved currently in the service. They asked for those sitting nearby to put their hands on these parents. I had hands all over me, my neck, my back, my shoulders and one lady sitting next to me grabbed my hand. Interestingly when the Air Force Hymn was sung her husband stood and wiped away tears doing so.
So here we were standing there as a very long historical prayer was being read for us and our families with warm hands of fellowship all around us. My legs were literally shaking. I don't know why.
And then Mr. Tim Lee was asked to come up. He is a Vietnam Vet who had both legs blown away. I've heard of him and his ministry before but never got to see him in person. His wheelchair was put up on the stage and he hopped up the stairs unassisted and hopped into his chair again with no assistance. It was amazing. I've never seen anything like that before. He then wheeled his chair to the flag and kissed it before turning around to address the audience. Wow! This was a quiet solomn moment.
His story is about being a rebellious young Christian who was running away from God. He was the son of a Pastor and the only one of his siblings who ran from God. He said he knew that God was getting his attention that day. He knew his time had come to recognize this and turn his life around. Now he lives to tell us and encourage us to stay focused.
So after all was said and done I went down to the bookstore and met with Mr. Lee. I thanked him for his testimony and asked him to pray for my son who is in the service. He asked his name. I told him and he said he would pray for him. Come to find out he has a son by the same name so it would be easy to remember his name.
The next night I was able to chat with Mr. Lee again and this time I showed him a picture of Brian. He graciously told me he did pray for Brian the night before. He studied Brian's picture and asked me a few questions about him and promised he would continue to pray for him. I know nothing about his son but I will return the favor. When I pray for my son, I will pray for his as well.
It was sad getting off the ship. I could have stayed at least another week easily. So many friendships made. So many good times were had. So many encouraging words were said. So much good music to listen to. The humor was as funny as last year even tho we heard some of the same jokes replayed. It was just as funny the second time around.
Oh well there is always next year. Hopefully we can manage to go again and if it's like last year we'll be back on that ship before we know it. This past year just flew by.