Day 7

Tonight we wrap up our vacation. It's been great here in Punta Cana, DR. Back to the real world tomorrow. Thank God for rest.......

Parasailing over the Atlantic Ocean

Mission accomplished--well rested!

We've been out of touch for a couple days b/c the net was down in our room. This is it!

Our last night on the island. We enjoyed ourselves and enjoyed each other.

"On Christ the solid rock I stand!"

....all other ground is sinking sand.

.....journal entry

At the end of our day, the tour guide took us for a swim at the beach (located outside our resort area). I think...I know this was the best time spent so far at least for me. I was able get away to quietly worship and praise God for all He is and for all He's done for me.

I stood at the edge of the tide and looked over the ocean. Suddenly there was such a presence of God that was so evident to me. It's hard to see Him loving someone like me but He does! God whispers to each of us in our quiet times wooing us to Himself. Imagine!

Jocie was in the water; she came upon two large rocks partially buried in the sand. As the tide rushed in, she noticed there was a difference in her ability to stand when she was in the sand vs. when she was on the rock. She was able to keep her balance much better when she was on the rock.

Sand vs. Rock.....Matthew 7:24-27 speaks of this so clearly. Wise men build houses on rocks whereas foolish men build houses on sand. Jesus Christ is the Rock! Which man are you?

Our safari tour included lunch in the mountains. This is a pix Jocie was able to capture! Whoaaa.

Chocolate, coffee, sugar and rum all made at Maria's house

Above- Francisco (our guide) showing us how coffee beans look before they are processed. Jocie admiring the banana plant and the two of us with the native children. They sell flowers to tourist to make money.

The Ranch

Here we went horseback riding....! Doesn't this bull look weird?

Safari!

This gentleman earns his living from tourist who want to take pictures with his snakes. Jocie and a few others on the tour wanted a chance to hold the snakes. NOT ME!

Facts about DR.....

• There are 65% more women than men
• Men can have more than one wife
• DR produces coffee, sugar cane, chocolate, rum, tobacco and ethanol
• Haiti is a nine hour drive from Punta Cana
• Catholic is the main religion in this area
• The average salary is $230/month
• Spanish is the primary language

Becoming Unplugged and Revisting the Reasons Why

I had forgotten what it was like to be still and know He is God. Jocie and I had a very relaxing day as we didn't leave our room until late afternoon. We even skipped breakfast. I sat on the balcony and had quiet time for a bit and enjoyed the sounds of the water and the business beneath me.

After catching a very late lunch, we spent several hours on the beach just existing no conversation just there. We played in the water towards the end capturing a few photos of the tides rolling to shore.

You know......God is so much bigger than our minds can imagine. His handiwork exudes His majesty! More and more I realize that my job here on earth is to live out loud so that others may be drawn to Christ. Why? He loves us and wants nothing more than to have a relationship with us - His creation.

Imagine the love you have for your parents, your spouse, your children or your friends. God's love for you is much deeper than any of these.

Dinner at Tokio (Japonesa)

Although Hurricane Bill did not directly hit Hispaniola (Dominican & Haiti), we have definitely seen some residual of the storm. The waves today were unbelievable and fun to watch.

Enjoying the water!

I'm the faint figure next to the palm tree.

The view from our balconies! Aaaaaaahhhhh!

Day 2

We spent most of our time in the water after shopping during the late morning. The vendors were a bit overbearing. They wanted our business so they'd greet us with a hand shake and then pull us into their small shops. We managed to stay together but later decided it was probably best that we leave. One vendor felt sorry for us so he let us slip out the back of his store. We arrived back at the hotel to explore more of the amenities.

Dinner and Dessert...all inclusive. Anything you want...!!!!

Barcelo Resort Hotel in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Once we reached the hotel, we were anxious to put on our suits and head toward the water. It was breath taking. We were able to enjoy some of the scenary before we prepared for dinner.

The Departure-July 18

Jocie and I have been awaiting this moment for several weeks. This vacation will bring an end to my KAA blog. And after a few set backs, we are finally here at the airport waiting to board our plane for our VACATION! I'm on the laptop trying to get updates on Hurrican Bill which is in the Caribbean.

Go ye therefore and teach.....

I'm reminded of the scripture, Matthew 28:19, as I glance through my window and I see a counselor sitting on the cabin porch explaining the Gospel message to her camper. Keep in mind this young lady has given of herself all day not only to this camper but to 11 others. And here it is almost Midnight and she still has something to give....she wants to offer this kid an opportunity to receive Jesus as her personal Savior. This is what it's all about---Jesus!