Cleared for Curacao

It’s been quite awhile since our last blog with a few bumps to get here.

What’s been going on, you ask? As many of you already know, in December of 2021 I was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer. A somewhat rare one that does not respond to platinum base chemo treatments nor any type of radiation. This particular type has only been found in 10% of ovarian cancer patients. To add to the rarity, of the 10%, 2% of these people have the mestatisim appear in the upper extremity. Special, right!?

In January, 2022 I began 18 weeks of chemo treatments; then August double surgery. Needless to say, there wasn’t any time or much energy for extensive travel.

Stardate: January, 2023 – we are cleared for short (for us) traveling. My shock collar has been removed and a somewhat short leash has taken its place.

Our travels began with a short stop in Florida to visit family and friends. I forgot to take any pictures of our time with the Tom Harris clan. Oopsy! I wasn’t thinking blog at that moment. I did get a picture of their wildlife while we were walking in their neighborhood

However, we did get a picture with our dear friends Susan and Mustifa. Last you saw them in the blog we were all in France. You never know when or where the four of us find each other. This world is big, but not too big to find dear friends.

We arrived to our beloved island this past weekend. We are getting to stay one month.

Last time we were here it was Covid season. The island was on lock down and we were finding creative ways to dive. So creative we were getting up at 5:30 a.m. to be in and out of the water before anyone else was awake on the island.

The world is definately traveling again and we certainly see it here. It is busier than we have ever seen it. The beaches are full and our beloved island has been discovered. There is building going on everywhere. Some right out our front door.

We are thrilled to hear about the success our friends are having during this boom. They struggled so much to keep things afloat during the pandemic and shut downs.

Other than the little construction, we have a wonderful view. Our apartment is very clean and new. I really think, other than family members of the owner, we might be their first official guests to rent it.

During our last stay, some might remember we were famous on the island for getting caught diving by the coast guard. We feel like they did a fly-by on our first day here to say hi and remind us they are still watching out. I hear them hovering as I’m writing.

We still are watching the ships go by each day. There are so many more ships too.

And golfers! Nice swing! Our view is the 16th hole of the Bluebay Golf course.

We also have found our island pet for this trip, or should I say, she has found us. We haven’t named her yet.

I know you all are asking, “What about the lionfish?” This piece has changed as well. We’ve had a slow start to the important part of this trip. After a few days we are getting our sea legs again and learning how to maneuver the new.

What’s new? Jay has lost his dive buddy and lionfish spotter. During treatment last year, I developed blood clots. This automatically takes me out of the sport of diving due to pulmonary embolism risks. So, Jay has his “self-reliant certification” and is allowed to officially dive by himself. I’m so proud of how he has organized his equipment. My heart is full.

Self-reliant….I’ve contemplated this term quite a bit this week. Our world loves to think we are and should be self-reliant. We are told in so many ways to be independent, rely on no one. You create your own success. Do we really? I can think of so many verses regarding dependence on God. Right off the top of my head, Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways, submit to him, and He will make your path straight.”

Lean not on your own understanding….Hmmm…we have learned that this past year. We can certainly tell you we are not self-reliant. And, boy, are we so glad! How about you? Do you lean on your own understanding? How much do we really understand? We can use the wisdom the Lord gives us and make decisions with the information we have at hand, but God, knows the complete picture. He has all the information. That’s one of the many reasons we lean on Him.

He did find a small group going out for an evening dive. I sat on the beach taking pictures.

And….waiting for the catch to arrive. Papa is bringing home the bacon….lionfish. Ceviche, salad, and a gorgeous sunset. That’s how you live in Curacao.

A crown to remind us who the King of kings and Lord of Lords is. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”. Who needs to be self-reliant? Not us.

Bendishon (Blessings), Jay and Kelly