As we reflect on our journey this week, we are so glad to be able to experience this special week on Curacao. On Tuesday we decided to take a day off from diving and explore a museum. Since this week is Passover, we decided to visit the Mikeve’ Israel-Emanuel Synagogue. It is the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere. It is 285 years old and has been in use since 1732. However, it was established in 1651. It consisted of Spanish and Portuguese Jews who fled from the Spanish Inquisition.

The Synagogue floors are sand for three reasons. First, many of the traditional Spanish/Portuguese synagogues are modeled after the encampment which were established in the Sinai desert during the forty years of wandering. The second relates to the origin of their ancestors. They were a part of the “secret” Jews during the Inquisition. The sand helped muffle the sounds during their worship. The third reason is to symbolize that God said to Abraham: “I will multiply your seed as the sands of the seashore and the stars in the heavens.” Genesis 13:16

The Holy Ark is on the east wall and is where the Torah scrolls are stored. One of the scrolls still in use came from Amsterdam as a gift in 1659. They have 18 Torah scrolls over 300 years old.

As you can see in the picture there is an amazingly beautiful pipe organ that was installed in 1866, then restored in 2003. We had a treat of hearing the organ being played the first evening we walked around Punda.

I know you are asking why so much detail regarding the synagogue? As many of you know each year I host a Seder in our home for my bible study women along with a guest or two. It is a special evening and a highlight of the Easter season for me. This year, dressed in Jewish tradition, Jay in a kippah, and me with covered shoulders, knees, and a scarf on my head, (I wish I could have taken a picture of Jay in his kippah. No pictures allowed during Shabbat.) we had the privilege of joining the congregants of this synagogue for Shabbat and Seder at the same time. All under the stars and a full moon.

We read and sang, in Hebrew, along with these beautiful people. The Spiritual Leader told stories of when he was younger and how many of the songs sung during the Seder service have changed. Not the words, but the rhythm – much more upbeat than before. He sang a couple songs in the older tradition just to share with all the younger people.

I know I wasn’t supposed to take a picture of a page in the book while in the synagogue, but I couldn’t help myself. I don’t think anyone saw. And, of course, Jay said except for G-d.

It was a joyous Friday “Shabbat” evening. The Spiritual leader began the Seder by reminding us Seder means “Order”. As we, the bible study women and myself, have learned throughout the years there is always an order to the evening. This was true of this one as well. All inclusive – the four glasses of wine, washing of the hands, the Seder plate set for each of us as well as each taking turns reading pieces of the Haggadah, including Jay and me. They even hid the Afikoman for the attending children to find. You could tell they knew all about it and this is a part of their annual tradition. A gift was given to the child who found the Afikoman.

One of the songs we sung was a Jewish children’s song called “Dayenu” Dayenu is a Hebrew word meaning “it would have been enough” or “it would have been sufficient”. It is a song about being grateful to God for all the gifts, coming out of slavery, the Torah, and Shabbat, he gave the Jewish people. Dayenu – it would have been enough if God had given one of those gifts.

The remainder of this weekend, the word Dayenu has been on my heart thinking how many times do I forget to pause and notice where I am today is exactly where I’m supposed to be. It is reminding me about pausing instead of being impatient. I’m reminded to be grateful in the present instead of waiting for the next thing, gift, or event that is coming.

One of the song verses, English translated, is this, “If He had brought us out from Egypt and had not carried out judgements against them – Dayenu, it would have been enough.” So I ask you, and myself, what is your Dayenu? If He had…. and had not…. -Dayenu, it would have been enough. As I heard someone a couple weeks ago say, “We are so blessed in Curacao.” I say, Yes! If He had given Jay and me this trip and had not given us this beautiful deck to enjoy the rich beauty of this island – Dayenu, it would have been enough.

And if an evening in Punda with this wonderful Jewish community wasn’t enough, as we walked across the bridge to our car park in Otrobanda, there is a “Jesus is Alive” concert in the middle of the square in Otrobanda. There’s a Dayenu moment!

It’s Easter Sunday! Even though we have one lunatic condo owner we are dealing with our day has been filled with such beauty. Of course, we went to our little Curacao church. We were wondering how long Easter service would be, but it was the usual 3 hours. When I walk into that building and see the faces of each one, I am so honored they have loved us each week. Today was no different. I think they are now expecting us to show up. I greeted Melody this morning with their way of saying Happy Easter, “Bon Pasku”. Her face lit up, then said, “what did you just say?” I repeated. I wish I had the words to describe how much her face lit up and she was so excited we are learning their language. Then, Richard, a gentleman who greets us in the parking lot each week, shared this is how they say Merry Christmas as well. So, depending on what month, I’m good. I only have to remember “Pasku”.

By the way, for Jay’s Easter gift, I used the phrase to him, “You’re right.” The best gift I can ever give him. I received this lovely bag of Melkchocolade Eggs.

As I’m sitting on the deck finishing this week’s blog, enjoying the breeze, hearing people in the pool, loud music from the condo above, watching a small sailboat go by, and Jay out spearing Lionfish, (Jay said a blog is not complete without the word Lionfish in it. So there it is.) I can truly say we are so blessed. The trials of a wacko condo owner pales to all that is good with this island living.

I will end this week of remembering with a Blessing in Papiamentu, then translated to English. Dio bendishona i kuida bo. (The Lord bless you and keep you) Ku presensia di Dios bria riba bo. (The Lord make his face shine upon you.) i dunabo grasia. (And be gracioius to you.) Dios kompanabo (The Lord lift up his countenance upon you) i dunabo pas. (And give you peace.) Shabbat Shalom (Peace on your Sabbath) and Bon Pasku (Good Easter)

As Otis Redding would have said, “Sittin in the mornin’ sun, I’ll be sittin’ when the evenin’ comes, Watching the ships roll in, And then I watch ’em roll away again…

Although this song has been stuck in my head for the past few days, I’ve been having fun changing the words a bit. Otis, please forgive me as I botch up your song and make it our own. So, here’s our second verse…”We left our home in Sac Town, headed for the Caribbean, We have so much to live for, and it looks like it’s comin’ our way… So, we’re just sittin’ on the deck by the bay, watching the ships sail by, Ooo, we’re sittin’ on the deck by the bay, Restin’ time.

Third verse….diving here to rest our bones, and the Lionfish won’t leave Jay alone. Four thousand miles we roamed, just to make this deck our home. Now we’re just sitting on the deck by the bay, watching the ships sail by, Ooo, we’re sittin’ on the deck by the bay, Restin’ time.

We’ve been on the island for two weeks…so difficult to believe. As you can probably guess our routine is, well not much of a routine. There are decisions to be made each day, and sometimes they have to be made the night before. Such as, are we going to dive in the morning? Which dive site are we going to go? Of course, Jay’s comment is, “Which one has the most lionfish to spear?” Are we going on a long walk today or swim laps in the pool? What time do we get up tomorrow morning? See, living on an island is not that easy. So, many decisions, Oh, the pressure!

We do have a few routines just so that we can remember what day of the week it is. One is, of course, church on Sunday. We are loving this sweet church. This past Sunday was our second visit. You can tell they were pretty surprised we came back, but very warm and loving. Richard said in broken English, “Guests come once during their vacation to check the box, we went to church. But hardly anyone ever comes twice. We want to take a picture of you to put on our wall.” We forgot, so, next week will be picture week.

We sat further back this week, so we could sneak out a bit earlier than last week. One of the younger ladies that was a back-up singer at our first visit lead the worship. She was really good as well. The sermon was on service. God wants us serving Him in our church AND (not or) in our communities. His three points were on Vision, Purpose, and Serving. One of the things he said as he was talking about serving through and with our God given gifts was, “The gift God gives you is Special! Share it!!” He didn’t use this verse, but it reminded me of Titus 2:7, “In everything, Make yourself an example of good works with integrity and dignity in your teaching.” Ron and Elaine, I wish it was recorded for you to hear. It was a good one to share.

Side note: Yes, I’m embracing my God given curls. There is no use in a straight iron around here. It’s curls or a braid, those are the choices. Keratin and Argan oil are my new friends.

Talking about language differences…the grocery store! This is where you can learn a language or two. Our local store, Centrum Market in Piscadera, has the most amazing bakery (fortunately and unfortunately for this sweet eater). The groceries are in Dutch. So, for this southern speaking girl, I take my phone with me to translate what I’m getting ready to buy and later eat. By the way, Suikervrij in Dutch means Sugar-free, Klein means small, and Mierikswortel means Horseradish.

Thinking about the lovely people all around Curacao, I’m amazed how many of them can go from one language to another so quickly. During the service if the pastor said something in Papiamentu, she would say it in English. Then if the pastor decided to speak in English, she would come right back in Papiamentu. Other conversations we have at the places we visit, they will begin talking, then many times stop, look at me, and say Dutch or English? When I say English, that’s what they’ll finish their conversation with. Amazing! Jay says I must look Dutch for this to be happening so much. Can you tell, I’m a bit envious as to how so many can speak several languages. I am truly enamored by it.

Our first visit to Centrum was very emotional for me. Seeing the bakery and all the different foods I have been introduced to by Swedish suppers and First Covenant’s Smorgasbord, made me miss my dear sweet friend and mentor, Phyllis Yttrup. Walking through the aisle, I imagined Bill and Phyllis loving this day’s adventure to the grocery store. I imagined Phyllis picking out all the cookies and bakery items that Bill would love to have. And, Bill adding to the cart as well. That man had the biggest Swedish sweet tooth of anyone I knew. I imagined her special laugh and, of course, when she walked in, her saying, “Oh my stars, Kelly! Look at this place!” I know those of you who are following this blog that knew our sweet friend are imaging all this as well. So, with a few tears flowing right now, I’m moving on with maybe a Forest Gump phrase, “And, that’s all I have to say about that.” Except for, let’s have a second cookie in honor of them. They would be so proud.

Yesterday, in the grocery store, I was scolded by one of the ladies stocking the shelves. She saw I had my phone sitting in the seat of the grocery cart. She began speaking pretty quick Papiamentu. Then says, Dutch or English. I answered, English. To which she continued in English telling me, “You need to be more careful with your phone. Don’t let it sit in the cart. If you turn around to look at something, someone could just pick it up and take it. Be careful”. I said, “oh, thank you. And, I’m sorry if I have upset you. I will be more careful.”

I got off the subject of routines for a moment. Back to it…..

Another one of our routines is to visit with some of the people working in the complex each day, such as Constant, a young man from Haiti. Constant does the upper part of the complex’s gardening, which is all around our unit. I love to see his great big smile each day when I greet him with “Bon Dia, Constant! Awe bunita grande!” (Good Morning, it’s so pretty, today) We can hardly understand anything each of us are saying, except for that phrase and maybe one more. However, we manage our conversations through a word here and there along with hand motions and a laugh or two. The other day, Jay and I found him cutting the coconuts off the trees so they wouldn’t fall on our heads or cars. He looked up and saw us coming, motioned us over, then began opening coconuts for us to drink with him.

Then there is Lamont and Michil Deangelo. They are both young men from Curacao. Lamont is our evening shift security guard. We have a bench under a tree next to our parking spot he likes to sit and rest. (I like to think he is there guarding our home a little bit more than the others. Everyday, with that beautiful smile, Bon Tardi, Kelly! And, then there is Michil DeAngelo who loves basketball. I asked him if he was an artist like Michelangelo. He said, “No, I play basketball.” I don’t have a picture of him, yet.

We have the same ladies working the cash registers at the local grocery store. So warm and friendly to us, even the one who scolded me yesterday. I haven’t asked their names yet, and this makes me think next time I will. It also makes me think about the people God intertwines, the tapestry of people, into our lives. Especially the ones we come into contact each day. How do we greet them? Are we excited to see them? Do we appreciate the moments God gives us with them? Oh, how many times have I been so guilty of the opposite. How many times have I gone into a store at home, maybe seen someone from a far, but didn’t take the time to go say hello and see how they are doing? Is that busyness of life? Or is it my laziness? Lessons being learned even sittin’ on the deck by the bay.

Of course, for those who know me, I can’t sit on that deck for very long. So, one of our routines we named, “Clean up Curacao – One Bag at a Time”. Each week we have decided to pick up a couple bags of trash along the side of the road and walkways. It’s our way of giving back to the island.

One more routine to share in this note….Sunsets! Each night I get to say to Jay, “Hurry, get out here to see this gorgeous sunset. (They are not his thing) However, he comes out to watch just for me. It can almost be enough said by just seeing the picture – Each the same sun going down, and yet, God paints the picture a little different, I think just for fun.

Sunsets and the people around you are kind of like…well, God’s gift to those He loves.

Routines are nice. The people you get to interact with throughout your every day routines can be wonderful. It’s pieces of the beautiful tapestry God is weaving in our lives through things like the adventures we take on that are out of our comfort zone, the deeds we do for others just because, the words of a concerned person like the woman working at the grocery store, the smile of a young gentlemen doing his job, and, yes, the resting on the deck overlooking the Piscadera Bay. One day we will get to see the full piece complete. But for now, let’s continue adding the different colors of thread that make up the big and little routines of our day.

Thanks for reading and continuing this dance steps of life abundantly along side us. Next writing, if the Lord’s a willing, will be on actual Curacao living, what have we seen so far? But for now, may you find your rest place, just sit and watch your ships as they sail by.

It was probably Jay’s and my third or forth date when I decided to cook dinner for him.  It was a Sunday evening with the television on and Star Trek music began to play.  Teasing him, I said, “Oh my, It’s Star Trek!!!  My favorite show! He looked at me pretty bewildered, and so I continued, “don’t you like Star Trek?”  Being the kind person Jay is, he said, “Of course, I do.”  I then had to confess, I never watch it, I was just teasing.

I thought of this as I sat down to write because I think there was a famous phrase Captain Kirk would say as he journaled the days events…”Captain’s log, Stardate….

So here we go, Jay and Kelly’s log, Stardate March 19, 2019.  Our destination Curacao by way of Fort Lauderdale.  Oh, by the way, Jay would like for this to really be Captain Jay and First-mate Kelly’s log.

The travel was long and almost uneventful.  When landing (or I should say, trying to land) in Fort Lauderdale, it appeared our captain had a missed approach.  All of a sudden we aren’t landing any longer.  Instead, climbing and circling back around for one more try.  After getting settled back into final, the captain announced during the first attempt we were too close to another airplane landing, so we had to pull up and go around.  Ahh, the mystery of the steps in the dance.  All is well.

The next day was our travels to our new home for the next couple months, Piscadera, Curacao in the Royal Palm Resort.  Sounds heavenly.  We were greeted by our contact person, Maggie, a very sweet Curacaoan woman, She gave us a tour and the keys.  After she left we had dinner down by the dive shop, then to bed.  We were so tired from two days of travel we couldn’t think or see anything.

Jay and Kelly’s Log Stardate, March 21, 2019.  The mystery of the steps in the dance….

A little history lesson of the Island before I get started with our story.  The island of Curacao sits about 35 miles off the coast of Venzuela.  It was discovered in 1499 by a Spanish lieutenant of Christopher Columbus.  In 1634 the Dutch took possession and founded a settlement. There are six forts built on this island and twelve original Landhuis’ (Dutch plantations).

Due to the location, it was a great trading harbor. Several different countries have tried to take this, but the Dutch defended it well.  The USS Erie was torpedoed just in front of our condo during WWII by the Germans.  Quite a bit of history for such a small island. 

The island is 40 miles long and 5 miles wide.  The language is called Papiamento, which is a creole based on Portugese, Spanish, English, and Dutch, and was influenced by Arawak Indian and a few African dialectics.  (this will be a fun one to learn for this southern speaking girl) I have the 122 Papiamento word list up on my phone as my resource. One of the most popular words is Dushi, which has five meanings….. tasty, babe, sweet, sexy, and nice.

On with our story….before we left Sacramento, I was having a conversation with a wise man, Ron Mitchell, regarding the fake lives on Facebook.  Everybody’s lives look so rosy on Facebook.  He asked me how I would be sharing this journey and if we would be telling “Real” stories on Facebook.  So, Ron, here’s our first real story…..

When we finally awakened on March 20, 2019, the place we were going to call home for two months was filthy! I won’t share the pictures, but to be “real”  we cleaned and did gardening for two full days (minus dive time)  Between the two of us we put in 30+ hours cleaning.  It’s beautifully clean now, and am happy to be barefoot.  

So many thoughts running through my head during the cleaning time. One, Jarvio was right, I don’t know how to slow down. Another, my Lenton study – 40 days of decrease I just got through the fasting of “fixing it” several days ago.  Here we are in someone’s home who doesn’t care at all.  So, I don’t think I need to tell you I blew that fast, big time. 

Jay and I found what has become one of our favorite stores on the island “Kooyman Megastore”.  It is the Home Depot of Curacao.  It’s tagline is “There is always something to do”  Yes, that is now, our phrase.

Of course, I had to know what Kooyman means.  It is an Arabic word mostly used in the Netherlands.  It means, “EXTREMES in fortune, health and spirituality.  You are very versatile, idealistic, and intuitive. You are frank, methodical and believe in law, system and order.  Dependable, very down-to-earth and well grounded.  You are always looking for meaningful work, a career where you can take pride in your work and do the best job you are capable of…..

When we come home and have to get jobs to pay for this adventure we think we need to start a business named “Kooyman”  I love this word!

Two days later, my fast was, are you ready….. “Avoidance”.  That was a pretty easy one for me.  May I say, we have not avoided letting the owners know the shape of their home.  We are either an owner’s worst nightmare by sending pictures of their filth; or their dream come true by putting their home back in shape. For their future guests….. Di nada (your welcome).

Jay and Kelly’s log Starship, March 24, 2019   House clean….Kelly’s OCD, calm.  Our view from the deck is amazing.  In the mornings, cruise ships come by… throughout the day the coast guard passes by….dive boats back and forth….the evening, well, amazing sunsets, while sipping a beautiful glass of wine and dinner.  I could be happy right here sitting on this deck taking in the God’s beauty.

This morning we decided to go to church.  We found one on the internet that spoke English as well as Papiamento.  WOW,  We had church!!!  We arrived early (I know, so unlike us, right?) They were having prayer time that was already on fire.  These men were on fire for the Lord. Their welcoming was warm and friendly to say the least.  We were obviously guests, the only white people in the church.  The service began with a keyboard player, drums, and arriving later a bass player.  There were five women backup singers, and one worship leader that, WOW, RMCC, come and hire her!!!!  We sang worship songs in English and Papiamento.  Oh, the unity in worship.  Psalms 133, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when we dwell in unity.”  I felt like I was having worship time at a women’s conference.  Next thing you know, it’s two hours later and then the preaching began.  Jay whispered to me “we should have packed a lunch”. We left after three hours, starved and exhausted; however the healing service was just beginning, I think.  They didn’t let us go until they could serve us some cake.  I love this island!!  In the middle of the worship time, we did have a few minutes to greet one another.  Their greetings were high-fives with some very lively music playing in the background.  The song that was sung during the tithe and offering was called, “Double, Double”.  They all loved singing that song along with hand motions to go with it. If you have some time, you can you-tube the song “Double Double (Blessings).   Bjorn, a native-born Curacaoan, walked out with us asking if we are coming back and exchanging what’s app numbers with Jay.  This young gentlemen was the one praying when we walked in earlier that morning.  I don’t know what all he was saying, but I guarantee you, Satan was not going to have any hold on that place that morning.  I could definitely pick out  “Hallelujah” many many times. The Holy Spirit was certainly in this place.

We were planning to go diving later that day, but we were exhausted.  I fell asleep on the deck for 1 – 1/2 hours.  When I got up I found Jay in bed sleeping for that much time as well.  When we both woke up, we just looked at each other and said, what in the world just happened today?  There was some energy used up in that service today!!!!

Are we going back?  I think we are this Sunday for another round.  We might need to get their a bit late to sit in the back, if they even let us sit there, so we can leave a little bit earlier.  Or we need to eat a really big breakfast before.  If you are hypoglycemic, bring a snack.

Jay and Kelly’s log Starship, March 22 – 27, 2019  As Jay would say, the fun pieces of the trip so far, Diving and Hunting Lionfish.  Yes, we have worked in several dives since we have been here.  Diving is just off the beaches, shore diving instead of boat diving.  It’s about as easy as this….pull your car over to the side of the road, get your gear out and on, swim about 50 feet out to the reef wall, regulator in your mouth, let the air out of your BCD, and down you go to whatever desired depth.  My sweet spot is 45 – 60 feet.  Jay likes to go a bit deeper to “lionfish country”.  Although, the ones he has speared have been in what I like to call, “the sweet zone”.  I like to dive first thing in the morning.  Jay likes to dive, well, all times of the day.  However, he does prefer evening dives, since that is when, wait for it…..the lionfish come out to feed. So, needless to say, we are diving morning and evenings.

Our second dive was an early morning, before breakfast outing.  The highlight….spearing a lionfish for breakfast ceviche.  Who does that? Oh, yea, we do on this wonderful thing we call “Jay and Kelly’s Year Away”

Thank you for bearing with me on this large amount of writing,which is reading for you.  I can’t tell you how much I love each one of you and appreciate your encouragement to figure out this thing called blogging.  We have so much more to share, but will next time.

I will end with this, “He said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.'”  Mark 6:31  In today’s culture “Rest” is becoming a lost art to which I thought, and many others of you thought I lost that piece of art.  Jarvio, as of this week, I am resting and loving it!!!  I’m learning it is a wise investment for the diligent.  Piscadera, Curacao in the Royal Palm Resort – Clean and Heavenly, yes it is!

Ban goza te siguiente tempo, Un braza grande, Jay and Kelly  (Let’s enjoy until next time,  Big hug, Jay and Kelly)

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