It was raining.

We ducked from the steps of the plane to the waiting shuttle bus to ride to the airport at Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.  The humidity hit us like a wall.  We were dressed in long pants, socks and shoes and hoodies.  After all, we were coming from Winnipeg, via Toronto, where it is definitely winter.

Our first sight on arriving there was a huge thatched roof building, open air, that was the airport.  We were directed by dark-skinned gentlemen along the roped corridor to reach the person collecting “Tourist Cards” and then submit our declaration of purpose for our visit to the island.  Quickly, we were met by a young man in a white shirt who grabbed our luggage and said “WestJet?  Follow me.”

Being the trusting Canadian tourists that we were, we looked doubtfully at him and each other and tried to protest but he was already a few paces ahead of us.  We half-jogged to catch up with our luggage and soon we were bypassing a table where officials were searching someone’s bags.  The fellow brought us directly to the WestJet booth and we were relieved to see an English-speaking, white guy with a clipboard.  Our names were on the list.  I think we all were relieved! 

We were led to an air-conditioned van and waited for several other Canadians on their way to various resorts on our route.  We were the last to be dropped off after about a twenty minute to half hour drive along well-paved highways.  Then we turned onto a narrower side road, lined by twenty foot trees and bush, until we drove by a village-we later learned is San Juan- where little shops with hand-painted signs in English or Spanish were situated close to the road. Older men and a couple women sat on resin lawn chairs in the shade.  I noticed one sign on a shop – “Good prices-cheaper than Walmart”!  I pointed and giggled before my eyes caught another sight.  Across from them was a huge, modern stucco hotel/resort.  Stark contrast from the average Dominican to the foreigners on the island.

As we approached the gate to our resort, “Blau Natura Park Hotel”, a gatekeeper sat in the shade of a little shack, and undid the rope that held the single slat of wood to secure the resort.  Compared to the other elaborate wrought iron gates, this looked flimsy.  But we drove through and around a winding paved road through lovely palms and various other trees until we arrived up a ramp to the hotel’s main entrance.

Another open-aired, thatch-roofed edifice stood there, with the main lobby and staff waiting for us.  A bellboy brought our suitcases up for us and we got registered.  A waitress brought us a fruity drink with a pineapple wedge on the edge of the glass.  I was still leery to drink anything not in a bottle, but how could it not be safe!  We were taken by the bellboy to our room – Patio V - and stepped inside the door.

A waft of cool air rushed at us as we entered the room behind the bellboy.  The room was painted a light pink, with long blue drapes along one whole wall.  The dresser, sofa, coffee table and bed were in reddish-brown wood and rattan.  We stepped onto beige and pink tile floor,  taking in the sight and feel of the room while the young man was asking in a heavily accented English if everything was okay.  We tipped him and set down our things.  I spotted the fresh fruit platter on the table and we dug in.  Then I walked into the two part bathroom – the first had a bathtub/shower with a vanity and sink opposite.  The second was separated by a sliding, slatted door that housed the commode.  Simple but clean.  I washed my hands, sticky with fruit juice, and noticed the red hibiscus blossoms tucked into the fancy folded hand towels.   Everything seemed so foreign and tropical. 

The next thing we did was get out of our winter duds and get comfortable in shorts and light tops.  I dug out sandals from my luggage and then we were ready to explore.

First stop was back at the front desk to get a lock and key for a safe.  Then we located the office for internet access-$3 for 15 minutes, $6 for 30 minutes and $60 for a week’s worth of 24-hour access.  We spent the $3 and posted our safe arrival on Facebook and messaged our contact information to family only.  With no texting or cell phone or regular internet connection, we could truly be on vacation!

Next, we strolled along the paved paths that wandered between the lobby and the hotel accommodations.  We found lovely bridges beneath overhanging foliage, saw ducks, flamingos, peacocks and some white water birds that resembled herons (egret?).  A couple outdoor restaurants and bars stood just off the main walkway.  We came to a crossroads with a booth for towels and booking a swim with dolphins.  We followed the left path and it took us to the beach.

White sand, swaying palm trees and a blue expanse of ocean drew us…this is what we came for, what we dreamed of and why we took two weeks in January to get away!  The beach did not disappoint us.  I slipped off my sandals and let my toes curl into the lovely clean sand.  We walked hand in hand towards the shore.  I went in and felt the cool waters slide over my feet.  It was late afternoon by this time so the beach was over half empty.  Hundreds of white and blue beach lounge chairs were spread over what seemed like acres of beachfront.  A man in a shack offered us a hot dog or hamburger.  Dinner wasn’t until 6:30 so I took a burger.  We walked the other direction to see an activity shack, a bar and more lounge chairs, some under thatched shelters.

This was a lot to take in and we must have looked like Saskatchewan prairie hicks, gawking at everything and impressed by it all.  Surreal - that was how we described the view, the experience when we talked later.  The breeze off the ocean was warm as the sun was setting quickly behind the palm trees and resort hotel.  We stared awhile before winding our way back to Patio V.

We made our way to the main buffet area, Restaurant La Cana, and were seated by a hostess.  The place was busy with people milling from one food group to another.  Servers with trays of beer, wine and coffee expertly maneuvered the crowd.  Seated at a small table set for two, we waited while the server offered us drinks before we got up to hunt and gather. 

The choices were overwhelming: pastas and sauces in one area, several meat and vegetable dishes in the centre, a featured roast meat in another corner and two lovely salad bars with assorted fruit, vegetables, cold meats and cheeses.  Of course, I took note of the dessert  section and knew I’d be back there as soon as possible.

By the end of our first day, we could hardly keep our eyes open past 9 pm local time.  That’s okay, we had been up since 3:30 am to fly out of Winnipeg, so we gave in to sleep early.  There were two glorious weeks to discover what Blau Natura  Park had to offer.

I am writing this from a hotel room in Winnipeg.
The clock on the bedside table reads 7:35; in eight hours, we will receive a wake up call from the front desk.Then a shuttle will take us down the block to the airport.
I'm both excited and apprehensive!
I am looking forward to the warmth, wearing sandals again and spending time with my wonderful husband of almost 25 years.
If I look out the window, I can see our car parked where it will stay for the two weeks we are gone. Such a convenient service.  I am thankful for all these details to work out so smoothly.
How can I express how blessed I feel?
As we drove down the Trans-Canada, the thought went through my mind that because of my husband's wise stewardship of credit cards points and God's provision we are going on this trip to the Dominican Republic.  What have I done to deserve such a trip?
Nothing.
Just as there is nothing I can ever do to deserve God's love, Jesus' gift of dying in my place, a home in heaven.
All I can say is thank You, Lord!
And I will simply relax and enjoy this gracious gift and celebrate God's faithfulness to us.

Being at Millar College of the Bible this week has been both exhilarating and exhausting!
Sitting in desks with other young people led me back in time to my days at Nipawin Bible Institute from 1985-87.  We didn't have the convenience of laptop computers for taking notes or the technology of e-mail to submit book reports!  But the memories of going to class in the dark hours of pre-dawn and seeing the sunrise in the break before second period...I felt 19 again!
Well, until the early mornings caught up with me and I longed to "skip" class; I wouldn't give in to the temptation to stay in bed when the professor was my husband and I wanted to show support for him.
Standing in chapel was a time-warp, as well.  Except for the words being projected via computer and the songs being 25 years newer, if I closed my eyes, I could imagine the chapel experiences back in my day where God met with me in a special way!
It was very nice, though, to be older and respected by virtue of being guests on campus.  We were allowed to go early in the meal line ups a few times and students did make room at their tables to include us.
The highlight of my week, I think, was being invited to work out with some girls on Thursday evening.  Walter had book reviews to read and his final exam preparations to make, so I trotted off in my yoga pants and Healing Hearts tee-shirt.  I made my way to the upstairs work out room and pulled off my winter boots to put on my runners.  Four of us did a thirty minute routine and I felt pretty good about my fitness level-I may have adapted the push-ups and scrunches "just a bit", but I made it through!
Now, I am vegging out with my very tired hubby, watching a movie and snacking while typing this blog.  The clock says 8:25 pm but my middle-aged body says "When is it 10?"
I am thankful for the privilege of spending the week with Walter.  I am blessed to have the experience of meeting and sharing in a few students' lives.  I am overwhelmed by the opportunities God gives me ~us~ that we never dreamed would be possible back when we were young and just beginning our ministry adventures.
God has been so good to me!
And I am NOT 19 anymore; my work out is beginning to hurt now...

I came to a full stop at the intersection.
The road was a dead end at a field.  I signaled right onto the secondary highway out of the town of Pambrun and shifted into second gear.  The sun was shining, the white snow was glistening and the road was stretching ahead of me.
I've been in the classroom with Walter each day.  I've walked from the house we're staying in this week, to the sidewalks that lead to the classroom building and then to the dining hall.
So it felt liberating to drive away from the small world of the Bible College campus on a little adventure by myself.
I shifted all the way up to fifth along the clear and empty highway.  Not a soul seemed to exist in this corner of Saskatchewan.  Just me.  And Jesus.  In a Jetta.
In the corner of my eye, I saw something orange against the whiteness of snow in the ditch.  I slowed down, focusing on the furry creature digging for something, then moving as my car scared it off.  A beautiful fox, with a healthy, fluffy tail  headed away from the road.
Thank You, Lord, I whispered.
I  love the sight of wildlife.  Something about the innocence and purity of nature stirs my heart. Renews my mind.  Lifts me.
I drove along, looking for the landmark of a farm with a yellow house on the left and a curve in the road.  I was to turn right there on the grid.  About 13 kilometres along that road would lead me to the small town of McMahon.  The grid was mostly clear of snow, a couple drifts that had vehicle tracks broken through them.  I sped up to about 80 km/hour and enjoyed the scene around me.  Just me with my thoughts and prayers.
At the top of the power pole on the right side of the road, a huge snowy owl was perched.  Completely still, this magnificent bird sat and surveyed the open field.  I wished I could pull over and just stare at it.  But I had a coffee date up ahead.  They were expecting me at ten.
I kept driving, looking around to see if I could spot any other wildlife.  Just a few poles ahead, I did see another snowy owl, a little smaller with a bit more grey mixed into the white feathery covering on its body.  Amazing.  Regal.  Glorious.
This may seem small and insignificant.  A fox and two snowy owls.
To me, they were gifts that my Heavenly Father gave just for me.  No one else was with me in the car and no one else seemed to be on the lonely country road.
I just smiled to myself and sang a praise song.
I enjoyed the warmth of the winter sun low in the southern sky.
Just me.  And Jesus.  In a Jetta.

I sat in the second last desk against the wall.
Two or three students sat quietly, laptops opened and a couple books stacked on their desks. The fluorescent lights glared brightly while the sky was black outside. A few more people trickled in and the noise level grew.
My husband, Walter, sat on the table at the front of the room, travel mug in hand, smiling.  He had expected maybe 15 or 20 to sign up for the class; 60 was the final count. The desks were filling up. Finally, one last student slipped in the back door as the clock above it showed precisely 8 o'clock.
It was time.
The room became silent as Walter stood.  He grinned even more.  Everyone was eagerly and attentively awaiting this new adjunct teacher's first words in the "Intro to Urban Ministries" module course.  I, too, was waiting to hear how he would open his first ever Bible College class.
It went something like this:
"Wow!  It's good to see so many of you here!  How many of you- at this time last week during Christmas break -would still be sleeping right now?"  Most hands went up.
"Yeah, me too!  One of my concerns when I was first asked to teach this class was how relevant would the school schedule be to my urban ministry culture?  8 am?  I don't usually do this early in my real job!"
And off he went.  We were both a little nervous and excited to have the opportunity to speak to young impressionable minds about the ministry we love.  Soon, both teacher and students were fighting their way through yawns and sleepiness to engage the topic at hand.  After introductions and definitions, we were all able to interact more with the issues of urban ministry.
As I sipped my coffee and scanned the room, I wondered why I was here?  I wasn't teaching.  I wasn't an official learner.  But I thought I could be of some help as part of the grading was for class participation.  With so many signed up, I could assist with remembering names and comments.  I could also be a sounding board outside the classroom as Walter prepares his material.
But the most effect I think I can have is to pray.
Without that prayer covering and support, Walter's teaching would just be information and education.  I know his heart is to impact these young adults with truth and life-changing principles that will transform their ministries!  By prayer, I can serve and bless both my husband and his class.
Let's just hope we all can stay awake.
More coffee, please!

In a couple weeks, Walter and I will be sitting in the shade, sipping cold drinks and probably enjoying sheer boredom!
This will be our first "warm holiday" to such a tropical destination in celebration of our 25th wedding anniversary.  I'm a little nervous and wonder what this experience will be like.  I've seen pictures, heard others' stories and received lots of tips on packing our luggage. We are supposed to drink bottled beverages and choose carefully from the buffet.   Pools, blue sparkling ocean, bathing suit-clad strangers, thatched roof shelters and our pasty white skin!
We found out last year we are NOT "theme park" people!  Went to Disney Parks in Orlando, Florida and although it was neat to see, we are a bit old for the attractions.  The Kennedy Space Center was more our interest and was worth renting a car to spend the day there.
But are we beach people?  Will we relax in a resort atmosphere?
Before we get to the heat and island hospitality, we have a week in southwestern Saskatchewan-likely the most diametrically opposed location on the planet from the beach this time of year!  Walter is teaching a module class to 60 Bible College students on "Urban Ministry".  We will be interacting with young folks on principles and strategies and realities of inner city/cross cultural outreach and church planting.  The students will likely be dressed in layers, including boots, scarves, toques and turtlenecks. If we make it there on prairie highways through windy, blowing snow and -35 degree Celsius conditions!  We will stay in our friends' guest bedroom, with our own bathroom.  Our meals will be with 120+ others in a cafeteria setting.  The little green Volkswagen Jetta will need to be plugged in for us to leave the campus!
Well, I am a Saskatchewan country girl, married to a northern Alberta bush boy-we know we can survive winter here.
Let's see if we are "all-inclusive resort" people!
We'll give it a try!

Who is making a New Year's Resolution today?
Not me.
I'm done with that.
Back in highschool, our pastor challenged us to make resolutions. I made 3 goals on New Year's that I wrote on a recipe card and sealed in an envelope.  Then on December 31 of that year, we who participated opened them up again to see how we had done.
I remember some vague ones about exercise and eating healthy.  But the one that struck me as a life-changing discovery was the third one.  I wanted to work on being more patient.
When I opened up that envelope and read the "goals", I tried to measure if I had succeeded or not.  The first two I had started to work on well and by year's end, had slipped into slackness.  They were fairly easy to measure if I was exercising and eating properly.  Either yes, or no!
The patience goal was tough.  How do you measure a character trait?
I guess I realized I was struggling with patience.  What I didn't count on was that there were deeper issues in my heart that a mere "New Year's Resolution" couldn't fix!  I didn't discuss the issue with anyone and didn't seek help or counsel.  I remember praying, which was a good start.  But even that had slipped and I was in a pattern of losing my cool and not really doing much about it!
We're all on a journey of personal spiritual discovery.
I see now that I wasn't just an "impatient" person; I was angry and hurt.  I hoped that by setting my will to change that character flaw, I indeed could change.
What I really needed was to allow Jesus in to the parts of my life that were wounded and to deal with the anger at a heart level, not just a behaviour level.
I'm 47 years old now, well out of highschool, and I'm still working on this area of anger and impatience.  Fortunately, Jesus my Healer is patient and kind.  He is changing my heart a little at a time and healing deep within.
So instead of writing down any goals for the new year, I will set my heart on things above and allow the Holy Spirit to do the changing in my life.  If He points out something I need to change, I will cooperate with Him and give Him full access and permission.
Maybe my resolution could be this:
Today and for 2014, I resolve to follow Jesus and obey whatever He reveals to me, with His help. AMEN!