DAY 7 & 8...Head'n for home

Captain's Log:: 03/24/06:: 07:00AM - Late last night we stopped to help a stranded fishing or cargo vessel that had been without engines for about 36 hours. They were running out of food and water. So we stopped and dropped our rescue boat into the water. After a quick inspection of the vessel we deemed it safe to approach to assist the crew. We contacted the Haitian coast guard and they were in route to tow the vessel and her crew back to Haiti. We were glad to assist this vessel.

That really wasn't the captain's log by the way. It was really cool that a cruise liner with over 3000 people on board would stop in the middle of the ocean to help five or six guys stranded and in need of serious help. There were no other vessels in the area and hadn't been for a day and a half. The crew heard their distress call and found them. We were impressed.

Today we just chilled. Took a backstage tour of the theater, which was very high tech. I loved it! Incredible lighting, video, effects. The stage was automated with a turn table, a motorized pit, floor cable systems to move props and scenes on and off, very nice. Dinner was great, we said goodbye to our table mates and our wait staff. We'll miss them. We packed up and watched a movie. Pride and Prejudice....chick movie....sad thing is I liked it. What's happening to me?!?!?!

We're now sitting in the Miami Airport waiting for our plane. We are ready to see our most prized Earthly possession...our dog Mac....JUST KIDDING! Our three wonderful, amazing, incredible kids!

As we think about this incredible trip Helen and I are still in awe of it all. This was truly a priceless gift and to those who made it possible, you have no idea what kind of impact you've made in our lives. We are refreshed, inspired and our marriage has been strengthened. We have photos, tokens and memories that will remind us of the great times we had on this cruise and the amazing people we do life with at Trinity. You're our family and we are forever grateful.

DAY 6...Can you say "LA BA DEE"? I knew you could.

Labadee is Royal Caribbean's private "island". It's actually a peninsula on Hattie. They have a lease with the Haitian government, and it is an incredible piece of real estate! We left on boat, called a tender, to the resort and went to one of five beaches they have. For a few bucks we rented floating mats and well....floated around in the bay. We picked up a few sea urchins, one of which Helen stepped on, but she was fine. Poor little urchin. Probably just sitting there eating some sea grass and along comes this Asian lady and steps on his head! I think he survived.
We had an amazing Bar-B-Q lunch on the beach complete with burgers, dogs (of the hotdog order), ribs, veggies, salads, desserts, it was yummy. Wow....I just said yummy.
There's this cool little point called Dragons Breath Point because you can hear the ocean crashing onto the rocks below and the sound travels through some small holes and tunnels to the top where we were standing. It sounds like a "sleeping dragon". The guide at the point said it this way (use your Caribbean accent) "Hey mon, come on ovah heah and lison a tad. Do ya hear it? Is da dragon sleepn....lissssson....closah.....he's sleepon mon." At the last words the guy was whispering. I felt the need to say "Hey bud...it's not really a dragon." But I didn't want to ruin it for him.

After we were nice and crispy, we hopped the boat back to the...bigger boat. But not until we had gone to the Haitian flea market, got mobbed by sales guys and ladies. It was insane. Unlike any market I've been to. Brazil, El Salvador, even that little place in Trinidad were nothing compared to this place. We couldn't walk three steps (no exaggeration) without someone shoving items in our hands and saying "buy dis!" But we held firm. We know who we are! We are strong and smart shoppers! So we held fast....and bought some stuff. Yeah I know. We're suckers, but we did get a beautiful mahogany carved tea set and some cool bowls. All for really great prices. The only problem is that somehow we accidentally sold one of our kids to them. Hey, they were very persuasive!
Tonight was formal night again. Everyone looked so nice, especially us! LOL! Our waiter is the bomb! He is so funny and very professional. After dinner Helen and I sat on our balcony and watched the stars and talked until about 1AM.

DAY 5...Hello, My name is San Juan

Wonderful day! San Juan was absolutely gorgeous! First thing, we hopped a taxi to Old San Juan to tour El Morro, the famous fortress on the island. It was incredible! We took many pictures! Then, we set out on foot to explore downtown San Juan. The architecture, streets, and people were very charming.
But, I have to say what made my day the most enjoyable, besides being with my wonderful husband, was enjoying a cup of the best coffee I've ever had in a quaint local cafe called Cafe Manolin. It seriously was fabulous!
After boarding we soaked up some more sun and then saw a great Ice Show. OK, the boat is moving quite a bit now, so I need to lay down!

Day 4...Arrrrgggg it's off to St. Thomas me boy!!!

We pulled into port early this morning and again, I was the first one up. Had to wake Helen so she could see the amazing harbor. After a quick breakfast, went through US immigration and headed off the ship to grab a taxi. The taxis are converted pickup trucks with bench seats in the back, very safe...very an insurance nightmare. We raced through the streets of St. Thomas to Black Beards Hill. Here is where Black Beard had his last fight and lost. And he's dead now...of course. This place was really awesome. They had bronze statues of famous and real pirates all over the place, plus historic houses and the famed 99 steps. We walked down them. I counted them. There are actually 103. A drunken pirate must have counted them first.

Ok this picture needs no explanation. It's a Rastifarian...with a donkey....the donkey is wearing lipstick, sunglasses and it's hoofs were painted red....and the Bob Marly want-a-be was kissing his...er...donkey for people to take pictures. Simple?Random? You be the judge.

After watching "Eh Mon" romancing his mule, we shopped a little in the flea market, got some good deals and then caught a taxi to Emerald Beach. VERY nice, very clean water! Swam, laid out and snorkeled....and watched the jets take off and land...at the airport....right next door. Talk about paradise.

After a great dinner we went to the Marriage Game Night Show thingy. VERY funny, but I am glad Helen and I weren't up there...I may have ended up sleeping on the balcony!

Day three...day at sea!

We spent the entire day making the 1200+ sail to St. Thomas, we'll arrive sometime tomorrow morning. So today we slept in a bit, skipped breakfast and had lunch at Johnny Rockets. They tried to sing and dance, it was a disaster but still entertaining all the same. Then we played one round of miniature golf (Kelly won....but he cheated I think) and then we laid out for a while.

Here's Kelly rock climbing. My job was picture taking, moral support, and cheerleading. I must admit, it looks much easier than it really is. Kelly reached the top, rang the bell, and his wife was SO proud!

Then, it was off for a game of bingo! I couldn't believe how many people were there! It was fun, even though we didn't win....but, we came close a few times!

Day 3 evening was formal night for dinner. It was quite fun getting all snazzied up, having some photos taken, and eating an amazing dinner. We've also been blessed to have really good dinner company. Our waiter, Yucel, is from Turkey, and has been quite entertaining each evening for dinner!

Day 2....Nassau!

We woke up this morning as the ship pulled into the port of Nassau. Yes ladies and gentlemen, I woke up at...drum roll please...6:30AM! The sun was rising over a beautiful skyline, which was more of a townline. After breakfast in our room, we disembarked for an excursion on board the Sea Horse sailboat. It was a catamaran type vessel. We went out a few miles to a reef for snorkeling. It was a very active reef with beautiful fish everywhere. We had a waterproof camera and will get the pics developed when we get back.
After lunch it was time for our couples massage. Helen had a sweet older asian lady working on her and I had a guy from Spain. The dude must have been a pro wrestler or something prior to working for the cruise line because he about broke me, which I guess wouldn't be that hard! Actually when we were done we both felt like rubber. I am thinking that Trinity needs to add this service to our list of employee perks! Once a week, everyone gets a massage. Improves productivity, prevents turn over and makes everyone smile. E mail your local admin board member today!!! (just kidding guys...oh and ladies!)
Tonight is formal night. We may go to meet the captain. I'm going to ask him if his first name is Crunch, or if he's every been in a fight with a pirate, you know, annoyingly dumb questions like that. Until next time!

Day One...off to a great start!

After getting up at 4AM to catch the 6AM out of BWI we made it! The ship is MASSIVE. A floating city. We had a nice lunch and checked into our stateroom, which is awesome. The balcony offers views that can't be put into words. Once we cleared the port of Miami, we picked up speed; a whopping 26 mph or 24.330642 "knots" for all you sailor folks. We did the required "muster drill" where we all have to put on our life vests and go to a pre determined spot on the ship. I feel safer.


We explored the ship and then had our first dinner. Our table mates include a mom and daughter from out west and married couple from Ecuador. Great dinner conversation and a lot of laughs. Two words, prime rib...what-else needs to be said. Helen and I took a stroll after dinner complete with moonlight on the ocean.

12 hours and counting....

Today we were doing last minute prep for our cruise. I had to get some shorts, toiletries, etc. As I drove around today I think I smiled all day. But then something odd happened. I began to look at those around me. The guy in Old Navy who checked me out. The mom with screaming kids in Wal Mart. The old fella at the door checking bags...which always makes me smile. I mean seriously, will he really chase down a shop lifter? Anyhow, I looked at all the people around me and began to think. None of them are going on a cruise this week. None of them will enjoy the Caribbean breeze, the all you can eat buffets, and the island excursions. No, they will all be here in 40 degree weather while we are soaking up the sun. And now...I feel guilty. I feel as if I am leaving my friends behind. The guilt has consumed me and.....wait.....yeah....yeah it's gone now. Never mind. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

WAHHHOOOOOO!!!!!!!

3 days till we set sail...

We totally need a vacation!!! Only 2 short days until we set sail on the Voyager of the Seas. We've been busy at church and at home to cinch up some things before we go. The past two weeks have been very busy, so we are ready for this amazing break! Feel free to leave comments if you stop by. Stay tuned for more updates!

Cruise of a lifetime...

You gotta love Photobooth!

OK for those who don't know, which is probably about 5.8 Billion people, my wife and I were the recipients of a gift Caribbean Cruise this past January. We've been youth pastors at a church in Baltimore for over 6 years and recently changed "jobs". We're excited about our future.

So you can imagine our total surprise when our incredible youth leaders and students presented us with a cruise to say thanks. We were speechless, which for me is big. We are still overwhelmed by our church's kindness and love. I know that sometimes Christians do wacky things, even hurtful things in the name of God, but this is just one example of love we've experienced, and there are thousands more. Now, before you think that we're all like rich and sit around saying Christian cliche's as we pray for BMWs to rain from Heaven, know that most people at our church make a modest living. Our youth leaders are all hard working middle class folks. Our church is a collection of many races, cultures, ages and backgrounds and it's always been striking to me their generosity. And not just money, but time and care and effort and action. I know that if my family is in need, the people at my church will come to my aid. That's the way it should be. Yeah the cruise is amazing and we are going to have a blast, but my friendships far surpass a day on board the boat.

SO! Thank you from the top and bottom of our hearts. We are going to try to update this section of the blog often and when we're out at sea we hope to do daily updates. Here's the details:

18-Mar Miami, Florida
19-Mar Nassau, Bahamas
20-Mar At Sea
21-Mar Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
22-Mar San Juan, Puerto Rico
23-Mar Labadee, Hispaniola
24-Mar At Sea
25-Mar Miami, Florida

Sailing on The Voyager of the Seas


This ship has a mall in it?! Yeah and an ice skating rink, 5 restaurants, a huge theater, rock climbing, pools, mini-golf, etc!!! Unreal!

We are truly spoiled! Check back in a few days for an update.

My family worships me.

I awoke this morning to yet another morning of clamor and shuffling about. Why can't everyone in my house simply rise from their sleep quieter. I've not been sleeping very well lately. It's not stress or anything, I just seem to have very sensitive hearing and the slightest noise arouses my curiosity.
Anyways, as I was saying, I awoke this morning like normal. Foot steps of the children and doors opening and closing. My woman spent a lot of time in the bathroom and like a "good boy" I waited at the door. She came out and in perfectly predictable manner she smiled wide and greeted me. I guess I looked or did something humorous because she let out a little laugh. I love her laugh, but I must admit at that time in the morning, it's a little annoying. Suddenly from behind me came a familiar voice. "Hey...good morn'n." My oldest boy came walking down the hallway still rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Out came the woman, in went the boy. And there I waited...again. Something must have been in their food the night before because he too was taking a long time. So, instead of waiting at the door like some idiotic fool, I went to my little girls room to wake her. I went quietly over to her bed and I guess I must have startled her because she sat up and yelled "Stop it! Get out!". Now, normally I would have barked back at her but she looked so pitiful and you know how females can be so I just walked out.
As I turned the corner I noticed my lady heading down stairs to I decided to join her. After a quick peek out of the front window, I entered the kitchen. Somehow, before I even made it in there she managed to prepare my breakfast. She is truly amazing and I know that she was created to serve me well. I know that sounds strange, but for what other reason would she exist? I am so lucky. In fact my entire family serves me very well! My oldest boy cleans my feet every time I come in. It seems so old fashioned, even Biblical, but he loves to clean my feet so as to keep the house spotless. My next to oldest boy loves to play with me and I try my best to pay adequate attention to him. My little girl finds pleasure in feeding me snacks and treats and I must admit, I never protest.
Now, many of you may say to yourselves, "That's very arrogant to make them 'serve' you!" Some may even say it's barbaric and cruel. I've even been threatened to have the authorities called on me. But let me assure you, they are totally in love with me. They see their service to as a life long fulfillment of a....well, a calling of sorts. And before you think I am totally obsessed with power and pride, know this. I answer to one higher than I. He is my master and I obey him. He is Alpha to me and I live my life to serve Him well. In fact he loves my family more than I do. So you see, I would never take advantage of them, because he loves them and I love him.
So you see to them, my beloved family, I am love. I am pure. I am the center of who they are. And only they, but others too. I can't help it. I simply have that affect on many people.
Well, I must go. My master calls. It's time for bed and I must go. He sometimes allows me to sleep in his bed, at his feet. Perhaps one day we shall meet. If we do, you can call me Mac, the Harrison family dog.