Ride Like the Wind!

Today I was sitting in my writing perch watching a little boat bouncing on the waves of the ocean. Now I have never really particularly wanted a launcha (a Mexican word for small fishing boat,) but when I was a young girl I always wanted a horse.  I spent my summers in an ancient willow tree reading every horse book that existed. Well at that  moment from my window that small boat bouncing across the horizon became a stallion galloping across a vast blue field.  Suddenly the lowly launcha had a whole new appeal to me -- (never mind that I get sea sick.)  I could escape into the wild blue Caribe, battle with giant sea monsters, and explore the edge of the universe!  I could ride like the wind out to the vast ocean of solitude.  However something tells me that you are probably supposed to have a "fishing buddy" for safety reasons which would totally ruin my grand illusions.  I can just picture someone yapping away and desecrating my blessed silence.  I remember my Dad telling us kids that we had to be quiet if we wanted to see any animals in the woods.  I can't remember how he worded it, but he conveyed to me that nature was like God's church and deserving of awe and reverence.  And so the ocean has become one of my meeting places with God.  There is a scripture that says, "Thy way is in the sea and Thy footsteps are not know."  So in a way I guess that little launcha symbolizes my avenue of escape into the deep.  I am already contemplating what color I will paint it and what I shall name her.  There is a sign in one of the little Mexican restaurants I eat at that say's "Respecto la silencio por favor."  Which is kind of hilarious since there is always a television blaring out cheesy soaps in Spanish. Nevertheless maybe I can make such a sign for my vessel!

Mercado Magic

There are things I have a fond appreciation for and one of those cosas or things is outdoor markets. Perhaps my infatuation with markets comes from having lived most of my life without them. Walmart's grocery section definitely lacks the romance of an earthy foreign market. Whatever country we visit I always want to go to the mercado. The market here on the island is no exception.

Stormy Weather

Outside my window the sea is churning and the waves are white with foam. We are having a tropical storm and Stan says it will be here 2 days. I am up in my little perch listening to the wind howl, and sipping hot coffee with books piled all around me. This is paradise indeed! It's the island's version of being snowed in.
Last night I taught my first Bible study with an interpreter. When I was first asked to speak I thought it was for a women's Bible study, but it ended up being a meeting for the whole church. I was encouraged as I sought the Lord for the service, and I pray the precious congregation was too. My interpreter, Jose, was good and asked if he could keep my notes when I was through. My Pastor asked me to preach 2 Sundays from now; and I am excited as I seek the Lord for what he would have me to share. I hope to challenge the people with His Word, knowing I too will be challenged for I am always preaching to myself first. God's Word is a refining fire, and how I love it's heat.

Contemplative Bliss

Our first guest has come and gone and I am catching a glimpse of the peaceful rhythm of life after building. This morning I took a tray of coffee up to my writing loft and luxuriated in the sound of the surf rolling onto the beach and the steady breeze from my ceiling fan. The only short fall is my computer signal will not reach the loft, so tomorrow we will have to buy a range extender in Cancun. But this little space is hands down my favorite spot in the house. It is my upper room, my private retreat and my pinnacle for contemplation. I have a mahogany colored desk and chair, a Chinese armoire full of books, and a daybed piled with Indian pillows. These are back-dropped by 3 Moorish arched windows that overlook the sea. It doesn't get better than this.

It's not all coconuts.

Whenever you say you live on an island in Mexico, people begin to ooooh and aaahhh. But one of my missionary friends who has lived abroad said knowingly, "It's not all coconuts - is it?" I just finished reading one of my friend's blogs about her frustrations in Mexico with a chuckle and an "I feel your pain" in my heart. But there must be some sadomasochistic tendency in me because for some reason I always come back loving the good and putting up with the bad and the ugly. Anyway in 6 days we will joyfully return to Isla Mujeres. I will once again try to shove a cacophony of household goods into 6 suitcases - 4 lights, swimming pool equipment, bedspreads, mattress pads, pictures,leopard pillows, foodstuffs, toys,candle holders,and an urn. We are Mexico's version of the Beverly Hillbillies when we go through the airport, except we have a chihuahua instead of a bloodhound. (I know you are thinking Granny probably did not have leopard pillows.) I go by the strategy that if your family has enough suitcases they will just wave you on so they don't have to search through all your crap. Anyway I am making preparations for our pilgrimage with great anticipation. Hasta la vista baby!

My Favorite Things

In 5 weeks I will be back on my beautiful island. My days are busy constructing our website, researching advertising, and deciding what I need to take back the most in our 6 check-ons. Our plans to bring a container of furniture back to the island have been put on hold and more possibly canceled. To make a long story short, they said that as long as we resided in Mexico our things could be in Mexico; but if we ever left, our things had to leave the country too. There was a little more to it, but that point alone was enough to convince my packing-dreading husband to give up the idea (one less 1 ton bookcase to move.) Well I am adjusting to the idea and consoling myself with the fact that it will enable us to return to the island a little sooner. I miss getting up with the sunrise, reading in the hammock, driving my golf cart to the market, buying fish right off the boat and fresh tortillas from La Gloria. These are a few of my favorite things. Just call me a Mexican Julie Andrews.