Good evening,
Our day began bright and early at 5:00 AM. We had a quick bite to eat so we could take Dramamine and then Lucas took us to the harbor to board a catamaran (the Mermaid) so we could head out to Klein Curaçao. As we drove to the harbor, we were able to watch a gorgeous, orange, nearly full moon set. We were one of the first groups on board the Mermaid and everyone headed to the upper deck for the best view. While we began our journey heading out of the Spanish Waters, we witnessed a spectacular sunrise!
The trip to Klein Curaçao was a very smooth hour and forty-five minute ride . During the trip we saw flying fish and dolphins swim alongside our vessel. What a treat! The team also struck up a conversation with a Dutch film crew that was filming a Dutch Rom Com on both the boat and island. They were really excited and I am sure will be following the progress of the film on social media as it continues through the production stages and then when it comes out in theaters in Holland. While the boat was anchoring, Wesley and the two Lukes jumped off the boat and swam to the Mermaid’s private beach area in order to secure two palapas right on the ocean for our team. It was nice to have them go ahead and guarantee the group a place with shade for the day which was very much appreciated. As soon as all of the passengers were unloaded and tendered to the beach, we were given an idea about how the day was going to flow, what was provided, and assorted instructions. We then gathered beach chairs and set up our area.
There was a buffet breakfast of assorted sandwiches, fruits, coffee, and juice to give us a bit of sustenance for the morning. The kids went to explore the lighthouse, one large shipwreck, two smaller shipwrecks, and the rough coast of the island. Bill and I climbed the huge tower on the beach and were able to see Curaçao and Bonaire in the distance. Allthough the crew said they could see Venezuela, we were unable to identify it. As the day began to warm up, everyone returned, reapplied sunscreen, and waded into the gorgeous, crystal blue ocean to cool down. The shades of turquoise and dark blue surrounding the island were breathtaking.
Refreshed from swimming, it was time to just relax and sunbathe. Since we have gone to Klein seven times with Mermaid, the captain gave all of us free pina colada and mango smoothies which were so tasty. At 12:30, a huge buffet lunch of burgers, ribs, and BBQ chicken with four different salads, vegetable trays, fresh watermelon slices, pineapple slices, rolls, and beverages was made available to all. Once again we endedd up in a food coma :). All the good food, sun, and swimming necessitated a much needed nap. Several of us napped briefly and then went snorkeling and swimming. The kids swam way out to the edge of the reef where it dropped off. They were quite tired when they came back so it was time for another nap. While most of us were napping, the two Lukes went out to further explore the lighthouse as well as the coastline.
Before we knew it, it was 3:15 and time to return to Curaçao. Daniel (a missionary from the Netherlands who works at the church) came to pick us up due to the fact Lucas was shooting a wedding. Once we were back at the Youth Centre, most of the team showered and prepared for dinner. Jerseley made an Italian feast of Osso Bucco, risotto (which Sem helped him make), and homemade Tiramisu. It was a meal fit for a fine restaurant! Following dinner clean-up, Ryne shared a devotion with us over Genesis 8:9 about the weary dove and Noah’s gentle, loving manner of drawing her in to the ark just as the Lord gently draws us to Himself.
It has been such a wonderful day of rest, fun, and time relishing in His Creation! Weary we are off to bed and looking forward to what tomorrow holds.
In His great love,
Lisa
Our day began bright and early at 5:00 AM. We had a quick bite to eat so we could take Dramamine and then Lucas took us to the harbor to board a catamaran (the Mermaid) so we could head out to Klein Curaçao. As we drove to the harbor, we were able to watch a gorgeous, orange, nearly full moon set. We were one of the first groups on board the Mermaid and everyone headed to the upper deck for the best view. While we began our journey heading out of the Spanish Waters, we witnessed a spectacular sunrise!
The trip to Klein Curaçao was a very smooth hour and forty-five minute ride . During the trip we saw flying fish and dolphins swim alongside our vessel. What a treat! The team also struck up a conversation with a Dutch film crew that was filming a Dutch Rom Com on both the boat and island. They were really excited and I am sure will be following the progress of the film on social media as it continues through the production stages and then when it comes out in theaters in Holland. While the boat was anchoring, Wesley and the two Lukes jumped off the boat and swam to the Mermaid’s private beach area in order to secure two palapas right on the ocean for our team. It was nice to have them go ahead and guarantee the group a place with shade for the day which was very much appreciated. As soon as all of the passengers were unloaded and tendered to the beach, we were given an idea about how the day was going to flow, what was provided, and assorted instructions. We then gathered beach chairs and set up our area.
There was a buffet breakfast of assorted sandwiches, fruits, coffee, and juice to give us a bit of sustenance for the morning. The kids went to explore the lighthouse, one large shipwreck, two smaller shipwrecks, and the rough coast of the island. Bill and I climbed the huge tower on the beach and were able to see Curaçao and Bonaire in the distance. Allthough the crew said they could see Venezuela, we were unable to identify it. As the day began to warm up, everyone returned, reapplied sunscreen, and waded into the gorgeous, crystal blue ocean to cool down. The shades of turquoise and dark blue surrounding the island were breathtaking.
Refreshed from swimming, it was time to just relax and sunbathe. Since we have gone to Klein seven times with Mermaid, the captain gave all of us free pina colada and mango smoothies which were so tasty. At 12:30, a huge buffet lunch of burgers, ribs, and BBQ chicken with four different salads, vegetable trays, fresh watermelon slices, pineapple slices, rolls, and beverages was made available to all. Once again we endedd up in a food coma :). All the good food, sun, and swimming necessitated a much needed nap. Several of us napped briefly and then went snorkeling and swimming. The kids swam way out to the edge of the reef where it dropped off. They were quite tired when they came back so it was time for another nap. While most of us were napping, the two Lukes went out to further explore the lighthouse as well as the coastline.
Before we knew it, it was 3:15 and time to return to Curaçao. Daniel (a missionary from the Netherlands who works at the church) came to pick us up due to the fact Lucas was shooting a wedding. Once we were back at the Youth Centre, most of the team showered and prepared for dinner. Jerseley made an Italian feast of Osso Bucco, risotto (which Sem helped him make), and homemade Tiramisu. It was a meal fit for a fine restaurant! Following dinner clean-up, Ryne shared a devotion with us over Genesis 8:9 about the weary dove and Noah’s gentle, loving manner of drawing her in to the ark just as the Lord gently draws us to Himself.
It has been such a wonderful day of rest, fun, and time relishing in His Creation! Weary we are off to bed and looking forward to what tomorrow holds.
In His great love,
Lisa