Mr. Pilot's Trip to Guam - Part 1

Well, yes, I was actually in Guam for the past two weeks.  And while the trip was every bit as complicated and tedious as you'd expect, I did manage to get about 2 whole days! off to visit the area.  

This is the view from the hotel that I was staying in.  It's a fairly nice view, and I did go down to the pool (below the picture line) and to the water the first day I was there. Honestly, I was busy every single day after that till next Sunday, and it 'looked' wonderful.  Since I did little more than wade in it, I can't speak for any of its other qualities, but the view was spectacular.

Since I was working so much I only had a little bit of time to 'see the sights', naturally I went to the local yokels...

I'm just kidding...Actually these are the fellow saints I met from Faith CRC on Guam.  A delightful looking group.  They were kind enough to drag along a tourist on their hiking expedition for what we were informed (by our officially 'un-official' National Park Ranger guide, think fishing hat) was not technically called spelunking but cave exploration.  We weren't sure if spelunking technically meant wearing more gear, like helmets???  

spe·lunk·ing

  : the hobby or practice of exploring caves

 HaHa!  

[MOVIE TRAILER NARRATOR VOICE]: Here our adventurers are preparing for an incredible spelunking journey into the abysmal Guamese abyss'sses. 

Unsure of their fates, knowing that God was their determiner, they make preparations to meet the Maker at every turn...

The preparations for this intrepid expedition is about to commence...you could cut the tension with a hankie.

[ADVENTURERS]: Is this gonna be 45min? 1 hour?  2 hours!?!  

[ME]: I better get some more trail mix... 

[NARRATOR]: It doesn't matter if you describe this adventure as spelunking or not!  They bring gloves, headlamps, snacks, and water. Armed with all the trimmings of danger and DEATH!  Prepared for anything...almost.

They fearlessly journey into the pits of doom and despair, never sure if they would return to loved ones again!  

Gut wrenching silence...

[ME]: BOO!

[NARRATOR]: Eerie sounds bellow from the great deeps.

ArrrrgghhhlllassssssppiiiilhmmmmmMMMMM

[ME]: Oops, that was me!  Where's my trail mix?

[NARRATOR]: The view from this perilous cliff could only be accessed by braving some of the most aggressive and persistent blood sucking insects in the galaxy...

Don't be fooled by the look on their faces, they have suffered mental anxiety and physical exhaustion on a level few mortals have ever lived to describe.  It is only because of their fearless devotion to their cause, and desire to inspire comfort in their loved ones that they make a good show despite the proximity to mortal death...

Down into the depths they descend.

Each adventurer knows that the only path to survival is dependent on their ability to congeal into a team.

Down they descend...

Up they climb

And then back down...

And then back up...

oh...

Awkward Silence...

Here they pause to gather themselves.  And tell tales to inspire each other.

It is here that the guide and others tell them that they are actually "out in the boonies"... An urban term to most, rooted in the islands of Micronesia. This is all too familiar territory for our weathered guide, his success in leading numerous parties through the Boonies is only surpassed by his love for the dramatic and dangerous!  Both of which he seeks and encounters on this adventure...(Foreshadowing)

But these explorers have little time to relax and tell stories, important as morale is, they know death is waiting in the next venemous spider's bite.

[ME]: What did you say?

Our undaunted travelers return from the journey through the first of many deadly caves.  There is no turning back now...The only way to salvage a chance at returning to civilization is by continuing on a monstrous assent up the slippery walls of doom!

[ME]:  Hey look...a frog!

The journey has become so hazardous that they must gather food at every juncture, never sure when the next meal will avail itself.

The kids are gonna love this!  Hey guys look, I caught a frog!

Tune in next time for the continuation of:

The Perilous Journey Into and Out Of the Abysmal Guamese Abyss'sesssses

[ADVENTURERS]: Did you eat that frog...?

Truly Blessed

The best anniversary ever!  If you haven't yet, please read part 1 of our anniversary.

I wasn't joking in my last post when I said we were dancing in the minefields.  When talking about covenants my husband shared briefly with our children during dinner that our marriage certificate had been destroyed.  He kindly left out most of the details, much to my relief.  Especially since I, in my complete foolishness, had ripped it to shreds. Three days after we were married.  Three days.   I had no understanding at all of what marriage meant.

I happened upon this perfect blog post  from a blog I regularly read.  Here is a little excerpt:

A Christian marriage begins with the reality that marriage is God designed and God instituted and has a purpose far beyond this temporary life... The truth about marriage reminds me often of how far short I fall. His divine design is inspiring...yet sobering and convicting to me...

~ Bambi from In the Nursery of the Nation

I couldn't agree more!  Praise the Lord for His redeeming Grace.

I only tell you about my ripped up marriage certificate so you can understand the preciousness of the gift my darling husband gave me.  I was completely surprised, and once again reminded of the Grace of God.

Since my husband thought he was going to be gone on deployment for our anniversary he wanted something really special.  He got several people in on the deal, all without my knowing.

Our marriage certificate!

Isn't it beautiful?!  He had to go through great pains to keep this a surprise!

 Friends ordered our marriage certificate from Virginia, my mother-in-law asked me (back in June) for a family picture (so I mailed it to Colorado and she mailed it back here to the framer, lol) 

He chose a very special verse about marriage, had it beautifully framed and hand delivered to me.

I think it is the most thoughtful and meaningful gift ever, and I am so honored to be the wife of my husband. 

Even my children made the day very special. They had some of our friends pick them up for a couple of hours and we had no idea what was going on.

They baked us a cake (a flourless, gluten-free cake!) beautifully decorated it, made strawberries with whipped cream (homemade with no sugar), and even pooled their money together and bought a bottle of bubbly.  How romantic!

This day is special to them, too.  More than they know yet.   It is my prayer that our children will know the Lord, know His grace, and one day understand the blessings of a godly marriage. ~the example of Christ and His Bride.

This was a heartwarming day.  May the Lord fill the earth, and to Him be the Glory!

13

13 years ago today I did a really crazy thing.  I ran away and married a 19 year old boy I barely knew.
Nobody thought we'd make it.  There were times I just knew we wouldn't make it.

We were dancing in the mine fields.

But God knew.  God is faithful.  By the world's standards we were destined to fail, and we certainly tried. But He had different plans.  That is what the promise is for.

I am so thankful for my husband.  I'm blessed by his perseverance and fortitude.
For the man that he is, I would dance through the mine fields every day.  I'd sail in the storms.

13 years ago I could not even imagine what an incredible husband and father you would become.  This marriage is beyond anything I could have dreamed up.  I am so honored by God's grace, and I look forward to growing old with you as the years fly by, Mr. Pilot.

Thank you husband, for loving me even when I am unlovable.
Thank you for loving the Lord even more.

Happy Anniversary!  I am glad you are here to celebrate it with me.
God is in the details, isn't He?!