Since this was an incredibly long work week for our team, most of the team members slept in a little this morning to get some much-needed "catch up." After the team gathering for a brunch, we loaded up our vans and drove across the island about 45 minutes to Stingray Island Antigua for some kayaking and snorkeling. This is the third time that Kathryn and I have had the privilege to lead this team, and one of the highlights for us is in giving the team members a chance to see God's "underwater" creation.
Our tour guide, Captain Hercules (his nickname certainly was fitting for his physique) started our team off with some introductory remarks before we loaded onto a boat and took about a 10 minute boat ride to our first stop on this day of fun. We unloaded on the dock and quickly paired up into kayaks and began to explore some of the inland canals and feeders to the ocean. Our tour guide talked to us all about some of the sea creatures that were prevalent in the area and then proceeded to pick up some of those animals for us to hold (example: an upside-down jellyfish, a sea urchin and a starfish). The team then spent the next 30-40 minutes kayaking around the bay and having a great time.
We then proceeded back to the boat and took another 10 minute boat ride just off shore to a beautiful reef. The team spent the next hour doing some snorkeling. For those that have not been, snorkeling is truly an amazing experience. As I was swimming through the water with the team, I was again reminded at the majesty of our God. We were able to see a number of different fish along the ocean floor and I marveled at the creativity and attention to detail that God put into His marvelous creation.
Some of our team had a brief run-in with a coral reef, but all are in good health with just some minor cuts and scrapes. After we loaded back onto the boat we headed back to shore.
Our missionaries then took us to a few other notable spots on the island and we learned more of the history of this beautiful country.
Most of the team were very tired upon returning today from a fun-filled water excursion. I praise God for each and every one of these team members. We've grown so close on this trip and I am privileged to have led them, and to call them my friends.
Tomorrow, we'll be ministering in our last church on the trip as we'll be visiting Maranatha Baptist Church.
We're looking forward to seeing our family and friends soon! Hugs and love from everyone on the team to their loved ones back home!
Goodnight from Antigua!
Jonny Gamet
Good Morning Jonny,
ReplyDeleteI'm in need of Elijah's return flight info from him. Please pass on and get back to me when you can. Thank you for all your hard work and daily posts. I know that the the Lord used all of you during this trip. Praying that all the seeds planted will grow to full maturity bringing Him honor and glory and other souls into the Kingdom. Praying for safe travels. God Bless.
Eli's Mom ;)
Belinda,
DeleteI just posted a most recent update and included our information for tomorrow. We should be getting to New York around 5 p.m. tomorrow night. We'll then fly to Charlotte and arrive at around 8:30 p.m. Eli is then scheduled to be on US Airways flight 4044 which will leave at 10:09 p.m. from Charlotte and arrive in Milwaukee at 11:18 p.m. Once Eli lands in NY, he should have more reliable internet access and should be able to update you if he experiences any delays in his return home! Thank you for your prayers! Eli has been an absolute joy to us this whole trip!