Abaco Day 7 | The Big Green Machine
Friday morning, our last day together on this missionary adventure (and I use adventure because we were asked to be mindful of being flexible as Gumby our mascot, and.... with adventure, you never quite know what is coming next!). We were split into two groups for this day and the work that needed tending to, half went to the church building to attend to cleaning, organizing, food preparation and whatever else could use their special touch. There were five of us who went back one last day to the Robert's home, armed with our tools, determination and what I would like to call good ole girl grit, to nail the remaining pieces of board to the very tops of the house.... roofline sections.... where the very tall ladders and double scaffolding are required. Did I also mention, we were sure to also bring our prayers for patience and protection! We were blessed to see it to completion and by midday we reunited with the entire team, the Roberts family and our hosts, Barrett and Carrie all at the Roberts’ house... all done! We have a group picture of course, to mark the day! I personally loved the part when Deena gave us a tour of the inside as she shared all of her future plans for the rooms, especially her sewing room! She is a gifted seamstress, and had such joy planning and dreaming, and even had ideas of lofts to be built in at the top of her room just so they could house friends when needed... it reminded me of the one more person message we often speak about here at home at Storyhill, being repeated this far away. Echos of Love only from the Father.
After a lunch break, the adventure continued as we were treated to a few local favorite spots to see and enjoy together. This is right about where I need to stop and tell you that we all decided that the van needed a name! Why you may ask? Well it was responsible for many days of getting us to and fro earlier in the week but this afternoon was different. The Big Green Machine, as we affectionately dubbed her, pushed her way down what I would call, a jungle-esk almost too narrow, opening.... for about a mile! Now, keep in mind, her air conditioning was the open window variety, however, this mile or so of stretch, she protected us with air off, (in other words, windows up). Apparently there is a gnarly kind of native bush that rudely smacked someone right through an open window once before! I know, rude! I'm telling you, not quite Indiana Jones adventure, but this urban city girl could picture it! After she got us where we needed to be, there was another opening, we walked until we saw the Blue Hole quarry. A beautiful oasis with water fed from depths below. Lots of dives and cannonballs and swimming refreshed us, body and soul! Basically, simple take away, it was tons of fun! Deeper reflection, hummmmmm, perhaps it's good to remember to hold fast to the Father when parts of life get uncomfortable... remembering, He knows what the plan is and what blessings He has in store.
Well, as you can imagine, we reversed the process to get back out of our jungle experience, only to land at an area our local friends call Long Dock. If I could insert a picture for you here I most definitely would as it was one of those times that my words fail me. The beauty we were met with was not only magnificent, but contagious! I use that particular word choice because, well... it was as though our group as a whole began one by one to open up like a kind of unique flower, to take in the sunlight; each one of us seeing and experiencing it all together. One among us, the first to be in the water only moments into waking this long dock, was quickly followed by another and another, then more! In no time, they were spotting rays and fish in the distance, finding sand dollars and shells! This place is special for so many, but I think the fact that you can wade around in crystal clear water with breathtaking hues of blues and greens, made it a veritable playground for us all! No one was quite ready to leave. Remember I said before, this urban city girl is taking all of this in, and I remember thinking to myself, I need to try and memorize this view and all of the feelings associated with it, because the curious thing about it was realizing in 24 hours I would be back in North Carolina! It's a funny thing isn't it?!
Our evening was very special, and a beautiful moment to reflect on the stories that unfolded all week long. We all supped together with our hosts, the Hendrickson family, at a local spot nearby Long Dock, called Pete's Tavern & Art Gallery. This is the type of place you might picture because you have seen the advertisements for that cruise or tropical vacation. You know, the thatched roof and feet in the sand, umbrellas above you and also in your drinks! Relaxing and just plain fun! There was music playing and great food smells, and a gentle breeze coming in off the water, oh and a perfect view of the marina and some stunning boats afloat! This place, after all, is well known and visited by all kinds of visitors. After dinner, some continued to enjoy great conversation, some wandered around exploring the art gallery and participating in some dancing to the beat of the music playing! (Cue the music.... " girls just want to have fuuuuun"!). I would be remiss if I don't recount the telling of a few of our very very very adventurous friends, who, like many of us, ventured over to the other side of the establishment... where there was a gorgeous but albeit, rocky climb to a very large rock.... perfect for unique and down right amazing views and photo ops! Remember, urban city girl here, eyeballing these ladies like a hawk, all mama bear instincts at attention, willing them all to have fun and also not to regret this decision somehow! Another Gumby moment for me! Mostly, I laughed... mostly! lol! I guess you had to be there.
I hope this extemporaneous recount has given enlightenment and encouragement... so maybe one day, you will be there too. We are all called to be on mission, those who love the Lord. Just like that moment at Long Dock, I realized it is sometimes in my home, or hometown, or somewhere farther away. He is with me in and through it all and if I keep my eyes open, I get to be with Him in some pretty amazing things.... even in a Big Green Van!