Rodney and I are in Puerto Rico right now (which everyone knows RIGHT NOW, but won't if they ever look back to read this). We flew in last night and walked around the beach some. But we woke up this morning and both ran to the hotel window with Christmas morning passion to see the ocean in daylight.
We got ready and strolled down to breakfast and watched waves lick the sand while we casually ate our bagels and sipped Puerto Rican coffee.
At that point in the morning, neither of us felt ambitious enough to swim or do the touristy things we're looking forward to doing, but we still wanted to drink in some warm ocean air. So we decided to bask on the front steps of our hotel. He with his laptop, and me with my journal. We spent nearly 2 hours sitting on those steps.
Parking around San Juan is pretty sparse, so this hotel utilizes valet parking. The driver stands outside the building to help intercept patrons as they arrive. Since he was waiting out front, and we were sitting out front, our 2 hours of leisure activities were interspersed with conversation with him.
His English was really quite good, and he had one of the best, most optimistic attitudes I've ever encountered. He is the self-proclaimed "happiest man on earth." He said someone else could be as happy as him, but not happier.
He is in love with God and is excited to talk about it. He goes to ghettos and the jail and to where the drug dealers and prostitutes hang out to tell them about Jesus and about how there's a better life to be had. His voice broke at one point when describing how these people are caught and stuck and can't see their way out.
He told us that God knew what He was doing putting him in Puerto Rico. He's lived here his whole 56 years and loves the ocean and the sky. He told me that I need to write this analogy down and tell my kids:
The ocean is like God's love. It's vast and deep. Like His love, you can see where the ocean starts, but not where it ends. And like the waves effortlessly and constantly come into shore, His love is coming at us continually. We can't control it or add to it.
Rodney also pointed out that if you saw a guy carrying water from a lake to the ocean or pouring in the purest bottled water because he thought he could improve the ocean, you'd say he was crazy.
The general concept of that analogy isn't new to me. But it's something that he knows. Not just an idea. He has breathed it and truly known it throughout his life.
His passion shames me. He didn't know anything about us or our "religious" background, yet he unapologetically shared his love for the highly controversial God that he worshiped. He wasn't pushy or even bold, necessarily. He was as much like a giddy child as I imagine God would want us to be about Him.
He thanked God for crossing our paths and told us he was blessed to be talking with us. I told him he had that backwards :)
Friday, January 21, 2011
Puerto Rico Facts and Stories
The temperature in Wisconsin this morning was -21. On the coast of the Atlantic, where I'm sitting now, it is 93. We woke up this morning at 7:00 to the blazing sun slicing through our white curtains like they were no more than cellophane.
I journaled this morning, and it was physically difficult write out the word "January" while sitting in the humid air, filled with the voices of birds and the swish of palm trees. I felt like I was lying to my own journal. I misspelled the word, in fact.
I have found it difficult to write about the beauty of this place because I'm so distracted by it that I can't focus on a paper page. I love being wowed by our Creator.
The people here are incredibly nice. We haven't engaged in conversation with locals just strolling around. Everyone we've met has been working at the places we patronize. But they're wonderful. Not rushed, but smiling and patient with our communication barriers. And they're not slow by any means either. It's as if we're authentically guests everywhere we go.
Despite the kindness we've encountered, properties are walled off with razor-wire-topped cement, often 8 feet tall. The area is also laced with a STRONG police presence. We've traveled around the US a lot, and we have never seen so many emergency vehicles or heard such a stream of sirens.
I asked someone about it, and he credited drugs. He said that when he was a boy growing up here, people would sleep with their doors and windows open and think nothing of it. He mentioned that he could leave his bike outside and it would stay there. But once drugs move in, they bring out a whole new group of people. People to deal them, people to use them, and people to commit crimes to get them.
On a lighter note, when we first came into town, we passed a place called "Steak and Sushi." Rodney commented that it sounded good, and my CFO-of-the-trip brain said it sounded expensive.
Last night, about 9:00 local, we decided to go out walking in search of food. I had forgotten about the place by then, but he walked us straight to it. I knew that if I said "No," he would hound me all week. So why not get it out of the way?
First off, there were no forks or knives. That turned out to be okay, because there was no steak-- or beef of any kind. Instead, we were given menus filled, front and back, with sushi. Everything from spicy crab or tuna to octopus and even spider sushi. I managed to find a non-seafood avocado salad. An avocado is $1, and my salad was $8, so I really wasn't sure what to expect. But i really like raw avocado, and it seemed like a better option than $15 sushi I would hate.
Off subject, everyone here only serves bottled water. I was a little concerned, but after talking to someone who spoke English well enough to ask, I learned that Puerto Rico's drinking water is indeed safe. So now you know.
Our food came quickly, and Rodney got down to business with his sushi. My bowl of lettuce and avocados DOUSED in teriyaki waited for me to try outsmarting the tiny wooden sticks in my hand. I think I cut years off the non-arthritic life of my hands trying to eat my distasteful, small, overpriced salad that I didn't even finish.
We walked from there to a Taco Bell where we were preceded in line by a pile of drunk, American teenagers-- maybe college age. They were trying to be funny, but in so doing, I think they insulted the sweet kid behind the register. Their ring leader then noticed the kid wearing plastic bags over his shoes and asked why. His English was poor, so he simply pointed to the kitchen floor and tugged up on the legs of his pants in a gesture one would make if walking through muck. None of us completely understood, so he bent down and slipped off one of the Taco Bell bags to reveal the crisp, black Pumas he was protecting form kitchen gunk. The Americans let out a simultaneous, universal "Ahhh" of understanding. We later snapped a picture of the bagged cashier. It was pretty funny-looking :)
I recommend getting a GPS with your rental car, if you visit this paradise. I have never seen people drive like they do here. It's still on the right side of the road, like home, but the understood rules are just a little different. For instance, when turning left, it is common to see people pull out and completely block all traffic while waiting for the far lane to open up. Also, windy roads have dashed lines. And people pass cars without visibility of more than a car-length ahead. Add to these types of changes the fact that you don't have a clue where you're going or what the signs say/mean, there are no exit numbers or road signs, and a GPS becomes what we might call useful.
Restaurants around here are primarily outdoors, and they cook with wood.
San Juan has never been above 100 degrees or below 65. A few weeks ago, a "cold front" came through, angering the ocean and knocking the temps down to 75. The guy we talked to said that was considered "cold" around here.
We were told about ferries that you can pay $3 and ride to the Virgin Islands.
The rain forest is nice, but it requires lots of hiking up and down, so at 30 weeks pregnant, we will need to let that wait for a future trip.
There is snorkeling, jet skiing, bioluminescent cave exploring, parasailing, kayaking, and so many many other things to do here. We do not have enough time to do or see the things we want to. This is a place I would recommend to anyone-- but plan for more than 4 days :)
I journaled this morning, and it was physically difficult write out the word "January" while sitting in the humid air, filled with the voices of birds and the swish of palm trees. I felt like I was lying to my own journal. I misspelled the word, in fact.
I have found it difficult to write about the beauty of this place because I'm so distracted by it that I can't focus on a paper page. I love being wowed by our Creator.
The people here are incredibly nice. We haven't engaged in conversation with locals just strolling around. Everyone we've met has been working at the places we patronize. But they're wonderful. Not rushed, but smiling and patient with our communication barriers. And they're not slow by any means either. It's as if we're authentically guests everywhere we go.
Despite the kindness we've encountered, properties are walled off with razor-wire-topped cement, often 8 feet tall. The area is also laced with a STRONG police presence. We've traveled around the US a lot, and we have never seen so many emergency vehicles or heard such a stream of sirens.
I asked someone about it, and he credited drugs. He said that when he was a boy growing up here, people would sleep with their doors and windows open and think nothing of it. He mentioned that he could leave his bike outside and it would stay there. But once drugs move in, they bring out a whole new group of people. People to deal them, people to use them, and people to commit crimes to get them.
On a lighter note, when we first came into town, we passed a place called "Steak and Sushi." Rodney commented that it sounded good, and my CFO-of-the-trip brain said it sounded expensive.
Last night, about 9:00 local, we decided to go out walking in search of food. I had forgotten about the place by then, but he walked us straight to it. I knew that if I said "No," he would hound me all week. So why not get it out of the way?
First off, there were no forks or knives. That turned out to be okay, because there was no steak-- or beef of any kind. Instead, we were given menus filled, front and back, with sushi. Everything from spicy crab or tuna to octopus and even spider sushi. I managed to find a non-seafood avocado salad. An avocado is $1, and my salad was $8, so I really wasn't sure what to expect. But i really like raw avocado, and it seemed like a better option than $15 sushi I would hate.
Off subject, everyone here only serves bottled water. I was a little concerned, but after talking to someone who spoke English well enough to ask, I learned that Puerto Rico's drinking water is indeed safe. So now you know.
Our food came quickly, and Rodney got down to business with his sushi. My bowl of lettuce and avocados DOUSED in teriyaki waited for me to try outsmarting the tiny wooden sticks in my hand. I think I cut years off the non-arthritic life of my hands trying to eat my distasteful, small, overpriced salad that I didn't even finish.
We walked from there to a Taco Bell where we were preceded in line by a pile of drunk, American teenagers-- maybe college age. They were trying to be funny, but in so doing, I think they insulted the sweet kid behind the register. Their ring leader then noticed the kid wearing plastic bags over his shoes and asked why. His English was poor, so he simply pointed to the kitchen floor and tugged up on the legs of his pants in a gesture one would make if walking through muck. None of us completely understood, so he bent down and slipped off one of the Taco Bell bags to reveal the crisp, black Pumas he was protecting form kitchen gunk. The Americans let out a simultaneous, universal "Ahhh" of understanding. We later snapped a picture of the bagged cashier. It was pretty funny-looking :)
I recommend getting a GPS with your rental car, if you visit this paradise. I have never seen people drive like they do here. It's still on the right side of the road, like home, but the understood rules are just a little different. For instance, when turning left, it is common to see people pull out and completely block all traffic while waiting for the far lane to open up. Also, windy roads have dashed lines. And people pass cars without visibility of more than a car-length ahead. Add to these types of changes the fact that you don't have a clue where you're going or what the signs say/mean, there are no exit numbers or road signs, and a GPS becomes what we might call useful.
Restaurants around here are primarily outdoors, and they cook with wood.
San Juan has never been above 100 degrees or below 65. A few weeks ago, a "cold front" came through, angering the ocean and knocking the temps down to 75. The guy we talked to said that was considered "cold" around here.
We were told about ferries that you can pay $3 and ride to the Virgin Islands.
The rain forest is nice, but it requires lots of hiking up and down, so at 30 weeks pregnant, we will need to let that wait for a future trip.
There is snorkeling, jet skiing, bioluminescent cave exploring, parasailing, kayaking, and so many many other things to do here. We do not have enough time to do or see the things we want to. This is a place I would recommend to anyone-- but plan for more than 4 days :)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
A man challenge
This particular post is bring written primarily to men. That being said, I'll put my main point first and add the supportive fluff second.
You should read and do the Love Dare.
Do you want to know why? Okay well first, do you know what it is? There's a movie that came out a few years ago called Fireproof. It has cheesy acting, but it's good. The movie revolves around a dissatisfied, argumentative married couple with a very disrespectful wife. Like any good movie, it of course lets the couple overcome their differences. Awe. But a main tool in the husband's ability to win his wife and rekindle his own feelings is his willingness to try the Love Dare that his dad gives him.
The movie is fictional, but the book used in it is real. You can pick it up at Barnes & Noble or half.com or wherever. It has a "dare" to complete every day for 40 days. Some are as simple as doing something thoughtful for your wife. Some are as tough as choosing to let her win (and burying) the thing you most often disagree about.
But it puts her at the front of your thoughts every day for 40 days (or longer if you take off "Dare" days for vacations, traveling, holidays, etc). This thinking process helps to transport you to your youthful dating era when she was your crown and when the one thing you wanted was to have her as your own.
It seems like once you've walked her down that aisle, your desire to woo her dissipates. You no longer plan date nights or think of ways to pursue her. The hunt is done.
Guys, here's a freebie: women always want to be pursued. I can't give you a reason, except that we've been wired for that desire. Our hearts are tender and needy and demand constant attention and fine-tuning.
Your hearts are a little like weed-whacker engines. They need fuel and oil (sex in your case) and to be utilized (respected). Our hearts are more like jumbo jet engines requiring precise alignment and constant tweaking. If you leave us without proper maintenance, another curious mechanic will inevitably wander by and start to tinker.
This is not a threat. It's something I've seen over and over. Your wife needs to KNOW that you love her and want her in your life.
Maybe she's pushy or nags a lot. You don't get "guys night" enough. She wears the pants.
Let me ask you, when did you take them off? You gave her a ring and then sat back to gradually let her take on most of the relationship's responsibility. She cares for you and tends to the house, bills, meals, kids, dance classes and soccer practices. The heavy load of planning, preparing, and running things was shifted to her shoulders.
Guess what. We don't want your stinking pants! Every woman, no matter how strong she is, wants to be led by a courageous man of integrity. The problem is that for year now, Society and the Media have beat you guys down like an old rug. You've been generalized into a group of unintelligent thugs worth only the paycheck you hand over before plopping your proverbial worthless butt on the couch.
I'm not going to pretend like I know how to change that image. Other people have written books on THAT topic.
But your wife wants to be treated special. She longs to be cared for and protected. By you!
Going through the Love Dare forces you to treat your wife as you did when you were dating. I would encourage you to give it a shot and notice how her heart turns and softens. Wait and see what happens to your marriage.
I also think it's a good idea to start the Dare with a friend to help keep each of you accountable. Like I mentioned earlier, some of the dares are rather difficult, and it's helpful to have someone to bounce ideas off of AND help you not slack off and quit.
One last thing: don't tell your wife you're doing it. It's exciting to watch your spouse's attitude begin to change without her being clued in to the fact that you're going through a stupid book. It's a really neat endeavor, and I would LOVE to hear feedback in March about how your marriages have changed.
Good luck!
You should read and do the Love Dare.
Do you want to know why? Okay well first, do you know what it is? There's a movie that came out a few years ago called Fireproof. It has cheesy acting, but it's good. The movie revolves around a dissatisfied, argumentative married couple with a very disrespectful wife. Like any good movie, it of course lets the couple overcome their differences. Awe. But a main tool in the husband's ability to win his wife and rekindle his own feelings is his willingness to try the Love Dare that his dad gives him.
The movie is fictional, but the book used in it is real. You can pick it up at Barnes & Noble or half.com or wherever. It has a "dare" to complete every day for 40 days. Some are as simple as doing something thoughtful for your wife. Some are as tough as choosing to let her win (and burying) the thing you most often disagree about.
But it puts her at the front of your thoughts every day for 40 days (or longer if you take off "Dare" days for vacations, traveling, holidays, etc). This thinking process helps to transport you to your youthful dating era when she was your crown and when the one thing you wanted was to have her as your own.
It seems like once you've walked her down that aisle, your desire to woo her dissipates. You no longer plan date nights or think of ways to pursue her. The hunt is done.
Guys, here's a freebie: women always want to be pursued. I can't give you a reason, except that we've been wired for that desire. Our hearts are tender and needy and demand constant attention and fine-tuning.
Your hearts are a little like weed-whacker engines. They need fuel and oil (sex in your case) and to be utilized (respected). Our hearts are more like jumbo jet engines requiring precise alignment and constant tweaking. If you leave us without proper maintenance, another curious mechanic will inevitably wander by and start to tinker.
This is not a threat. It's something I've seen over and over. Your wife needs to KNOW that you love her and want her in your life.
Maybe she's pushy or nags a lot. You don't get "guys night" enough. She wears the pants.
Let me ask you, when did you take them off? You gave her a ring and then sat back to gradually let her take on most of the relationship's responsibility. She cares for you and tends to the house, bills, meals, kids, dance classes and soccer practices. The heavy load of planning, preparing, and running things was shifted to her shoulders.
Guess what. We don't want your stinking pants! Every woman, no matter how strong she is, wants to be led by a courageous man of integrity. The problem is that for year now, Society and the Media have beat you guys down like an old rug. You've been generalized into a group of unintelligent thugs worth only the paycheck you hand over before plopping your proverbial worthless butt on the couch.
I'm not going to pretend like I know how to change that image. Other people have written books on THAT topic.
But your wife wants to be treated special. She longs to be cared for and protected. By you!
Going through the Love Dare forces you to treat your wife as you did when you were dating. I would encourage you to give it a shot and notice how her heart turns and softens. Wait and see what happens to your marriage.
I also think it's a good idea to start the Dare with a friend to help keep each of you accountable. Like I mentioned earlier, some of the dares are rather difficult, and it's helpful to have someone to bounce ideas off of AND help you not slack off and quit.
One last thing: don't tell your wife you're doing it. It's exciting to watch your spouse's attitude begin to change without her being clued in to the fact that you're going through a stupid book. It's a really neat endeavor, and I would LOVE to hear feedback in March about how your marriages have changed.
Good luck!
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