Jamaica - Land of Wood and Water

I experienced the best time of my life when I went to Negril, Jamaica last week. It was full of fun, excitement, and an opportunity to meet new friends. We left last Thursday in the pouring rain from D.C. At one point, I couldn’t even see the highway on our way to the airport. However, before the plane took off, the storm passed and there was a bright sunshine. Our flight to Montego Bay was smooth and relaxing. As I looked out the window below the plane, the water was so clear and beautiful. The view of the small islands surrounding the water was breathtaking.

We arrived in Montego Bay around 1:00p.m. Since Negril is an hour away from the airport, we took a shuttle bus to take us to our hotel. During our ride, the bus driver pointed to the KFC restaurant. He shouted “Do you guys know what KFC stands for?” Everyone responded Kentucky Fried Chicken. Then he said “Down here it means, keep from cooking.” I was too tickled by that statement.

We arrived at the Palms Resort around 3:00p.m. The bus driver got lost getting there, but we finally made it. When we arrived in our room, I wasn’t too impressed at first. It was a small room with a bathroom and a garden view. I guess I became so spoiled when it comes to hotel rooms since I used to staying in a family suite. My husband explained to me that I need to be open- minded and not view the room like it’s a sardine can (lol). Once I took a look at the room again, it was small but sweet. Our room was literally in a garden. It was filled with beautiful flowers and palm trees.

The beach was absolutely beautiful. The area is quiet and relaxing. There really weren’t too many people on the beach which is just the way I like it. Many well-known hotels such as Sandals, Beaches, and Couples Resort are located at the beginning of the strip. Since out hotel was near the end of the strip, everything was low-key.

One of the exciting things we did at the beach was jet skiing. We never been on a jet ski and wanted to try it. It was so much fun! My husband kept going super fast, I thought I was going to fall off. Nevertheless, I enjoyed myself.

The main attraction we visited was a place called ‘Rick’s Café.’ This was a great hang-out spot with a bar, restaurant, water diving, and a beautiful view of the sunset. It was amazing seeing people dive from the cliff into the ocean. There was a great live reggae band too.

It is amazing to meet new people during vacation. We met a wonderful couple (Vuyi and Scot) from the Bronx, NY who were staying at our hotel too. We spent hours talking to them by the pool until they closed the bar and restaurant. It was such a great conversation. We talked about marriage, funny shows on TV, traveling, and just life in general. It was a night to remember indeed.

On our last night, we all went out to this restaurant called the “Push Cart.” The food was absolutely delicious! I had the Jamaican Peppa Steak. My husband and Vuyi had the Ox tail stew, and Scot had the roast jerk pork. My rum runner drink was very strong too but my husband was able to drink the rest of it. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to any one visiting Negril.

I absolutely loved Negril, Jamaica. The hotel was great, the beach was beautiful, and the people were friendly. I have no regrets at all. This trip made me realize that you can live a wonderful life by opening your mind by seeing new things. I am looking forward to doing more traveling in the future. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to experience a wonderful adventure.

Press On

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 3:14)

Okay, I must admit that I’ve held back on plenty opportunities based on the opinion of everyone else except for me. After wards, I take self pity on myself because I didn’t listen to my conscious. I was told that your gut feeling is usually your best decision. Even if your decision does fail, it doesn’t mean that you’re not a smart person. It means that God has given you the opportunity to learn from your mistakes in order to make your next decision the right one. I’ve struggled (and sometimes in this present day) through making the right decision. Time and time again, I would ask myself “Is this right or wrong?” or “Is it really worth it?”

I used to consider myself the biggest worrier. My husband couldn’t stand it. “Is it really worth the headache you’re giving yourself?” he would ask. “Just do it.” From the day he said that, I’ve examined so many issues I’ve stressed about through the years. Right then, I’ve realized that I can’t go through life being worried all the time. Of course, it is a part of human nature to worry about things that are bothering you. However, it should not come to the point where it is jeopardizing your opportunity to do great things.

As a believer, I’ve made a commitment to press my way despite how hard it may be. I’m fortunate for the many blessings God has given me because there are people out there who are less fortunate than I am. Don’t be afraid to step out on faith. Turn your doubts and fears into happiness. It feels good and it’s healthy. It is an act of boldness and self confidence. Day by day, I am learning to become courageous in my decisions. Will they all be right decisions? The answer is no. Will I press my way in the calling of Christ Jesus? The answer is YES!! I came across some scriptures that focus on the topics about being worried, doubtful, and fearful but this was the one scripture that personally stood out for me:

"And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you." -- Luke 12:29-31

Will you press on? Pick out your own scripture that will encourage you to do this:

www.intouch.org/content/topic/2111

Until then,

Felicia

There's Nothing Like Family

Two days ago, I sat and listened to the wonderful waves at Myrtle Beach, SC. The weather, the attractions, the food, and the fellowship with my family was GREAT! I would say this was the best vacation I've had with my family in a long time. Now, we've always managed to make Myrtle Beach a family trip for almost every year. I've been there since I was an infant. So, it feels like a second home whenever I visit. I think the most wonderful thing about our trip is seeing how much my family has grown. Growing up, there was only the six of us on vacation, and now there's twelve of us. This includes my older sister, her husband and daughter. Then my brother with his girlfriend and her daughter, our adopted godsister Tatyana, my lovely younger sister, and finally myself and my husband TJ.

I think the best time I had on my vacation was walking on the beach to one of the newest piers built on the beach. It's called the Second Avenue Pier. It includes a great restaurant and a bar on the second level. It has a wonderful ocean view. The food was absolutely excellent. Crab sandwiches, onion rings, and a mango drink was all I needed. On top of that, they had a lounge area where you can sit back and relax on the comfortable couches. I know I felled asleep for about 15 minutes until my husband nudged me to wake up to head back to the hotel. I told him "I could sleep here all day!" He just shook his head, smiled and said "C'mon hon, let's go."

The other best time I had was hanging out with my siblings. We all went to Ripley's Aquarium and saw some exotic sea life. Big sharks, swordfishes, and even jellyfishes. We even took a group picture once we arrived in the aquarium. I love that picture because it shows how much I love all of my brothers and sisters. Although we may be far apart in distance or not able to see each other like we want, we had that moment to spend time with each other.

After the aquarium, we dropped the children at the hotel and headed to Senor Frogs night club. We had a blast! They had a paparazzi camera booth and all of us pretty much took over it by taking silly pictures. My younger sister Araina was pretty much on the dance floor the whole time. I went there a couple of times until I couldn't find him anymore since it was jammed pack.
After the club, we back to the hotel and had a late snack of TJ's nacho dip. Then we a laughing session about my Dad. We just reminsced on funny moments he has done such as giving directions to my brother by drawing a map on a napkin, or how he asked my brother-n-law Herman if he had a belt while my sister Trecia was in labor and used his phone charger cord instead.

Lastly, I enjoyed my baby neice Haleigh. She is such a doll face! All she did was smile and laugh and chewed on her toys. It was such a joy of seeing her. All in all, I loved my family vacation. I definetly can't wait until next year. I LOVE YOU FAMILY!!!

No Lack Is In My Life

I'm listening to a song titled "Everything Is Changed" by Youthful Praise. Everytime I listen to that song, it reminds me of the things I've been through in my life. I'm not a perfect person, but when I decided to make a change in my decisions and in my character, I became confident in myself. I used to be the biggest worrier in so many things. However, when I made the change to not sweat the little things and focus on the goals Christ has in store for me, I felt relieved. I felt free! I still struggle from time to time with different situations that worry me, but I have to remind myself that I can't stress about it. God won't put more on me than I can bear.

I'm grateful and blessed to have a wonderful husband who encourages me to do things that make me happy. He suggested that I write down a list of things that I want to do in my life. This included personal goals, desires, etc. I also put down an encouraging scripture at the top of my list from Phillipians 4:13 that says "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me". The more I read that scripture and the more I did those things on my list, I felt I could actually do ALL things through Jesus Christ. I wanted to encourage anyone out there that may be giving up something, please don't be discouraged. God has so much in store for you. You have to make up in your mind that you can reach your dreams. Always pray and be patient. When you do those things, you can say to yourself that you won't allow any lack in your life.

Be encouraged Children of Zion!

Felicia

Being Patient

Two months ago at Trinity Washington University, I happily walked across the stage to receive my Master of Arts degree in Communications. I can truly say that I am proud of myself. I've accomplished so many things in my life and I had to conquer a lot of trials and tribulations too. As I sat in my seat listening to the keynote speaker, I couldn't help but to think about our economy and what is at stake. So many people are losing jobs, businesses, money, etc. It's enough to make you frustrated. I work in a non-profit association where I work closely with our members. Almost everyday I receive calls where a member has lost their job and cannot afford to pay their monthly dues. I'm not just talking about the middle class, but surprisingly the majority of them are in leadership positions.

I just wondered about the new graduates out there looking for work. Your friends and family encourage you to go to school to get a great education. However, once school is over, you are faced with real life in the workforce and it's hard to get in. I think I was culturally shocked when I finished school as an undergraduate. I had an internship during a previous summer and I became over confident that it will end up becoming my permanent job. Not so. Someone else was hired and it was too late. For 2yrs., I've struggled to find something. At the same time, I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do in Communications. Journalism wasn't really my cup of tea, broadcasting was too technical, and PR seemed too formal. I was able to work at a temp agency and was later hired at a non-profit association.

I like what I do. My job gives me the opportunity to provide excellent customer service to our members. Sometimes it may be rough or a slow day but all and all, it's not that bad. Right now, I would love to advance in my career, but I know it may take some time. So my message to new graduates is to be patient and don't give up. If you keep a positive mind and work hard to get where you want to be, you will get it. Reaching our goals is not an easy task but you will get there. Personally, I'm learning new things everyday. I'm going to continue to set positive goals for myself no matter how hard it may be.

Here is a helpful tip to motivate yourself. I used this and currently today, it still works:

Write down the goals you would like to set for yourself. Post it on your bedroom (or any room). Each day that goes by, take a look at that list to remind yourself that you will accomplish your goals. Keep a positive mind and remember not to give up.