I had a few "firsts" on this trip. It was my first time on first class on the plane ride to Miami. Matt decided to surprise me and upgrade our tickets. Wow!! Now I know how the other half live!! Then we went to visit my family in Miami and they treated us like kings and queens! They are the most hospitable people I know!! We had a great dinner, great conversation and what a beautiful setting!!! We went first to Key West where I had my second first which was renting a moped. It was a great way to see the whole Key and find a very exclusive beach to relax on!!
Next we were off cruising to Mexico, which is was my first time on a cruise with a balcony room. What a beautiful view and it was so nice to sleep with the doors open and hear the ocean crashing on the boat. The seas were calm so no motion sickness, praise God!! With all of Matt's work friends to keep us laughing and occupied it was my first trip without having at least one cry for missing the kids. It was also my first time to Mexico. In Cozumel we took an excursion to a private island and had great authentic food, drinks and lots of time in the sun!!! Fun time!!!
On the cruise back to port on Sunday I had a very unexpected emotional experience. First of all God is so good!! He really cares about the details and bringing joy to our lives.. On the way back from Mexico unbeknownst to me we were going to go right around Cuba. Well that morning Matt and I decided to go out to the pool early and just sit and enjoy the view. Matt wanted to turn our chairs inward towards the pool area but I just said no, for some reason I wanted to face the ocean that day. We also sat in a different location that day than others. I know now that God was orchestrating it all. It was just Matt and I b/c everyone else was sleeping in. I looked up and saw land in the distance and did not know what it was. It was beautiful, mountainous land and I was curious... I asked the pool waiter what we were passing and he confirmed what I knew in my heart that it was Cuba!! Wow, I was overwhelmed with so many emotions from surprise, joy, sadness, regret...... I just started to sob like a baby. Matt knew instantly why. All the stories I have heard my parents tell over the years of Cuba, the good times, family, leaving... came flooding into my memories and I was truly engulfed with emotions. God had me sit in that spot, at that time, facing that direction to let me see that land that has so much significance in my families history.
First time seeing Cuba!!! Thank you God!!!
