Marriage Seminar -  British Virgin Islands

The last two weeks for me has been very adventurous and interesting.  Two weeks ago, Carole and I had to do a Marriage Seminar in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.  When I tell you that this experience was an adventure I mean it in every sense of the word.  Because this was a trip that was outside of the united states it ended up being the first engagement that required a passport.  Exciting!!!  Carole and I expedited our passports so as to get them in time enough for this trip.   Phone tag with the minister of the Duff's Bottom Church of Christ in Tortola was just one of the things that added to the excitement of this trip.  We were going out of the country.  We produced and left a video with the Mountain View church where I labor letting them know where we were going.  Tortola.... 

Since 911, Carole has a phobia of flying alone; so we booked our flights together...so we thought.   Upon arriving at the ariport we found out that the plane ride consisted of a flight from Dallas to Miami, then from Miami to San Juan Puerto Rico, then from San Juan to Tortola; at least her flight did.  That's right!!! We get to the airport only to find out that we were not on the same flight until San Juan.   We found this out at the gate.  Of course Carole was livid... and sad.... and scared.  As we were given the news at the gate, she looks into my eyes, with here eyes welled up with tears and says "I wanted to fly together".   But what could we do???  I watched her as she walked through the gate without me (hey, this makes for a good sermon).  Anyway, they inform me that my flight leaves an hour and forty five minutes later from a different Gate.  After seeing her off, I walk to the Gate of my flight.   Now whenever I have a long flight ahead of me I usually stay up the night before so as to not be awake during the flight... so I was tired.  I go to my gate and sit right in front of the entry way.   I drift into a deep sleep only to wake up 46 minutes after my flight left.  I was startled and nervous and sad.  My wife was on her way and I wasn't behind her as I thought I would be.  Needless to say I didn't meet her in San Juan.... As a matter of fact, by the time I got to San Juan she was already in Tortola.  Because the connecting flight to Tortola was already gone I had to spend the night in the airport in San Juan.  What a crappy situation.  Musical planes (as opposed to musical chairs).   

I finally arrive in Tortola a day later than anticipated happy to see my wife's face.  The minister of the church there, Neriah LeBlanc, picked me up.   He, his wife Deon, his son Josiah (cute little boy), and his brother in law David.  I had only met Brother Leblanc over the phone. I Supposed him to be a much older man because of how heavy his voice was and how mature his speech was.  Upon arrival I discover that he is actually younger than I am.  He is a very fiery focused young preacher from Dominica with a young family and a lot of vision for the church there.  

Well after spending two nights or so in the hotel/resort that we stayed in... we decided to accept the hospitality given to us by the Leblanc's to be guests in their home.  Tortola is beautiful.  Full of mountainous plains and surrounded by blue crystal clear water... very hilly also.  The Leblancs live on the side of a mountain and from their back porch we could see the carribean sea and the mountains that made up the island.  Just beautiful.   As beautiful as it was I have to note that there was not a single fast food restaurant.  No Mcdonalds, no Wendy's, no KFC or Popeyes.  The food that was there was good but very expensive (comparatively speaking).  It was here that I learned the difference between the British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands.... US is cheaper and has fast food (among other differences).

Well, the marriage seminar was attended well by the church and even by many in the community.  Carole and I met many christians from this island including a young man who could easily pass for my biological brother... Kenny.  I not only saw this week as a time to meet many brothers and sisters from the island and fellowship with the man of God there but it was sort of a detox from fast food.  Carole and I found ourselves going to the beach during our down time... eating off of trees.  Bananas and guava and what they call sea grapes were all good experiences.  Brother Neriah and his family were extremely gracious hosts and treated us like royalty.  Was it hot???? Absolutely.   I'm not talking Texas heat either.  I'm talking about the kind of heat that causes instant sweat.  I must have lost 5lbs there but it was a most memorable experience.   The members of the Duff's bottom church were very friendly and kind.  I have to say though, I've never been to a place where chickens are everywhere.   In the street, on the beach, on the side walk (though there weren't many sidewalks)  Chickens every where. Wild chickens.   We got a chance to eat island food... delectable.  All in all it was a good experience.   Needless to say, upon our arrival back to the states...we stormed the first Micky D's we saw.    Should you ever get a chance to go to Tortola British Virgin Islands  stop by the Duff's bottom church... I'm sure that Brother Neriah, his family and the Duff's bottom church will be happy to see you and will make you feel more than welcomed.  Oh and have some money to spend... and be prepared to fast from fast food as long as you're there.   Tortola... a beautiful island, a good church, a unique experience.  

Oh and let me not forget the people who stand in the street waiting for ride from passerby's.   No bus line.... just community.  I remember thinking to myself... wouldn't it be nice if the states were safe enough to follow suit.  I'd go back any day... preferably the cooler season (smile).