For our Day of Fun we rented Kayaks! This day was much needed after the draining week we had. Peter and I started out in one, but by the end of our venture, Doug and Peter were pulling Anna and I. Yay for boys. I got to do a little more snorkeling too. We had a blast. It was so great for our group to just have fun and take in the week. We ate lunch at Skinny Legs, but we were all about to fall asleep afterwards. We headed back to Cinnamon for our last afternoon of beach time. We ate another marvelous dinner at Banana Deck. Meal time has been really special on this trip. The quality time for the group has been great. It is marvelous how living life alongside people for 24 hours a day, for 8 days in a row creates such a special bond that we will all always share.
I was in much anticipation of this night all week. I was nervous about the emotional struggle to let go an era of John and Rene’,St John trips, and it was also Anna’s last night in the ministry. It was not an easy night and will not be easy for a while, however, to my surprise, the night was filled with hope, peace, and joy. I was so overwhelmed by the strength that God gave me to look forward with optimism. Even though sadness, I was comforted by the faithfulness in the Lord. We each took turns praying with each other one on one. It was extremely powerful to be lifted in prayer by some of the most incredible and genuine people I know, and to get the opportunity to lift them up as well. As I sat on the beach watching everyone, I was reminded again how blessed I am and undeserving of all of it. Everything will be ok. I truly believe God is with us always and His plan will prevail..no matter what that is and even when we don’t understand it.
Favorite moments of Day 8
Anna and I being pulled by Doug and Peter in our Kayak
All the boys saying the Pledge of Allegiance to my flag towel
Seeing Anna get attacked my seagulls
LGNIU !!?
Prayer time on the beach
Rene - Day of Fun
After getting to “sleep in” until 7 a.m. Doug, John and I headed to Starfish market to round up breakfast for everyone and meet back for the great day of fun. And great day of fun it was. I truly believe the power boats were unavailable for a reason and that our group connected so much more with the kayaking.
We headed out from Cinnamon and kayaked around to Maho and then out to Mary’s Point to cross over to Whistling Cay. The water was beautiful, the water not too choppy and the wind—well, it could have been worse. John and I had a great time—by far the funniest times of the day were when we tied up the “kayak train” to our kayak and pulled three other kayaks, as well as when we pulled Troy back in the single kayak at the end of the trip. (Ok so maybe it was funnier that Jared almost had his finger snapped off by a turtle—but that’s not important.) Most of us snorkeled and all of us were extremely tired by the end of the trip.
We returned to Cinnamon around 2 and the loaded Jeeps!!! to eat lunch at Skinny’s in Coral Bay. Let’s just say it’s a good thing kayaking was before lunch because I ate so much I needed a nap once we returned to the beach. It was a fabulous day capped off with dinner at Banana Deck, followed by great group prayer time on the beach. This truly has been the best group ever and I’m sad to see the week coming to an end.
We headed out from Cinnamon and kayaked around to Maho and then out to Mary’s Point to cross over to Whistling Cay. The water was beautiful, the water not too choppy and the wind—well, it could have been worse. John and I had a great time—by far the funniest times of the day were when we tied up the “kayak train” to our kayak and pulled three other kayaks, as well as when we pulled Troy back in the single kayak at the end of the trip. (Ok so maybe it was funnier that Jared almost had his finger snapped off by a turtle—but that’s not important.) Most of us snorkeled and all of us were extremely tired by the end of the trip.
We returned to Cinnamon around 2 and the loaded Jeeps!!! to eat lunch at Skinny’s in Coral Bay. Let’s just say it’s a good thing kayaking was before lunch because I ate so much I needed a nap once we returned to the beach. It was a fabulous day capped off with dinner at Banana Deck, followed by great group prayer time on the beach. This truly has been the best group ever and I’m sad to see the week coming to an end.
Anna - Day of Fun
Today was our day of fun! We originally had planned to rent a few boats and to go boating out into maybe the British Virgin Islands, but things were too expensive, so we decided against that. Instead, we rented two-person kayaks, and kayaked around the island. Doug and I teamed up together, and we did a good job for a while. Holly and Peter were teamed together, and the four of us decided to hook our boats together and switch off who would row. I made the comment to Holly jokingly about making the boys row in the first boat and we could just sit back and relax. Peter and Doug said they would totally be up for that, so the rest of the time, Holly and I sat back in the back kayak and sunbathed, as the boys rowed the front kayak. It was fabulous. Holly and I talked about how blessed we have felt by the boys on this trip, because as much as we insisted on helping, they told us just to sit back and relax. I’m very thankful for Doug and Peter and their willingness to row for us. It was such a great experience, and I got some sun, which is always a plus. After kayaking, we went to lunch at Skinny Legs in Coral Bay, and then all came back to the beach to hang out for awhile. The boys got the great idea to use our leftover food by throwing it at the birds that were at the beach, therefore making at least 25 birds come swarming around them. It was hilarious, until they started throwing the bread towards all of the girls. I was not a fan of that! It was funny, but I just don’t really like birds swarming towards me.
Tonight was a wonderful last night. We ate at the Banana Deck, and it was fabulous. Then we went to the beach for a special time of prayer and reflection. John had each of us pray for each other, individually, starting with the boys praying over a girl. It was so moving to hear my name lifted in prayer by each person on this trip. They shared their hearts, and it was awesome to hear the things they thanked God for noticing about me this week. I felt truly blessed. Then John brought everyone over to where I was sitting, and each person placed a hand on me and prayed specifically for me as I am leaving the college ministry. Just to hear my name lifted in prayer again and to hear the things such as peace, understanding, and a Godly man to enter my life prayed over me was such a moving and unforgettable experience. Sitting on the beach with 12 incredible people praying over just you is such an incredible experience, and I’m so thankful I was given the opportunity to experience that. God truly has blessed my life in ways that I cannot express, and He has continually reminded me this trip of His awesome timing and plan for my life. I must trust in what He is doing, because He really does have my best interests at heart.
Not only was tonight my last night in the college ministry, but it was also John and Rene’s. They have impacted this ministry more than they could ever imagine. I personally have felt truly blessed by the way they have taken me in and have been there for me as a family, when I’m so far from home. They give so much of their time to the college students they interact with, and they both make sure we feel completely comfortable and welcomed. I know that God has some awesome things planned for their family, and I’m excited to see how they follow God’s plan and His leading in their family’s life. And I know for sure that I will continue to see them and will continue to get the opportunity to spend time with them, which I am extremely thankful for.
Tonight was a wonderful last night. We ate at the Banana Deck, and it was fabulous. Then we went to the beach for a special time of prayer and reflection. John had each of us pray for each other, individually, starting with the boys praying over a girl. It was so moving to hear my name lifted in prayer by each person on this trip. They shared their hearts, and it was awesome to hear the things they thanked God for noticing about me this week. I felt truly blessed. Then John brought everyone over to where I was sitting, and each person placed a hand on me and prayed specifically for me as I am leaving the college ministry. Just to hear my name lifted in prayer again and to hear the things such as peace, understanding, and a Godly man to enter my life prayed over me was such a moving and unforgettable experience. Sitting on the beach with 12 incredible people praying over just you is such an incredible experience, and I’m so thankful I was given the opportunity to experience that. God truly has blessed my life in ways that I cannot express, and He has continually reminded me this trip of His awesome timing and plan for my life. I must trust in what He is doing, because He really does have my best interests at heart.
Not only was tonight my last night in the college ministry, but it was also John and Rene’s. They have impacted this ministry more than they could ever imagine. I personally have felt truly blessed by the way they have taken me in and have been there for me as a family, when I’m so far from home. They give so much of their time to the college students they interact with, and they both make sure we feel completely comfortable and welcomed. I know that God has some awesome things planned for their family, and I’m excited to see how they follow God’s plan and His leading in their family’s life. And I know for sure that I will continue to see them and will continue to get the opportunity to spend time with them, which I am extremely thankful for.
Jared - Day of Fun
Day of fun – otherwise known as the day of extreme fatigue. Today we rented kayaks and went out to Whistler’s Cay, a tiny tiny little island of land a little ways out from St. John. Kayaking was fun but tiresome. When we got out there Peter Kyle Troy and I went snorkeling. We didn’t make it quite around the cay and realized we were out of time so we took a cut-through on the land to go back to where everyone else was. At the same time that we took the cut through, John and Doug kayaked around the whole island looking for us and barely missed us. We were exhausted from snorkeling so far and then we had to get back in the boats and kayak back to Cinnamon. It was so much fun but extremely exhausting! I touched a Sea Turtle today, which apparently is illegal. Anyway, I dove down and touched his shell and he spun around really fast towards me and scared me half to death, and I swam as fast as I could to the surface, it was pretty funny to see, or so I am told. It was very fun and I am really tired and looking forward to going home. I know that some people are really torn up about this being the last trip to St. John and leaving, but I feel really at peace about the whole thing. I’m not worried at all.
Allie - Day of Fun
Day of fun!!! I woke up at 7 thinking that I should be somewhere…then realizing that I had nowhere to be for at least two hours I went back to sleep. When I finally got up, I went to the beach for my Bible study. I was reading in 2 Samuel, where David is thanking God for His deliverance. It was so interesting, I read David’s last words and his last advice. Then we ate breakfast at the campsite and headed to the Kayaking shack. After getting instructed about where to go and how to row, we headed out! Jared and I shared a kayak, he was in the back so I think that means he did most of the work. It was really hard because it was so windy, but it was absolutely gorgeous. When we all met up at a resting point, I jokingly told Kyle that he should pull us for a bit. He said, “okay!” Haha, so we tied our kayak to his, and Kyle pulled Jared and I. Then Julie and Hunter attached to the back of us….then Troy and Steph, too…then Rene and John decided they should pull all of us and help Kyle out. So we all lay back and enjoyed the ride.
I decided then and there that I loved kayaking.
When we got to another resting point, we all got out and snorkeled. We saw a sea turtle, which Jared dove down to touch and it lunged to bite his hand off. We also saw a nurse shark, which was pretty cool. We finally made it to the island, where a few people snorkeled and some of us walked around and laid out in the sun. We eventually paddled back, which was super super hard, but definitely worth it. We then headed to Skinny Legs, which was absolutely delicious. I got to call my little sister Sarah and wish her a happy birthday . Then we headed back to Cinnamon to chill and relax. I fell asleep. Banana Deck is where we headed for dinner, and it was wonderful.
I decided then and there that I loved kayaking.
When we got to another resting point, we all got out and snorkeled. We saw a sea turtle, which Jared dove down to touch and it lunged to bite his hand off. We also saw a nurse shark, which was pretty cool. We finally made it to the island, where a few people snorkeled and some of us walked around and laid out in the sun. We eventually paddled back, which was super super hard, but definitely worth it. We then headed to Skinny Legs, which was absolutely delicious. I got to call my little sister Sarah and wish her a happy birthday . Then we headed back to Cinnamon to chill and relax. I fell asleep. Banana Deck is where we headed for dinner, and it was wonderful.
Steph - Day of Fun
Today was absolutely the most wonderful way to end an absolutely wonderful trip. We were supposed to wake up at 9, but the fans turned off at 7 sooo that’s when I woke up haha. But it was really nice because when I finally rolled out of bed around 730 I made my way down to the beach just because I couldn’t sleep any longer in the sauna our tent had become and me and Julie got a chance to talk for a longgg time! It was so great to just sit there and talk and for her to really open up to me about her and her boyfriend and just to be able to let her feel comfortable enough with me to allow me to be someone that would listen to her and try to give her some feedback. After that everyone slowly woke up and came down to the beach and then it was time to head back and get some breakfast, change, and then start our amazing day of fun! We headed to the kayaks and split up in pairs and were off to the different beaches to get to snorkel. Me and Troy were paired up and it was nice to get to talk to him about what all he’s gone through in life and to get to know one another a little bit better. Once we got to another beach we got to go snorkel and we saw a shark again and a turtle. I love snorkeling, it’s so much fun and so peaceful. After that we kayaked to another beach, but it was all rocks this time. All the girls decided to stay and layout on the beach and wait for the guys while they attempted to go around the island and snorkel some more. It was so relaxing just sitting and watching everything and taking in this beautiful scenery we got to experience. John got back with Doug and they decided to go out and look for the guys. They came back and couldn’t find them so we were a bit worried but they finally found them and got to hear the story of how they got caught up in a big group of jellyfish and they all kind of freaked out haha. After we found them me and kyle rode back together. It was great to get to just talk with him as well and get to know more about him too. Today was just a day full of great conversation and I feel so lucky to have gotten to have that time with a couple of people today. We made it back to the place we rented from and then it was time to go to lunch. We went to Skinny Leg’s and it was DELICIOUS. I don’t know what it was but it just hit the spot. We got the best pina colada’s I have EVER had in my life, o my gosh they were good. After that we decided that we would just go back to Cinnamon and relax on the beach before it was time for dinner. I got to take a quick nap on the beach and that was awesome. And then it was time for LGNIU. After that feeling of freedom haha it was time to get ready and go to dinner. We went to this place called Banana something (can’t remember the whole thing, whatever it was it was probably my favorite meal, even though every meal has been FANTASTIC). I got this jerked mahi mahi and it was the best fish I have ever had. Then we got to have desert and me and Peter split key lime pie but I think I ate all of it and then some people got this thing called Banana Cheesecake Xanga and it was soooo good. Then after dinner me and Julie got to ride back to camp with Scott, which was so random, but looking back it was awesome! We stopped at a look off just to sit there and wait for a bit, but it turned into a great opportunity for Julie to be able to open up about everything going on in her little head and Scott was great at comforting her. It was a special moment to me and brought us all closer together. After that we headed back to camp and it was time for our final beach time. This time it was extra special. We got to sit down and pray with each person in the group. As a group we all got to pray over Anna and for her coming year. I have loved so much getting to know each and every one of these people and this week has truly changed my life. They’ve shown me what real godly and loving and true friends really are and I can’t thank them enough for that. I am the luckiest person in the world to have been able to experience a week like this with these 13 amazing people. It was exactly what I’ve been needing, and now I’ve already been thinking of ways to come back, wether it be for Spring Break, my honemoon, or to come back with a group and help out with the kids again. I don’t know what will happen but there’s something inside of me that tells me that it’s not over yet. It’s a time of change for everyone and it’s not bad. It’s just hard sometimes to think about like, well what’s next, what’s going to happen. But this week has taught me that if you just give it all to god and rest in knowing that he is always in control, that it will all work out the way its meant to and that it’s ok to wonder, but we need to know that he’s in control and that we need to be ok with it no matter what it be. Once again I’m so thankful and blessed for this week and I can’t wait to see what’s to come.
Stephanie Tuttle
Stephanie Tuttle
Hunter - Day of Fun
Saturday was wonderful. We got up early to kayak to an island across from the bay. It was so much fun. My partner was Julie. I had the privilege of getting to know her better on this trip. When we finished, we went to Skinnys for lunch. It’s a great place for just a burger and coke. We spent the rest of the after at our campground swimming and laying out. Banana Deck was the place for dinner tonight. I got my favorite seafood of St. John, grilled mahi mahi. What great fellowship we had eating outside during our last night on the island. When we arrived back at camp, we sat on the beach to discuss the week and pray for each student. What a powerful moment. Sorry to be short. I have to catch a flight! Blessings.
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