Shouting, laughing, hurrying, the students piled into the three waiting vans. Windows slid open and eager faces peered out. Hands waved and shouts were exchanged until we were finally on our way for the first field trip of the year.
We began winding our way up the island, past board shacks, elaborate mansions, tiny spice shops, Carib bars, and locals barbequing chicken.
The children laughed and chattered in the back until we reached out first destination, Belmont Estate. It's a chocolate factory, beginning from the cocoa pod itself to the final product. It was an interesting process, which our guide explained well, even for the youngest students. Time and drying are crucial for good chocolate. And at the end, we ended in the factory where we were given samples of the chocolate. Belmont produces dark chocolate, and one of their flavors include different spices grown here in Grenada, including cinnamon and nutmeg.
The students enjoyed the tour, especially the chocolate at the end.
From there we headed to Grand Etang, the crater lake of an extinct volcano. The plan was to have lunch there and allow the children to play, but the tropical rain made that difficult. So we ate lunch in the vans, watching the rain fall.
From there we headed back to school. Tempers were beginning to get short among the children and noise level was running high. But overall, I found the day fun, yet educational.
Another recent event we did with the children was a career day. The excitement and enthusiasm in the morning was fun to see. In the afternoon we gave them opportunity to state their career and answer some questions about it.
There have been some rough days in school lately, so if you think of it, you can pray for these students and their families. But it's been good too, and exciting to see what God has for this year.
It's begun here, perhaps sooner then some places in the States. The stores are beginning to sport red and green, wreaths are being hung, and I even saw Christmas lights in the front of a public bus.
Christmas music is playing in the stores.
"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..."
Sun is beating down on the palm trees.
"Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow..."
No chance of that here.
"Oh the weather outside is frightful..."
Yes, and the sweat is dripping off my nose.
Christmas. Here. Without snow. Without the crisp cold. Without my family. It's not normal. But that's ok.
One early morning as I stepped outside, I heard our neighbors Christmas music.
"Silent night. Holy night."
A peace steeled over me. Yes. I can have a silent night, a peaceful Christmas. Not because I'm with my family. Not because I have everything I want. Not even because I have time to finally relax. But because of Him. Because of Christ.
The following song by Tony Alonso has been on my mind lately.
"From the cradle to the cross.
"From the Lord unto the lost.
"Came a message for all men,
"Christ was born to die for them
"From Bethlehem to Calvary,
"Jesus paid the cost.
"For love went all the way,
"From the cradle to the cross."
And I can have a silent night.
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