A Joyful Break

by Jay Lewis

Morning of Saturday, June 28

What a morning. If you’ve been following the blog so far you know that the group has spent three long days both giving and receiving. Playing, crafting, singing, painting, trimming, and building. Building bookcases but also relationships with teachers, clergy, and children. So today we took a break. Saturday morning started with our usual breakfast, but also visited by a beautiful double rainbow to make us feel like God is smiling and happy with us. 

The “optional” (truly, but joined by all 20 of us) excursion was a snorkeling cruise. A short walk from the hotel, we met our guide. This may seem like a small blessing, but having into another group during a morning walk who had been waiting over an hour for their deep sea fishing captain,  the punctuality was welcome. 

The fish were plentiful. More so after the crew threw bread in the water, though some of them had trouble distinguishing the bread from Bill Montgomery’s finger. 

Did I mention the slide? There was a slide. From the second deck into the Atlantic Ocean. If there is an age when you outgrow water slides, we didn’t find it today. 

In the context of the mission, I think this morning has served two purposes. First, it’s been a chance to spend more time with each other. We’ve been together for four full days now but we’ve been on the go. I really enjoyed relaxing and joking around with our group this morning. 

Second, we’ve been able to physically recharge a bit. I know that I’ve been thinking a lot today about where we are, why we’re here, and the wonderful, wonderful people of all ages that we’ve spent time with, and I look forward to getting back to work on Monday.  

Jay Lewis is a faithful member of Saint Peter’s, husband to Krysten, and dad to two high school girls.