Grand Cayman {Day 2} Rum & Starfish Point

We arrived Saturday afternoon in Grand Cayman and spent most of time, getting groceries, navigating our way around the island, and checking out the million dollar view once we arrived at the house.

It had been a long day of traveling, so Sunday we spent most of our time just relaxing and semi-planning out our week.  Being with such a large group and that Georgetown was almost an hour away, we had to plan accordingly so we could fit in what each person or family wanted to do.  We did manage to get out to see Rum Point & Starfish Point later in the evening.

The sun coming up...

I woke up and had my coffee and quiet time on the back deck.  Couldn't find a more picture-perfect place to study God's word.  The picture below is the view from our room......talk about waking up refreshed every morning!

The boys were such troopers the day before with all the traveling.  Now they were free to play & explore!

We found a fresh coconut on the beach, so my dad cut it open for us.  We ended up opening two up over the week.  Having fresh coconut is the best!  We used the "coconut milk" in mom's smoothies, was delicious!  If you look real closely in the next picture, B is on the beach and not real happy that daddy is way far out there.  He is the little black speck towards the left-middle of the picture.

Simply paradise!

Later that evening we decided to take a quick trip down to Rum Point.  We were only a few minutes from that part of the island.  We ended up getting a few rum drinks, taking a quick swim, and checking out the shops.  But first we took a few selfies! ;)

Can't go to Rum Point and not get rum!!

Later that evening, we all took a trip even further to the tip of the island -to Starfish Point. This was probably our favorite beach/place that we visited.  So neat to just walk out into crystal clear water and see starfish!  Also, not crowded and perfect for the kids.  I mean look at these two cuties!!!  Loving every minute.

Mom's feet

We learned later you aren't supposed to bring them out of the water.  Oops!  Aren't they just amazing?!  We all took turns holding them.  Such a sweet time!  And getting to watch the sun go down over the water - simply breathtaking!

We had to walk down a bit from where we parked, but the view on our way there.  I really can't get over how beautiful it was there!

Love this photo of mom.

"You call me out upon the waters

The great unknown where feet may fail

And there I find you in the mystery 

In oceans deep

My faith will stand"

So many people have sent her that song ("Oceans" by Hillsong United) as encouragement. 

Perfect end to our first full day in Caymans!!!

Time to Fight!

  
We had an amazing week in paradise, where we forgot about our worries and what lies ahead.  Mom spent lots of time in reading and praying while on the beach.  Dad even met perfect strangers one evening at Starfish Point, where they prayed with him and for mom as the sun went down.  We saw God everywhere we went.  In the beautiful sunsets, in the clear blue water where life was abundant, and in the people we met.  

He granted us his peace all week long.  Allowing us to just enjoy each other, enjoy the precious time together.  We laughed until we cried.  We cried as we saw our Creator at his best painting the most amazing sunsets we'd ever see, during prayer with the sand between our toes, proclaiming His victory through mom.  And for the week, it was as if time stood still and things were the way they were before August 15th. 
 

We know we can't go back in time and really we don't want to go back.  For it is what lies ahead of us, that makes us grab our faith by the horns so to speak and watch to see what God will do.  We've heard lots of people tell mom she has lots of work ahead of her.  But to be honest, who doesn't?  We all have lots of work ahead of us.  Whether it be health related or not, we are all here for a specific calling.  It's up to us to follow, listen, and do the work in which He's called us. 

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Ephesians 2:10

So while mom may have lots of work ahead of her, so do us kids.  We know we aren't going at this alone.  Mom has an army on her side and the greatest commander to ever walk this earth, Jesus.  So we will stand firm in our faith, take this by the horns, and fight with you mom. 

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.  For our struggles is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of the dark world..."

Ephesians 6:10-12

You've always fought for us!  You've always placed us and many other above yourself - now it's time to focus on you.  On what God is going to do through you.  He is calling you to something greater than we can could ever imagine and I am so thankful, we get to ride along side you.  Let Him work through you, in you, and through us.  May He purify you so that you become more like Him.  For it is in our suffering, we become like Him.  May your light shine brighter than ever before!  

If God is for us, than who can be against us?  Let Satan be sorry he ever messed you!  He has called us to be warriors!  And anyone that knows you, knows you aren't going down without a fight and I know He will equip you every step of the way.  He is rising up and doing a new thing in you, mom.  The old will pass away, the ancient ruins will be restored to what God intended them to be and this is where the light meets the dark.  Where healing begins.

 

 "Then your light will break forth like the dawn, 

and your healing will quickly appear;  

then righteousness will go before you, 

and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.  

Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, 

and he will say:  Here I am."

Then your light will rise in the darkness, 

and your night will become like the noonday.  

The Lord will guide you always;

 he will satifsy your needs in a sun-scorched land 

and will strengthen your frame.  

You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.  

Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins 

and will raise up the age-old foundations;

 you will be called 

Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings." 

Isaiah 58:8-9; 10-12

Mom will soon be leaving for treatment at Hope4Cancer.  Through LOTS of prayer and conversations with doctors, personal testimonies mom decided this is her best option for treatment.  Since it's an alternative treatment center, she will have to pay for treatment upfront, prior to starting.  She will go for 3 weeks of initial treatment, then will return ever so often for check-ups.  Please continue to pray for discernment, peace, and healing.  We have started a GoFundMe to help cover some of the expense.  My family can't thank you enough for all the prayers this far.  Stick around to see what God is going to do through this amazing woman I have the privilege of calling "mom!" 

Standing and believing with you!  We love you madly mom! 

If you feel lead to give you can give here http://www.gofundme.com/eaikac 

Grand Cayman - Departure & Arrival

Saturday, we got home from a trip of a lifetime.  We spent seven glorious days in paradise with my family.  My parents, my brother and his family, my sister, and my little family.  We missed the others who couldn't make it...next time we all will make the trip!

We got to spend a week with each other - laughing, loving on each other, and making unforgettable memories.  God truly answered our prayers and we were able to go and just be.  Forgetting mom's current condition.  Mom felt great most of the time, even got to enjoy some of the local food without feeling sick.

I can't tell you how much this trip meant to all of us.  We've had this trip planned for 6 months prior to finding out about mom.  She was determined we would still go and God will take care of the rest.  And that he did.

 
On the way to the airport.

The boys were in awe over all the planes.  Waiting to board.

 Ready for take-off!

We flew out Saturday, the 13th a little after noon.  It was B's first plane ride.  He did so great!  The flight was a 3 hour direct flight.  About 20 minutes before we landed, he started to get a little ancy.  I think we all were ready to hit the beach! 

We spent lots of time watching Paw-Patrol, eating snacks, and playing games with Mimi & Papa!

We're here!  Getting ready to land...

Landing selfie

We landed and made our way to the rental car place.  We rented a van where we all crammed in.  It was quiet comical.  Mind you drive on the left side of the road.  My dad did a great job driving us around the island!  Roundabouts and all... 

 

We hit up the local grocery store which was an experience all itself.  Then we made the 45 minute trek to the north side of the island to where we'd spend the next 7 days.

 I mean could we just live here?!?!

 View off the back deck.

First Day of MDO

Today, we embarked into a new season/adventure.

Brady started Mother's Day Out!

I think we were both ready and eager for the new change.  They started last Tuesday, but since we were in Houston all week, he missed the first week!  I also had BIG plans of making him a shirt, but with the craziness of life lately, that just wasn't in the cards.  I also have a backpack to match his lunch-kit, but haven't monogrammed it yet...

He ended up having a great day!

This morning, we all got up (including daddy who stayed around to take him on his first day) bright and early.  Showered, got dressed, and then fixed his lunch which consisted of a mini pizza, cheese crackers, and dried fruit.

Then we were on our way...

He did so great during drop-off.  We went right in and he put his backup in his cubbie, then went right into his classroom.

We said our goodbyes as quickly as possibly, then headed out!  He wanted to change his seat and so his teacher moved his seat next to a little girl he knows from church, and the sat right down.

There were no tears from him or from mama or daddy!  I was kind of surprised I didn't cry, but I just kept thinking about how much fun he would have and how good this would be for him.

I was SO excited to pick him up!  Almost more nervous about that, than dropping him off.  I went in and he was happy playing and of course his little face lit up when he saw me.  But then he looked behind me and wanted to know where daddy was?  He insisted we had to go pick daddy up from work!  ha!!  His teacher said he had a good day, but very independent.  He is Mr. Independent, that's for sure.  I asked him if he had fun and he said yes and that he wanted to come back on Thursday!  I think he had a GREAT first day!  Which makes my mama heart so happy!!  We swung by Sonic for happy hour and a lemon-berry slush and then came home for a much needed nap!  So proud of my sweet boy and I hope he has amazing first year of Mother's Day Out!

And in case you're wondering what I did with all my free-time...I picked up the house a little, then honestly took a NAP!!

Because He Lives

Written August 27, 2014

I can live to face tomorrow...

My world has been totally rocked this past week.  It's been a week since my sister and I made the trip to M.D. Anderson with my mom.  Our first appointment to learn what we are up against.

Today, my mom went back to have her biopsy.

It was emotional.  It was scary.  And it was not the news we wanted to hear.

But even through last week, today, and I'm sure tomorrow - I can't begin to tell you how much we have felt God wrap his arms around us and love us.  How much peace He has brought us.  How much goodness He has already shown us.  And mercy, and the list goes on.

Because He lives...

All fear is gone.

While my family has felt like the rug has literally been ripped out from underneath us, we have also felt God hold us like never before. 

I guess that's what happens when a crisis comes.  A true crisis - not the ones we tend to make up in our head.  I think back to my life prior to last Monday when mom told us the news, the problems I once had seemed so minor.  So meaningless.  Almost absurd.

Because I know...

He holds the future.

Now as I look towards what is ahead, I can't help but be overcome with how much He loves us.  Of course, this is not what I would chose for my mom but that's not up to me.  What is up to me is how I choose to walk with her and Him over the upcoming months and years.


On my way home this evening, I looked out and saw the most amazing sunset.  B was fast asleep in the backseat and I decided to pull over and snap a picture of His reminder - that even when we will feel like our world is falling apart, He is right here with us.  Never forsaking us.

The first place to pull over was a church parking lot.  I text this picture to my sister and she replied, "Man!  He's with us at all times for sure!"  In my heart that evening, after a very emotional day, I knew He was going to write a beautiful story through my mom.  And that it would be okay.  She would be okay.  We would be okay.

I am so thankful for the little glimpses of miracles and hope he shows us everyday.

Because I know
 
He holds the future.
 
And life is worth the living, just because He lives.