By Ben Matthews (56th and Warrington Church of Christ, USA)
Two years ago we rediscovered St. Vincent. Trying to recapture the joy of reuniting with siblings in the place where we were born, we returned. At Hotel Alexandrina where we stayed (not an advertisement), Ruth Stevens gave us the motherly greetings that would begin a lovely vacation. We awoke every morning to the sounds of rain, the wind in the trees, and various animals. Most noteworthy, the cock crowing at '4-day-morning', signaling it’s time to get ready to raid the plumrose tree
Day one, we wen t to town where we met old friends and had roast-corn and potato pudding. The next day, we went on a boat ride to Bequia and Mustique that included food. We ate ducana, black fish, and of course, roast breadfruit and saltfish.
On Sunday, the much anticipated church service was very nice. The lesson was taken from 2 Kings 5: 1-14. The focus was the message of the little slave girl “there is a prophet in Samaria”. Had she not spoken up, Naaman’s leprosy would not have been healed. We were then encouraged to speak our message boldly because someone out there needs it. Afterwards we had a luncheon where they served almost every other dish in SVG. While eating, we reconnected with fellow Christians from before and bonded with the newer members.
We next drove out to the Windward side where a stop at Stubbs yielded more corn roasted by the side of the road. We went on to Rabacca and had a picnic at Dry River. It rained off and on. When it did, we ran back to the bus. And when it stopped, we played dominos and ate conchs, while the callaloo with crayfish and coconut dumpling was cooking on three firestones.
Tuesday was free. So after visiting friends and relatives and SPA, we relaxed around the hotel pool.
The next day we went to Richmond and Dark View Falls. Bearing in mind, in the 70’s, we lived within walking distance of this historic site and never visited until it took a bus ride, and an entrance fee. During the twists and turns, and the ups and downs of the Leeward Highway, childhood memories came flooding back. The hills seemed a lot steeper, though. We had lunch at a restaurant on the beach at Fitz Hughes. After walking along the shore, went to “Treetop” to see the house where we once lived. Finally, on the drive back we saw the setting of the sun over the Caribbean Sea and a sight that we once took for granted was now a delight to the eyes. We praise God that we were able to see his wonderful creation.
After a couple days of shuttling the other guests to airport, it was time for us to depart as well.
Anecdotal..
Prior to coming to St. Vincent, we were discouraged by many bad reports of crime. We were being warned to be careful. And one guy even said that he felt safer in New York. We accepted the fact that evil existed in SVG...... and every place on earth. So with much prayers and trust in the Lord, we were not deterred. Actually, a part of our mission was to bring a laptop and other gifts (from people who care) to someone who was recently robbed. We also contributed to the to education of several students.
From the instant we landed at the beautiful new ARGYLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, our anxiety was replaced with joy. It only got better after that because all we saw were smiles and hugs. So this we promise, by the grace of God, when the airlines get their schedules straightened out, we will be back.
God bless SVG
And remember..... Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. -Colossians 3:17By Ben Matthews (56th and Warrington Church of Christ, USA)
Two years ago we rediscovered St. Vincent. Trying to recapture the joy of reuniting with siblings in the place where we were born, we returned. At Hotel Alexandrina where we stayed (not an advertisement), Ruth Stevens gave us the motherly greetings that would begin a lovely vacation. We awoke every morning to the sounds of rain, the wind in the trees, and various animals. Most noteworthy, the cock crowing at '4-day-morning', signaling it’s time to get ready to raid the plumrose tree
Day one, we wen t to town where we met old friends and had roast-corn and potato pudding. The next day, we went on a boat ride to Bequia and Mustique that included food. We ate ducana, black fish, and of course, roast breadfruit and saltfish.
On Sunday, the much anticipated church service was very nice. The lesson was taken from 2 Kings 5: 1-14. The focus was the message of the little slave girl “there is a prophet in Samaria”. Had she not spoken up, Naaman’s leprosy would not have been healed. We were then encouraged to speak our message boldly because someone out there needs it. Afterwards we had a luncheon where they served almost every other dish in SVG. While eating, we reconnected with fellow Christians from before and bonded with the newer members.
We next drove out to the Windward side where a stop at Stubbs yielded more corn roasted by the side of the road. We went on to Rabacca and had a picnic at Dry River. It rained off and on. When it did, we ran back to the bus. And when it stopped, we played dominos and ate conchs, while the callaloo with crayfish and coconut dumpling was cooking on three firestones.
Tuesday was free. So after visiting friends and relatives and SPA, we relaxed around the hotel pool.
The next day we went to Richmond and Dark View Falls. Bearing in mind, in the 70’s, we lived within walking distance of this historic site and never visited until it took a bus ride, and an entrance fee. During the twists and turns, and the ups and downs of the Leeward Highway, childhood memories came flooding back. The hills seemed a lot steeper, though. We had lunch at a restaurant on the beach at Fitz Hughes. After walking along the shore, went to “Treetop” to see the house where we once lived. Finally, on the drive back we saw the setting of the sun over the Caribbean Sea and a sight that we once took for granted was now a delight to the eyes. We praise God that we were able to see his wonderful creation.
After a couple days of shuttling the other guests to airport, it was time for us to depart as well.
Anecdotal..
Prior to coming to St. Vincent, we were discouraged by many bad reports of crime. We were being warned to be careful. And one guy even said that he felt safer in New York. We accepted the fact that evil existed in SVG...... and every place on earth. So with much prayers and trust in the Lord, we were not deterred. Actually, a part of our mission was to bring a laptop and other gifts (from people who care) to someone who was recently robbed. We also contributed to the to education of several students.
From the instant we landed at the beautiful new ARGYLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, our anxiety was replaced with joy. It only got better after that because all we saw were smiles and hugs. So this we promise, by the grace of God, when the airlines get their schedules straightened out, we will be back.
God bless SVG
And remember..... Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. -Colossians 3:17By Ben Matthews (56th and Warrington Church of Christ, USA)
