All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

This book came highly recommended -- the story of two separate characters during World War II whose lives intersect at the end, a brief interlude that gives great meaning to the guilt ridden Nazi boy-man and great gratitude to the blind French girl.  It's a story of the innocence of childhood, turning into the violence of war; of moral kindness turning into moral collapse; of childhood dreams turning into harsh reality; of the goodness of many who stand up against the evil that is taking over.

I came away with a great sadness for the people of Europe whose families and cities were ripped apart, and a great sadness that the people who could have said so much to one another to help them heal--could not even speak of their memories, as they themselves never healed....I so wanted the Nazi friend of Werner's to tell Jutta what her brother meant to him, and for Marie-Laure to explain to Jutta how Werner saved her life.  How amazing that would have been to Jutta to know Werner came through the war with some goodness still in his heart.  A good story about a terrible time.

The Silent Wife by Angela S. A. Harrison

This was our 3rd book for Book Club, a genre that I don't typically like, reminiscent of "Gone Girl".  It was a back and forth telling from husband and wife (common law marriage), of the slow disintegration of their union.  Even though they each agreed (incorrectly) that they were from normal backgrounds, it becomes clear that those family dynamics were integrally a part of who they became and how they related to one another, just as it happens in our lives.

Because I have an analytical streak, the psychological details were interesting- but the behaviors that came out were chilling.  Neither saw their actions as unusual or detrimental to their relationship; but it became clear early on that they would unravel if not thwarted.  I kept thinking about the verse, "but the Truth will set you free" as these two continued down their slippery slope of denial, secrets and revenge.

A quick, interesting read; but still not my favorite genre...I like happy endings, and this was unsettling.

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai with Patricia McCormick

A simply written story with a powerful message.  A young Pakistani child of 11 who speaks openly about the need for educating girls in her town of Mingora, state of Swat.  A child born of parents who started a school and encouraged this daughter to learn and value education above all.  A courageous girl who continued to attend school and relayed information to the NY Times, even when the Taliban took over Mingora and ordered women and girls to stay in their homes.  A family displaced to Birmingham England when the unthinkable happens --rebel forces shoot Malala at point blank range, grazing her ear, eye and temple.

In this re-telling of her story, Malala makes it so clear that ALL Muslims are not radical, that the Taliban is hated by many groups of Muslims who do not condone their extreme behavior....and that other nations need to be involved in receiving refugees who are fleeing from violence, fear of death, and inhumane treatment of women.

Bahamas Breezes

March 4-11, 2017

A sumptuous dinner with the Mammina’s in their St. John, IN home started our getaway.  Smoked ribs by Ben, and asparagus & Caesar Salad sides by Rose.  Possibly one of the best dinners we will have!!

Saturday found us on a short flight from O’Hare to Nassau.  The cab driver was interesting, giving us some history and his testimony!  He mentioned that the Lord had blessed him, so we asked how he knew Jesus – love when we meet people of another culture who we will see in heaven!  We walked 2 miles to his recommended eating spot, the Fish Fry; which is an area with several restaurant choices on Junkanoo Beach—all authentic Bahamian.  We ordered boiled grouper—cooked in foil with carrots, potatoes, pepper, onions and a little spice.  Also came with mashed potatoes, rice & peas, and cabbage w/ carrots.  It was so delicious—and glad that we smartly ordered one to share!  A wonderful start to our trip.

Sunday: 

After staying in Towne Hotel for the night (needs some TLC, but very authentic!), we headed out exploring the city.  Straw Market reminded us of the Cancun vendors who are so quick to “suck you in”.  Each vendor has their own spot in this open-air building and one grabbed my arm to show me her “wares”—I was able to purchase a lovely Bahamas beach bag, originally at $25—sold for a hard, cold $10 bill – such a deal?  Yikes, I am so not good at turning down these very persuasive people!!   On to the historic Queens Stairs, in honor of Queen Victoria who freed the slaves here on the islands during her reign.  A fascinating history lesson from a local, provided us with yet another view of the way the church made some horrific choices in the past, in regards to choosing profit over caring for human lives.  A highlight was stepping into 2 very different Bahaman church services:  one Anglican with a beautiful singing of the Doxology; another, Zion Baptist where we thoroughly enjoyed the movement, passionate singing and being one of 6 whites in a group of 300 worshipers.  Again, a glimpse of heaven.  Hallelujah! We crossed the bridge to Paradise Island, checked into Harborside Resort and then checked out some eating spots which run anywhere from $ to $$$$$ -- we will be careful!  Split a burger at the American burger spot, a quick walk-through the aquarium, coffee at Starbucks and finished the day watching a free movie at the Atlantis Theatre, Hacksaw Ridge.  Very FULL day – clocked over 6 miles with 14K steps!

Monday: 

Awoke after a restful sleep to hit the fitness center for 25 minutes of biking; then fixed egg wraps in our kitchen.  Headed to our “speel” at the timeshare sales office, hoping to find out some details on our ownership; however there was not much help with that.  Dominique spent the first 40 minutes conversing with us about the islands, his Anglican background, finding Jesus, gratefulness, and the racial issues in America.  Enlightening and enjoyable!  We were able to resist the pressure to buy more vacation pleasures for our family –and walked away with a $100 voucher to enjoy an upscale dinner at one of the $$ restaurants!!  Later that day I read Ann Voscamp’s “Lent to Repent” – where her prayer for the day was for us to repent from “wanting more and keeping up with the Jones”.  So grateful that God has given us contentment, and re-affirmed the decision we made earlier.  It also challenged us to keep our hearts open to His nudges to make life better for some Bahamans by giving out of our abundance rather than hoarding it for ourselves.  Since it was another extremely windy day, we chose to do more walking; checking out the beach area, browsing in the library, finding the Lazy River, eating nachos at Anthony’s and landing in our room early to recuperate.

Tuesday: 

Headed out early to Viola’s, a little open air restaurant on the far side near Atlantis.  Western Omelets and great coffee!  

Back to our resort by 11:30 and spent the next several hours at our pool and hot tub.  Excellent salads at the poolside grill.  Great day of relaxing, a little too much sun for Bill who chose not to put on sunscreen….Enjoyed baked potatoes w/ broccoli and cheese in our room; then leisurely walked to the Marina Village for coffee and a wonderful pina colada cake dessert.  Bill has been off sugar for over 2 weeks and even refused a taste of this—I’m so proud of him.  We sat for an hour enjoying the free entertainment, a one man show with 3 drums, playing a mix of music with various folks stopping to dance.  A lovely, romantic evening!

Wednesday: 

Coffee & breakfast in while praying for Maynard’s three bypass surgery.  After hearing his good report, we headed to the AquaAdventure Park at the Atlantis Complex, where we jumped on the Lazy River, the Crazy River and a short water slide --where Bill jammed his knee/hip as he hit the waterpool at the end.  

Thankful he will see the orthopedic dr. on Monday, hoping for shots in both knees.  Split a reuben sandwich at Murray’s Deli, lounged by one of the 10 pools available to us, and caught the shuttle back.  Being the frugals that we are, we made a delicious pasta supper with leftover onions-feta-balsamic from a previous day’s lunch, adding chicken-mushrooms-bacon from a Quiznos sandwich along with the can of petite tomatoes.  Outstanding!!  Finished off the day watching a 9 pm Junkanoo Parade, festive island dress w/masks, cow bells, brass instruments; then to the Atlantis theatre for a 9:45 showing of The Accountant. 

Thursday:

Leisurely morning, breakfast on the deck.  On to the resort pool to read & people watch.  Tried a pina colada drink, which was as tasty as the Bahama Mama, except a little too much rum made me a bit woozy!!  I am definitely a light-weight.  Lunch at the poolside restaurant, The Point, looking out at the Marina—tried the conch fritters, delicious!  Dinner in, then wandered over near the Marina and found a “Margaritaville” for key lime pie.   A special fireworks exhibit from our deck was a surprise ending!

Friday:

An excellent ending to our sojourn in Paradise Island, a leisurely walk on Cove Beach.  We entered the beach unobtrusively since only Cove guests were allowed on this beach---but so glad we did!! The most beautiful beach we have ever enjoyed.  Not only the many hues of green-blue in the water, but the sandy shoreline was unlittered by seaweed/bark/dirt. Frolicking in the clear water, conversing with a Texan yoga learner, and watching the cruise ships enter the harbor all made for a terrific stroll.  

Re-entering the “legal” area to rest at a pool, we purchased carry out chicken tenders & headed home through the elaborate Marina maze---suddenly discovering that our ever-ready Bahama bag was missing!!!!  Yikes.  A quick race back to the Deli, sending up instant prayers all the way-- –the lonely bag still sitting in an outdoor chair where we had stopped to take a photo.  As the very kind security guard said—“it’s Paradise, mon”; nothing stolen, all credit cards and cash intact!!  I love the Bahamans!  Thank you, Lord.  While Bill napped (we did clock 15,000 steps & almost 7 miles!), I walked back to the Coral Towers to return library materials (a book which I finished and a Yahtze game which went untouched—HA); then we took time to get ready for “Date Night”.  The highly touted “Carmine’s” (of New York) was our destination, where they served family shared portions –way too much food for us—we needed our kids with us!  We behaved ourselves and did not order the pasta specialty, but loved the Caesar salad, the special breads and my third drink of the week, a peach schnaps Beach Cooler!  The shrimp scampi and broccoli were also very good.  A very expensive dinner, compliments of our Vistana voucher.  A delightful day with my special man, a wonderful ending to our romantic getaway in Paradise.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow.  Grateful for rest, refreshment, recreation.