Capn Dan and Ruby's StJ/Lovango TR- Prologue

[Capn Dan and Ruby]

We all have our stories, our trials and tribulations, and our reasons for loving STJ. This trip has proven to be one of the most insightful and meaningful of all our trips. My trip reports are a bit long, but they are full of my thoughts and discoveries, for this has truly been a trip of discoveries, and a trip of healing. I started planning it as many of us do on the plane back to my every day world last year. This year was hard and cold, but living vicariously through those of you who take winter trips as well as focusing on the arrangements for the trip kept me going. My work year (art teacher at an “under-performing” elementary school that is host to children who know nothing but poverty, and all that it brings) has been very stressful. The pressure to perform coupled with a new state government that is not education friendly , has been daunting. On May 24th I dropped my keys by the school office, raised my hands high and said “See ya! We are headed to the islands”! From there I went to the surgery center for a routine procedure on my back, and as the doc was doing my exam, my right side of my face and arm went numb . I was having a small stroke or a TIA. After 3 days in the hospital, I was given the green light saying that there was no permanent damage , to take a low dose aspirin every day, reduce my stress, and NO DIVING FOR 6 MONTHS! I was both relieved and devastated all at the same time. My stroke and this trip were to be a life altering experience. One thing that you will note in this report is that I make many references to God. Growing up as a minister’s daughter, He has always played an active part in my life. I trust in his goodness and his perfect plan. I have to say right now that though out this trip God has shown me that he is in control and I do not need to stress so much about things I can do nothing about. I am so thankful for his goodness, his daily gifts and his love! That being said, this trip is about discovering those gifts and learning to slow down and just get into the rhythm of the islands. Lovango taught me that you don’t always have to be going and doing. Don’t go to Lovango if you need to go and do on a daily basis, Santa is no longer there to take you back and forth at will, and Marcie and Dan work. They are very accommodating if you really want to plan a day on STJ, need to provision, or just have a social event that you wish to attend they are happy to take you , but going over at will is no longer an option. At first we were a bit put off by this inconvenience , but later we found it to be a blessing. My thoughts on creating a true stress relieving vacation are: find your-self a pleasant place and just relax, allow the sound of the waves, and the breeze to wash over you as you truly understand limin! Curiously, I noticed when I did that I could feel my body flow with the waves as you do when you are snorkeling. That is an awesome feeling! Be thankful for your ability to come to a place like this, it is not the hectic cruise boat life style, it is not convenient, it’s island time!

[California Girl]

Bring it on! You've really piqued my interest!

[jimg20]

Thank you for that lesson. We'll try to remember that this week.

JIM

[JJShaw]

Yes!! What California Girl said..

[msgcolleen]

Amen Sista! I like what you preach~

[SOonthebeach]

Sounds like this will be one awesome TR! Can't wait to hear all about it... sounds wonderful already!!

[Muhaha]

Ok, can't wait for the rest and the pics. I have reserved the Love Shack for next year and am dying to see the rest of your report.

And - you reminded me of a question I have been meaning to ask. Does anyone know if it is possible to rent a dinghy for several days or a week?

[Coden]

I'm ready for your TR...I am so happy that you are sharing your story/life with us. Thank you!

[msgcolleen]

Ok, can't wait for the rest and the pics. I have reserved the Love Shack for next year and am dying to see the rest of your report.

And - you reminded me of a question I have been meaning to ask. Does anyone know if it is possible to rent a dinghy for several days or a week?

When we stayed on Lovango, the property manager Marcy suggested we rent a dinghy for the week if we wanted to go back and forth to STJ more often. We chickened out but check with the dinghy rental places and see what they say or Marcy should know the scoop on that!

Congrats on your upcoming vacation~ You're gonna love it!

[AquaGirl]

Love the prologue and thanks for sharing. Looking forward to the trip report. Interesting creatures, aren't we, that some of us almost have to be 'forced' to relax. We planned a similar vacation this year to reduce the comings and goings and have some time to chill.