Bahamas Missions Trip: A day of fun!

Our free day did not cooperate with us weather wise. It was about 70 degrees but very windy and cloudy. Despite that, it was an awesome day to get out and experience the Bahamas. There were two groups of people this morning, one went out to go snorkeling and the other went to a big market with lots of home made crafts known as the straw market.
Those that went to the straw market in the morning quickly learned the art of bartering to get the prices down on the things that you want! The market was a huge place with tons of vendors all trying to get you to buy their goods. Some of the members learned the hard way that "nothing in life is free except the good grace of God" hahah There was a lady who was saying that necklaces were free. So she put them on the girls neck and then told them that she accepted tips so they took out about 2 dollars and she says that tip for her necklaces are 5 dollars.... and she refused to let them give the necklaces back.... so they learned the hard way that nothing is free. Another lady standing nearby was the one that said the line about nothing being free except the grace of God.
Lots of souveneirs were bought and a good time was had by all! We then met up with the group that had gone snorkeling that morning at a resturant called Conch Fritters, a Bahamian resturant in downtown. The food was great!

-Kara

Enjoying the day off!

Lots of booths in the crowded Straw Market

More Bahamian dialect

Funny saying at Dunkin Donuts - we thought it applied to us students

A few cruise ships were docked near downtown

Today about 18 of us were able to go snorkeling at a place called Stuart Cove's. We all went out on a boat, and visited 3 different locations. The first one included a sunken plane, which I believe was placed there for use in Jaws 4. The second location had a large section of coral reef, and many different kinds of sea life. Near the second location there were a bunch of divers exploring some other sunken objects. According to our guide, Into the Blue, and a James Bond movie were filmed next to the spot and they had sunken a boat for use in the movie. We unfortunately were not able to see them because we had to stay within 100 feet of the boat for safety reasons. Our 3rd and final location required a longer (also colder and windier) ride to a deeper section of the sea, which is home to many large Carribean Reef Sharks. Our first mate, Vincent, dropped a box of food about 40 feet into the water and we hovered above watching them all eat. It was a thrilling experience to see all of these large, powerful (and dangerous!) creatures.

It may have not been optimal weather conditions, but I believe we all enjoyed the experience. One team member even conquered her greatest fear (sharks) by getting in the water. It was a great way to spend the day off, and it was definitely a morning I will never forget.

We did our final debriefing tonight, and almost everyone is already packed up. We will meet in the morning for donuts and devotions, then head to the Nassau airport to go through customs. Next we will stop in Washington DC for a few hours before flying into Indianapolis. Please continue to pray for us as we travel tomorrow.

We all wish this trip would last for another few weeks, but alas it is time to return.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. We believe that we accomplished so much this week and all of you played a very significant role in that.

-Matt