There are so many ways to see God in this beautiful country.
The joyous shuttle driver with a bright blue tropical shirt and a smile that reached all the way to her eyes described the island as we flew by on the way to our resort. Brown cacti-strewn mountains contrasted with the white clouds and blue sky on this Caribbean island, and I could see God everywhere. A bee buzzed as the driver lowered her window and set it free.
As we approached the Queen Juliana Bridge, colorful orange and yellow flowered trees graced the roadside. We viewed the capital city, Willemstad, from the top of this impressively high bridge. The indigo ocean in the distance contrasted with the terracotta roofs and colorful buildings throughout the town.
The driver pointed out the floating bridge, which we would later walk on to cross St. Anna Bay to capture beautiful photos of many famous murals the town is renowned for. Colorful fish, birds, sunflowers, and even a blue butterfly took my breath away as I enjoyed the work of the talented artists who brought these beauties to life.
God cares about the people who live on this island.
At check-in, I met GeeGee. Her smile lit the room as she welcomed me with a hug and a tropical drink. We were part of the VIP Unlimited Vacation Club at the Seascape Curacao Resort, and GeeGee personally viewed the rooms choosing one based on my suggestions in my email. That was above and beyond her job requirements—so I could see God through her caring nature—and God loves her for that.
Our room was on the top floor. A banner that said Happy Anniversary was on our door, and a bottle of champagne to celebrate our marriage was in the room. Our representative also gave us discount resort coupons for a massage, wine, or a romantic candlelight dinner on the beach.
The nightly sunset views from our balcony were gorgeous.
GeeGee chose perfectly. One night she brought another bottle of champagne and put balloons and a Happy Anniversary sign on our bed. Pink and white rose petals covered the entire bed. I cried when I saw them. We enjoyed the desserts of cakes with chocolate icing and exquisite chocolate truffles after toasting each other for 20 years of a wonderful marriage as we watched the glowing orange and red sunset over the water.
Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
God helped us through our difficulties raising my problematic son, and my husband and I had a bond like I could’ve never imagined—especially when he got me through depression after my son was murdered. Without Mike, I wouldn’t have found my faith in God again and offered my son’s killer forgiveness or been able to share my story with the world in my memoir Gone in an Instant: Losing My Son, Loving His Killer.
A car rental was the best way to see the fantastic island God created.
There were sea turtles up to two feet long at Playa Piskado. I saw God in the fisherman who fed them so people could swim with the turtles and capture memorable photos of their experience with these amazing creatures. Pink Flamingos swam in the water near Williwood. Enormous pigs lay in the sand at Playa Porto Mari as the salt air breathed new life into my lungs. Bliss!
Curacao is part of the ABC islands. We had already visited the Leeward Antilles when we traveled to Aruba for over 50 weeks and counting. But I’m so glad we checked out Curacao. I must research the third island of Bonaire before deciding if an adventure awaits us soon.
