Day 6, August 8, 2009
I woke up at 6:30am, which is the normal time I awake. It seems there is an internal alarm clock that will not permit me to sleep late, even on a Saturday.
Today, is the Ashely family day of relaxation and preparation for Sunday. Normally, they put the children down for a two-hour nap at 2:00pm on Saturdays. They have found they handle the two-hour ride to church better, if they are well rested.
Therefore, today was used as a day of sight-seeing and shopping. We took the ferry and crossed the bay to Old San Juan. It is the tourist trap. There are shops galore! The stores are located on extremely narrow streets that comprise the small town of Old San Juan. It is the most clean and well-kept area of Puerto Rico that we have seen this week. The rest of Puerto Rico, that we have seen, is not neatly kept or maintained. It more closely resembles some areas of South American, rather than the United States.
Old San Juan was obviously designed for the baiting of tourist and their dollars. The small ferry we sailed across the bay on, we dwarfed by the overwhelming size of the cruise ship, the Caribbean Princess. It’s multi-storied deck, and the massive length of its size, was astounding as we sailed within feet of its hull.
The shopping area of Old San Juan offered more than ample opportunities to be parted with one’s money. Unlike the other areas of Puerto Rico that we saw this week, this small hamlet seem to have more of the items of moral compromise. Although it is certain that there more sordid areas on the island, this was the only place we have been where it was so prevalent.
It was good to return to the other shore. We had lunch at the “Taco Maker.” This would be similar to Taco Bell, but much better. They sell a dessert item called “Cheese Cake con Dulce de Leche.” It is a fried cheese cash that is battered with cinnamon and filled with caramelized sweet condensed mild. It is wonderful! What a treat! I must see if I can figure out how to make them.
Saturday night is a time of rest, preparation. We must prepare our hearts and minds for the services tomorrow. Before retiring for the night, myself, W.C, and Dan all met in my room to pray. We prayed for the night’s rest, the services here at Mt. Calvary Baptist, and the services back home.
I do anticipate with eagerness the services at Brother Ashley’s church. He will be preaching the morning service, and Dan will be preaching the afternoon service.
Lord, prepare all of us for your work!
