22 Thoughts

Day Three

This day was definitely a highlight for me because whenever I travel, I love immersing myself in the history of the places I visit. On this particular day, the ladies and I had the opportunity to join an Island Safari tour, where we rode together in a window-less 4×4 truck, exploring both the city and the mountains of St. Kitts. Our guide, Aniel, did an exceptional job of narrating the island’s history from its beginnings to its present state. What truly fascinated me about the tour was the vibrant life that flourished naturally on the island, offering not just beauty but also medicinal benefits. I learned about the healing properties of the castor plant and saw mango trees, fresh flowers, and abundant wax apples along the way.

During our tour, we had the chance to stop at two historical plantation homes preserved by the country. At our first stop, we explored the house and then visited a charming gift shop nearby, stocked with books, teas, jewelry, candles, and other interesting items. As we continued our ride deeper into the island’s mountains, the scenery became even more captivating. We ventured into the rainforest and encountered another plantation home, which was a bit nerve-wracking to reach due to the steep terrain. Nevertheless, I made it to the top and was rewarded with an incredible view from the balcony overlooking the mountains and farm life below. The sun, hidden behind clouds, provided a welcome respite from the heat during our time up there.

During our tour, we enjoyed a delightful spread of refreshments laid out by Aniel. We sampled guava cheese, fresh starfruit, sugar cake, coconut fudge, sugar cane, and local bakery bread. For me, the coconut fudge was the standout, rich and bursting with flavor from its ingredients. The starfruit, surprisingly subtle and not overly sweet, provided a pleasant crunch. We also had the opportunity to taste local rum from St. Kitts, which was quite strong; I preferred mixing it with a guava and passionfruit beverage to temper its potency. Overall, it was a memorable culinary experience complemented by the stunning surroundings of the island.

The tour concluded beautifully with a visit to the beach along the Caribbean Sea, where the ladies and I enjoyed a refreshing dip in the cool waves. A tip for fellow travelers: be sure to bring flip-flops to protect your feet from the scorching hot sand!

Day Four

The morning began with an invigorating yoga class led by Cara from Yoga Divine, surrounded by the soothing sounds of wind rustling through palm trees. Afterward, my friends Paula, Emersen, and I visited a Farmer’s Market conveniently located on the property grounds. We were greeted with an array of fresh melons, watermelons, papayas, and avocados. I picked up some papaya and melon, both of which were delicious and incredibly fresh.

Adjacent to the market was a charming café called The Harvest Hideaway, offering sandwiches and fresh fruit smoothies. We each grabbed a smoothie to enjoy on the go. On our way back to the resort, we made a quick stop at the mountain we had visited on day one, which seemed even more stunning this time around. It was a meaningful moment for all of us, allowing us to reflect on the significance of being on the island and participating in the retreat.

After taking some time to refresh following yoga, it was lunchtime. Eager to savor authentic island cuisine, we embarked on a lunch trip to El Fredo’s, known for its extensive menu of Kittian dishes. We began our meal with refreshing passion fruit and sorrel juices. For my main course, I opted for BBQ ribs with rice and peas—it was truly outstanding. The meat was tender, falling off the bone, and perfectly cooked.

Defining Moment – The Catamaran Cruise

The most defining moment of our trip was undoubtedly the Catamaran sunset cruise shared by all the ladies. The boat glided smoothly across the water, with the distant sunset serving as a breathtaking reminder of God’s ability to infuse serendipity into any gathering of His people. Together, we sang, danced, and let loose with our tribe, feeling the ocean’s gentle spray on our faces and reveling in each other’s company as the world seemed to stand still.

This journey meant the world to me. I was overjoyed to connect with a diverse group of women at different stages of life, finding community and camaraderie without any sense of disconnect. From start to finish, the trip was a complete experience, leaving me refreshed and rejuvenated to pursue my academic and personal goals with renewed vigor. My mom and Rochinda spent a year planning this trip, prioritizing self-care and fostering a sense of community among women of faith—providing an opportunity to escape worldly pressures and embrace the chosen life of God.

St. Kitts offered a pause filled with tranquility, pampering, and a deep appreciation for life’s blessings. I will forever cherish the memories, the sand beneath my feet, and the incredible tribe of women I had the privilege to journey with. Thank you, God, for the gifts you bestow upon this Earth and for the meaningful connections you weave into our lives.