“You don’t get older, you get better.”

Shirley Bassey

Today, I am celebrating life!

Today, I am one year older and I am one year better than I was last year.

Thank you, Jesus!

Today, I celebrate another birthday, another milestone and I celebrate life.

Life is the choice that God has given to me and I received it with thanksgiving.

Thank you, Lord, for satisfying me with long life and favor.

Thank you, Lord, for giving me salvation.

As long as I live I will continue to eat from the Tree of Life in the Garden of the Lord.

I will drink from the river flowing with living water where I will never thirst again.

Thank you, Lord, for anointing me with the Holy Spirit who continually refreshes my body and soul with the breadth of life.

I am not afraid to traverse this perilous road because I know that MY GOD WILL:

Uphold me with His righteous right hand.

Never leave or forsake me.

Cover me with His wings.

Will not cause my feet to slip.

Direct my path.

Always return to me at the time of life to complete the work that He began in me.

Thank you, Lord!

Celebrating my birthday

In celebration of God’s wonderful gift of life, last month my children and I visited Jamaica where we spent six days at the Ocean Coral Spring Resort (All inclusive) in Trelawny.

Without my knowledge, our room was upgraded to privilege status.

Inside our room we found a welcoming bottle of wine, chocolate truffles and fruits, and our personal jacuzzi on the balcony.

We were also given our own personal Butler to help us with our luggage and anything else that we needed.

We were assigned a different Butler each day who constantly checked on us to ensure that we were okay.

Overall, the staff were exceptionally nice and friendly. The food was delicious and the entertainment was enjoyable.

We spent many hours relaxing in the pool and the warm Caribbean sea.

The day before we left the hotel we went on a tour of two of Jamaica’s famous attractions – Blue Hole and Dunn’s River Falls.

Blue Hole

The Blue Hole is also known as Island Gully Falls or Secret Falls. It is located in the hills above Ocho Rios.

It is part of the White River which flows through St. Anns, consisting of waterfalls, caves, lagoons and swimming pools naturally created from lime stones. It derives its name from the shimmering blue color of the water.

Before arriving at the falls our tour guide told us that it was mandatory to wear water shoes to climb the falls.

We were also advised to carry a waterproof case for our cell phones and valuables. At the Blue Hole we were given life jackets to wear for our safety.

Though certain areas of the water is deep, it is not as dangerous as some of the Blue Holes found in certain parts of the world such as The great Blue Hole located in Belize.

Jamaica’s Blue Hole is famous for hiking, swimming, jumping into the water from a diving platform, and swinging from a rope inside the water.

I was too timid to swing from a rope like Tarzan or jump off from an over six feet high cliff so I climbed the rocks and into the cold clear water.

It was exciting! The guides were friendly and helpful.

Dunn’s River Falls

Dunn’s River is also located in St Anns close to Ocho Rios. The Spaniards who owned Jamaica in the 16th century called it Las Chorreras”, which means “the waterfalls or the springs”.

History recorded that this was the area where the English and Spaniards fought in the battle of Las Chorreras for possession of the land in 1657.

The fall is approximately 180 feet high and 600 feet long. It is made up of naturally terraced rocks with the water cascading over these rocks until it empties in the sea.

Our guide told us that it was a five-mile hike to the top of the falls but I am not sure of its accuracy.

Dunn’s River Falls consists of several natural pools, whirlpools, springs and waterfalls. It is fed by spring water rich in calcium carbonate and other minerals. It is healthy for your skin.

The fall is breathtaking to say the least. It is simply amazing how nature curved its pathway to drain the hills and terrains forming beautiful springs and waterfalls in the process.

If you are planning to visit Jamaica you must take a trip to Dunn’s River Falls. The area also has a garden with natural plants and foliage and a mini water park for the kids.

Climbing the Falls

I decided to test my strength at my age, and climbed the falls all the way to the top. My two young adult children remained at the sideline to cheer me up.

About twenty people were assigned a guide who instructed us to hold each other’s hands using our left hand. We began the climb at the bottom where the river empties into the sea on the beach.

We were also cautioned that the stones were slippery so we should only step on those that the guide showed us.

These stones were scrubbed with a wire brush every morning to remove the slippery grime and create a friction for our water shoes.

It felt strange climbing in the left-ward direction but after awhile you become accustomed to it. A videographer accompanied us who took pictures and videos of the event and cheered us on.

We received the video and pictures later at a cost of $40USD.

The Fall was filled with tourists, but we all helped each other to navigate the steep areas.

Although tiring, the climb was exhilarating and fun. As you can imagine we had a great time.

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed my little adventure. Be blessed!

Bible References: Genesis 2:9;18:10-14; John 3; Psalms 91

Historical References: Visit Jamaica; Wikipedia

Official website: Blue Hole; Dunn’s River Falls