Grocery Shopping in Less than 30 Minutes

Day 6 on Banana Island and Sunday is day 7.  What if on day 8 I'm ready for more food?  I knew I needed to go shopping since tomorrow is the Sabbath. I don't want to stave!! So, I went to my grocery store. Here I spent a longer amount of time because I wanted to know some prices on the bulk mangoes. I'm starting to grow a relationship with the produce guy, although I speak English and doesn't at all. Then it took me 20 minutes to find gluten free pasta. The one I found isn't 100% corn. It's 70% and 30% rice, which I'm fine with. I also got two produce I've never tried before. Then I went to Costco to get some produce in larger amounts. I'm thinking now I probably will eat a little bit more, and my family loves to eat it too. So, we will just have to see how long it last us! At Costco I also got a new melon I've never tried.

I WAS IN AND OUT OF COSTO on a Saturday in huge lines in less than 30 minutes. Shopping is so quick and exciting when you only shop in the produce section. There are so many options, so many colors, so many smells. People are examining and touching their soon- to- be food. I love seeing that kind of interaction, finally. They are seeing if it's good enough to eat, just like we should all their food.

I can't believe how fast it was and then we were done! I was even shopping with my oldest two boys. They loved it too. They got to pick some of the produce. We learned about weighing our fruit and picking ripe melons. I really had a very fun time! I usually get irritated with them with me, and impatient, and distracted. It wasn't like that today.

Leaving with a full cart of Real FOOD made me feel so happy! We were all excited to get home and unpack. Everyone tired whatever we wanted when we got home. I broke my Banana  Diet just for a short taste test, I couldn't hold back. Perhaps if I had eaten my lunch I wouldn't have dug in but I just wanted a taste of those beautiful grape tomatoes. it exploded in my mouth!! I also tried raw dates for the first time! YUM MY and sugary and rich like pecan pie!! I also had a sweet snack size pepper and 2 Puerto Rican Mangos. The mangoes are beautiful, juicy, and tangy.  My favorite moment was that mini tomato!


After 5 days of eating only bananas I was surprised that immediately after eating my little taste test I wanted  Bananas. I made BananaMylk with 5 bananas and only drank half. Today is was really watered down to resemble more of milk than milk shake, and I liked that!

I'm exited for my food this week! :)

Something Always Hurts!

My sweet husband wants for the day where I don't complain about something hurting. I always complain, because like every human something is always wrong with me. Adam would tell me, Heavenly Father gives you these sad things to deal with so you can figure out how to happy with them. I believe Heavenly Father has a plan of happiness. I can overcome these ailments and live a happy life without them, I need direction to do so.

Since I was in high school, I learned that if I wanted to get rid of my autoimmune disease I had to get surgery, but that wasn't a long term. I found a link of someone who got over it because she ate clean. She didn't eat dairy, meats, sugars, and caffeine. She claimed that it went away and didn't come back. For 10 years I've known this and when I'm crying because I can't sit down, or walk because my raw flesh is being exposed I think about it. However,  I live with it every day, and learned how to hide it and maintain it because I could never go without those things. That's just not good for me. Even since then, I knew that living a clean life I could eliminate it, I knew it in my heart but I couldn't dedicate myself. I guess we will see if it is actually true, because I'm sick of being sick! (I promise I will talk about it in the next blog entry, I have been silent for too long).

I want to list today all the things that are hurting my body right now. Not because I want to complain, or worry about them. I just want to list them, so I can see if any of them clear up or disappear after being on new eating habits and exercise. I want to see how long it takes to achieve the healing that I want. If Food is Medicine! :)

Sorry if this grosses you out with TOO MUCH INFORMATION. The body is gross when you gross it up, right! I just need to create  a check list.

TODAY HEAD TO TOE

1. Dandruff, several years
2. Weak Hair, several years
3. Scabby Ear Cannals, several years
4. Eye Allergy, 1 year.
5. Nasal Allergies, 2 months
6. Geographical Toungue
7. Semi- Lock Jaw Symptoms
8. Neck Rash, 1 week
9. Stiff Neck and Shoulders, constant. I'm too fat and top heavy
10. Sharp Pains to Chest, Heart, Lungs, can't breath until it passes. (not today but frequently)
11. Weak Nails
12. Carpul Tunnel
13. Hidradenitis Supperativa, 18 years
14. Knee Pain, 1 year
15. Toe Plantar Wart, 4 years

Those sound like the majors at the moment.
HAPPY HEALING!!

WHY DO I WANT TO EAT CLEAN?

8 years ago I had a Vegetarian roommate, and I guess it was her who sparked the interest for not eating  meat. It was so foreign to me, I thought it was impossible. Then a couple years later I met some Vegan friend in Missouri and became more intuitive asking so many questions. I've made posts about not eating meat, and then I was eating it again. For the past two years I've had several months on Vegan or Vegetarian and then fall off the wagon hard. I was embarrassed to tell people I didn't eat meat, or drink milk. I didn't want to cause controversy or even conversation about my diet. I didn't want a label, so in group situations I would not eat the way I was eating.  I would go weeks without meat, but even one bite of meat, usually in a social situation or pressed by someone else would ruin it all.  The next day I would have meat, then next day and then the next. To the point where all I'd want is meat, then cookies, chips, and junk food. Adam would walk up to me and say what about the Veggies I bought you, you want a salad? And I would turn up my nose and want nothing to do with it.

The last time this happened I realized I was addicted to processed foods. I realized I was wanting the wrong things and I need to fix it quick. With prayer and lots of study  I realized I want to eat Raw Whole Foods diet. I want Heavenly Father's food. I spent some time reading and re-reading the Word of Wisdom, and cross referencing the Old Testament, Moses and Abraham. Learning what I could about food, and what Heavenly Father wanted me to know. I didn't want to do something unpleasing, drastic, and I no longer feel like I am. I would always give the excuse  of needing moderation in all things, and quit eating Vegan just for rancid cheese. I've now realized, I need moderation in all GOOD things. My journey is to find and cherish those good things.  I think focusing my eating on a Low Fat Raw Vegan lifestyle is what will give me the vibrant life I want.  Does this mean, I'll never have cooked foods, or I'll never eat oils or whatever? No, I don't know!! I still believe the Lord has blessed me with so many food options.  I'm not explaining myself anymore to people. I'm not feeling guilty anymore about food and how I eat it. I'm going to try to eat what I feel is right, no matter which way I eat it! I know its a self-mental complex I have to feel the need to explain myself and please others. I hope that too goes away! Finally, I'm doing something to please myself.

Food is Medicine!! 

Here is what I want from eating CLEAN ... 

I want clarity of mind.

I want more patience with my children.

I want to be more tolerable with my family.

I want energy to play with my kids

I want to eliminate my anxiety.

I want greater strength, even in my hands I can't open bottles sometimes.

I want healthy vibrant not very sick pregnancies.

I want my autoimmune disease eliminated.

I want joy and peace.

I want my family to know I'm healthy.

I want to move my body and not have difficulty lifting my own weight. I'm not huge, I've had 3 babies and each one has left me with 10 pounds of unnecessary fat.

I want a slim body, or my natural body to take over

I want the energy and vitality to love my husband better.

I want to maintain my childishness innocence, and feel youthful.

I want to enjoy and delight in God's food.

I want to allow food to be my medicine.

I never want to see a doctor again. 

I want greater knowledge and quicker understanding.

I want to run and not be weary. 

I want to grow my hair long, I've been having so much trouble.

I want to be a greater example of clean living for my family.

First 5 Days on Banana Island!

I recently joined the forum 30 Bananas A Day so I can have some greater guidance, and example from people who live a life style that is interging and real to me. I'm in need of a serious cleanse. I was using their blog option for the week, but decided to transport those week of interies to my daily blog full of good morning kisses and sweet good nights. This is diffidently something that is in my life right now. I want to remember it.

BLOG:

I've decided to really launch my NEW life, I needed a SERIOUS detox and back to reality. I've been living a partial flip floppy whole foods diet for 2 years but only a couple months at a time, and when I fall... I FALL!!  To the point where looking at a green leafy thing is gross, and I'm achying for a cookie. If that doesn't describe addiction completely.. because I know it is. I'm tired of being addicted to nasty crappy food. I know in my heart Earth's foods, God's food is what will heal me, and make me strong.

SO, here I am trying again. I bought myself TONS of Bananas and I think my husband is even excited for me. (Plus, he's been eating his fair share of nana's too!)

DAY 1:

Easy peasy! I started mid day after a Mono meal of Pineapple because that was what I had. Then for lunch I had 8 under ripe bananas. YUCK! I guess I never realized what I was eating my whole life wasn't ready for me to be eaten. But I ate them, and felt great full. But right away I could tell it wouldn't be so great to digest. For dinner I went to EVERY store around looking for ripe bananas. I found a few boxes of baby bananas ready to eat. So, I had 5 babies. Then I remembers I had frozen ripe bananas! So, I had my first BananaMylk with 1/2 frozen, 1/2 babies. YUMM YUMM!! My husband had some and said.. "what did you put in this?" I said BANANAS & Water! He asked me 5 more times because there are something so special and spicy and wonderful! 

My tummy felt WAY sick that night. I was grumbly and full. My dreams that night were me throwing up.. it felt like I was dreaming that for hours.. throwing up. Weird.

DAY 2: 

BananaMylk for Breakfast, 10 Baby Bananas for Lunch, and I went back to those ripping bananas and when I grabbed one, it fell off into my hand. Just like Banana Girl described.. It was screaming EAT ME! What a difference the way the bananas tasted today. However, for dinner I had 5, and couldn't take it. Then a couple hours later felt grumbly so I went and had 2 more.. but I was SO FULL!! I made or even went over my Cronometer calorie. I also drank TONS of water today! More than I have in a long long time! 

I have energy, and I wish I could move more!! 50 Squats two days in a row have made me sore. It's bedtime and I'm feeling sick again. My tummy aches, and it's grumbling. I don't feel the got-to-go feeling but I don't feel happy either. I think I need more water!

I'm waiting for the day where I notice something great happen! I'm waiting for the sign of being cleansed.. and really launching into a Raw Lifestyle. I guess my next shopping trip will be Bananas.. but I am excited to stock my fridge with TOO MUCH FRUIT! 

My kids will love it!

Well Glo DAY 3

You are doing great! Last night was really awful though. I had so much energy, I just couldn't fall asleep. My body must have been begging for Cardio but I just didn't give it. So falling asleep was really hard. My tummy ached really bad, but I wasn't hungry and I didn't want to eat anything. I finally fell asleep and I think I woke up too early. My body was aching for more rest. I'm going to bed early tonight!

I woke up and drank my water! YUM! and made BananaMylk with my now perfectly ripe Puerto Rican Bananas! I had 8 big ones and 2 babies in my Mylk. It was very delicious! I heard that I could have lettuce and celery but I just don't have the desire for it yet. 

Making lunch for the family was easy and I didn't have any desire to eat what I was making like I had in the past when trying to eat better. I even made hubs a salad and although I know those things are super good for me, I just wasn't interested. My cravings are gone, and my body is not gittery. I have tons of energy! I finally gave myself some cardio today. I was nervous because after 10 jumping jacks I'm wiped out.. or even 30 seconds of running. I just didn't think I could do it. However, I just started jumping!! And Jumping and Jumping!! I did like 80 jumping jacks. Which is kind of big for me. (lame i know). And I started jogging in place, and jogging and jogging.. and then running around the room. I'm starting to tear up a little writing this because I would usually have a side cramp in seconds or get just quit. Even when my calf started to hurt, I just did cardio in a different way.. and different trot. I didn't want to stop but eventually after 10 or 15 minutes I did just sit down.. and then got right back up and walked the house. I know I'm in a already sweaty P.R. but I never sweat before working out. I'm not even sure if this counts as a workout but I was so sweaty, and my skin was super itchy and red, especially around my heart! I feel so good!! I hope I remember this in a few weeks or when I run into difficult situations!

Had more water, and now I'm on to lunch. BANANAS!! I'm letting a Plantain ripen on my counter and I can't wait to try it one day! I know that i have grumpy moments and upset tummy but I'm cheering it on!! I know that it is clearing me OUT!! 

I wonder which day is most difficult!?

DAY 4

I almost forgot what day it was.. maybe because I don't care anymore about getting though it. I'm just trying to get into my Bananas like Freelee the Banana Girl suggests. Today was the first day I had some adversity. I woke up and had my water, and Banana Mylk then i suddenly became very dizzy. I was worried that I might be doing something wrong for my body. I then realized I hadn't really experienced many detox side effects yet. I was feeling suddenly sick and ripped off a piece of Romaine Lettuce and put it up to my lips to see if I wanted it. I just didn't. So, I just carried on. Hoping the Toxins will pass. I then was socializing at lunch time and so glad I brought my bundle of bananas. The cooking food smelled good, and I started to crave just a little bit. Then I started eating my bananas and the hunger went away. I felt bad inside by not eating the food I was offered. It still makes me feel so rude.

While eating my now very ripe Bananas. I almost felt sick again and overwhelmed by the sugary sweetness of the bananas. I'm not a sugary lover in general, and I don't really know what this is all about but UCK! SO overly sweet! I had Mylk for dinner and it was very satisfying. The only worry I have is not enough side effects because I know I'm toxic, but I don't feel the cleansing part. My Hydrodenitis sores are still around, and I didn't have as much clarity today. I actually felt very sleepy and a bit dizzy. I also haven't passed the toxic waste from my body at all today. That makes me worried. 

I hope the Bananas I bought today ripen up a bit by dinner time tomorrow or I might run into problems!

P.S. Breadfruit grows a lot on the island. Tons of fun fruit I've never tried does. I'm new to Puerto Rico, but I'd like to try it if I can figure out how it is when it is ripe.

DAY 5:

I started to read The 80-10-10 diet yesterday and the first chapter was so fun. I ran into the living room 12 times to share with hubby the coolness I was learning. I was happy to see he agreed and understood everything I was saying. (except the cheese thing) 

I'm having an odd rash on my neck near my lymph's. It is really bad when I'm sweating and cleaning the house. I'm not sure if its an effect of detox. Other than that it was a simple day. I also was thinking about the "recommended" calories. I heard I needed 2500 calories, but I'm a bit over weight and I don't even eat that many now. I found it very difficult the past few days to eat that much without feeling very uncomfortable. Today I ate when I was hungry and consumed an amount of calories that I was normally getting to the others days when I felt full, which was about 1800. I believe I need to listen more to my body about how much food I need and how many calories I need to feel full. It's been a fun day otherwise. I went swimming, I have tons of energy. I really need some more sleep. I want to stay up late and watch videos about LFRV, or read but I know I need more sleep. I guess I've lost about a pound a day, but I'm not concerned with that right now. I expect it to take time. I'm doing this for other reasons which I will post soon.

I made eggs for the kids for dinner. The 2 little babies didn't like them. I thin they've been consuming bananas on the sneak! :) But I actually gagged when I was serving them and cooking them. All I could think about was Chicken Discharge. It really grossed me out. It smelled awful, it looked awful. I honestly believe I am gaining a greater emotional connection to animals around me, and my role as a human, which I had never bothered with before. 

My favorite part of the book last night was the image of us walking into a farmer market, fruit stand and being surrounded by sweets fruits and vegetables. I mean just thinking about it right now, it makes me breathe in deep and salivate. I just want to dive right in and gobble all the juiciness up. That feeling is natural. Then imagine when we walk into a butcher shop or when I walk past the meat and fish counter in the grocery store. It smells gross and kind of uneasy. I manage to take it home without "dripping" everywhere and cook it, and then cover it with condiments. Very Interesting!! :) hehe

I'm excited for the morning. All I had for day 5 was BananaMylk, I enjoyed it very much! I can't wait to have it again in the morning! I wonder if I'll experience some more detox symptoms. I just don't feel a lot. I think detox will take several months on the cellular level.

Puerto Rico Chronicles: The Coqui

The Coqui are brown little frogs the size of your thumb nail. I know because I've seen one in my things on the patio one day. That is rare because they are night- time frogs! They are like American crickets. They are loud and chippy from dusk til dawn.

They make a high pitched chip and usually resembles it's name: Coqui!  For the first week, they were SO LOUD! When it turned dark I couldn't think, read, watch TV, or fall asleep. I couldn't understand how our friends weren't bothered.  I soon learn they become the everyday. I rarely notice them anymore. Sometimes while watching TV after everyone is asleep a chirp or two will be unusually loud and catch my attention. Takes me away from my Netflix and reminds me where I am.

I've come to learn that Puerto Rico is just loud! My neighbors are loud, the music is loud, the loud bangs and pops,and thumps all around are loud.  I like that because I'm loud, my kids are loud, and the Coqui, well, they remind me that's okay! :)  I bet I might miss them a little when were gone! For now, they're my neighbors for 4 more years!

Puerto Rico Chronicles: Take Chill Pill, You'll Be Here A While!

In a country with speedy drivers, everyone does a LOT of waiting around.

If I have learned anything it has been patience.  I shall never ask for that again!  Thank you for the opportunity  I understand now! :)

I wait in traffic! Bayamon is nicknamed the "Parking Lot" and for a good reason! Places just take a little longer to get to! Good thing I was trained to be a little bit early! Now I can almost make it on time! :)

I waited for Food Stamps.  I know, I hate it just as much as you do but I'm a poor student so they say its my privilege to have. Adam waited in line at 5:00, to make an  appointment at 11:00 when he was able to enter the building and they made him an appointment which was 2 months down the road. The day finally came, and we waited for 3-4 hours to get the appointment. THE COMPUTERS WERE DOWN!! I run into this a lot too. So, we waited several weeks for the card to come in the mail, and a couple weeks more for a bit of money to enter and in two days we will receive our 1st full month of food!! It's only been 3 months but we can eat while were here!

I wait 3-4 hours for appointments needing to be made. WIC, Doctors appointment. Just sit down and wait!

I wait in lines! In places like the water cpmpany, DMV, and city offices. You wait in a line to inquire a ticket to be made. Then you wait in the cashier line to pay any bill made, and then you return to the first line to prove that you've paid, in order to receive the thing you were their to get. For example, when we finally got our car! Yes,  I waited 5 1/2 weeks for it to get shipped to me! I waited in 6 different lines.  It took my family of 5, eight hours of waiting in order to get the car released to us. Which we had to pick up the next day since the car place was closed by the time we were done. Most of the waiting came from the fact that once again.. THE COMPUTERS WERE DOWN! In a place with 10 computers, only one was working for all the people trying to get their import taxes printed.  I waited there for 3 hours. Then I went down stairs and waited for 2 1/2 hours in line to PAY my outrageous import tax. Then I returned to the 1st office to get my paper work stamped and signed 8 times.  WOW! I was glad when that day ended! And to have a car that worked, and was ours! <3

I wait for people on computers. I know technology was suppose to help make things speedy. However, most of the places I've been the computers seem to be down! I think its just my luck..lol and then the worker types with 2 fingers. I just want to jump across the desk and take over! But I don't I just wait it out! There is nothing else I'd rather be doing! Although, things take a while.. they've got to get done.. and I'm grateful to be doing them!

I wait for electricity.  It happens at least once a week. I get to use those 72 hour kit skills I learned so much about! Also, my kids get to learn how much runs on electricity  They go from the TV, to the Computer, to the "almost dead" phone.. and after they realize there are no other options, they resort to reading books and playing with their toys. I think I'm creating monsters!  J, actually ran to the circuit breaker and asked me to flip the switch!

I wait for water to heat up, because get this..... you only turn your water heater on when you want to use it!  Who  Knew??, Right!  This spoiled American left the water heater alone and for 3 weeks I was basking in water, yes even HOT water for my  dishes, bath times  washing my grimy hands, and wonderful wonderful showers. Then we got out $600 electric bill and learned you are suppose to turn the breaker off during the night and day until dinner time, then you will have hot water for the evening. Well, since that bill we opened we just un plugged it like out A/C units and go without. Except on Mothers Day I got a warm shower for a gift! I was thankful for about 30 seconds and then slowly changed the water to cool!!  To not have a freeze shock was wonderful but unfortunately this last week has been miserable trying to readjust. I guess I'm waiting for that too!

I wait for water!  For 6 hours last week we were without water. When was the last time you were without water?? You suddenly become very thirsty, you have to use the toilet every 10 minutes, and you notice how many times you wash your hands.. Especially while trying to prepare dinner. It was an annoying and dry experience. No worries, I had some stored away!  Those 72 hour tips really do come handy!

I wait for people to realize I don't speak Spanish and for people to understand what I'm trying to say.. and I have no idea what you've been saying for the last 5 minutes. I have to admit, the past 3 days I've decided to speak English out loud for everyone to hear. At first I wanted to blend in.. but it's not going to happen that easily. I'm happier when I'm talking. And either they will roll their eyes because I'm speaking English.. or they will speak English to me. I have realized so many people know way more English than I do Spanish. I'm still going to work on my Spanish, but I think I will make it easier for everyone if we can all learn I understand things better in English! :)

I wait for school to start.. or getting income! I'm just gonna leave that one alone! But I am waiting for it!! :) 12 MORE WEEK TIL SCHOOL STARTS! (for A!)  I can't wait for our routine to get back in place! (but I will!) Then I will be waiting for it to be over!

I know there are TONS of more things I waited for.. and I'd love to complain about them.. however.. I waited, and they arrived and now they are over. That's the strangest things about waiting, and patience. Time really does pass, it finally does resolve itself, and you move on to the next thing. "This too Shall Pass!"-  I hated hearing it but I'll admit it's gonna be alright!

Aren't we always waiting for something?!

Puerto Rico Chronicle: House Search

Looking for a place was an adventure in its self. My great aunt some thing was looking for housing for us. Something affordable, but the two houses she suggested were the right price but had nothing else for us.

House 1- Very Dark, very little lights, no oven,  3 bed rooms, and one bathroom with a shower only. The door next to back rooms entered a yard with no gate.  It was pretty big but very dark. There was no fenced in area for my kids.  We had a neighbor beside us and on top of us. It reeked of mildew and mold.. which I soon learned was the norm. It was large and  I was willing to live here because I thought that's how I would live in Puerto Rico.  Adam felt very uncomfortable.

House 2-  A small pink house with with neighbors on each side. We would live in the center unit which had a fenced in patio 8 x4 feet which would be the kids play area since we had no part of the back yard. I couldn't see living in a place where my kids wouldn't be allowed to be in their own back yard of the house. It had much better natural lighting, except again the bathroom. It must have been one light bulb hanging from the ceiling, also without a bathtub- standing shower only. This house had one small kitchen cupboard. One very small counter top over that cupboard and a very small sink. Then it has a stove and oven the size of a suitcase.. Adam felt better about this place but I couldn't see it. My kids would literally be jumping on the walls. Plus, it was much farther away from school.

We soon realized we needed to up our rent in order for us to get something we could accommodate for a family of 5.  We were so grateful for my Aunt and her help because we had a very hard time getting a hold of any Realtor or housing for rent on our own. No body wanted to talk to the American's and nobody wanted to do it today, and we needed housing ASAP!

I took it in my own power to contact any English posting on Craigslist as long as the price was below $1000. I didn't know what else to do. A Realtor did contact us the next day, and we met with him. He said I requested to see a unit in the same complex but he wanted to show me a different unit for only $50 more.  This wasn't a house like I wanted but in a Condo Unit. It has 24 hour security which we didn't see in the other places. The complex has a BIG wall so no one can even see inside. It has 2 parks, a basketball court, and a pool. Already we knew what we were paying for.

He took us to a floor unit which I realized with 3 little boys and concrete stairs this would be the best choice for us. Immediately  upon entering the apartment our hearts relaxed and I was filled with gratitude. I honestly felt like this was the biggest blessing for us. It had 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with tubs! Beautiful kitchen area (no oven), but I didn't care. They were leaving there washer and dryer, table, couches, microwave stove top and fridge. It felt like all we'd need to do it move it. Then we learned they had a backyard! This was a dream house! The apartment I picked to see didn't compare. It was on the 3rd floor, without appliances, no yard.  The choice was easy!

However, we had to wait a month before we could move in. :/  Then I learned the neighborhood is located near to infamous casarios. Which is government assisted housing, or "Residentals."  The two gangs in the housing areas are enemies and cops are always circulating the area. It made feel scared.  I thought the house was our place. I thought it was for us, and then when it was time for us to sign our contract I started feeling panicked and nervous.

I realized I didn't need to be afraid, but I live in P.R. now and I always need to be aware of my surroundings! I also learned a few things about Casarios which calmed me a little. We did wait  a month and it was well worth the wait. We love it in our little complex. If we never had to leave we'd be good with that too. The unit has it's little things like all houses do but we hope we can stay here the entire time during school, and we can continue to feel safe and blessed in our little home! <3

What I learned about Casarios:

1. Yes, the are dangerous, and I have no business in there so I have no reason to be inside , or nearby.

2. Any time a new housing development in built it is the law that government housing has to be built next to the housing. The figure it will bring up the standard of the people needing assistance. It usually just brings down everything around it.

3. There are good people and many children inside. It now just makes my heart break instead of quiver in fear.

Puerto Rico Chronicle: The Rescue

When I first moved here, I wanted to make a blog all about what happens once in Puerto Rico, but I later realized, the adventure is so different for so many people.... but it surely is an adventure. I've decided I want to remember these "adventures", because right now I feel defeated, and broken.. but I know that the Lord, Jesus Christ will help me through and has thus far in all of our adventures. I don't want these trials to sound like complaining, so I am going to try to present them in a way of love and understanding. The best of my ability! <3 It's not my intention to whoa is me, and whine. I just need to remember these huge lessons I've learned.

. This Chronicle is The Rescues, a message of Prayer, Miracles, & Love .

We arrived in Puerto Rico on February 12th. We had 2 days in a hotel, since Valentines day would was booked  and would be more expensive. We stayed at the Marriott  which was very comforting. During those two days in our hotel I learned a few things very quickly: 

1. Most hotels have mandatory valet parking with hidden additional charges.

2. You have to pay cash for just about everything

3. The sheets will burn your skin a little, because the amount of bleach washed in

4. P.R. DOES NOT HONOR AMERICAN FOOD STAMPS

5. Our phone service no longer works in P.R.

In our search for housing, we were hoping we'd find something we could move into. Adam was in charge of all of this, because I don't speak the language and had phones hung up on me over and over. The last night in the hotel, I took matters in my own hands and started calling people and emailing postings on Craigslist, which usually isn't used here.  I was hoping they would understand English since it was on Craigslist, and not clasificadospr.

 I found a furnished apartment that I thought would be great. The owner asked me to meet her at 11 the next day.  When we left that morning we got a call from a Realtor. He said he wanted to show us an apartment at 2:00. Adam took the call, knowing we probably already would get the furnished place. I'm glad he did, because on our way to Bayamon to meet her we got the call that we had too many kids for her 3 bedroom apartment, and would not be able to rent the apartment.  We booked a hotel for the night, and drove to the school. The school became our safe haven. It felt comfortable, normal, and the reason we were here in the first place.  We felt so defeated.

Adam went into the library to use the internet for housing search and mapquest, because our phone service, and GPS didn't work anymore. When Adam got back into the car, and we were both heart broken, and nervous. It was the first time I saw that Adam may have lost hope. We had been praying as a family like 10 times a day, there was nothing else we could do. I asked if we could pray right here in the car. 

Right after the prayer our phone rang. I had called the English Ward Relief Society a couple days before and told her of our situation. She suggested I talked to another student family.  Heather was at the other end of the phone, I was explaining to her who we were, our situation and I could help but bawl.  Her first reaction was " I know what you are going through, I've been there.  Don't go anywhere, I am coming to get you and take you back to my house where you can stay as long as you need."

What unbelievable faith, and kindness, and willingness to help. She opened her house to us, complete strangers. I'm so grateful that the spirit lead her to us, and she was willing to listen. She helped us get settled and sorted here in Puerto Rico. We ended up staying with Heather and her family for 4 weeks. She housed us and fed us. Her endless kindness is something we can never pay back to her. I just hope we can one day show that same kindness to others.

2 months later, I am still thanking Heather for rescuing us, and for Heavenly Father in answering our prayers. That phone call after our prayer, that answer continues to help us when other trials have come one right after another. We know He can help us, if its His will.  We will continue to pray.

The Easter Recipe

We received this recipe from Relief Society today. A sister was given it 10 years ago, and brought it out to share with us young new moms.  I'm excited to record it down so I can know where it is filed away, if I don't get to this year.  No original source on handout.

Easter Recipe

Ingredients:
1 C. Whole Pecans
1 C. Sugar
1  tsp. Vinegar
3 Egg whites
Tape
Wooden Spoon
pinch of salt
Zipper Baggie


Preheat oven to 300- this is important so don't wait until you're half done with the recipe.

Place pecans in zipper bag and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces.  After Jesus was arrested He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp vinegar into mixing bowl. When Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. This represents the salty tears by Jesus' followers, and bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 Cup Sugar. The sweetest part of this story is that Jesus died because HE loves us. He wants us to know this and how to belong to Him. Psalms 34:8 and John 3:16

Beat with mixer on high speed for 12- 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. The color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus body was laid. Read Matthew 27: 57-60.

Put cookie sheet in oven, close the door, and turn the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16: 20 and 22.

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty! Read Matthew 28:1-9

Moved to Puerto Rico

Well, with our recent move to Puerto Rico (eventually we should start school) we have had to SLOW DOWN. That is just custom here anyways. We haven't done much school work, much crafting. At the current moment we don't have a home to call our own, a car, or a job. SO, things are tight.

I'm still crazy about my family. We've been praying much more and Puerto Rico will bring us closer to each other and to God. I hope it brings us closer and we can avoid contention. A gets to do SO much more here concerning the needs of our family. Its a good and a bad thing in some ways. One way, I get to learn patience, however I have to wait for him. UGH. Once we have our own place I hope to become that super mom I know I should be! I know I can be!

Remember: The two most important days of a womans life, the day she is born and the day she finds out why! Here I go, on my quest to find out, with TONS of kisses to help me through! <3