Oasis of the Seas

...the biggest ship owned by Royal Caribbean. It can hold roughly 6200 travelers and an additional 2000 workers. One thing that I was constantly reminded of while I was on vacation was how young I look. *ahem. 

- at our dinner table, Justin, my cousins, and I sat at one table (8 ppl) and as a group we looked young enough that our head waiter gave us a kids menu the first day...in case we wanted something from there because "he knows what kids like"

- our stateroom lady mentioned to us that none of us look older than 18. Justin is 22, I am 20, Jacqueline is 19. She said I look about 13-14 years old. 

- Justin, Jacqueline and I went to the casino one day (you have to be 18+). We were stopped 3 times by workers there so they could check that we were of age from our seapass card. One guy stopped my cousin (whom he knew was over 18 from the day before), and asked her how old I was. He thought I was about 16-17

- in Jamaica, we were getting equipment on to go zip lining, and one guy asked if I was Jacqueline's younger sister. Her reply, "No, she's not. She's my cousin and she's older than me." 

- I was sitting at the beach reading my book in Haiti, and a woman beside me that struck up a conversation asked me what grade I was in. My reply, "I'm actually not in a grade."    

The cruise can only be described as luxurious. You have personal stateroom cleaners, personal waiters, freedom to do whatever you want, and of course, ALL THE FOOD YOU CAN POSSIBLY CONSUME. On board, there was a carousel, many pools, a gym and spa, outdoor and indoor theatres, a street of stores, kids clubs, basketball court, ping pong tables, mini golf, library, games room, rock climbing, zip lining and ...

I have to admit, it was quite overwhelming. Cruises have made me realize that this is not the kind of life I want to have in the future. Lounging around all day and night...so pointless. There were multiple times when I wanted to just sit and read, but I was always criticized by people in my family for being a "party pooper" for not wanting to go swimming with them or something.

When we were in Haiti, we were at one side of the island that was privately owned by Royal Caribbean. This part of the island was blocked off from the local people, but we could still see them through the fences. We had to eat our buffet lunch while seeing people on the other side, signaling to us that they wanted food. The fences were blocked by security and we weren't allowed anywhere near them. Saaaaaadness.

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Colossians 3:2-4

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

Matthew 6:21