Stranded in Paradise (24 page)

5. Stella DeMuer is an eccentric former movie star whose husband, Edgar, was wrongfully linked to the Communist Party in the McCarthy hearings. What influence did this elder woman's hospitality and personal story have on Tess's faith?

6. In the midst of Hurricane
Alana
, Tess does a great deal of soul-searching, considering the reality of God's love for her. What role did panic play in her eventual conversion? Do you believe panic is a common element used in evangelism? Is this good or bad?

7. Characteristic of her deliberate, thoughtful nature, Tess decides she must return home to ponder all that has happened on her ill-fated vacation before submitting herself totally to God. Was this a wise decision? Why or why not?

8. Tess Nelson's tropical vacation in Maui was supposed to be
paradise.
Yet mishap after mishap seemed to indicate that this beautiful island was anything
but
celestial. Discuss the symbolism of Paradise—what it means in superficial, earthly terms and what it means in eternal, heavenly terms.

9. Upon her return to the states, Tess visits Mona, her mother. Removing her filter of anger, Tess sees Mona's life through new eyes. How does Tess's impression of her mother change? How do you think the relationship between these two women will evolve?

10. The character of Tess Nelson truly comes full-circle— quitting a job she previously devoted herself to, reaching out to a mother she once loathed, and embracing a God she never understood. Discuss the ramifications of Tess's past decisions and how God used even her disobedience to direct the path of her life.

acknowledgments

Thanks to E. W. Woolly, who showed the Copelands Maui for the first time, and then took time to read the manuscript and give me a “second opinion.” Thanks, E. W. and Linda, for rainy luaus, sandy beaches, and extra sweet pineapple.

The following Internet web sites provided important background information for this book:

Untied States Air Force Reserve

Fema for Kids: Hurricanes

Fema: Fact sheet: Hurricanes

Access Noaa: In The Eye of a Hurricane, Cmdr. Ron
Philippborn, NOAA CORPS (retired)

USA Today; Weather Basics

Ask a Hurricane Hunter

Flight into a Hurricane

Astronomy and Earth Science:
The Greatest Storm on Earth

ABC News: Birth of a Hurricane

Stages of Development: The Growth of a Hurricane

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AZE

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