Hawaii Part One

Hawaii seems like a distant memory already.  How can it have been three weeks ago that we were surrounded by paradise?  I was so nervous to go and yet I was so welcomed by the relaxation and peace that came with it.  That combination along with nature's pure, breath taking sights was enough to fill my senses and I'm hopeful that sensation will last awhile!

Our first sunrise on Maui.

How do I go about writing a recap of a week that meant more to me than words can say?  This trip was long overdue. This trip was about leaping on too good a deal on air fare.  This trip was planned by friends whom we consider family. Every last detail was thought out and reservations made.  All I really needed to do was pack and show up.  And sometimes, that felt like a lot. . .because I'm a nervous flier.  And it's a long flight.  But the pros outweighed the cons and we were in it.  We were ready for rest, relaxation, and adventure.  Maui did not disappoint!

 This was "Big Beach" and it had some really BIG waves!  Notice the red flags.  Lifegaurds were asking people to stay out of the water, which I happily obliged, rule follower that I am.  The beach and mountains were gorgeous, but those huge, crashing waves were fierce.  My feet never felt the ocean on this beach.

We had to go to the La Haina Luau, because everyone must go to at least one in their lifetime!  This is the same one I went to about fifteen years ago with my parents, little brother, and papa .  It hadn't changed much and the traditional food was even better than I remembered, or maybe it's just that I appreciated its authenticity so much more now.

I had a drink and cheers-d my dad, who was celebrating his birthday three thousand miles away at home.

The thing about this trip, is I was very much a noticer.  There was so much lush beauty to take in, and I really tried to. . .when I wasn't reading one of my many books I brought along.  A vacation wouldn't be great if I wasn't able to bring my voracious appetite for books.  This trip did not disappoint in the least!  

Speaking of disappointments. . .I don't think I can ever eat a California shaved ice again.  There is no comparison!  Uluanis Hawaiian Shaved Ice was absolutely the best EVER!  So good, it will only ever be THAT good there in Hawaii.  

Speaking of good. . .I had to get myself a Dole Whipped, because, well...Hawaii! 

It was mighty tasty, but nothing compares to that shaved ice!  Nothing, I tell you!  These simple adventures would have been enough, but there was so much more.  There's a whole camera I haven't even downloaded pictures from!  These are just snapshots of our first couple days with my phone.  I think I had to wait awhile to go back and begin documenting this trip.  First, I needed to not be missing it so badly.  And next, the writing of the recap now, is just what I need to keep my mind set in the second honeymoon phase with E and I home together for the next couple weeks.  I'm smiling as I write this.  Our trip was a good one, probably the next best trip to our honeymoon because it was all about us.  Just us.  We missed out on the chaos of home and it was good.  So good it's going to take me awhile to get all our pictures in.  Bare with me.  This adventure is one for our memory books.  And if you're reading this:  get out there and create some new adventures of your own!  You will never regret it!

Savor the Silence

This is the third Thursday in a row that I have had a whole two hours to myself before my students arrive. Grandpa has laid claim to Janessa.  She calls this their lazy day and she is ever more conscious of the days of the week now.  I hope it is a date that will be withstanding, as this could very well be their last opportunity to pour into her without the schedules and demands of a regular school day.  Following a day of illness, the options that loom before me are varied.  The band upon my wrist taunts me to get outside and walk--to make up for the steps missed while in bed yesterday.  My book for book club beckons me--two chapters to go.  Two chapters echoing THIS is my best yes.  A house could be cleaned, laundry completed, lessons to plan for what is probably my last semester of homeschooling for my little one; yet, I sit.

I have blessed my husband as he left for work, prayed for a friend interviewing about a Masters program.  I have read about loaves and fishes, and Peter walking on water.  I have worked out, washed breakfast dishes, blessed kids as they walked off to school.  We've kept a meeting with our ES and reflected on our month of learning, I've taken a forgotten lunch and book to school, I've chatted for a few minutes with two girl friends, texted encouragement to a couple of others and it isn't even 11 am.

And now, as my music plays softly in the background, a smile plays on my lips as my eyes gaze lovingly out a window with a view of tall trees and mountains looming in the distance...I'm just thankful for this one moment.  This opportunity to live this life.  All the petty problems and annoyances with people or situations, in the scheme of it all mean nothing. With only an hour remaining before my writing class begins--I will sit and savor the silence.  I will relish in the revelations of my thoughts.  I will contemplate my days and God's use of my gifts. I will look forward to the future, while at the very same time enjoy the gift of now.

There is wonderful joy ahead--1 Peter 1:6