Beaches, Balconies, and Bruises

The title of this blog post may sound a little funny, but it perfectly describes my rest this last week.

Living in a the tropics has it's perks.  Most of the time I may complain about the heat, how it's so humid, the terrible traffic, and flooding roads but when I am able to escape the Manila jungle and relax on a white sand beach I am reminded of how blessed I am.  

As you may have noticed, from my past blogs and updates, my class this year requires much more of my energy than last year's. So as my October break rolled around the corner I was more than welcoming and ready for rest.

Some friends whom have become more like family and I were able to retreat to Puerto Galera where we were welcomed with the sound of the lapping ocean, the pitter patter of rain, and the comfort of a cool air conditioned room (it's too expensive to use at home).  I was so looking forward to bundling up in the air con and reading a good book.    I am so thankful for books and lounge chairs on the beach.

One of my favorite games to play is Frisbee and thanks to my room mate (who brought hers) we were able to run around on the beach passing it back and forth for hours.  I love running in the sand and diving for the Frisbee.  My friends and I can also get pretty competitive while playing and so I found my arms blotted with purple bruises.

Another one of my favorite activities includes hiking!  I love being able to get out of the city and hike through the woods.  I was able to take one of my favorite hikes from last year.  The "trail" takes you up to a waterfall where you can jump in the water and feel refreshed in the cool fresh water!  While climbing on the rocks I took a little spill and fell down one of the smaller falls.  I was left with another huge black and blue bruise on my leg...not so pretty.

I have always been teased by how easily I bruise, but this week it has proven to be more true than I would care to admit.  But each little ugly mark comes with a reminder of what a blessing this last week is and my wonderful Phili-Fam (Philippine's family).  I love laughing with them and playing games with them (no matter how many times I may lose miserably).

While sitting out on the balcony late one night some friends and I reminisced about what the Lord has taught us this last year, prayed about our classes this year, and even discussed next year.  I love being able to hear what the Lord is doing in my friend's hearts and how He has worked in all of our lives in bringing us together.  I am thankful for prayerful friends.

All in all my little beach get away was magnificent and I am refreshed and ready for the return to school.

Ran out of room in the trike so Leo had to ride on top.

Hike to the falls with Kelli and Luke

Jumping in the pool

one ugly bruise...