Best Birthday Present

With my birthday money from my parents, Nate and I were able to boat to Samal island for an overnight. It was so peaceful and beautiful! We got to relax by the pool, rest in the hammock and eat the Philipino buffet meals provided in the package. We stayed in a balay matrimonial suite up on the hillside with a gorgeous view of the ocean from the balcony. If my dad ever gets to come with my mom we will have to stay in the balays on the waterfront. You two would love it!

We basically rested and relaxed, now that first quarter has come to a close with parent-teacher conferences. This week is quarter break so we will be taking a class at the local seminary called “The History of the Church in Asia.” Pray that we learn a lot and grow together in the Lord through this class.

My favorite thing this weekend, other than being with my wonderful husband, was renting a tandem kayak and sailing the ocean blue with my man! We kayaked to the small island across the bay at high noon and soon realized we should have brought extra sunscreen! Near the island we could see through the clear blue-green water to the sandy sea floor. We saw the red spiky star-fish, the coral, and the black pointed sea urchins. When we docked on the island we reclined in perfect peace and solitude. I’ve never been anywhere like it! We took a swim and went snorkeling and then Nate called out “Left, Right!” to get us back in time for the return trip to Davao.

Thank you, Mom and Dad, for the indescribable best birthday present ever (although Micah’s WebCam Email singing HBTY on mandolin was up there)! Thank you, Nate, for being the best husband ever! And thank you, Lord, for your wonderful creation and the restful days we enjoyed!