Day #4 & 5--Sisters Retreat

Days 4 and 5 were a dream for the sisters. While the brothers took Elijah biking around Samal island (pictures from Daniel's camera to come), the sisters took a boat to a private resort--very luxurious! This two-day retreat is something that we've never done--and even just to have that long of a time together, just the two of us--I can't remember the last time.

Sights on the way--this is the "real place" as I say often. Just guys out fishing in boats. I love the Philippines.

A boat village--the ones with long poles look so Vietnamese to me. I wonder how they use them.

We arrived! Yes, this is a sanctuary on earth, seriously, I think this is one of the best places on earth--and how could you get much better than sharing it with my sister! (I've also had good times in this same place, once with my husband and once with my parents--wow, this is a special place).

We couldn't have planned it better! The night we came was the same night of a native performance with music, instruments, and dancing! This is just the kind of thing Sarah and I love to share together, so it was like a surprise gift from God!

The Filipino women in costume were beautiful and talented!

The guys had good rhythm--maybe Nate would invite them to his world drumming class this year--a good resource!

We were inspired.

The native instrument called "kulingtang"--sounded so Asian.

Our favorite was the dancing! I know Mom would have loved this too.

The bamboo poles came out and this was our favorite dance! Don't get your ankles smashed!

Then they asked for volunteers and I got to try it! Very fun!

Next, Sarah's turn. This was just a great way to top off the night!

Rest, retreat, reflection, renewal...talking, time alone, time together, time with the Lord, time in creation---lovely! Thank you, Lord!

We also got to go kayaking and found starfish, but those pictures are on my camera phone, which I still don't know how to retrieve. Anyway, you can visualize it a lot already from this post.

Those huts on the ocean were our dwelling for the night! You could see fish just out our balcony swimming in the coral....angel fish, rainbow fish, lots of kinds. God is so creative. It was time to say good-bye. What a blessing! Thank you, Lord!