Unexpected Blessings

After our early morning walk we ate cereal and got ready to go to the international school to meet some children. We did not know what ages we were going to meet so we brought games for all ages and expected to just have a get to know you opportunity. When we arrived we got a tour of the school and then we were taken out to a work site where we were introduced to some American students who were on a summer work project. We were then given tools and asked to move wood and dirt. We were surprised to be working with Americans and to be doing a work project instead of what we planned but our team did a great job being flexible and jumping in to do the work.  We found out later that the head of the school and his wife miscommunicated about who we were suppose to work with but God has ways of using unexpected situations for his glory. Our students got the opportunity to share with the American students that we were Christians. Rachel had the opportunity to talk to one student named Alex about how Christians are not what he had thought they were. It was neat to hear how she was able to share with him that we love people. Pray that God would move in Alex's heart and that he would give his life to God. As we were leaving we gave the school our toothbrush kits and books. One of the local woman who works for the school said that the school does a lesson for kindergarten students on brushing their teeth. We were so glad that we were able to give these to someone who could really use them! After working for several hours doing hard labor our team went to get ice cream and then head home for lunch. We ate and then got ready for a boat ride (for snorkeling) with Hal and Marcia. We invited a few of the youth group from the church but none of them were able to attend but our bus driver and a few of Hal's friends came with us. This was an amazing experience! We got out on the water and headed to a remote beach that can only be accessed by boat. When we arrived we swam to an area to start snorkeling. The tour guides on our boat showed us some of the lava tubes that were on the beach where the tide comes in between rocks. This was a fun spot for our students to swim in with the tour guides. After a little while it began to sprinkle and then it began to pour. It was neat swimming in the warm ocean with the cool rain. When we left we were given lots of fun snacks and had a great time singing songs and laughing on the boat. While heading back we passed by some dolphins who were playing behind our boat. It was so fun to see them swim around us. We got back and had pita pizza. We had an unexpectedly great day!

(Pics by Irene)

Up since 4:30am, Morning walk at 5:00am 

Beautiful early morning view 

Bird eggs stored in nets on trees so that snakes do not get them 

Sunrise 

 Walking EARLY in the morning

A glimpse of the beauty we saw during our walk 

Mural at the school 

View at the school 

Moving logs to clear the area for a future playground 

Working friends we met at Lakeside International 

Toothbrush kits and coloring books for the kids 

17 hungry teenagers at the Ice Cream store

Setting sail to go snorkeling

Rock carved by nature 

(It looks like the sideview of a gorilla)

The area we snorkeled in

Raining while snorkeling and a waterfall 

On the boat 

Funny Pics on the Boat