Last evening as we were waiting at the dock, getting ready to board the boat that would take us out for Mike's first night dive, Mike & I both were commenting on how grateful we are for this very special time away. Not only are we experiencing adventures that few may choose or have the chance, but we are feeling rested and are enjoying activities that we have grown to love. Yes, we have worked hard & have saved for this adventure, but ultimately, it is God who has provided this time of respite. To Him, we give all praise and glory.
Not only has it been a time of respite, but we have met some wonderful people (from all over the world!) along the way that I'm sure, will remain in our circle of friends and acquaintences for many years to come. The resort only accommodates 32 guests, so as you can imagine, everybody somewhat gets to know everybody. It is always a great feeling to be able to expand our "neighborhood" and to look for opportunities to influence new lives around us and to learn from the experiences of others.
Our days have began early. Of course, the resort caters to divers, so their days begin early--the earlier they get started, the earlier they can get in the water. Breakfast is served in the main beach house beginning at 7 a.m. (Central Time). It's pretty hard to take fresh pineapple and papaya for breakfast every morning! From here, for their first dive of the day, the boats leave the dock at 8 a.m. Rather than accompany them on the boat, I have taken this time to rest, relax, and rejuvinate my spirit. I'm usually at the pool (that overlooks the ocean) by 8:15. There are a couple of other ladies that usually stay behind and it has been nice getting to know them. Besides basking in the warmth of the morning sunshine, this has been a time for Bible study and communication with the Lord--which my spirit has desperatly longed for. Not only communicating my praise & requests, but an opportunity to hear from Him as well. Not quite sure what He is trying to tell me, but he has placed 1 Peter 1:15,16 on my heart this week--"15 As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness.16 God said, "I am holy; you be holy." I'll be expectantly waiting for Him to reveal His purpose behind these scriptures & making sure that He finds me faithful in regards to His above instruction along the way.
The boats usually arrive back around 12 noon. Shortly thereafter, again, we fellowship and share lunch together as an entire resort. On their website, the resort "boasts" about the finest cuisine on the island. We have all agreed--it is indeed worth "boasting" about. The food has been exquisite. A short rest period and then we all board the boats again for an afternoon of more diving and for me and a few others, we take the opportunity to experience marine life at its' best by snorkeling. Our afternoons have truly been a wonderful adventure. On several occasions, I have been completely in awe of God's creation (& have made sure to tell Him so!)
We arrive back to the resort & the smells of the kitchen draw us back into the main beach house for dinner. Yes, it seems as if all we have been doing is diving/snorkeling and eating! Casual conversation around the tables, stories from the days' adventures, and the opportunity to watch the sunset in the background all make for a glorious day in paradise. By 8:30 or 9 p.m., as you can probably imagine, we're all ready to retire to our private bungalows. Here, for a while longer, we may sip fresh mango juice and read on our back decks or crawl in for a good night's rest as our next day will once again begin early.
Friday, rather than an afternoon dive (to allow the divers' bodies to decompress before boarding the plane the next morning), we'll all be boat-taxied over to the main village of Utila. Here, we'll have the opportunity to spend the afternoon with the locals, do a little souvenir shopping & stop in to a couple of the local "water holes" to rehydrate. We're all looking forward to this excursion. It will be a great opportunity for me to "brush up" on my Spanish and again, experience people and cultures that are outside of our norms (and if you didn't already know, I love doing the latter!)
Before you know it, our vacation will be over. Yes, I could stand a few more days of sunshine and being pampered, however, we realize that our "callings" await us back home. The one thing that will remain, whether here or there, will be the memories of our experiences and adventures that Mike & I have been able to share as a couple--special, intimate memories and adventures of our days in paradise.
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