Begroeting,
We had a leisurely morning beginning with devotions based upon Romans 7:13 and it was an excellent reminder to not become callous to the sin that can so easily creep into our lives. Our breakfast today was chicken and tuna salad on fresh wheat, white, or savory raisin rolls, fruit, meat, cheese, and yogurt. Once everyone slathered on the sunscreen, we loaded up the van and Lucas took us out to the West end of the island for a tour of the rough coast.
Our first stop was Houtjesbaai on the north central coast which is known by local artists for its driftwood. It is a very scenic spot and we walked along the coast a bit while enjoying the gentle sea breeze. Then Lucas took us to a huge cave system nearby (Kueba Indian) for a hike where we saw stalactites, stalagmites, and lots of bats. It was really amazing and we got some fantastic pictures. Then it was time to head further down to the western end of the island where we saw the watamula (blowhole). The waves really crash along the coast in this area and create beautiful water displays. The boys had a lot of fun collecting sea salt which we bagged up to dry and bring home. Next, we headed to Playa Forti where we beachcombed and cooled off in the shade of the coral cliffs.
We had lunch at Playa Forti and were able to sit out on the deck overhanging the cliffs with a spectacular view of the ocean and the water. It was extremely relaxing and the food was delicious as well. There are huge cliffs where people cliff dive at Playa Forti but this is not a location where we will let the students dive. It is extremely high and dangerous and injuries there are not uncommon. Following lunch we drove back to the Youth Centre where the students were able to spend time playing with the kids in the After School Program. Several of us also worked on refining our plans for leading Youth Explore on Friday night.
Tonight’s dinner ranks among the students’ favorite meals. Jerseley outdid himself by making his version of Saito (a Surinamese take on ramen bowls). They were out of this world and we stuffed ourselves! Once everything was cleanup up, Lucas drove us downtown so we could see what Wilhemstad looks like at night. The floating bridge was covered in colorful lights, there were two cruise ships anchored in the harbor which were all lit up, and the waterfront had an array of lighting types. It was a beautiful sight to behold.
We surprised the kids with a trip to a local gelato spot, Bella Italia which is Lucas’ favorite gelato. While there we ran into pastor Thijm and his wife and their friends which was completely unexpected. The evening was really nice and we enjoyed our gelato out on the patio. Due to all the sun today, hiking, and physical activity, everyone was a bit slap happy so we laughed a lot and really enjoyed one another’s company. It was great team bonding!
It is now 10:00 PM, showers are under way, and we are going to bed early so we can get up and have energy to run PE classes for four hours tomorrow at Emmy Berthold elementary where we have been painting.
So thankful for this precious group of teens!
Lisa
We had a leisurely morning beginning with devotions based upon Romans 7:13 and it was an excellent reminder to not become callous to the sin that can so easily creep into our lives. Our breakfast today was chicken and tuna salad on fresh wheat, white, or savory raisin rolls, fruit, meat, cheese, and yogurt. Once everyone slathered on the sunscreen, we loaded up the van and Lucas took us out to the West end of the island for a tour of the rough coast.
Our first stop was Houtjesbaai on the north central coast which is known by local artists for its driftwood. It is a very scenic spot and we walked along the coast a bit while enjoying the gentle sea breeze. Then Lucas took us to a huge cave system nearby (Kueba Indian) for a hike where we saw stalactites, stalagmites, and lots of bats. It was really amazing and we got some fantastic pictures. Then it was time to head further down to the western end of the island where we saw the watamula (blowhole). The waves really crash along the coast in this area and create beautiful water displays. The boys had a lot of fun collecting sea salt which we bagged up to dry and bring home. Next, we headed to Playa Forti where we beachcombed and cooled off in the shade of the coral cliffs.
We had lunch at Playa Forti and were able to sit out on the deck overhanging the cliffs with a spectacular view of the ocean and the water. It was extremely relaxing and the food was delicious as well. There are huge cliffs where people cliff dive at Playa Forti but this is not a location where we will let the students dive. It is extremely high and dangerous and injuries there are not uncommon. Following lunch we drove back to the Youth Centre where the students were able to spend time playing with the kids in the After School Program. Several of us also worked on refining our plans for leading Youth Explore on Friday night.
Tonight’s dinner ranks among the students’ favorite meals. Jerseley outdid himself by making his version of Saito (a Surinamese take on ramen bowls). They were out of this world and we stuffed ourselves! Once everything was cleanup up, Lucas drove us downtown so we could see what Wilhemstad looks like at night. The floating bridge was covered in colorful lights, there were two cruise ships anchored in the harbor which were all lit up, and the waterfront had an array of lighting types. It was a beautiful sight to behold.
We surprised the kids with a trip to a local gelato spot, Bella Italia which is Lucas’ favorite gelato. While there we ran into pastor Thijm and his wife and their friends which was completely unexpected. The evening was really nice and we enjoyed our gelato out on the patio. Due to all the sun today, hiking, and physical activity, everyone was a bit slap happy so we laughed a lot and really enjoyed one another’s company. It was great team bonding!
It is now 10:00 PM, showers are under way, and we are going to bed early so we can get up and have energy to run PE classes for four hours tomorrow at Emmy Berthold elementary where we have been painting.
So thankful for this precious group of teens!
Lisa
Dr. Miller I’m so thankful for your thoughtful updates, pictures and for you and your husband taking such good care of our kids!