Natural Beauty

Sitting at the pool relaxing. This is great. What can I say, vacation is going wonderfully. Today I went snorkeling in probably the most beautiful reefs I’ve ever seen. Maybe some of the best in the world for all I know. It was like a forest of color stretching as far as I could see. A whole underwater world that I rarely if ever get the chance to be a part of. Thousands of fish all around me. Waters teeming with life. All I could do was laugh, trying not to gag on my snorkel! Sometimes God’s creation leaves me like that- speechless but bursting with praise and wonder inside.

I can’t think of a more beautiful place to be. We’re on a remote island off of Bali. It’s so much more calm and peaceful here than the main island- nobody hounding me about buying things, nobody chasing me down asking if I want a massage. No traffic. Much quieter. The local people here exist as they always have. In fact our hotel is split into two sections- an older one by the beach, a newer one down the road, and locals still living in huts in between. They’re all really helpful too, willing to give us a motorbike ride up the beach or advising us as to the best surfing spots.

I remarked to some friends today that although we work in some pretty tough conditions we have by far the best vacation spots in the world. Yes, living in Southeast Asia does have it’s benefits. There are times when I just have to pinch myself and say “Josh, where are you? Do you really get to do this?” The people I’ve been able to meet. . . The places I’ve been able to go. . . What can I say? I’m truly blessed to be able to do this. And I thank God for all the opportunities He’s given me. It’s truly remarkable.

“Thank you lord for the beauty of your world. Thank you lord for the wonder of your creation. Thank you lord for the privilege to experience it. I stand in awe lord! Amen!”

— the glory of woman is her beauty
— the glory of man is his strength
— the glory of God is His everything