tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13931354368425426842024-03-13T09:07:57.452-07:00Girl Surfs WorldAn epic journey of girl who chases the waves around the globe and thrives off adventures. All true stories! Follow Melissa Diamond as she surfs the world!Melissa Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106777518014388350noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1393135436842542684.post-74844410182864255202017-12-13T07:55:00.001-08:002017-12-15T08:25:23.822-08:00Girl Surfs World, the book, published!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jBnzpAmUbeg/WjFM1rrZrRI/AAAAAAAAA1E/1Gw8IzW3QRgVfMv8ndx_R2cvny_kO2k3ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jBnzpAmUbeg/WjFM1rrZrRI/AAAAAAAAA1E/1Gw8IzW3QRgVfMv8ndx_R2cvny_kO2k3ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1128.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">If you
have enjoyed reading stories of my surf adventures, click on the link below to
purchase your copy of my book, Girl Surfs World. Drop into the journey and surf the seas with me!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.amazon.com/dp/0989602923/ref%3Dsr_1_2?ie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1511380568%26sr%3D8-2%26keywords%3Dgirl%2Bsurfs%2Bworld%2Bmelissa%2Bdiamond&source=gmail&ust=1513440921104000&usg=AFQjCNGrqHhSdhzbI0UzpTcR5ktQnaGiAA" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0989602923/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1511380568&sr=8-2&keywords=girl+surfs+world+melissa+diamond" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/dp/<wbr></wbr>0989602923/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&<wbr></wbr>qid=1511380568&sr=8-2&<wbr></wbr>keywords=girl+surfs+world+<wbr></wbr>melissa+diamond</a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif;">Now you
can also drop me a line at www.girlsurfsworld@gmail.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Melissa Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106777518014388350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1393135436842542684.post-69821557674440389522017-10-14T13:06:00.000-07:002017-10-14T13:06:35.961-07:00Baptism, Duck Diving, and the Ripple Effect of Obedience<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; text-indent: 0in;">She was old enough to know the answer that was expected of
her. The preacher of the church where she’d spent every Sunday of her
ten-year-old life had explained that she was now at the age of accountability.
Her knuckles were white from squeezing the top of the wooden pew. Mom and
dad stood on either side of her as the rest of the congregation filed out of
the pews. She agreed, yes, she would be obedient and get baptized.
It was time. Mom, dad, and the preacher bent down to hug her, smiling and
rejoicing. It felt good to please them, to make them so proud.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: 0in;">Submerged under the water, a moment of pure peace passes, and
she is back up, breathing in oxygen. Her hair is now wet and she feels renewed,
washed clean of all the grit and stress that came with life. The sweet
fragrance of sunshine and saltwater mingle on the surface of the sea and she
savors each breath. Another wave curls and crashes before her and she is
back down, under the cylinder of energy, in that peaceful place. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_LOTc_Gzg0E/WeJmpy1ffYI/AAAAAAAAAz0/onXsrdx1Vg8lMBXlcAlGPe5nHOQjlkilQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_LOTc_Gzg0E/WeJmpy1ffYI/AAAAAAAAAz0/onXsrdx1Vg8lMBXlcAlGPe5nHOQjlkilQCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_0545.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; text-indent: 0in;">50 years later, that girl who was baptised is a wife, a mother,
a grandmother. And she hears the same words repeat through her mind,
through her heart…. “It is better to please God than man.” Through the
years there has been heartache and joy, and she drew closer and closer to
Christ. She fully understood what it all meant by now, that is wasn't
about being perfect or being good enough. That it wasn't about her at
all, but all about Him. That Jesus Christ loved her so much that He died
for her sins and then rose from the dead. She knew He invited her to rise
with Him. He invited her to rise from the deadness of sins and walk
blameless and clean and free into eternity. She'd accepted it and fallen
in love with Jesus and walked with Him for years, but she felt Him asking her
to obey Him in this. To obey Him and be baptized again, now that she
truly grasped the concept of all that He had done for her, the true concept of
baptism. It was a physical, outward picture of what had happened on the
inside. She’d known it for years, so why was it now that he was tugging
on her heart? Was it really necessary to go in front of the thousands of
people in her church and be baptized? “It is better to please God than
man.” </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; text-indent: 0in;">And so she did it, one Sunday she went forward. After all
these years of being in a close relationship with Jesus, she decided that she
would continue to be obedient to Him in all things, even this. Obeying
God and listening to His promptings was more important than what people thought
or anything else. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; text-indent: 0in;">When she was submerged into the water and raised up into freedom
from death and sin, she sent ripples through the baptismal waters and through
the sea of souls in the congregation. A man was running late and rushed
into the sanctuary just in time to hear the story of her baptism. His
heart stung, because her story was so much like his own. Her action
encouraged his decision to get baptized again, because the sprinkles he'd
gotten as a baby had meant nothing to him at the time. He knew the woman
and called her later that day to say thank you. And there were probably
others there that day who were touched by her ripples of obedience and she may
never know.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jaub7CjoXkc/WeJmhtO5b5I/AAAAAAAAAz0/EXPUbi-DDkI_Un2olnYzVNExjGZDuF3QACEwYBhgL/s1600/109234636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jaub7CjoXkc/WeJmhtO5b5I/AAAAAAAAAz0/EXPUbi-DDkI_Un2olnYzVNExjGZDuF3QACEwYBhgL/s320/109234636.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: large; text-indent: 0in;">Baptism is like duck-diving, because when a wave washes over
you, you feel a sense of a new start. Something that is coming against
you passes and you find peace. The calmest place on a breaking wave is
right underneath. This was the point of Jesus’s death and resurrection,
so that we could find peace in this life and world of sin. My mom is the
woman in this story. I am so grateful for her example of obedience and
the ripples of love and witness that she sent out that day and every day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #F1F1F1; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 4.5pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1">
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1">
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0">
</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas>
<v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit">
</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape alt="https://ssl.gstatic.com/ui/v1/icons/mail/images/cleardot.gif" id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" style="height: .75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: .75pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="cleardot" src="file:///C:/Users/Melissa/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.gif">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Q5XIC1lRXA/WeJq6eklZCI/AAAAAAAAA0E/KfhP27ed1-MsJpa2PIEIDRm0j9TH4rYAACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Q5XIC1lRXA/WeJq6eklZCI/AAAAAAAAA0E/KfhP27ed1-MsJpa2PIEIDRm0j9TH4rYAACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0546.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
Melissa Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106777518014388350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1393135436842542684.post-18773405744598954382017-07-11T15:21:00.002-07:002017-07-11T15:21:57.975-07:00Kauai By Land Part 1: Kauai, Hawaii<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XyBXrAi25KE/WWOpSMEF4pI/AAAAAAAAAzE/0-hNgKNGcHsS7PCpZstmIyyKw5NAk18DgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/GOPR0409%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1520" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XyBXrAi25KE/WWOpSMEF4pI/AAAAAAAAAzE/0-hNgKNGcHsS7PCpZstmIyyKw5NAk18DgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/GOPR0409%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="304" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">So
far, this was not the surf vacation we dreamed about. By noon on our first day in </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic", sans-serif;">Kauai we both
hoped to be submerged in the sea, making our way back out to another set
tingling with adrenaline. Instead, we
were waiting for lunch in a roadside café sheltered from the wind and
rain. Matt and I were deflated and
famished. We’d started the hunt for
waves at 7 that morning, driving up the coast and exploring beaches. Every cove we discovered celebrated the glory
of God’s creation with a turquoise sea framed with tropical plants and trees of
all shades and shapes. It felt wrong to
be disappointed, but every spot we found was flat. Being from Florida we were used to small
waves, and would have made the most of even 1-2 foot surf, but it was not even
rideable. What baffled us more was that
there was supposed to be a giant swell heading in later that day, but there was
no trace of it now.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QxsSqRJ7Vn4/WWOoMXikH3I/AAAAAAAAAyg/VwEhzGHQ-skgGfBpGXf6-H9bmW_RF0vtwCLcBGAs/s1600/GOPR0193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QxsSqRJ7Vn4/WWOoMXikH3I/AAAAAAAAAyg/VwEhzGHQ-skgGfBpGXf6-H9bmW_RF0vtwCLcBGAs/s320/GOPR0193.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic", sans-serif;">After our meal, I suggested
that we paddle up the Wailua River and check out a waterfall. One of my good friends, Jen, went to Kauai
for her honeymoon and recommended many activities, and this was a must see. Kauai is the only Hawaiian island with
navigable rivers. The Wailua is located
on the east coast of the island and is the most well-known. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century gothic", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MClOWMBpBE8/WWOoRlwBm4I/AAAAAAAAAzE/nA-NtYuFYXEpLF2qMJ1S0o_meUL7-AfkwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/GOPR0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MClOWMBpBE8/WWOoRlwBm4I/AAAAAAAAAzE/nA-NtYuFYXEpLF2qMJ1S0o_meUL7-AfkwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/GOPR0196.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "century gothic", sans-serif;">About an hour later, Matt and I were on
stand-up paddle boards gliding down the serene river. We found the sandy bank and left the boards
next to other kayaks and canoes that marked the beginning of the trek to the falls. The rain cleared, and we hiked barefoot through the jungle following a dirt foot path. We passed clucking roosters and
hens and through small, trickling streams. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century gothic", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic", sans-serif;">Finally, we could hear the soothing sound of water rushing down. The waterfall cascaded down 85 feet into an emerald pool. Matt and I eased in to the cool water and swam under the shower. The fresh water poured all over us and washed away any trace of disappointment that we had felt earlier.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century gothic", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--SPq1JzfyjQ/WWOoWf6UiMI/AAAAAAAAAzE/B3zzg-7H0EEtH7Yqo1BBVG0zdQCmlQQpwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/GOPR0226%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1459" data-original-width="1600" height="582" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--SPq1JzfyjQ/WWOoWf6UiMI/AAAAAAAAAzE/B3zzg-7H0EEtH7Yqo1BBVG0zdQCmlQQpwCPcBGAYYCw/s640/GOPR0226%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">Back
on the paddle boards we decided to venture further down the river. We stopped to explore a fern grotto. The grotto was a cave abounding with
different species of verdant ferns spilling out of every crevice. Next, we paddled by a couple in a kayak who advised us
to continue around the bend. Sunlight
glistened down through a canopy of green and made parts of the river
transparent. Fish darted beneath the
glassy surface. Soon after I paddled
around a turn, I saw a wild bull drinking and relieving itself in the canal. There were more bulls and cows on a grassy
patch that bordered the waterway.
Cautiously, Matt and I paddled by.
As Matt slowed to take a photo, the bull stopped drinking the water and
stared back at him. After the face-off,
the bull darted up to the meadow and bucked its hind legs high in the air. It was like we were living an episode of the
Discovery Channel, but this felt sacred; this was real life and it was only the
two of us to witness it. Further up to
the left I spotted something white move in a pasture. I paddled around the bend and saw three wild
horses galloping through the field. Matt
and I were awestruck by the pure beauty of the untamed nature on the
island. Our first day in Hawaii had been
surreal even if we didn’t find surf, and the surf would come.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MvgFgWDC2ww/WWOoiFpDkGI/AAAAAAAAAys/qrBAVwzsiLsyoW0DM2GNl8xhYYIh3xhiQCLcBGAs/s1600/GOPR0253%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="502" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MvgFgWDC2ww/WWOoiFpDkGI/AAAAAAAAAys/qrBAVwzsiLsyoW0DM2GNl8xhYYIh3xhiQCLcBGAs/s320/GOPR0253%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="316" /></a><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic", sans-serif;">A few
days later, we decided to try another must-see from my friend’s list: spend a
day exploring the Waimea Canyon and hiking a trail through it. The canyon is on the western side of Kauai, and
is a humbling sight at ten miles long and up to 3,000 feet deep and also home
to countless waterfalls. The drive up
the canyon was littered with tourists stopping at look out points. In true tourist fashion, we got out of the car
to drool at the majestic vistas. I felt
so small next to the depths and breadth of the lush canyon and towering waterfalls. Slowly, we wound our way up to the Awaawapuhi
Trail. The hike was six miles long, and
was a sure way to see some of the uninhibited Na Pali coast. The Na Pali coast is intriguing and
mysterious, because it is only accessible by boat, helicopter, or by hiking
paths. It is also known to be the most
stunning coast on the island and the site of countless Hollywood films. The fact that it is a challenge to explore only fueled my desire to see it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century gothic", sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">We
debated whether or not to do the walk for the first fifteen minutes of the
muddy downhill trek. We’d both slipped
and almost fallen already. Then it started to drizzle.
We agreed that the hike didn’t seem like a safe idea. We had no cell phone service, and if one of
us twisted an ankle and couldn’t walk it would be nearly impossible to make our
way out of the trail. Because of the wet
conditions, it was a challenge enough for one person with two functioning arms
and legs and a walking stick. But, this
was another must see according to my friend. If the view at the end of this path was even
half as magical as the waterfall we had seen after paddling up the Wailua River,
I did not want to miss it. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">So, we
continued deeper into the woods taking it slow, step by step, constantly
working to break a fall. Frustrated, we started to bicker. This
wasn’t safe. If either of us did twist an ankle, which could easily happen, that
would ruin our surf sessions for the rest of the trip and put a damper on all
the other activities. Why were we still walking? If we fully committed to the hike, it would have been easier to push
forward, but if we were going to quit and turn around the sooner we did so the
better. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">Another
couple emerged from the forest covered in muck.
They trudged uphill almost finished with the climb. When they passed, we greeted them, and they
seemed cheerful enough that we were encouraged.
If they could do it, surely we could. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lJ2783VSRTk/WWOpMiz8GCI/AAAAAAAAAzE/M-3kL1zPix0s-cOQyRB-ilml57YYztBwQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/GOPR0354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lJ2783VSRTk/WWOpMiz8GCI/AAAAAAAAAzE/M-3kL1zPix0s-cOQyRB-ilml57YYztBwQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/GOPR0354.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">Soon
the drizzle turned into sheets of rain.
We stopped to pull rain jackets out of our backpack and sip some
water. Again we questioned ourselves; was
this really worth it? Would we even be able to see the view or
would it be hidden by thick clouds?
Suddenly our deliberation was interrupted by a loud screech and curse
words. Just behind us on the footpath
was another couple, and the woman had just fell flat on her bottom. Her face red, she was clearly embarrassed and
apologized for cursing. That was how we
met Tom and Mary.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century gothic", sans-serif;">Tom
helped Mary back to her feet, and we told Mary not to worry about what she
said. The trek was slick and we had
almost fallen countless times already.
We laughed and decided to continue on together. As we walked, the rain alternated between
sprinkling and pouring. At one point it even stopped long enough to let the sun shine
through the canopy for a while.
Conversation flowed as we got to know this couple who were celebrating their 30</span><sup style="font-family: "century gothic", sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "century gothic", sans-serif;"> wedding
anniversary. The mountains of Lake
Tahoe, Nevada was where they called home.
This was actually their first vacation just the two of them, as they had
always taken their kids and grandkids with them. We laughed about family dynamics, complained
about work, and shared what we had discovered around the island so far.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century gothic", sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">We
trudged on taking in the views through the dense jungle and the thriving
landscape of the Na Pali coast. It occurred
to me how empowering working as a team could be. The support of others could take impassible crossroads and make them navigable. Something as simple as a conversation with
Tom and Mary distracted our minds from all the obstacles and reasons we should
not continue on. Instead, we kept watch
for each other and warned each other of a tough patches in the trail. Matt and I shared our water to drink and they shared
fresh coconut meat to eat. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P1skldGHJtM/WWOovnR6MpI/AAAAAAAAAzM/BzpobpUBSZMwLMbmLGGSzwKw49t_i1gcQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/GOPR0387%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P1skldGHJtM/WWOovnR6MpI/AAAAAAAAAzM/BzpobpUBSZMwLMbmLGGSzwKw49t_i1gcQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/GOPR0387%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">Finally,
we made it to the end of the trek. The
clouds cleared long enough to reveal the open panorama of the characteristic
green mountain spires. The height at
which we stood was astounding. The
ground was so far down below that we could not even see it. We basked in the beauty of God’s creation for
a while before </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic", sans-serif;">heading back to where we started a few hours ago. Although the return trip was mostly uphill it seemed easier. Since the first half of the trek was mostly downhill and so muddy and slippery, we had to go slow and take every single step carefully. Going uphill, we could go much faster since we didn’t have to focus so much on not falling. This time, gravity was on our side. The entire hike took four hours to complete. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IB5PHup-6-E/WWOpCelUW1I/AAAAAAAAAzE/bQNQ0AYpEjIrPV2FYvMCAHx9JkAqQtbLgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/GOPR0385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IB5PHup-6-E/WWOpCelUW1I/AAAAAAAAAzE/bQNQ0AYpEjIrPV2FYvMCAHx9JkAqQtbLgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/GOPR0385.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">At the
end of the trail, we hugged Tom and Mary.
The experience we shared had transformed us from strangers
to family. Matt and I admitted that if we
hadn’t met Tom and Mary we probably would have turned around. Tom and Mary said the same thing. God’s words rang out in my mind: two is
better than one, but three or four is even better. The verses in E</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">cclesiastes
4:9-12</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"> say, “</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">Two are better than one, because
they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down,</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic", sans-serif;">one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "century gothic", sans-serif;">The longer I am alive, the more I see God’s living word in my life each day. I am thankful for such a clear illustration of how united, people are so much stronger and can accomplish much greater things.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aG5YV2S3jLA/WWOo4oPU_eI/AAAAAAAAAzE/n8-YSYABHpYH5byx62Ru2qhTM3Z82kSMgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/GOPR0395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1330" data-original-width="1600" height="529" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aG5YV2S3jLA/WWOo4oPU_eI/AAAAAAAAAzE/n8-YSYABHpYH5byx62Ru2qhTM3Z82kSMgCPcBGAYYCw/s640/GOPR0395.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Melissa Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106777518014388350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1393135436842542684.post-28478812529468237512016-10-26T11:58:00.000-07:002016-10-26T11:58:40.473-07:00Blind Spots: Costa Rica<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-suSCM6sXhi0/WBD1U-TrJgI/AAAAAAAAAws/ylOXq-aHAs4XUhbX_fnV8oacY5Ebd8wOwCK4B/s1600/the%2Bplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-suSCM6sXhi0/WBD1U-TrJgI/AAAAAAAAAws/ylOXq-aHAs4XUhbX_fnV8oacY5Ebd8wOwCK4B/s400/the%2Bplace.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">With the speed we took each dangerous
curve I felt my mortality; knew that if we met another force at one of the
blind spots it would be over. Were we
going to die here? Surely we wouldn’t be
the first. I prayed as we rounded each
corner. On a straight stretch of the
path a motorcyclist clutching a surfboard passed us going in the other
direction. When we rose higher than the
birds, I looked down on green palms and rolling hills and saw the ocean lining
the horizon. Would this be the last view
I saw? Was I meant to die holding on to
my groom? I prayed for more time. Why couldn’t I just let go and enjoy flying
over the mountain? Maybe because now I had something to lose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-58pNx8HXMbI/WBD2byvnKzI/AAAAAAAAAw8/WbFTaM1SvMQoXDZriO-kmPNqknpQfB1XQCK4B/s1600/airplane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-58pNx8HXMbI/WBD2byvnKzI/AAAAAAAAAw8/WbFTaM1SvMQoXDZriO-kmPNqknpQfB1XQCK4B/s400/airplane.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Two days after our wedding, Matt and I
flew to San Jose, Costa Rica. From there
we took a 25 minute flight on a tiny plane to a tiny airport close to our
destination, Mal Pais. Upon arrival to The Place, our hotel, we were
welcomed with cool, refreshing watermelon smoothies. Our bungalow was
quaint and quiet, nestled in lush, tropical nature complete with howler monkeys
and hummingbirds. The scene matched my
ingrained notion that a honeymoon was meant to be luxurious and carefree, and
that we were supposed to be pampered.
While luxury and pampering sounded nice, Matt and I had not chosen Costa
Rica so that we could relax and lazily lounge around a pool for a week. Indeed
I had met my match in Matt, and we were much more concerned with exploration
and discovering new surf spots and then getting to them before the wind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zeKoDN93K8k/WBD28eo1BgI/AAAAAAAAAxI/pheiKbKuJD8eVZRpGOaciwW9xIsoP1G4gCK4B/s1600/bikers.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zeKoDN93K8k/WBD28eo1BgI/AAAAAAAAAxI/pheiKbKuJD8eVZRpGOaciwW9xIsoP1G4gCK4B/s320/bikers.png" width="320" /></a><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We rented a four-wheeler that would
enable us to take the narrow dirt roads that branched off the main road and
gain access to any wave. Our chariot
came with two helmets and no place to lock things up, so we bought cheap flip-flops
and sunglasses for our surf sessions so we wouldn’t care if they were stolen
when left unattended. We quickly
realized we’d need </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">bandanas
to cover our noses and mouths to minimize breathing in dust, so we fashioned
our own out of my tank-tops.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;">Our honeymoon fell during the hottest
time of the year when the sand punished our toes, thirst and sweat were
constant, and the only respite was found underwater.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;">The first day we surfed and explored the
small pebble roads that led to various beaches, but knew there had to be something
more. The beach break was closing out and the rocky reef built fast and
then offered a nice wall, but died right away; probably not the right swell
direction for that wave. Under a golden, amber, and baby blue sky we
ventured down another road that dead-ended into a fishing village. That
was where we found the stand-up paddle board rental shop and wandered into its
cool shadows. Edith was a tall, slender Costa Rican whose muscular frame rested in
a chair behind glass cabinets filled with shiny trophies. We started a
conversation and she kindly shared the coveted information we needed about the
waves in the area. Two right points would probably be working with the
current swell direction, and there was one just over the other side of the hill
that was never crowded.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;">Blessed with
priceless local knowledge our surf plans were set for the next few days.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HA8a63XADB8/WBD3WA1FrtI/AAAAAAAAAxY/3jcLXGeAg0MH3npSdXaUJckTY7Ca8SMOQCK4B/s1600/20160315_194557.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HA8a63XADB8/WBD3WA1FrtI/AAAAAAAAAxY/3jcLXGeAg0MH3npSdXaUJckTY7Ca8SMOQCK4B/s640/20160315_194557.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="background: white;">Awake before the sun the next day, we began to
climb the towering hill as light filtered through the jungle leaves.
Birds glided above us as we took each curve with similar speed. As we
rode, the path snaked up the hill and as we twisted along the corners there
were countless moments when we couldn't see if another vehicle was
coming. I couldn't hear another vehicle approaching over the humming of
our engine, and we didn't have a horn to alert oncoming traffic. We continued down the unknown road without
two essentials to driving: sight and sound.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I asked God to protect us as we flew down
the hill. Finally, when we reached the
bottom and found the right point, the surf was small and we weren't even sure
if it was rideable. At least we had plan B, the other right point to
explore. I dreaded the drive back, and with every corner I anticipated
death. I never thought I would spend so
much time on my honeymoon thinking about the end. I clutched Matt close and prayed, and heard a
clear but gentle whisper tell me to let go of the fear and anxiety. Even though it is true that many people have
died on that road, we never had any close calls, and I give God the glory for
keeping us safe.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Turns out that our life has been full of blind
spots. Each day brings new uncertainties and we find ourselves constantly
repeating the phrase “one day at a time.” It started with those winding
dirt roads in Costa at full speed as we took on one corner at a time and I
learned to surrender fear and anxiety and trade it for faith and trust. Reality found me a far cry from what my
expectations were of a honeymoon, covered in dirt or saltwater unless asleep,
and rounding corners that carried the weight of death. Even though expectations and reality didn't
usually match up I have peace knowing God is in control. He knows our future, it is in His hands, and I
trust Him. (Jeremiah 29:11) </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Century Gothic, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;">The four-wheeler puttered through a twirling
dirt tornado, the wake from another vehicle that vanished as fast as it bounded
around the corner. The clouds of dust rose like smoke above the palm
fronds and dissipated. Blanketed in grime and sweat, the dire sun
aggravated my itchy, sunburnt skin.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;">I
held Matt tight as he steered onward to where we would escape the heat and duck
dive the muck away surfing on a long, fun right point break. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UG_W8-oEt7k/WBD44aD5E8I/AAAAAAAAAx8/St3D8Rdq5lQ23IDXkuG-UzgLUHQOftZxwCK4B/s1600/20160315_105251.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UG_W8-oEt7k/WBD44aD5E8I/AAAAAAAAAx8/St3D8Rdq5lQ23IDXkuG-UzgLUHQOftZxwCK4B/s400/20160315_105251.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Blind spots make you consider how much you value
life,</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">when at any moment head on collisions are
possible,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">lurking around the corner,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">there is nothing you can do to prepare.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Dust born from the progress and friction of our
tires</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">as they meet the dirt and gravel road.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Dust dances inexhaustibly and we breathe it in</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">turning our snot brown.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Existing in the realm of possibility,</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">of ‘maybe not today,’</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">the mystery of blind spots is</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">no one knows when the dangers will come.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Our fate fragile, we hold on tight, and take
turns that make us vulnerable.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Do you persist because you trust? Because
you have faith?</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Or simply because time works this way, it moves
forward</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">and there is no other option or direction to go.</span><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span>Melissa Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106777518014388350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1393135436842542684.post-7579682816945307382015-08-21T18:13:00.000-07:002015-08-21T18:13:53.321-07:00Beautiful Broken Bits: Cocoa Beach, FL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4cgInmHnIIc/VdfL6JIMmgI/AAAAAAAAAvg/7AlUS1wVKwk/s1600/Sand_from_Gobi_Desert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4cgInmHnIIc/VdfL6JIMmgI/AAAAAAAAAvg/7AlUS1wVKwk/s400/Sand_from_Gobi_Desert.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">One sultry Sunday evening I sat cross-legged at the beach discussing the wonders of God in the place where He first truly connected with me.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">I believe He is a personal God who craves a close relationship with us. The beach and the ocean have always been a special place for us, because as a surfer I feel His embrace and love with every wave I ride. His voice calms me in the soothing ebb and flow of the tide, and other times I get slammed by the His truths in the form of powerful, exploding waves. There I effortlessly draw close and His presence is tangible.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">This is common among surfers who believe, so when my friend told me he had started a Bible study on Sunday nights at the Pier and I was free, I gravitated towards were my soul often drew me.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">In the warm light of the sunset, we talked about the sand and how it came to be. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Weathering processes such as wind, rain and freezing/thawing cycles break down rocks and minerals into smaller grains which becomes sand. Therefore, sand is countless broken parts of what was once whole. However, as the master artist would have it, all of these broken bits join with trillions of others to create the beach. These fractured pieces make up a land mass so majestic and complete; full of exquisite beauty. We discussed an even more remarkable miracle, that when all of these tiny particles come together they are strong enough to stop the ocean!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w3qgvbSKKK8/VdfLbyao9aI/AAAAAAAAAvc/j3i0yyyNYwU/s1600/sand%2Bbeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w3qgvbSKKK8/VdfLbyao9aI/AAAAAAAAAvc/j3i0yyyNYwU/s400/sand%2Bbeach.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">I thought about the weathering process of life that people go through. I have been broken down by living in this world, and often feel like a small fraction of what I once was. I am broken by my sin and left empty, searching to fill the void. Yet God had a plan in Jesus Christ to rescue me from my brokenness. He shines through my mistakes and imperfections. And when I join with other believers we build each-other up and become stronger than we could ever be on our own. Strong enough to stop the ocean!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">The greatest artist could not draw a more perfect picture of what He created the church to be. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">My heart beats for moments like this on the beach or in the sea; when the Lord reveals a perspective changing tid-bit, and I fall deeper in love with Him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">You are invited to join the small group discussions on Sunday nights at the Pier in Cocoa Beach. For more information, like and follow ISurfForver on Facebook.</span></span>Melissa Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106777518014388350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1393135436842542684.post-6441473087653980342015-06-16T13:28:00.002-07:002015-06-18T06:58:57.549-07:00Living Rich: Haiti<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6kPTSTvzbWA/VYFobuUZlpI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/WU2uBkBeFPg/s1600/1011141244c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6kPTSTvzbWA/VYFobuUZlpI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/WU2uBkBeFPg/s400/1011141244c.jpg" width="400" /></a>Barefoot, we sidestepped down mossy and muddy limestone framed by ferns and foliage. Birds spun in the sky, mingling their morning song with the beat of maracas played by insects and solos by goats, pigs, and roosters. The sun sparkled on the turquoise Caribbean that peeked through breaks in the overlapping green canopy. We passed towering trees swollen with mangoes, passion fruit, and bananas. Kelly and I descended down the steep hill to get to the sea, to immerse ourselves into the saltwater for a few waves. Our last day there, as we fumbled down the hill, I marveled at a land infamous for poverty, and saw a rich land.<br />
<br />
I traveled to Haiti with the Share the Stoke Foundation. We went to donate surfboards and help open the first surf school started and built by an organization called Surf Haiti. Based on her reputation, I expected to see a desolate land matched by broken people. After all, Haitians had every right to be following the earthquake in 2010 that measured a 7.0 on the Richter scale and claimed the lives of an estimated 230,000-316,000. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-avvx2lTAxSE/VYFnlm-TsII/AAAAAAAAAuE/inZO2afttRI/s1600/1011141246a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-avvx2lTAxSE/VYFnlm-TsII/AAAAAAAAAuE/inZO2afttRI/s400/1011141246a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
We flew into Port-au-Prince where Joan from Surf Haiti loaded us into a van, and drove us south in the direction of Jacmel. We wound through streets that resembled a war zone where throngs of people made their way through commonplace destruction. Wildly painted buses brimming with souls swerved around us and the aqua ocean loomed between villages of black plastic bags and rubble. We slowed to a stop around one corner behind some traffic, and I spied an old woman balancing a basket brimming with plump papayas on her head, steadily walking along wearing no pants or shoes, her skinny bottom exposed.<br />
<br />
Heart broken, I sat behind the glass windows, a removed spectator, peering at the world operating outside of my bubble. I watched the chaos of the city transform into a hilly, verdant countryside, and then finally into beach villages on the coast. <br />
<br />
Once in Kabik, we caught up with some of Haitian kids at the surf club. They raked the sand around the newly erected building, collected plastic bottles and trash on the surrounding beach, and placed small rocks and gravel around the school. Alex explained, “We want to take care of the school because it is ours and something we share and love.” Later on in the ocean, the kids helped each other for hours, the older ones pushing the younger ones into waves. They rotated boards and celebrated with successful rides and laughed together at the wipe-outs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h7NjksB80YY/VYFpFP7_JpI/AAAAAAAAAuY/T0z1Ro05I1M/s1600/IMG957831%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h7NjksB80YY/VYFpFP7_JpI/AAAAAAAAAuY/T0z1Ro05I1M/s400/IMG957831%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: left;">We ran late on the way to the opening ceremony, as we were stopped by a funeral procession. I can still feel the vibrations of the brass tuba’s song reverberating through the acoustics of the jungle. A grand marching band wove up through the trees followed by children, women, men, old and young, assorted as they come. The band made a victorious, celebratory sound, even as their muscles must have burned from climbing upwards.</span></div>
</div>
<br />
A verse from Ecclesiastes surfaced above all my other thoughts,“You learn more at a funeral than at a feast- After all, that’s where we’ll end up. We might discover something from it.” – Ecclesiastes 7:2 (The Message translation).<br />
<br />
In Haiti life and death were tethered tight, dancing an intimate tango. Where death had a loud presence among the living, there seemed to be a greater appreciation for the gift of life; the gift of each day. I wondered if the American culture in which I lived was better off distracted from this universal truth. Was it better to be a present minded people, living in the now, not worrying about tomorrow or planning too much ahead?<br />
<br />
I remember the last supper, of simmering garlic and butter lobster and octopus- fresh from the same crystal sea we surfed in. Joan, our host, sent one of the kids further up the jungle hill to get the rice from neighbors. Joan explained that if they lacked an egg or flour for their dinner, the family that lived nearby would send someone over to fetch it. They simply shared what they had, and everyone had what they needed.<br />
<br />
Months after those days in Haiti, I remain inspired by her people. Materially speaking they had nothing, but they held their heads high and smiled; really smiled. Despite living in the wake of the earthquake in 2010 and poverty, they were some of the most joyful, loving people I had the privilege of meeting. They gave and accepted love easily and were connected to us, each other, and to nature. I am left wondering who is rich and who is poor? What happened to me in Haiti is what happens to countless people who go on mission trips; I set out to impact lives and returned home with my own soul affected than I ever imagined possible. The morning we hiked down to the beach, taking the short cut through the jungle I saw a glimpse of the beauty of Haiti. And I remember how that session was just as much about the journey as the wave riding.<br />
<br />
<img src="webkit-fake-url://2cc059c7-cb9f-49ab-82cd-738f0b3291ff/imagejpeg" /> <img src="webkit-fake-url://bb1b3530-c2c9-4817-beaf-eae60d82aaf5/imagejpeg" /> <img src="webkit-fake-url://4bd2e594-3510-4dc8-a8ec-44c2d48203da/imagejpeg" /> <img src="webkit-fake-url://2a440461-4669-421e-a8eb-8aa7e3adebc0/imagejpeg" /><br />
<br />Melissa Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106777518014388350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1393135436842542684.post-7189777225359285772014-09-03T12:54:00.001-07:002014-09-03T12:54:11.657-07:00The White at Whitsands:CapeTown,South Africa<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3wG_3rTDys/VAdXIVAEhSI/AAAAAAAAArQ/RRb9HQGZ-q8/s1600/0712140628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3wG_3rTDys/VAdXIVAEhSI/AAAAAAAAArQ/RRb9HQGZ-q8/s1600/0712140628.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> </span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“If you
make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil wi</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">ll
conquer you; no plague will come near your home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For he will order his angels to protect you
wherever you go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will hold you up
with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- Psalm 91:9-12</span></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0lEk1rVaD_A/VAdXN0vgWII/AAAAAAAAArY/_Qd1nQ3iDF8/s1600/0722140420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0lEk1rVaD_A/VAdXN0vgWII/AAAAAAAAArY/_Qd1nQ3iDF8/s1600/0722140420.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The most terrifying day of my life started out
fairly normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was my last day in
South Africa and time to peel the stickers off the RV and organize our lives neatly
back into our suitcases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After touring
the fishing village of Kulk Bay, visiting penguins at Boulder’s beach, and exploring
the Cape of Good Hope, my friends and I searched for waves and found them at
Whitsands Beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The swell delivered
crystal clear wedges offering fast, racey walls, alternating with hollow
cylinder waves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kRmrsBlIrjo/VAdXQHgD_jI/AAAAAAAAArg/JIRoghWEzUA/s1600/0722140426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kRmrsBlIrjo/VAdXQHgD_jI/AAAAAAAAArg/JIRoghWEzUA/s1600/0722140426.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">After about an hour, I paddled towards another
peak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I duck dived under whitewater and
noticed out of the corner of my eye what looked like a surfer in a black
wetsuit duck under the same wave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
strange when the surfer never surfaced, and I never saw a board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I scanned the horizon for a wave and glanced
back and saw a huge black shadow under the water a few yards away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t make out what it was, and at first
assumed it must be a seal like we’d seen, but it was way too big, way too black,
and then I noticed black tips that didn’t belong to any type of seal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YkOJYjRwQIo/VAdXQmMD0oI/AAAAAAAAArk/5h1SGbJ_av8/s1600/0722140650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YkOJYjRwQIo/VAdXQmMD0oI/AAAAAAAAArk/5h1SGbJ_av8/s1600/0722140650.jpg" height="400" width="292" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I glanced away to check the horizon again for a
wave and then looked back towards the mysterious creature to discover a big
black fin surface right next to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was no doubt about what the creature was now, and I pulled my legs
and arms onto my board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dark fin was
so close I could have touched it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
heart beat wildly, and I went into shock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Frozen in fear, I couldn’t scream or move a muscle. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just wanted to curl up and close my eyes in
hopes that when I opened them the large shark would be gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shut my eyes for an instant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I looked again to my right I saw only
water, but then I looked to my left and saw the fin again and realized the
shark had circled me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rory was the closest surfer to me, and began
shouting, “PADDLE MISSY, PADDLE!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SHARK!
SHARK! PADDLE!”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">His commands stirred me to action, although I
was afraid to put my hands and arms into the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began to paddle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few seconds later, I glanced behind me
expecting the shark to be gone and saw the black fin following close behind
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my most horrified breath, I
prayed, “God help me!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WJrM94M6WRU/VAdXZvLxXeI/AAAAAAAAAr8/E27XpRUvcUA/s1600/photo-90.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WJrM94M6WRU/VAdXZvLxXeI/AAAAAAAAAr8/E27XpRUvcUA/s1600/photo-90.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The next moment after I began praying, Rory
yelled, “A WAVE MISSY, PADDLE, PADDLE!!!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">When I paddled for waves I always looked back at
the wave to gauge the speed to ensure I didn’t outrun the wave or miss it, but
this time I couldn’t bring myself to look back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I simply trusted the wave was coming, and I paddled harder than I had
ever paddled and caught the wave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
stood up and raced down the line as far away from the massive animal as I could
get.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I wanted was to put space
between us, and I couldn’t get out of the water fast enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wave died and I fell back down onto my
board and continued to paddle for my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>White water rolled in next to me, and I saw Rory and then Kelly and Tim
and the other surfers rushing onto the beach. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">We hugged each other once we were all on the
sand and the inevitable banter began about everyone’s perspective of the
shark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rory was the closest to me and
had seen both of the fins, and had the horror of watching it follow after
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said as soon as I caught the wave
the fins disappeared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tim and Kelly
heard Rory shout “SHARK!” and saw the fins trailing behind me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They lived a nightmare and felt trapped in
the water because as they paddled to get to shore no wave came, and they even
had to fight a small rip current.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Rory had surfed for 38 years since he started
when he was four, and he said this was the first time he had ever seen a shark
while surfing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no doubt it was
a great white, and no one considered going back to finish out the session.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GQJx211Iz-k/VAdpEsH4UlI/AAAAAAAAAs0/4xwrt3JpVWo/s1600/photo_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GQJx211Iz-k/VAdpEsH4UlI/AAAAAAAAAs0/4xwrt3JpVWo/s1600/photo_3.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span><br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The rest of the day I felt bursts of joy for
being alive, and I felt so grateful to have all my limbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thanked God for answering my three word
prayer with a wave that carried me to safety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">A week later a man was attacked while surfing in
Muizenburg, a beach in Cape Town, not too far from where I had surfed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lost his leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will never know why that man lost his leg
and I was left unscathed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I can do
is give God glory for hearing my prayer and rescuing me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>“The Lord says, ‘I will rescue those who love
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will protect those who trust in my
name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they call on me, I will
answer; I will be with them in trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I will rescue and honor them.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>-Psalm 91:14-15</strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WkWH5ICaG3I/VAdqBIisksI/AAAAAAAAAs8/WE8TQynQN_0/s1600/IMG_26395889561219.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WkWH5ICaG3I/VAdqBIisksI/AAAAAAAAAs8/WE8TQynQN_0/s1600/IMG_26395889561219.jpeg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p>artwork by Joan Bergmans </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p>of Totally Joan</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
Melissa Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106777518014388350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1393135436842542684.post-12408955618240505012014-06-29T17:17:00.000-07:002014-06-29T17:18:52.381-07:00Let Go and Let God<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3naqzPXXJg/U7CqnnV4kGI/AAAAAAAAAqo/-DOt3-b-x9I/s1600/mexaug07+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3naqzPXXJg/U7CqnnV4kGI/AAAAAAAAAqo/-DOt3-b-x9I/s1600/mexaug07+008.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">My
attention was arrested by a kite-surfer as he harnessed the pure energy of the
fierce wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kiter flew to a curling
wave, dropped in, carved up and down the face, and then soared up and out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He escaped back into the sky as the wave
slammed shut, the curtain closed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Envy
pumped through my veins as I got pummeled by the volatile whitewater from a
wave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I paddled and duck dived to
survive in the hectic blown-out surf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wished I could fly to any wave like the kite-boarders, and then escape the brunt
of the waves’ explosion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, I
fought with the ocean and grew fatigued working hard for every wave I
rode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I collapsed on the beach and
stared at the superhero-like kiters who decorated the sky and sea on the
horizon; entranced and intrigued. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t
content to stay on the sidelines watching for long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">The
kite danced through the sky as I grasped the handle and guided it above my
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sun stung my eyes, and I was
careful not to make any sudden big movements. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was learning to kitesurf, and learning to
manage the power of the mighty wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had learned how to generate power by lowering the kite into the power window
and then moving it in a figure eight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fh2TOduuFOc/U7CrNs-NWMI/AAAAAAAAAqw/UrXTWgUJYU8/s1600/mexaug07+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fh2TOduuFOc/U7CrNs-NWMI/AAAAAAAAAqw/UrXTWgUJYU8/s1600/mexaug07+009.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RMWNWf2cQOk/U7CrRFqctOI/AAAAAAAAAq4/5fBjSivnFAs/s1600/mexaug07+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RMWNWf2cQOk/U7CrRFqctOI/AAAAAAAAAq4/5fBjSivnFAs/s1600/mexaug07+010.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>A
kiter glided over the water and launched 40 feet into air and then did a
complete flip before landing smoothly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
watched, jealous it would be ages before I could launch myself like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A strong gust of wind blew and tugged at my
kite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly, the kite was alive in
the power zone, and as I kept the figure eight pattern, the kite powered up and
pulled me out into the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sailed
over the water and instinctually pulled the handle toward myself wanting to
stop and regain control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This did the
opposite of what I wanted to accomplish, and the kite powered up more and
pulled me harder until I slammed down face first into the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally I surrendered and let go of the
handle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was released from the power
and the kite fell from the air to the river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Romans 5:3-4, “We can
rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are
good for us- they help us learn to endure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens
our confident expectation of salvation.”</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br />
While I knew to release the power I was supposed to let go, in the most crucial
moment I pulled the handle towards me to try to regain control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However that was the worst thing I could do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was embarrassed and frustrated, because
even though I knew not to pull in and power up, I did it anyway. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">I
sat on the shore recovering from the high speed face plant, and realized how
much this lesson related to my life and greater issues with control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I want something so much, that I
hold on to it too tight, or I try to manipulate situations to get my way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually the more I try to control the
situation or try to get what I want, I become frustrated because I am reaching
and pulling in my own power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realize
that the more I put my hands on it, the more disappointed I get when things
don’t go the way I want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After I am
exhausted and discouraged from trying to do things in my own power, I realize I
need to rest in the promises of the Lord- that he has a perfect plan and
perfect timing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I need to do is
relinquish the control and power I think I have and just let go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“Be still and know that I am
God.” – Psalm 46:10</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">God
is always in control, and His plans will always prevail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even knowing this, sometimes the hardest
thing to do is just be still.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With
clenched hands I try to grasp what I think I need or want. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am learning over and over again to let go
and submit to what God wants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I
open my hands in surrender that he knows what is best for me, I find rest, the
deepest freedom, and peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it is
only with open hands I am open to receive all that he has for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Melissa Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106777518014388350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1393135436842542684.post-46216235515889938652014-05-20T07:55:00.000-07:002014-05-20T07:55:10.197-07:00Surf & Serve No Matter the Conditions<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-85KRvAQuLWI/U3tqLQqAmII/AAAAAAAAAmw/BdkAHgCVYSo/s1600/137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-85KRvAQuLWI/U3tqLQqAmII/AAAAAAAAAmw/BdkAHgCVYSo/s1600/137.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">For
the first time in my surfing life, I stopped allowing surfing to be my priority
with everything else finding its place around it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started my career and new life as a flight
attendant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had learned that there was more to life than
surfing, yet it was still deep in the fabric of my being. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">During
training I endured ten to twelve hour classes and tests daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Failing a test meant packing up and heading
home, so the stakes were high.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I clung
to God through it all, and when I could squeeze in a surf session I sped to the
beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t check the surf report to
see if the wind was blowing hard on-shore, or clean and off-shore, or the waves
were big or small.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I craved the board
under my skin, the sun on my back, and vowed to surf no matter what.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the saltwater washed over me, God spoke to
my heart about serving him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PHfRY8jnVdA/U3tqevF-ODI/AAAAAAAAAm4/TANvz5H_2nU/s1600/45325_569113339774541_1200829648_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PHfRY8jnVdA/U3tqevF-ODI/AAAAAAAAAm4/TANvz5H_2nU/s1600/45325_569113339774541_1200829648_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 20:28, “For even the
Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve others and to give his life as a
ransom for many.”</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">The
core of Christ’s purpose was to serve, and in the Bible it is stated countless
times in countless ways that as Christ imitators we are called to serve and
love other people for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surfers check
the waves and surf reports frequently to contemplate if the conditions merit a
session.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there is too much wind and
the waves aren’t perfect, surfers wonder if it is even worth paddling out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God showed me a similar trend with serving,
where at times if the conditions weren’t just right in my life, I struggled in
helping others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-biKf1zTFYl0/U3tqoFIFMJI/AAAAAAAAAnA/x0_xoD_iZ1E/s1600/196729_484386741580535_840099221_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-biKf1zTFYl0/U3tqoFIFMJI/AAAAAAAAAnA/x0_xoD_iZ1E/s1600/196729_484386741580535_840099221_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">In Philippians
4:11 Paul wrote that he learned to be content in whatever situation life found
him in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am challenged by this and
realized that sometimes I get so far into my own situation, which is never going
to be perfect, and become overwhelmed by emotions and feelings attached to the
junk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a result, I have sometimes been
guilty of feeling too empty and too tired to care about others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The voice of the enemy is eager to steal any
joy he can and whispers, “Is it even worth serving when you are sad?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should be the one that should be served.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AZ8a5yVKpMo/U3trD5UxnFI/AAAAAAAAAnI/ActtCUXUdg4/s1600/664915_514100428609166_1362148071_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AZ8a5yVKpMo/U3trD5UxnFI/AAAAAAAAAnI/ActtCUXUdg4/s1600/664915_514100428609166_1362148071_o.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kbD0oEE462s/U3trPB_wvWI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/Mt86McQs_jY/s1600/IMG_1945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kbD0oEE462s/U3trPB_wvWI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/Mt86McQs_jY/s1600/IMG_1945.JPG" height="111" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AwVREGVpMa4/U3trcu44tyI/AAAAAAAAAnY/7FkFRocRYdE/s1600/IMG_7045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AwVREGVpMa4/U3trcu44tyI/AAAAAAAAAnY/7FkFRocRYdE/s1600/IMG_7045.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">But
I know I am not called to be controlled by my fluctuating feelings, and I have
never regretted helping someone in need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No matter what is going on with me, the moment I leave my situations and
feelings behind to serve someone else, I feel better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have always found joy in putting someone
else’s needs above my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can even
be therapeutic, as I cannot count the number of times that volunteering has put
my trials into perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David penned
in the book of Psalms that “The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,” just
as when I serve my own troubles melt away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">And
like serving, regardless of the conditions, I have never been sorry I paddled
out, because the scent of foaming, salty sea spray mixed with sunshine and the
breeze is impossible to bottle up and replicate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter what the conditions of the waves,
this elusive scent exists, and the only way to experience its refreshing
effects is to be there, in the water, paddling and duck-diving, skimming along
on the surface of the sea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter how
much time has passed since I last rode a wave, and no matter how tormented I
find the state of the ocean to be in, its grip on my heart and soul remain, and
there I am always at peace; at home enveloped in the pockets of the water. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ymk38Y4A3c8/U3tr77ABI9I/AAAAAAAAAns/qnjhxtJYS24/s1600/424212_483605654991977_205330815_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ymk38Y4A3c8/U3tr77ABI9I/AAAAAAAAAns/qnjhxtJYS24/s1600/424212_483605654991977_205330815_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">I
will surf no matter the conditions, and serve God no matter the conditions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ytrt7-ejGEo/U3trwxfzPNI/AAAAAAAAAng/yVweBPaJwRg/s1600/170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ytrt7-ejGEo/U3trwxfzPNI/AAAAAAAAAng/yVweBPaJwRg/s1600/170.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Melissa Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106777518014388350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1393135436842542684.post-57556499213392676162013-11-22T06:55:00.003-08:002013-11-22T07:01:52.354-08:00The Road to Playgrounds: Nicaragua<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rWjWKj8yyrc/Uo9urndfExI/AAAAAAAAAmU/yfsQ0VqXXO8/s1600/P1010049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rWjWKj8yyrc/Uo9urndfExI/AAAAAAAAAmU/yfsQ0VqXXO8/s400/P1010049.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New";">“For it is by grace you have been saved;
through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God.” -Ephesians
2:8<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">If it is by faith
alone that we are saved, then how important is our faith?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent a few minutes meditating on this
simple but crucial fact while I sipped Nicaraguan coffee and roosters
crowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prayed God would increase my
faith and for it to always grow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">We were four surf
sisters, and these were the days of our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Down to our last few mornings in this wild country it was time to
explore in the Hilux, a trusty four-wheel drive Toyota.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Megan was our driver, Bailey rode shotgun as
the co-pilot, and Stephanie and I shared the backseat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She quietly observed while I was a full on
back-seat driver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">We picked up our
first hitchhiker, an old, round Nicaraguan woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We dropped her off in her village and after
spying tiny waves there we decided to venture on down the dirt road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of us knew what was ahead of us, but we
were committed to explore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A wooden sign
on the side of the road read ‘Chococente’ marking another dirt road, and I
remembered my friends said it was a fun beach break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told Megan to follow that way hoping we
would find the beach. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The road forked, and
we stayed to the right only to end up in an overgrown field surrounded by
jungle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we turned around, a boy ran
up to the truck shouting, “Playgrounds, Playgrounds!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On a boat trip we had caught multiple peaks
at the reef break known as Playgrounds and though we had heard a rumor about a
road to the spot, we never heard of anyone driving there.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xmf_UFDlguw/Uo9uVfatfkI/AAAAAAAAAmA/hlhMquN-Zwg/s1600/IMG_2374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xmf_UFDlguw/Uo9uVfatfkI/AAAAAAAAAmA/hlhMquN-Zwg/s640/IMG_2374.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
</span><o:p></o:p></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Wedged between
Stephanie and myself Jonathan, the boy, and I chatted about our
arrangement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said his parents would
not be worried because they knew what he was doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He asked for money to buy school clothes, and
I said if he worked we would pay him at the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He nodded and told me this was his job; he
would guide us to Playgrounds and guard the truck while we surfed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was never a debate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, it was the quickest decision we
made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hungry for waves and to surf the
reef again, we accepted this boy’s proposal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was impressed by the young entrepreneur and liked the way he invented
work for himself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The excursion began
with crossing through a small river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Next we ascended a small hill, and the road grew very narrow and there
was a steep cliff to the left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
clear that after this point there was no turning back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no space to turn around, and the
only way back would be to drive the narrow track in reverse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of heavy rainfall the night before
the road to Playgrounds was a muddy mess, and the consistency of the mud
changed as we weaved through the jungle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The road was a mystery as we traveled up and down hills covered in giant
pot holes and puddles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the years of
surf adventures in remote areas I never witnessed a road so dangerous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">As we forged on into
the unknown I realized how close I felt to God, because I was aware of my utter
and total reliance on him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had
absolutely zero control, and part of me wanted to panic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Between prayers Bailey kept repeating don’t
drink the water, save the water, and don’t eat anymore Pringles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stephanie sat there stunned and speechless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">I prayed and
prayed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please God, keep us safe, direct
us, protect and surround this truck with your angels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please make this puddle be shallower than it
looks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please help us down this steep
hill in Jesus name!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thanked God for
making Megan a little bit of a redneck because she was the only one capable of
maneuvering this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked him to allow
the Holy Spirit to operate through her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He gave me peace of mind because he promised me he would take care of
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were his girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him over and over if we made it out of
this mess it would be only because of him, and he would get all the glory for
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Megan drove on,
attempting to stay on the higher contours of the road, but fish tailed into the
ditches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow she remained calm and
kept driving because she knew that turning back was not an option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was scary to realize how much we were not
in control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How often do we live under
the illusion that we are in control?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is when we reach a crucial point, when our faith is tested, that we realize we
are not, nor have ever been in control at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That is when our faith saves us, as we have nothing else but to trust in
his mighty hands; the very hands that created the heavens and the earth, the
author of salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">As we inched closer
to our destination we were excited when we passed two different thatched roof
homes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After being so deep in the
desolate jungle, evidence of human life brought twinges of hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An old man peered at us from the doorway of
his house with his forehead all crinkled up; a look of pure shock and
confusion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we passed the second home
a family gathered at the doorway to watch us pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently, travelers were not a common
sight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Finally the road
grew wider and the soft mud mixed with sand to create firm ground, and Jonathan
pointed where to park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hiked through
the trees and vines with the sound of the ocean easing our pounding
hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ocean glistened in the
sunlight and though we reached our goal, Playgrounds, we didn’t find the waves
we remembered because it was dead low tide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The shift in tides is so dramatic in Nicaragua that the waves we surfed
at high tide on the boat trip did not even exist now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We floated around in a tide pool to cool off
and decompress before the return journey.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CqN5HXpYUrg/Uo9uk_K6EEI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/uZ0Dtyvu7_Q/s1600/P1010048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CqN5HXpYUrg/Uo9uk_K6EEI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/uZ0Dtyvu7_Q/s320/P1010048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</span><o:p></o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">We knew that we
couldn’t focus on the past, because at this moment we needed to stay focused on
the path to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could only use the
past to learn from and to make our path forward better than the past.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">As I prayed the word
traction came to focus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realized that
if our tires could not grip the road we would not make it up the steep muddy
sections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told Megan to stop the truck
as soon as we found a safe flat spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
got out and dug the layers of caked mud off the tires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every twenty yards or so I would ask Megan
how her control felt, and when she felt no grip we would get out and again dig
the mud out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We worked under the hot sun
while howler monkeys mocked us and howled down from the highest summits of
verdant gum trees and various palms. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Rosa, a spiritual
woman we met in the north, said that butterflies were a sign of the Holy
Spirit’s presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Groups of them danced
in improvised flutters as we peeled the mud away and carried on down the road.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">When we got back to
our hostel spackled in dirt the others couldn’t believe we took that road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even the locals don’t drive there, especially
in the rainy season!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">We relied on our
faith to get us through, and gave God all the glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were like the small white butterflies that
hovered and swarmed around thick mud; happy, wild, and free bursting forth into
the sunlight and oppressing humidity as if being born of the mud and emerging
only after the rain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LQ4Ibagjbz0/Uo9ucR2MHtI/AAAAAAAAAmI/udWAOKJiL8Q/s1600/P1010045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LQ4Ibagjbz0/Uo9ucR2MHtI/AAAAAAAAAmI/udWAOKJiL8Q/s640/P1010045.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Melissa Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106777518014388350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1393135436842542684.post-89367508742814186042013-09-06T19:32:00.001-07:002013-09-19T18:37:02.523-07:00A Spacious Place: Peru<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PK3p6qkbZ_4/UiqJWl69D1I/AAAAAAAAAkM/0kNz1Nu9fB0/s1600/P1000462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PK3p6qkbZ_4/UiqJWl69D1I/AAAAAAAAAkM/0kNz1Nu9fB0/s640/P1000462.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">A miracle exists where the desert sand ends and the sea begins in
Puerto Malabrigo.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The wind howls offshore as
the clouds circulate in constant motion just like the sea, and a legend in
surfing, Chicama, the longest left in the world, mechanically delivers dreamy
eternal lefts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow, the wave is a
minor piece of the miracle, because I miss the smiles and laughter from the
local kids more than the surf.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">My
journey started with an invite to join the Share the Stoke Foundation (STSF) on
a surf mission in Peru with the objective of donating surfboards to share that
magical flavor of a wave with the local children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joan Bergmans traveled from Bocas del Toro,
Panama to meet Kelly Kingston, the president of STSF, and I on a layover in
Bogota, Columbia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were three surf
bums united with more in common than surfing and our sun-bleached hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We shared a passion to not just surf but to use
surfing to make the world a better place by impacting the lives of children;
the future.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Upon
arrival, we squeezed into wetsuits in time to discover a wave that reeled and
peeled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We rode the longest rides of our
lives next to a sinking sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After our
second session the next day I wondered why there were no local rippers in the
line-up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met surfers from Brazil,
Canada, Australia, a guy from California, but no locals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d_oCISIiKZQ/UiqJgGvbLRI/AAAAAAAAAkU/iP05Pc072Io/s1600/P1000470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d_oCISIiKZQ/UiqJgGvbLRI/AAAAAAAAAkU/iP05Pc072Io/s320/P1000470.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">“In Peru
the ocean is not seen as a playground, but more like a resource for life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One can work there to find food or also use
it to dump waste,” a Peruvian replied.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">And I
agreed the sea was a valuable natural resource, especially in the sleepy
fishing village of Puerto Malabrigo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because of the strong current, I read Chicama could happily host 100
surfers, and after surfing there I understood how.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As vast and spacious as the desert was, so
was the sea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned waves broke as a
reflection of what was under them, but here it seemed the waves mirrored the
desert next to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the space made
me feel so small.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The point break worked
freakishly well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could catch a wave
and when my legs gave out and I fell, another wave would break right where I
had been dropped off, ready to taxi me on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The waves were playful, easy to surf, and if small, perfect for kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially for the kids who lived on the
chilly, overcast street that led to the sea with one of the best waves the
world offered.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">In an
atmosphere like Chicama, this project was necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surfboards are the primary necessity for
surfing and a wetsuit secondary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not
only by donating surfboards could the foundation unlock a new world and hobby
for the kids, but possibly also a future income based on this natural
resource.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Serious surfers from all over
the world make the pilgrimage there, opening up a market based on surfing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jobs as surf guides, boat<span style="color: red;"> </span>drivers, surf instructors, surf shop owners, shapers,
surf photographers, and more are created.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jVHwsOK7t5c/UiqJm1MdUuI/AAAAAAAAAkc/XcrQ4zwWBKs/s1600/_MG_1980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jVHwsOK7t5c/UiqJm1MdUuI/AAAAAAAAAkc/XcrQ4zwWBKs/s400/_MG_1980.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The
beach day we planned was scheduled from 12to 3.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span>The local Peru crew we teamed up with consisted of the Chicama
Surf Resort, Zorro’s Surf School, and volunteers with the Peace Corps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Carlhey Boltz, a Peace Corps volunteer who coordinated the event
reminded us, “In this culture people often turn up late.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I got out of the water at 10:30 I saw
kids already milling around on the beach waiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thirty minutes later we were deep into an
improvised football preparty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The goals
were marked by rocks on the beach, and each moment brought more bright smiles
and children from the pueblo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sun
even made a guest appearance and decided to stick around for the afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">At noon
we divided the kids into groups and explained the goals of the beach
clean-up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sifted through the sand
between dry seal bones that mingled with washed up rubber shoes and bottle caps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We collected the trash in black plastic bags
for an hour and then met back at Zorro’s surf school for the bar-b-q.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once lined up for food, we counted around 100
children, making this the biggest STSF event to date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I didn’t
expect even half the kids to participate in the surf lessons due to the cold
water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we brought some wetsuits to
donate, we didn’t have even close enough for everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids’ enthusiastic energy and laughter
trumped my expectations when they were all excited to brave the frigid
ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A celebration of surfing
transpired with ecstatic, shouting kids matched by words of encouragement and
coaching from the instructors and supporters on the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids shivered, surfed, and smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt spoiled and ashamed that I had been
cold in a 4:3 wetsuit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1z34--Ty_CI/UiqLpTQnteI/AAAAAAAAAko/A_SDGI34kFw/s1600/_MG_2058+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1z34--Ty_CI/UiqLpTQnteI/AAAAAAAAAko/A_SDGI34kFw/s640/_MG_2058+copy.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">As in
many cultures around the world, we noticed that women had less
opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We talked about it with
Carlhey, and decided to set aside two of the boards to start a small
revolution; a girls surf club.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carlhey was
willing to head the club and would schedule meetings for the girls. They could
surf with her or go to her to check out a board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carlhey described other projects she did with
the youth in the community, and she inspired us with the impact she made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought about joining the Peace Crops
before, and then it occurred to me that the STSF was the Peace Corps of
surfing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Three
different professional surfers were in on this project at one point, but as
plans can differ from reality, each had to cancel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although we were excited to meet them and
work with them, the project was a success without them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eMpSir1mFhc/UiqMSG-jNSI/AAAAAAAAAkw/zOz4q76okp0/s1600/IMG_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eMpSir1mFhc/UiqMSG-jNSI/AAAAAAAAAkw/zOz4q76okp0/s320/IMG_0222.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FxNtx24svbo/UiqMxIrYWhI/AAAAAAAAAk4/wL1eBEginKU/s1600/IMG_0229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FxNtx24svbo/UiqMxIrYWhI/AAAAAAAAAk4/wL1eBEginKU/s320/IMG_0229.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Between
our sessions, we explored the streets in state of intrigue; this place unlike
anywhere we’d ever been. We marveled at the smart street dogs, the interesting
produce, and the sweet taste of the yellow Inca Kola, the whole time being
stared at by curious locals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To them, we
were the novelty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We again ventured
through the pueblo on our final night, and witnessed a festival for their
scared virgin saint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we spotted
some of the kids we knew from the beach event, the true immersion began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They wanted to hang with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was secretly dying to jump on an encaged
giant trampoline with inflatable balls that was one of the festival games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With local kids as playmates I was granted to
access.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I jumped and threw balls at the
kids that were as big as them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No longer
outsiders looking in, the kids followed us through the streets and chatted with
us.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I
remembered my welcome from them the day we met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They embraced me with both arms and each one gave me a kiss on the
cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It occurred to me then that the
pros were more for you and me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were
for people who buy magazines because they see a professional surfers name
gaping across a headline, or buy clothes because the pros are wearing
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the kids in Puerto Malabrigo
don’t know who the pros are and they don’t care about any of that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To them, we were pros, and in the end, that
was all that mattered.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">One of our last days in Peru we drove to surf another wave about an
hour away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rusty sand mountains filled
the horizon next to a cloudy, grey sky and dust danced in wild tornadoes
energized by howling winds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hum of
roof racks set the soundtrack to our conversation about car accidents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We discussed how traveling on the road among strangers
we trusted our lives with was the most dangerous thing humans did every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joan recalled a story about when she believed
her life was over when she and some friends barely avoided a head-on collision
with a semi-truck in Norway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Five
minutes later, our lives were spared by our driver’s quick reflexes when a
semi-truck overtook another semi-truck and greedily stole every inch of our
lane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right at the last moment, our
driver pulled into the desert avoiding the collision as the huge truck stormed
past, and we were reminded of our mortality.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">It is my own mortality that begged me to consider the spiritual
realm, and I found answers in nature all around me.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>My favorite verses in the Bible talk
about how God revealed himself through nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are countless verses where God is personified by the powerful sea
and my favorite verse is the second verse in the Bible, Genesis 1:2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And the spirit of God was hovering over
surface of the waters.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I heard
God’s voice whisper and thunder over the waves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most surfers were halfway there, because one of the first things you
learn and have to accept is that you are operating in a natural force much
stronger than yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surfers are
deeply connected with nature and the ocean, and most would agree that surfing
is a spiritual experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surfing
naturally suggests a spiritual quest.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jFgl-E3u-HI/UiqOAIKlKyI/AAAAAAAAAlI/4XV368Jiqdo/s1600/P1000422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jFgl-E3u-HI/UiqOAIKlKyI/AAAAAAAAAlI/4XV368Jiqdo/s320/P1000422.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">“He
brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in
me.” – 2 Samuel 22:20.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He rescued me
time and again and drew me close through the waves, his liquid arms, and I felt
his love pursuing all those around me.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I am thankful for my time in that spacious place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I treasured the unexpected and intimate
surprises that are unforgettable in travel like the flock of wild pink
flamingoes that soared past us in the line-up followed by a traditional
Peruvian canoe emerging from the foggy horizon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The man steered the canoe with one tall paddle and maneuvered around the
waves with ease confronting the frigid water and equally cold air without a
shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surprises like when the
restaurant spilled onto the street to greet a human-sized swordfish with
gouging, massive eyes that made it look like a cartoon character and surfing
alone with two of my best friends while perfect lefts rolled by untouched.</span> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FSKOJFaWECE/UiqNWmhHinI/AAAAAAAAAlA/Omx0Jts-nPQ/s1600/P1000639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FSKOJFaWECE/UiqNWmhHinI/AAAAAAAAAlA/Omx0Jts-nPQ/s640/P1000639.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">
Some of the photos were provided by Joan Bergmans.</span>Melissa Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106777518014388350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1393135436842542684.post-39860470147266163132013-06-02T09:57:00.002-07:002013-06-02T10:02:14.772-07:00Sunset Soul Surfers II: Cocoa Beach, FL<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Y1sbUKxwZY/Uat2-U7nW4I/AAAAAAAAAjc/S2mnVTWkZHo/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Y1sbUKxwZY/Uat2-U7nW4I/AAAAAAAAAjc/S2mnVTWkZHo/s640/007.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sunset Soul Surfers is a “feel good” series capturing some
of my most memorable sessions set during the golden hour when the endless ocean
horizon swallows the sun and the sky is God’s canvas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we wait and watch the waves curl towards
the shore. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We select the ones we will
dance across, the ones we will share, and the ones we let pass, all the while
witnessing God’s artistic genius unravel across the ever-changing backdrop.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
“Oh, how sweet the light of day, And how wonderful to live
in the sunshine!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if you live a long
time, don’t take a single day for granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Take delight in each light-filled hour, remembering that there will also
be many dark days.” – Ecclesiastes 11:7-8 (Message Bible) <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
My life in Florida goes fast, as I filled my hours with
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lack of quality waves
motivated me to spend as many as 70 hours a week between three jobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Money earned equals waves to ride and a
ticket to fresh worlds to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I went
to work on a Saturday night in December, but a cold front sent a chilly draft
through an outside section of the restaurant and sent me and another server
home and free from work that evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Megan was about to close up the surf school that I passed on
my way home, so I decided to stop by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
intercepted Bailey, Patrick, and Kit, other fellow instructors who were
returning from the boardwalk to report fun-looking lines on the surface of the
Atlantic.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Spontaneous and free, two elements of surfing I adore, we
all made the consecutive decision to paddle out for a sunset surf. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of us had our own surfboards, and I didn’t
even have a swimsuit or my wetsuit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
surf school offered plenty of foam longboards that we used for surf lessons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I didn’t let the fact that I didn’t have
a swimsuit or wetsuit hold me back and changed into one of the surf school’s
wetsuits.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-umu_5vH8BQ8/Uat3ShKmRBI/AAAAAAAAAjk/hF-sU2ZYgkQ/s1600/DSC_3090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-umu_5vH8BQ8/Uat3ShKmRBI/AAAAAAAAAjk/hF-sU2ZYgkQ/s320/DSC_3090.JPG" width="274" /></a></div>
We walked into the crisp water, and the board meeting
commenced with laughter and sightings of metallic dolphins whose silver sails
and bodies shone as they launched their entire bodies out of the sea like I had
never seen before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The offshore wind
groomed the waves into clean, long walls that we liberally rode solo and
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rainbow spray and hoots and
hollers from friends on foamies filled the salty air as the sun sank.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Together we improvised in pure, soul surfer
fashion as the surprise surf celebration ensued until the darkness made the
waves fade from our vision. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p>It is interesting how when I have high expectations for the
surf I am easily let down, but when I don’t expect anything, I am more than
satisfied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surprise sessions like this
are my most enjoyed because I wasn’t even expecting to get wet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t spend the prior week anticipating
the flawless waves forecasted by the surf report or even a thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The session we dropped into was like one of
those ‘just because’ gifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My life in
Florida goes fast, but I don’t mind slowing down the time and trading money for
waves and memories like this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life after
all, is about living and breathing in the beauty of the present.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9b4mjaf46rg/Uat3dxd4RtI/AAAAAAAAAjs/aQ5JM_vtM34/s1600/61854_457744974284870_1054315574_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9b4mjaf46rg/Uat3dxd4RtI/AAAAAAAAAjs/aQ5JM_vtM34/s320/61854_457744974284870_1054315574_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>
</div>
Melissa Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106777518014388350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1393135436842542684.post-60810639997264887032013-04-13T11:31:00.001-07:002013-04-13T11:32:49.502-07:00Love One Another Even in the Line-up: Bocas del Toro, Panama<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Cambria","serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cdrza4aI7Io/UWmjwukcc8I/AAAAAAAAAiA/Fjub6jNa-jY/s1600/bocas+boat+rides.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cdrza4aI7Io/UWmjwukcc8I/AAAAAAAAAiA/Fjub6jNa-jY/s640/bocas+boat+rides.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The clouds filtered
the first rays of light as we stepped onto the boat that morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We flew over the crystal, translucent sea to
the point and leapt into the line-up at 6:36am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">In the saltwater I
was fully awake and fully alive, witnessing the magic of a six foot, ten second
period swell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The left reeled,
connecting in perfect precision with a barrel section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We joined five others in the water who I had
shared waves with before, and I knew all their names.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cheered for Hannes, as he took off deep,
got barreled, and rode the wave to its full potential disappearing deep inside
where the reef got shallow.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">I lined up with the
waterfall and the next set wave broke wider; the peak chasing me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joan and Juan David shouted for me to take
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rode the fast, pitching wave all the way as
if in a trance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It felt like a dream
when the moment I paddled back to the line-up another perfect peak came right
to me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took it again in the same state
of nirvana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed too good to be
true when the same happened after I paddled back again to meet another
seamless, overhead wave that offered two barrels!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was 6:52, and it was already the best day
of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">My heart, soul, and
mind thanked God for the gift of surfing, and I watched my friends catch waves
as I awaited another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I admired the love
birds that filled the sky in Bocas del Toro, Panama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They chose a mate for life, and soared in
pairs between the clouds and bright beams of light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They flew free, sharing the joy of gliding
along through paradise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt a
connection to them as I soared, flying free down the face of a wave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In those pure moments nothing mattered as I
glided over the surface of the sea and returned to smiles and laughter of
friends.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Then a boat of four
surfers pulled up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They jumped into the
water and sat all around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A set
rolled in, and I saw panic in the eyes of one of the girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t go for any of the waves because I
was surrounded by them and would have run them over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The next boat
carried five surfers who paddled straight to the peak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The entire vibe in the water changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The celebration of tube riding and wave
gliding with friends transformed into war in a matter of minutes and a few
boats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For every wave, at least five
surfers paddled for it and someone dropped in on someone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next boat arrived, and four more surfers
jumped in and sat right next to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
the next wave came my direction and I was in the peak, and a guy paddled around
me and snaked me, putting me right under the lip of the next wave of the
set.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I almost got hit with the boards of
all the other scrambling surfers around me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">It was 7:15 when the
next boat arrived dropping another five surfers into the water, and I moaned
and shouted to Joan, “Seriously?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Noooooo!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was annoyed with each
new surfer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">I managed to catch
more waves while I was out there, and miraculously dodged numerous collisions
with the other surfers fighting for waves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>By 8:30, when our boat arrived, I was happy to leave the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were at least 40 people in the water by
then.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">I realized as I sat
in the water, aggravated with every new surfer entering the sea, I was
forgetting the most important thing I am called to do as a follower of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love one Another.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Matthew 22:35-39,
“One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question,
“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Jesus replied, “You
must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your
mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the first and greatest
commandment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A second is equally
important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">This is known as the
greatest command.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bible even says
that there is nothing special about loving your friends, because everyone does
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The true challenge is to love
others, not just your friends, and even takes it further, but to even love your
enemies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ teaches us to love in an
extreme manner; revolutionary style.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yhS8sOWLNgA/UWmj_KMqomI/AAAAAAAAAiI/uMQxjDQ_KcU/s1600/bocas+surf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yhS8sOWLNgA/UWmj_KMqomI/AAAAAAAAAiI/uMQxjDQ_KcU/s400/bocas+surf.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Normally, when I
translate God’s commandments to my life I think I’m doing pretty well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a pretty loving person, and I truly do
love people for the most part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That day
I realized that in the thing I love the most; surfing, is where I am the most
tested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Of course this is a
good commandment, imagine how harmonious the line-up would be if everyone acted
as if they loved one another?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People
would take turns, and there would be no such thing as dropping in or
snaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just imagine!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Photos by Martijn van Hoek </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Melissa Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106777518014388350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1393135436842542684.post-36815464250323352522013-02-24T07:07:00.000-08:002013-02-24T07:07:38.297-08:00Something Missing: Noosa, Australia
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">An immaculate wooden
boardwalk wove through thick, tropical Australian bush framing a series of
turquoise reeling right-hand point breaks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I stayed in a picturesque, historic hostel nestled on a hill with a
view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wrap-around veranda was surrounded
by countless species of plants and trees, and I even scored a bottom bunk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The town was quaint and elegant; complete
with an Indian restaurant and a few artsy, retro surf shops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In theory, I couldn’t invent a place more ideal
for my taste.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dwy3kgU66Rw/USopF9xdqcI/AAAAAAAAAhA/haibhhCW9Qo/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dwy3kgU66Rw/USopF9xdqcI/AAAAAAAAAhA/haibhhCW9Qo/s640/049.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">I arrived late in
the afternoon with only an hour of daylight left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a ten-hour bus ride I craved
rejuvenating saltwater. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I threw my bag
on my bed, screwed my fins into place, and darted off towards the sea in search
of a wave or two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A national park
protected the beaches with four right points, and I jogged down the walkway
peering between eucalyptus and other gum trees hunting for peaks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped at a spot called the Boiling
Pot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were a few older men surfing
and dropping in next to a rock wedge that created a fast peak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They shared waves with me and encouraged me
to go deep and take off close to the jagged rocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the darkness lingered in, I made a sketchy
exit through craggy rocks and walked back to the hostel on the boardwalk in
awe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sure I would fall madly in
love with Noosa.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"></span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-07cmHlh5Tzc/USoprkWyVuI/AAAAAAAAAhI/slYJPjMb_6A/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-07cmHlh5Tzc/USoprkWyVuI/AAAAAAAAAhI/slYJPjMb_6A/s320/050.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The hostel where I
stayed was full of travelers from all over the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I chatted with people in the kitchen and on
the veranda, but I couldn't find any surfers excited about the waves and
getting into the water.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">I slept in a small
girls’ dorm with two bunk beds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pink and
yellow stained glass windows filtered an amber light illuminating the small
room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I introduced myself to the girls,
but they were not interesting in surfing or me. They answered my questions with short
responses, yes or no, and then returned to talking in another language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day, as I was on my way to do some
shopping, a guy staying there asked to join me to learn where the grocery store
was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we walked, he showed me a tattoo
on the bottom of his tongue that marked his religion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He believed we lived on branches of a giant
tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said he deeply hated
Christians, and when I bought a peach at the store and began to eat it, he told
me he was offended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said it was
against his religion to eat in front of others without giving them food as
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt so bad for offending him, bought
him a peach, and hurried back to the hostel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">In the water and in
the surf shops the locals kept to themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was used to meeting at least one person to have adventures with, but
this time I was happier to pass the time alone than with the people I had
met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-cK4dp53sQ/USoqZCBUA9I/AAAAAAAAAhQ/7pbJ4-IbTCA/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-cK4dp53sQ/USoqZCBUA9I/AAAAAAAAAhQ/7pbJ4-IbTCA/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Despite my lack of
friends, the conditions were optimal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
didn’t have to work and my life revolved around coffee, yoga, surfing, running,
reading, writing, and eating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had two shortboards
with me, and could easily rent a longboard at a surf shop at the bottom of the
hill to ride smaller waves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I surfed
each point and spent about 5 hours in the water each day, going from one point
to the next and then surfing my way back through them again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Isolation is a part
of a writer's life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need it to a
degree; to withdraw from others to collect my thoughts, reflect, and organize
them into words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love to get lost in
books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I also love people, and especially
surfing with friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could be friends
I knew for the past three minutes, four hours, five days, or six years; just
someone to enjoy the conditions with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">There is nothing
better than surfing with friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Riding
a wave to its’ full potential, feeling its’ pulse, tucking into a barrel
section, getting spit out, and turning with such precision that you throw your
fins out of the wall, and then making a clean exit while friends witness the
magic, the moment you morphed into a pro for just one wave. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeding off each other’s energy; getting
sprayed by your friend’s power turn, and then laughing about the serious face
of another surfer paddling for a pounding peak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sharing the awe of the colors of a sunset or rainbow, the wonder of
seeing dolphins surf and turtles swim, and anything God sends in between is so
much better with a friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love eating
dinner later on and laughing about it all over again and making a plan of
attack for the following day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">After spending a
week in Noosa, I sat on a bus heading to back to Surfer’s Paradise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t feel nostalgic or sad about leaving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I sat on the bus, I watched the ocean and
trees fly by, and I flipped through snap shots of my last few months that
filled the memory card in my Kodak camera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWR8fX0yusY/USor7z7ogxI/AAAAAAAAAhk/krEW1EmtAC4/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWR8fX0yusY/USor7z7ogxI/AAAAAAAAAhk/krEW1EmtAC4/s320/020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">My heart felt warm
seeing photos with Betina in Sydney.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laughing
over stupid things with Sacha and Josh and how he took me to south Stradie like
a local, paddling across the shark infested channel refusing the easy boat ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thoughts of the concert, my time with eagle
Dan and Nolan in Byron Bay, the Rocks, the old Irish part of Sydney with Shane
and his incredible curled mustache all flashed through my mind’s eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wore a permanent grin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was greeted by the smiles of Anna and the
boys in WA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My New Zealand photos were
full of beautiful, warm people I was so blessed with; Rachel, Caroline, Stacey,
and then in Raglan Julianne, Danny, Peter, and Jan. Time with those people was
so rich.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It occurred to me that a shared
experience creates unforgettable moments; memories make friendships timeless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The Bible confirms
the importance of companionship in Genesis 2:18, “Then the Lord God said, “It
is not good for man to be alone.” (so he created Eve)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time and again I learn that there is more to
life than surfing, that even when the most intense beauty and quality waves
surround me, loneliness can exist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Noosa was one of the
most beautiful places in Australia I had seen, but it meant nothing to me
because I had no one to share it with, and in retrospect it feels as if that
space in time did not even exist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
I am thankful for the opportunity I had to surf and explore it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up until this point I was willing to go anywhere
by myself, but then I learned it is not where you go, but who you go with.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Melissa Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106777518014388350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1393135436842542684.post-33474595758330465862012-12-01T07:29:00.000-08:002012-12-01T07:29:05.988-08:00Inshallah: Morocco Part II<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T2VJdDrPU0s/ULobdDeFeOI/AAAAAAAAAdw/2rNuxlY3RPY/s1600/anchors.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T2VJdDrPU0s/ULobdDeFeOI/AAAAAAAAAdw/2rNuxlY3RPY/s640/anchors.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Linzee,
one of the first people I met in Morocco, whisked Sophie and I into her car and
navigated gridlocked, vertical alleys. Once outside Taghazout, we flew down the
middle of the road trailed by clouds of dust that flew in a swarm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was transfixed by her fast wit, natural
command of the road, and flow with the culture that revealed much time spent
here. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-33NmWZ-6w/ULoby-VuCOI/AAAAAAAAAd4/h44I3od7Tsk/s1600/IMG_0701+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3-33NmWZ-6w/ULoby-VuCOI/AAAAAAAAAd4/h44I3od7Tsk/s320/IMG_0701+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
surfed at Killer’s, Sophie’s favorite spot named after Orca whales seen in the
line-up as they migrated by. We side-stepped in between rocks down a small
cliff, and I followed the girls across a beach and then through chilly,
knee-deep sea foam. We walked around large boulders and then through a cave
with water surging through. Rays of golden sunlight spilled into the caverns
through tiny openings. Part of me wanted to linger in the mysterious grottos,
to splash in the tide pools and explore the stunning rock formations. Caves
were nonexistent in Florida; a geographic anomaly that existed only in my
imagination and books until that day. But the deeper part of me, the yearning
in the pit of my stomach where an intense magnetic pull towards the surf
thrived, lulled me out of the marvelous cavern and into the sea. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lFXbGRReuwA/ULocGQkuW6I/AAAAAAAAAeA/AZ_5c0sCYqE/s1600/cap+sim+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lFXbGRReuwA/ULocGQkuW6I/AAAAAAAAAeA/AZ_5c0sCYqE/s320/cap+sim+(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Later,
Sophie suggested a visit to the Hammam, a bathhouse, where local women of all
shades and shapes accessed hot, running water. Between these walls they were
completely free of all their coverings and completely comfortable in their bare
flesh. Conversation flowed as the women took turns scrubbing and massaging one
another. Laughing grandmothers lathered shampoo into their granddaughters’
espresso-black hair. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little girls filled
big buckets of water their mothers washed them with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few of the small girls walked by Sophie and
me staring with curious, big brown eyes at our peculiar peach skin. We smiled
at the girls, relaxed by the warmth of the steam and calm, leisure atmosphere.
“It’s healthy for us to see each other like this. To see it’s normal to not be
perfect,” Sophie said bringing fourth an interesting point. In our western
culture, women were usually reserved about nudity and never bathed together.
Yet on a normal basis, we subjected ourselves to popular magazines and
publications that displayed half naked skeletal women and photo shopped models
with flawless skin and overflowing bust lines leaving us more self-conscious. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt;">During
a rooftop dinner I met Ruben, one of Sophie’s friends. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
was the poorest man, but the richest man,” Ruben explained in his thick Spanish
accent. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Exhausted
and dripping wet after surfing, Ruben discovered his van had vanished. He lived
in it and drove it from Spain to Taghazout. His shelter, transportation, and
every possession gone, all except the wetsuit he wore and the surfboard he
carried. His animated arms flew in the air, and his eyebrows arched as he recalled
the dramatic story of loss and gain. People he barely knew clothed him. One
Moroccan, Younes, even drove him ten hours to hunt for and then find Ruben’s
van abandoned and stripped on a desert roadside. Then Younes even gave Ruben
work at his surf camp, while another local surf shop owner loaned Ruben money. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt;">One
evening, we stopped in town with Ruben to share a hot drink with one of those
men. Guttural cries poured out of loudspeakers mounted on the highest points of
buildings. They sent a beautiful of rhythm of Arabic words through porches,
alleys, and store-fronts signaling the routine call to prayer. The steam from
the metal pot of simmering mint tea crept up into the cool, dusk air. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
bearded surf shop owner tasted his tea and said, “My friend, I do this for you
to help you, not for others to see. God has given me enough to help others, and
so I do. I don’t do it because I expect you to repay me, or for recognition. It
is about brother helping brother.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
received Ruben’s firm hand shake. Ruben kissed the man on both of his cheeks;
his actions speaking respect and appreciation. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
must go to pray,” the man said and hurried away.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OH0EGbAwCFY/ULodU4vKRVI/AAAAAAAAAec/DowiNgqpoMs/s1600/IMG_1547+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OH0EGbAwCFY/ULodU4vKRVI/AAAAAAAAAec/DowiNgqpoMs/s400/IMG_1547+(2).JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
Inshallah, the Moroccan phrase for God’s will, would have it, Sophie, Younes,
Ruben, and I formed el ekipo, meaning ‘the team,’ in Spanish. El ekipo was on
the hunt for adventure, uncrowded waves, and places less traveled. Younes was
our GPS, and possessed local knowledge and fluency in multiple languages. Ruben
was our driver and maintained a charm that could get us out of any sticky
situation. Sophie and I were the fuel, energizing the team and helping with
every move. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt;">El
ekipo traveled north and surfed in front of a cathedral as the coral sun
dropped below the horizon, and although the waves were distorted by wind, we
were nearly alone in the water. After peeling off our wetsuits, we capped off
our first session with toasty, hot mint tea that warmed our numb fingers. Over
the next days we ventured further north to surf a river-mouth and then at a
certain wave in front of a cave. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
wave required a long walk through diverse terrain. A local allowed us to park
near his home, and then we wandered down a gravely, dirt path that framed an
endless seascape. We traversed a hilly desert, where a donkey joined el ekipo for
the journey. Overwhelmed by the personality of the donkey’s sly grin, the
immeasurable view offered by the high cliff, and the glistening ocean, I
thanked God for His creation. The verse Psalm 33:5, “The earth is full of His
love,” replayed in my mind. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-899N_oV1d44/ULodEMKwcjI/AAAAAAAAAeU/UHAvc9FHaEg/s1600/IMG_1545+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-899N_oV1d44/ULodEMKwcjI/AAAAAAAAAeU/UHAvc9FHaEg/s320/IMG_1545+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt;">At
that break, Younes spoke Dutch to two surfers who were paddling around others
and taking almost every wave. After Younes spoke, the guys stopped being so
aggressive and waited their turn. Sophie and I soared across the seamless,
glassy right point that allowed turn after turn. I asked Younes what he said to
the guys, and he responded, “I just told them to act like gentlemen and let the
ladies have some waves.” I was smitten and spoiled. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SXDTayqPP5w/ULoeWqwBInI/AAAAAAAAAek/V8jnsui8ij4/s1600/IMG_1579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SXDTayqPP5w/ULoeWqwBInI/AAAAAAAAAek/V8jnsui8ij4/s320/IMG_1579.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt;">El
ekipo headed south after learning about an approaching swell. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Younes’s friend, Oscar, ran a surf camp where
we stayed and found some of the best waves yet. The friendliest locals I ever
encountered hooted and hollered Sophie and I into overhead peaks. Oscar, a
celebration in the sea, caught the biggest, fastest set waves on a longboard.
He would drop in, and then sit down on the board, steer it through a barrel
section, and then stand back up. He smiled and laughed, threw enormous cutbacks
and then sat down on the board with equal amounts of style, skill, and stoke. Oscar
entertained the eye and his contagious joy flowed to the soul. We shared waves
by day, seafood feasts and mint tea by dusk, and then songs, instruments, and
laughter on the upper roof surrounded by stars. Fully spoiled. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Inshallah
brought colorful characters across my path like spunky Linzee, resilient Ruben,
and a generous surf shop owner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People
who breathed the life into a place like smart, charismatic Younes, warm and
friendly Oscar, and thoughtful, loving Sophie.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
am thankful for the days when ‘normal’ was drinking mint tea in a tent
overlooking villages nestled in the distant hillsides after shopping at the
souk with Linzee and Sophie. When normal was surfing with Ruben and Younes,
strolling with a smirking donkey, and planning to camp in a cave. I look
forward to returning to that rustic, rugged place I am free to explore the sea,
the road, and where they collide. Inshallah!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E9l4c7jYXW8/ULoca8zbFfI/AAAAAAAAAeM/gAgIWPvMGVM/s1600/IMG_0818+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E9l4c7jYXW8/ULoca8zbFfI/AAAAAAAAAeM/gAgIWPvMGVM/s640/IMG_0818+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 5.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
Melissa Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106777518014388350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1393135436842542684.post-60933524458541667022012-10-31T08:23:00.000-07:002012-10-31T08:23:29.590-07:00Shark Attacks and Point Breaks: Mexico<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Cambria","serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aGO_hrg2asE/UJE6YeA2ysI/AAAAAAAAAcM/0rtvgasRXHc/s1600/nexpa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aGO_hrg2asE/UJE6YeA2ysI/AAAAAAAAAcM/0rtvgasRXHc/s320/nexpa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aGO_hrg2asE/UJE6YeA2ysI/AAAAAAAAAcM/0rtvgasRXHc/s1600/nexpa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New"; mso-themecolor: text1;">“Where I go, I just don’t know, I might end up somewhere
in Mexico…” lyrics from The Red Hot Chili Peppers sparked another song; that of
the Mexican sea’s voice among others I couldn’t ignore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like the lullaby of smooth cobblestones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They crawled up the sand only to have their
progress stolen by crashing shore-pound that created a soothing beat as they
collided and washed over each other, the water sifting, rushing through any
spare space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Craig’s words, “Never seen
a shark in these waters, but been chased out by a crocodile,” came next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cawing roosters made their debut at dawn,
replaced later by cooing geckos and chirping parakeets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hear the belly of the rental car being
itched on large rocks in the dirt road and on the crests of potholes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wild dogs howled at dusk, while warning barks
were launched from the lungs of lesser wild dogs, our nocturnal security
system, that lived among us on the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“It’s what happens when the squid disappear,” Craig said in his
matter-of-fact manner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His deep voice
faded to mingle with sounds and memories that twirled through my thoughts; the
substance of a wanderlust mind.</span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Cambria","serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YWxyqlaVVxo/UJFAjaNEFmI/AAAAAAAAAdM/E3H-4_h6KIA/s1600/IMG_2489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YWxyqlaVVxo/UJFAjaNEFmI/AAAAAAAAAdM/E3H-4_h6KIA/s320/IMG_2489.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Right
before our departure, the news reported a fatal shark attack in mainland Mexico
on a surfer from San Francisco.<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew shark attacks were such a freak
occurrence, so they actually made me feel safer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believed the odds were against me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A local, who lived in Troncones for thirty
years, where the fatal attack occurred, remarked this was the first attack he
heard of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>A<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">ttacks were so rare there th</span>at a
surfer had a much better chance of getting food poisoning or even chased out of
the water by a crocodile. In fact, it is far more dangerous driving to the
beach than getting in the water. Craig Carroll, the owner of the surf school I
worked for, averaged three trips a year and knew these facts firsthand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New"; mso-themecolor: text1;">May 2008 marked my second surf trip to
Mexico, and I felt prepared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just
completed a Spanish course, exercised and conditioned, and knew the waves I
would be contending with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But during my
first surf of the trip,</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> I
was not prepared to chat in the line-up with two guys from California who lost
their friend to a great white two days prior. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">We
talked about the various breaks in the area when they told me why I should not
surf Troncones. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were sharing waves
with their friend there a few sessions ago, and now he was gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no words to speak, only sullen silence
until finally, I said I respected for them for getting back in the ocean. I
wasn’t sure if I would be brave enough to do the same. I told them I was sorry.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aqqn90rgU3M/UJE9JAjrbbI/AAAAAAAAAck/43XLXhhg2DM/s1600/nexpa+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aqqn90rgU3M/UJE9JAjrbbI/AAAAAAAAAck/43XLXhhg2DM/s1600/nexpa+3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">“He
would have wanted us to finish out the trip. We’re surfing for him.” They were
the first ones in the water and the last ones out.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">We
slept in cabanas on a remote beach that offered a stellar view of the world-class
left point. The subliminal calming repetition of the ocean’s pulse never left
our heads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br />
Early one grey morning, I pulled myself out of bed to peek at the waves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The point reeled, and only two other people
were out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remembered it was the
California boys’ last morning and knew it had to be them in the water.<br />
<br />
When I got to the outside, I realized we were still the only ones out. The
waves were thundering in bigger than they had before.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
“WHEWWWW!” I shrilled as I watched them take turns on the set waves. These
waves were the biggest I’d surfed so far in my life, being easily double
overhead. I kept holding back. I watched the boys in awe as they disappeared
into the wave and then reappeared twenty seconds later way down the beach. At
one point, I was in the perfect spot to ride the approaching mountain of water,
and they both yelled for me. I knew I couldn’t think about it, no hesitation
allowed; just go for it.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">“GOOO!”
One of the boys cried.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br />
“Yah, yah, yah, get it!” The other one screamed.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_rLUbXUGQxk/UJE9V7rnSJI/AAAAAAAAAcs/DQ-5uZBZjc0/s1600/l%5B4%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_rLUbXUGQxk/UJE9V7rnSJI/AAAAAAAAAcs/DQ-5uZBZjc0/s400/l%5B4%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Their
encouragement gave me the confidence I lacked. I paddled boldly in full force
and threw my body into the wedge of the wave and made the drop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I flew down the seamless, peeling left. I carved up and down the face, racing faster than ever. I cut back to the pitching
mouth of the wave and continued sailing down the line. The biggest rush of
adrenaline I’d ever experienced pulsed through my veins as I paddled back out,
yearning for another wave just like that. Even though I caught more waves that
day, I knew they called me into the best wave I ever rode in Mexico.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in love; with Mexico and the endless
walls of water produced by point breaks.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YWxyqlaVVxo/UJFAjaNEFmI/AAAAAAAAAdM/E3H-4_h6KIA/s1600/IMG_2489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e0qVGEeHZ6o/UJE90P6ukdI/AAAAAAAAAc0/yKSC9PgPqqA/s1600/IMG_2478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e0qVGEeHZ6o/UJE90P6ukdI/AAAAAAAAAc0/yKSC9PgPqqA/s320/IMG_2478.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">A few weeks after I returned to Florida, a newspaper reported three other shark
attacks that occurred days after I left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bruce Grimes, a surfer, artist, and board shaper from central Florida
was one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was attacked at Playalinda,
a beach where I surfed alone for hours. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
some unexplainable reason, scientists found that a cold water current flowed
south from California bringing many giant squid. The great whites and tiger
sharks were in hot pursuit of their prey, making mainland Mexico dining grounds
for countless hefty predators. I am glad I did not learn this information until
we were home!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x7PmtIFz-vU/UJE-TZVnK7I/AAAAAAAAAdE/hTT4hUyvZdY/s1600/IMG_2479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x7PmtIFz-vU/UJE-TZVnK7I/AAAAAAAAAdE/hTT4hUyvZdY/s320/IMG_2479.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New"; mso-themecolor: text1;">I have proof of what happened when the squid disappeared
that spring of 2008.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The glossy,
laminated newspaper story with Bruce’s photo and the facts are tangible
proof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proof, so when memories take
flight in my mind and the colors and sounds of fact and fiction begin to mingle
as they often do over time, the facts are preserved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hear the cobblestones calling, beckoning,
luring, me back.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yWUhtYZFgBA/UJE99g-RoCI/AAAAAAAAAc8/HqGwC2J4sd0/s1600/IMG_2487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yWUhtYZFgBA/UJE99g-RoCI/AAAAAAAAAc8/HqGwC2J4sd0/s640/IMG_2487.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Melissa Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106777518014388350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1393135436842542684.post-85571523251425631012012-09-18T09:06:00.000-07:002012-09-18T09:06:30.751-07:00Love is Here: Ride Nature in Nicaragua<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E5gnREUf-eM/UFiVKQmPYUI/AAAAAAAAAbE/bgw_gpRSXwo/s1600/IMG_2107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E5gnREUf-eM/UFiVKQmPYUI/AAAAAAAAAbE/bgw_gpRSXwo/s320/IMG_2107.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Amor es aqui</i>,” the weathered Nicaraguan
woman said to William, her mute and quadriplegic grandson. I knew enough
Spanish to grasp the meaning of her words, “Love is here,” she said. Hammering
shook the house as men with the Ride Nature team replaced the old, rusted
abused roof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One stroke at a time, girls
in the group painted vibrant hues of yellow, blue, and green that swallowed the
faded, lifeless walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used a small
sponge and wiped dust and grit from the table, sink and cabinet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pried at least 30 shriveled and living spiders
and their intertwined webs out from the springs on William’s bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That morning, our mission was to beautify Roberto’s
home.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lUKmA9Vcb7U/UFiV9WNIf3I/AAAAAAAAAbM/zDFSy6pe4v8/s1600/IMG_2092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lUKmA9Vcb7U/UFiV9WNIf3I/AAAAAAAAAbM/zDFSy6pe4v8/s400/IMG_2092.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Ride Nature, (RN) is
a non-profit, Christian organization whose purpose and goal is to impact the
world through action sports.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
mission-focused ministry reaches out to people living in extreme poverty all
over the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On this specific trip,
founders of RN, Mark and Shannon Koch, collaborated with other Christian
ministries based in Nicaragua.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first
three days RN teamed with Waves of Love in the Las Salinas area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Waves of Love arranged a project to repair a well
that six families drew water from along with surf and skim-board lessons with local
kids. The second part of the trip RN linked up with the new chapter of
Christian Surfer’s, (CS) in San Juan del Sur. Working together, CS and RN
organized a skateboard contest in Rivas, a surf contest at playa Maderas, and
repaired a roof on a home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Raw talent of
skaters, BMXers, and inline-skaters was exposed through the organized chaos of
the constant motion at the skate park.At least 200 local kids and adults flooded the park that night in the
town of Rivas for the first skate contest the town may have ever seen. Most
kids took turns with shared bikes and skateboards, as many won skateboards and
Penny boards that they would be able to call their own. Smiles and the words
“gracious” and “thank you” flowed in abundance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cuando regresas</i>?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A mom asked slow enough so that I could understand
her question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wanted to know when RN
would be back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yhVbiqVHa0I/UFiW_DXs5EI/AAAAAAAAAbU/WOVUxZbC7ls/s1600/IMG_2126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yhVbiqVHa0I/UFiW_DXs5EI/AAAAAAAAAbU/WOVUxZbC7ls/s640/IMG_2126.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ygE7iU07Pd4/UFiYVKB04pI/AAAAAAAAAbc/klHhVrNSlqc/s640/IMG_2128.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Typically, swells
don’t like to cooperate with surf contests scheduled months in advance, but on
August 3rd the swell was </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New";">punctual along with the eager local surfers. More than
300 surfers and spectators gathered at playa Maderas in San Juan del Sur for
the contest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tangible, electric excitement
surged across the beach generated from big waves, the high level of competition,
and blasting, upbeat music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Similar to
the skate contest before winners were announced,</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New";">and all attention was
arrested, Mark Koch, of RN, presented the good news of Jesus Christ through a
Spanish translator.</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New";">"Without the
gift of eternal hope, all of the work that we are doing is completely
temporary. What good is it to give a child a free board if we are going to pass
on the opportunity to share with them the greatest gift any of us have ever
been given, eternal life through a relationship with Jesus Christ,"
explained Koch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>RN awarded prizes that
symbolized freedom to the winning contestants, freedom in the form of a set of
wheels or a surfboard, but they heard a message of absolute freedom that only
comes from the ‘living water,’ the most epic gift that is good for eternity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">As Mike scaled up
the rickety, home-made, splintery ladder to balance on the rooftop in the
mid-day sun, Jen toted her hefty camera and tirelessly captured moments and
expressions. Denise’s motherly, tender love manifested through encouraging
words and warm hugs, while the girls’ in the group drew from their endless
source of energy and laughter, and lifted spirits as they played with local
kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With RN, I witnessed an outpouring
of pure love, in an organic and natural way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Each individual performed different tasks, yet operated in such unison;
each job equally important to form a beautiful picture of God’s hands and
feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one focused on self, enabling a
total absence of any sort of dissonance in the group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The focus was putting love into action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The team followed the same orders from the
same leader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“For even the Son of Man
came not to be served, but to serve others and give his life as a ransom for
many.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Matthew 20:28</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X5Qu8p882hM/UFiaS-d8ydI/AAAAAAAAAbs/7-wMVHqLAWQ/s1600/DSC_0956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X5Qu8p882hM/UFiaS-d8ydI/AAAAAAAAAbs/7-wMVHqLAWQ/s640/DSC_0956.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ustedes siempre son beinvenidos a mi casa,
ustedes son como mi familia</i>,” the Nicaraguan woman said as she stood at the
head of the table lavishly covered with chicken wings, pizza, cabbage salad,
rice, fruit salad, fried plantain chips, and smoothies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Waves of Love spent months praying with this
family and watched God transform their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because the Waves of Love founders were returning to the states the next
morning, this meeting was to be one last stop to pray once again for the family
and say goodbye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though RN never
met the family before, they accompanied them to pray, and received extravagant
love in return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They family gave a
weeks’ worth of food they could not afford.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Two purple streamers hung from a concrete wall to signify this was a
surprise going away party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The table of
generosity and the woman’s heart-felt words to the RN group, “You all are
always welcome in my home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though I
have just met you, you are like family,” are seared in my memory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Consistent swell
accompanied my time in Nicaragua, and after RN left I stayed another week and
surfed two sessions a day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I caught
challenging, fast waves twice the size of me, and went home with rashes and
bruises to prove it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But of my 14 days
in Nicaragua, my most cherished moments were working beside people who served
God so naturally with their passions, showing that love is an action. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Impacting the world
through action sports roughly describes Ride Nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An equally appropriate motto occurred to me,
“Love is here,” as there are many more layers to the heart of RN than just
stopping at impacting the world through action sports.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For more information or to support Ride
Nature, visit www.ridenature.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Melissa Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106777518014388350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1393135436842542684.post-61988913751254590642012-08-18T10:28:00.000-07:002012-08-25T19:48:35.668-07:00Sunset Soul Surfers: Nicaragua<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">“Para mango, naranja para pina, banana, avacate, tomate,
cebolla, kalala!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Kq9Z7JdKCo/UC_NDyZ4A4I/AAAAAAAAAZ4/uk0J7clqgoA/s1600/IMG_2155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Kq9Z7JdKCo/UC_NDyZ4A4I/AAAAAAAAAZ4/uk0J7clqgoA/s320/IMG_2155.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">From the back of a truck bed, fat Nicaraguan men auctioned
off produce through giant loud-speakers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The assorted fruits and vegetables they advertised culminated into a
song, and I smiled because it was familiar song, one that I hadn’t heard in two
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was nostalgic, just like the smell
of burning trash.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The burning trash and strong scent of resin mingled on their
descent through the air in Cristobal’s workshop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A fog of fiberglass dust swirled around him
as he restored old, broken boards into beautiful and functional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just arrived to Popoyo from another part of
the country, and we were gathered in the workshop discussing our evening surf
session.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">“Take the fat twin fin,” Maite advised and pointed into her
shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JeKXdaeyfFQ/UC_NfBvTiTI/AAAAAAAAAaA/8lCuQFxAEyY/s1600/IMG_2177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JeKXdaeyfFQ/UC_NfBvTiTI/AAAAAAAAAaA/8lCuQFxAEyY/s320/IMG_2177.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The session signified by the retro fish took me by
surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The waves were intense, so I
pictured similar heavy surf, the kind each heart beat was felt, and deep
breathes, a tight grip, and prayer were necessities for each duck dive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 5 foot 15 second period swell with
onshore winds translated into strong currents and sectioning, closing bombs,
but I trusted Maite enough not to question her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I pulled the board out from its’ resting place neatly stacked
against the wall with at least 20 others like one pulls a book off a library
shelf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boards full beauty was revealed
like a glossy book cover compared to its skinny binder buried among thousands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The fresh world I would explore with this liberated 5’4 had
me frothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a bird in a cage
yearning to fly, and the board was my wings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I loved how every board has its’ own personality, and discovering the
unique sensation of each board as I flew up and down the face of the wave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each session and each wave was never the
same making the adventure addicting and injecting me with an urgency for the
sea, for movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a leap of
faith and tucked the board under my arm, excited to fly; to experience its’ world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GykCHZ9sy4I/UC_NtjRj0MI/AAAAAAAAAaI/GxacmfhvUd4/s1600/IMG_2154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GykCHZ9sy4I/UC_NtjRj0MI/AAAAAAAAAaI/GxacmfhvUd4/s400/IMG_2154.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Maite said the river-mouth would be fun because of the
onshore wind and large swell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I
waxed the board, girls started to arrive at the shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tomoe, a Japanese woman, kept count of each
day that she surfed and was on session 19.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Macarena, an Argentinian woman was visiting with her husband and baby
from Costa Rica.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was her first surf
after having her baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were other
women already out; one from Panama, another from Uruguay, and one from the
British Virgin Islands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although Maite
lives in Nicaragua and runs Popoyo Ding Repair with her French boyfriend
Cristobal, she is from Mexico.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">We walked to the river-mouth relaxed and excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The right rolled along, and I flew among the
other mermaids from all different seas of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We surfed, encouraged each other, and laughed
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We shared party waves, and then
Candi and Valentina showed up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw
them last two years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I lived
there, I took them and other local kids to a beach break and pushed them into whitewater.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now the girls were 6 and 8, and they paddled
into their own waves and even duck-dived their short-boards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their dad, a big wave surfer from Argentina,
even had the youngest, Maxima, 3, on a longboard tandem surfing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-au2OvyO4ykk/UC_OkC5nPcI/AAAAAAAAAac/zUsCi3RFIfU/s1600/IMG_2131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-au2OvyO4ykk/UC_OkC5nPcI/AAAAAAAAAac/zUsCi3RFIfU/s640/IMG_2131.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Inspiration overwhelmed my soggy bones as I watched the
girls surf and the Lord paint the horizon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He used varying shades and tones of pastel charcoals, salmon, pink, and
amber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He deepened the hue and blended
the colors in an ever-glowing, changing, flowing scene. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got lost in the light and warmth; like a
long embrace that I wished to stay in forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Bible describes heaven in Revelation 21:23, “And the city has no
need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is
its light.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Deep within my soul I knew I
was lucky to catch a glimpse of His glory here on earth through the sunset, the
girl’s smiles, and the waves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-93BS7-maPoc/UC_PRzjGBwI/AAAAAAAAAak/NGLaaX1mfFw/s1600/IMG_2187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-93BS7-maPoc/UC_PRzjGBwI/AAAAAAAAAak/NGLaaX1mfFw/s320/IMG_2187.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I realized that I would rather surf soft, slop with mermaid
smiles and laughter than surf fast, big waves with 30 agro, competitive
men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">“I cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat on the
beach, and I cry, Maite,” Tomoe said in broken English a few days later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her words triggered anger, and I wanted to
take revenge on anyone who hurt my new friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But after further interrogation, we found out that Tomoe had cried tears
of joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was crying because she rode
her first wave that was not white-water.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8WhJx9wJLQ/UC_OPTlgFyI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/X1179m7Wh1g/s1600/IMG_1272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8WhJx9wJLQ/UC_OPTlgFyI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/X1179m7Wh1g/s400/IMG_1272.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The river behind the surf shop was alive; flowing like
sangre, blood, through the veins bringing life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Orange and purple crabs side-stepped up the mangrove roots as the river
ran, flowing gently to the river-mouth leading into the sea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time passed; people came and went, hostels
and restaurants opened and closed, but the stoke remained; sunset sessions were
still magic, and so was the smell of burning paper and plastic.<o:p></o:p></span>Melissa Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106777518014388350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1393135436842542684.post-42739427705247839942012-07-23T09:05:00.002-07:002012-07-23T09:05:37.588-07:00Inshallah: Morocco Part I<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--lq7tU7sFlc/UA1zMFBJPBI/AAAAAAAAAY0/LQBH3J-4_UI/s1600/IMG_1420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--lq7tU7sFlc/UA1zMFBJPBI/AAAAAAAAAY0/LQBH3J-4_UI/s320/IMG_1420.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sipping her hot mint tea Sophie smiled and remarked, “How
did all this become normal?” Normal became walking in dusty streets with
women in burkas while goats sifted through trash, cooking meals in tagines,
jogging on the beach beside camels, and surfing right point breaks. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As travelers, we threw ourselves into a world thousands of
miles from where we started, and a few days later found ourselves at home;
accustomed to new sights, tastes, and sounds. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hgRdlEgzZfs/UA1yFhW9L1I/AAAAAAAAAYg/N21FPKRwETM/s1600/headshot+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hgRdlEgzZfs/UA1yFhW9L1I/AAAAAAAAAYg/N21FPKRwETM/s320/headshot+2.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After a 30 hour cross-continental journey, I met Sophie in a
small surfing village called Taghazout in Morocco.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stared out the window on the runway waiting
to take off on the final flight of the trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The crescent-shaped moon hung so low in the sky and glowed such an
intense yellow it looked fake, like it was from a movie set. I arrived in
Agadir around midnight, and as the young taxi driver sped down the middle of
the road he told me the names of surf spots, and pointed to a mass of blackness
that was the sea. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The sunrise brought an adrenaline rush stronger than ten
espressos, as the mysterious world around me came into focus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The windows in my room gave views of three
surf breaks, Anchor Point, Hash Point, and Panaramas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plans of surfing each one dominated my
thoughts already. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pnH7eX4RJ00/UA1yUD-XK1I/AAAAAAAAAYs/kngta_az-mc/s1600/IMG_0665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pnH7eX4RJ00/UA1yUD-XK1I/AAAAAAAAAYs/kngta_az-mc/s640/IMG_0665.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Boiler’s was the first spot I surfed and was a twenty minute
ride up the coast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We drove through
gravelly, desolate, desert hillside. Herds of lambs and goats ambled
around the dusty land speckled with argan trees and bushes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Goats climbed high up in tree branches to
chew on argan fruit. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was warned about the sketchy entry and exit to the break,
and it proved to be far from the soft sand and flat beach I was accustomed to
in Florida.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I followed my new friends
into the afternoon high tide. I tucked my board under my right arm and
scaled down the jagged hillside using my left hand to grip the sturdiest
looking rocks. I stepped carefully on slippery black rocks and in between
black boulders bigger than me. I saw hundreds of urchins stuck to the
rocks just beneath the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realized
why the spot was called Boiler’s, as there was a big exposed boil from a sunken
ship the wave broke next to. I made it to the biggest boulder that
blocked the view of the waves, studied the other surfers, and then mimicked
their actions. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just after a big splash exploded on the boulder from a
crashing wave, I tossed my board in the water and jumped on top of it. I
felt my fins hit a rock as I landed on my board, but paddled to the outside
first and then inspected it. My board was unscathed, and before long I
paddled into an overhead wave that walled up and peeled. An intense adrenaline
rush followed and pulled me back into the line-up, alert and ready for
more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the emerald sets rolled in
they allowed me to fly free; to dance up and down the face of the wave.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VJ0EvEBKs44/UA1zzVaMFBI/AAAAAAAAAY8/k-gCILPEoyA/s1600/IMG_0714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VJ0EvEBKs44/UA1zzVaMFBI/AAAAAAAAAY8/k-gCILPEoyA/s640/IMG_0714.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is why I left flat, beach break Florida. A
welcome session complete with offshore winds and six foot waves breaking in
picture-book perfection was any surfer’s dream come true, and I was lucky
enough to live it. After a few hours and many waves, the chill of cold
water crippled my paddling skills. I followed a local with dreads out of
the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt victorious to exit
without getting slammed into any of the dark, serrated rocks as big as
people. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xaeibacglsc/UA10oX6okrI/AAAAAAAAAZY/Ucg_8R3yvoU/s1600/IMG_1429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xaeibacglsc/UA10oX6okrI/AAAAAAAAAZY/Ucg_8R3yvoU/s400/IMG_1429.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PtI_4dPiZ5o/UA1072z8T7I/AAAAAAAAAZg/UUGhSTieTuM/s1600/IMG_1480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PtI_4dPiZ5o/UA1072z8T7I/AAAAAAAAAZg/UUGhSTieTuM/s200/IMG_1480.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My first Moroccan surf was followed by my first tagine
dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tagine consists of two
pieces, a terra cotta cone with a separate base. Being drawn to local
customs, Sophie already owned two and knew how to cook in them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we went to the local market, the souk, I
got lost in the rich colors and aromas that created a maze of mandarins,
cilantro, olives, mint leaves, towers of carrots, tomatoes, onions, and much
more. I trailed behind Sophie as she negotiated using French words and
numbers. She knew the merchant with the best eggs, who tied them up
nicely making them easy to carry, and the one who gave cherry tomatoes when we
bought lettuce and green beans. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ejjkcTEpVx8/UA11LVjNCqI/AAAAAAAAAZo/uclWcEt9juQ/s1600/IMG_1434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ejjkcTEpVx8/UA11LVjNCqI/AAAAAAAAAZo/uclWcEt9juQ/s200/IMG_1434.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sophie strategically stacked the food in the tagine; meats
and potatoes on the bottom, as they took more heat to cook, while food that
required less time and heat, like tomatoes, sat on the top. We made
marinades to steam the food in; a curry juice and a coconut Thai. My
favorite was a sweet tagine with a honey marinade filled with dates, prunes,
and figs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved the communal way we
ate from the same tagine using fresh bread to scoop up the cuisine. We
dined on our back porch serenaded by the lapping waves of the sea below us and
a ceiling of shimmering stars above.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oacSrrsHo8U/UA10Gw-YoXI/AAAAAAAAAZE/NJCQCdLgfiw/s1600/IMG_1484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oacSrrsHo8U/UA10Gw-YoXI/AAAAAAAAAZE/NJCQCdLgfiw/s320/IMG_1484.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The next night on a similar rooftop porch I met a Canadian
yoga instructor at a farewell party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
fell in love with Morocco and a Moroccan, and shared a popular saying that she
had tattooed on her leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Inshallah means accepting that God sometimes works in
mysterious ways; sort of an acknowledgment that He is in control of our
plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is like saying, ‘God willing’
when you make plans to do something.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I agreed with the idea and liked the word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inshallah is a prevalent idea in the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isaiah 41 is one example, “Who makes things
happen?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who controls human events?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was there at the
beginning, and I will be there at the end.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Proverbs 16:1 is another example, “Mortals make elaborate plans, but God
has the last word.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">While traveling and surfing almost everything was out of my
control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Planning a day or weeks
movements brought comfort as it gave the illusion I was in control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inshallah reminded me of who was really in
control, and I knew the one in control had my best interest at heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The simple phrase brought peace.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nIWlzMYSlWY/UA10TuX8D0I/AAAAAAAAAZQ/AXr0HBwgZFk/s1600/road+trip+maroc.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nIWlzMYSlWY/UA10TuX8D0I/AAAAAAAAAZQ/AXr0HBwgZFk/s320/road+trip+maroc.JPG" width="281" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Earlier Sophie and I were plotting a road trip to surf in
some lesser known spots and to see more of the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We even planned to sleep in a cave one
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I already saw us snuggled around
a fire and being woken up by the first light of dawn, slipping on our wetsuits
and being the first in the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Inshallah.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>Melissa Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106777518014388350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1393135436842542684.post-85201851216429203322012-06-07T12:00:00.000-07:002012-06-26T09:53:57.038-07:00Sweetas Local Love: New Zealand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TUd0VmvSo0s/T-nS9s2bXhI/AAAAAAAAAXM/rKRvjy64jM4/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TUd0VmvSo0s/T-nS9s2bXhI/AAAAAAAAAXM/rKRvjy64jM4/s320/051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">When the guys asked me
if I was down to surf Mussell Rock they called it a mish (mission). The mish to Mussell Rock required a 20 minute
paddle across a channel followed by a 30 minute hike down the beach. The break was sheltered from the wind, and
the boys claimed to always surf it alone. We loaded into two cars and parked at
a boat ramp. After the hour journey that
involved a long paddle and walk, aside from a herd of cattle, we found the spot
totally secluded as promised. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">I sat in the glassy
Tasman sea watching the sun gradually disappear creating a dreamy, metallic
glow across the face of the water. When sets pulsed through, there were more
than enough waves for the four local rippers and I to share. The waves broke in
shallow water as wedgey, walled-up, A-frames.
No one expected the conditions to be so flawless. The energy from the pristine surf transferred
to our spirits as we flew on wave after wave and hooted and hollered for one
another’s heroic late drops and strong turns that threw spray over the back of
the wave. Near the end of the session,
after a fast left, my leash snapped and broke when I paddled against a massive
set. Even though I was sad to retire my
blue leash, I still felt like the luckiest girl alive. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H8jdT7VOFRw/T-nTXuxYu2I/AAAAAAAAAXY/nVX9ECsCwOE/s1600/105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H8jdT7VOFRw/T-nTXuxYu2I/AAAAAAAAAXY/nVX9ECsCwOE/s640/105.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">The priceless knowledge
local surfers shared drastically altered my surf trip from good to
unforgettable. Kiwis, people from New
Zealand, have a reputation for being some of the friendliest people on the
planet, and I discovered that to be a fact.
I traveled to New Zealand by myself with confidence; it was simple to
get around and safe. However, I prepared
months in advance by praying that God would place the right people in my path. Even though I arrived alone, by the time I
left I realized I did not spend one day surfing without a friend.</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u3z5pLCv7JQ/T-nb0RMUoDI/AAAAAAAAAYU/FkgukYYvb7I/s1600/132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u3z5pLCv7JQ/T-nb0RMUoDI/AAAAAAAAAYU/FkgukYYvb7I/s400/132.JPG" width="400" /></a></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> My first days in NZ were
spent in Auckland, visiting Rachael, a girl that I met when I lived in
Nicaragua. Her accent, chilled out
attitude, and the way she spoke about the beauty and surf in New Zealand worked
on me like a commercial. Rachael taught
me some slang, like the term “sweetas.”
People used this when they really liked anything, it was “sweetas,”
pronounced “sweet_az.” Rach also hooked
me up with her surf hungry friend, Stacey. Stacey and I surfed at Piha beach my
first day in NZ, and then she took me to a lesser known beach called
Tawharanui. The view from the headland revealed waves breaking along three
beaches next to each other. We surfed all three, and I scored a few fast, head
high barrels. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hQ4yHcp9KsI/T-nVNc-PH8I/AAAAAAAAAXg/f8Of8j-jWpU/s1600/087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hQ4yHcp9KsI/T-nVNc-PH8I/AAAAAAAAAXg/f8Of8j-jWpU/s400/087.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">At the third spot, as
the sun descended, it spilled a pink hue over the green, hilly horizon and the
volcano in the distance. A guy in the lineup said, "That’s my
valentine," and stared at the intense colors. I forgot it was Valentine's
Day. Suddenly, a peeling wave came
straight toward us. I wanted to paddle
for it, but he was closer to the peak. "Go for it," he said. I
dropped in and rode it all the way to the beach. That wave was my
Valentine. As we struggled to pull off
our wetsuit tops in the parking lot, the guy walked by. "Thanks for the
wave," I said. He stopped and chatted about the surf and checked out my
board. When I told him I was heading to Rags, (Raglan) he said he had a house
there, and offered to drive me and even let me stay at his place. Once he was gone, I told
Stacey there was no way I would go away with a stranger; I didn't want to be
that girl on the news who disappeared while traveling. I asked her if it was
creepy that some guy I barely knew invited me to stay with him, and she looked
at me like I was the crazy one. It was a
very Kiwi thing to do. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XsE39vfXnpU/T-naN5bukNI/AAAAAAAAAYM/gl2mRpcQPH4/s1600/136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XsE39vfXnpU/T-naN5bukNI/AAAAAAAAAYM/gl2mRpcQPH4/s320/136.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: small;">After a week in Raglan,
I went on a road trip to Taranaki, a southern region of the north island.
Taranaki offered numerous consistent surf spots that faced different directions,
giving us an option for every wind or swell condition. We camped on the beach with a beach break and
point break in front of our tent and a waterfall behind it. We surfed remote
spots I would have never found alone. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RAMYeehv2_I/T-nVxtG_BnI/AAAAAAAAAXo/FP14K41h1rU/s1600/177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RAMYeehv2_I/T-nVxtG_BnI/AAAAAAAAAXo/FP14K41h1rU/s640/177.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpO_CnqPgyc/T-nXFri8r-I/AAAAAAAAAXw/gvPanjLXMrk/s1600/194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PAMpZLjRs9g/T-nZgfFdD2I/AAAAAAAAAYE/c1bW3j6feOs/s400/848465653311.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Kumera Patch, a reeling
left point, required a 45 minute hike.
We maneuvered through cow patties and pastures that were divided by
electric fences before trekking down a black sand beach. Juggling my surfboard and wetsuit, I
considered myself lucky to have only gotten shocked a few times each way. When I surfed at some new breaks in Taranaki,
locals chatted to me and gave me helpful tips about where to sit so I could
catch more waves. In a world where surfing has grown competitive and common for
locals to be territorial, I couldn't believe they were actually showing me
where to line up! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpO_CnqPgyc/T-nXFri8r-I/AAAAAAAAAXw/gvPanjLXMrk/s1600/194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpO_CnqPgyc/T-nXFri8r-I/AAAAAAAAAXw/gvPanjLXMrk/s400/194.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: small;">My last surf in NZ, I
surfed with the guys whom I surfed with at Mussell Rock. They led me across
giant black boulders we jumped off into the ocean, next to the peak. Long lefts
broke in point break perfection, and again we caught our share of rides. I wasn’t a tourist as we joked and bantered
in between sets; it was like we'd known each other our whole lives. I had friends to say goodbye to. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ItXFfKBYVaQ/T-nZFeAbleI/AAAAAAAAAX4/AOhMVfwgP1U/s1600/268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ItXFfKBYVaQ/T-nZFeAbleI/AAAAAAAAAX4/AOhMVfwgP1U/s400/268.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">A friend I met traveling shared a quote, "I
have friends I hardly know, but the moments we shared I'll never forget." Hiking
down the deserted beach at dusk after the session at Mussell Rock, laughing
with Stacey about sweetas Valentines gifts, and doing the limbo with electric
fences made up a few unforgettable moments.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: small;">Ephesians 3:20, “God can do anything, you know, far more than you could
ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!” God answered my prayers far beyond my
expectations and surrounded me with incredible people and extravagant local
love.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; line-height: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-knXaiv80Igc/T9Dawn_5JKI/AAAAAAAAAVk/dhtWBiXIHXM/s1600/210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-knXaiv80Igc/T9Dawn_5JKI/AAAAAAAAAVk/dhtWBiXIHXM/s640/210.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>Melissa Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106777518014388350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1393135436842542684.post-34058486846288313702012-05-16T14:21:00.000-07:002012-05-30T12:52:10.698-07:00Mission Wildlife Refuge: Playalinda Bch, FL<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New";">A huge
aspect of surfing is the journey; the adventure brought by an unpaved, dusty or
muddy road ending at a glittering, turquoise sea without a soul in sight. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s about the anticipation of what type of
surf will be waiting there, after exhausting hours of travel. It’s the sweat
and tears that lead to the saltwater that wash it all away. It’s the quiet
satisfaction of noodle-limp arms following a soul quenching session of wave
riding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Hurricane season is
my favorite time of year at home, because our coast is graced with waves I usually
have to travel to surf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Katia was one
such storm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Claire Rowley is an expert
at assessing the best surf spot given the variables of the wind direction,
swell direction, and tide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
checking the sizeable, blown-out waves in front of my house, I decided to probe
her mind about where to go, ready to dedicate my day to the search.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Claire knew the spot, so we went on a mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Erin, Claire’s younger sister had school, but
would meet us after class if we found conditions worth the drive.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">The hour journey to Playalinda,
a national wildlife refuge, ended with a fifteen minute stretch of road that
curved through palm trees, mangroves, and swamplands with an abundance of alligators
basking in the sun. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The river and ocean
collided there, and water constantly surrounded us along with hawks, massive
black vultures, and seagulls that swooped and soared through the air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wC70K9WDi24/T7OmmPnrjmI/AAAAAAAAAOk/sJHlvlLkEJQ/s1600/IMG_1916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wC70K9WDi24/T7OmmPnrjmI/AAAAAAAAAOk/sJHlvlLkEJQ/s200/IMG_1916.JPG" width="186" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Had we scored or
been skunked?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a drive filled with
conversation that jumped from eating chicken wings to how Playalinda was known
for being sharky, we reached the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My feet pounded down on the long wooden boardwalk and produced a beat that
mixed with cawing crows and whistling birds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was greeted by multiple offshore barrels. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart raced; I needed to drop into those
overhead lines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-83sQpMZKDtI/T7QRCLwfCLI/AAAAAAAAAOw/lMCzyQIko7c/s1600/IMG_1959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="359" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-83sQpMZKDtI/T7QRCLwfCLI/AAAAAAAAAOw/lMCzyQIko7c/s640/IMG_1959.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">There were only
three other guys out who were way down the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Claire sent word to Erin, and soon we were
hooting and hollering at each other’s waves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jellyfish particles infested the water, but we dealt with the annoying stings
and itches for the barrels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Claire and I
took turns throwing spray and cheering each other into the biggest set waves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The jellyfish got stuck under our bikinis, and
we shouted when we got stung in sensitive areas. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The waves were too good to let the jellies
chase us out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our wild hearts found
refuge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Claire screamed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her face was a pale white, and she was
shaking. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">“Dude, where did you
get stung?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">“I saw a shark… a
BIG shark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m taking the next one in,”
Claire stammered through deep breaths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
never saw Claire scared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We worked together
at a surf camp, and when we saw sharks it was usually no big deal. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">I didn’t see anything,
and the waves were just too good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told
her that I would catch some more and then meet her back on the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The waves were so addicting that I was
willing to deal with the discomforts of jellyfish stings, an annoying drift,
and even a shark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was torture and euphoria
at the same time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">A peeling right
approached, and I was in prime position, perfectly under the peak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The calm quiet of getting barreled sent my
soul into spasms as I shot out of the wave. Claire stood on the beach by the
boardwalk, and I wondered if she saw my barrel ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was not like her to sit on the sidelines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also got a barrel on her wave to the
beach, but she was still shaken up from the shark sighting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was still on a high from my tube and coveted
another, so I talked her into going back out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We walked down the beach against the drift, and I reasoned that the
shark would be far away by now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prayed
with her, asking God for protection and confidence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reminded her God was in control, and He had
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We shredded for a few more hours.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tOB8vwgslnI/T7QRx6ukoRI/AAAAAAAAAO4/x_BXwiTLZA8/s1600/IMG_1915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tOB8vwgslnI/T7QRx6ukoRI/AAAAAAAAAO4/x_BXwiTLZA8/s400/IMG_1915.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">When Erin arrived
later, Claire and I were itchy and surfed out resting on the boardwalk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I debated whether to surf more with Erin, or
head back home with Claire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided if
Erin caught lots of waves and made it look fun, I would stay and surf more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boardwalk was high up and offered a great
panoramic view of the sand dunes and coastline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Right away we noticed two giant man-a-rays swimming close to shore where
Erin was about to paddle out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iRVjWRuz9bc/T7QT1vyv11I/AAAAAAAAAPA/61saxeLH5SI/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iRVjWRuz9bc/T7QT1vyv11I/AAAAAAAAAPA/61saxeLH5SI/s200/images.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Then I saw the
fin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a wave sucked up about to break,
more of the colossal fin was revealed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
fin rivaled jaws, and I realized a shark with a fin that large had to be at
least ten feet long. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">“ERIN!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ERIN!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Claire and I yelled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I waved my
towel up and down, and Claire made a fin with her arms over her head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2HRb-RICXKA/T7QUPto2RnI/AAAAAAAAAPI/dZ3Y6-0L8kc/s1600/IMG_1936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2HRb-RICXKA/T7QUPto2RnI/AAAAAAAAAPI/dZ3Y6-0L8kc/s400/IMG_1936.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New";">“ERINNNN!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">Erin heard us,
backed out of the water, and then she saw it, too.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";">After seeing the
fin, I don’t know how I got Claire to paddle back out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Erin waited a few minutes and actually went
surfing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided that I was in fact
too tired to paddle back out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New";"></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Empty offshore barrels, annoying jellyfish
stings, stoked surf sisters to share the waves with, topped off with a monster
shark sighting equaled a day off well spent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On our journey home, as a white crane sailed above the winding road I
realized I got all the adventure I craved, no plane ticket or board fee
necessary.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt;">Surf Tip: If you are a lady surfer and love to surf powerful waves, but don't like having to pull your bottoms up after every duck dive, check out SheSea creations. </span></div>Melissa Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106777518014388350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1393135436842542684.post-60506602632422085422012-04-07T11:13:00.000-07:002015-04-04T20:24:02.048-07:00Easter in Indo<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">“If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.” Psalm 139:9-10<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jjvFFm7H4-E/T4B5gNyDpWI/AAAAAAAAANk/vkkUDJibLJ0/s1600/IMG_9354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jjvFFm7H4-E/T4B5gNyDpWI/AAAAAAAAANk/vkkUDJibLJ0/s320/IMG_9354.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">A chorus of chirping geckos and parakeets pulled me from my dream world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I scanned the horizon from the top of the cliff, and as the sun dissolved my drowsiness, I remembered it was Easter Sunday back home even though it was Saturday here in Bali.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> M</span>y family was all together, and I could see them getting ready for church, eating hard boiled eggs and wearing the same pastel colors the eggs were painted in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My four-year-old niece would be digging through a basket filled with strips of green, filmy grass and candy left by the Easter bunny. My mind played back memories of my sisters and I as kids; we raced around the yard searching for plastic eggs my dad hid after stuffing with money and treats. I called via skype from an internet café perched on the cliff-side that overlooked the shallow, barreling wave of Bingin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When my mom answered the phone my bottom lip quivered and I couldn’t hold back the tears; I was finally homesick after three months of traveling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It hurt to picture them all together without me, and the gravity of this holiday and what it meant hit me. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only son, so that no one would perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Easter celebrates the completion of God’s plan, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the fact that He rose from the dead and conquered death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without this event, Jesus would be no more than a prophet, and I would still be searching for the purpose of my life like a dog chasing its’ tail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Christ was crucified, the disciples scattered, they didn’t know what to think, and they feared for their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But on Easter Sunday, Jesus appeared to them and they became fearless and risked everything to spread the good news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They faced opposition in the form of beatings, imprisonment, rejection, and martyrdom, but they never compromised their mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These men would not have given their lives for something they knew was a fraud!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They knew Jesus was alive, and they wanted to tell others about the free gift of eternal life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t have to fear death, because we can know we will be in heaven and live in God’s presence forever, and there he will “wipe every tear from our face.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Easter proves how God loves us and values our souls that He created for eternity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zu8aie99ZL8/T4B564TfrFI/AAAAAAAAANs/yQ8fqkjOFlY/s1600/198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zu8aie99ZL8/T4B564TfrFI/AAAAAAAAANs/yQ8fqkjOFlY/s400/198.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">In Bali I stayed in Kuta and then Bingin, a five minute drive from the famous waves Padang Padang and Uluwatu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The prevailing religion on the island of Bali is obvious upon arrival as Hindu gods and goddesses are elaborately carved into stone on walkways leading to the beach, on the corners of buildings, temples, and doorways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barong was the god I noticed the most.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It resembled a combination of a lion and a tiger and is believed to have protective powers to drive out demons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sweet smoky scent of incense remained ever-present on the offerings to the gods that are literally scattered everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were so many on the ground that I had to pay close attention when I walked to avoid stepping on one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The offerings consisted of miniature palm-frond baskets that contained the burning incense and variations of candy, cookies, jasmine rise, flowers, and small toys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wondered if children ever stole the candy out of the offerings, because I know I would have been tempted.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-raRowdgUh5k/T4B6QL-3WzI/AAAAAAAAAN0/ZTXG3fKbfcE/s1600/342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-raRowdgUh5k/T4B6QL-3WzI/AAAAAAAAAN0/ZTXG3fKbfcE/s200/342.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QlvfNIgtpgw/T4B64IjB94I/AAAAAAAAAN8/uOqAEyqxQGg/s1600/P1040738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QlvfNIgtpgw/T4B64IjB94I/AAAAAAAAAN8/uOqAEyqxQGg/s200/P1040738.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">After a week or so in Bali, the most tourist ridden island of Indo, we decided it was time to go off the well-beaten path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was how on that Easter Sunday, I woke up with a cramped neck and my body contorted in a ball on two seats inside a ferry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though I surfed some of the best waves of my life over the past few weeks, a piece of me was missing. There was no sunrise service, no blasting worship music, and praising God with other believers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were no Easter baskets filled with jelly beans and chocolate bunnies, no pink hard boiled eggs, or Easter egg hunts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time and distance found me in a world where this day that was sacred to me, was just another day for everyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in the middle of a surfer’s paradise, in Indonesia, and I just arrived on the island of Lombok from the island of Bali. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8sM2jLGw2ds/T4B8cwcnvfI/AAAAAAAAAOE/OIO_L8gotSA/s1600/P1040892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8sM2jLGw2ds/T4B8cwcnvfI/AAAAAAAAAOE/OIO_L8gotSA/s640/P1040892.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6xSYU1guWhI/T4B-XhvcclI/AAAAAAAAAOU/F_kLBwfRYPM/s1600/P1050142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6xSYU1guWhI/T4B-XhvcclI/AAAAAAAAAOU/F_kLBwfRYPM/s320/P1050142.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Scoring less crowded waves required the adventure of daring deeper into untamed nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It meant traveling on filthy ferries and dirt roads riddled with potholes and muddy puddles the size of small ponds, spending time with mangy wild dogs and monkeys teaming with ticks and fleas, and going to the bathroom meant squatting on the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Lombok, we watched as bulls and cows cooled off belly deep in one of the murky, muddy ponds on the side of the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From time spent living in Nicaragua, I had grown fond of the smell of burning trash, and the scent became nostalgic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sight of motorbikes carrying multiple people, sometimes a family of four, felt familiar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tropical vegetation and tropical heat, the free roaming cattle, the men walking with machetes, felt like home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We passed a village similar to one I visited in Managua, Nicaragua where people lived in homes constructed of black trash-bags on the way to the surf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LKPileUyu80/T4B9Rlblm4I/AAAAAAAAAOM/R2kcYUpzT_0/s1600/P1040917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LKPileUyu80/T4B9Rlblm4I/AAAAAAAAAOM/R2kcYUpzT_0/s400/P1040917.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Lombok, and all of the other islands in Indo besides Bali are Islamic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we drove through a small village I heard a man’s voice; flowing Indonesian words that equated to a ritual call to prayer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The chanting came from loudspeakers on the highest points of the mosques. A hollowness swallowed my spirit as I longed to pray with other believers and bask in the triumph and joy that Easter represented. </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The first reef we visited was known to offer a left and a right, but when we pulled up to the beach we discovered only the right was working with the current swell direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other surfers I was traveling with decided to wait and surf at the next spot, but I couldn’t resist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been surfing mainly left breaks, and was stoked to have a right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The three other surfers I met in the water were friendly and we chatted and shared waves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The horizon carried a calculated rhythm of peaks, and when the translucent water twirled over the reef, the wave rose to over-head. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It only took a few paddles and I made the steep drop and tucked into a quick barrel that opened up with a racing wall perfect for turns. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other surfers had been in the water for a few hours already, so before long I was alone in the water with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I felt so grateful to the creator of the waves, and viewed each wave as a miracle and a gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His presence was ridiculously lucid and He spoke to me through the waves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One wave filled me with peace over my homesick heart; the next covered me in His overwhelming, unconditional love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another wave I felt Him reminding my soul that no matter where I was, He was with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next wave He gave approached at double the size of the others and I was sailing, speeding, flying down the drop as I felt Him telling me to let go of worry and to trust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With each wave my soul raced, and I felt Him telling me to dance and be free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every wave was God’s hand, wiping away the tears and emptiness until the sadness in my soul was replaced and overflowed with joy and gratitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this sanctuary I sang to God and prayed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> </span><o:p><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> </span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The boys searched through static to find a radio station as we drove to the next surf destination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were going to take a boat to another reef where the wave broke next to a huge rock wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was only one station that came in, and the voice of Michael W. Smith sang, “I will be here for you,” breaking through the static. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">No matter where I was in this changing world or what was going on in my life, what He did would never be negated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His unrelenting, perfect love and promises were constant on Easter Sunday and </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">everyday.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ibO1OaIRvvk/T4B_BeBgAuI/AAAAAAAAAOc/h6KN5-Dat9E/s1600/P1040972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ibO1OaIRvvk/T4B_BeBgAuI/AAAAAAAAAOc/h6KN5-Dat9E/s640/P1040972.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Melissa Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106777518014388350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1393135436842542684.post-33756360051557336142012-03-10T13:16:00.000-08:002012-06-26T07:49:20.532-07:00A Goodbye Kiss: Puerto Rico<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; text-align: center;">
Dedicated to the memory of Ann Babb</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EWc-w2C0kxs/T1u-FzjcHLI/AAAAAAAAAMM/SRMPh36lAWw/s1600/DSC01374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EWc-w2C0kxs/T1u-FzjcHLI/AAAAAAAAAMM/SRMPh36lAWw/s640/DSC01374.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
Imagine paradise; palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze, and soft, yellow sand that hugs a turquoise Caribbean ocean. Seagulls and hawks sail through the bright blue sky, and pelicans glide in perfect formation over the surface of the sea bending their flight path up and down in accordance to the waves. Translucent water reveals a colorful city of coral where fish and turtles dart beneath. Then add waves, peeling and careening to shore in a calculated rhythm. “And the spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.” Genesis 1:2 puts into words what my soul knows to be true. God gave me the gift of surfing, and in His creation is where I feel his presence the strongest. My God is a personal God, and He meets us where we are. </div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gKY9atZScbs/T1vCY6KuR-I/AAAAAAAAANE/jKKUBrXFotU/s1600/DSC01358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gKY9atZScbs/T1vCY6KuR-I/AAAAAAAAANE/jKKUBrXFotU/s200/DSC01358.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
On Sunday night, my final night in Puerto Rico, this scene was my reality. A sunset surf session seemed the apropos way to end the trip. It was a miracle because for the past week it rained each evening. This evening was the first and last sunset I witnessed there. My final session in PR took place across the street from where we stayed, Pools beach. This wave was a punchy and fun reef break. It was hard to choose between studying the waves and surfing, or resting on my board and watching God paint the horizon in magnificent hues. I praised God for His glory, His amazing creation, and for allowing me to be part of this moment. </div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z5Uo2RZK-bE/T1vD2LAjAPI/AAAAAAAAANU/KBxOqYnFjz0/s1600/DSC01359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z5Uo2RZK-bE/T1vD2LAjAPI/AAAAAAAAANU/KBxOqYnFjz0/s200/DSC01359.JPG" width="200" /></a>“Carry me on the tip of your surfboard,” my mom often said. I caught a wave, and as I paddled back out I had to duck-dive, scooping my board under the crystal water. Little pockets of air danced around the tip of my board as I continued to paddle and it stayed just beneath the surface. One bubble was my mom, one was my aunt Carol, the next my aunt Judy, and then I thought of her. Ann.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; text-align: left;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hazXIRz1NTg/T1vC3MctI1I/AAAAAAAAANM/86Ng-lVC-cY/s1600/DSC01357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hazXIRz1NTg/T1vC3MctI1I/AAAAAAAAANM/86Ng-lVC-cY/s320/DSC01357.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--RWRRB6z3Q4/T1vAiBQ7IeI/AAAAAAAAAMs/SJ_1f6VXEX4/s1600/images%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--RWRRB6z3Q4/T1vAiBQ7IeI/AAAAAAAAAMs/SJ_1f6VXEX4/s200/images%5B2%5D.jpg" width="200" /></a> I duck-dived again and came to the surface to witness an overwhelming array of colors in the sky, framed by a glowing, burning orange sun. Ann. My soul felt free and joyful, and a fresh energy entered my body. In the next moments I caught a few waves with total ease. After riding one and paddling back out I saw the bubbles again and my heart felt Ann while my mind thought, Ann. Then, I looked at the sun, and it was at the point of sinking fast, fading from the sky. Should I be still and watch it fall away or should I look for another wave to ride? The decision pulsed towards me as I was in the prime spot to paddle into this little, clean wave. So I paddled twice and rode next to a small wall of water as the sun fell away. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gQRy1LQ1yvE/T1u_bFWAtMI/AAAAAAAAAMc/vgvoHkGscLo/s1600/DSC01378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gQRy1LQ1yvE/T1u_bFWAtMI/AAAAAAAAAMc/vgvoHkGscLo/s400/DSC01378.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
I didn’t know at the time Ann had passed away early that morning. When I found out the next day, the first thing that came to my mind was the bubbles and thoughts of her during my sunset session, and I knew her spirit was with me. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; text-align: left;">
A sunset is a tiny glimpse into God’s glory; a kiss of heaven. The warm glow of the sinking Son fills my soul with a joy and peace that I never want to end, but it fades away fast. Night always comes on earth, but not in heaven, a place where this beauty and light never fades. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qBH-LVDlsCc/T1vAGMDW2pI/AAAAAAAAAMk/xPgRiOa4R0U/s1600/DSC01377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qBH-LVDlsCc/T1vAGMDW2pI/AAAAAAAAAMk/xPgRiOa4R0U/s640/DSC01377.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>Melissa Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106777518014388350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1393135436842542684.post-45671583955319930292012-02-14T07:43:00.000-08:002012-06-26T07:45:31.316-07:00The Xanadu Surfboard: Cocoa Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mAELz4dqskM/Tzp_YGrz51I/AAAAAAAAALc/EFfNtrB_kFE/s1600/surftech1%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mAELz4dqskM/Tzp_YGrz51I/AAAAAAAAALc/EFfNtrB_kFE/s400/surftech1%5B1%5D.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">He believed he was destined to marry a girl he met in the sea. I met him in the sea, surfing during a big swell when the waves were breaking at least a football field past the end of the pier. We were dating for two months when he bought it for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">I got his text as I pulled a key lime pie out of the dessert refrigerator at work. I juggled the pie and my phone as I checked the message. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"> “Hey baby, i got u that Xanadu. C u later. Luv u.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">The key lime pie fell out of my shaking hand to the ground, sending shards of glass everywhere. Shocked, my eyes were glued to a photo of the sleek 5’10 epoxy Xanadu with a moon shaped tail. My mind drifted to when I rode a Xanadu during a demo at the Pier. The board flew across the waves faster than any other I rode. While it floated like a thick fish, it was simple to duck dive and carved easily through the water. I dreamed about buying that board, but it was far too expensive at seven to eight hundred dollars new. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"> One of the dishwashers shouted, “Earth to Melissa,” as he swept the last chunk of my destroyed plate into a dustbin and pulled me out of my thoughts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">“Uh, yah, thanks… sorry, I uh, my boyfriend bought me a surfboard!” The rest of my night was a blur. It didn’t matter what happened, the Xanadu was mine! My boyfriend was amazing. It wasn’t even my birthday or Christmas! It was the most incredible gift I had ever been given. After work I hugged and kissed Dave and thanked him over and over. I waxed the board and couldn’t wait to surf it. We sped to Sebastian Inlet to surf the next morning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">The waves broke at three to four feet, and even though they were classic Florida chop, they still had a strong push that was characteristic of the inlet. For two hours, the Xanadu and I glided down the face of wave after wave in pristine precision. Each wave sent a thrill down my spine and I felt like I had just learned to surf all over again. I loved surfing, Dave, and my brand new Xanadu more with each great ride I got. Eventually, my stomach began to growl and my arms grew weary. Dave surfed right next to the jetty with the more competitive surfers, but then he paddled over to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">“How’s it?” Dave shouted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">“I’m in heaven! The best I have ever ridden! Give it a try!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">“I guess. I think it’s too small for me… maybe, just a few waves,” Dave answered as he paddled closer and took off his leash. We swapped boards. I caught a few waves on his board and watched him. A few waves turned into ten. My arms turned into noodles and couldn’t paddle any more. I was tired and hungry when he finally said, “Okay, one more wave.” </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fG1ahcN7MR4/TzqAhn_PgPI/AAAAAAAAALs/sG68gTGwUac/s1600/surftech2%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fG1ahcN7MR4/TzqAhn_PgPI/AAAAAAAAALs/sG68gTGwUac/s320/surftech2%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">The drive back to Dave’s apartment was the beginning of the end for us. He decided that he loved the Xanadu as well. It seemed to be the perfect board for him. In fact, he had been looking for a board for himself last night, but couldn’t find anything he liked. When he saw the Xanadu he figured it would be a nice surprise for me. But it was awfully expensive, and it wasn’t my birthday or Christmas, and he still needed a new board. Maybe he could just keep the Xanadu. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: 12pt;">I couldn’t believe the words coming out of his mouth. The way he reasoned it seemed perfectly logical that he keep the board, but he bought it and gave it to me! It was my new baby! I felt like I was going to vomit. I didn’t want to give up that perfect board. I knew this whole thing was too good to be true. I fought Dave over this a bit, saying that he had given it to me fair and square. Then I reasoned that I would just pay him for it, and that we could just share it. By the time we reached his apartment and hour later, we were full on fighting and my face was bright red and streaked with tears. I left the board in his car and raced away in mine. I didn’t answer his calls for two days. I realized I had to let go of the board. We tried to work things out after that, but it was like trying to fit a key into the wrong lock. Each time I see a Xanadu I laugh at the drama it once brewed in my world. </span><o:p></o:p>Melissa Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106777518014388350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1393135436842542684.post-19106160878968216872012-01-28T08:14:00.000-08:002012-01-28T08:14:12.157-08:00Beautiful Sting: Nicaragua<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s4TQymkYp8U/TyQZ4Ov43FI/AAAAAAAAAKc/x0DbgyGxCDg/s1600/n1386460707_30502937_1286053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s4TQymkYp8U/TyQZ4Ov43FI/AAAAAAAAAKc/x0DbgyGxCDg/s640/n1386460707_30502937_1286053.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l5Rnc6evXYw/TyQaIuT0udI/AAAAAAAAAKk/effM8yVZtZE/s1600/077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l5Rnc6evXYw/TyQaIuT0udI/AAAAAAAAAKk/effM8yVZtZE/s400/077.JPG" width="400" /></a>The rocky hillside carved by God resembled the sinking titanic and an Indian’s profile featuring a large nose. I loved to stare at the jagged coastline and make believe, just as kids gazed up at the clouds to find dinosaurs or angels peeking back. I made up new formations in the rock-wall, as I took deep breaths and drug my fingers through the sea allowing the salty spray to hit my face. I was experiencing motion sickness for the first time. I kept repeating, ‘almost to land, almost to land.’ <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
It was the last day of a Chicabrava surf camp, and we were on the boat ride returning to the bay after surfing at Hermosa Beach. Chicabrava is an all-girls surf camp in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua; where I worked as an instructor. Surfing Hermosa was my favorite part of the week for multiple reasons. One was that we took a boat to the wave instead of driving to the beach. There was something about arriving to a break by boat that made me feel important; like I was a pro-surfer. I felt so free launching my board off the boat and diving into the water after it. In those moments, I imagined myself in a surf video like Young Guns 2, and I heard the surf video music blaring in my head. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6HkrTY0Ha6w/TyQaX6n1rNI/AAAAAAAAAKs/r5W-FxFqAF4/s1600/221726_1027333525709_1296435950_30069816_9438_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6HkrTY0Ha6w/TyQaX6n1rNI/AAAAAAAAAKs/r5W-FxFqAF4/s320/221726_1027333525709_1296435950_30069816_9438_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>We usually found the break empty, so we enjoyed surfing it alone. The place seemed so remote; complete with wild horses and cattle roaming the beach. Another reason I appreciated sessions at Hermosa was that we surfed it the last few days of camp. This meant the women I taught to surf all week were surfing more independently. Each time I saw one of the girls catch a wave I felt the thrill of when I first caught a wave, and I finally got to surf beside them after all the days of instruction. It was graduation. <br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
That day at Hermosa was typically ideal. Maite, the other teacher, and I coached the girls and also rotated the bigger rights, flying fast down the line. The long wave offered a fun walled up inside section that was perfect to shred. Soon the wind picked up, and we were all worn out so we paddled back to the boat. The boat bobbed up and down, and all of a sudden I got dizzy. I was going to puke. <br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KKc8FuTaCF0/TyQamoHV31I/AAAAAAAAAK0/YSXEZSiG4S4/s1600/16238_184697739671_592134671_2803824_4035471_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KKc8FuTaCF0/TyQamoHV31I/AAAAAAAAAK0/YSXEZSiG4S4/s400/16238_184697739671_592134671_2803824_4035471_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
I was the first one off the boat when we got to the bay. Maite handed me my board, and I walked toward the shore in knee-deep water. ‘Just a few more steps, just a few more steps,’ was my mantra. I felt a poke under my right foot. My first thought was that I stepped on a sharp shell, but instead of the pain subsiding, it worsened. Fire pulsed through my veins, and I knew it was a sting from a sting ray. I hobbled to the sidewalk next to the bay. Nicaraguan life revolved around me as children played and a man sold ice cream next to me when I started puking. I collapsed on the hot concrete, with my right foot gushing blood and a pool of vomit on the other side. Not an ideal a sight.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yhtK2Z2LjhY/TyQbEqpbvkI/AAAAAAAAAK8/wA9jxq8gcrI/s1600/n701955284_5166083_2902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yhtK2Z2LjhY/TyQbEqpbvkI/AAAAAAAAAK8/wA9jxq8gcrI/s320/n701955284_5166083_2902.jpg" width="320" /></a>Ashley, the camp owner, rescued me in her truck and drove me to the surf camp headquarters in town. I was literally a hot mess; sweating, dizzy, my head throbbed, my foot ached, and the venom fire was spreading up my ankle. During times like this I wanted my mom, who was the best comfort to me whether I was sick, had a broken heart, or anything bad happened. But as soon as we got to the camp, the women all took charge. They carried me inside, propped me on a chair, fixed a cold cloth for my forehead, brought me a plastic bag to puke in, and got some water boiling. The hot water was to treat the sting, as it drew the poison from the veins. As these women cared for me, I realized that if motion sickness and getting stung by a sting ray had to happen, it happened at the best time possible, and I had wonderful women helping. “Don’t be afraid. I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called you by name and you are mine. When you’re in over your head I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters you will not go down.” Isaiah 43:1-2. Sometimes God uses people to make good on His promises. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ryNrQKQ7sWU/TyQbcNQWXSI/AAAAAAAAALE/vcpk9uVL_9A/s1600/085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ryNrQKQ7sWU/TyQbcNQWXSI/AAAAAAAAALE/vcpk9uVL_9A/s320/085.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">From day to day, high tide to low tide, the ocean kept me on my toes. Mother Nature was unpredictable and that is one thing that made surfing so addicting. Characteristic of humanity after a natural disaster, I was resilient. Later on, after a nap and dinner, I went into the town with the girls. It was their last night, and there was a street party that featured local musicians. We danced in the street, impressing each other with twists and twirls. The sting never made me miss a beat, because I was surfing with Ashley and Maite the next day.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_qvBaGq0u2s/TyQbzOYKAZI/AAAAAAAAALM/EdSo_BOoHcg/s1600/n1055340993_30213283_1515767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_qvBaGq0u2s/TyQbzOYKAZI/AAAAAAAAALM/EdSo_BOoHcg/s640/n1055340993_30213283_1515767.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S9wM0DKf268/TyQb9mOKzEI/AAAAAAAAALU/TKpI1sbl9xQ/s1600/25248_351499315657_616825657_4146067_45218_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S9wM0DKf268/TyQb9mOKzEI/AAAAAAAAALU/TKpI1sbl9xQ/s400/25248_351499315657_616825657_4146067_45218_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div>Melissa Diamondhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10106777518014388350noreply@blogger.com