Weekend #1

This past weekend was great! On Saturday we had Wesley Horlings, a guy living here on the island, from my hometown, Holland Marsh, take us around the island. He picked us up in his 4 wheel drive Jeep and off we went. The first stop was at an old lighthouse. From there we could see the west side of the island. Then we drove up to Mt. Tapochao, the highest point on the island, which was a great overlook to see the whole island.

View from the lighthouse - you can see all the light blue water which includes the coral reef. Also that little island is called Managaha Island - where you get the nicest beach and nicest swimming and snorkeling area. Can't wait to go!

View of Garapan, the tourist part of the city, from Mt. Tapochao
South side of the island.

After all of the spectacular views from up top, more of which you can see at: http://picasaweb.google.com/jcqlnvndm, we travled down into the jungle to some cliff edges and beautiful beaches. Some of the beaches are too dangerous to swim at because of rocks and currents. Others are just gorgeous.

View of Obyan Beach on the south end from Naftan Point

Cliff edges, places where you dont' want to swim.

Lau Lau Beach, Wesley's favorite beach to go to and you can see why!

Among all these beautiful sights we saw some neat birds and banana and papaya trees as well. It's a pretty impressive area so far! :)
On Sunday we went to the 10 o'clock church service. We were introduced in front of the church and met some people who invited us out for lunch. We went to a great Chinese restaurant in Garapan where we shared all the individual courses that we had each ordered. It was something that we had never done back in the states (or in Canada for that matter). On Sunday afternoon we lazed around in the ocean behind the school. If you walk a block or so south of the school you come to a clear, less sea weedy area. So Jake and I swam and lounged around there for awhile. We got caught in a rainstorm so we waited the cold rain out in the warm water. It was alot of fun!

So far this week we've been starting to look through stuff in our classrooms and get our minds ready for the school year. Prayers for us as we begin to get ready, meet new teachers, students and parents are greatly needed and appreciated. It's exciting but kinda overwhelming at times too!

Until next time...enjoy those pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/jcqlnvndm!

Love,
Jake and Jackie