Rota Triathlon!

Two weekends ago we went to another island close by called Rota. It is alot like Saipan but so much more peaceful, quiet, and in it's natural beauty. We really enjoyed all our time there. We were there for a whole weekend and it was a nice break from work and a busy life here. We spent time touring around the island checking out the fabulous sights and eating some awesome food. We also spent a bit of time lounging out by the pool! We stayed at this beautiful resort with beautiful rooms and of course t.v! =)

On Saturday morning we piled into our rented van and drove to the East Harbor where the Triathlon was set to start. We got all our gear ready to go and before we knew it - Jake was in the water ready to swim. He swam a great swim - 38 minutes and was on his bike and trying to catch me. I had a swimmer named Tami - who was AMAZING and finished her swim faster so I was on my bike sooner. My goal was to not let Jake pass me on the bike - and sure enough, two minutes after I came in, Jake came in. He of course had to turn around on his feet and run 6 miles while I sat around taking pictures, enjoying the sun and morning waiting for Amanda to finish our run. She did AMAZING as well and we finished 1st place out of all the teams!

Jake did amazing as well. His goal was 3 hours - and he completed it in 3 hours and 2 minutes. I was and still am SOOOO PROUD of him! :) He works so hard at biking, running and especially swimming and he did so good!

We both love being so active and the opportunities that Saipan has to offer that for us. It's fun and enjoyable and you meet some amazing people with all the activities we can be involved in.

Life is good in Saipan!

We have a 2.5 day work week this week because of Thanksgiving coming up. THANK GOODNESS! I know we could both really use these couple of days coming up! :) So could our students....

We will spend Thanksgiving day with our school and church family at our "parents" house - the Winkfields, as well as our Thanksgiving evening with our "grandparent's" at their house - we sure are blessed with family away from family here! :)

We wish you all a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.

We miss you and wish we could be there to celebrate with you all - someday!

LOVE,

J & J

East Harbor where the triathlon started and ended!
Jake and I on one of the many beautiful fruit farms!
Jake and the famous, huge latte stones
This amazing secluded beach we stubbled upon on our random drive through the jungle - wow!
After we finished our 1st triathlon!!
Just finishing his run - and now complete - 17th place baby! :)

Tami and I while we wait around for Amanda to finish her run!
Jake finishing his bike
Grrr - we are ready to go! :)
Amanda, Tami and I - team 177 - all ready to go!
Getting pumped up on Friday afternoon!
Exploring the beautiful island of Rota with two amazing amazing friends: Tami and Amanda!
Walking out to our plane - we were all SOOOO EXCITED! :)

Once a Year...

November has started off with birthday's. My student from last Henry has a birthday three days before mine and so on Sunday night we had our birthday party together. His Mom susan made a Chinese dinner and we opened presents, had cake and played games. It was an awesome birthday party and he is one special little boy!

The spread and guests!

Pookie and I (the birthday people)

All of us ladies at the party!

Then yesterday I had my 24th birthday - and still don't feel a day older yet! :)

The day started on Wednesday evening with a night out to dinner with some amazing girl friends. We went to the Hyatt hotel, to the Italian Restaurant Giovanni's. It was an evening filled with laughter, joy and hugs, oh and chocolate cake. What a great way to start off my birthday!

With the beautiful cake and some of the beautiful ladies!

On Thursday I was awoken with breakfast in bed from my amazing husband as well as a box from my in-laws! What a beautiful way to start the day!! :)

At school I was showered with love and gifts from both the teachers I work with and my students. We ended the day with PIC Happy Hour on the beach watching the sunset with some awesome friends: Amanda, David and Nina, Kristie and Isaac and Mark and Brittany. What a great way to relax - too bad it was Friday though! :)

Afterwards Jake and I went onto dinner at Dolphin Restaurant. It is on the 10th floor of a local hotel. Awesome views, ok food but an amazing time because I got to spend it with my handsome, romantic, loving husband!!

I have truly been blessed. I have an amazing family that loves me and makes me feel special, even while we live so far away from them. We both have amazing friends back in the States who send their love and makes us feel special even though we are so far away from them too. And then we are even more blessed by our friends and family that we have here in Saipan. This place is truly home and we are excited to say that we will be here NEXT year for sure, and hopefully many more to come!

Life is good, God is better!

Thank you all for your love and birthday wishes! :)

Love you all,

Love

Jackie (and Jake)