Yesterday, to say the least, was a glorious fun filled day. We were able to go as a team on a special catamaran trip. For those of you who are not aware of what a catamaran is, it is a large boat that is flat and takes a person to certain locations of the main island for snorkeling, swimming, and entertainment. We started out getting up a little early this morning to make it out the boat. Once we arrived at our location we checked in and got our snorkel gear then made our way onto the boat. (side note- we were not allowed to wear our shoes on the boat, so the majority of us left our shoes back in a box in the port. This caused me to panic once or twice about the location of my shoes when I forgot I did not have them with me.) Our Captain and staff crew was introduced then we headed out onto open Caribbean sea with the first island destination straight ahead of us.
The first island was absolutely beautiful, with the clearest water I've ever seen. Postcards don't do justice. There were many kinds of fish we saw while snorkeling. The most interesting creature I (abby) saw there was squid. The way they floated ominously in a line staring straight up at us was super creepy. Jonathan saw a huge crab. There were many varieties of blue fish and fish that blended in with the sand. I wish I knew the names of them so I could share them with you. The most specific I can get is that were many fish that looked like Dory, from Finding Nemo. Somehow though, the dreaded mosquitos followed us to our vacation spot. I also might add that most of us got terribly sunburnt on this Catamaran trip, with the exception of Austin the golden. >:(
(back to Chelsea now) The second location was near a private island. Although we were not allowed to be on the island, on it's back steps was a HUGE coral reef filled with countless fish. At this location the water was so perfectly clear and cool. It was absolutely beautiful. We took some bread to feed the fish which was very cool. I stayed with Jackson and Austin most of the time and it seemed as if the fish swarmed around us and our bread. We explored for at least an hour. It was just amazing how many living things are below the water. Different plants, fish, and coral surrounded us for miles. In the middle of it all I dove underneath the water and prayed a silent prayer and I just felt completely blessed. God put even the smallest creatures in the ocean right where they needed to be. He knows each of their needs and supplies them with the specific environment that they need to survive. He then blessed us with the opportunity and equipment to view them. It was a good feeling to know that God will never place us where we are not needed.
After everyone on the ship had finished snorkeling we embarked on our slow journey back to the mainland. Instead of using the motor and sails on the boat the crew only used the sails. It was a very relaxing hour ride back as the wind pushed us along. The team sat together at the front of the ship sleeping, eating, and talking. When we got back to the shore we drove back to the school. Later on in the night we went to our favorite ice cream shop and rented the last 2 Lord of the Rings movies. (Sam has never seen any of the 3 so we are in the process of watching them in short increments before the trip is over) The day was something the team really needed. It was a special bonding time and gave us enough rest and encouragement to finish out this wonderful trip of ours.
We'll be home soon. But please do not stop praying. I love you mom, dad, and Jake. I ca not wait to see you guys on Saturday.
This is Chelsea Lauryn signing off. Goodnight, ya'll.
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