Summer 2015

Summer, it turns me upside down; summer, summer,summer it’s like a merry-go-round…

There were moments when our summer resembled the opening lyrics of this classic Cars tune, but regardless of what we were doing or where we were headed, our time spent with family and friends was cherished.

Arriving in Orlando after 17+ hours of traveling is enough to wear out the hardiest of vacationers. Anna however, was dropped off at her best friend’s house on the way from the airport to our first destination.  She reported that there was not much sleep to be found by the two teens as they reunited and caught up on life. Tom and I on the other hand, checked into our lovely condo, immediately felt the salt air stick to our skin, and did our best to stay awake until a reasonable hour.  Ahhhh…..

We enjoyed a few days in Brevard and a few weeks in New Smyrna Beach soaking up the sun, watching sunrise after sunrise, and just plain old relaxing. (mostly)  Every sunrise was so beautiful, unique, and a heartwarming sight that I took many pictures of them day after day. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Visiting with friends in Brevard and post-storm sky.

                                          

                         

Arriving at the condo in NSB is always a thrilling few moments.  That first sight of the ocean view, the sound and smell of the beach, and the coolness of the air-conditioned condo are all quite comforting.

                                                         

                                                                    

One highlight of the summer was spending time with my sister. We had fun times with just the two of us and a lot of great times with our better halves joining us.  Glenda and I took Anna and her friend Sarah to Disney for a couple of days.  While the teens toured the sweltering theme park, we made our way around some shopping areas, had a pedicure, and enjoyed some pool time.

                       

So many sunrises, this time in NSB.

                                                                                                                                    

Sunrise pics…in reverse order.

                                                                                                                                

No time in Florida would be complete without hitting the river and enjoying the natural beauty of the Indian River Lagoon.  Thanks to Gary and Glenda, we were able to spend time on the water feeling the rhythmic waves, seeing the osprey and porpoise feed and play, and relaxing in the sun.  Fun times for sure.

                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                                     

We were blessed with a full moon during our stay on the beach.  There is something magical about a full moon over the ocean. 

Tom’s mom and brother Dave were able to come to NSB to visit with us too.  We were very thankful to get to spend time with them and get caught up.  Amazing that we did not get any photos of them during their visit. 😦

Also in early July, we went to see Paola and her boys while Justin, Paola’s husband, ran in the NSB Speedway events.  It was a fun night.

 

Fourth of July on the beach in NSB.

                                                                                        

The largest bird bath recorded?  He seemed to be enjoying the opportunity. 

                                            

While we were in New Smyrna Beach, most of my early mornings and afternoons were spent studying for my upcoming test. Since January,  I had been studying and working to become a certified personal trainer, and my test was scheduled for early July.  I really enjoyed learning the content and increasing my knowledge in this aspect of fitness.  After all the notes were poured over and all the acronyms were created and memorized, I sat for my test.  My confidence was gone and my nerves were in overdrive as I prepared to click the submit button to learn if I would pass or fail. I will not deny that this was the hardest test I have ever taken, and I know that it is only by the grace of God that I DID pass the first time.  Having to re-take the test would have meant trying to track down a testing center in Seoul. That topic could be its very own lengthy blog!

                                                    GULP!

                                                    

                                                  

  I was thrilled to receive my actual certificate the day before I departed for South Korea. Woot, Woot!!

More Sunrises….

 

                                                                                                                                                                                        Love this one!   

  

Tom departed for Okinawa, Japan on July 14 while Anna and I stayed in Florida to await the next leg of our journey.

Child’s Day: A New Chapter

Aah, Dean’s Child’s Day!!!  This annual event occurs in July of each year and one day later in the month than the previous year.  This year July 15 was the magical day; Anna Dean got her Florida learner’s permit!! Quite an exciting time, as was the driving practice later that day!  She really will become a great driver!

Before photo: Non-permitted driver  After….      Yikes! Look out!          

Nicaragua 2015

On July 21, Anna and I left for Nicaragua on a short-term mission trip with folks from our church, Calvary Chapel Merritt Island.  We spent a week, painting, cleaning, visiting and helping at a feeding center, and other projects around the church. 

    Feeding center                 Some of the team 

The U.S. Embassy in Managua. It is hard to see in these pictures, but the flag was at half-staff in honor of the victims of Chattanooga, TN shooting.                  Anna chillin’ in our room…     

Doing some touch up painting to the school courtyard. (Howard and Luis)

Rooftop dwelling is the best. Always a wind(not a breeze) and a terrific view!

   An abandoned official building

  

Arrival selfie 

 Sunrise from the roof                                                                                       First meal.  Mama Rosa is a terrific cook!    

Our tourist day out found us on a boat tour of Lake Nicaragua. It is reported that this is the only fresh water lake in the world where sharks have been found.  There are many small islands within the lake formed from volcanoes and many have homes or small resorts built upon them.  One island was home to some very curious monkeys.  So cool! Howard, Jessica, and Cal are avid birders which was terrific for me because I truly enjoy birding as well. My problem is I am not a good identifier of birds which I do not frequently see.  We saw over 20 species of birds on this particular day.  Our lunch was in a quaint, authentic rainforest type café in the town of Granada (one of the oldest towns in Nicaragua).  The tables all bordered a lush tropical setting complete with waterfall, green  foliage, and hummingbirds snacking. There is an operational Catholic cathedral in Granada which was also open for tourists to walk through or come in for worship or prayer.  The architecture and artifacts in this building were extraordinary.  As usual our time in Managua goes too fast.

This roadside stand is reported to be the best in the country.

    This was at a local mom and pop joint. Man, the food was fantastic.                           The wife of the president had all of these light sculptures erected, because ….she likes lights ?!                            Just a normal carpool during rush hour        In the distance the tallest and active volcano in the country is visible 

Some scenes from the boat tour.  The hanging things here are actually bird nests of the Oropendila (yellow tail) Very cool!                                                                                                       Here is one of the home/resorts built on an island.  This is a Green Heron.                                                                                                            Monkeys just chillin’ and hanging out.                                                                                                                     Fruit in abundance!!            Watch dog…yes, he is real.                                                               More island escape properties!                                                                         Scenes from the boat.                                                                                      Inside the cathedral in Granada.      
Traveling to and at Hogar (former orphanage) in Jino Tempe.  Now it is a school and community center.  Great view from the 2nd floor!  The p.e. office A  A typical classroom at this school.                Feeding center …..      Jamison, the Zebra lives on! The Dump.  formerly a popular stop and place to minister to people.  Since I was here last time, these walls have been built. This area is no longer safe to stop at, but people still rummage daily for food and anything they may be able to sell.

More pictures from p.e. at the school.

                          Pastor Howard is a pretty good jump rope turner.  And this my friends, is how you retrieve a lost ball (on the roof) in Nicaragua! (send child up tree and onto roof) 🙂                                                                               Captive audience!  More photos from the roof, Anna’s idea of fun (funny story about the balloons), and random pictures. Dog washing is always fun!

We were having dinner at the mall food court, and Anna and I went to the bathroom. It was a 3 stall bathroom but only 2 were in order. There was no air conditioning and the line was growing by the second. Of course, the line was growing inside the bathroom, making the already sauna a hot mess.  While we were standing and waiting, a clown from the food court who had been handing out balloons, walks in to wash her hands.  Of course, to wash hands the hands must be empty, so she hands the balloon bouquet to Anna to hold. Anna instinctively put her hand out and mom seized the photo opportunity of a lifetime.  I cherish this picture.                                                                                                                                                 This drainage canal runs through the city. It is clear from the trash hanging in it how high the water can get.  Rooftop selfies!                                                                                                                                                          

I took a day and traveled to the countryside to visit a farm and village in Chi Chi Guapa.  The farm is operated by New Song Missions and employs local folks to tend the crops.  They grow a variety of fruit (dragon fruit and more) and a plant called Maranga.  It is know as the s”super plant” for its natural healing and energy properties.  This has become a source of income for the  group and has improved the health of many villagers.

While traveling there, we came upon a protest taking place.  This was a bit unnerving as there was a human chain across the road, recent fires in the street and people on high tension and alert.  We had to  divert our route which ended up having us drive literally off road to get to our destination.  That was quite the adventure as well.

Some road scenes, the Leaf-Cutter Ant(look this one up) It is an interesting creäture, the farm, and protest area pictures.

                                                                                                               Our last day found these lovely women taking a much-needed break.  Whether it was too much fresh juice or an accidental sip of the water, they were a bit under the weather. 😦  The cracker and yogurt girls.                         

Anna and I arrived back in Florida with one day to recuperate before heading home to South Korea. 

On our last day, my sister and I met a couple of friends for lunch along with Anna’s friend.  They were so thoughtful and brought some goodies to wish me an early happy birthday too.

As I knew it would, June and July whizzed by leaving behind only memories.  We shopped till we dropped, ate at our favorite places, relaxed abundantly, and visited with many great people. 

Now begins our second year of living and working in Daegu, South Korea. 

(First sunrise back in Korea)