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Back in late July my friends and I heard a rumor of the IRS
issuing economy stimulus checks.  The
first thing we said was "Let's go on vacation!" 

We immediately started daydreaming of sitting on a beach in some
tropical location living the good life.  As we continued to entertain the thought of getting away for a vacation,
the pieces started falling together.  My
parents generously gave us a week of free lodging at one of their timeshares.  All we had to do was find a place and get
there.  So that's exactly what we
did.  And where did we land??  The Bahamas!  What better way to spend our economy stimulus
check by stimulating the economy of another country...it's like the gift that
keeps giving! :)

We packed our bags and landed at the Freeport International
Airport.  We knew we were in for a fun time when we
were greeted by a man named Mango playing reggae on the keyboard as we went
through customs.  Soon we were settled
into the Taino Beach Resort located in a quiet area near Port Lacaya. 

For the next 7 days we simply enjoyed life.  It was perhaps the most relaxing week of my
life!  Four of my best friends...in the Bahamas...

resting,
playing, and soaking in the sun. 

I didn't even realize how much I needed a break until I got away.  There's something about the white sand
between your toes and the sound of breaking waves that caused me to realize how refreshing it is to get away.

Over the past 4 years of working with AIM, I have had time
time off.  However, each time I'm able to
get away, I spend my time at home with family and friends, or visiting with
supporters and those that have invested so much in me throughout the
years.  This time is incredible and I wouldn't
trade it for anything as it's so important for me to stay connected to loved ones.  However, there's a different feel to a
vacation away from it all. 

It's been a crazy last few weeks so it took me a few days to unwind and
decompress once we got away.  But as I
woke up on day 2 and walked out onto our balcony,

I took a breath of fresh air
and this realization hit me... There is no agenda.  Nobody needs me right now.  I don't have to do a single thing.  My phone isn't going to ring and my emails
will be there when I get home.  Wow, I
breathed a sigh of relief.

The next 7 days were spent relaxing on the beach or by the
pool.  Spending intentional time with the
Lord, processing, journaling, and praying. 
Playing games with friends.  Sharing
what the Lord is doing in our lives, worshipping and praying together.  Going on fun ferry excursions to the port
area.  Riding motorbikes and exploring a
deserted beach.  Night walks on the beach
under a full moon standing in awe of God's creation.  Laying in a hammock and relishing in all that
the Lord has done in my life.  What a
refreshing time!