Howdy Friends! Happy New Year!
It’s already the second week in January! The year is unfolding fast right before our eyes. I hope you had a relaxing Christmas break and ready for all spring semester has for us. Hope you enjoyed much needed time with family and created memories that will fuel you for a long time.
Learning opportunities abounded, as we created many enriching memories during our 2017 annual family tradition last month in the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Kauai is part of the Hawaiian archipelago and typically called the “Garden Isle” because of its natural rainforest. The island presents the wondrous beauty of God’s creation! From the vivid cliffs, to the coastal views, Kauai is a testament to the beauty of nature.
One major stand out experience we had was hiking up to the Waimea Canyon. At 3000 feet, the canyon is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. We were blessed to have an expert tour guide for the seven hours hike up the mountain. Dr. Blay is a geologist and naturalist who conduct tours of the canyon. He knows the ins and outs of the canyon as if it was his backyard. He drove us in his 15-passenger van to the canyon trailhead where we began the hike. It took an hour to drive to the trailhead from Poipu, which was our meeting point. This hike is the best yet of all our hikes and unforgettable in every way. We hiked through the natural forest into the island’s volcanic core to experience an ecological awe and learn about the wonder of geological past of the canyon.
We met hikers along the way who did not have a tour guide. Many of them made it mid point and went back to the trailhead. Not until we hiked up to the top of the canyon, did we realize why. To reach our destination, which was the top of the canyon required an experienced guide that knew the trail and how to direct us to avoid the trouble spots on the hike. Dr. Blay knew all the dangerous and slippery areas along the trail. His patience with me taking breaks to rest and drink water was commendable. My husband and daughters are professional hikers and this canyon hike was a special treat for them. I gained a new appreciation for the hiking slogan: “what goes down, must come up.” This was exceptional- twelve miles long and 3,000 feet deep. As we reflected on our way back to our vacation home (with the muscle stamina left) we knew our encounter with Dr. Blay was a special one. We developed a friendship and got to know about his life, his precious family and work. Enjoy some of the hike and other Kauai moments in the gallery below.
The same can be said of life- to have a tour guide- makes the journey much richer and fulfilling. Tour guides come as our school administrators, teachers, family, mentors, pastors, friends and community leaders. Whatever path you are on this year, please don’t go it alone- find an expert tour guide. It will make all the difference in the world! Love & Blessings.
“The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep His covenant and obey His demands” - Psalm 25:10
It’s already the second week in January! The year is unfolding fast right before our eyes. I hope you had a relaxing Christmas break and ready for all spring semester has for us. Hope you enjoyed much needed time with family and created memories that will fuel you for a long time.
Learning opportunities abounded, as we created many enriching memories during our 2017 annual family tradition last month in the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Kauai is part of the Hawaiian archipelago and typically called the “Garden Isle” because of its natural rainforest. The island presents the wondrous beauty of God’s creation! From the vivid cliffs, to the coastal views, Kauai is a testament to the beauty of nature.
One major stand out experience we had was hiking up to the Waimea Canyon. At 3000 feet, the canyon is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. We were blessed to have an expert tour guide for the seven hours hike up the mountain. Dr. Blay is a geologist and naturalist who conduct tours of the canyon. He knows the ins and outs of the canyon as if it was his backyard. He drove us in his 15-passenger van to the canyon trailhead where we began the hike. It took an hour to drive to the trailhead from Poipu, which was our meeting point. This hike is the best yet of all our hikes and unforgettable in every way. We hiked through the natural forest into the island’s volcanic core to experience an ecological awe and learn about the wonder of geological past of the canyon.
We met hikers along the way who did not have a tour guide. Many of them made it mid point and went back to the trailhead. Not until we hiked up to the top of the canyon, did we realize why. To reach our destination, which was the top of the canyon required an experienced guide that knew the trail and how to direct us to avoid the trouble spots on the hike. Dr. Blay knew all the dangerous and slippery areas along the trail. His patience with me taking breaks to rest and drink water was commendable. My husband and daughters are professional hikers and this canyon hike was a special treat for them. I gained a new appreciation for the hiking slogan: “what goes down, must come up.” This was exceptional- twelve miles long and 3,000 feet deep. As we reflected on our way back to our vacation home (with the muscle stamina left) we knew our encounter with Dr. Blay was a special one. We developed a friendship and got to know about his life, his precious family and work. Enjoy some of the hike and other Kauai moments in the gallery below.
The same can be said of life- to have a tour guide- makes the journey much richer and fulfilling. Tour guides come as our school administrators, teachers, family, mentors, pastors, friends and community leaders. Whatever path you are on this year, please don’t go it alone- find an expert tour guide. It will make all the difference in the world! Love & Blessings.
“The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep His covenant and obey His demands” - Psalm 25:10
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