The Star Clipper

It happened a year ago this month, but still feels like a dream to us.  We were gifted our first ever cruise.  It was aboard the Star Clipper, a four mast sailing ship.

Winshape Marriage  is an organisation whose goal is to guide couples in all stages of marriage through preparing, strengthening, and saving those marriages.  They are an amazing ministry impacting families all over the world, and this week was a gift from them.

 Each night around sunset, we would have a time to gather with other couples and be encouraged on a topic to strengthen our marriage.

Our 7 day routing was Phuket, Ko Similan, Ao PhangNga, Ko Hoong, Ko Adang (all in Thailand) and then on to Penang, Malacca and we ended in Singapore.

 After living in Thailand for over 30 years, we saw more of it's beauty exploring some of  the unspoiled  islands dotting the Andaman Sea. Look at that crystal clear water. (so different from the islands where we work)

Our ship would stay nearby while a tender took us in to the island beaches. 

So beautiful! 

We sailed a total of 804 nautical miles or 149 kilometers. Because of the size of the ship, it was fun to get to know some of the 72 staff on board.

A lot of our crewmen were from the Philippines, which was fun for us to speak Tagalog with them.

Our ship was 360 feet long and had just 170 guests on board. We are wondering if we'd like one of those huge cruisers after experiencing the size of this one.

It had 4 masts with 16 sails. In the evening when they turned the lights on, it was so beautiful.

One afternoon, Mike and I got to climb up to the crow's nest.  

It was a little scary for me- but so worth it.  That's us waving!

The 360 view and seeing no land on either side was spectacular. 

Bird's eye view looking down at the ship. 

Our room was small, but we were so impressed at how they utilized every little space with drawers and closets. We were also so thankful to get a window to peek out each day.

The food was delectable and we spent a lot of time at mealtimes getting to know some of our new friends. 

We spent one afternoon on this netting over the ocean listening to the swishing of the sea underneath us as we sailed a long. 

In the afternoons, we had optional classes like towel design folding, fruit carving, tour of the engine room, etc.  

We both totally recommend the Star Clippers, unique sailing adventures. It was a week that we will never ever ever forget and we are so thankful for Winshape Marriages and their gift to us. It was good timing on the month of our 40th anniversary, and here we are a year later approaching our 41st anniversary this weekend. 

Harrison Hot Springs- Canada

These past 3 days have been some of the most refreshing days that we have ever experienced. They are just what the doctor ordered! :)

Good-byes to our grand-kids at the Chiang Mai airport; always bitter-sweet!

Those days in Thailand before a trip are always super busy getting ready to be gone and this time was no exception.

Laya and Noel had a great send-off at the Bangkok airport.

Once we landed in Washington there was the usual tasks of getting cellphones back in service, some USA errands and a very happy first meal at Five Guys.

It just happened to be one of the first restaurants we saw, but nothing beats a good 'ole fat juicy American hamburger after eating rice for days.

After helping Laya and Noel get some of their errands taken care of, we drove them to their first host home in Canada. 

We want them to have time alone with their contacts, but we purposely did not make arrangements for our first night.  We wanted the flexibility of being adventuresome.  Harrison Hot Springs in Canada was suggested, so we tried it out and were thrilled.

It is a little resort town with a beautiful lake that is very un-populated and quiet. We walked everywhere and enjoyed the fresh cool air sooooo much. Coming from the tropical heat, it has been so glorious to enjoy this weather. 

We stayed in this old little cabin right on the lake that reminded us of our own (musty) little cabin.

It felt a little venturous knowing that we were in another country- although there's really not a huge difference.

The lake is really pretty quiet without much activity, but maybe it was because the weather was cool- which was GREAT for us. This water-park was pretty cool and made us think of how the grand-kids would love it- and yet it was so so good for us to have this time alone.

I spent so much timing walking just to enjoy the cool fresh breeze, stopping to listen to these really good percussionists.

Weeping Willow Trees are always a favorite of mine because 1) I had one in my front yard growing up in Jesup and spent countless hours playing underneath it and 2) I don't think I've ever seen one in Asia which makes me really miss their beauty.

Sasquatch (Bigfoot) is said to have originated here in the PNW so his souvenirs and footprints were everywhere, even at the chocolate store.

Yep, Sasquatch was seen a lot. After a very busy past few months, this time together for just Mike and I has been so refreshing. After Canada we moved down to Washington--with even more beauty to take in.

just getting away

Mike and I are going through one of the busiest times of our lives. A few people who know that, have suggested that we get away to a hotel for a break.  That sounds like a great idea, but it just has not been possible lately.

God who is sovereign and knows everything, allowed Mike and I to have a few days get away- just before the whirlwind started. We had just finished being dorm parents for a week in Ranong at the Kids Homes and decided to stop at a nice hotel before returning to our home  A week later, everything changed unexpectedly with Nok's death and I just came across these photos today that I had never shared.

God knew that we needed that and I still think back on those few days about it being so relaxing and refreshing.  There is just a relaxation and detoxing that comes with going away from our responsibilities with only the two of us.  I think every couple should do this 1-2 times per year and make it a priority in those busy schedules. I honestly think "getting away alone" is one of the best things that we can do for our marriage relationship.  Especially for vocations where you work with people day in and day out.

What I enjoy most or suggested elements......

-we don't know anyone there- it's just "us"

-there are not responsibilities and no expectations

-extended uninterpreted times with Jesus are the best

-I wear what is most comfortable, no make-up, no fussing with my hair (especially since we use a motorbike to get around)

-we wake up each day with no plan for the day (that is VERY unusual for me)

-there is time to just read, think, sit, and soak in the salt water ocean or pools
-hopping on a motorbike and driving around the island, with no agenda.

Enjoy these memories with me:

The pool at this place was the kind of pool that I could sit by all day long.

Infinity pools are my favorite. 

I don't think anyone can deny how majestic and wondrous the never ending view of the ocean is.  It is definitely one of my favorite places to go to unwind, rest, and get refreshment. 

While walking along the beach one afternoon, we still saw memorials to people who had died in the Tsunami more than 11 years ago. It's really because off that monstrous wave that hit Thailand December 26, 2004 that we began our work in the south.

I am thankful for the chance to have marriage getaways and always look forward to the next time. Thanks Mike for making it a priority with me. 

marriage getaway

I don't do hotel reviews too often but we recently stayed at a place that I totally recommend for certain types of needed retreats. Sometimes, Mike and I just need to get away from the house and routines of life to discuss specific topics and plan together.  This was one of those times. It is good for our relationship and so much easier to talk without the distractions of our daily life. Since I  like to try out new places, it was Sibsan this time.  Pictured above is a coffee shop at the resort next to a river, where we spent quite a bit of time talking.

Our room did not have the best arrangement of chairs for talking, so we ended up walking around the beautiful resort a lot and finding our own benches and private spots to converse.

We always enjoy getting out of the city, and this place had a lot of trails and natural places to explore.

It even had an organic vegetable garden and a few animals for the children to enjoy. 

One morning we climbed to the top of a lookout tower that had a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and resort and we ended up there for a few hours discussing topics on Mikes list. After living overseas for 37 years now, and having children and grandchildren on both sides of the world, we are trying to figure out when and how to make some changes in our lifestyle as we get older and more weary from the travelling.  We have no easy answers, but I do know that it is much easier together and I am so thankful for this man to continue the journey together.

One of the most unique things about this resort is that there were elephants EVERYWHERE.  No matter which direction we walked, we saw them.

Sometimes they had tourists on their backs, and other times they were just grazing and doing their own thing.

This resort was right square in the middle of at least four different elephant camps, that tourists come to visit.  The river had a constant stream of people riding elephants.

One afternoon, Mike and I sat in a little hut talking as elephants paraded back and forth on the path in front of us.

It was a steady stream of them walking in both directions. 

It was so cute to watch the baby elephants walking beside their mama's. 

I kept thinking of Briana, Katie, and others in the USA who love elephants, and how much they would enjoy this day.

We had the opportunity to be so close and  right next to them.

They just kept strolling by as we talked and watched.

This area also had ox cart rides.

Actually, this whole area made us feel like we were back on the farm, especially the farm odors that were everywhere.

There was also bamboo rafting being prepared for the tourists in the area. 

We have been the spectators at these elephant shows many times, but it was interesting to be on the other side of the show as observers.

Since the majority of tourists who come to this area are visitors, the workers were impressed when we spoke Thai with them. I climbed up into the hut of one feeding station for elephants with a worker and chatted with her as the elephants  came by for their snacks. 

Maybe we did not get our whole future figured out, but I sure enjoyed getting away and our visit to Sibsan. Reminding ourselves again of Proverbs 16:9,  "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps".