January 16: Snorkeling

Since we have been in Indonesia, I have found myself coming to the end of the day and being simply amazed at how many places we visited that day, the people we have met, and the new experiences we have had.  Yesterday was no exception.  We had the incredible opportunity to explore the wonders beneath the sea by snorkeling off the island of Bunaken.

We started the day out with a delicious breakfast at the hotel.  Right after, we loaded ourselves onto the bus which took us to the boat.  Decked in swimsuits and sunglasses, we sailed across the water to the island.  The sky got all the rain out of its system durning the 40 minute ride over so during our time on the island we enjoyed nothing but blue skies and sunshine while we were on the island.

Heading out to the Island for Snorkeling

We each got a mask, snorkel, and flippers and then went back out to the ocean.  Only few people in our group had ever snorkeled before so it was a new experience of many of us.  We just jumped in fins first and started exploring.  Since you are floating on the water when you snorkel it almost feels like you are flying over a fantastic new world of fish and coral.  Our group rented a underwater camera so we got some sweet pictures of us with the fish in their natural habitat.  I would definitely go snorkeling again, I'd just make sure to put more sunscreen on my back and try not to get so much salt water my mouth.

 Aleah

Erin, Kelsey, and Nate

After snorkeling we ate lunch at a restaurant on Bunaken.  The food was delicious and I got to drink coconut milk straight from a coconut. The view from the restaurant was incredible!!  The ocean with the mountains right next to it is simply breath taking.  I feel so blessed to get to experience so much of God's natural beauty.

View from Island

We got to sit out at the front of the boat of the trip back to Manado.  Rocking up and down on the waves of an ocean across the globe is quite a peaceful and thought provoking experience.

When we got back to the hotel, some of us jumped in the pool, which has a beautiful view of the ocean and mountains, before we went to go do a little shopping and get dinner.

We had some interesting Chinese food that not everyone was not too crazy about, so when we got back to the hotel we ordered some good old Pizza Hut pizza and played cards.  Definitely a good group hang out night.

I'm feeling so blessed and amazed at the incredible things we are dong on this trip!

--Erin