Anniversary Trip

Bryan and I went on our 5 year anniversary to Daytona Beach, Florida to go back to the place where we meet. The El Caribe, on a summer project with Campus Crusade for Christ. It was an awesome summer both spiritually and obviously, romantically. We made lasting friendships and memories to last a life time.

El Caribe today

We had a great time and literally felt like we had the beach and the city to ourselves. To our surprise, Daytona's "busy" season starts at the end of May on Memorial Day weekend. We were a week early. However, it was just what the "doctor order". We really enjoyed the un-interrupted alone time.

We watched the full moon's reflection over the ocean.

We saved money and ate in.

We saw some movies we've been wanting to see.

We woke up early to pray and watch the morning sun shine over the Atlantic Ocean.

Took a stroll down memory lane and found a Chocolate factory and took their free tour, ate free chocolate and had lunch in downtown Daytona.

We laughed and enjoyed each others company, as "man and wife" and less of a focus as "Daddy and Mommy". Not that you can ever leave that identity, but it helps to reaffirm the bond that existed before children.

We read God's Word by the ocean He created and can hold in the palm of his hand. Isaiah 40:12

Got some sun!

Watched the sun set from the same spot we used to watch it together 7 years ago.

Visited the place we first entered our dating commitment. We weren't able to go to the top of the Lighthouse because they weren't open, but just being there was fun and brought back some great memories.

Oh El Caribe...how you make love grow!
Our project leaders, Earle and Cara Chute met on the this exact project while they were in college. Later they married and now have 3 kids that have grown up on the shores of Daytona Beach every summer. Earle and Cara have led this project for 28 years!! They have seen many people fall in love too. One summer they had 6 staff, 3 girls and 3 guys and they were all single. That summer they all started dating and all married each other! Talk about sparks flying. From our summer alone, in '04 there were 3 marriages. So great!
 Earle and Cara are faithful in their love for Christ and one another, its encouraging and apparently contagious!

Overall, it was a great trip, a great walk down memory lane and a great time for "relaxation and renewal!" I am thankful for the meaningful moments shared at this place. I remember it fondly. Going back was no different.
It was a major blessing to be able to have this time with Bryan. Mady stayed with her Pop's and Mimi for the entire week. I was nervous to leave her, but to my delight she did wonderfully! I don't think she even missed us that much!
She feel in love with Pops and ice cream, Mimi and her giggle. She just had a ball and continues to ask for them and talk about "cows" and "farm".  Pop's and Mimi weren't in a huge hurry to hand her back either. They enjoyed her just about as much as she enjoyed them.
We were glad that they were able to share in the fun that is Mady, without us being around. Really get to know her and her silly personality.

All in all. Our prayers were answered and we were again reminded that God is so good and continues to be so good to us. This time was sweet and a much needed time to celebrate 5 years and pray for many more to come. God's greatest provision for me in this life (aside from Christ's perfect atonement) is Bryan. I was so glad to fall more in love with him this week.