Taiho Falls, Bowling, and Chapel

Last weekend we were invited to go to Taiho falls with some other teachers from school. We were excited about having a free trip to go on :)   We met up at Jusco and headed up in Lori's van (all 9 of us). About an hour and a half later we reached the river and started heading up towards the waterfall.

Me sloshing through the water (Izzie gave me the hibiscus flower)

We got there and the view was amazing. It was very secluded and peaceful. We heard what I think were cicadas the whole time we were walking. Once we got there, the mist from the waterfall was all around. 

We sat down and ate our bentos (lunches) I had 2 onigiri (rice with flavoring inside with seaweed wrapped around it). The kids finished first of course and rushed back into the water to swim. I was a bit hesitant because it was COLD! Once I got in it was nice though. It took me a while to get underneath the waterfall because I was a little freaked out by the fact that I couldn't see the bottom of the pond. I did make it though:

 

We stayed for a while until it started getting crowded then headed off..we had made plans while we were there to go bowling later so we had to get back so we could all clean up. The ride back was nice..after a potty break (I had to pee the whole time we were there) and some ice cream I fell asleep

I was quite exhausted! 

Later on, we went on base to go bowling (it was less than $3 for the game and shoes)! I started off doing well. I got a strike and a spare...about halfway through it started going downhill. I guess I was getting tired (yet it wasn't even 9 yet). Oh well, it was fun either way :)   I convinced Mike to take a picture while we were there (you'd think I wouldn't HAVE to convince him)

 

Look at those tans we have going on :) I hope to continue to build on mine...maybe build some muscle to while I'm at it.

Oh...and just a little treat for those of you who actually read this (and I wouldn't know because no one ever leaves a COMMENT). Jessica took this today while my students were singing their song for chapel...adorable!

 

 

Calvary Chapel Bacolod

Today in church there was announcement about a giving opportunity. Each year- for a few years now- Calvary Chapel Okinawa has been partnering with Calvary Chapel Bacolod in the Philippines to give gifts to the children and staff of their children's home. There are about 150 people in all that are there (both children and staff) and our church has been able to send gifts there for Christmas (though it usually got there later than Christmas). This year they are sending out the gifts early so the gifts will get there by Christmas time.

I really wanted to give so we picked a child from the baskets they had out in the hall (we may choose an additional one next week if there are still a lot of names left). So later on tonight we are going to go shopping for little Benny (who just turned 3 this month) and try to find him something for Christmas! It was very hard just to choose one name because there were so many left in the baskets still.

If you want to know more about the ministry in Bacolod, Philippeans here is their website: http://www.ccbacolod.com/