Sunday, March 27, 2011

Malaysia

We just returned last night from a week long spring break trip to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia Going into the trip we were really seeking retreat, refreshment and renewal for our bodies and souls. It is hard to relax with a one and two year old, especially while traveling in a foreign country. We stayed at a quaint Seaside Lodge that truly made rest possible. We had a three mile stretch of beach virtually to ourselves and a lovely staff cooking all of our meals (Annette loved all the Malaysian dishes from curry to squid) and taking great care of us. For four days I wore no makeup, no shoes, and totted little more than sunscreen and a book. Each day Jason and I made it a priority to have time alone with the Lord. After the kids went to sleep in the evening, we sat on the porch and talked as the ocean waves pounded the sand below. It was beautiful.

The rustic Seaside Lodge



Sunset our first night


We took a jungle river boat ride to see the Proboscis Monkeys playing in their natural habitat



The Island you see in the far right is where they filmed the first season of Survivor



Some girls at school in the nearby village

Jason built a huge sand mountain that the kids spent hours climbing up and jumping off. Just what these city kids need!


The second half of our time was spent at a hotel where Jason attended the EARCOS Teachers Conference. The kids and I played at the beach and pool (dodging some thunder storms) while Jason attended the sessions. On our last night we were watching an amazing sunset over the beach. I turned around and saw a full rainbow behind us at the same time!! I had never seen anything like it. I think God does things like this just for fun to show us his glory.


And that my friends is the most photos I think I've ever included in one post. Just in case you didn't get enough you can look at our photos from KK two years ago here. Josiah was just a little younger than Annette is now and started walking while in Malaysia. We thought Annette might do the same, she is really close!

5 comments:

Sara said...

Remarkable pictures.....just awesome! You guys inspire me so much!

Nicole Suzanne Farley said...

It looks so fun, and so relaxing! I'm so glad you guys could get away...and the picture of Annette with the flower in her ear is just beautiful!

Amy LaVonne said...

I love Annette's smiles in all the pictures. She looks like she just LOVES getting her picture taken! Those sunsets are AMAZING!! So glad that you guys could get a little trip away!

Erik and Laura Ouimette said...

Wow, what a wonderful refreshing time for all of you in such a beautiful location. LOVE all your fabulous photos, especially love all those cute Paines in the photos!

Angela said...

What precious times you had. The kids, the beauty of the sunsets... I mean, those sunsets were killer.. and the rainbow behind -it's a praise God moment all the way. Sister. I love you. And you are a blessed woman indeed.