go barefoot.: A volcano outside my window...

Tonight I realized that this is outside my bedroom window...

My family didn't even know it!! It was funny that I introduced it to them at their own home. My cousin said this volcano is in Antigua, old Guatemala.

I'm adjusting well.

This past weekend I got to spend some time with my younger cousin Ines and her friends at the beach Montericco. They were all very nice and funny people. We celebrated 2 sisters that shared the exact same birthday...so cool for them! One of them has actually been to California 4 times! I had a relaxing time, but I also felt like I made myself very distant from the "party". A bit of homesickness set in. I tried to be myself and be open but the language barrier got to me. I was nervous and didn't even want to try... But I really tried to make the best of it. I always appreciate alone time when I have it.

I spent my first Sunday away looking at this at 8 in the morning.

Everyone was still sleeping as I took my ipod, book and journal out to the lounge chair. I felt as if my worship and the music in my ears was filling the entire seaside and beyond.

Emmaus was with me.

He is with me everywhere.

I really feel that being away is revealing so much more to me about my relationship with God. Distractions are gone (at least at that exact moment they were). I had some great time of reflection and was overwhelmed with the thankfulness of my family and community in Lincoln, CA. I love you all more than I will ever be able to express. My heart burns for your relationships all the way out here in Guatemala. Love you :)

More pics of the weekend:

for my fellow volleyball players