I know that it has been too long since I have posted. The few readers that I have (my mom) may be wondering why I have a blog when I do not use it. Well, all I can say is that my life is crazy busy and it is easy to put off blogging. Call me a communication slacker if you want. It's sad, but true. :)
Anyhoo... I just returned from a short, much needed, holiday. The break could not have come at a better time. I was spiritually, mentally, and physically drained. Friday morning I flew from Jakarta to Bali to meet up with a group of both old and new friends. The group that I travelled with was composed of teachers from two other SPHI campuses. I have become acquainted with these folks through inter-campus events and church. All of them are delightful people! I am grateful to have become quite close with a couple of them. God continually blesses me through the friendships that have been formed since moving here. I love being able to share life, love, and laughter with these people!
We went to an island off Bali for the break. After meeting up in Bali, we took a boat from Senur to Nusa Lembongan. Nusa Lembongan Island is off the east coast of Bali. It is a quiet island with crystal clear waters, vibrant colors and friendly locals. Just what I needed!
The first afternoon was spent getting settled, relaxing and exploring. In the afternoon a trio of us walked along the shore exploring the local area. I loved observing the locals, especially the children, as they went about their daily tasks. The first evening we ate at a restaurant overlooking the water. The delicious food paired with a relaxed atmosphere made for an enjoyable first evening.
Saturday morning a group of us went to Dream Beach for the day. Dream Beach is on the south coast of the island. I was able to spend the day sunbathing, swimming, and sleeping. The beach was not as quiet as I would have liked, but who am I to complain. I was on the beach for goodness sake. This additional activity was due to a ROXY photo shoot what was taking place. Let me just say that observing the entire photo shoot happenings was an experience alone.
After lunch a newer friend of mine, Jake, was kind enough to take the three 'Rebeccas' around the island on a motorbike. Jake teaches at the Lippo Village campus. What I have come to realize about Jake is that he works hard and plays hard. On the island you can easily rent motorbikes as a mode of transportation. Although I have experience on ATVs and have driven a motorbike in Kenya, I opted to not drive a motorbike. The roads are quite rough and I am determined to go home for Christmas accident free. Unlike my previous travels in Kenya. I was the last to go exploring, and we made plans to meet the group back at the hotel. 
First we crossed this insane bridge that led to a smaller island. This one lane bridge was downright unnerving, especially when meeting oncoming motorbike and foot traffic. Driving over the bridge I could hear what sounded like the slats popping up behind us. Whenever we had to stop I kept expecting to fall through, bike and all. The bridge was sturdier than it appeared, obviously, and we made it over safely. After crossing the bridge we proceeded to go to the same spots where the other girls had been. At one point there was a rustling in the trees and a large monitor lizard darted across the road in front of us. That startled both of us! 
Those who know me are aware that I like adventure! Yes, I am pensive and capricious. Yes, I am quiet and shy. I do not extend myself unless I feel comfortable, but then it is like night and day! Well, a great thing about Jake is that he likes adventure too. So when he asked if we should take an unknown road I was game. This led to another road, to another road, to another road. I am sure you get the picture. Up, up, up we went until we were at what seemed to be the top of the island. After heading down we decided to take a new route back. Along the way we stumbled upon a waste site and two beautiful temples. We were able to experience the raw beauty of the island! 
We were having such an enjoyable time that neither of us really noticed that the sun was setting. Until he stopped the bike and said, "You know what's wrong right?" I'll be honest, at first I had no idea what was wrong; however, it did not take me long to realize that we had run out of gas... What! Jake was really beating himself up over the situation, but we had set out to have an adventure.
Well, the only option was to walk. After walking a short distance, about a 1/2 mile, we found a group of local men. We arranged to buy some petrol from one man, but in the end he tried to charge us way too much for way too little. What did we do? We kept walking. Finally, we came to a family compound where we met a nice couple. The husband sold us some petrol at a raised rate, but less than most tourists pay. After filling the tank, saying our goodbyes, and taking a photograph we continued on our way. By now it was past dark and there was another problem. Amidst all the exploration, adventure, and side roads we had missed a few turns. Like I said, we had set out to have an adventure.
After meeting another kindhearted local, we managed to make it back to the place we were staying. The group waiting was relieved to see that we were alive and in one piece. We headed out for another delicious dinner overlooking the water. The next way was spent snorkeling, relaxing, and eating more yummy food... Well, life is calling me back to reality. I will have to save the rest of the story for another day!
My prayer is that all of you doing well, living life fully in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Each day I am reminded that He is the way, the truth and the life. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spriti, be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14 NASB)
