The two-person swing caught my eye the moment I set foot on the small Island. It looked like a queen-sized bed suspended on ropes between two palm trees, with a nearby chestnut tree providing the perfect shade. The sound of the waves as they hit the shore and the cool ocean breeze made this a coveted spot. I could almost hear it calling my name.
We got a chance to try it out on our last day. As I leaned back and began to sway, I instantly knew it would be even better than I had imagined. The timing for our turn on the swing was perfect because it allowed me time to contemplate all that had happened in the previous three weeks.
As I closed my eyes, I could feel my breathing slow down. It felt good to exhale. I may have dozed briefly, but I thought I was in Heaven when I opened my eyes. Above me were sapphires (blue sky), emeralds (green leaves), and diamonds (the sun through the leaves).
I gazed upward for a long time, and there was no doubt that we were the recipients of a phenomenal gift.
It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of this kind of travel. The preparations were arduous. The logistics of traveling with twenty-three other people, from catching our flights, getting our supplies through customs, planning the medical clinics, and organizing the training for six full days of medical outreach, was work. We lived in the village, traveled to a new site daily in the back of a truck, and cared for at least 100 people at each clinic. The limited electricity provided a challenge for charging our equipment, but we were set once we developed a routine.
The cold showers were a welcome relief after a long day. It was a challenging but rewarding experience that tested our teamwork and organizational skills, but we knew in the end that we were the recipients of far more than we gave.
One of the greatest joys of this experience was sharing it with our grandson Gabe, who is leaving for college later this month. Witnessing him in this light as he transitions into adulthood was an honor. His joy and kindness filled my heart, and it truly felt like a gift from God to be with him for these two weeks.
Once the work was done, Tom and I traveled to another island for a week of rest and relaxation. There is nothing better than following hard work with leisure. We stayed in a beach/oceanfront bure, a traditional Fijian thatched hut, and were blessed to watch the sunset every evening from our balcony. We spent our days swimming, reading, resting, and walking. It was the perfect way to unwind after the intense previous weeks.
My soul is at rest…my heart is filled with a glimpse of Heaven.
Now, if only I could figure out how to get a queen-size bed hoisted between two trees in my own backyard.
Tom and Nancy’s Journeys 
What a blessing to spend such an important three weeks with your Gabe! And he looks as delighted to be there as you were to have him along. That swing! Ahhhh! Simple pleasures!
LikeLike