More from Maui...

In the last few days we explored the gorgeous Iao Valley and its "needle", a prominent 2,200-foot pinnacle of rock covered in lush foliage. We also spent three hours snorkeling the crater of Molokini just off the coast of Maui where we saw an incredible Moray eel and dozens of other tropical fish (including parrot fish, angel fish and Humuhumunukunukuapua'a). And we have spent hours watching surfers from our lanai and the lawn outside our condo. We're all wondering if we really have to leave Maui in a few days. It is so beautiful here! God's creative hand is evident everywhere!

The Road to Hana and a 400-foot Waterfall!

On Thursday we got up really early and drove Maui's famous Road to Hana. It reminded us of the Cabot Trail but with more lush foliage and waterfalls. Filled with curves, twists and dozens of one-car bridges, the road led us to a beautiful national park where we hiked an hour into Wailua Falls. To get to the 400-foot cascade, we hiked through a massive bamboo forest that made the most eerie noises when the wind blew. It was a gorgeous hike and we enjoyed every minute. On the way back down we stopped at the Garden of Eden Aboretum, a beautiful 26-acre botanical garden with a view down to Keopuka Rock, featured in the opening scenes of Jurassic Park.

Catching waves at Big Beach...

The name "Big Beach" says it all. Wow, the waves at this beach are enormous! When a big one was coming in, you would feel yourself lifted high in the air and then you'd see the wave crash against the shore, turning people standing in that zone completely upside down. Which was funny - until you were the one trying to get out of the water, unable to outrun a big wave. We all came back to the condo covered in sand and laughing at the ways in which the waves knocked us around. What a great afternoon.

Hiking the summit of an active volcano...

The highest peak on Maui, Haleakala, soars 10,000 feet above sea level and is an active volcano. Granted, it hasn't erupted in 200 years but, in the life of a volcano, that's not very long. On Tuesday morning we got up really early and drove almost two hours to the summit to take in a clear view of the island before clouds rolled in. It was spectacular. Within the rim of the enormous crater at the top of the volcano there are several huge cinder cones which have been somewhat worn by erosion; we hiked a long way down into the crater to get closer to the cones. The trail was deceiving, though. Our destination didn't look very far away but the landscape was so desolate and void of vegetation that the actual distance was much farther than it seemed to the naked eye. We were beat when we made it back to the car but were rewarded by realizing we were above the cloud line and had to drive back down through the clouds to get down the mountain. It was fantastic and vast and beautiful.

Off to Maui!

To celebrate the end of the year we got up at 4 a.m. on Sunday, June 6th and caught an 11 a.m. flight to Maui (well, first our plane landed in Narita, Japan, and then in Honolulu and then - finally - on Maui). The many hours of travel were worth it. Maui is beautiful! We are staying in a fantastic condo that is right on the water and the girls love the pool so much they spend most of their time in the water or hanging out at the poolside. From our balcony we overlook the pool, lawn and bay and it is gorgeous. We are so blessed to have some time to recharge and to connect with each other.

A Magical Restaurant in the Countryside...

Brian and I had the pleasure of going out for dinner on Tuesday night (June 2nd) with our friends Nikole and John, and Bill and Madhvi. It was a goodbye dinner for Bill and Madhvi as they will be returning to the States this month, and we drove about 35 minutes out of the city to a lovely restaurant in the countryside. Several quaint buildings were available for dining and candles and white lights lit up the pathways throughout the property. Nestled among low mountains and lush greenery, it was a magical place and we had a lovely evening. It is a blessing to end the school year spending time with valued friends.

Saying Goodbye to the Seniors...

In the third week of May the graduating class of TCIS spent two days in the mountains and at the beach in northeastern Korea. The students learned about how to finish well before they move on to college, how to say goodbyes and restore relationships and they also learned about things they will experience as they transition to life in the US, Canada or Europe. The kids also had a lot of fun, as did the teachers who were lucky enough to go along. I shared a lot of laughs with the seniors I have taught for two years and also with some great colleagues and friends. I was even treated to a surprise dip in the East Sea (or Sea of Japan) when several students picked me up, carried me along the long beach and threw me into the water. Thankfully I wasn't the only one - anyone who didn't jump in voluntarily for a swim was treated to a helping hand! It was a lovely way to say goodbye and wish the senior class well as they finish at TCIS.