Because she also celebrated her 21st birthday today, Morgan is going to tell us about her day:
There are a variety of ways one could celebrate his/her 21st birthday, but I think today trumps them all. First off, I was able to wake up this morning to a BEAUTIFUL sunrise on the dock in front of our hotel. It was gorgeous, but the beautiful faces surrounding me made it so much better. Most of our group came out to watch and sit in awe of the pinks, oranges, and yellows that shone across the sky. God had his paintbrush out, and we were all blown away by His creation! I was also treated to some delicious donuts and an iced chai tea from a local coffee shop where my friends sang happy birthday to me for the 5th time.
While that alone could make for an awesome birthday, the day was just beginning. At 9:15, we all gathered around a tiny building and anxiously awaited to get fitted for the snorkeling gear we would be using later in the afternoon. After everyone had their gear, we made it to the boats, got our group picture and headed out across the Mediterranean Sea. Our first stop: the manatee reserve!
This part of excursion consisted of an hour long boat ride. Needless to say, it was the perfect time to relax and soak up the vitamin D our bodies have been craving! Next thing we know, the boat engines shut off and big poles were being used to push the boats around the reserve. The manatees must have known we were coming, because they tried to hide from us. We had to stop at three different spots before we finally spotted gray noses coming up for air. We couldn't ever fully see the manatees, but we could tell by the shadows they were huge! The captain of our boat even thought two of them were a mother and baby! And anyone who knows me knows how much I love babies!! We made the hour-long boat ride back while eating fresh pineapple and enjoying the breeze!
After the manatees, we made a quick lunch break at a different island and set out to go snorkeling! Most of us have never snorkeled before, so we all figured we would start out easy... Nope. We were thrown right into shark and stingray alley!! We literally swam with a dozen stingrays varying in sizes and a couple nurse sharks! There were a variety of fish that showed up, including a huge barracuda. I don't think I have ever been so amazed, yet nervous in my life. I would just like to say that on this trip I've experienced a lot of things including holding a snake, feeding a bird with a fish right out of my hand and petting both a shark and stingray!
Our last stop came too quickly, but it was one we were all looking forward to. It was time to snorkel for real, with our flippers and all, and explore a huge coral reef! My boat's captain, Joe, gave all of us a quick tour of the reef explaining the different types of coral, fish and all of the safety measures. After the tour, we were set free! An ongoing joke for the girls on this trip has been mermaids. Jackie brought "mermaid spray" for our hair that many of us desperately needed throughout this trip. While I was snorkeling and soaking up this beautiful creation, I truly felt like Ariel, the Little Mermaid, and I doubt I was the only one!
Our night ended with a delicious dinner from Habeneros. Mine included dessert and happy birthday sang for the 8th time! It was a WONDERFUL birthday and being surrounded by 19 new friends has made it that much more enjoyable. Plus many of us are sporting that red-as-a-lobster look from the day in the sun, but you won't hear us complaining!
I am truly blessed!
Love,
Morgan
PS Caleb, just two more sleeps and I get to see you! Oh and hey mom! Tell dad I love you and miss you all!
Well, Aria is already asleep, so tonight's devotions can't be written. However, they were amazing. She talked about making time for God. We were all encouraged by the devotion.
Make sure to check the "In Preparation" post for return flight information - especially flight numbers. Please be praying for good weather so we make it home on time. I don't think some of us would mind getting stuck in Belize, but we don't want to be stuck in Atlanta!
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