A little slice of Paradise

10/19/08
I wish I could paint this place with words, but that would never do it justice. I thought to myself---what is it about this place that makes it so incredible?

It's the sea salt ocean breeze, sand between my toes, my hair spinning like silk in the whispering wind, stars dotting the sky like tiny sugar crystals, feeling like I'm camping at home, the kerosene smell of glowing lanterns, the foamy white suds on the waves that cling like soapy bubbles, the wonder of digging up a purple unicorn spiraled seashell as if it's a prized treasure, the hot African sun that dances on your face, the tattering, wind-blown palm leaves that sound like rain when they slap together, the crashing waves that sound like five bowling balls rolling down an alley, the distant orange glow of an oil rig in the middle of the ocean, the pink sherbet streaks that swirl at the horizon like wisps of cotton candy, the African woman walking along the shore-side as she balances a 60-pound metal bowl of oranges on her head, the chanting and tradition of African men pulling in a line of nets filled with fish, the occasional thud of a coconut plopping into the sand unexpectedly, European children and grandparents beaching all day and vacationing from around the world, and imagining what bring each of them here--an answer unique to his/her own story...it is in this place that I feel so alive.

I feel God whispering in each breeze and I can't help but notice the masterpiece of His fingertips parting the clouds, as golden streaks of light slant downward to the sandy shores below, licking the water, each wave. The ocean is a healing pool, polishing my fingernails, making each one smooth like a pearl. The waters' salt patches up every crack and open cut, as it plumps my skin and softens my hair. It is a simple life here. No shoes, no stuff, no worries...just a tent on the beach.