The world beneath...

It was incredible! A whole world exists that most people don't ever think about. We saw all kinds of brightly colored fish and coral. It is like a beautiful painting. I like how silent it is too. When we are all together as a group we are always talking and being hyper so it is so calming to submerge myself and swim around in awe of what lies beneath the surface. Sailing has been very relaxing too. I love how the waves rock us to sleep and you can hear the lapping of the water against the boat. Seeing the power of wind and what it can do when harnessed is so fun! Sometimes I feel like a rock being skipped along the water by nature's hand.
-Renee

Kayaking the coast...

I spent plenty of time on the beach considering I am from North Carolina and all but...nothing like this. The ocean butts up against lava cliffs. We have seen a bunch of caves too! It is just so unique here in Hawaii. Learning about how the islands have been formed and what is being formed as we kayak is amazing to think about. I have learned about this stuff in Science class but I understand so much more clearly now that I can actually see the lava flowing and harden and jutting out of the sea. I am really hoping we will see a sea turtle, dolphin or whale or something. It is only our first day out but these are things we were told to keep our eye out for. YAHOOO!!

-Tanya

Making friends on the beach...

It has been so fun to make friends from all over the country while spending our days hiking, kayaking and sailing throughout all that Hawaii has to offer. We have such a tight bond and SO many inside stories and jokes. I hope I don't cry at the airport when we all have to leave. I know I will even though it is embarrassing in front of all those other people in the airport. But, they should understand that we have just spent the most amazing three weeks together laughing and exploring. I don't want to leave!!

-Jill

Surfing Hawaii...

Today was our first day surfing. We had a prep class on surfing for about an hour and talked about positions and steps on the board. Every single person had to get up on a foam board on dry land first. Then we hit the waves and EVERYONE got up!! It was so awesome getting up on the first waves! Our group bonded so much today as we laughed and cheered each other along. We also saw these huge sea turtles swim right onto the beach!
-Stuart