Day 19 PIE - a day at the beach

To start: I updated yesterday's entry on Day 18 yesterday.

We actually wanted to go to an amusement park today – but Perry was a bit sick, so we changed our plans. Instead of roller coasters and hustle and bustle, we opted for a relaxing trip to the beach, which according to the internet is supposed to be the most beautiful on the entire island.

Ironically, our friends have never been there – even though they have lived here for over two and a half years.

We often laughed: We, the visitors, give the locals tips on what to do on their own island.

Stephanie was not totally thrilled about the beach idea – she is absolutely not a fan of the sun. (She loves the shade and air conditioning)

We had a hearty laugh when we talked about the differences:

We Europeans want to get as tanned as possible, while Africans avoid any additional sun color.

I asked her why – and she said, “Because otherwise you can hardly be seen in photos,” and I must say, she is not entirely wrong.

What I also didn’t know: Pregnant women apparently get darker skin quickly, especially on their face and neck.

Still, we set off together – to a truly beautiful red beach where small tidal pools formed at low tide.

We built sandcastles with Perry, collected shells, observed crabs – and simply did what you do at the beach. Mika and I tried to remember how to draw the house from Nikolaus. Do you know how it goes?

The weather was lovely, the mood was good, the landscape vast and beautiful – simply a pleasant, entertaining day.

Back home, there was the usual afternoon nap for everyone, then Mika and I cooked so we could have dinner together in the evening.

We didn’t do much more today – but that was just right: a chill day.

Tomorrow will be exciting: Mika and I will accompany Victor and Stephanie to church.

They have founded their own little congregation here – currently with ten members.

Victor said they meet every Sunday, sing together, read the Bible, exchange ideas, talk about where they need help or where they have encountered God – and afterwards, they cook and eat together.

I find that really interesting – I have a few mixed feelings about it, but I am mainly curious.

Victor said he has already told the others about us – and that they would be happy if we come along.

So, we are invited to join, and I will definitely report back on how it was.

Today, I've thought a lot about the topic of home and homeland.

For our friends, this topic is really difficult. They live here – but it's not really perfect.

They have few contacts, miss family and familiar faces.

I realized how lucky I am to feel at home somewhere. That there are people and places that feel familiar and safe.

And that is my insight for today: how wonderful it is to have a home and live in the country where one was born.

And one more decision to wrap up:

We also decided today to leave the island a day earlier.

The long bridge, the only connection to the mainland, honestly worries me a bit. What if it gets closed? During strong winds or an accident, that could happen – that's what Victor told us.

And since we don’t want to miss our return flight, we are not taking any risks. We are leaving a day earlier and spending the last night in Halifax, from where we will fly back.

I am looking forward to tomorrow – and am curious about this little church.