Guam

Wow, so much going on! Thursday morning we woke up to the amazing site of the island of Guam emerging from the mists. I never knew that the site of land could be so emotional or exciting. By the time we finished breakfast we were docked. Guam is beautiful and green and SO hot and humid- you step outside and are immediately drenched in sweat.

We spent most of Thursday on board the ship working and sorting supplies. Then in the afternoon we were able to head off the ship and go to the beach! We road the shuttle into town and walked the short distance to the beach. It was gorgeous the surf broke far out on a reef and so you could walk waist deep in bath warm water for a long ways and it never got deeper. Once the sun went down it stayed hot and we headed off to eat supper and then it was back to the ship for the night. We had a huge check in of staff and some of them didn't get settled in until 0300 and so everyone is tired today but it's okay- more beach tomorrow.

Last week we had an amazing Asian/ Pacific Islander cultural celebration. They had dances, food for lunch and singing. One of the ship's surgeons shared her history of being born in Vietnam, leaving Vietnam when she was only 9 years old after the war and has since joined the Navy and gone on to become a surgeon. This trip is the first time in 35 years that she will return to her home country and be there to help. It was so inspiring to hear her share her experience.

More work today, more beach tomorrow, and church on Sunday it's going to be a busy week.

Amy:)