Double Reef Beach

On Saturday we took a hike through some of the jungle-esque part of the island to a most beautiful and secluded beach called Double Reef Beach. You can only get to this beach by hiking to it, thus we were the only ones there all day. The sand was the most fine of all the beaches so far, beautiful and soft. And the reef in the little bay area was gorgeous as I got to do a little snorkeling. Probably my favorite day of the trip thus far!

Okay, you may have to click on it and enlarge the picture to see it, but this is one of many many banana spiders which make their webs all over the jungle part of the island. Sorry there's no perspective, but trust me when I say they are not small!
One of the crabs we saw as we hiked...

Look like Tarzan ropes don't they? We tried hanging on them, and they do hold your weight if you grab several at a time.

One worn out little girl who decided to sleep on the hike out.

Surprise! Extended Stay

Zach came home from work yesterday and said with excitement "I have a surprise for you" He was so excited, and I couldn't imagine what there was to be excited about since I was leaving the next morning. So I said, "I get to stay for two more weeks?!" He said, well, sure if you want, but that's not the surprise. He said that we had babysitters for the night, so we could spend time together just the two of us, to which I replied that I wouldn't have time because I had to pack. And to make the rest of the story short, after talking through the details, we decided that I could stay for another week. And so here I am! So happy to have this opportunity and to be able to be with Zach for another week. So thank you to all who were praying for my flight, and please pray once again next Tuesday, May 6th. Until then, stay tuned for some more blogs....

An Ocean Overlook

On Thursday evening Zach took us to a pretty overlook on base before we went out to eat. The island's beauty continues to be unveiled to me.





In case you haven't noticed it in any of the pictures of Keziah before, the alfalfa, which is completely natural, is kind of her signature thing. =)

Sunsets

This past Tuesday night Zach and I were supposed to go on a date to this lovely little place on the beach where we could watch the sunset together. But as it turned out our babysitters cancelled, so Keziah went with us and didn't complain a bit about being the subject of our photographs once again. And it was so beautiful, and such a lovely time that we decided to go back again later on in the week. There is something so peaceful and tranquil about watching the sun set over the horizon of the ocean. You really do get the feeling that God is painting each frame of the living movie just for you.

Just Kezzie

Beaches

For our first beach experience in Guam we visited Ritidian beach, where Keziah got to touch and play with sand, salt water and waves for the first time. She loved it!





Another beach we visited was Haputo beach, recommended to us by our friends Joe and Brittany. The hike down to it was steep and rocky, but the beach itself was well worth it.

Mount Lam Lam

On Saturday we hiked Mt. Lam Lam. At 1,334 feet it is the tallest peak on the island. On the way up you get a view of the ocean on both sides of the island. But then as you near the top, very unlike Colorado mountains, it becomes more jungle-like with more trees and I think all of the island's mosquitos. Don't think we ever reached the true summit, but we had a good time.

Kids and toys

I know you've heard it said before, but let me echo the idea that kids really don't need store-bought toys. All they really need is the stuff you have laying around, such as an ice chest, and some empty water bottles, plastic cups, and plastic containers with lids. One day we heard a thump from the other side of the room, and when we looked over we saw Keziah, head first, in the chest. Since then it has been one of her favorite places to play, just taking things in and out of it, including her own body.

Stuck in the sand

On our way to the beach on Thursday, we got stuck in the sand. And the harder we tried to get out, the deeper the tires went in the sand. Zach tried and tried to dig the tires out, and get traction to drive out, but to no avail. So we hiked out to the parking lot and found a nice couple who tried to help for a while as well. Finally after about three hours of effort, Zach flagged down a 4WD truck that pulled into the parking lot of the beach and asked the men for a tow, to which the agreed. We were glad to drive the Jeep home.

The buried jeep. Check out the back left tire.


Not such a bad place to be stuck!


Zach hard at work


Keziah waiting it out

Chamorran Market

Wednesday night we went to the Chamorran Market. (the people here in Guam are called the Chamorrans) There were all sorts of fun activities, good food, music and souvenirs. Here are a couple of picture highlights:

This is a coconut crab, a fascinating creature that is sometimes taken as a pet. I guess they live up to 60 years. For more info on the coconut crab go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut_crab




Keziah got to ride with Daddy on the Karabao, otherwise known as the water buffalo. Usually not tame, this particular Karabao was quite passive giving ride after ride to the tourists.

A beach in Guam

Monday we went to the National Historic Park, Piti Guns where the War in the Pacific monument is. It was a good history lesson for me, and the beach was beautiful. We thought we'd let Keziah walk on the beach, but she kept leading Zach in towards the water, and then promptly sat down. She loves the sand and the waves!


"a coconut for me?!"

Pictures! Zach has my old camera here, and the cable to attach to the computer, so even though the camera is not as good, atleast we can give you some pics!
The Miller Clan continues to explore Guam:
On Saturday we went to Talofofo falls. It was a short hike and gondola ride down to the falls, and well worth the view. We also got to see Yokoi cave (or atleast the entrance) which is this cave that a Japanese soldier stayed in for almost 30 years in hiding from WWII while he thought the war was still going on. It's an interesting story to look up.







On Sunday we went to church on base at the chapel, and then ventured out to Marbo Cave. Another short hike down to the cave, and a scenic opening down to the fresh water spring pool at the mouth of the cave. we didn't get to venture into the cave, but just saw the mouth of it, that some local Chomorans were using as their personal pool.



After the cave we went on a hike to Tarzan Falls. It was a bit of a longer hike through the jungle, but Keziah enjoyed the ride in her carrier. She also enjoyed playing in the water in the lower part of the falls. She LOVES to climb and loves exploring too; a chip off the old block!








A picture of the very cool root system of these trees!

Made it to Guam!

Keziah and I made it safely to Guam and are so SO excited to be with Zach. I really have nothing good to say about the miserable 20 hour plane ride here except that we made it safely. It was just too long on a plane with a baby who didn't sleep more than a few 30 minute cat naps here and there. You know the times when you are sitting in a boring class or meeting, and you are tired, and you watch the clock seconds tick by, and they seem to move so slowly? Well, that's what it was like for me, but for 20 hours. If only there were a way to get us back faster, I would pay for it.

But enough of that, we are here now, and Keziah recognized Daddy right away. She played shy for about 20 seconds, and then reached out for him, and wants to be held by him continually. We are adjusting pretty well to the 17 hour time difference, though still a little off. Keziah experienced the beach for the first time yesterday, and absolutely loved it! I wish I could attach a picture but I forgot the cable to hook my camera up to the computer. Bummer! We'll try to work something out so the blog doesn't go three weeks without a picture.

Life as a family unit once again is a new found joy and excitement. We are so thankful to God for providing the way and the means for us to be here. The weather here is ideal (low 75 and high 85 every day!) and the vegetation and beaches are gorgeous. Our God is a mighty Creator!

Tiny Town, the biggest indoor playground EVER