Kona love

Things have been a little crazy this last couple weeks... I've been taking a lot of time by myself and trying to process through everything. I was in talks to extend here and needed to make a decision. I've been heading out on walks and just taking my ipod and processing. I've also been spending a lot of time in Hale Aloha which is the main front office down by the road that looks out over the ocean. No one really hangs out down here because of the hike but I think its peaceful. And I can process and get things done without distractions. Which is rare... I get distracted so easily! Like I mentioned in my last post Tom's friend and niece are in town and I have been spending a lot of time with them.. I went on an overnight trip to Kona with then which turned into a 3 day trip. It was such a blessing to be with them and on vacation. Kristen (Tom's niece who is my age) was a huge blessing. She knows that I am here volunteering and not making any money and she really wanted me to go away with them so she wouldn't let me pay for anything... and we stayed in this amazing resort-it was beautiful! It was right on the ocean and had an amazing pool and we just hung out and enjoyed living the rich life for a few days! It was definitely a highlight of my time here. And it was exactly what I needed to get me through the rest of my time here... very relaxing and refreshing! But the best part is that our last night there we were at this local Kona mexican restaurant and guess who walks in... Hilary Young (now Melear) and Jake. They were on there honeymoon... It was so good to see her and to just see someone that I knew from where I consider to be home! Definitely made me realize how much I truly miss Oregon and everyone there... So with this said- comes Monday morning and at our staff meeting me and a couple others where called out and asked to give our answers on whether or not we were going to extend by the end of the week. I've been gong back and forth for the last 2 weeks about this and had come to a decision but wasn't making it final yet. I think apart of me wanted to hold onto the possibility that I could stay here if nothing else worked out even though I knew that my season here is ending. But after my time in Kona I realized and came to peace about the decision that I had already made. So I went and talked to the volunteer coordinator and my boss in housekeeping and told them that although I am enjoying my time here when my time is up I will not be extending. They were bummed and told me that they would love for me to come back! So it's nice to have that option! but I am so excited for whatever is next in my journey of life... I have no idea what is next but have been going through that process as well!

Pictures are all from the resort I stayed at... the pool was 2 parts... and had a water slide...