After all the hectic planning leading up to this trip and the active days in Cairns, things have really slowed down for us now at Mission Beach.As a result, relaxation has finally set in.I've decided that I pretty much like rolling out bed whenever I want, swimming in the ocean, maybe reading a bit while hanging out on the beach, and topping it off with good food and drinks.Yeah, the beach lifestyle is great.I'm enjoying it so much, I wonder if I will ever return! J

OK, that last comment was a joke (kind of).At some point I'm sure the relaxing sensations will change to boredom, and I will be ready for more activity again.In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy this!In addition, the excess time is allowing me the opportunity to reflect on what is most important in life and what I love about it.I can't say that I have or will figure it all out on this trip, but I don't really expect to. This trip, like life, is a journey not a destination.What I do hope for is to at least return from this trip closer to God than when I left.

I think part of the reason Mission Beach runs slower than larger cities is because it was completely devastated by cyclone (hurricane) Yasi in February of this year, which was just as strong as Hurricane Katrina.It was a small town before, and now it is even smaller.There are only a small handful of restaurants and bars.Even the trees still look ravaged.It is interesting seeing a small town in the process of rebuilding after such a catastrophe.It seems like they have made a lot of progress in the last 7 months or so.A phrase we've heard continually since landing in Australia is "No worries," and that's exactly the positive attitude locals have adopted here.

Jeff