Ringing in 2010 in Hawaii!

I had an incredible gift given to me by the Burlingham family this year-- they gave me a trip to Hawaii over the week of New Years! I got to spend 7 days with them in Kailua, Oahu, and enjoy the beauty of the ocean (and a home right on the water) and breathe in the salt water for 24 hours a day. 

Making the decision to go, however, was really difficult. Up until Dec. 24th I was in the hospital, really sick, and knew that if I were discharged in time for Christmas that I would be taking IV meds home with me for a week. I also knew that traveling would be hard, doing my meds away from my home would be hard and that it would especially be emotionally draining to be away from my family and being vulnerable with a whole new family. Not only did God bless me and get me out of the hospital in time for Christmas, but I was given the "ok" to go from my doctor as long as I kept up with my IV schedule and medication regimen. It was a huge leap of faith, and I know that without God's help in healing me just enough to go, I wouldn't have been able to spend that week there. 

I relaxed, slept a lot, listened to the waves crash for 24 hours a day, looked at the beauty of Hawaiian ocean, surfed a little, paddled a little, and spent wonderful time with the Burlingham family who welcomed me in and took care of me with open arms. Thank you, Burlinghams for an incredible vacation that was much needed....and thank you, Lord, for allowing me to go and teaching me to trust you in that time.

Here are a few pics from the beauty that is Hawaii....ahhh, oh how I miss it....

~Em

Ps. Yes, the Obama family was staying on the same beach, about 5 or so houses down....haha. No we didn't see them, but did see a ton of secret service and military boats!

Above: the beach in front of our house..... Below: military boats lined up protecting our pres.

Me at the Royal Hawaiian hotel....famous, and very pink :)
Diamond Head....
Another pic of the beach in front of the house....
Judy and I all dressed up for dinner!