Summer 2014. Absolutely one for the books. As we neared the end of our impossibly perfect summer together, it gave us an opportunity to reflect on all of our adventures and all of the new memories we created. We reflected on the countless days of jumping in the ocean after a long day at work; the days full of exploring new places, hiking new mountains, and getting lost down new back roads; the tropical rainstorms that would catch us by surprise and leave us soaking and dying of laughter; the indulgence in coconut macadamia nut peanut butter, peanut butter malt balls, grilled eggplant, & honey & cinnamon coconut milk lattes; and the sweet moments of prayer, encouragement, and heartfelt conversation that created a friendship that will last for life. This summer two girls were brought together who shared a passion for life, a desire to dream big, and a faith in the King of the universe who made it all possible. Together we made a leap of faith and jumped into the unknown--unsure of how it would end up and where life was going to take us. But life, sweet sweet life, took us right into the perfect home with an incredible family who welcomed us with open arms and open hearts. Life handed us both two perfect jobs where we found family and acceptance, a bible study where we grew and were challenged, and friends who we can call family. Life created opportunities for us to revel in the beauty that our God has created all around us. Life, a beautiful gift given to us, was not wasted this summer. No. It was celebrated. Together we embraced this gift every day and took on the challenges that came our way, in full assurance that we were under the wings of a loving father. While there was endless laughter and joy, there were also tears and struggles and challenges. But together, we fought and grew stronger. We cried and grew closer. And we can look back and give the glory to God, and know that our summer of 2014 will never be forgotten.
As September quickly snuck up on us, we were all too aware that our time together was coming to a close. However, we miraculously managed to get one last day off. Together. Naturally, we planned an incredibly action packed day full of all the activities we still had yet to experience, and some activities that we wanted to relive. We started the day early with our usually morning run. Tori got her last Kailua beach run in. We ate a light breakfast that consisted of farm fresh eggs & homemade vegan pesto. Then we were off to our long anticipated kayak adventure. We rented two single kayaks and headed out for the twin islands (aka "the mokes").
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| We borrowed our host dad's truck & used our super sculpted muscles to hoist these bad boys to the beach. |
We made it to Lanikai Beach & loaded our sweet rides into the crystal clear, warm water.
The journey over was perfection. We kayaked alongside several sea turtles and glided over the abundant reefs that occupy the bay that were easy to view through the clear water.
Once we landed (not gracefully, might I add--I may or may not have completely tipped over my kayak as I awkwardly crashed onto the shore), we quickly cooled off & refreshed ourselves in the water. It honestly felt like a dream--for so long we had wanted to make it out to the Mokes, and the view & scenery was beyond what we ever expected. Which is saying a lot.
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| Our landing spot |
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| Exploring the island |
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| We obviously had to perform our power stance. |
After a long and treacherous ride back to the beach where we fought against the power of our strong-willed kayaks for over an hour & a half, we returned the kayaks & headed back to the cabana to get ready for our next adventure--North Shore! We showered, refreshed ourselves, and headed to Whole Foods (our second home) for some lunch. After that, we were off again!
We took the scenic route up the coast so we could enjoy the breathtaking views along the way. This also allowed for numerous stops along the way for some of our favorite things like macadamia nuts, coconut peanut butter, and the best fresh fruit stand on the North Shore.
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| Of course, we had to get in a power stance. |
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| & our photographer was the most playful. "Throw me a shaka now!" So, this happened. |
As we kept driving up the coast, Torr spotted a perfect, quaint little bench on the side of the road so we made a quick stop to take a breather & play on the hand crafted bench & tire swing!
Our next stop was Turtle Bay Resort--the famous luxury beach resort featured on Forgetting Sarah Marshall & known for its ideal location, spectacular ocean views, and abundance of sea turtles! We made our way down to the beach bar, where we enjoyed some delicious Mai Thai's while sticking our toes in the sand. We made a toast to an unforgettable summer & a everlasting friendship that was formed along the way.
After our relaxation on the beach, it was time for the sun to set on our perfect day in paradise. We made our way to sunset beach--and like the name suggests, it was the perfect place to watch the sun descend over the horizon. We enjoyed our fresh fruit we had previously purchased & reminisced on all of our memories we had created over the summer.
And with that, our summer had come to a close. We drove back home & woke up the next day where we said one of the hardest goodbye's I have had to say. We knew, however, that the next chapters of our life were beginning--as Tori heads off to Nursing School in Oregon, and I continue to live it up in Oahu until the next part of my journey begins. But what a sweet realization it was to know that we we were not in it alone. We have each other to walk through this chapter with. Even though we are now an ocean apart, I can not be more thankful for this summer spent underneath the Hawaiian sun, learning & growing in life with one another. So thank you, my beautiful Hawaiian goddess & fellow feral cat colony enthusiast, for one of the best summers of my life. The memories will stay with me forever and our friendship will last even longer. All the glory to our God who opened up the doors to paradise & unleashed the summer of unending adventure.
For now, Tess & Torr signing out. Thanks for journeying alongside us.
xoxo
