Our Frausted Life

A few weeks ago, we signed up for a “Spiritual Renewal Retreat” that is hosted by CREDO (Chaplains Religious Enrichment Development Operation). Today was THE day we got to experience this trip. We had to muster at the base chapel by 0730 so we were dragging some, but quickly found our energy once we were on the charter bus and headed to the location.

Once there, we were greeted by several “boonie dogs” (wild dogs that run around the island, usually in packs). It was interesting to see each one of their personalities. There was one who continuously would lie in the middle of the driveway despite the many times people gently shoo-ed him off the busy area. He didn’t seem to have a care in the world. There was one small, stocky looking one who ran the entire driveway with people who were coming to and from the visitor’s center. I’m sure he was thinking someone had food. He seemed joyful.

The crowd gathered fast from another charter group scheduled, but they allowed us on the tour boat first. It was a great tour. Peaceful and lots of laughs due to our hilarious tour guide. He definitely started the trip off with a bang! We saw some of the largest wasp nests we’ve ever seen! Didn’t see any snakes, thank goodness. Our guide told us that the island used to be overrun with them, and in the 90s, they had a contest to see who could capture and kill the most in an effort to lower the population. He gave so many other interesting facts about Guam and the surrounding islands in Micronesia.

Visiting the ancient Latte site was so calming and beautiful. To hear about their native peoples, and how they used EVERYTHING on the island for something. The coconut was used not only for cooking and baking, but it was made (and still is) into an oil you can use in your hair or as a lotion. We got to try some, and it really moisturized our skin well. We learned about so many of the different trees and fruits that grow here. We learned when they are good to eat and when NOT to eat them. One fruit resembled a blueberry once opened, however, the guide warned us that it will not sit well in your stomach – but that that was its purpose – to clean you out! Haha! Natural diuretic. We also learned that women on the island will wear flowers behind their ear – left side means TAKEN and right means SINGLE.

We saw many butterflies, flies, and spiders! We weren’t sure what the spiders were called, but they resembled the banana spiders back in Texas. Some looked to only have 4 very long legs! Also, the frogs out there were LOUD. They made noises we’ve never heard before.

Before we had lunch (spare ribs, bbq chicken, creamy spinach, and red rice), we saw the weaving portion (the work was incredible! Syd wants to try sometime) in which everything was made from the leaves of the coconut trees. They made fans, hats, bowls, pouches, baskets, and more. The guide had us all play “Rock, paper, scissors” to choose the order in which we got to pick something. Nik was the first to choose and he got the hat. Syd was nearly last down the line and all that was left were the bowls, and they were so detailed. The guide said if we put them in the freezer overnight and then in the sun for 2 hours the next day, the items will preserve. They just need to be submerged in water once a week and they’ll last. Super cool!

Then they showed us how they start fires which is pretty much the way you would think or we know to do it. They let people volunteer to see if they could, and Nik stepped up to show them how it’s done. He was the only one who got his to start as quickly as he did. It was impressive!

The last part of this trip was the goat feeding, deer (elk, maybe?) feeding, and karabou rides. Syd fed a goat which she’s never done! Yes, being a Texan girl, she’s never fed one. Cattle and livestock are NOT her thing, so Nik was proud of her when she stepped up to do it. Neither of us rode the karabou, but we enjoyed watching others get up there.

Overall, we really enjoyed our time. We always feel so gracious, grateful, and appreciative to God when we get to be out in nature. We can really appreciate His creation and be connected to Him in a different way.

We definitely look forward to our next adventure, and appreciate the chaplains’ time and the Navy for putting these events on for us to enjoy.

Check out some pictures and scenes below in this video: