freeminder: Weekend Getaway at Homestay Aki Sarapung

Vesper Sharing

It was an unplanned weekend getaway for all of us, families and friends. We needed time off, away from the crowd, the city and just be closer to nature, and let the steam off of our system.

It was almost the end of mid-year school holidays. The kids hadn't had their share of the holiday, being home everyday, went out just once for a rare late night movie and a game or two at the pool table.

After going to and fro along Tambunan Road, finally we reached the homestay at almost 9pm. It was Sabbath Eve. We took time to settle down, preparing our dinner and just chilled out. When everything was ready, we began our night with vesper. We had decided to have our Sabbath service there, and we did, from the Vesper, to the morning worship, until the Sabbath service.

We had a very peaceful worship, being the only occupants there, we had all the huts for ourselves. Accompanied by small guitar, we sang songs and shared God's words.

The Congregation

Our dinner was very simple. Roasted everything, chicken wings, fish and vegetables. We couldn't control our appetite when all the delicious simple and traditional foods served at once. Finished everything quite late, at the time when we usually already drifted to sleep at home. There, the adrenaline was still pumping, and the kids just couldn't wait to have a dip in the man made pools, one was 3 feet deep, the other was 4-feet. I am not a fan of water, so I ended up being the cheerleader and a photographer, and of course the guitarist for the whole Sabbath. It was great though, to see my friends and families having fun without having glued to each others' phone.

What left of our dinner

That night was one of the night where we stayed really really late, out of bed. Usually it was time to just have our fingers active, scrolling the web, social media or whatever it is, in our bed. Here, we were just hanging out, chatting, singing...whatever it is that we felt like doing.

Bedtime was quite hard for me...literally. The homestay had only 6 beds, double deckers. There were 10 of us. So, 4 of us had to share 2 beds, while me and my friend Betty had to settle for harder bed, Me on the bench, while her on the floor...the balcony floor. At least she had a mat to sleep on. I couldn't sleep in that position, so I settle for only a blanket to help me a couple hours of sleep.

Girls are having late nite fun...why not?

We started our morning worship early to avoid interruptions and distractions. Had our morning worship and a bit of foot massage to let those blood flows nicely afterwards. Then the morning beginning to be quite busy. Visitors started to flow in. We were confined to only the house since all huts were occupied aka rented. After a light breakfast we headed to the pool for final splashing session. I went in, just to be a good sport. It wasn't that bad, but it could be a lot better if only I know how to swim.

Our lunch was mighty, I may say. Everyone was full to the brim. It was quite amazing too,

Okay, those feet were aching....ouch...

since one of friend who had stomach problems for months, ate a lot, a lot more than she had in months. She said the weekend was so relaxing that she felt so good, it increased her appetite. Well, good for her...and thank God above, we know He was behind all these good things.

We checked out at around 2pm, after Sabbath sharing and prayer, feeling satisfied, relaxed and sleepy too...ready to hit the sack once we were home.

All in all, it was a great weekend. Thank you friend for coming up with this great idea.