.hvar hello.

m: we’re on the lavender-filled, croatian island of hvar. its absolutely breathtaking in sights, tastes and smells. i am sitting at a little internet nook and a bird just pooped on my arm. it shares an odd resemblance to the banana boat baby spf 48 we’ve been using on the boys. maybe i just got a free bit of sunscreen. well done, pigeon.

we took a ferry to get here and left right at sunset. almost missed getting on because of a mcdonald’s run (shameful. yes we looked VERY american with our huge micky d bags in tow). we chose to sit under the television showing a lovely game of water polo. me being the one who doesn’t like television, i chose to stare at everyone who was watching. i enjoyed it quite a bit, although i think the men started to drool a little because they were so into it. men and sports. don’t think i’ll ever get it. i thought of offering one of nathanael’s burp rags to a few, but decided taking pictures of them was more fun. the ride went well and we made it without anyone throwing up over the edge. this was a grand victory, as we’d all gotten food poisoning the week before and each had our share of violent vomiting and/or … well, you know. but, we’re here, alive and kicking.

we came to hvar to step away, enjoy the sun, and enjoy ryan before he leaves to return to the states. he’ll head in his own direction at the end of this trip. we’ll return to sarajevo. he’ll go to vienna. i’m paying per minute but just wanted to say hello and share a few pictures with you. we’ll be home friday, leave for a village wedding a few hours away, stay there for a few days, and be home early next week.

for now, i’m enjoying all the ways god gives us to experience him. its like he’s sitting here saying, mackenzie, come swim in me. feel the force of the waves and the gentleness of each current. as i control these, so i will guide you. come smell me in the lavender. i created its scent. breathe it in. come touch me in the stones and feel the intricate shapes of this starfish. yes, look how beautiful and intricately made she is. if i took that much care in making a sea creature, do you understand how much thought i put into making you? (ryan and i named the starfish tuna, if you were wondering). come watch these children swim and listen to their laughter as they splash. mackenzie, go. run. jump off the rocks. splash. laugh. enjoy it. enjoy me.

and the list of beautiful things goes on and on. for now, i’m going to enjoy the things on that list.

goodbye for now. i love you.