26 March 2008

Post #52:  Nichole's Notes

This is Nichole Anderson reporting for DeDe and the rest of the Gibbs' clan. Playing mom to 5 kids last week was challenging, but a wonderful experience that I will never forget. Each kid is unique and handmade by God. They kept me quite entertained. We are all happy to have Dave and DeDe back though, and I am enjoying being the guest again.

Today the plan was to go to Gozo as I have not had the chance to see it yet. Gozo is the other “big” island right off the northern shore of Malta and is considered part of the country along with 4 other small islands (not all inhabited). Dave drove Rachel, Ian, Addison, David and I to the Blue Grotto first. It is a beautiful cave like formation on the southern shore, and it looks like something from a movie...perhaps the Count of Monte Cristo or Pirates of the Caribbean (maybe they should make another sequel called Pirates of the Mediterranean). I can't wait to show family and friends the pictures I took and have taken thus far in Malta. I believe Dave took some as well which will be posted on the blog for your viewing pleasure.

After the Blue Grotto, we went to the old temples (Mnajdra & Hagar Qim – both said to predate Stonehenge in England). This was another of many beautiful hikes, and of course, more pictures were taken. Then, it was off to Gozo, so we thought. We drove all the way up to Cirkewwa which is the Northern most city where the ferries dock, but the next available boat (not already sold out) wasn't going to leave for another hour and a half. We decided that we'd rather grab some lunch and sight see than waste time waiting in the car. Hopefully, we'll get to try the trip another day, but who knows with our departure arriving soon.

The 6 of us bought some food at a little stand on the side of the road and had a picnic while admiring the Mellieha Bay (a little further south from Cirkewwa). It was a beautiful day with a great breeze. We got to watch a guy hang glide (not sure what it is called ? = kite/parachute pulling guy on a wakeboard; we saw this at Golden Bay on Sunday as well).

We then made our way to the Dingli Cliffs back on the southern coast. Another of many amazing spots in the country. Then, it was off to Buskett. I took a picture of the palace, the gardens, and the orange trees (sorry snow dwellers). Rachel, Ian, Addison, David, and I went for a hike through the grounds while Dave took a much needed nap in the car (believe he is still recovering from his whirlwind trip to Italy). It was nice to be around so much vegetation again as much of the island is coast, concrete cities, or rocky hills.

At this time, I am unaware of God's reasoning in bringing the Gibbs' family or myself to Malta, but I believe we are all (even Bobby) planting seeds and growing in our faith. God provides food, shelter, and friends even on the other end of the earth if we are obedient to his call. I personally can't wait to see how this experience affects us and those we have been blessed to meet.

Much thanks to God, my husband Scott, and Dave and DeDe for allowing me to have this experience!

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