PNW - Day 3

This was a jammed back day of go-go-go. We woke up and were headed off to speak at Ecola Bible School. I was super stoked when I called them and asked if they had a moment or a place for us to share and they were ready and willing to accept the request. It's pretty trusting given the fact they had no idea what Surfing The Nations was, but with the small town perspective on my side -- I grew up with the dean of this school (he may have even babysat me) so I think there was an element of trust. It was an amazing opportunity. Brendon (one of the team members) even graduated from this school a few years ago. 

 

We got to speak to the whole class and a few of the team members got to share about their involvement and why they went. We even got to show a little video of our Middle East Tour. After we chatted we handed out some information and we were off to the next adventure. Some of the team member really connected with a few of the students so we set up a time later on in the day to meet a few of them at Bella Espresso. From Ecola we went up to Seaside to speak at my High School. One of my favorite teachers in High School was Mr. Hawes and he was more then willing to let us crash his class with a little inspiration for his kids. We planned on talking to his class of Seniors for about ohh 30 min max and an hour later we were all surprised to hear the bell ring. It was such a solid speaking opportunity. One of the most rad aspects was how responsive the class was, they were full of questions and totally engaged -- even Hawes stepped in with some solid questions that allowed us to swing the door wide open to share about our Faith. It was a divine moment for sure. The kids at SHS have to do a set amount of community service before they graduate.. and being able to connect that dot for them.. that giving back is a lifestyle not a requirement -- I think really hit home and opened their eyes a bit. It was a rad moment and so fun to see my old high school. And on our way out the soccer team was headed to a game -- so I got to run into my old coaches :)

The surf was PERFECT this day and we all wanted to get in the water so bad but with the prior speaking engagements, divine moments and impromptu coffee dates -- we knew what was more important. But we still checked the surf and needed a little down time for all the speaking times I had set up for us. I think the team was a little thrown into the masses :) So we headed up to Indian Beach to check the surf and over to Ecola State Park to speck the sights some more. Renee was feeling a bit better so she was charging the day and got to see a bit of Cannon Beach too.

Since the surf was perfect.. we were hoping it would hold for the morning. I took the team to CBsurf so they could get suited up and meet the boss. It was an easy suit up and fun to just cruise my old shop for a bit. It was HUGE for me to share this part of my life with my boss.  

Ha Charis trying on a hoodie for the cold water :) She was stoked. 

From there it was off to the coffee shop to meet up with some new found friends. I got to meet up with a buddy of mines little brother and I think he might be pretty set on coming to STN (along side dragging his brother now). 

 

The team just got to love on some of the students and for sure God has us there for a reason. 

From there it was back to the house :) My parents were over the top with loving on the team.. but the best part of it was it was so natural. I felt like they all just fit so well into my life back at Cannon Beach and the RARELY is the case. For me that is.. I always feel so odd bringing people home.. the whole coastal beach little baby town feel is hard for people to get sometimes.. but gosh... it was all too perfect. I for sure would have cruised with all of them if they were around in High School. I am way too blessed.