peeling off the city

Yesterday our family piled into the car and began to drive;
through, and then up into the hills beyond the bustle of Davao to Eden.

We basked in the refreshment of
peeling off the city.

We could feel the tensions roll away
as we shed the heat and the noise,

leaving them behind as we entered the comparative cool,
quiet, and calm of the nature park.

There is no place like this inside the city;
inside our daily life...

...and our spirits give thanks...

...for muddy trails to explore,

for flowers and rocks, waterfalls and trees that silently sing.

They quietly whisper the melodic praise of their Creator -

songs that are too often drowned out by the din of the city.

For this reprieve, our spirits give thanks!

Four out of five of us end the afternoon with a dip in the pool;

and with the luxury of the touch of chill!