Day 17, Rarotonga.

We stopped at Black Rock and watched the fish for a while. We saw several long black and white striped fish that looked like a small eel. Never had seen that one before. We hear people snorkel here, but the currents looked like it would throw you into the rocks. It's a very beautiful spot. Then we went on to the Edgewater Resort to blog and facebook. The storm started brewing and it was getting very dark and windy so we thought we could outrun it to the next resort for lunch. We didn't. As you can see.....

We got caught in the downpour, kept riding thinking it would end soon. When we couldn't see any more we pulled off to wait it out under this awning. We were both soaked! It let up after a good while and we continued on to lunch. It's good that the resorts are all outdoors and people eat in the restaurants with swimming suits on, wet and sandy and all, because we fit right in.

This was the Friday night service. There was about 50 people there. I thought it was pretty good group, since they are not used to non-Sunday morning services. There were some visitors too. This is going to be the best church on the Island, no doubts. It's got great bones, a strong foundation. I got my turn at the pulpit and I just spoke a little about worship. I was nervous!

There's Ron in his shorts! He preached on the imagination, it was a great message. He wasn't nervous at all, he was funny and anointed. What a combination! Classic Ron.

This morning after breakfast we went to the market again. It's a fascinating place. Everything is different than at home, which makes it oh so interesting.

One of the guys in the church, Colin and his employee. He runs a hydroponic lettuce farm and was at the market today.

This is a view of the mountains in the center of the island and of the market stalls. We really like going here. It's fun to people watch. We're having a great time here, but the countdown is 3 more days till we leave for home. We leave on Tuesday at 3:30 a.m. and arrive home Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. That's a lot of hours in the air, and a lot more in layovers. We'll be ready to be home with our kids and granddaughters and our church family. Can't wait.

Kia Orana, from the Cook islands