I almost feel a bit guilty tonight for the absolutely beautiful view just outside my cabin. It is truly a tranquil scene complete with a hammock for relaxing while listening to the ocean breeze- which is just what I did tonight along with Margarita and Linda just before meeting back up with the group for our time of devotion. Ken gave tonight's devotion, reading a scripture from Habakkuk and sharing an anecdote to demonstrate the idea of wishing just "enough" on ourselves and others- just enough love and joys, and yes, even sorrows and pain. It takes a balance to make life meaningful. If all we have is success, then we don't learn to appreciate its value; yet if the downfalls are too much, it is hard to maintain a life of hope. The view here is like a paradise, and you wonder how it is possible that a more painful reality can exist in a place such as this. It is present though, and I see it when I look around. There is pain and struggle and hardship, but despite that fact, the few people I have already encountered here on this first day have such sincerity and faith in their smile that I am reminded that it takes just "enough" for any one of us to overcome the daily challenges and keep on moving forward. The people here certainly have a strength and spirit that is detectable, even at first glance. I am looking forward to making new friends and learning new things this week. I have to ask myself who is helping who here? I think I could learn just as much, if not more, from them...