Every single summer we head to the beach. My kids know nothing different. They have had their feet in the sand at some point of every summer of their lives. This is one of our family traditions.

For us, the beach also includes Krispy Kreme, boardwalks, bocci ball and time with dear friends who just happened to retire yards away from the ocean (and graciously invite us back every year). We are heading there today and look forward to some down time before the move, the sorting of details and the prioritizing of what to bring or not to bring reaches a fever pitch. We’ll certainly enjoy this trip but will also experience some bittersweet emotions as we consider the fact that there may be a long time before we get to put our toes back into some East Coast sand.

I’d like to keep this beach tradition alive when we are in Guatemala and am now looking into our options there. They say that Monterrico on the Pacific Coast is nice, that you can learn to surf in El Salvador and that neighboring Belize is known for it’s diving spots. We just may be able to keep this family tradition alive, albeit a bit more exotic.

Speaking candidly, I’m thrilled that God has called us to Guatemala to serve and minister but these nearby getaway options make this move even more enticing. Do you know anyone who’d be willing to put up a family of 5 for a few days in one of these exotic locales? Hook us up!