Sunkissed

Portugal was fabulous! We had gorgeous weather. The wind was a bit chilly but we had clear blue skies every day but one (when we had clouds for about half an hour). Out of the wind it was low to mid 20s. We spent a lot of time sunbathing by the pool. We couldn't swim unfortunately as the pool at our apartment was 12 degrees. It made a good plunge pool but I swam 5 lengths and felt myself slowing due to impending hypothermia. We did swim in the sea though. The beaches in the eastern algarve were stunning. We were wondering around in swimwear, swimming and sunbathing and the locals were wrapped up in wintery gear.

Basically we spent a lot of time sleeping, reading and eating. We visited Silves which was lovely and we drove into the mountains to Monchique and explored the general area. Great food - especially the chicken piri-piri. Our apartment was lovely and owned by a couple from Bristol. If anyone fancies a nice break away i can supply the details.

I read The Sacred Romance by John Eldredge & Brent Curtis while I was away. Good book. The Romance is basically an exciting vibrant real relationship with God. I think God used it as part of a process in which he is teaching me more about myself and getting me to deal with various historical things that have shaped (or rather that I have let shape) who I am today. In the first section of the book they talk about the Arrows that come at in this life. The bad things that happen or things people say that shape our world view or damage our self-esteem. We can let the arrows affect us in several ways - such as:

a. ignore them - concentrate on living the adventure - finding adventure and excitement in relationships, work, etc - chase the romance

b hunker down and ensure safety at all costs so the arrows can just bounce off - miss the romance

c. become a victim - cherish the arrows, we know them and think we understand them we don't let go of them and let them burrow even deeper into us

Those are the main ones that I remember. I am definitely in the second category if these things can be categorised. For the first time I was thinking about how I must have been impacted by growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, surrounded by tragedy and danger. Even though my family were never directly affected, fear and grief were pretty dominant emotions. That sounds very melodramatic as I had a fabulous childhood in many ways and certainly ran pretty free. I do remember sitting in church week after week praying for the families of the latest victims and praying for an end to the killing. As an adult I am very risk adverse and often fear the worst and fear consequences that perhaps would never pass through other people's mind. I suppose my job in criminal law doesn't help! I'm just chewing over that really. I was surprised how much emotion and grief is still in me from all that.